Jack Townsend

Jack Richard Townsend, 79, of Athens, died Saturday, May 17, 2008, at St. Mary’s Hospice House.

Born in Spruce Pine, N.C., he was the son of the late Colonel Calvin Townsend and Janie King Townsend and was Methodist. A resident of Athens since 1975, he was the owner and operator of BET-Townsend Hearing Aids, traveling into numerous areas with his business. He was a graduate of Akron University, Life Time member of the Athens Lions Club, Georgia Associating for Hearing Care Professionals, where he served as president and vice president. Also, he was a member of VFW Post #2872, Athens Chamber of Commerce, and the Georgia Federation for Independent Businessmen. He was a veteran, having served in the United States Air Force during World War II and the Korean Conflict. Mr. Townsend was preceded in death by wives, Julene Townsend and Barbara Edenfield Townsend.

Survivors include children, Colleen Lewis, Oxford, Glen Townsend, Monticello, Bruce Townsend, Jackson, Rick Townsend, Baxley; sister, Wilma Pritchard, Marion, N.C.; 12 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and his loving cat Katie.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, May 22, at 11 a.m., at the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Milledgeville, with military honors accorded and the Rev. Will Lewis officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Georgia Society for Hearing Care Professionals Foundation, P.O. Box 91, Clarkston, Ga. 30021, or the Lions Club Georgia Lighthouse, 1775 Clairmont Rd., Decatur, Ga. 30033.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, West, Bogart, is in charge of arrangements.