‘Rip’ Wier (1-3-13)

JEFFERSON - Luther Paul "RIP" Wier, 88, passed away Thursday, January 3, 2013, at Athens Regional Medical Center in Athens surrounded by his family following a brief illness.

Paul "RIP" was born in Jackson County, Jefferson, the son of the late Henry "T.C." and Nina Eckles Wier. He was a graduate of Martin Institute, Jefferson, Class of 1942, and worked on the family farm with his father until 1955. Mr. Wier worked at Jefferson Mill until he retired in 1986. Since his retirement, he faithfully attended the Jackson County Senior Citizen Center in Jefferson.

Paul was a member of the Bethany United Methodist Church, where he served as Sunday School Superintendent and various other offices. He was a member of the Unity Lodge #36, where he served as Worshipful Master. He received his 50th year Masonic award. The Masonic Lodge will take part in the committal service.

Mr. Wier was preceded in death by a brother, Alfred H. Wier, Richmond, Calif.; sister, Irene Howington, Jefferson; brother-in-law, William "Bill" Howington, Jefferson, and Lewis Harper, Decatur.

Survivors include a brother, Gilbert L. Wier (Martha Sue), Jefferson; sisters, Lavenia W. Hall, (Tile O.) Jefferson, Ellie W. Harper, Decatur, and Carolyn W. Thurmond (Claudius D.) Jefferson; and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and other friends.

Funeral services will be held Sunday January 6, at 2 p.m. at the Bethany United Methodist Church with the Revs. Mike McLemore and Jessie Mealor officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery with his nephews William L. Howington, Danny Wier, David Wier, Dwight Wier, Phil Thurmond, Doug Thurmond, Gene Harper, and Wayne Wier honored as pallbearers. The family will receive friends Saturday, January 5, at the funeral home from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Please omit flowers. Memorials may be made to Bethany Cemetery Fund, in care of Mrs. Joy Wood, 3205 Brockton Rd., Jefferson, GA 30549

Evans Funeral Home Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com