Talmadge Pless

Talmadge Johnroe Pless, 90, of Lula, died Thursday, December 18, 2008, at The Oaks at Limestone in Gainesville, following an extended illness.

Born in Hall County, he was the son of the late S.A. and Mary Wright Pless. He was the former mayor of Lula and a member of the city council. He was a longtime member, deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and song leader of Enon Baptist Church. Mr. Pless was preceded in death by his wife, Lucy Chambers Pless; and a son, Lamar Pless.

Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Ann and Pete Kendrick, Gainesville, Gaye and Ron Smith, Clermont; daughter-in-law, Loraine Pless, Gainesville; sisters, Lessie (Miller) Brewer, Gainesville, and Doris Varville, McLane, Va.; grandchildren, Lisa (Dan) Doherty, Florida, Bobby (Jill) Pless, Lydia Richey, Kathy (Shannon) Davidson, all of Gainesville, Todd Kendrick, Toas, N.M., Jennifer (Scott) Cagle, Clermont, Kirklyn (Rod) Wilson, Lula; great-grandchildren, Justin Rickey, Danielle Richey, Bailey Pless, Kate Pless, Wake Davidson and Zoe Davidson, all of Gainesville; and a number of other family and friends.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, December 21, at 2 p.m., at Enon Baptist Church with the Revs. Howard Collins, Lloyd Martin and Chris Anderson officiating. Burial will be in Westview Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday, December 20, from 4 to 9 p.m., at the North Riverside Chapel. His remains will lie in state at the church from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. prior to the service.

Memorial Park Funeral Home, North Riverside Chapel, Gainesville, is in charge of arrangements.