COMMERCE - John Eugene Purcell, 53, died Friday, April 11, 2014, at Athens Regional Medical Center.
Mr. Purcell was born in Gainesville, the son of the late Gene and Elizabeth Logan Purcell. He was employed at Roper Pump as an engineer.
Hel is survived by a son, Gordon Purcell; daughter, Emma Purcell, both of Commerce; and brother, Jim Purcel, Watkinsville.
A celebration of life will be held at 6 p.m., Thursday, April 17, at the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home. During John’s service, the family welcomes any of his family, friends, and classmates to share their favorite “John stories”.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Community Bank and Trust to help with John’s children’s college tuition.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Jackson County
Wanda Weldon (04-10-14)
NICHOLSON - Wanda Elizabeth Weldon, 62, died Thursday, April 10, 2014, at Athens Regional Medical Center.
Mrs. Weldon was born in Commerce, the daughter of the late W.T. and Cathel Mae Palmer Chester. She was a member of Nicholson Congregational Holiness Church and was a homemaker.
Survivors include her husband, Larry Emory Weldon, Nicholson; daughters and sons-in-law, Laurel and Sid Arnold, Loganville, and Priscilla and Billy Norris, Jefferson; sons and daughters-in-law, Preston and Melissa Weldon, Danielsville, and Lane and Lisa Weldon, Commerce; sisters, Barbara Wilson, Johnson City, Tenn., and Phyllis Vaughn and Pam Daniels, both of Nicholson; brothers, Ray Chester, Nicholson, Oral Chester, Commerce, and Kenneth Chester, Jefferson; and grandchildren, Lauren Bridges, Jake Bridges, Courtney Weldon, and Layken Weldon.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, April 13, at River of Life Worship Center with the Rev. Junior Sosebee officiating. Interment will follow at Nicholson Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday, April 12, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Weldon was born in Commerce, the daughter of the late W.T. and Cathel Mae Palmer Chester. She was a member of Nicholson Congregational Holiness Church and was a homemaker.
Survivors include her husband, Larry Emory Weldon, Nicholson; daughters and sons-in-law, Laurel and Sid Arnold, Loganville, and Priscilla and Billy Norris, Jefferson; sons and daughters-in-law, Preston and Melissa Weldon, Danielsville, and Lane and Lisa Weldon, Commerce; sisters, Barbara Wilson, Johnson City, Tenn., and Phyllis Vaughn and Pam Daniels, both of Nicholson; brothers, Ray Chester, Nicholson, Oral Chester, Commerce, and Kenneth Chester, Jefferson; and grandchildren, Lauren Bridges, Jake Bridges, Courtney Weldon, and Layken Weldon.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, April 13, at River of Life Worship Center with the Rev. Junior Sosebee officiating. Interment will follow at Nicholson Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday, April 12, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Lamar Martin (04-09-14)
Lamar Martin, 63, husband of Jennie Sautter Martin, died Wednesday, April 9, 2014.
A native of Buford, he was the son of the late Newman Decatur Martin and Floyce Whidby Martin. He spent most of his life teaching and working in the HVAC-R profession and eventually retired doing what he loved to do, fishing and playing with the horses.
Survivors in addition to his wife include his children, Christie and Jamie Gordon, Toccoa, and Joshua and Christina Martin, Athens; sister, Jeannine Morris, Braselton; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 12, at 2 p.m. at Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, East Chapel, Athens.
Lord & Stephens East is in charge of arrangements.
www.lordandstephens.com
A native of Buford, he was the son of the late Newman Decatur Martin and Floyce Whidby Martin. He spent most of his life teaching and working in the HVAC-R profession and eventually retired doing what he loved to do, fishing and playing with the horses.
Survivors in addition to his wife include his children, Christie and Jamie Gordon, Toccoa, and Joshua and Christina Martin, Athens; sister, Jeannine Morris, Braselton; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 12, at 2 p.m. at Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, East Chapel, Athens.
Lord & Stephens East is in charge of arrangements.
www.lordandstephens.com
Kinlee Lewis (04-08-14)
COMMERCE - Kinlee Elizabeth Lewis, infant daughter of Josh and Jenna Jones Lewis of Commerce, died Tuesday, April 8, 2014, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center.
Kinlee was preceded in death by her grandmother, Martha Lewis.
In addition to her parents, survivors include grandparents, Jerry and Scherry Lewis, Nicholson, and Donald and Beth Jones, Homer.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, April 13, at 3 p.m. at the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home with Deacon John Burke officiating. Interment will follow in Sunrise Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday, April 12, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Kinlee was preceded in death by her grandmother, Martha Lewis.
In addition to her parents, survivors include grandparents, Jerry and Scherry Lewis, Nicholson, and Donald and Beth Jones, Homer.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, April 13, at 3 p.m. at the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home with Deacon John Burke officiating. Interment will follow in Sunrise Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday, April 12, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Updated: Billy Gaskins (04-09-14)
Billy Jack Gaskins entered into the arms of Jesus and into the kingdom of heaven in the early morning hours of Wednesday, April, 9, 2014, in his residence.
He was surrounded by his loving wife of 55 years, Sandra Davis Gaskins, and his bountiful family. He was blessed with eight children, 20 grandchildren, and 37- great-grandchildren. His magnetic personality and infectious smile brought joy into the lives of all that he encountered. His family will forever remember his witty personality, charm and unconditional faith in God and family. Even upon his deathbed, when asked how he was feeling, Billy Jack maintained his humor and would respond, “With my hands.” Billy Jack was of the Christian denomination and a member of Liberty Church in Ft. Lamar for 30 years.
Petty Officer First Class Billy Jack Gaskins is an exemplary man who led an extraordinary life. He served his country proudly as a retired Naval Engineer. He served honorably during World War II, Republic of South Korea, and the Republic of South Vietnam.
Billy Jack started his civilian career as a heating and air conditioning repairman. His strong work ethic resulted in several promotions that led to a position as Supervisor of Mechanical Maintenance with the Orange County School System in Orlando, Fla.
Upon retirement from the school system, he relocated to Jackson County in 1983. There he unselfishly gave of himself by providing services to the needy and senior citizens in the surrounding communities.
Billy Jack lived life to the fullest and enjoyed a variety of hobbies including fishing, bowling and traveling. His traveling adventures took him to 43 states in the United States and three provinces in Canada. Additionally, he was a licensed pilot who enjoyed frequently getting lost in his Piper Cherokee airplane.
He is leaving behind an extensive family who will cherish and remember him as a truly great man.
Billy Jack was preceded in death by two children, Eileen Maggard and Bonnie Jo Gaskins; and brothers, Leo Gaskins, Charles Gaskins, Howard Gaskins and Bobby Gaskins.
In addition to his wife Sandra, he is survived by children, Cheryl Soares (Richard), Athens, Sandra “Pinky” Holbert, Belpre, Ohio, Brenda Bonds (Danny W.), Commerce, Kim Hernandez (Brett) of Bostwick, Richard A. Gaskins, Nashville, Ga.; Billy Jack Gaskins, Jr. (Jose “Che” Juarez), Commerce and Donald Glenn, Sr. (Wendy), Seale, Ala.; sisters, Marlene Basson, Naylor, and Lynda Faye Jones, Covington; brothers, Ronald Gaskins, Tampa, Fla., Earl Gaskins, Jasper, and Jimmy Wayne Gaskins, Sacramento, Calif.; 20 grandchildren; and 37 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, April 11, at Liberty Church with Rev. Richard Davis officiating. Interment will follow in Jackson Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday night from 6 to 8 p.m.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
He was surrounded by his loving wife of 55 years, Sandra Davis Gaskins, and his bountiful family. He was blessed with eight children, 20 grandchildren, and 37- great-grandchildren. His magnetic personality and infectious smile brought joy into the lives of all that he encountered. His family will forever remember his witty personality, charm and unconditional faith in God and family. Even upon his deathbed, when asked how he was feeling, Billy Jack maintained his humor and would respond, “With my hands.” Billy Jack was of the Christian denomination and a member of Liberty Church in Ft. Lamar for 30 years.
Petty Officer First Class Billy Jack Gaskins is an exemplary man who led an extraordinary life. He served his country proudly as a retired Naval Engineer. He served honorably during World War II, Republic of South Korea, and the Republic of South Vietnam.
Billy Jack started his civilian career as a heating and air conditioning repairman. His strong work ethic resulted in several promotions that led to a position as Supervisor of Mechanical Maintenance with the Orange County School System in Orlando, Fla.
Upon retirement from the school system, he relocated to Jackson County in 1983. There he unselfishly gave of himself by providing services to the needy and senior citizens in the surrounding communities.
Billy Jack lived life to the fullest and enjoyed a variety of hobbies including fishing, bowling and traveling. His traveling adventures took him to 43 states in the United States and three provinces in Canada. Additionally, he was a licensed pilot who enjoyed frequently getting lost in his Piper Cherokee airplane.
He is leaving behind an extensive family who will cherish and remember him as a truly great man.
Billy Jack was preceded in death by two children, Eileen Maggard and Bonnie Jo Gaskins; and brothers, Leo Gaskins, Charles Gaskins, Howard Gaskins and Bobby Gaskins.
In addition to his wife Sandra, he is survived by children, Cheryl Soares (Richard), Athens, Sandra “Pinky” Holbert, Belpre, Ohio, Brenda Bonds (Danny W.), Commerce, Kim Hernandez (Brett) of Bostwick, Richard A. Gaskins, Nashville, Ga.; Billy Jack Gaskins, Jr. (Jose “Che” Juarez), Commerce and Donald Glenn, Sr. (Wendy), Seale, Ala.; sisters, Marlene Basson, Naylor, and Lynda Faye Jones, Covington; brothers, Ronald Gaskins, Tampa, Fla., Earl Gaskins, Jasper, and Jimmy Wayne Gaskins, Sacramento, Calif.; 20 grandchildren; and 37 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, April 11, at Liberty Church with Rev. Richard Davis officiating. Interment will follow in Jackson Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday night from 6 to 8 p.m.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Updated: William Pitts (04-08-14)
JEFFERSON - William H. Pitts, 88, passed away on Tuesday, April 8, 2014, from complications following a recent illness.
It was a battle well fought with bravery and honor, which is indicative of the way he lived his life. Born in Beulah, Ga., he moved with his family shortly after his birth and spent all but the last 15 years in his hometown of Lithia Springs. Bill served in the United States Navy for three years during World War II. Upon discharge, he began his 38-½ year career with the Gulf Oil Corporation. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, whose devotion showed in everything he did.
Bill was a man of strong, quiet faith, and was a member of the Lithia Springs United Methodist Church throughout his lifetime.
Survivors include his wife of nearly 60 years, Ella Mae Johnson Pitts; daughter, Melanie Ann Pitts Hollis and her husband, Steve. Bill was the proud grandfather of three grandsons, Garrett, Jacob and Ethan Hollis. Other surviving family members are nephews, Emory Pitts (Mary), Tommy Pitts (Judy); nieces, Shirley Austin Kidd (Larry), Gayle Love and Louann Brush; great-nephews, Mike Pitts (Penny), Dan Pitts, Brian Austin (Julie), Michael Austin (Melinda), Alex Lewis (Rebecca) and great-nieces, Rhonda Austin Chewning, Madison Brush, Ashley Love and Alyson Love; brother in law, James L. Fowler; and other beloved extended family members.
Visitation will be held at the funeral home Friday, April 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, April 12, at 2:30 p.m. in the Lithia Springs United Methodist Church with viewing beginning at 2 p.m. in the Church. Interment will follow in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Austell.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Ronald McDonald House, Attn.: Mrs. Kay Comacho, 795 Gatewood Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, or to the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundations, 1577 NE Expressway, Suite A, Atlanta, GA 30349.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com
It was a battle well fought with bravery and honor, which is indicative of the way he lived his life. Born in Beulah, Ga., he moved with his family shortly after his birth and spent all but the last 15 years in his hometown of Lithia Springs. Bill served in the United States Navy for three years during World War II. Upon discharge, he began his 38-½ year career with the Gulf Oil Corporation. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, whose devotion showed in everything he did.
Bill was a man of strong, quiet faith, and was a member of the Lithia Springs United Methodist Church throughout his lifetime.
Survivors include his wife of nearly 60 years, Ella Mae Johnson Pitts; daughter, Melanie Ann Pitts Hollis and her husband, Steve. Bill was the proud grandfather of three grandsons, Garrett, Jacob and Ethan Hollis. Other surviving family members are nephews, Emory Pitts (Mary), Tommy Pitts (Judy); nieces, Shirley Austin Kidd (Larry), Gayle Love and Louann Brush; great-nephews, Mike Pitts (Penny), Dan Pitts, Brian Austin (Julie), Michael Austin (Melinda), Alex Lewis (Rebecca) and great-nieces, Rhonda Austin Chewning, Madison Brush, Ashley Love and Alyson Love; brother in law, James L. Fowler; and other beloved extended family members.
Visitation will be held at the funeral home Friday, April 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, April 12, at 2:30 p.m. in the Lithia Springs United Methodist Church with viewing beginning at 2 p.m. in the Church. Interment will follow in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Austell.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Ronald McDonald House, Attn.: Mrs. Kay Comacho, 795 Gatewood Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, or to the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundations, 1577 NE Expressway, Suite A, Atlanta, GA 30349.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com
Kathleen Strickland (04-04-14)
COMMERCE – Kathleen Virginia Vinson Strickland, 45, passed away Friday, April 4, 2014, following a sudden illness.
She was the daughter of Renee Carver Bonner of Madison, Ga. and the late Erby Joe Vinson of Gadsden, Ala. She was born August 25, 1968, in Atlanta, and was a veteran of the United States Army. She was a member of the American Legion.
Survivors include a daughter, Kayla Moomaw Strickland; son, Russell Strickland Jr., of Jefferson; fiancé, Scott Dasher, Commerce; sisters, Lisa Allen, Buffalo, N.Y. and Christy Fitzpatrick, Lafayette.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, April 12, at 10 a.m., at Living Word Worship Center in Jefferson, with Pastor Mark Mobley officiating.
She was the daughter of Renee Carver Bonner of Madison, Ga. and the late Erby Joe Vinson of Gadsden, Ala. She was born August 25, 1968, in Atlanta, and was a veteran of the United States Army. She was a member of the American Legion.
Survivors include a daughter, Kayla Moomaw Strickland; son, Russell Strickland Jr., of Jefferson; fiancé, Scott Dasher, Commerce; sisters, Lisa Allen, Buffalo, N.Y. and Christy Fitzpatrick, Lafayette.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, April 12, at 10 a.m., at Living Word Worship Center in Jefferson, with Pastor Mark Mobley officiating.
Helen Bennefield (04-02-14)
GREENVILLE, S.C. – Helen Gertrude Sears Martin Bennefield died Wednesday, April 2, 2014.
Born in Jackson County, she was the daughter of the late George Washington and Cora Lee Hill Sears. She was formerly employed at Woodside Mill and was a member of Cherrydale Baptist Church. Mrs. Bennefield was preceded in death by her husband, James Thomas Martin; and nine brothers and sisters.
Survivors include children, Thomas Allen Martin, Sylvia Martin DeOliveira (Geriel), Wanda Martin DeMattos, and Barbara Martin Taulbee (Jack); 12 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; 16 great-great-grandchildren; brother, James Sears; and sister, Nell Sears.
Funeral services were held Sunday, April 6, in the Northwest Chapel. Burial was in Woodlawn Memorial Park.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148.
Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Greenville, SC, was in charge of arrangements.
Condolences may be made to www.thomasmcafee.com.
Born in Jackson County, she was the daughter of the late George Washington and Cora Lee Hill Sears. She was formerly employed at Woodside Mill and was a member of Cherrydale Baptist Church. Mrs. Bennefield was preceded in death by her husband, James Thomas Martin; and nine brothers and sisters.
Survivors include children, Thomas Allen Martin, Sylvia Martin DeOliveira (Geriel), Wanda Martin DeMattos, and Barbara Martin Taulbee (Jack); 12 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; 16 great-great-grandchildren; brother, James Sears; and sister, Nell Sears.
Funeral services were held Sunday, April 6, in the Northwest Chapel. Burial was in Woodlawn Memorial Park.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148.
Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Greenville, SC, was in charge of arrangements.
Condolences may be made to www.thomasmcafee.com.
Dr. Jack Crisler (04-06-14)
ARNOLDSVILLE - Dr. Jack Roger Crisler, 77, passed away suddenly doing what he loved – working on his tractor - at his residence in Arnoldsville, on Sunday, April 6, 2014.
Jack was the son of Robert Garr and Thara Crisler from Maysville. He is not survived by any of his 11 siblings. A retired Professor Emeritus of the University of Georgia’s School of Education, Dr. Crisler was a devoted husband of 55 years to his wife, Junan Davis, daughter of John and June Davis of Jefferson. Dr. Crisler was an active member of the Covenant Presbyterian Church in Athens. He will be missed and lovingly remembered by his family, and all that knew him.
In addition to his wife, Dr. Crisler is survived by three sons and three grandchildren, Jon Brandt and his wife Susan and their two children Wilson Brandt, and Frances Claire; Jack Jr. and his wife Angela; and son Joseph Robert, his son Denson Garr and his fiancée Jenny Thigpen and her children Kate and Abby.
The service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, at Covenant Presbyterian Church at 1065 Gaines School Road in Athens.
Donations in lieu of flowers to either Covenant Presbyterian Church or the Croswell Children's Home, 11 Croswell Rd., Sumter, SC 29150.
Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, East is in charge of arrangements.
www.lordandstephens.com
Jack was the son of Robert Garr and Thara Crisler from Maysville. He is not survived by any of his 11 siblings. A retired Professor Emeritus of the University of Georgia’s School of Education, Dr. Crisler was a devoted husband of 55 years to his wife, Junan Davis, daughter of John and June Davis of Jefferson. Dr. Crisler was an active member of the Covenant Presbyterian Church in Athens. He will be missed and lovingly remembered by his family, and all that knew him.
In addition to his wife, Dr. Crisler is survived by three sons and three grandchildren, Jon Brandt and his wife Susan and their two children Wilson Brandt, and Frances Claire; Jack Jr. and his wife Angela; and son Joseph Robert, his son Denson Garr and his fiancée Jenny Thigpen and her children Kate and Abby.
The service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, at Covenant Presbyterian Church at 1065 Gaines School Road in Athens.
Donations in lieu of flowers to either Covenant Presbyterian Church or the Croswell Children's Home, 11 Croswell Rd., Sumter, SC 29150.
Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, East is in charge of arrangements.
www.lordandstephens.com
John Kesler (04-04-14
JEFFERSON - John Ernest Kesler, 73, entered into rest Friday, April 4, 2014.
He was born in Jefferson on March 16, 1941. He was the son of the late G.T. and Oris Massey Kesler. Mr. Kesler attended North Georgia College and graduated from the Athens Business College. He worked, along with his father and brother, in the family grocery business at Kesler’s Supermarket for many years. He later retired from the I.W. Davis Probation Detention Center with 18 years of service. He was preceded in death by a nephew, Joseph Hensley.
He was a natural athlete, participated in many sports in high school, and was most proud of wearing number 29 for the Jefferson Dragons football team. He remained an avid sports fan throughout his life. In 1998 he was recognized at halftime for his loyal support of the Jefferson Dragons, where he pulled the chains at home football games for 36 years. He was also an avid fisherman, and especially enjoyed the family tradition of trips to St. Mark’s, Fla., started by his father, and continuing in recent years with his brothers, Theron and George.
Mr. Kesler was a longtime member of the Bethany United Methodist Church. He loved his extended family and many lifelong friends. He especially enjoyed church music, and often joined with, and supported, his wife and daughters in their musical endeavors. Because of his birthday on 3-16, he had a special fondness for John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Survivors include his wife, Lynda Massey Kesler, Jefferson; daughters, Mendy Kesler Alford and her husband John, Houston, Texas, and Becky Kesler Jordan and her husband Todd, Gainesville; brothers and sisters-in-law, Theron and Janice Kesler, Jefferson, and George and Ladson Kesler, Hoschton; and five grandchildren, Claire Kesler Alford, Marjorie Ann Alford, Emma Louise Alford, Jaron Jordan, and Ben Jordan.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 10, at 2 p.m. at the Bethany United Methodist Church with the Revs. Mike McLemore and Charles Crabbe officiating. The body will lie in state at Bethany on Thursday from 1:30 to 2 p.m., prior to the service. The burial will follow in the Bethany United Methodist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be his nephews, Louis Dennis, Jason Hensley, Carter Cain, Cody Cain, Walt Massey, Franklin Kesler, Joe Elrod, and Andy Brooksher. The visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 9, , from 2 to 4 and 5 to 7 p.m. at Evans Funeral Home.
Flowers are optional, and memorials may be made to the Bethany U.M.C. Perpetual Care Cemetery Fund, 4659 Brockton Rd., Jefferson, GA 30549.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.
He was born in Jefferson on March 16, 1941. He was the son of the late G.T. and Oris Massey Kesler. Mr. Kesler attended North Georgia College and graduated from the Athens Business College. He worked, along with his father and brother, in the family grocery business at Kesler’s Supermarket for many years. He later retired from the I.W. Davis Probation Detention Center with 18 years of service. He was preceded in death by a nephew, Joseph Hensley.
He was a natural athlete, participated in many sports in high school, and was most proud of wearing number 29 for the Jefferson Dragons football team. He remained an avid sports fan throughout his life. In 1998 he was recognized at halftime for his loyal support of the Jefferson Dragons, where he pulled the chains at home football games for 36 years. He was also an avid fisherman, and especially enjoyed the family tradition of trips to St. Mark’s, Fla., started by his father, and continuing in recent years with his brothers, Theron and George.
Mr. Kesler was a longtime member of the Bethany United Methodist Church. He loved his extended family and many lifelong friends. He especially enjoyed church music, and often joined with, and supported, his wife and daughters in their musical endeavors. Because of his birthday on 3-16, he had a special fondness for John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Survivors include his wife, Lynda Massey Kesler, Jefferson; daughters, Mendy Kesler Alford and her husband John, Houston, Texas, and Becky Kesler Jordan and her husband Todd, Gainesville; brothers and sisters-in-law, Theron and Janice Kesler, Jefferson, and George and Ladson Kesler, Hoschton; and five grandchildren, Claire Kesler Alford, Marjorie Ann Alford, Emma Louise Alford, Jaron Jordan, and Ben Jordan.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 10, at 2 p.m. at the Bethany United Methodist Church with the Revs. Mike McLemore and Charles Crabbe officiating. The body will lie in state at Bethany on Thursday from 1:30 to 2 p.m., prior to the service. The burial will follow in the Bethany United Methodist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be his nephews, Louis Dennis, Jason Hensley, Carter Cain, Cody Cain, Walt Massey, Franklin Kesler, Joe Elrod, and Andy Brooksher. The visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 9, , from 2 to 4 and 5 to 7 p.m. at Evans Funeral Home.
Flowers are optional, and memorials may be made to the Bethany U.M.C. Perpetual Care Cemetery Fund, 4659 Brockton Rd., Jefferson, GA 30549.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.
Expressions of sympathy