Obituaries

The obituaries for members of the Harrison family were, I believe, provided by MK Harrison, former coordinator of this website. Several others were from a scrapbook kept by my grandmother, Lallie Harris Hill. I don’t know for certain when or where they were published, although some of them were almost certainly from the Atlanta Constitution or the Atlanta Journal, as she lived in Atlanta for most of her adult life. I’ve provided dates from other sources if not included in the obituary and in some cases, a guess as to the published source.

Mr. and Mrs. Singleton J. Brown, 1941

Mr. and Mrs. Singleton J. Brown of Jasper, Fla., were killed Monday in an automobile accident which occurred on the highway two miles from Tifton.  The details of the fatal wreck are not known at this time.

A native of Barrow county, Mr. Brown, 28, was the son of Judson Brown and the late Mrs. Brown of this county.  In the service of the United States army, he was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, and while on a leave of absence, he and his wife were on their way to Tifton, which was Mrs. Brown’s home town, when the wreck occurred.

Funeral services were held for Mr. Brown at Bethel Church, Wednesday afternoon.  The Rev. Hoyt Cruce conducted the service and interment was in the church cemetery with Williams and Cannon Funeral Home in charge of final arrangements.

Mrs. Brown, the former Lydia Gellflower of Tifton, was buried in Tifton.

Surviving Mr. Brown in addition to his father are three brothers, Herbert, Carson and N. B. Brown, and one sister, Mrs. Carodene Jones of Odum, Georgia.

[Published in The Winder News, 11 Dec 1941]

John L. and Nancy Harris, 1933

JOHN L. HARRIS AND WIFE DIE WITHIN THREE DAYS OF EACH OTHERS PASSING

Mr. John L. Harris, one of the prominent citizens of this city died at this home on New street Tuesday night, Dec. 12. He was born Sept. 16, 1849, hence was 84 years, 2 months and 26 days old. He was one month, four days younger than his wife who died last Saturday night. He was a member of the Christian church and was a splendid outstanding character, greatly respected by all who knew him.

The funeral will be held this afternoon (Thursday) at Chapel church, being conducted by Rev. John H. Wood and Rev. E. A. Miller. Interment will be in the churchyard there, Ferguson Funeral Home in charge.

Mr. and Mrs. Harris had been married 63 years in November, reared a large family and had lived long lives of usefulness and integrity.

Eight grandsons were the pall-bearers at both funerals.

Honorary pallbearers at the funeral of Mr. John L. Harris are C. W. Parker, R. L. Carithers, W. H. Maxwell, J. H. House, W. J. Burch, H. O. Camp, Frank Healan, John W. Shields, W. E. Roberts, I. J. Hall, Muller McElroy, Geo. Thompson, Jos. D. Quillian, Dr. S. T. Ross, Dr. C. B. Almond, and J. T. Strange.

Mrs. Nancy D. Harris, his wife, died at her home on New street last Saturday night, Dec. i, after an illness of some time. She was born Aug. 12, 1849, hence was in her 85th year. She was a member of the Christian church and was a consecrated Christian character greatly beloved by all who knew her. She was a faithful wife and devoted mother, raising a large family of children, and training them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Her passing has brought sorrow to her many friends and relatives.

The funeral was held Sunday afternoon at Chapel church, Rev. John H. Wood and Rev. A. E. Miller conducting same. Interment in Chapel cemetery, Fergus Funeral Home in charge.

Mr. and Mrs. Harris are survived by three sons, W. J. and Robt. Harris, Winder, Route 1, and A. W. Harris, of Texas; seven daughters, Mrs. E. S. Bennett, Mrs. J. W. Segars, Mrs. E. O. McElroy, of Winder; Mrs. Warren Hardigree, Winder, Route 1; Mrs. W. D. Perkins, Winder, Route 2; Mrs. Edgar Hill, Atlanta; Mrs. Emma Gunnin, East Point, Ga. She is also survived by 69 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren and Mrs. Harris leaves one brother, Mr. Bud Johnson of Barrow county.

To the bereaved family the deepest sympathy of their many friends is extended.

[John L. Harris died 12 Dec 1933. Nancy Drucilla (Johnson) Harris died 9 Dec 1933. This obituary appeared in the Winder News.]

Robert Harris, 1949

Last Rites for Mr. Robert Harris

Mr. Robert F. Harris, age 58, of Winder RFD 1, died April 18, 1949. He is survived by his wife; three sons, Messrs. Dana, Robert, Jr., and Claude Harris, all of Winder; two daughters, Miss Julia Harris, Fairbanks, Alaska, and Miss Martha Sue Harris, Winder; two grandchildren, Bill and Johnnie Harris, Winder; two brothers, Mr. Will Harris, Mr. Allie Harris, Winder; five sisters, Mrs. Emmie Gunnin, East Point; Mrs. Lallie Hill, Atlanta; Mrs. Emory Bennett, Mrs. Jim Segars, Mrs. E. O. McElroy, Winder. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at 3 o’clock from Chapel Christian Church near Winder, Rev. Jobe Chandler and Rev. J. O. McNeal officiating. Interment was in the churchyard cemetery.

W. J. (Will) Harris, 1955

Pioneer Citizen of Chapel Area Succumbs at Home

Mr. W. J. (Will) Harris passed away at this home in the chapel community on Sunday, October 30th following a long illness. He was 81 years old having been born on March 23, 1874, a son of the late John L. Harris and Nancy Johnson Harris, pioneer citizens of Barrow county. Mr. Harris was the second oldest member of the Chapel Christian Church and lived his entire life in that community where he was a prominent farmer until failing health necessitated his retirement.

Funeral services for Mr. Harris were held on Monday afternoon, October 31st at 3 o’clock at the Chapel Christian Church with the Rev. Clarence Thomas and Rev. Truman Thomas as the officiating ministers. The remains were placed in state at 2:30. Pallbearers were Mr. Harris’ nephews which included Messrs. W. E. McElroy, Edwin Segars, Edgar C. Hill, Claude Harris, Edwin Hardegree, Hoyt Gunnin, Robert Perkins and Julian Bennett. Interment was in the churchyard cemetery with Wise Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include one daugher, Mrs. Beulah Harris Lemon, Winder; three sons, Theo, J. E. and J. W. Harris, all of Winder; four sisters, Mrs. E. S. Bennett, Mrs. E. O. McElroy, and Mrs. J. W. Segars, all of Winder; and Mrs. E. C. Hill of Atlanta; a brother, Mr. A. W. Harris, of Temple, Texas, four grandchildren, and five great grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.

[William James Harris died 30 Oct 1955.]

A. J. Harrison, 1939

Bethlehem Man Passes


A. J. Harrison, One of County’s Oldest Citizens Dies

A. J. Harrison, one of the oldest and most respected citizens of the Bethlehem section of Barrow county died at his home in that community Monday evening at six thirty o’clock. Death followed an illness of several weeks. Mr. Harrison was eighty three years of age and had lived all his life in the section where he was born and reared. He was a member of one of the oldest and best known families of Georgia and for nearly three quarters of a century had been one of the leading citizens of his section of the state.

For a long time he had been a loyal member of the Corinth Methodist church and lived his religion in his every day life and in his dealings with his neighbors. He was an outstanding citizen always lending his influence to worthy causes and projects that promised the development on his community and section.

Funeral services were held from Corinth church Tuesday afternoon at three o’clock, conducted by Rev. J. P. Chandler, a life long friend and Rev. R. E. Lyle, pastor of the Bethlehem Methodist church. One of the largest crowds ever to gather for such an occasion was present to pay a last tribute of respect and love to the deceased. Interment was in the churchyard cemetery with Williams and Cannon Funeral Home in charge of the burial arrangements.

Surviving Mr. Harrison are his wife and the following nine children: Mrs. G. W. Fuller, Mrs. J. H. Austin, Mrs. J. G. Thompson, and Mrs. H. G. Adcock of Winder; J. T. Harrison of Bethlehem; Mrs. J. E. Holloway, Lexington, Okla., Henry Harrison, Blanchard, Okla; Mrs Calvin Etheridge of Dacula; Lloyd Harrison of Monroe.

One sister, Mrs. J. H. Beddingfield of Lakemont, also survives.

[According to his tombstone, he was born 25 June 1856 and died 31 July 1939.]

Harold Harrison, 2001

Harold Harrison

Bethlehem

Athens Daily News/Banner Herald 20 April 2001

Harold Harrison, 80, died Wednesday, April 18, 2001.

Mr. Harrison was a son of the late Robert Luther and Susie Tanner Harrison. He was the founder of Harrison Poultry and a World War II Army Veteran. He was a former Georgia State Senator 1962-64, Chairman of the Board of Education, Chairman W-B Hospital Board, and Board Member of the Bank of Barrow. He was a member of Bethlehem First United Methodist Church.

Services will be at 11 a.m. today at Bethlehem First United Methodist Church with the Revs. Jay Tenney and William Kirby officiating.

Survivors include his wife, Patsy Hall Harrison; two daughters, Kelley Hall Tison, Athens and Bobbie Ann Reynolds, Atlanta; and four grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association, One Corporate Square S127, Atlanta, Ga. 30329 or Arthritis Foundation, 1330 W. Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30309

Mr. J. T. Harrison, 1956

Noted Bethlehem Citizen Dies After Extended Illness

The Winder News, Wednesday, 27 June 1956 (front page)

The Bethlehem Community and people throughout Barrow County were saddened this week because of the death of Mr. J. T. Harrison. Mr. Harrison passed away at the Winder-Barrow Hospital on Sunday, June 24th after an extended illness. He was 78 years old having been born on October 28, 1877, a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Harrison

Mr. Harrison was an official of the Bethlehem Methodist Church for several years, serving in the capacity of steward and trustee and taught the Adult Bible Class for a number of years. He was Justice of Peace for Bethlehem District for many years and served as chairman of the Barrow County Board of Education for several years. Mr. Harrison also served as Tax Assessor for Barrow County for two years. He was well known and held in high esteem for his willingness to assist in anything that was for the betterment of his community.

Funeral services for Mr. Harrison were held on Tuesday afternoon, June 26th at 3 o’clock at the Bethlehem Methodist Church with the Rev. L. G. Martin and Rev. Marvin Brewer as the officiating ministers. The remains were placed in state at 2 o’clock. Interment was in the churchyard cemetery with Wise Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Minnie Tanner Harrison; three sons, Ernest Harrison, Bethlehem; James Harrison, Winder; and M. C. Harrison, of Sylvester, Ga.; three daughters, Mrs. Boyd Baggett, Lawrenceville; Mrs. Ethridge Blount, Savannah; and Mrs. Russell Daniel, Sr., Athens; two brothers, Henry Harrison, Blanchard, Okla.; and Lloyd Harrison, Bethlehem; five sisters, Mrs. John Austin, Bethlehem; Mrs. Calvin Ethridge, Dacula; Mrs. Lucy Holloway, Blanchard, Okla.; Mrs. Gertrude Adcock, Bethlehem; and Mrs. Gordon Thompson, West Palm Beach, Fla.; Thirteen grandchildren and one great grandchild.

James T. Harrison, Jr., 2002

James T. Harrison Jr.

Winder

Athens Banner-Herald, Thursday, July 4, 2002

James Thomas Harrison Jr., 90, died Wednesday, July 3, 2002.

A native of Bethlehem, Mr. Harrison was a son of the late James Thomas ”Tom” Harrison Sr. and Minnie Lee Tanner Harrison. He was retired as president of the Bank of Barrow and served as vice chairman of the bank’s board for many years. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club, the Barrow County Chamber of Commerce and the Winder Board of Education. He was a district supervisor for the Oconee River Soil and Water Conservation District and was a member of First Christian Church, where he served as an elder and trustee and he was in the choir.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at First Christian Church of Winder.

Survivors include his wife, Kathryn Jones; a daughter, Judith Harrison, Reston, Va.; a son, James William Harrison, Winder; two sisters, Mary Hamilton, Waycross, and Grace Daniel, Athens; a brother, M. C. Harrison, Sylvester; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 6-9 p.m. Friday at Smith Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Christian Church of Winder or the American Cancer Society.

Julia Patrick Harrison, 2000

Julia Patrick Harrison

Bethlehem

Athens Daily News, Friday, March 17, 2000

Julia Patrick Harrison, 88, died Thursday, March 16, 2000.

A native of Jackson County, Mrs. Harrison was a daughter of the late Miles and Ara House Patrick and was the widow of Ernest C. Harrison. She was a member of Rockwell Universalist Church and attended Bethlehem United Methodist Church. She taught from 1930-1969 at Rockwell, County Line, Holsenbeck and Bethlehem elementary schools.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Carter Funeral Home, Winder, with the Rev. William H. Kirby and Dr. Rebecca Jones officiating. Burial will be in Bethlehem United Methodist Church cemetery.

Survivors include three sisters, Nell Fleeman, Winder, Lucille McDonald, Gainesville, and Peggy Harrell, Athens; a brother, Clyde ”Cope” Patrick, Winder; nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

The family will receive friends from 5-9 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Mrs. Minnie Harrison, 1967

The Winder News, Wednesday, 13 December 1967

Funeral Services At Bethlehem


Mrs. Harrison

Mrs. J. T. (Minnie) Harrison, 87, of Bethlehem passed away on December 8th at the Heritage Convalescent Center in Athens following an extended illness. She was born in Gwinnett County on October 12, 1880, the daughter of the late Middleton C. Tanner and Georgia Adams Tanner. She married James Thomas Harrison in 1906, who preceded her in death by eleven years. She was a devoted member of the Bethlehem Methodist Church for over sixty years.

Funeral services were held on Sunday afternoon, December 10th, at 2:00 o’clock at the Bethlehem Methodist Church with the Rev. Richard Lumpkin officiating. The remains lay in state in the Church from 1:30 until the funeral hour, Interment was in the church cemetery with Wise Funeral Home of Winder in charge of the arrangements. Pallbearers serving were Lamar Ridgeway, J. P. Boyd, Duel Ridgeway, Ed Rogers, Leon Pruett, and Learnold Lovin, all members of the Wesley Fellowship Sunday School Class.

Mrs. Harrison is survived by children, Ernest Harrison, Bethlehem; James Harrison, Winder; M. C. Harrison, Sylvester; Mrs. Boyd Baggett, Lawrenceville; Mrs. T. E. Blount, Savannah; and Mrs. Russell Daniel, Sr., Athens. Brothers A. C. Tanner, G. C. Tanner, and M. D. Tanner, all of Atlanta; sisters, Mrs. R. L. Harrison, Bethlehem; Miss Neita Tanner, East Point; and Mrs. Mark Anthony, Cincinnati, Ohio. 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Florine Hill, 1957

Funeral Services at Rockwell For Miss Florine Hill

Miss Florine Hill of Winder, passed away on Thursday, September 19th.

Funeral services for Miss Hill were held on Friday morning, September 20th at 11 o’clock at the Rockwell Universalist Church of which she was a member. The Rev. William A. Bodiford and Mrs. Rosnick officiating. The remains were placed in state at 10:30 o’clock. Interment was in Rose Hill Cemetery with Wise Funeral Home of Winder in charge of the arrangements.

Miss Hill is survived by sisters, nieces and nephews.

[Florine Hill died 19 Sep 1957.]

Robert Alexander Hill, 1929

Robert Alexander Hill


Mr. R. A. Hill, Who Killed Himself at Barrow Home, Buried

Winder, GA. April 24

Mr. R. A. Hill, prominent farmer of Barrow county, killed himself with a shotgun early Monday at his home four miles north of Winder. Recently his health began to fail and for the greater part of this year he has been unable to look after his farming interests.

He had retired for the night and being unable to sleep, got up sometime after midnight, went into the rear of his home, and shot himself in the breast, dying before anyone could reach him. His wife and young son were the only others at home at the time, his daughter, Miss Pauline Hill, being in Winder, where she is teaching in the public school.

Mr. Hill was a native of this county and was one of four brothers living in the county, all known for their progressive spirit. Mr. Hill was a member of the Universalist church.

Besides his widow, he is survived by his son, R. A. Hill, Jr.; his daughter, Miss Pauline Hill; and four brothers, John W. HIll, Henry M. Hill, and Paul Hill, of this county, B. H. Hill of Buford, and one sister, Mrs. A. C. Perry of Winder. The funeral was held at Rockwell Universalist church, near his home Tuesday afternoon, Rev. J. M. Rasnake, of Atlanta, the pastor, officiating, assisted by Rev. John H. Wood and Rev. Taylor Morton, of Winder, with interment at Rose Hill cemetery in Winder.

[According to his tombstone, Robert A. Hill was born 2 Nov 1877 and died 21 Apr 1929.]

Mrs. Joe House, 1935

Mrs. Joe House (Annie Millican House)

[probably published in the Winder News]

LOCAL WOMAN IS FATALLY INJURED 
MRS. JOE HOUSE DIED SUNDAY NIGHT AS RESULT OF ACCIDENT

Mrs. Joe House of this city, died at the Athens General Hospital about eleven o’clock Sunday night as a result of injuries she sustained in an auto accident within sight of her home in this city late Sunday afternoon

The tragic accident occurred at the corner of Broad and Stephens streets about six o’clock in the afternoon. Mrs. House had just returned from Statham where she had gone in company with Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Downs to visit a sick friend. Upon their return to the city Mrs. House expressed a desire to leave the car at the spot where the accident happened. As she steppped from the automobile in which she had been a passenger, she attempted to cross the street from behind the car. At the same moment a car driven by a Mr. Gassoway who lives near Gratis was passing along the street. Evidently Mrs. House failed to see the approaching car and stepped almost directly into its path. The car struck her throwing her head against the windshield with such force as to break the glass. She was dashed to the pavement by the force of the blow and suffered serious injuries about the head. Mr. Gassoway stopped his car immediately and offered assistance. Within in a few moments friends were on the scene and an ambulance was hastily summoned. She was rushed to Athens for treatment and there she was given every possible surgical and medical aid but her injuries were of such a serious nature as to render it all unavailing. She never regained consciousness and passed away about four hours from the time of the accident.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday morning at ten thirty at the home on Stephens street. The service was conducted by Rev. E. H. Collins, pastor of the First Baptist church of this city of which she was a member. He was assisted by Rev. E. E. Steele of Atlanta, a former pastor of the church. Interment was in Rose Hill cemetery where the grave was literally buried beneath a mound of beautiful floral tributes. Ferguson Funeral Home was in charge of the funeral arrangements.

Mrs. House was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. M. Millican who made their home with her. She was one of the finest characters of the community and was known far and wide for her splendid and lovable traits of character.

Mrs. House is survived by her parents and her husband, Joe House of the Winder Cotton Oil Company. She is also survived by two daughters, Misses Louise and Josephine House and one son Harold House all of Winder, also by one brother, Robert Millican of Jacksonville, Fla.

[According to her tombstone, Annie Millican House was born 25 Nov 1878 and died 23 Jun 1935]

Mrs. Ruth Whitman McElroy, 1923

Mrs. Ruth Whitman McElroy [Probably published in the Winder newspaper. Her death certificate states that Mrs. McElroy died 24 Nov 1923.]

Mrs. Ruth McElroy was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. D. Whitman, of Statham. She was born in this county a little more than twenty-two years ago. Blessed by Providence in a gracious gift to her of parents, there being no more splendid characters to be found than her mother and father. She was reared to love people and serve God, in the beauty of holiness.

When very young she united with the Baptist church and throughout her life she was loyal to her church and always ready to do all in her power to advance the cause of the Master. She adhered to the teachings of Christ, lived in accord with the doctrines of the great denomination to which she belonged, and by her daily conduct and speech exemplified what a true church member should be. Just such people as she was have through the ages held the church up as a beacon light to a sinful world, to them is the Master’s praise for the progress and strength of his Kingdom on earth.

On Sept. 23, 1921 she married Mr. Emory McElroy, one of the most promising young men of this section; a man respected and admired by all who know him. He is the grandson of Mr. John L. Harris, a venerated and beloved citizen of this city. To this happy union was born a beautiful little daughter, Annie Carolyn.

On the ____ day of November, 1923 she was called to mingle with the angels, amid the joys of her Lord.

On the 25th day of November, 1923, she was laid to rest in eternal peace in the cemetery at Chapel church. The love and esteem in which she was held by all who knew her was evidenced by the vast concourse of people who gathered to do her the last sad honors. There have been few if any funerals in Barrow county, where so many loving friends assembled.

Mrs. McElroy’s life was one of a loyal and loving wife, devoted and unselfish mother, and devout Christian, a womanly woman of the highest type.

She was naturally gentle and sweet. Those who knew her from her childhood say that she was always, as we knew her, kind to all she came in contact with, always considerate of the feelings and thoughtful of the interest of others. Two of the most prominent attributes of her character were her unselfishness and cheerfulness and she always had a bright smile and word of encouragement for neighbors and friends.

God has given to us many blessed and wonderful gifts but none richer and more beautiful than the lives of His saints, of whom she was surely one.

The thought of her is a glorious, living force, inspiring those among whom she lived to seek and find that peace which passeth all understanding. Her life was a blessing, her memory a benediction.

Mrs. Edna O'Shields, 1925

Death of Mrs. Edna O’Shields

The hearts of the people of this city and surrounding section were made sad when the news was spread abroad that Mrs. Edna O’Shields had died at her home a few miles northeast of Winder. She died on last Thursday afternoon. She was the wife of the late John W. O’Shields, a splendid farmer of this section, and who died from injuries received in a runaway accident a few years ago. Mrs. O’Shields moved to Winder after the death of her husband, but moved back to her farm several years ago. She has been sick for a few days recently but was thought that she had recovered. She was at home on the day of her death and was preparing to come to Winder with her daughter, Mrs. Allen Carrington, who was to go for her in the afternoon. When Mrs. Carrington arrived she found her mother lying on the floor in an unconscious condition. She never regained consciousness and died in a few hours after being found. Mrs. O’Shields leaves five children, Mrs. Allen Carrington, Miss Ruby O’Shields, and John, Paul, and Ralph O’Shields, one brother, Mr. C. M. Thompson and several nephews and nieces. The funeral services were coducted[sic] at the residence by Rev. W. B. Dillard pastor of the Methodist church Saturday and interment was at the family cemetery on the O’Shields plantation. The deepest sympathy of a host of friends is extended to the bereaved family.

[According to her death certificate, Edna Thompson O’Shields died 15 Jan 1925 in Barrow County, Georgia. I believe this obituary was published in the Winder News.]

Mrs. Will D. Perkins, 1948

Final Rites for Mrs. W. D. Perkins at Chapel Church

Mrs. W. D. (Will) Perkins, age 75, died Sunday, July 4th at her residence on Route 2, Winder, after an illness of several months.

Mrs. Perkins was born in Jackson County on October 15, 1872, the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John L. Harris.

Funeral rites for Mrs. Perkin were conducted on Tuesday afternoon at 3 o’clock from the Chapel Christian Church, with the Rev. Roy Miller, Rev. J. O. McNeal and Rev. Nixon Taylor as the officiating ministers.

She is survived by five sons, Mr. Roy Grady Perkins, Mr. John Perkins, Mr. Robert Perkins, Mr. Ralph Perkins and Mr. Ross Perkins all of Winder; one daughter, Miss Ethel Perkins also of Winder; three brothers, Mr. Will Harris and Mr. Robert Harris, both of Winder and Mr. A. W. Harris of Texas; five sisters, Mrs. Emmy Gunnin, East Point; Mrs. Lallie Hill, Atlanta; Mrs. Jim Segars, Mrs. E. O. McElroy and Mrs. Emory Bennett, all of Winder.

Interment was in the churchyard cemetery with Williams & Kelley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

[Mary Leomie (Harris) Perkins died 4 July 1948]

 

O. W. Smith, 1941

Funeral Sunday for O. W. Smith

In the passing Saturday of O. W. Smith, Winder lost one of its finest citizens.  A man who by his daily conduct and manner of living held throughout the years the respect and love of hundreds of people in all walks of life.

Mr. Smith’s death followed an illness of only one week.  He underwent an operation in Atlanta December 5 and was rallying satisfactorily until pneumonia and other complications developed.  The fight agains these developments proved too great for him in his weakened condition and he died early Saturday morning, December 13.

Mr. Smith was sixty-six years old at the time of his death.  He came to Winder from Oglethorpe county with his mother and other members of his family about fifty years ago.

Familiarly known be everyone as “Obe” Smith, he joined the mercantile firm of Kilgore and Kelley as a young clerk.  Retaining this connection for many years he eventually worked into a partnership in the firm.  When the store discontinued operation several years ago he retired from active business.

By nature a quiet, unpretentious man, Mr. Smith was truly to be commended for his kindness of heart, his high ideals and his faithfulness to his church and his friends.

He joined the First Baptist church about twenty years ago and since that time had held many important church offices.  He was a member of the Board of Deacons, served for years as Church Clerk and also held the position of Sunday School superintendent at one time.

The greater portion of Mr. Smith’s time was absorbed in his business and in his church duties.  Throughout his life, however, he quietly assisted in many worthwhile endeavors of his fellow citizens.  He was cheerful, honest and sincere in all dealings with customers and friends, thereby helping them to grasp a broader and more pleasant outlook upon life.

Mr. Smith was a bachelor.  Survivors include one sister, Miss Johnnie Lou Smith, of Winder; two nieces, Miss Edith House of Jacksonville, Fla, and Mrs. C. D. McLarty, of Atlanta; two nephews, Gibson House, of Jacksonville, Fla., and Clyde House, of Greenwood, S. C.; two brother-in-laws W. B. Mathews, of Winder, and W. S. Shank, of Salem, Va.

The First Baptist church was filled with friends Sunday afternoon who gathered to attend final services and to pay a last tribute to a kind man about whom few persons could utter an unkind word.

Services were conducted by the Rev. E. H. Collins, pastor of the church and a close friend of the deceased.  Interment followed in Rose Hill cemetery with F. Q. Sammon Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.