James Harrison McNease, Jr., 61, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, died Friday, June 22, 2012, at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida.
Funeral services will be held 2 P.M. Monday, June 25, 2012, at the Paulk Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Steve O’Neal officiating. Blake Wilson will deliver a eulogy. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 Sunday evening at the funeral home in Fitzgerald.
Mr. McNease was born October 1, 1950, to the late James Harrison and Laurie Lee Brewer McNease. He lived in the community all of his life. He graduated from Fitzgerald High School in 1968 and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Valdosta State College in English Literature. He retired as owner and operator of Forestry Supply. He served on the Fitzgerald City School Board of Education and Ben Hill County Board of Education with more than 20 years of service and as Chairman for many years. He enjoyed racing pigeons and was a member of the Fitzgerald Club, state and national pigeon racing clubs. He was a member, Sunday school teacher, Deacon and Elder of First Presbyterian Church of Fitzgerald. Mr. McNease was a member of the Booster Club, supporting all Purple Hurricane sports and school activities.
Survivors include his wife, Dale Roberts McNease of Fitzgerald; three daughters and spouses, Allie (Blake) Wilson of Albany, Anna (Kevin) Massey of Dawson, and Maggie McNease of Fitzgerald; son, David McNease of Fitzgerald; 5 grandchildren, Briley, Emily, Millie, William, and Annalea; and sister, Lea Anne (Howard) Davis of Fitzgerald, father-in-law, Dr. Ralph D. Roberts of Fitzgerald, and several nieces and nephews.
Memorials may sent to First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 97, Fitzgerald, GA 31750.