Clarke Co. GA - Obits from the Athens Daily News/Banner-Herald 7 Mar 2000 Thanks for permission from the Athens Daily News /Banner-Herald http://www.onlineathens.com/ ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net/ *********************************************************************** OBITUARIES Story last updated at 8:27 a.m. on Tuesday, March 7, 2000 Legendary Athens resident buried today Related: [LINK]L. Milton "Red" Leathers Jr. [LINK]Red Leathers helped give Athens its special qualities By Ben Deck Staff Writer From his office overlooking the Spec Towns Track on Lumpkin Street, University of Georgia Athletic Director Vince Dooley paused Monday afternoon to remember L. Milton ''Red'' Leathers Jr. ''I guess I've known him ever since I got here,'' Dooley said. ''At times, he's given me some good, fatherly advice.'' Dooley said he has received advice -- some adhered to, some discarded -- from many people over the years. But Leathers' advice was always on target, Dooley said. ''He had a good feel for the community and the university,'' Dooley said. Leathers had many years to cultivate his connection to the community. Born in Gwinnett County Dec. 16, 1908, Red Leathers was the son of L.M. and Lottie Honea Leathers. He died Friday at age 91. Leathers first came to Athens when his parents moved here in 1910. His athletic abilities first caught the eye of the community during his high school years, and he graduated from Athens High School as the only athlete to letter in all four sports at the school -- football, basketball, baseball and track. At the University of Georgia, Leathers was known as one of the football team's ''Flaming Sophomores,'' because of his bright red hair, according to William Hartman Jr., chairman of the UGA athletic scholarship fund. In 1929, the Flaming Sophomores helped defeat Yale in the inaugural game at UGA's Sanford Stadium, Hartman said. Leathers had a brush with death during his days as a Bulldog, Hartman said. Leathers' appendix burst just after an away game in New York, and he was rushed to a hospital. ''He almost died. In fact, the report got out that he had died,'' Hartman said. But Leathers both lived and played on, and he was named to several All-Conference and All-America teams. He is a member of the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame and the Bulldog Wall of Fame, and is the recipient of the National Football League's Distinguished Alumnus Award, having played for the Philadelphia Eagles in 1933. During World War II, while stationed at the Pentagon, Leathers distinguished himself by developing an ordnance distribution plan that the British government said, ''shortened the war by months.'' For this, Colonel Leathers received the Legion of Merit, the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire and awards from the French and Russian governments. Returning to Athens after the war, Leathers joined the family business, L.M. Leathers' Sons, and along with his brothers, built the operation into a nationally and internationally known enterprise. In its early years, the business offered roofing services, bottling equipment and a specialized product sold to dry cleaners, according to Claude M. Leathers Jr., Red Leathers' nephew. The company held the patent on the Trouser Guard, a strip of cardboard with a red latex strip, Leathers said. The device folded over a coat hanger, and the latex strip kept pants from sliding off. Once again, ties to UGA made their way into Red Leathers' life. The Trouser Guard logo incorporated a bulldog trying to pull a pair of pants off a hanger, and its slogan was ''The latex strip with the bulldog grip,'' Claude M. Leathers Jr. said. During his years in business, Leathers was also president of the Athens Terminal Company and was for 40 years a director of the First National Bank of Athens, now SunTrust. He also offered his financial skills to his alma mater, serving as assistant secretary-treasurer for the athletic scholarship program at UGA. In 1939, Leathers married Sarah Pharr Erwin, who survives her husband. The couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary Dec. 16. Leathers was active in civic and community life in Athens and Georgia, holding positions in the Chamber of Commerce, as well as being on several Athens mayors' and Georgia governors' staffs. Over the years he held memberships in the Athens Country Club, the Gridiron Club (of Washington D.C. and Athens), the Bulldog Club, the Chi Phi fraternity, the NFL Alumni Club, the Piedmont Driving Club, the Athens Touchdown Club, the Presidents Club at UGA and many others. Leathers was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Athens. The Rev. Glenn Doak, pastor of First Presbyterian, will officiate at a graveside service at Oconee Hill Cemetery at 3:00 p.m. today. Šopyright 2000 Athens Newspapers Inc. OBITUARIES Story last updated at 8:27 a.m. on Tuesday, March 7, 2000 L. Milton ''Red'' Leathers Jr. Athens Related: [LINK]Legendary Athens resident buried today [LINK]Red Leathers helped give Athens its special qualities L. Milton ''Red'' Leathers Jr., 91, died March 3, 2000, at his home after a brief illness. Mr. Leathers always said that his obituary would begin: ''Although not a native Athenian, he had lived in this city since he was 1.'' He was born in Winder, Gwinnett County, Georgia, on December 16, 1908, the son of L.M. and Lottie Honea Leathers. His parents moved to Athens in 1910. Mr. Leathers graduated from Athens High School as the only athlete to letter in all four sports at old Athens High: football, basketball, baseball and track. At the University of Georgia, ''Red'' Leathers was one of the ''Flaming Sophomores'' of 1929 that defeated Yale in the dedication game for new Sanford Stadium and was so recognized this past October on its 70th anniversary. He was named to several All Conference and All America teams, and is a member of the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame and the Bulldog Wall of Fame. He is the recipient of the National Football Leagues' Distinguished Alumnus Award, having played for the Philadelphia Eagles. During World War II, while stationed at the Pentagon, Mr. Leathers distinguished himself by developing an ordnance distribution plan that the British government said, ''shortened the war by months.'' For this, Colonel Leathers received the Legion of Merit, the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, as well as awards from the French and Russian governments. Returning to Athens after the war, Mr. Leathers joined the family business, L.M. Leathers' Sons, and along with his brothers, built the operation into a nationally and internationally known concern that traded to 18 foreign countries. Mr. Leathers' company held patents on several items invented and manufactured at the Pulaski Street plant and distributed around the world. He was also president of the Athens Terminal Company and was for forty years a director of the First National Bank of Athens, now SunTrust. In 1939, Mr. Leathers married Sarah Pharr Erwin, who survives her husband. The couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on December 16, 1999. Mr. Leathers is also survived by a daughter, Camilla Leathers Seabolt of Vienna, Va., and a son, Milton Leathers III of Athens and Yancheng, China. Mr. Leathers has seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Also surviving are Mr. Leathers' brother, Claude McGinnis Leathers of Athens, and numerous nieces and nephews. Mr. Leathers was active in the civic and community life in Athens and Georgia, holding positions in the Chamber of Commerce, as well as being on several Athens mayors' and Georgia governors' staffs. Over the years he held memberships in the Athens Country Club, the Gridiron Club (of Washington D.C. and Athens), the Bulldog Club, the Chi Phi Fraternity, the NFL Alumni Club, the Piedmont Driving Club, the Athens Touchdown Club, the Presidents Club and many others. Mr. Leathers was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Athens. Dr. Glenn Doak will officiate at a graveside service at Oconee Hill Cemetery on Tuesday, March 7, at 3:00 p.m. Bernstein Funeral Home has charge of arrangements. Athens Daily News/Banner-Herald , Tuesday, March 7, 2000 Šopyright 2000 Athens Newspapers Inc. EDITORIALS, OPINIONS Story last updated at 8:27 a.m. on Tuesday, March 7, 2000 Red Leathers helped give Athens its special qualities Related: [LINK]Legendary Athens resident buried today [LINK]L. Milton "Red" Leathers Jr. In today's highly mobile society it's not uncommon for people to live in several cities and start new careers with each move. With the uncertainty of constant change, it's important to have individuals and families with longtime ties to a community. They provide a sense of history, permanence and continuity. Milton ''Red'' Leathers Jr. was such a person. As the patriarch of a distinguished Athens family, he helped bridge the gap between the past and present, newcomers and established residents. Mr. Leathers, who died last Friday at the age of 91, led the near legendary kind of life that adds so much to the richness and color of a community. He was an outstanding high school athlete in four sports and went on to play for the University of Georgia as part of a team that defeated Yale in the dedicatory game for the new Sanford Stadium in 1929. He played professional football with the Philadelphia Eagles. During World War II, Mr. Leathers was stationed at the Pentagon, where he created a plan for the deployment of ordnance that British officials said shortened the war by months. For his efforts, he was honored by the governments of Britain, France and the Soviet Union. After the war, he returned to the family business in Athens, L.M. Leathers' Sons, which he helped develop into an international firm doing business in 18 countries. His other business interests included the Athens Terminal Co., where he served as president and the First National Bank, where he was on the board of directors for 40 years. He was actively involved in civic, club, community and church affairs and maintained links with his old sports affiliations throughout his life. Red Leathers was one of those uncommon individuals whose lives are so woven into the fabric of a town that they become a defining element of the community. He left a legacy of service, loyalty and commitment that will benefit his family, friends and fellow citizens for many, many years. Šopyright 2000 Athens Newspapers Inc. OBITUARIES Story last updated at 8:11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 7, 2000 Lucyle Cook Folger Athens Lucyle Cook Folger, 95, died Sunday, March 5, 2000 after a lengthy illness. She was born November 4, 1904, the daughter of John Emory and Maude Burson Cook. She was a graduate of the University of Georgia and taught economics in Fitzgerald and Decatur, Ga. She retired teaching after over 30yrs service. She was the widow of Clive Folger, Jr. Survivors include a brother and sister-in-law, Lawson and Alma Cook of Seattle, Wa.; three nieces, Mary Brice, Helen Gardner and Sue Ketcham; two nephews, Jim and Kyle Cook. Graveside services will be held March 7, 2000 at 2:00 PM at Oconee Hill Cemetery with Rev. Grady Wigley officiating. Visitation will be prior to services from 11:30 to 12:30. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 327 N. Lumpkin St., Athens, GA 30601 or to the charity of your choice. Bridges Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Athens Daily News/Banner-Herald , Tuesday, March 7, 2000 Šopyright 2000 Athens Newspapers Inc. OBITUARIES Story last updated at 8:11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 7, 2000 Curt Young Comer Curt (J.C.) Young, 72, died March 5, 2000. A native of Oglethorpe County, he was a son of the late Shelton Barnett and Jesmer May Meadow Young and was preceded in death by a son, Wayne Young. He was a forester and farmer and member of Collier Baptist Church. Funeral services were Monday, March 6, 2000 at 3:00 PM from the graveside at Arnoldsville Cemetery with Rev. Terry Smith officiating. Survivors include Geneva Booth Young; two sons and daughters in law, Roy and Elaine Young and Melvin and Marilyn Young, all of Comer; sister, Louise Hilliard, Colbert; four grandchildren, Brad Young, Melissa Patterson, Jamie Young and Kelli Young, all of Comer; three great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Lord & Stephens Oglethorpe Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Athens Daily News/Banner-Herald , Tuesday, March 7, 2000 Šopyright 2000 Athens Newspapers Inc. OBITUARIES Story last updated at 8:11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 7, 2000 Robert Joe Hughes Royston Robert Joe Hughes, 64, of 10673 Royston Highway died Sunday, March 5, 2000. A native of Hall County, Mr. Hughes was a son of Ruby Souther Hughes, Gainesville, and the late Tom Hughes. He was a steel worker and was a member of Goldmine Church of God. Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Goldmine Church of God with the Rev. Gary Thompson officiating. The body will be placed in the church at 1:30 p.m. Burial will be in Nancy Hart Memorial Park, Hartwell. Survivors, in addition to his mother, include his wife, Janie Cromer Parham Hughes; a daughter, Barbara Ann Hughes, Alto; a son, Paul Joe Hughes, Mount Airy; a stepdaughter, Diane Parham Drake, Royston; a stepson, Anthony Parham, Bowersville; two sisters, Rose Dean and Dorothy Allison, both of Gainesville; two grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; and three step-great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Matt Dean, Gerald Allison, Mike Allison, Darrian Parham, Dusty Drake and Ty Parham. Honorary pallbearers will be Glenn Waldrip, Doug Swanson, Terry Morris, Warren Weaver, Ken Ivester and Lamar England. The family is at the residence and will receive friends from 7-9 p.m. today at Pruitt Funeral Home. Athens Daily News, Tuesday, March 7, 2000 Šopyright 2000 Athens Newspapers Inc. OBITUARIES Story last updated at 8:11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 7, 2000 Bethel Jones Pentecost Winder Bethel Jones Pentecost, 92, died Monday, March 6, 2000. Mrs. Pentecost was a daughter of the late Jack and Minnie Holliday Jones and was the widow of Glen Pentecost. She was retired as a secretary from Winder-Barrow Hospital. She was a member of Pentecost Methodist Church, where she was a Sunday school teacher, secretary and pianist. Services will be at 2 p.m. today at Pentecost Methodist Church with the the Rev. Lisa Crane officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Survivors include a daughter, Carmen Hall, Winder; three sons, Alan Pentecost, Charles Pentecost and John R. Pentecost, all of Winder; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Smith Funeral Home has charge of arrangements. Athens Daily News, Tuesday, March 7, 2000 Šopyright 2000 Athens Newspapers Inc. OBITUARIES Story last updated at 8:11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 7, 2000 Curtis Howard Nelms Hull Curtis Howard Nelms, 72, of Georgia Highway 72 West, Lot 3, died Sunday, March 5, 2000. A native of Clarke County, Mr. Nelms was a son of the late William Howard and Ossie Le Genia Sorrow Nelms. He was preceded in death by a son, Clarence H. Nelms. He worked in Clarke County and was of the Baptist faith. Services will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday at Victory Baptist Church with the Rev. Elmer Butler officiating. The body will be placed in the church at 2:30 p.m. Burial will be in Sorrow-Patterson Cemetery. Survivors include his wife, Geneva Fleming Nelms; a daughter, Nancy Shedd, Hull; three sons, Jerry Nelms, Danielsville, Wayne Nelms and Tony Nelms, both of Hull; a stepdaughter, Frances Drake, Eastanollee; four sisters, Lucille Faulkner, Hull, Charlene Carithers, Bogart, Virginia Myers, Bishop, and Dorothy Dalton, Watkinsville; four brothers, J.W. Nelms, Bogart, Lee Nelms, Eaton, Joe Nelms, Watkinsville, and Donald Nelms, Lexington; eight grandchildren; three step grandchildren; a great-grandchild; nieces and nephews. The family is at the residence and will receive friends from 7-9 p.m. today at Brown Funeral Home, Danielsville. Athens Daily News, Tuesday, March 7, 2000 Šopyright 2000 Athens Newspapers Inc. OBITUARIES Story last updated at 8:11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 7, 2000 Carolyn Brown Toccoa Carolyn Jean Lawson Brown, 47, of 445 Mulkey Road died Monday, March 6, 2000. A lifelong resident of Stephens County, Mrs. Brown was a daughter of Mattie Griffin Lawson, Toccoa, and the late Ray H. Lawson. She was of the Baptist faith. Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Acree-Davis Funeral Home with the Rev. Truitt Brawner officiating. Burial will be in Toccoa City Cemetery. Survivors, in addition to her mother, include a son, Keith Standridge, Toccoa; four sisters, Wanda Lawson and Brenda Carter, both of Toccoa, Linda Chitwood, Cornelia, and Diane Carter, Westminster, S.C.; two brothers, Billy Lawson, San Bernardino, Calif., and Allen Lawson, Toccoa; and two grandchildren. The family is at the residence and will receive friends from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Athens Daily News, Tuesday, March 7, 2000 Šopyright 2000 Athens Newspapers Inc. OBITUARIES Story last updated at 8:11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 7, 2000 Hazel Simms Benton Monticello Hazel Simms Benton, 81, died Sunday, March 5, 2000. A lifelong resident of Jasper County, Miss Benton was a daughter of the late Taney Oliver and Lucie Comer Witte Benton. She was a member of Monticello First United Methodist Church and was a member of the church choir. She attended Young Harris College and Georgia Southern. She was retired from Jasper County Cooperative Extension Service after 40 years. Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Monticello First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Larry Pearson officiating. Burial will be in West View Cemetery. Survivors include a sister, Sallye Newsome, Athens; a brother, Louis W. Benton Sr., Monticello; nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to Monticello First United Methodist Church, 651 College St., Monticello, GA 31064; or to the American Heart Association, 1353 Jennings Mill Road, Suite-A, Bogart, GA 30622, Attn: Kathy Smith. The family will receive friends prior to services from 1-2 p.m. Wednesday at the church. Jordan Funeral Home has charge of arrangements. Athens Daily News, Tuesday, March 7, 2000 Šopyright 2000 Athens Newspapers Inc. OBITUARIES Story last updated at 8:11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 7, 2000 Muriel Pate Cronic Union Point Muriel Pate Cronic, 77, of 1450 Jacksonville Road died Monday, March 6, 2000. A native of Taliaferro County, Mrs. Cronic was a daughter of the late Boyce Felts and Rubye Scott Pate. She was a seamstress at Royal Manufacturing, which late became Delta Apparel, and was a member of Bethesda Baptist Church, Union Point. She was a 1940 honor graduate of Alexander Stephens Institute. Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Bethesda Baptist Church with the Revs. Jim Olds and Landrom Carey officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Survivors include her husband, Royce Newton Cronic; four daughters, Nedra Legg, Comer, Sharon Robertson, Pelzer, S.C., Sandra Pruitt, Athens, and Joyce Sellers, Bogart; a son, Wayne Rutherford, Union Point; three sisters, Helen Jones, Athens, June Taylor and Lallie Durham, both of Crawfordville; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 7-9 p.m. today at McCommons Funeral Home, Greensboro. Athens Daily News, Tuesday, March 7, 2000 Šopyright 2000 Athens Newspapers Inc.