Rufus A. Whitworth's Obituary
Rufus Alman Whitworth age 82, of Yatesville, Ga., died peacefully at his home on Saturday March 30, 2013 after a long courageous battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, April 3, 2013, at Yatesville Baptist Church, Yatesville, Ga., with Rev. Steve McGuire officiating, assisted by Rev. John Sheely and Rev. Terry Threadgill. Serving as pallbearers will be James Hudson, Dan White, Sonny Barfoot, James Allen Lackey, Lynn Mitchell, and Talmadge Winkles. Visitation will be at the church one hour prior to the service. In addition, funeral services in Florida will be held 2:00 P.M. Friday, April 5, 2013, at the Chapel of Steverson-Hamlin & Hilbish Funeral Home in Tavares, Fl., with interment following in the Astatula Cemetery in Astatula, Fl. Visitation there will be Thursday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Rufus, who was affectionately dubbed "Chief" by his son-in-law Tony, was born on March 19, 1931, in Madison, GA to Wiley Glenn and Annie Cooper Whitworth. He was a graduate of Leesburg High School in Leesburg, Fl. and was an avid sports enthusiast who enjoyed football, baseball, and bowling. To the delight of family and friends Chief had an uncanny ability to remember names, dates, statistics and events associated with baseball and football from current to years past. He worked for Mulford Florida Plants in Apopka, FL and retired from W.R. Grace Co., Zellwood, FL as a truck driver. A former member of New England Heights Baptist Church, Apopka, FL he was a member of Yatesville Baptist Church, Yatesville, Ga. In addition to his parents, Daddy was preceded in death by his wives, Billie Evans Whitworth in 1957, and Helen Fore Whitworth in 1997; his daughter Sandra Berry Johnson; and son-in-law Guy Grove; brother-in-law Johnny Mesa; and a great-niece Shannon Collins. Suvivors include his wife of 13 years Jean Yawn Whitworth, of Yatesville; his daughters Barbara H. Herrmann of Altamonte Springs, Fl., Lynda W. Ligon and son-in-law Tony of Woodland, GA, Shirley W. Martin and son-in-law Marty, and Bonnie Grove, all of Kissimmee, Fl.; a Brother Wiley R. Whitworth (Ingrid) of Hattiesburg, Ms,; Sisters, Glennette W. Mesa of Orlando, Fl., and Joyce W. Cobb, of Mt Dora, Fl.; Grandsons, Kevin, Michael, Ricky, and Jamie; Granddaughters Debbie, Stephanie, Leigh and Lori; 19 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter. Step-Children; Wanda Beaver (Hoyt) of Thomaston, Ga., Debbie Evans (Kenneth) of Eatonton, Ga., Bill Yawn of Yatesville, Ga., and Richard Yawn (Alicia) of Trenton, NJ; 2 step-grandchildren, Adam and Alisha; and 5 step-great grandchildren. Our daddy was a caring, sweetheart of a man who loved Jesus, his family, friends, sweet tea, fried chicken, cornbread and buttermilk, and until his decline in health working in his yard taking care of his beautiful azaleas and roses. Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one the chain will link again. Flowers will be accepted or those who desire may make memorial contributions to Yatesville Baptist Church, Thomaston Hospice, the American Cancer Society, or a favorite charity. Arrangements have been entrusted to Steverson, Hamlin & Hilbish Funerals and Cremations, 226 E. Burleigh Blvd., Tavares, FL 32778, (352)343-4444. Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall.
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