Dwayne Epps

Mr. Henry Dwayne Epps Sr, 79, of the Bethany Community, Canon, passed away on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at his home.

Born on June 5, 1947, in Athens, GA, he was the son of the late Eugene “Gene” Epps and Ann Huff Brown. Mr. Epps was a Vietnam Veteran where he served as an Army Sergeant E-5. He was in communications with the 25th Division. Scared and afraid, he saved the life of one comrade by picking him up and carrying him to safety. After Vietnam, Dwayne went to work for the Athens Clarke County Fire Department, where he served for 27 years as a lieutenant.

He was a member of the American Legion Post 109 of Hartwell, and a legacy life member of the VFW Post 5897 in Lavonia. He also served as the Georgia State Commander from 2008-2009, where earned the title of All-American Commander.

Dwayne loved woodworking. He would make wooden bowls and sell them at festivals, allowing him to meet new people, which he loved to do.

Mr. Epps is survived by his wife: Beth Epps; son: Henry Dwayne “DJ” Epps Jr; two daughters: Bridget Hawks (Shane) and Brandi Carey; brother: Dwight Epps; two sisters: Denise Seagraves (Ricky) and Deana Shields (George); three brothers-in-law: Joe Cheek (Chris), Ronnie Turner (Jean), and Steve Cheek; six grandchildren: Leigh Ann Epps, Walker Hawks, Brianna Hawks, Brody Hawks, Christian Carey, Faith Carey; and three great-grandchildren: McKensie Lowe, Nora Lowe, and Annalise Colley. Mr. Epps is preceded in death by his parents; one brother: Donny Epps; and a daughter: Natalie Epps.

The family will receive friends Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell. Other times the family will be at the home.

Funeral Services for Mr. Dwayne Epps will be held on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Bethany Baptist Church with Rev. Luther Thomason officiating. Burial will be held in the Bethany Baptist Church Cemetery.

Flowers are optional, and memorials may be made to the Bethany Baptist Church, Operation Christmas Child Postage, P.O. Box 396, Hartwell, GA 30643.

The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is assisting the family with all of the arrangements.