Mr. Furman L. Whitworth, 74, of Lavonia, Georgia died Thursday, June 28, 2007 in his home after a six year battle with cancer; he passed away peacefully with his family at his bedside.
He was born June 5, 1933, in Lavonia, the son of Paul and Beulah (Stovall) Whitworth. He was a veteran of the United States Army and retired from his civilian job, at Monroe Auto Equipment in Hartwell, after 36 years. His joy came from spending time with his family and friends and golfing. He was an active member of Poplar Springs Baptist Church in Lavonia, where he was an ordained deacon and served many positions.
He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years: Bonnie Sue (Blakely) Whitworth; a daughter: Rhonda Beebe; two sons: Ricky Whitworth & wife Cathy and Rusty Whitworth & wife Debbie; four grandchildren: Davey Beebe, Stephanie Edwards, and Katie & Mary Beth Whitworth; seven great-grandchildren; two brothers; and seven sisters.
Flowers are optional or donations may be sent to Poplar Springs Baptist Church for the Maintenance Fund. Visitation will be held Saturday, June 30 from 2:00 – 4:00 and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Strickland Funeral Home – Lavonia Chapel.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, July 1 at 3:00 p.m. at Poplar Springs Baptist Church with the Rev. Jason DeFoor officiating. Mr. Whitworth will lie in state in the church from 2:00 p.m. until the hour of service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.