Mr. Howard Preston Chitwood, 83, of Somerset Court, Hartwell, passed away Monday, June 26, 2017 at Hartwell Health & Rehab.

Born on April 10, 1934 in Lavonia GA, he was the son of the late Rev. Gettis M. "G.M." Chitwood and Effie Durham Chitwood.Mr. Chitwood was a retired Poultry Farmer and Stockman for Wal-Mart of Hartwell.He was also a member of the Franklin Springs Pentecostal Holiness Church.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years: Gerldean Cheek "Dean" Chitwood; two sons: Tim (Lydia) Chitwood of Comer GA and Brent (Becky) Chitwood of Hiwassee VA; a brother: Aaron (Sandra) Chitwood of Toccoa; four grandchildren and nine great grandchildren also survive.

Funeral services will be Thursday, June 29, 2017, at 2:00 pm in the Chapel of the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell with Rev. Harrison Lampley and Dr. Hugh Kirby officiating.Burial will be in the Jones Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery.

The body is at the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell, where the family will receive friends from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. Thursday prior to the service.The family is at the home.Flowers optional, memorials may be made to the Franklin Springs Pentecostal Holiness Church, 260 Spring St, Royston GA 30662.

The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is in charge of all arrangements.