SFC John W. Posey, US Army Retired, 73, of 1015 Tranquility Lane, Hartwell, died Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at his home.

Born on June 27, 1938, in Anderson, South Carolina, he was the son of the late John Lane Posey and Onie Jane Brown Posey.He was a retired US Army veteran who was awarded many ribbons and medals including: the US Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, a Bronze Star with OLC, and a Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm.He was also a member of the Bethany Baptist Church where he was in the Roy Crocker Sunday School Class and was a deacon.Mr. Posey was also a former Chief Deputy Sheriff for the Hart County Sheriff's Department and the former Chief of Police of Hartwell.

Survivors include two sons: Bobby Posey and his wife, Mandy, of Hartwell, and Harold Posey of Hartwell; three daughters: Pam Peacock and her husband, Ray, Caroline Fleming, and Heather Hunnicutt all of Hartwell; ten grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.Mr. Posey was preceded in death by his parents; his wife: Barbara Louise Partain Posey; six brothers: Julian Posey, Herbert Posey, Charles Posey, Harold Posey, Carl Posey, and Billy Posey; and one sister: Opal Lloyd.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 8, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. in the Bethany Baptist Church with Rev. Luther Thomason officiating.Burial will follow in the Nancy Hart Memorial Park with full military honors.

The body is at the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell where the family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday night.The family is at the home.Floral arrangements are optional and memorials may be made to the Bethany Baptist Church, 2085 Bethany-Bowersville Road, Canon, GA 30520.

The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is in charge of all arrangements.On-line condolences can be sent to the family at www.stricklandfh.com.