Dr. Ronald Watson Faircloth, 76, of Tifton died Monday, July 24, 2017 at his residence.
Dr. Faircloth was born December 28, 1940 in Chipley, Florida to the late Tom Watson and Bertha Bowen Faircloth. At the age of six his family moved to South Georgia. He attended public schools in Pelham, Georgia where he graduated from Pelham High School with honors in 1959. He later attended Norman College in Norman Park, Georgia and graduated with an Associate's Degree in Arts. He furthered his education at Valdosta State University where he completed a Bachelor of Arts in American History with a minor in English in 1963. He received a Master of Arts Degree in American History from Auburn University in 1965. Later he received a Doctorate of Philosophy in American History from the University of Georgia in 1971.
After his academic career, he taught American History, Western Civilization and Political Science at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College for 34 years. During part of his tenure at ABAC, he served as Chairman of the Social Sciences Division. After retiring from ABAC in 1997, he taught part-time from 1998-2005 at Darton College in Albany, Georgia.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Benita Whiddon Faircloth of Tifton and a daughter, Robin Bennye Faircloth of Tifton. Also surviving is his mother-in-law, Hester Whiddon, members of the Buddy Whiddon Family and members of the late Randall H. Whiddon family. He also leaves behind two loving dogs, Roxie and Cookie
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Ronalynn Elana Faircloth.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, July 27, 2017 at Perry Funeral Chapel. Interment will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. the family will greet friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Wednesday, July 26, 2017 at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, Tifton, Georgia.