Jack D. Whelchel, 79, of Rochelle, Georgia, died Saturday, May 23, 2009, at his residence.
Graveside services will be held 11 A.M., Monday, May 25, at the Evergreen Cemetery with Dr. Michael Ruffin officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 9 A.M. until the graveside service begins.
Mr. Whelchel was born February 11, 1930 in Wilcox County, Georgia to the late Benjamin T. and Susie Dodson Whelchel. He was a farmer and had lived most of his life in Wilcox County. Mr. Whelchel was a 55-year Mason and a Past Master of Pine Level Lodge #353 F.&A.M. He was a York Rite Mason, and 32 degree Scottish Rite Mason and a very active member of the Hasan Shrine. His many accomplishments within the Shrine fraternity include serving as Colonel of the parade units, president of the Ben Hill Shrine Club, Raban of the Ben Hillbillies, and being named a Hasan Shrine Ambassador Emeritus. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Fitzgerald.
Mr. Whelchel is survived by his wife of 48 years: Louise Batts Whelchel of Rochelle; daughters and a son-in-law: Susan Bryant of Fitzgerald and Jackie & Jerry Mull of Rome; grandchildren: Bonnie Bryant and Bailee Bryant, both of Fitzgerald, and Katie Mull and Mason Mull, both of Rome; and two sisters: Edna Cannon of Abbeville and Dot Barineau of Lawrenceville. In addition to his parents, Mr. Whelchel was preceded in death by two brothers: Kealous Whelchel and Billie Whelchel; two sisters: Sara Patrenous and Nadauna Morgan; and a son-in-law: Brad Bryant.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests those desiring to send a memorial may send them to the First Baptist Church of Fitzgerald – Restoration & Renewal Fund, P.O. Box 367, Fitzgerald, GA 31750 or to Shriners’ Hospitals for Children, c/o Hasan Shrine, 1822 Palmyra Road, Albany, GA 31701.