Jerome Donaldson

Jerome Hollie Donaldson, 95, of Metter died Sunday, January 26, 2014, at the Candler County Hospital. Born in Metter, he was the son of Erastus and Sallie Riggs Donaldson. A 1936 Metter High School graduate, he took a summer job at a tobacco warehouse in Metter and followed the market onto Greenville, NC. A cousin registered him for college for $5.00 for the first quarter which began his college career. He was fortunate to get many jobs while completing his college at East Carolina Teachers College. His teaching was cut short when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. He was a Navy veteran serving in World War II aboard the USS Savannah during the invasions of North Africa, Sicily, and Italy. In 1945, it was a happy day for the Donldson family because all three Navy sons had safely returned from the war. In 1950, he completed his Master's Degree at the University of Kentucky.

Jerome returned to Metter in 2009 from Cullman, Alabama where he was a retired educator at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. He also had taught at King's College in North Carolina and at St. Bernard College in Cullman. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Cullman.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brothers, Erastus "Racco" Donaldson, Jr., Walter Edward "W.E." Donaldson; a sister, Mary Elizabeth Silcox and a nephew, Mike Donaldson.

Survivors are two sisters-in-law, Madge Donaldson of Metter and Ruth V. Donaldson of Matthews; a brother-in-law, Ray Silcox of Valdosta; nieces and nephews, Jewell Donaldson of Twin City, Benjie Donaldson of Metter, Becky Drawdy of Zebulon, Sallie Donaldson of Matthews, Sandra Parson of Augusta, Ruth A. Donaldson of Virginia and Jerry Phillips of Valdosta; several great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Thursday,11:00 am, at Kennedy Funeral Homes, Hooks Chapel, with Elder Craig Lanier officiating. Burial will be in the Rosemary Cemetery. Military honors will be observed. Pallbearers will be Brian McGowan, Jamey Donaldson, Michael Thigpen, Garrett Thigpen, Rak Donaldson and Billy McNair. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral time.

Remembrances may be made to Rosemary Cemetery, 2946 Lanier Road, Metter, GA 30439. Please sign guest book at www.kennedyfuneralhomechapels.com.

Kennedy Funeral Homes, Hooks Chapel, of Metter is in charge of arrangements.