John Harmon Thrift

Harmon Thrift, 98, of the Evergreen Community died Friday, October 30, 2015, at Ogeechee Area Hospice in Statesboro. The son of John Berrian and Ollie Jean Callaway Thrift, he was a lifelong resident of Candler County, still living in the same house he was born in. He attended Brewton Parker College on a football scholarship. He later was asked to be the Metter High School football coach after their coach was drafted. Mr. Harmon was a farmer, who at almost 99 years of age, was still on his tractor this past farming season. In earlier years, he also worked for Hensley Tobacco Warehouse for 24 years.

In 1957, he was named Soil and Water Conservationist of the year. He served on the Ogeechee Soil and Water Conservation Board of Supervisors from 1982 until 2002. He was the oldest member of the Evergreen Baptist Church.

Preceding him in death was his wife, Bernice Dickey Thrift; his parents, six sisters and four brothers.

Survivors are two sons and daughters-in-law, Dale and Connie Thrift of Hartwell, Glyn and Becky Thrift of Metter; three grandsons, Robby, John and Kyle Thrift; and a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bill and Reba Dickey of the Hillview Community.

Funeral services will be held Monday, 11:00 am, at Evergreen Baptist Church with Elder Mike Newman and Dr. John Gerdes officiating. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, 5:00-7:00 pm, at Kennedy Funeral Homes, Hooks Chapel. Pallbearers will be Robert West, Roger Beville, Wendell Hackle, John Wilda Thrift, Greene Thrift, Wayne Crider and Randy Hackle. Remembrances may be made to the Ogeechee Area Hospice, POB 531, Statesboro, GA 30459 or Evergreen Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Robert West, 6611 Hwy 129 S, Cobbtown, GA 30420.

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