Cohen Archer

Mr. Cohen Archer, age 81, of Sandersville, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family Wednesday, March 8, 2023.  A funeral service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, March 11 ^th at 2:00 p.m. at Smyrna Baptist Church in Deepstep with burial in the Church Cemetery.  Reverend Jimmy Harris will officiate.  Serving as pallbearers will be Luke Denton, Thomas Denton, Zach Denton, Ross Sheppard, Aaron Archer, Jamie Avant, Ben Avant and Hudson Avant.  Honorary pallbearers will be Harlan Archer, Lee Avant, Mel Daniel, Earl Brantley, Al Denton, Lynn Archer, Joel Jones, Dana Valentine, Mark Archer, Mitch Archer and Darryl Valentine. The family will greet friends in the social hall of the church from 1:00 p.m. until the hour of service.

Gainer Cohen Archer was born on July 2, 1941 and reared in Washington County, son of the late Baxter Hines Archer and Willie Fair Archer. He was a member of the Sandersville High School class of 1960 and is remembered in Washington County and surrounding counties as one of the best football players in the area. Cohen lived much of his life in rural Washington County and has lived the last 39 years as a resident of Sandersville. He was an active member of Smyrna Baptist Church, where he served his church in numerous leadership roles and where he found joy in sharing his talent of singing. Cohen retired after a long career in the kaolin industry in 2004. Afterwards, he cherished time spent with family, especially his grandchildren.  He loved raising various livestock, however his true passion was reading his Bible and witnessing to others about the Lord Jesus Christ.

Cohen is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 47 years, Susan Stone Archer; children, Kathy Archer Sheppard (Russell), Mary Susan Archer Denton (Charles) and Josh Archer (Elizabeth); grandchildren, Emily Ivey Lingold (Blanton), Anna Sheppard, Ross Sheppard, Michelle Ivey Branan (David), Luke Denton, Thomas Denton, and Zach Denton; and great-grandchild, Caroline Deal. Mr. Archer was pre-deceased by his daughter, Karen Archer Ivey. Cohen was the youngest of nine siblings. These include two surviving sisters, Sally Archer Brantley of Wrightsville and Patsy Archer Tilson of Hinesville. The pre-deceased siblings include Grover Archer, Rubye Archer Brantley, Wilbur Archer, Dewey Archer, Virginia Archer Jones, and Herman Archer.

Donations may be made to Smyrna Baptist Church, c/o Al Denton 1312 Veal Road Sandersville, Ga. 31082 or Brentwood School, P.O. Box 955 Sandersville, Ga. 31082.

May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements. Please leave a condolence at www.mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com