James "Benny" Avant, Sr

Mr. James Benion “Benny” Avant Sr., age 60, of Walden Road in Sandersville, died Monday, August 10, 2015. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 12th at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Sandersville with burial in the Washington County Memorial Gardens. Reverends, Lee Lacey, Dan McPherson, and Bruce Hardy will officiate.

Pallbearers will be Mike Rice, Roan Miller, Bobby Jackson, Cohen Archer, Chad Jones, Ronnie Dorman, Bob Griggers and Juan Diaz. Honorary pallbearer will be First Baptist Church Deacons.

Benny was a native and lifelong resident of Sandersville. He was the former owner and operator of both Avant Salvage and Diesel Depot. Benny was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Sandersville where he currently served as a children’s Sunday School Teacher, Deacon and dedicated church missions volunteer. His love of missions was reflected in his life by the numerous things he did to serve others far and near. He was a member of the Tennille Rotary Club.

Survivors include: his wife Sheila May Avant; children, Jessica Avant and James B. Avant Jr.; his parents, Lee Hudson Avant Sr. and Joanne Wicker Avant all of Sandersville; siblings, Terri Avant Barker and her husband John and Lee Hudson Avant Jr. and his wife Kelli all of Sandersville, Toni Avant Durkin and her husband Ralph of Johns Creek, Jo Lynn Still and her husband Andy of Sandersville, and Grace Avant Meyers and her husband Tom of Johns Creek.

The family will be at the residence of Hut and Joanne Avant on Laurel Drive and they will receive friends on Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the May and Smith Funeral Home in Sandersville.

Donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Sandersville's Memorial Fund, Pre-School or Missions Fund at 316 Mathis Circle, Sandersville, GA. 31082 or to the Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child @ samaritianspurse.org

May and Smith Funeral Directors in Sandersville is in charge of the arrangements.