James C Bevill

James Bevill better known on earth and heaven as “Ike” entered into eternal rest on Saturday, July 23. A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 25 at 1 pm at Tennille United Methodist Church followed by visitation in the church fellowship hall. Burial will be private. Reverend Danita Knowles will officiate.  Pallbearers will be Nick Ransen, Eric Bevill, John Fee, David Ray, Lester Lord, and Carl Forrester.

Ike was born in the small rural town of Kildare in Effingham County to Ruby and Chris Bevill.  Although he was born and raised during the The Depression, Ike and his siblings never knew anything but a loving family that provided for him.

Ike graduated from Newington High School and immediately went into training to be a telegrapher. After his training he worked for the CNL Railroad as a telegraph operator.  In 1948 Ike moved to Laurens, South Carolina where he went to a dance and met the one true love of his life, Jean.  Although they attended the festivities with other dates, they danced with each other for most of the evening.  There first official date was to a magic show.  Ike picked up Jean in a taxi on that evening as cars were not readily available.

In 1950, Ike was drafted to serve in the Korean War.  Ike was deployed to serve on the front lines along the 38 ^th parallel as part of the 36 ^th Engineers Combat Group. Love letters between Ike and Jean continued over a year.  Following his service, he and Jean were married on May 24, 1952.  Ike and Jean moved to Tennille in 1953 while Ike worked for the Central of Georgia Railroad.  In 1963, Ike went to work for the Sandersville Railroad.  He worked there for 27 years until his retirement in 1990.

Ike and Jean have been members of Tennille Methodist Church since 1954.  Ike served as Sunday School Superintendent, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Chairman of Administrative Board and most often since the 1960’s as Head Usher.

Ike served on the Tennille Housing Authority Board for 35 years.  He also assisted with voter registration.  In addition to church and community contributions, his free time included McDonalds coffee club, sitting on the “talking bench” at WalMart while Jean shopped, fishing, hunting and most importantly above all other pastimes, golf!  Ike had a regular weekly golf group at Twin Cities Country Club and celebrated four Hole-In-Ones during his years playing.

Ike was not one to complain about something that needs attention.  He just took steps to mend the need.   He was not one to serve others to bring attention to himself but simply for the love of the people he served.  Affable, approachable and a jokester, Ike lived his 94 years curious and interested in those he loved.  Ike leaves behind his loving wife of 70+ years, Jean Nabors Bevill, a daughter Becky Bevill (John Fee) of Atlanta, GA and a son Jim (Lisa) of Macon, GA.  He also has three grandchildren, Eric Bevill (Riley) of Atlanta, GA, Martha Bevill Ranson (Nick) of Athens, GA and Elizabeth Bevill of Atlanta, GA.  In addition, Ike has three great grandchildren Landon and Avery Ranson and James Bevill.

The family would like to thank Washington County Regional Hospital staff, Pruitt Hospice and ECF staff for their great care during his last days.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Tennille Methodist Church, P.O. Box 265, Tennille, Ga. 31089

May & Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangement.  Make an online condolences at mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com