William Ellis Josey

Mr. William Ellis Josey, age 90, of Phillips Road, south of Tennille, Georgia, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Friday, November 6, 2026, following a lengthy illness.

A funeral service celebrating his life will be held on Monday, November 8, at 2:00 p.m. at May and Smith Funeral Home in Sandersville, Georgia, with burial to follow in Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., at the funeral home. Reverend Danny Thomas will officiate.

Serving as pallbearers will be Jason Veal, Jeff Veal, Ricky Josey, Preston Reese, Bev Vickers, and Jody Josey.

Mr. Josey was born in Riddleville, Georgia, on February 26, 1936. He attended school in Riddleville and later proudly served his country in the United States Army. Following his military service, he returned home to Washington County, where he began his working career with the Georgia Department of Transportation. He later joined LAP Insulator, where he worked in production until his retirement.

He was married to the love of his life, Annie Ruth Fulford Josey. Together, they built a family and raised three daughters: Linda West and her husband, Dale, of Deepstep; Martha Veal and her husband, Jerry, of Tennille; and Mildred "Mickey" Davis and her husband, Roy, of Davisboro.

Mr. Josey was extremely proud of his grandchildren, Missy Smith; Pam Reese and her husband, Scott; Jeffrey Veal and his wife, Heather; Jason Veal and his wife, Tricia Calhoun; Sandy Vickers; Bev Vickers and his wife, Amy; and Clint Hobby and his wife, Rachel. He also leaves behind twelve great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him tremendous joy.

Mr. Josey was a man who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life and took great pride in his home and surroundings. He loved working in his yard and making sure everything looked just right. His faithful dogs were often his closest companions. A true handyman and a jack of all trades, he enjoyed working with his hands and could often be found building birdhouses or creating other things from wood. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it.

When he wasn't busy working on a project, he could often be found enjoying one of his favorite pastimes: watching cartoons or old westerns. These simple joys, along with his love for family and his willingness to help others, are among the memories his loved ones will treasure.

Mr. Josey attended First Church of the Nazarene.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Georgia Hospice, 1700 Veterans Boulevard, Dublin, Georgia 31021.

Online condolences may be shared by visiting MayandSmithFuneralDirectors.com.

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