John Barry Lavendar

Evans Funeral Home announces the death of Mr. John Barry Lavender, age 72, of Jefferson, who passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2015. Mr. Lavender was born in Athens and was the son of Marvin and Neta Lavender. He had a special love for his Lord and at the age of 10 he gave his life to him and was baptized. He was a member of the Galilee Christian Church where he served as Deacon and Elder among other roles. He was employed by TransWorld Airlines in New York City for a period of time. He then went on to serve his country in the United States Army from 1965 to 1968 and was stationed in Kaiserslautern, Germany. In 1979, Mr. Lavender became owner of Lavender Insurance Agency in Jefferson where he worked for over 25 years. He was also employed at the University of Georgia in the Housing Department for 10 years and at the UGA Athletic Association for 25 years as assistant manager of student gates. He was a member of the Jefferson Rotary Club for 25 years and was a Paul Harris and Will Watt Fellow. He served on various committees for the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, participated in the Keep Jackson County Beautiful program, and received the Meritorious Achievement Award from Georgia Electric Membership Corporation for aiding in saving a life. Mr. Lavender was preceded in death by his parents, John Marvin and Neta Lavender, and grandson, Hunter Drake Lavender.

Mr. Lavender is survived by his wife of 50 years, Fernanda “Dee” Wademan Lavender, one son and daughter-in-law, John Bronson and Stephanie Brannon Lavender of Gainesville, brother and sister-in-law, George Conrad and Hilda Tate Lavender of Jefferson, sister and brother-in-law, Bonnie Beth and Bill Reichert of Glen Allen, VA., grandsons, John Dalton Lavender and Shane Dylan Lavender of Gainesville and several nieces , nephews and cousins.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2015 at 11:00am in the Galilee Christian Church with Minister Nick Vipperman and Minister Tom Plank officiating. A private family burial will follow in the Galilee Christian Church Cemetery. The visitation will be held on Tuesday evening from 6:00-8:00pm at Evans Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the Galilee Christian Church Building or Cemetery Fund, 2191 Galilee Church Road, Jefferson, GA 30549.

Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson. 706-367-5467.

Online Condolences at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com