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Richard aCREE Obituary

Richard Acree Toccoa, Georgia


Mr. Walter Richard Acree, age 86 of 1223 Rosedale Street, Toccoa, Georgia passed away Sunday, June 2, 2013 at his residence.

A son of the late Robert Walter and Sadie Isbell Acree, he was born April 18, 1927 in Stephens County, Georgia where he lived all his life. He graduated from Toccoa High School, attended Clemson University, and then transferred to the University of Georgia, graduating in 1950 with a B.B.A. degree. Richard began his career with Acree Oil Company in 1950, upon his graduation from UGA. Acree-Oil Company was started in 1927 by his father, Robert W. Acree. Richard served as President of Acree Oil Company with offices in Athens, Elberton, Toccoa and Seneca, South Carolina. He also owns the convenience store chain, Hasty Mart of Georgia and Hasty Mart of South Carolina. He founded Northeast Waste Control, Inc. in the early 1970's. He later sold the company to Waste Management, Inc., with the proceeds being donated to the University of Georgia.

He has served on the Board of Directors and as President of the Toccoa-Stephens Co. Chamber of Commerce. He served on the State of Georgia's Board of Industry and Trade under Governors Maddox and Carter. Gov. Zell Miller appointed him a member of the Jekyll Island Authority, where he served for a number of years. He served in the Georgia Army National Guard 26 years, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. During his years as commanding officer of the Toccoa unit, they received many honors for outstanding performance. Richard and Emily were among the first recipients of the prestigious University of Georgia's Pinnacle Award for generous and continuous donations to the University's Terry College of Business. The Acree Family Foundation has endowed a chair at Terry College for a professorship in entrepreneurism. Richard served on the University's Foundation Board of Directors, retiring with emeritus status. He has served as President of the Georgia Oilmen's Association and was still an active member. He has a long history of supporting schools and colleges in NE Georgia as well as numerous civic organizations. In March 2008, Acree Oil Company was recognized as a finalist in the 2008 Georgia Family Business of the Year. This was sponsored by Cox Family Enterprise, Georgia Trend and Kennesaw State University. In March, 2009, Acree Oil Company was awarded the 2009 Georgia Family Business of the Year. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, a member of the Masonic Lodge 309, Shriner and a member of the American Legion Post 104. Mr. Acree leaves a legacy of past service to his community, and will be greatly missed by his many friends and business associates. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister Mary Bob Acree Hobgood.

Survivors include his wife of the home Emily Wynne Edwards Acree; a daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca Wynne Acree Lott and Charles R. Lott of St. Simons Island, Georgia; grandson, Judson Richard Lott, who is currently employed by Acree Oil Company; nephew Bobby Hobgood and his wife Kathy of Toccoa; and Ms. Helen Hayes Gilbert, long time friend, employee and caregiver.




Funeral service will be Wednesday, June 5, 11 O'clock A.M at the First United Methodist Church with the Reverend Jerrell Beatty officiating. The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers, Joe Sewell, Jack Sales, Roger Sheppard, Richard Greenway, Phillip Caputi, Tom Hopewell, Daniel Hayes, and Joe Casali and should meet at the funeral home by 10:15 AM. The employees of Acree Oil Company and Hasty Mart will serve as honorary escort and should meet at the McNeely Fellowship Hall of the First Methodist Church by 10:30.

The family will be at the home of Judson Lott, 67 Greenhill Place and will receive friends at Acree-Davis Funeral Home on Tuesday from 5 P.M. to 8 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Toccoa-Stephens County Humane Shelter, P. O.
Box 2182, Toccoa, Georgia 30577 in memory of Mr. Walter Richard Acree.

Interment will follow in the Toccoa City Cemetery with Acree-Davis Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Walter Richard Acree. Online condolences can be made by visiting the website at www.acree-davisfh.com

Published by Athens Banner-Herald on Jun. 4, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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5 Entries

We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Bob and Jerry Cleveland

June 5, 2013

Susan and I were first cousins of Richard. His mother and our mother were sisters. It has been a number of years since we last saw and talked to Richard, but we knew he had been in ill health for some time. We offer condolences to his immediate family and know he will be missed by them. but we rejoice that he is now in a better place, free from pain and earthly cares. Christine Peredney ad Susan Beck

June 4, 2013

Charles, just wanted you and your wife to know how sorry I am for your family's loss.

Shirlee Grizzle

Shirlee Kinsey-Evans

June 4, 2013

In loving memory of a wonderful man. It was a privilege to have known and work with him. May God comfort you and your Family through your grief.

James Carter, Seneca SC

June 4, 2013

Richard Acree was one of the key business leaders in our hometown of Toccoa, and his influence in Toccoa history will never be forgotten. As our double cousin through the Acrees, Martins, Keslers and Whitfields, he was very close to my grandmother Retha Acree Martin and father Wallace Martin, who looked very much like him. His daughter Rebecca continues to carry on his tradition and honor the Acree name. The traditions of Richard Acree as a Christian and a gentleman will never be forgotten, and his actions and life give honor to our family.

Andrew Ayers Martin

June 4, 2013

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Funeral services provided by:

Acree-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory

90 S. Pond Street, Toccoa, GA 30577

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