Jalvis Motes

Jalvis Turner Motes, 82, born and a lifelong resident of Candler County, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, after battling a long illness.

A mighty man of God and faithful servant to the Lord, Jalvis laid aside every encumbrance and ran the race set before him, surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. He walked the walk every single day—never just talking the talk. He was a man of unshakable character—the kind that is now so rare. Resilient in every trial, loyal to the core, and true in all things, he was a devoted husband, steadfast father, cherished friend, and a quiet yet mighty pillar of his church and community. He fought the good fight with grace and strength, and he taught his entire family the beauty and importance of faithful perseverance. He loved the outdoors, especially sharing it with his children and later his grandchildren. He loved nothing more than his family, and he could not rest until he knew it was filled with peace and love. The legacy he leaves behind is one of deep, abiding love that will continue to guide and bless all who knew him.

A lifelong member of Upper Lotts Creek Primitive Baptist Church, he served faithfully as deacon and treasurer and was a founder and steadfast supporter of the Upper Lotts Creek Church Foundation. In his later years he also attended Excelsior Baptist Church. He remained a beloved member of the very special Excelsior Community—a people he loved dearly.

For nearly 50 years he served as Business Manager and later CFO of Jimmy Franklin Chevrolet, where coworkers became family and countless people experienced his quiet kindness and integrity. An avid Georgia Bulldogs fan, Braves fan, and he was also a longtime supporter of the Metter High School Booster Club, always cheering for the next generation.

Jalvis was the devoted husband of Gail Purdom Motes for fifty-seven beautiful years. He was the loving father of April Motes Kemp (Al) and Jamey Motes (Sherrer) and the proud grandfather of Christian, Kinsley, Kiley, MaKenzie Grace, and Nash Turner.

He is also survived by his brothers, Raymon Motes (Ann) and Durward Motes (Jean); his sister, Marilyn Glisson; his loving sister-in-law, Marie; his sister-in-law Glynda Garner, his brother-in-law, Jonathan Smith, and sister-in-law, Paulette Smith; goddaughter Polly Smith Braddy (Jimmy) and godson Will Smith; a host of nieces, nephews, and cherished friends who were blessed by his steady resolve; and his devoted nurse, Calley Mack.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ceburn Turner (C.T.) and Rubey Adams Turner, and his youngest brother, Sherrill Wendell Motes.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons and nephews: Christian Mercer, Nash Turner Motes, Will Smith, Jeffery Motes, Stephen Motes, Wendell Motes, Terry Lyles, Robbie Dollar, Wade Bowers, Cason Cheney, Britt Bird, and Grant Davis.

An 11:30 AM lunch for family and friends will be held Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Excelsior Baptist Church. Visitation will be at the Excelsior Cemetery from 1:00-2:00pm with a graveside service following promptly at 2:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Upper Lotts Creek Church Foundation, P.O. Box 1444, Statesboro, GA 30459, which he would have loved to see continue receiving support.