Alfred Quillian Obituary

Alfred A. Quillian, former attorney and United States Administrative Law Judge, died suddenly at his home in Winder, Georgia on December 26, 2011. He was 85 years old. Judge Quillian graduated from Winder High School. He volunteered and served in the United States Navy during World War II and was in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict serving in the JAG Corps. He graduated from the University Of Georgia School Of Law in 1951 and joined his father's law practice in Winder. Judge Quillian served as Solicitor General (known today as District Attorney) for the Piedmont Judicial Circuit from 1957 to 1964. He served as President of the Georgia Solicitor General's Association. After his service as Solicitor General was completed he returned to the private practice of law with his brother, Kelley J. Quillian, until his brother's appointment to the Georgia Court of Appeals. He continued private practice with his mother, Tabitha S. Quillian, until his appointment as United States Administrative Law Judge in 1973. He retired from that position in 1994. He was a member of the local Masonic Lodge, Kiwanis Club, Gridiron Society and Sigma Chi Fraternity. After his retirement, he rediscovered his love for golf and was beloved by his regular foursome. He was a lifelong fan of University of Georgia football. Judge Alfred Quillian was known for his sense of humor and was a symbol of integrity in both his personal and professional life. He was a member of the Winder First United Methodist Church where he taught Sunday School for many years. During the church's recent anniversary celebration, he was recognized as the church's longest active member. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Elsie Harben Quillian; a daughter, Kimberly Q. Rogers and her husband, Wayne Rogers of Watkinsville; a son, Alfred A. Quillian, Jr., his wife Thea McGlon Quillian of Atlanta; four grandchildren: Ellen Rogers Brown and her husband Don Brown of Seymour, TN; Jennifer Rogers of Smyrna, GA; Drew Quillian and Kathleen Quillian of Atlanta and one great-grandson, Coleman Michael Brown of Seymour, TN; sister Miss Alma Adelia Quillian of Madison, GA. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Building Fund of the Winder First United Methodist Church, Winder, GA. Visitation for friends and family will be at the Smith Funeral Home in Winder, Georgia on Wednesday, December 28 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Funeral Service will be at 11:00 AM Thursday, December 29, 2011, at the First United Methodist Church of Winder with Rev. Larry Rary officiating. Interment will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Winder, GA. Smith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 770-867-4553

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Published by Athens Banner-Herald on Dec. 28, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Alfred Quillian

13 Entries

Barbara Chitwood

January 2, 2012

To Kimberly, I don't know if you remember me, but me and my family lived accross from the High School. I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. I lost my dad in May of this year, so I understand how you must feel. I pray that you and your family will have the inner peace that God has promised to us and know that you will be able to see him again in eternity. May God keep you in his arms of love. Barbara (Patrick) Chitwood

December 30, 2011

I am so sorry for your loss. I remember my father, Willis Sims, loved telling stories of good times with his brothers and cousins.
Gene & Marie Sims Jernigan

Donna Sosebee

December 30, 2011

I worked with Judge Quillian from 1986 until his retirement as a Administrative Law Judge at the Office of Hearings and Appeals for Social Security Administration. He was a wonderful man to have worked with! He and I quickly became friends! I know he was so witty, and shared a lot of laughs! He would even pack his own cases for hearing trips when his clerk(s) didn't and never complain! When I would see he wasn't packed or packing himself I would run him out of his office and pack! He deserved a lot of respect as he respected others as well! I remember he asked me to help him get his retirement package together and it was a pleasure to do so! The day he retired upon his leaving I shed a lot of tears because I would really miss him, his stories, the laughs and especially his awesome advise! He came to visit the office once and I also had the pleasure to see him and share the table with him at the retirement luncheon for ALJ Rothbloom! That was the last time I saw him! I thought of him often and my condolences to his wife and children! He was a truly fine man!

Alma in Taos 2011

Alma Quillian

December 29, 2011

Looking through these photos on the eve of Uncle Al's funeral,I see a life well and fully lived.Uncle Al's ear to ear grin was not just for the cameras,for it is how I have remembered him through the years when I thought of Uncle Al.Like my siblings,I relied on him for the strength to get through Dad's funeral.We think of that time because it was the last time we saw him .That was in 1992.Since then I have called from time to time ,usually around Christmas, and had lovely warm conversations with him and Elsie.
I so wish the miles had not separated this end of the Quillian clan all these years,but have always felt a deep and abiding connection with my Georgia family.I shall miss my Uncle Al,but will always see him in my minds eye with that big ,beautiful and somehow reassuring smile.
With much love and affection,
Alma Jeannette Quillian(Jody Quillian's daughter now residing in Sandia Park,New Mexico)

Jody Quillian

December 29, 2011

I am proud to be a Quillian and to be part of a rich legacy of such fine people -- interesting, intellectual and down-to-earth people who lived life with vigor. Uncle Alfred was kind, humorous and innately positive. He smoked a pipe like his brother Jody. My dad loved him deeply. I'm planning a road trip to Georgia in March. Elsie, I look forward to spending an afternoon with you and basking in your warmth. How lucky Uncle Alfred was to live with you for 62 years. Kim and Al, Jr., I hope I get to see ya'll, even if it be a brief interlude. Much love to all of you. Jody

December 28, 2011

To the Quillian Family:

May you find peace and comfort from God's word, the Bible, recorded at James 4:8; "Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you."

My condolences,
SJB.

Judi Mahorner

December 28, 2011

I first met "big Al" in 1988 when his son, Al, married my childhood friend, Thea. He was very warm, friendly, and funny. Over the years, I would see Al on occasion with Thea and Al, and he was always interested in hearing about my family. His family was important to him, and he was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren, and I know he must have been thrilled to have his first great-grandchild this year. Elsie, Kim and Al, I am so sorry for your sudden loss. John and I will keep you in our prayers at this most difficult time.

December 28, 2011

We are so sorry for your loss, but it is heaven's gain.Don and I will always have some sweet memories the wedding he and Don had a good time sharing laughs,and having fun.So glad he got to meet sweet Coleman, he was a very kind sweet soul, who will be very much missed.Sincerely, Don and Linda Brown

shannon quillian

December 28, 2011

Uncle Al was a vibrant man and loving-sooo loving. I will always remember his support for our family when our Dad died and he flew to Washington state and comforted us -not thinking of himself but us when he was ALSO grieving his brothers death! Love you Uncle Al -Shannon p.s.He was always smiling!

Laura Laymon

December 28, 2011

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Smith Memory Chapel, Inc.

December 28, 2011

Our thoughts are with the family and friends at this time.

Ellen Q. Hanes

December 27, 2011

I'll always remember my uncle Alfred as a man who had a wonderful sense of humor and a gentle and caring heart. Thanks, Uncle Al, for being there when Dad died. I still remember your warm embrace and comforting words. Rest in Peace.

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