John Author McDilda

John Author McDilda - CLAXTON - John Author McDilda, 69, passed away peacefully Sunday, April 4, 2010, at home with his family and friends, after a long battle against cancer. He was a native of Bryan County and resided in Evans County, where he and his wife, Lavern, owned and operated Quality Tire together for 41 years. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and Army Reserve for 7 years. He was a man of many talents. Special Army awards were Radar Intelligence Specialist and Highest Ranked Position in Marksmanship. He was a devoted business and family man. Quality Tire is one of the oldest operating businesses in Claxton. He was an inventor and creator of the first patented Tire Transformation System and one of Evans County's longest living rattlesnake hunters, supporting the Evans County Rattlesnake Round-up since its first annual event. His passion was hunting and fishing and raising his children with the same passion. He loved the outdoors. He is preceded in death by a brother, Richard McDilda and three sisters, Mary Hopkins, Effie McKenzie and Maggie Fulton. His parents were the late Lee and Lera McDilda of Groveland, GA. Survivors: his wife of 41 years, Lavern McDilda of Claxton; two daughters and sons-in-law, Marie and Dwayne Blizzard of Claxton, and Jennie and Billy Brand of Claxton; one son and daughter-in-law, Shane "Buck" and Sabrena McDilda of Claxton; two devoted nieces and nephews, Kelly and Nancy Hopkins of Claxton and Mary Ann and Curtis Rentz of Rincon; one brother, Thomas McDilda of Claxton; one sister, Jo Ann Hunter of Claxton; seven grandchildren, all of Claxton; a dear friend, Dean Epperson of Hendersonville, NC; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation: Tuesday, April 6, 6:00 p.m. until, at J. Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home. Funeral: Wednesday, April 7, 11:00 a.m., at J. Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home Chapel. Remembrances: Evans County C.A.R.E.S., P. O. Box 186, Claxton, Ga., 30417. J. Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home "Our Family Serving Your Family" "Since 1917" 912-739-3338 Savannah Morning News April 6, 2010 Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at savannnahnow.com/obituaries .