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John McDilda Obituary

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 .

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Published by Savannah Morning News on Apr. 6, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
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Skip & Carol Chesser

April 7, 2010

We are so sorry to hear of John's passing. Our sympathy goes to Laverne and family.

Stephanie Hattaway

April 7, 2010

Dear Marie and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
With love,
Stephanie & Woody Hattaway
Taylor & Tanner

Joe Dasher

April 6, 2010

Lavern and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a good man. Claxton lost a devoted citizen. He left alot of memories for you to cherish forever. I will keep you in my prayers.

Becky Salter

April 6, 2010

Mrs Lavern and family, I was saddened to hear of Mr. Johns passing. I couldnt believe it when I read it. I have often thought of him and your family. I always enjoyed my visits with him and hearing all his snake stories even though it scared me to death. I will be thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers in days to come. Cherish your memories and hold them close as I know you all have many. Keep in touch.

marian hickman

April 6, 2010

Marie:
My love,thoughts and prayers are with you.

April 6, 2010

Laverne and family,
You and your family will be in our hearts and prayers. I know you all will have lots of great memories of John.
Paul & Cindy Fullmore

Jay & Angela Clark

April 6, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during your time of sorrow.

Marie Iler White

April 6, 2010

To the family of John:
Many happy memories with John in 1960, we were good friends and he worked at a grocery store with my mom. He was a good man. May you find peace and comfort in the days ahead.

Karen (Beasley) Stargel

April 6, 2010

Thinking about you during this difficult time. May you be comforted in your memories.

April 6, 2010

Shane and family,
I am so sorry hear about ur dad. U will be in my prayers.

Amber Lynn

Floyd and Betty Livingston

April 6, 2010

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Charles & Mary Alice Strickland

April 6, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

April 6, 2010

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. John fought a long and hard battle,but now he can rest without the pain.
Carolyn Durrence

Johnny & Becky Wilder

April 6, 2010

The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.

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