Harrell Widener

Funeral services for LCDR Harrell Lee Widener, 79, of Bainbridge, GA will be held Saturday, April 3, 2010 at 10:00 AM at First Baptist Church with Rev. Paul Medley officiating. Interment will follow in Oak City Cemetery with Leonard Widener Jr., Joe Widener, Forrest Elkins, Larry Elkins, Jim Pitisci, and Russell Gilliam serving as active pallbearers. Visitation will be held Friday, April 2, 2010 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at Cox-Ware Funeral Home. Mr. Widener was born in Decatur County, GA to the now late Lee Vesta and Mae Dee Harrell Widener June 2, 1930. He was married to Elizabeth Ann Miller Widener July 4, 1970. He was raised in Decatur County and joined the United States Navy in 1947. He served as an aviator with the Hurricane Hunters and retired in 1974 with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Mr. Widener lived in Norfolk, VA, Maine, and Louisiana and moved back home to Bainbridge, GA in 1974. He loved fishing, bird hunting, and tinkering. Mr. Widener was a member of First Baptist Church. He passed away at his residence in Bainbridge, GA Tuesday, March 30, 2010. Mr. Widener is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Liz Widener of Bainbridge, GA; three daughters, Michelle Mae (husband John) Nolke of Columbus, GA, Lisa Widener (husband Royal A. Jr) Hamilton of Bainbridge, GA, and Amanda Widener (husband Michael W.) Parrish of Athens, GA; John Montgomery of Jacksonville, FL; one brother, William V. (wife Beverly) Widener of Climax, GA; two sisters, Mary Ruth Widener Gilliam and Betty Widener Elkins both of Bainbridge, GA; and four grandchildren, Thomas Lee Waters, Royal A. Hamilton III, Alexandra I. Hamilton, Chloe E. Parrish. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Leonard (Bubba) Widener, Sr. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at The MS Life Center 1117 Perimeter Center West, Suite E101 Atlanta, GA 30338.