Tributes

James Russ David, age 94 of Hawkinsville GA, died peacefully at his home on Thursday, May 11. Russ was surrounded by loved ones at the time of his death. He was born in Madrid, AL and spent his formative years in the Dothan, AL area. After graduating high school, he attended the University of Alabama where he became one of the biggest fans the Crimson Tide has ever seen. Even in his declining last few months, the Tide was still a big topic of conversation. Russ spent his entire working career with the Colonial Baking Company. He began as a salesman on Panama City Beach, FL and worked his way up to general sales manager of a large territory served by the Macon, GA Colonial Bakery. In addition to Panama City and Macon, Russ had stops in Thomasville, GA and Cordele, GA. He was passionate about the products his company offered and would debate anyone who would listen that Colonial offered the very best bread products in the world. In addition to his love of Alabama football, Russ was an avid gardener. He grew some of the best vegetables, fruits and flowers in this part of the country and he loved to share his bounty with neighbors, friends and people he did business with. He also loved his beautiful home and worked hard to maintain it as a showplace. Russ was a member of Riverside Baptist Church in Hawkinsville where he faithfully attended when he was able to do so. He loved the people of this church and couldn’t wait to step through the doors on Sunday. This church had an unbelievable impact on Russ and the family is eternally grateful. Russ was married to Janice Sanders David for 30 years until her death in 1982. He leaves behind 3 children from this marriage – son Jerry David of Rock Hill, SC and daughters Vicky Head (Steve) of Seneca, SC and Janet Coley (Phil) of Ashburn, GA. In addition, he had eight grandchildren and 14 greatgrandchildren. Ten years later, Russ married Diana Boire David and they were married for 30 years until her death in 2022. He had 2 stepsons from this union with Diana – Brian Boire (Megan) of Senoia, GA and David Boire (Lisa) of Griffin, GA and 3 grandchildren. Russ is survived by 2 brothers whom he loved dearly – Ed David of Panama City, FL and Bob David (Barbara) of Spring Hill, FL. He was preceded in death by 5 siblings – Ernest David, Clayton David, Lillie Holland, Jewel Clark and Catherine Martin. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 11 AM at Riverside Baptist Church in Hawkinsville. Visitation will be prior to the service at 10:30 AM. Interment will be a private ceremony at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Cordele, GA later that day. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Riverside Baptist Church, c/o Janelle Stokes, 11 Ryan Street, Hawkinsville, GA 31036. Hardy-Towns Funeral Home of Eastman is assisting the family with arrangements.

Tributes

James Russ David

September 19, 1928 - May 11, 2023