William Fleming Hawthorne, Jr.

William Fleming Hawthorne, Jr.

JEFFERSONVILLE - William Fleming Hawthorne, Jr. was born in Wilkinson County, GA on March 6, 1942. He passed away at home while being lovingly comforted by his wife and daughter on March 26, 2023 at the age of 81. The son of William Fleming Hawthorne, Sr. and Ruby Combes Hawthorne, Fleming grew up in Sandersville, GA and graduated from Washington County High School. His classmates named him a senior superlative as “Most Likely to Succeed.” During his lifetime he was truly a success indeed in his home, his church, his work, his extended family, and in the many friendships he made. His kind and gentle manner plus his wide knowledge in so many areas of expertise made him a joy to be around.

Fleming graduated from Mercer University where he was an active fraternity brother of Alpha Tau Omega. He was currently a member of the Mercer Athletic Foundation Board of Directors and the Mercer President’s Club.

His work life included serving as an officer with C & S National Bank in Macon, Gainesville National Bank, and Macon Bank and Trust. Later, he worked as an accountant and as Vice President of AlphaSkills, Inc., an educational consulting company that he and his wife founded.

As a dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Macon Ward, Fleming served, among other roles, as Bishopric Second Counselor, Ward Sunday School President, and Stake Facility Management Auditor.

He is predeceased by his parents and his aunt, who was like a big sister to him, Yvonne Combes Grisham. He is survived by his loving wife, Sarah Eolyne Beck Hawthorne, who shared 58 years of a wonderful married life with him; his devoted daughter, Jennifer Hawthorne Smith, and her husband, Ken, of Milledgeville; his grandchildren, Califf James Smith (Gretchen) of Orem, Utah, William Fleming Smith (Meghan) of Provo, Utah, Griffin Hawthorne Smith of Provo, Utah, and Sarah Eolyne Smith of Logan, Utah; his “more like a brother” than brother-in-law, James Edward Beck, Jr., and numerous other family members and friends. Among those many friends was a most special relationship, from first grade throughout his life, with Governor Nathan Deal.

Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, March 30, 2023 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1624 Williamson Rd, Macon, GA. Burial will follow the service at Jeffersonville City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at Reece Funeral Home, 15548 US-80, Jeffersonville, GA.

The family greatly appreciates the guidance, attention, and care provided by Dr. Keisha Callins, Dr. J. Ned Pruitt, Twiggs County 911 personnel, and Promedica Hospice during our time of need.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a favorite charity.

Reece Funeral Home in Jeffersonville has charge of arrangements.