JAMES WILLIAM "BUD" YOUMANS

James William "Bud" Youmans, age 94, of Iron City, GA passed away Thursday, December 12, 2019 at Seminole Manor Nursing Home. Funeral services for Mr. Youmans will be held on Monday, Dec. 16, 2019 at 2:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church in Donalsonville, GA with Dr. Raymond Guterman officiating.  Interment will follow in Friendship Cemetery with Jess Hodges, Daniel Hodges, Nathan Youmans, Wesley Youmans, William Youmans, Warren Youmans, Justin Trulock, and Philip Johnson serving as active pallbearers. Members of the American Legion Post 157 of Donalsonville will serve as honorary pallbearers.  Visitation will be held on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 15, 2019 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at the Chapel of Evans-Skipper Funeral Home. Mr. Bud was born in Bollinger, Alabama on October 4, 1925 to Augustus Marion Youmans and Nettie Gibson Youmans.  He was the youngest of 6 children.  His family returned to Seminole County in 1928 where he made his home until his death. Mr. Bud graduated from Seminole County High School in 1943.  He lived with his mother until he joined the United States Marine Corps after the start of World War II.  Mr. Bud was initially assigned as an electrical generator mechanic servicing radar sights along the North Carolina coast.  Toward the end of the war he was detailed to the Marine Detachment aboard a US Navy troop ship returning soldiers to this country.  He made 2 cruises to various ports in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.  His primary duty was to serve as the Captain's Orderly (enlisted assistant).  He returned home in 1946.  He as an active member of the American Legion until his health failed.  Mr. Bud married Lila Spooner on December 26, 1949. They lived and raised their 5 children in her birthplace.  Bud and his uncle, Bartow Gibson, were in the Purina Feed business for many years.  Years later, he worked as road construction superintendent for Gibson Construction Company.  At the same time, he was raising livestock and farming with his wife.  In the 60's, Bud and Lila raised laying hens for eggs which were processed at the farm and then shipped around the country.  After working in the pulpwood business, Bud bought Youmans Machine Shop from his brother Gip.  The shop has been providing valuable welding and machine services to the farmers and other folks in the Tri-State area for 75 years. Mr. Bud was a life long member of the First Presbyterian Church in Donalsonville where his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. W.W. Gibson were founding members.  Mr. Bud was an active member serving as Sunday School Superintendent, deacon, and elder for many years.  He enjoyed cooking meals at the church on many occasions. The saying "to know him is to love him" fit Mr. Bud to a tee. He leaves to cherish his memory, his children, Gus Youmans (Lisa) of Hamilton, GA, Susan Hodges (Harris) of Oxford, GA, Jody Youmans (Teresa) of Thomasville, GA, Bob Youmans (Mary) of Iron City, GA, and Judy Trulock of Donalsonville, GA; his grandchildren, Laura Youmans, Leigh Page, Jess Hodges, Leah Johnson, Daniel Hodges, Nathan Youmans, Maggie Youmans, Wesley Youmans, William Youmans, Warren Youmans, Justin Trulock, and Allison Trulock; as well as his great grandchildren, Lily Hodges, Harper Hodges, Spooner Johnson, Lila Johnson, James Page, Adelyn Page, and Mac White.  Mr. Bud is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Mr. Bud was preceded in death by his parents, Augustus Marion Youmans and Nettie Gibson Youmans; his wife, Lila Mae Spooner Youmans; his brothers, Gus Youmans, Rob Youmans, and Gip Youmans; and his sisters, Pattie Howard and Louise Towner.