RAY DONALD WIDNER

Ray Donald Widner, age 86, of Blakely, GA, passed away Monday morning, August 26, 2024, at his residence.

 Funeral services for Mr. Widner will be held on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the Chapel of Evans-Skipper Funeral Home with Rev. Ricky Whitley and Rev. Marty Brock officiating. Interment will follow in Friendship Memorial Gardens with Lee McLendon, Chase Widner, Ron Arnold, Bruce Bullock, Terry Williams, and Jerry Miller serving as active pallbearers. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at 10:00 AM at the funeral home.

 Mr. Widner was born in Miller County, GA on January 26, 1938, to James Ivey Widner and Elmer Lee Moring Widner. He was a graduate of Miller County High School class of 1957 and a member of Jakin Baptist Church. Mr. Widner retired from Georgia Pacific, where he worked as a Powerhouse Operator. He enjoyed playing golf and fishing, but spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, was the thing he loved most.

 He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 65 years, Jackie Widner of Blakely, GA; his daughter, Sheila McLendon and her husband Irving of Iron City, GA; and his grandchildren, Hope McLendon of Lawrenceville, GA, Lee McLendon of Iron City, GA, Kelli McLendon of Iron City, GA, and Chase Widner and his wife Leah of Colquitt, GA. Also surviving are his siblings, Larry Widner and wife Sherry of Colquitt, GA, Fay Skipper of Donalsonville, GA, and Claude Widner of Mariana, FL; as well as numerous nephews and nieces.

 Mr. Widner was preceded in death by his parents, James Ivey and Elmer Lee Moring Widner; his son, Raymond Widner; and four brothers, Junior Widner, Vernon Widner, Coy Widner, and Willard Widner.