James C. Bevill, affectionately known as “Ike,” age 94, of Tennille entered into eternal rest on Saturday, July 23, 2022. A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held on Monday, July 25 at 1:00 P.M. in the Tennille United Methodist Church with visitation to follow in the Tennille United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. Burial will be private. Reverend Danita Knowles will officiate. Pallbearers will be Eric Bevill, John Fee, Carl Forrester, Lester Lord, Nick Ransen, and David Ray.
Mr. Bevill was born in the small rural town of Kildare in Effingham County to Chris Bevill and Ruby Bevill. Delivered during the The Great Depression, he and his siblings were raised in a loving home. Ike was a graduate of the Newington High School and trained to be a telegrapher. Following his schooling, Mr. Bevill worked for the CNL Railroad as a Telegraph Operator. In 1948, he relocated to Laurens, South Carolina and met the true love of his life, Jean. Ike was drafted to serve in the Korean War in 1950 and deployed to serve on the front lines along the 38th Parallel in the 36th Engineers Combat Group. After service to his country, Mr. and Mrs. Bevill were married in 1952 and moved to Tennille the following year for work with the Central of Georgia Railroad. In 1963, Ike was employed by the Sandersville Railroad and faithfully worked for 27 years until his retirement in 1990. Mr. Bevill was a member of the Tennille Methodist Church since 1954, holding positions of Sunday School Superintendent, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Chairman of the Administrative Board, and Head Usher. He served on the Tennille Housing Authority Board for 35 years and often assisted his community with voter registration. In addition to church and community contributions, Ike spent time at the McDonald’s Coffee Club, sitting on the “talking bench” at Walmart while Jean shopped, fishing, hunting, and playing his beloved pastime of golf. Mr. Bevill was a regular at the Twin Cities Country Club and accomplished four Holes-In-One during his play. He was described as a man who took steps to mend a need rather than complain and served for his love of people rather than for recognition and glory. Ike was affable, approachable, and a jokester, living a life of curiosity and interest in those that he loved.
Mr. Bevill is survived by his loving wife of over 70 years, Jean Nabors Bevill; daughter Becky Bevill (John Fee) of Atlanta; son, Jim (Lisa) of Macon; grandchildren, Eric Bevill (Riley) of Atlanta, Martha Bevill Ranson (Nick) of Athens, and Elizabeth Bevill of Atlanta; and great-grandchildren, Landon Ranson, Avery Ranson, and James Bevill.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the staffs of the Washington County Regional Hospital, WCRMC Extended Care Facility, and Pruitt Hospice for their delicate and dedicated care for Mr. Bevill.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest that donations be made to Tennille Methodist Church, P.O. Box 265, Tennille, Georgia 31089.
Online condolences may be expressed at mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com.
May & Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.