Mr. Gainer Cohen Archer, age 81, of Sandersville peacefully passed away at his home surrounded by family on Wednesday, March 8, 2023. A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, March 11th at 2:00 P.M. at the Smyrna Baptist Church in Deepstep with burial in the Church Cemetery. Reverend Jimmy Harris will officiate. Pallbearers will be Aaron Archer, Jamie Avant, Ben Avant, Hudson Avant, Luke Denton, Thomas Denton, Zack Denton, and Ross Sheppard. Honorary Pallbearers will be Harlan Archer, Lynn Archer, Mark Archer, Mitch Archer, Lee Avant, Earl Brantley, Mel Daniel, Al Denton, Joel Jones, Dana Valentine, and Darryl Valentine. The family will greet friends on Saturday in the Smyrna Baptist Church Social Hall from 1:00 P.M. until the hour of service.
Mr. Archer was born on July 2, 1941, in Washington County, the son of the late Baxter Hines Archer and the late Willie Fair Archer. He was a 1960 graduate of the Sandersville High School and is fondly remembered as one of the greatest football players in the history of area. Cohen lived the first 42 years of his life in the rural areas of Washington County before residing in Sandersville during the past 39 years. Mr. Archer was an active member of the Smyrna Baptist Church, serving in numerous leadership roles and sharing his singing talents. He retired from the kaolin industry in 2004 following an elongated career. Cohen cherished his time spent with family, especially his grandchildren. Mr. Archer enjoyed raising various livestock. He found his true passion and identity when reading the Bible and witnessing Jesus Christ to others. Cohen was preceded in death by his daughter, Karen Archer Ivey; and siblings, Grover Archer, Rubye Archer Brantley, Wilbur Archer, Dewey Archer, Virginia Archer Jones, and Herman Archer.
Mr. Archer is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 47 years, Susan Stone Archer; children, Kathy Archer Sheppard and husband Russell, Mary Susan Archer Denton and husband Charles, and Josh Archer and wife Elizabeth; grandchildren, Emily Ivey Lingold and husband Blanton, Anna Sheppard, Ross Sheppard, Michelle Ivey Branan and husband David, Luke Denton, Thomas Denton, and Zach Denton; great-grandchild, Caroline Deal; and siblings, Sally Archer Brantley and Patsy Archer Tilson.
Donations may be made to the Smyrna Baptist Church, c/o Al Denton, 1312 Veal Road
Sandersville, Georgia 31082 or to Brentwood School, P.O. Box 955 Sandersville, Georgia 31082.
Online condolences may be expressed at mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com.
May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.