Dwain Fletcher

Carl Dwayne (Dwain) Fletcher peacefully passed away at home on January 27, 2023 surrounded by the love of his family. He was born June 30th, 1938 in Cecil, GA to Carl and Montine (Chambers) Fletcher. He married his best friend and life partner, Billie Jo Fletcher in May 1975, creating a loving blended family. They were married for 47 years.

His humble beginnings were defined by a hard work ethic which taught him the mechanics of plumbing, electrical, masonry and other skills ranging from digging ditches, painting bicycles, and shining shoes. He was no stranger to tobacco and cotton fields or pecan orchards. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the USAF where he received training in cryptography, electronics, camera repair and photography.

Following his stint in the USAF’s 1347th Aerial Mapping Squadron in Okinawa, Japan, he returned to Moody AFB in 1960 where he contracted to operate the Photo lab for over 15 years. During this time, he also formed businesses in Adel and Valdosta as a photographer. He successfully campaigned for the Justice of the Peace in Adel in the early 70’s with a slogan referring to himself as “The Working Man’s Friend”. For 30 years he and BJ were very successful in the field of Audio Visual service contracts for the US Government. He obtained his pilot’s license and owned a Cessna Airplane which enabled them to fly around the country as they tirelessly managed their contracts.

As purposed as he was in business, he esteemed the love of his family greater. He taught their children a solid work ethic while also fostering a frugal, conservative lifestyle. A determined, self-taught man with a dry sense of humor, he found creative ways to provide for his family. Being an avid outdoorsman, he involved all of his children in learning to hunt, fish, garden and develop animal husbandry. Self-sufficiency was taught daily. He highly valued meaningful family events and cared deeply and equally for each member of their combined family. Along with enjoying duck hunting, and deer hunting, he loved fishing and happily spent many weekends on the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. This led him to own and operate an RV Park in Steinhatchee, FL where he met many friends who are dear to him today.

Mr. Fletcher mourned the loss of family members, dear friends and beloved pets. He valued his childhood friendships with Roger Croft, Robert Lee Bennett, and Tommy Gibbs as well as other friendships he had as an adult with CJ Powell, Wyman Folds, Sonny Corbitt, Leroy Montgomery, Jim DeVane, Jehu Bryant, Earl Tucker, John Long and Frank Creasy. He immensely missed Donnie Smith whom he loved like the younger brother he never had. Cherished family pets that he was particularly fond of were his horse Poncho and his dog Sarge.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl Rentz Fletcher, Mildred Montine (Chambers) Fletcher Blount and his step-father, Isaac Clifford Blount. Going before him also were his sister Farinda (Fletcher) Jones, her husband Clary and his sister Janice (Fletcher) Purdom, a brother in law, Greg Mullinix and his beloved grandson, William Colin Erow whom he mentioned he wanted the first hug from in Heaven.

Dwain is survived by his cherished wife of 47 years, Billie Jo (Metz) Fletcher, Children Tammy (Bill) Erow of Lakeland, FL; Mike (Lisa) Fletcher of Hahira, GA; Mark (Tracy) Fletcher of Cumming, GA, Tim (Lesley) Fletcher of Merritt Island, FL; Scott Dodds of Atlanta, GA; Lisa (Michael) Herndon of Tampa, FL and Bill (Patty) Sullivan of Federal Way, WA. He leaves 11 grandchildren: Justin (Sarah), Jesse, and Joshua Fletcher, Tony, John (Emily) and Peter (Kaity) Erow, Anna Leigh, Julia and Sarah Herndon, Carson Fletcher and Levi Fletcher.

He also leaves behind 10 great grandchildren: Brantlee, Bowen, Lydia, Eliza, Brek, Amelia, Lyla, Liam, Lacey and Adaline. He is also survived by his sisters in law Brenda Heidel, and Janine Mullinix and a brother in law, Mike Purdom.

Pall bearers are: Mike Fletcher, Mark Fletcher, Tim Fletcher, Scott Dodds, Bill Sullivan, Michael Herndon, Bill Erow and Jim Lever. Donnie Smith is an honorary pallbearer.

Mr. Fletcher had many friends and people who honored his life with their love and friendship. He cherished those relationships throughout the 84 years of his life. We accredit his cardiologist, William Ellis, Joy Gainous ANP, and the fine staff at Cardiology Associates of South Georgia with his longevity following his heart failure diagnosis. The family would also like to thank South Georgia Medical Center and Hospice of South Georgia for their support and care of Mr. Fletcher in his final days. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to the Cleveland Clinic, or the American Heart Association on Mr. Fletcher’s behalf.

A funeral service for Mr. Fletcher will be held at 11am on Saturday, February 4, 2023 in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home with Pastor Steve Shierling officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Adel, Georgia. The family will receive friends on Friday from 5-7pm at the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com Carson McLane Funeral Home