G. M. Zeigler, Jr.

G.M. Zeigler, Jr.

Gaston Murchason �Junior� Zeigler, 81, of Stockton, died at his residence on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 following a brief illness. Mr. Zeigler, a lifelong resident of Stockton, was born in Haylow, in Echols County to the late Gaston M. Sr. & Lucina Spivey Zeigler. At age 7 Mr. Zeigler helped a neighbor by collecting a swarm of bees from her rose bush. He took the bees home in a coffee can and assembled his first beehive. This began his career in the honey business. He attended school in Lanier County and graduated at age 15. Mr. Zeigler then attended Lee College in Cleveland, TN. During college he met the love of his life the former Elizabeth Franklin, from Birmingham, AL. They were united in marriage on June 19, 1949. He then brought her home to Stockton and owned and operated Zeigler�s Honey Company for the rest of his life. Mr. Zeigler worked throughout his life as an entrepreneur. He also served for 14 years on the Lanier County School board, primarily as chairman, he served as president of the Georgia Beekeepers Association, developed many real estate projects and owned many other companies. Mr. Zeigler accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age and joined the Homerville Church of God, today known as New Vision Church of God, where he attended throughout his life. He supported his church in many ways and many other charitable organizations. He served on the Council to Governor Lester Maddox, and he was a peacemaker who was always fair in his dealings with others. He enjoyed feeding his catfish from his golf cart.

Survivors include his daughter Janet Elizabeth Zeigler of Naylor. Shasta Allen, who was raised by the Zeigler family; and her children, Landon Allen and Mattox Allen, all of Stockton. He is also survived by a number of in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins, and special friends, Hazel & Ed Delk of Lake City, FL and Betty & Clyde Allen of Calhoun. Mr. Zeigler is preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Elizabeth F. Zeigler and a daughter, Pam Olivia Zeigler.

Funeral services for Mr. Zeigler will be held at 3 p.m. on Monday, April 26, 2010 at New Vision Church of God in Homerville. Rev. Carroll Allen will officiate. Burial will follow at Wayfare Cemetery in Echols County. Mr. Zeigler will lie in repose at his residence in Stockton this weekend. Condolences may be conveyed to the family on the obituary page of www.mclanefuneralservices.com Carson McLane Funeral Home


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602