James Bruce Daugharty, Sr.

James Bruce Daugharty Sr., age 90, died at home in his beloved Howell, GA on January 6, 2016. He was surrounded by his loved ones including his "angel," Tabitha Davis and rock-solid friend, Priscilla Ward. He was receiving the care of Hospice of South Georgia and ResCare. His greatest wish was to die in his home and these two amazing women helped the family grant him one of his final wishes.
Born on January 3, 1926, Bruce was one of 9 children born to Lizzie (Hughes) and Frank Daugharty. He attended school in Howell for a number of years walking a mile each way. When the school was moved to Statenville he attended for a while but was unable to complete his high school work before joining service. During WWII, he and Brother Willis joined the service, Willis choosing Army and Bruce serving in the Navy. In 2002 Statenville High School awarded Bruce and Willis their high school diplomas.
While in the Navy, Bruce was assigned to Camp Perry in Virginia for basic training and was assigned to the U.S.S. Tolman, a destroyer minelayer. He served as Plank Officer, in communications as a member of the radio gang, and as ammunitions loader for several different guns and finally as Ships Serviceman Second Class and Leading Petty Officer. The USS Tolman saw action in the Trust Territory Islands near Japan and in the Battle of Okinawa.
After returning to the Valdosta area, Bruce worked various jobs including at the service station owned by his Uncle Bobby Daugharty on Hill Ave. He eventually owned/operated three garages in the Valdosta area: B & W Service on Hill Ave, the Sinclair with the dinosaur at exit 18 and an Amoco station on Hill Ave. until service stations transitioned to convenience stores.
Since the 1970's Bruce worked as a farmer, returning again to Howell. Bruce was married to the former Oleta Noles and had 3 children with her prior to her untimely death in 1970. He went on to marry Jean Smith of Echols County, his high school sweetheart, and lived with her until her death.
Bruce is survived by his daughter Jane (James) Carter of Valdosta, his daughter Martha (Rick) Griffis of Valdosta, and son, James (Jim) Bruce Daugharty Jr. and his wife Mary of Lithonia, GA; grandchildren: Frank (Tara)Carter of Greenbrier, TN, Elizabeth (Gentry) Morris of Vancouver, Washington, Daphne (Nick) Eddlemon of Tunica MS, Major Brendan Griffis, DO, stationed at Jalalabad, Afghanistan, Beau (Nina) Griffis of Valdosta, GA, and Stephanie (Jeremy) Hughes of Tucker, GA; great-grandchildren: Aden, Ethan and Izzy Carter, Ewan and Eilidh Morris, Jaci, Jadyn and Brody Eddlemon, Conner Riendeau, Amelia and Aiden Griffis, and Carrolline Hughes; brothers: Ralph (Juanita) Daugharty of Howell, GA, and Seward (Janice) Daugharty of Stockton, GA; sister-in-law: Ruth Nicholson of Valdosta, GA; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Ruby Carter, Mary Emma Parrish and Iris Brooks; and three brothers, Kenneth, Warren and Willis Daugharty.
Please join the family in celebration of his life at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 9, 2016, at the Chapel of Carson McLane Funeral Home, with Rev. Jacque Asbel officiating. Burial will follow at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Friday night from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family request that you make a donation in his honor to Partnership Cancer Fund, a group that supports and assists local cancer patients @ http://sgpfh.org/pcf, Raintree Village – a local charity helping children and families @ http://www.raintreevillage.org/donations-2/ or Hospice Of South Georgia @http://www.hospiceofsouthgeorgia.org/giving_opportunities.aspx. Condolences to the family may be expressed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home, Valdosta.

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