James Gill Hathaway

Funeral services for James Gill Hathaway, 58, of Pavo, GA will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, February 20th at First Baptist Church Thomasville, GA. The Reverend Marty Carnes will officiate. Mr. Hathaway was received into the arms of Jesus on February 17, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. Born February 11, 1959 in Thomasville, GA, he was the son of James J. Hathaway and the late Betty Lou Eldridge Hathaway. On November 29, 1991 he was married to Kay Rivers Herndon in Pavo. He was a 1978 graduate of Thomasville High School, and furthered his education at Georgia Southern University, Valdosta State University, and Thomas University. He spent his early career in sales and management in food merchandising, and the last 19 years in sales with United Distributors. Mr. Hathaway was a member of First Baptist Church of Thomasville, GA. He loved his Lord and his family, and was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, and Doodaddy to his grandchildren. Known for his infectious personality, his larger than life character, his love for people and quick wit— he was loved by many and never met a stranger. Gill and Kay had a remarkable 25 years together, and John and Katie and his grandchildren completed his life. Gill was so proud of his beautiful family. He was an avid sportsman and loved the outdoors. Gill knew everyone and everyone knew Gill. Our world went dim Friday at 3:10 PM, but Heaven got a bit brighter and he was greeted by his Momma’s warm embrace. He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Lou Eldridge Hathaway; his grandparents, Leon and Ethel Eldridge, and Jay Hathaway and Blanche Hathaway Wolf; his mother-in-law, Kathryn Woodham Rivers Bozeman. Gill is survived by his wife, Kay Rivers Hathaway of Pavo; his father, James J. Hathaway and wife Jean of Thomasville; his father-in-law, Cecil Bozeman of Pavo; his brother-in-law Paul (Pete) William Rivers, Jr. (Gail) of Pavo; his children, John William Herndon (Jessica) of Alpharetta, GA and Katie Herndon Pope (Kevin) of Hoschton, GA; his grandchildren, Taylor Grace Herndon and Calvin James Herndon of Alpharetta, GA, and Kaylee Brook Pope and Kendyl Betty Pope of Hoschton, GA; his sisters Beth Hathaway Caldwell (Stan) of Thomasville, and Lynn Hathaway Betros (Jeff) of Jacksonville, FL; his niece, Haley Caldwell and his nephews, Scott Betros (Shannon), Taylor Betros and Austin Betros all of Jacksonville, FL; close supporting family, Marianne Hancock and Stanford Hancock of Pavo; and a large extended family and many good friends. Visitation will be held at Allen and Allen Funeral Home, Thomasville, GA from 4-6 PM on Sunday, February 19th. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest register at www.allenfh.com .