Hayward Shelton White

Hayward Shelton White went to be with the Lord Wednesday, December 30th. Shelton was born March 9th, 1946, in Hart County. He was one of five children. He was educated in the Hart County School System, the joined the US Army.

In the early 70’s, he started working with Golden Pantry in management. After several years, he became a supervisor and wound up being over twelve stores. He was in the restaurant business for over 50 years. He bought Jim’s Grill, in Bowman, from his brother almost 38 years ago. He was still working a few hours a week until two weeks before his death. Shelton loved his customers and loved sitting down and talking with them when he could. They were like a big, extended family.

Shelton, known to many people as “Coach”, loved sports. He coached Little League Baseball 4 years and Youth League Football for 5 years. After moving to Bowman, he volunteered to be the head coach at Samuel Elbert Christian Academy. He was a huge race car enthusiast and an avid dirt track race fan. Another of his loves was animals. He loved his 2 horses, 5 goats, and dozen or so cats. Shelton was a Baptist. He was a legendary storyteller. Heaven got even more colorful!

He is survived by his wife of 53 years: Maudie (Verner) White; son: Chris White; sister-in-law: Beverly White; brothers-in-law: Donald Haygood and Johnny Verner; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters: Mildred Whitaker and Mary Haygood; and brothers: James White and Ralph White.

The funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, January 3, 2020 at the chapel of Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia. Burial will follow in the Long-Roberts Family Cemetery in Lavonia. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 3:00 p.m. until the service.

Those in attendance are reminded to wear masks and adhere to social distancing and all public health guidelines.

To sign the online guest register and leave personal condolences to the family, please visit stricklandfh.com.

Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia is in charge of the arrangements.

Announcement courtesy of Berry Funeral Home.