Ernest Raymond Mabe, age 98 of Mt. Airy, Georgia, passed away on Saturday, October 29, 2016 at his residence
Mr. Mabe was born on December 13, 1917 in Danville, North Carolina to the late Speedwell Mabe and Quincy Shelton Mabe. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Evelyn Ricketson Mabe; son Ernest Raymond Mabe, Jr.; brothers, Ottis Daniel Mabe, John Ivan Mabe, and Clyde Allen Mabe. Mr. Mabe was a member of Cornelia United Methodist Church. He was also a Life Member of Grant Reeves VFW Post 7720, and The Eighth Air Force Historical Society. Mr. Mabe served as Mayor of Mt. Airy for 19 years (1962-1980). He retired as owner and operator of Cornelia Music Company. He enjoyed raising cattle and fine woodworking specializing in walnut grandfather clocks. He was an excellent carpenter, having built, remodeled, and restored many homes for family and friends in Clarke County, Habersham County, and on Lake Burton.
Mr. Mabe was a World War II Veteran. Drafted in February 1941, he served under General Patton as a Tank Commander in the 2nd Armored Division. In 1943 he transferred to the 8th Army Air Corps, attended OCS, and became a B-17 pilot. He was honorably discharged in October 1945.
Survivors include his daughter, Judy Mabe Kirby, of Cornelia; daughter and son-in-law, Joni Mabe and Chuck Hawkins, of Athens; sister, Ruthanne Mabe Rhodes, of Waycross; grandson, Robert Chad Kirby, grandson and spouse, Clinton Mabe Kirby and Marie Kirby; great-grandson, James Ernest Kirby, and 16 nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Thursday, November 3, 2016 at Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, Georgia. Interment will follow in Level Grove Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the United States Army, Grant Reeves Post 7720, American Legion Post 84, and Rabun County D.A.V. #15.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at the funeral home.
Flowers are accepted or Memorials may be made to The Habersham County Veterans Wall of Honor, P.O. Box 298, Demorest, GA 30535.
Arrangements are in care of Whitfield Funeral Home & Crematory, South Chapel, Baldwin, Georgia. 706-778-7123
Those wishing to express online condolences to the family may do so by visiting www.whitfieldfuneralhomes.com.
