Franklin Lamar Vonier, Sr., age 91, of Clarkesville, Georgia, passed away on Friday, August 28, 2020, at the Bell Minor Home following an extended illness.
Mr. Vonier was born on November 26, 1928, in Pavo, Georgia, to the late Dan and Martha Willis Vonier. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 61 years, Ola Mae Croft Vonier; sons: Franklin Lamar Vonier, Jr., Marcus Anthony Vonier, and Jim Vonier. He was the last surviving member of 9 children, he being the youngest. Also, a special friend at Bell Minor Home, Betty Harbin.
Mr. Vonier was a member of the Cleveland Seventh-day Adventist Church. He was owner of Vonier Shoe Repair, Clarkesville, Georgia. Mr. Vonier retired from Ingles Market. He was so people-oriented and well-liked by others, that Ingles customers often requested him to serve them. These traits carried over to the Bell Minor Home. He and the late Betty Harbin were the unofficial welcome committee for new residents. Mr. Vonier strived to make new residents feel comfortable and become involved in the many activities offered to them. He often went to their room and prayed with them when they were sick. Mr. Vonier was an avid gardener, loved to fish, and loved running a chainsaw cutting trees. It can truly be said, Mr. Vonier was not afraid of hard work.
Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law: Ricky and Debbie Vonier, Clarkesville, Georgia, Wendell and Cathy Vonier, Cornelia, Georgia, and Tim and Tammy Vonier, Sautee, Georgia; daughter-in-law, Susan Vonier, Knoxville, Tennessee; 6 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. Also, surviving is his beloved dog, Tadpole. Mr. Vonier loved all his family but was especially fond of his granddaughters since he had no daughters of his own.
Graveside memorial services will be held at 3:00 pm, Saturday, September 12, 2020, at the Barwick Seventh-day Adventist Cemetery, Barwick, Georgia. The family respectfully requests that Covid-19 CDC guidelines be followed.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, GA 30535. Telephone 706-778-1700
