Durden-Hudson Funeral Directors announces the death of Mr. William Frank “Bill” English, age 86, of Swainsboro, GA, on Monday, February 22, 2021, at the South Georgia Medical Center in Valdosta, GA
Graveside services will be Saturday, February 27, 2021 at 2:00 PM in the Swainsboro City Cemetery with Rev. Casey Shaw officiating.
The family will receive friends at the Cemetery after the Service.
CDC social distancing guidelines will be observed and masks are encouraged for your safety and the health and well being of others.
Honorary Pallbearers are the Jimmy Morgan Sunday School Class.
Mr. English was born February 26, 1934, in Jefferson County, GA to the late Lamar and Marie Raley English and was a graduate of Avera High School. He received his B.S. Degree in Agriculture from the University of Georgia in 1954, was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, and commanded the UGA ROTC Rifle Team as a senior. Mr. English faithfully served his country, in the United States Air Force, during the Korean War as a 1st LT jet fighter pilot, flying some of the earliest jets from 1955-1958. He settled in Swainsboro, GA in 1963 with his wife, Barbara “Lynn” Johnson English where he raised a family and happily lived the rest of his life. Mr. English was self employed; started English Sales and Lumber Company; working in construction, machinery sales, lumber milling, grain elevator and farming operations. He began his political career as a Swainsboro City Councilman and served from 1972-1976 and was elected to the Georgia State Senate to represent the 21st district in the State Legislature from 1976-1992. While serving, Senator English was Majority Whip and Chairman of the Agriculture Committee. He helped draft legislation that was very beneficial to the environment and the citizens of Georgia. His focus was on assisting family farmers, securing funds that created multiple State Parks and Recreational Areas, improving highways and bridges throughout his district, and working with local leaders to procure state funds for county and city infrastructure projects. Mr. English loved helping individual constituents with their issues as well and he was very passionate about starting the Head Injury Program in Georgia. He was an active member of the Swainsboro First Baptist Church, Jimmy Morgan Sunday School Class and the Church Brotherhood. Affectionately known as “Grumpy” to his family, his greatest joy was spending time with and entertaining friends and family at his farm and cabin in Jefferson County. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing guitar, and cooking good BBQ on his English Cooker. In additional to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Barbara “Lynn” Johnson English; son, Franklin “Scott” English; brothers, Don English and Jack English; and granddaughters, Erika Knode, and Anna Wells.
Survivors Include:
Daughter: Ree English Saunders (Mitch) of Greensboro, GA
Sons: Jeff English (Barbara) of San Antonio, TX, Joe English (Suzanne) of Douglas, GA, and Michael English (Ashley) of Savannah, GA.
Brother: Robert English (Nancy) of Duluth, GA
Sister-In-Law: Lynda English of Metter, GA
Grandchildren: Brandon English (Brittany), Jason English (Heather), Macey Clifton, Anna Claire Saunders, Haley English, Kinsey English, Kaidy English, Kristen English, Abby English, Jim Saunders (Beth), Stacey Logue (Bobby), Jackie Walling (Todd), Christina Briegel (Kyle), Emma Wells, and Ethan Wells.
Great-Grandchildren: Charlotte Saunders, James Saunders, Bennett Logue, Addison Walling, and Everett Walling.
Nieces, nephews, and extended family.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Swainsboro, P.O. Box 828, Swainsboro, GA 30401.
Condolences may be submitted on-line at www.durden-hudsonfuneraldirectors.com
Durden-Hudson Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements for the funeral of Mr. William Frank “Bill” English of Swainsboro, GA.
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