Rinehart & Sons
Jerry Kurz
Jesup—Jerry Kurz, 75, of Jesup died July 9, 2022.
The California native and 21-year former Idaho resident had lived in Jesup for the past 18 years so he could be close to his family. The U.S. Air Force veteran served in the Vietnam War and was very proud to be an American. He began his working career as a telephone employee and then became a trooper with the Idaho State Police, working on the interstate and later as a detective. He was trained as an advanced emergency medical technician and would use this training as he volunteered with a local fire department in Idaho.
When he followed his daughter to Jesup, he still wanted to work, so he joined the Georgia Department of Transportation as a traffic signal technician. He was always tinkering on something around his home—woodworking, assisting his grandson with his Eagle Scout project, or just being the family handyman. Riding motorcycles was a favorite pastime, and for many years he rode with the Savannah Chapter of HOG (Harley Owners Group). Later on, he joined the Patriot Guard Riders. Even with his workhorse mentality and traveling the country, pleasure riding on his Harley Davidson, he most loved his family and the time he spent with them.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Diane Klauer Kurz of Jesup, and two daughters, Kelly (Andy) Blalock and their children, Gloria and Avery, of Jesup and Heather Wynn and her daughter, Taylor, of Jacksonville, North Carolina.
Memorial services will be announced very soon in the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Glennville.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
William Clinton Tootle Jr.
Screven—William Clinton Tootle Jr., 54, of Screven died July 8, 2022.
The Wayne County native was a member of Ritch Missionary Baptist Church. He enjoyed farming and had “the biggest heart,” his family said. He never met anyone who was not considered a friend.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clinton and Laurie Wimpey Tootle Sr., and his siblings, Angela, Diane and Edward Tootle.
Survivors include his wife, Shrone Yvette Tootle of Screven; a sister, Martha Tootle; nieces, Amy and Marlena Tootle; a nephew, Jason Tootle; and a host of other family members, all of whom loved him dearly.
Funeral services were held July 12 at Ritch Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Bryan Gill officiating. Interment followed in the Ritch Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Nathan Roland, Jason Tootle, Ryan Lassin and David Jackson.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wayne County FFA, Wayne County High School, 1 Jacket Drive, Jesup, GA. 31545.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Jimmy Peek
Jesup—Jimmy Peek, 79, of Jesup died July 10, 2022.
The Gaines-ville native had lived in Wayne County most of his adult life and was a member of Jesup First Baptist Church. The U.S. Air Force veteran was a retired Rayonier employee. He was best-known as an umpire for more than 30 years, serving the Wayne County Recreation Department and as an official for the Georgia High School Association.
He had a love for his church, his family and wife. He was predeceased by his wife of 45 years, Frances Peek; his parents, Ralph and Laura Bell Peek; and a mother-in-love, Cleona Aspinwall.
Survivors include two daughters, Andrea (Dane) Graham of Denton and Candice (Freddie) Coley of Jesup; two sons, Danny (Tammie) Peek and Shawn Peek of Jesup; 10 grandchildren, Maggie Graham, Caroline Graham, Caleb Graham, Hallie (Hayden) Gillespie, Aaron Tyre, Jacob Peek, Noah (Saleena) Brandhurst, Andrew Pierce, Kade Graham and KariAnn Peek; four great-grandchildren, Hadleigh Bell, Ryder Head, Addie O’Neal and Ayla Harter; a sister, Neggie Peek of Gainesville; and special friends, Buddy (Suzette) Williamson and their daughter, Brynzlee “Brymz.”
Graveside funeral services were held July 13 in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery with Dr. Mike VonMoss officiating. Active pallbearers were Jacob Peek, Noah Brandhurst, Andrew Pierce, Payton Ogden, Aaron Tyre and Hayden Gillespie. Honorary pallbearers were members of the Golden Ruler Sunday School Class of First Baptist Church.
Memorials may be made to The Foundation at Appling Healthcare Systems, 163 East Tollison Street, Baxley, GA. 31513 or to Jesup First Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 1115 Jesup, GA. 31598.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.