Dr. Everett Gornto Force

Dr. Everett Gornto Force, 84, retired optometrist, passed away at home on Sunday, January 15, 2006 after a lengthy illness. He was born May 8, 1921 in a small house across from Central Avenue Church of Christ. The house is now located in Fairview Historic District. His parents were the late William Minor Force and Beulah Gornto Force of Valdosta. He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Lynwood Force, Robert Eugene Force, William Minor Force and one sister, Betty Force Capehart.<br><br>He was a graduate of Douglas High School and South Georgia College. He received his Doctor of Optometry degree from Monroe College of Optometry in Chicago in 1947 and his Doctor of Ocular Science degree from Chicago College of Optometry in 1949. During World War II, he served as a training aids officer in the United States Marine Corps and saw duty on Guam and Guadalcanal. He was a faithful active member of the Central Church of Christ having served as a teacher, deacon, and elder.<br><br>He is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Thelma “Sister” Griffin Force and by his children and grandchildren: Lisa Force Lang and husband Wayne of Snellville, GA; their daughter Elizabeth Lang Pritchard and husband Cory of Valdosta; their son Matthew Everett Lang of Snellville, GA; Dena Force Hunter and husband Forrest; their daughters Lauren and Shelby, Snellville, GA; Wesley Gornto Force and wife Carolyn; their children Daniel Gornto Force, Sara, and Alden Wesley Force of Valdosta.<br><br>Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 18, 2006 at the Central Church of Christ with Dr. G. R. Holton, Dr. Gordon Teffeteller, and Mr. John Klimko officiating. A private family burial will follow at Sunset Hill Cemetery with Mr. C. J. Moffett and Mr. Joe Glenn officiating. The first 30 acres of Sunset Hill were given to the city by his great grandfather C. O. Force. The family will receive friends Tuesday night, January 17th from 6 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home. The family suggests memorials be made to Raintree Village Children’s Home, 3757 Johnston Road, Valdosta, GA 31601 or Georgia Christian School, 4359 Dasher Road, Dasher, GA 31601. Condolences to the family may be conveyed on the Obituary page at www.mclanefuneralservices.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home <br>

Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602
Memorials to:
Raintree Village Children's Home, 3757 Johnston Road, Valdosta, GA 31601 or Georgia Christian School, 4359 Dasher Road, Dasher, GA 31601