Obituary of Joseph Lamar Statham

Joseph Lamar Statham, age 72 of Buford, GA, died Friday, August 20, 2004. Mr. Statham was born in Greene County, Ga., to Joe Little and Willie Mae Statham. He was a graduate of Greensboro High School where he was captain of the high school football team. Mr. Statham served in the U.S. Navy as a gunner's mate during the Korean War and received the Conduct Ribbon; the Korean, United Nation's and China Service Medals; and the Korean Presidential Unit Citation. He was employed with Southern Bell for 23 years as a Technician in Special Services . He moved to Williston, S.C. in 1978 and purchased and managed the Villa Motor Inn hotel, restaurant and apartments for the following 26 years. He was a valued member of the Williston community and was a member of the United Methodist Church, Lion's Club and the Masonic Hope Lodge. Mr. Statham was an avid fisherman and sports enthusiast and was known for his sharp wit and keen sense of humor. Survivors include his wife Audrey A. Statham of Buford, Ga. and Williston, S.C.; son and daughter-in-law the Reverend Stanley L. and Tracy Statham of Franklinton, La.; daughters Terri Brown of Lawrenceville, Ga., Kim Windle of Buford, Ga., and Pam Price and Teresa Zellner of Hoschton, Ga.; grandchildren Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Dail (Adrienne); Brooke Windle; and Jonathan, Joseph, Katheryn and Megan Statham; son-in-law John Brown of Lawrenceville, Ga.; sister, Lois Edwards, of Buford, Ga.; F. Brown Windle, father of Brooke Windle, Pasadena, Ca.; and Ron Zellner, father of Adrienne Dail, Buford, Ga.; and many loving nieces, nephews and lifelong friends. Mr. Statham was preceded in death by former wife Patricia Strickland Statham of Gainesville, Ga., mother of Terri Brown and Stanley Statham. The family received friends on Monday, August 23, 2004 from 6 - 8 PM at the funeral home. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, August 24 at the Hamilton Mill Memorial Chapel. Interment followed in Hamilton Mill Memorial Gardens. 3481 Hamilton Mill Road, Buford, Ga., 30519. The Family request donations be made to Peachtree Christian Hospice, 3430 Duluth Park Lane, Duluth, Ga., 30096.