James "Tex" Russell Widner

James R. Widner, 87 of Hortense Georgia passed away on February 4, 2023 at his daughter’s home in Chesapeake Virginia after an extended illness.

James was born in Omaha, Arkansas to the late Troy Widner and Wilma Wise (née Wilma Moulder). He was also preceded in death by two siblings, Leroy Widner and Peggy Allen.

He spent most of his youth in Texas where he joined the Navy and acquired the nickname “Tex” which followed him the remainder of his life.

While assigned at Naval Air Station Glynco, Georgia, James met his beloved wife, Melba (née Jacobs) Widner, who also preceded him in death. Though they remained in Georgia after leaving the service, he was always a Texan; You never saw him without his cowboy hat and boots.

After leaving the Navy he pursued a lifelong career as an Operator with the International Union of Operating Engineers.

He enjoyed horseback riding, fishing, hunting and being a mechanic but most of all he enjoyed being a Grandpa.

Left to cherish his memory are his two daughters, Dena delRosario-Briggs and Shana Brown; eight wonderful grandchildren, Brandon, Chad, Dusty, Jedidiah, Joshua, Logan, Paige and Benjamin; great grandchildren, Rylee, Noah, Glenn, Sophia, Jedidiah II, Brenton, Brogan, Ryder, Rylan, Cambree, Kaisley and Taylen; and many other relatives and friends.

A graveside service will be held at Hortense Cemetery at 861 Ballfield Road, Hortense, GA. 31543 on February 18th at 2 o’clock, Reverend Sheldon Rowell officiating. After refreshments will be served at Philadelphia Wesleyan Church, 1139 Sawgrass Road, Hortense, Ga 31543.