Joe Scriven 'J.C.' Nettles

Joe Scriven “J.C.” Nettles, 78, of St. George, GA, died unexpectedly Monday morning, May 9, 2016, at his residence.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 14, 2016, at New Life Baptist Church, 1058 Wheeler Street, St. George, with the Reverend James Conner officiating. The family is pleased to greet friends immediately following the service, and all other times, friends may call at the residence.

Born on April 13, 1938, in Bacon County, GA, he was the eldest son of the late Joseph Simon Nettles and Mima Ann Mercer Nettles. Joe was reared in Alma, where he resided for many years before moving to St. Augustine, FL, Starke, FL, and Callahan, FL. He had been a resident of St. George since 1995. At a young age, Joe married the former Caroline Ruth Taylor of Nicholls, GA. From their union, came three children. In 1970, he married Rhonda Dian Lewis, and shared 45 years of matrimony, until Rhonda’s death just one year ago. From their union, came two children.

Joe knew what hard work was and the importance of providing well for his wife and children. His hands told of his labor and love, whether toiling in the tobacco and cotton fields early on in life, or offering that warm embrace that carried his family through life’s day to day struggles and joys. He worked at Pantry Pride as a bag boy and quickly rose to Assistant Manager. For many years, he was a truck driver for Coca-Cola, R.C. Cola, and Gold Kist. He also worked for Florida Bonded Pools and retired in 2002 from Register Contractor of Jacksonville, as Supervisor. Joe was a former member of First Baptist Church, Boulougne, FL, where he worked as cast and crew in the renowned production, “The Lamb”. He was a member of New Life Baptist Church, St. George.

Following the death of his father, Joe proudly assumed the role of Patriarch of the Nettles family. He carried on many family traditions, including hitching the mule for his annual cane syrup boil, of which many came from near and far to taste this famous, sweet concoction. He enjoyed working in his garden and woodworking, crafting beautiful pieces of furniture. In days gone by, Joe enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He spent many hours pondering the good things from his rocking chair, while gazing across the beauty of God’s handy work from his home, lovingly referred to as Buckshot Boondocks. His sunrise came in 1938, and his eternal sunset is now reality; reunited with his Lord and Savior, with his parents, siblings, and his darling Rhonda. “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them”, Revelation 14:13.

Survivors are three daughters and sons-in-law, Margie and Eddie Davis of Alma, GA, Jackie and Joel Davis of Nicholls, GA, and Traci and Donnie Conner of St. George, GA; two sons, Mike and Genie Nettles of Hilliard, FL, and Joey and Michelle Nettles of St. Augustine, FL; a sister, Merline Davis (Thomas, deceased) of Dahlonega, GA; three brothers, Jack Nettles (Barbara) of Alma, GA, Jerry Nettles (Janice) of Axson, GA, and Warnie Nettles (Judy) of Blackshear, GA; a sister-in-law, Betty Harrison of Jacksonville, FL; sixteen grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; a great-great granddaughter; a great-great-grandson; numerous nieces, nephews, and host of friends; and his loving pet and companion, Smokey. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Mildred Taylor, and Willene Sellers; and a brother, James Nettles.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed in Joe’s memory to the family, 498 Buckshot Road, St George, GA, 31562. Online condolences may be expressed at www.fryefh.com The family has entrusted Frye Funeral Home, Nahunta, GA, with the arrangements.