Garland Sloan Sheeks

Garland S. Sheeks, 82, of Albany, GA died Thursday, December 29, 2011 at his residence after a valiant fight with cancer. Funeral services will be conducted Monday, January 2, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Matthews Funeral Home. Rev. Tom Pollock will officiate. Interment will follow at Floral Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Born January 6, 1929 in Mooresville, NC, Mr. Sheeks resided in Albany since 1949, moving from Virginia. His passion was providing students with a marketable skill and he did this with dedication and creativity as a Machine Tool Technologist for 34 years until his retirement from Albany Technical College in 1983 after which he remained an active member of Georgia Teachers Retirement Association. He was proud of his country and served in the Air Force during WWII, serving in the Berlin Airlift and during the Korean Conflict. His service to his country will be recognized with a military funeral during his interment.

He knew Christ as his personal Savior and was an active member of Sherwood Baptist Church. He loved life and history and was able to live this out through his love of camping, traveling all over the country, often taking his grandchildren with him. He was a long-time member of the SOWEGA chapter of the Good Sam Club and of the Winnebago Camping Club. He was also a big fan of the Atlanta Braves.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Loraine Sheeks of Albany, GA, a daughter and her husband, Pam and Mike Amos of Albany, GA. He has eight grandchildren, Hannah Bowyer and husband Ron, Thomas Amos and wife Christina, Nathan Amos and wife Jewell, Joel Amos and wife Wendy, Catherine Mutter and husband Lance, Jonathan Amos, Caleb Amos and wife Katie, and Elliot Amos. He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren with a ninth one on the way.

The family will receive friends Sunday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Matthews Funeral Home.

Those desiring may make contributions, in lieu of flowers, to the American Cancer Society, 323 Pine Ave, Suite 100, Albany, GA or to Albany Community Hospice, 320 Foundation Lane, Albany, GA 31707.