Jack Lewis Fokes, Sr.

January 28, 1930 — January 25, 2012

Montezuma, GA - Jack Lewis Fokes, Sr., 81, of Montezuma, Georgia passed away Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at his residence.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 27, from 6 to 8 pm at Watson-Mathews Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 28 at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Montezuma with Rev. Hosie Waters and Dr. Randy Gregg officiating. Burial will be private.

Mr. Fokes was a lifelong resident of Montezuma and served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He was educated in Montezuma Schools, Emory Junior College, Mercer University and The University of Georgia. Mr. Fokes worked as an educator in Macon County Schools for 40 years, serving as Superintendent for 31 years. At the time of his retirement, he was the longest serving active Superintendent in Georgia. He also served as President of the 3rd Congressional District's Superintendent's Association. He was President of the Georgia Superintendent's Association and served as Secretary/Treasurer for 9 years. Mr. Fokes received the Distinguished Service Award from the American Association of Administrators in 1991 and was named Distinguished Educator by the Georgia Association of Education Leaders in 1992. After retiring from education, he worked for James W. Buckley Assoc. architects for 18 years. Mr. Fokes was an avid hunter and fisherman, and loved the outdoors. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Montezuma, serving in many capacities including Deacon, Finance Chairman, and Pulpit Committee. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Engram Fokes, Sr. and Ruby Lewis Fokes; a brother, Robert Engram Fokes, Jr.; and a sister, Dorothy Fokes Zahra.

Mr. Fokes is survived by his wife of 60 years, Betty Stubbs Fokes of Montezuma, Ga; two sons, Jack Lewis Fokes, Jr. and wife Gayle of Buena Vista, Ga; James H. Fokes and wife Reggie of Oglethorpe, Ga; and a daughter, Dorothy Lillian Fokes Manning and husband Al of Americus, Ga. He is also survived by one grandson, Nicholas Fokes Brooks of Duluth, Ga, and a number of nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to Heart of Georgia Hospice, 103 Westridge Dr., Warner Robins, Georgia 31088.

Watson-Mathews Funeral Home in Montezuma is in charge of funeral arrangements.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jack Lewis Fokes, Sr., please visit our flower store.

Send a Card

Jack Lewis Fokes, Sr.

January 28, 1930 — January 25, 2012

Guestbook