10/25/17
Mr. James Donald Sosebee, age 84, of Gainesville, passed away Thursday, October 26,
2017.
Mr. Sosebee served his country as a member of the Army Security Agency as a Morse
Code Copier during the Korean conflict. At Belk-Gallant Co. in Clarkesville, Donald met his
bride-to-be, Ruth Allen. Ruth was working in the bargain basement of Belks and Don loves
to tell everyone that he found his wife in the bargain basement! Ruth tells him that she is
the best bargain that he has ever found. Donald and Ruth were married at Cool Springs
Methodist Church in Habersham County and were only the second couple to be married
there.
Donald attended North Georgia Technical School in Clarkesville. He joined Trinity United
Methodist Church near Clermont. On his first day there, he joined the Chancel Choir and
Wesley Sunday School Class where he was a member until his death. He was a Charter
Member of the Clermont Lion’s Club and a member of Lanier Land Amateur Radio Club.
Donald was the co-owner of Mobile Communications Company, Gainesville
Communications Company and Wiley-Sosebee Communications Company. He then became
interested in the Sosebee genealogy and served several years on the committee for the
National Sosebee Reunion. Donald has enjoyed entertaining at the family talent shows and
just getting together, playing the guitar and singing with the musicians.
Survivors include wife of nearly 60 years, Ruth Allen Sosebee, Gainesville; son, Danny L.
Sosebee, Lula; daughter, Patricia Sosebee Whelchel, Lula; grandsons, Steve Anthony
Whelchel, Atlanta, and Ricky Lee Whelchel, France; sister and brother in law, Roberta and
John Hagan, Clarkesville; sisters, Joyce Jones and Loyce Guthrie, Clarkesville; brother,
William Kent Sosebee, Demorest; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial services are scheduled for 2:30 P.M. Saturday, October 28, 2017 from Trinity
United Methodist Church in Clermont. The Rev. Brian Funderburke will officiate.
The family will receive friends Saturday from 1:30-2:30 Saturday at Trinity United
Methodist Church.
Online condolences may be made online at barrettfh.com.
Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland.
