Lucius Jacobs

Lucius Jacobs, a 91 year-old, life-long resident of Berrien and Atkinson counties, passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2014 at Tift Regional Medical Center from natural causes. Mr. Jacobs was the long-time operator of Jacobs Tractor Company, based in Willacoochee, and over the years bought and sold many tractors and much farm equipment from people in the local community. Born in Glory, Georgia and graduating from Alapaha High School, Mr. Jacobs' first business enterprise was transporting goods for hire ("haulin' cows & hogs"). His trustworthy nature and natural business sense ultimately led him to owning a full-service Chevron gas station in Willacoochee for 27 years during the 1950's, 1960's and 1970's. Mr. Jacobs' life was filled with much community involvement and he participated in many civic groups, including a turn of service as the Fire Chief of the Volunteer Fire Department in Willacoochee. Mr. Jacobs married Louise Taft Jacobs in 1946 and in 2013 they celebrated 67 years of "marital bliss." After 25 years living in downtown Willacoochee, the couple purchased a farm on the outskirts of town in 1969 and enjoyed 45 years farming and raising livestock. Mrs. Jacobs worked at McCranie Brothers Wood Preserving for 38 years and the couple got to know many of the families that grew up in and around Willacoochee. Mr. Jacobs was initiated into the Willacoochee Masonic Lodge #197 F&AM in 1957 and the Hasan Temple Shriners in 1962. He was an active leader in both organizations, serving as Worshipful Master, Chaplain, District Deputy and enjoyed many years as a member of the Hillbillies and Keystone Kops troops. He regularly organized the Lodge's Monday evening fish dinners and many people within Atkinson & Berrien Counties bought Florida oranges and Pot of Gold tickets from him during the annual fundraisers. For many years Mr. Jacobs paraded in Willacoochee's Old Fashion Day and the Alapaha Station Celebrations and, in 2004, he received the Sam Owens Award from the 11th Masonic District in recognition for "outstanding service and devotion to Masonry." Mr. Jacobs was honored by President Jimmy Carter, Governor Sonny Perdue, Department of Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irwin and Senator Saxby Chambliss in 2007 for "significant contributions to the community", including his 50 year participation in the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Georgia and for assistance he provided burned and crippled children through the Shriner's Hospitals. In 2008, the Georgia General Assembly found it "appropriate to honor Mr. Lucius Jacobs for his exemplary life and service as an unselfish and caring citizen." As such, the Berrien County Commission, The Georgia Department of Transportation and the Georgia General Assembly approved the naming of a bridge over the Willacoochee River on US Highway 82 as the "Lucius Jacobs Bridge." A few years earlier, the country road leading to the family farm had also been named in his honor. Mr. Jacobs' 90th birthday celebration in 2013 was attended by over 100 people and culminated with a fun-filled train ride between the Willacoochee and Nashville stations. The birthday celebrants ended the party by singing a tribute to Mr. Jacobs with his namesake song, "Just a Bowl of Butter Beans." Just a few days ago, at age 91 and decked out in a "high-cotton" tuxedo, Mr. Jacobs drove his trusty Massey-Ferguson tractor during a wedding celebration on his farm. That day, the "Tractor Man" showed his love of machinery, farming and the South Georgia lifestyle one final time for his friends and family. We will miss you, Papa. Lucius Jacobs is survived by Louise Jacobs (wife), John & Peggy Jacobs of Tifton, GA (son), Cleo & Rachel Jacobs of Oveida, FL (brother), Delores Smith of Douglas, GA (sister), Kari & Dudley Jacobs of Nashville, TN (grandson), Lorie & Kerry Duzan of Hartford, CT (granddaughter), Jason Jacobs of Baltimore, MD (grandson), four great grand children, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and the people of Willacoochee. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Perry Jacobs and a sister, Leo Altman. The family asks that friends of Lucius Jacobs make a cash donation to the Willacoochee Masonic Lodge in lieu of flowers or other gifts. The Lodge was important to Mr. Jacobs for many years and your monetary contribution to it would mean a lot to his legacy. Please send your donation to: Willacoochee Masonic Lodge PO Box 124 Willacoochee, GA 31650 Funeral services for Mr. Jacobs were held Wednesday, October 1, 2014 at the Willacoochee United Methodist Church at 11:00 A. M. with Rev. Jan Conner officiating. The welcome was given by his son John Jacobs. Special musical selections included "In the Garden" and "What A Day That Will Be" rendered by Dottie Hodges and "Amazing Grace" by the attending congregation with Dottie Hodges leading and Mrs. Bonnie Kunberger at the piano. Soft music for the Prelude and the Postlude was played by Bonnie Kunberger pianist. The interment with Masonic Rites followed in the Willacoochee City Cemetery. Serving as active pallbearers were: Charlie Bray, Bill McCranie, Jr. Cooper, Harry Brown, Elmer Luke and George McCranie IV. Honorary pallbearers were Masons, Shriners, Hillbillies and their wife's.