William D. Folsom

Mr. William D. Folsom, age 79, passed away Wednesday, August 09, 2023, at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas, Ga.

SFC (Retired) William David Folsom, was born in Nashville, Ga. on May 25, 1944, to William Junior and Willie Mae Sirmans Folsom and passed away Wednesday, August 9, 2023. Mr. Folsom was raised in Berrien and Lowndes County and joined the US Army in June of 1965 and retired in July of 1985. He was an ammunitions storage specialist working with all types of ammo from small arms to nuclear weapons. He served tours of duty in South Carolina, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Georgia, Alabama, and Hawaii. He served 3 tours in Korea, Thailand, and 3 years in Germany. He retired at Ft. Benning, Ga.in July of l985.  His Military Decorations included, National Defense Service Medal (1), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (2), Overseas Service Ribbon (3), Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal (6), NCO Professional Development Ribbon (3), and Sharpshooter Qualification Badge (M14).  After retiring he attended Okefenokee Technical College and graduated with a HVAC Degree. Mr. Folsom worked with Thomas Heating and Air for a short time and then went to work for Fletcher Oil Company as a short truck driver delivering fuel to all the farmers in the area and as a dispatcher. He left Fletchers and worked with Pope Trucking until he retired again at age 62. David was a good carpenter and worked a lot on his time off building homes with John Ralph Lott. He enjoyed fishing and camping in his spare time.  He was a member of First Congregational Church of Douglas, Ga. and served as a Sunday School Superintendent under Rev. John Audles. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Deane Adam Folsom, and a sister, Patricia Diane Sirmans

Survivors include:

Wife of 56 years:   Evelyn Sirmans Folsom of Douglas, Ga.

3 Sons:  David Anthony Folsom and wife Valerie of Douglas, Ga.

              Daren Andrew Folsom and wife Lisa of Douglas, Ga.

              Derek Alan Folsom and wife Kristy of Nicholls, Ga.

4 Grandchildren:  Austin Ryan Hannon of Atlanta, Ga.

                             Donavan Andrew Folsom of Douglas, Ga.

                             Hunter Adam Folsom of Nicholls, Ga.

                             Ava Ruth Folsom of Nicholls, Ga.

2 Step-Grandchildren:  Garrett Cantrell of Douglas, Ga.

                                      Morgan Barnes of Douglas, Ga.

Several nieces, nephews, and other relatives also survive.

Funeral services for Mr. Folsom were held on Saturday, August 12, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. at Relihan Funeral Home Chapel in Pearson, Ga. with Bro. Steve Sirmans and Rev. Don Lott officiating. A special poem “A Soldier Died Today” was read by his brother-in-law, Roy Sirmans.  Special music included “Heart That Will Never Break Again” and “How Great Thou Art” presented by cd.  Prelude and Postlude music was “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” rendered by cd.

The interment followed in Antioch Cemetery with full Military Honors, (Pallbearers, Firing Squad, Taps and Presentation of Flag) rendered by a   U. S. Army Honor Guard Contingent from Ft. Stewart, Ga.

Relihan Funeral Home of Pearson, Ga. was in charge of the arrangements.