Wilbur Ollian Maney

It is with deep sadness we report that Wilbur Ollian Maney, 94, passed away peacefully at his home in Covington, GA, on July 26, 2022.

Wilbur was born on November 13, 1927, to Ora and Marlor Maney in Hiawassee, Georgia. He graduated from Berry College, served 3 years in the Air Force, and then graduated from the University of Georgia with a second B.S., in Agriculture.

Following his service in the Air Force, Wilbur began working at a local Boys Ranch in San Angelo, TX. He met a beautiful young lady, Ouida Brackin, and they were married November 20, 1953.  They returned to Georgia and, after acquiring his second degree from University of Georgia, they eventually settled in Dillard, Georgia for the next 27 years where they reared their four children and their grandson.

Wilbur was hired and retired as the County Extension Agent for Rabun County, and throughout his career he received many recognitions and awards, some of which were for his hunting dogs. He served as a deacon at two churches, held offices in The Gideons, The Masons, and other community organizations.  He was the Choir Director for over 10 years and even Mayor of Dillard, GA for a short time. He was known for his blueberries, his sourwood honey, his singing and faith in God above all.

Following his retirement, Wilbur and his family moved to Tignall, GA for the next 25 years, during which he served as a substitute teacher at Wilkes County High School, and committee and choir member at Tignall Baptist. He continued his service in The Gideons and became active in the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), during which he served as Secretary. He and Ouida raised their grandson, Clay, and cared for their daughter, Carol, as her health declined. They moved to Locust Grove, GA, in 2012, and several years following Ouida’s death in 2016 Wilbur moved to Covington to live with his daughter, Debra, and her family.

Wilbur was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Ouida, their oldest daughter, Carol, and his older sister, Mazelle. He is survived by his three children and their spouses: Bill Maney (Judy), Debra Smith (Greg) and Ruth Strickland (Dennis); his younger sister, Roberta; Carol’s son, Clay Kidder, Jr. (Shawna) 2 brothers-in law, 8 grandsons, 7 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family invites you to join them for the Memorial Service or separate Graveside Service. The Memorial is on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at 2:00 p.m., at Zion Baptist Church of Covington, GA, located at 7037 GA-212, Covington, GA. The burial service, managed by Hopkins Funeral Home, will be held on Sunday, September 18, 2022, at 1:30 p.m., at the cemetery of Tignall Baptist Church, located behind the church and the Post Office, between Spring & E Cemetery Streets. The church is located at 170 S Hulin Ave, Hwy 17, Tignall, GA 30668. A reception will follow each service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Gideons International, Wilkes Lincoln Camp, 123 West Sheraton Dr., Washington, GA 30673, or to the Zion Baptist mission fund, Proverbs 22: Partners in Education, 7037 GA-212, Covington, GA 30016. Wilbur was a member of The Gideons for over 60 years, and both missions were very dear to him.