Jesse Durrence

Jesse James Durrence, 84, died peacefully at Ogeechee Area Hospice on Monday, September 21, 2015. He was the son of William F. Durrence and Viola James Durrence. For twenty-eight years, Jesse was an educator who served in Tattnall, Washington, and DeKalb counties as an elementary school principal. During his tenure, he earned his Doctor of Philosophy from Georgia State University. During the Korean War, Jesse served in the Army Infantry at Fort Jackson, SC.

Jesse was an avid sailor and aviator. Not only did he sail on lakes and off the eastern coast, he also navigated the islands of the Bahamas and Virgin Islands. Beginning at age 21, he flew single engine planes as far north as Long Island, NY. At his home in Glennville, he flew his home-built planes from the landing strip in his front yard. After retirement, Jesse began building radio controlled model airplanes as well. He also collected model trains, building a garden railway in his back yard. With his family, he traveled the US extensively and visited over a dozen foreign countries.

For a number of years, Jesse served on the Board of Directors of the Glennville Bank, and as Chairman of the Board of the GB Bank Group.

Jesse is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Tommy and Billy Durrence; and his son, Jay.

Survivors include:
Wife of 63 years:Lenette Durrence of Glennville
Daughter:Susan Durrence of Asheville, North Carolina
Sisters-in-Law:Ruby Jo Durrence of Glennville
Martha Jo Durrence of Savannah
Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Pallbearers: Nick Tatum, Luke Durrence, Abe Parker, John Karrh, Len Hunnicutt, James Tatum.
Honorary Pallbearers: Officers and Directors of The Glennville Bank.

Remembrances: Ogeechee Area Hospice, PO Box 531, Statesboro, Georgia 30459