Robert M.D. Jr.

METTER, GEORGIA Dr. Robert L. Pence Jr. passed away Saturday, August 11, 2012 at home after an extended illness. He was born on February 11, 1930. A native of LaFayette, Georgia, Dr. Pence was the son of Florie Strange Pence and Robert Luster Pence, Sr.
Dr. Pence graduated from LaFayette High School in 1946, where he was on the debate team. He was a graduate from the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia in 1950 and graduated from the Medical College of Georgia with a medical degree in 1954. His internship was at the Georgia Baptist Hospital in Atlanta in 1955. He was a captain in the U.S. Army at Fort Gordon, Ga. from 1954-1956. His residency was at the Curry Clinic in general surgery in Chattanooga, Tenn. from 1957-1958.
After Dr. Pence and Sara Jane made their home in Metter in 1958, he started his medical practice on North Broad Street and later joined the Medical Associates of Metter for over 50 years. Dr. Pence was instrumental in building the Candler County Hospital and made the dedication speech at the opening ceremony. He delivered over 4,000 babies, performed surgery, made house calls, worked in the emergency room, and maintained a full medical practice. He was part of the First District Medical Committee in Statesboro, Georgia. In 2011 Dr. Pence was recognized as Citizen of the Year of Metter and served as the grand marshal in the Cobbtown Christmas Parade. Dr. Pence was a member of the Metter United Methodist Church where he was a Lay Leader. He was instrumental in reforming Boy Scout Troup 363. He was the Scoutmaster for over a year to make sure the troupe had everything it needed to be successful. Dr. Pence developed an interest in making Metter better by becoming a founder and charter member of the Willow Lake Country Club where he enjoyed playing golf.
Dr. Pence was preceded in death by his wife Sara Jane of 59 years, parents, Florie Strange Pence and Robert Luster Pence, Sr., and sisters, Hester, Frances, and Louise. He is survived by his daughter Kathy (Robbie) Thomas of Martinez, Ga., son, Bobby (Nancy) Pence, and grandchildren Robert Pence, Janie Pence, and Jennifer Thomas.
Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, August 14, 2012 at 11 a.m. at the Metter United Methodist Church with Rev. Whit Byram officiating. Interment will follow in the Lake Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday evening 4-7 p.m. at Kennedy Morgan Brannen Funeral Homes, Metter Chapel.
Pallbearers will be Al Bland, Rob Bowen, Danny Oliff, Tommy Robinson, Hughes Williamson, Al Williams, Richard Williams, Greg Wolfe. Honorary Pallbearers will be Dr. Leon Curry, Dr. Roger Beville, Dr. Gary Branch, Dr. Dorsey Smith, Dr. Michael Taoromina, C.B. Jones, Dekle Kennedy, John R. Bowen, Leon Cardell, James Jones, Dr. Vendie Hooks, Joey Pittman, Cal Rivenbark, Jimmy Trapnell, Hugh Williamson, Harry Warren.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Metter United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 595, Metter, Ga. 30439 or Candler County Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 597, Metter, Ga. 30439

Kennedy Morgan Brannen Funeral Homes
Metter Chapel
"A Life Celebration Funeral Home"
www.kennedymorganbrannen.com