Garland Dock Claxton, Sr., 90

Mr. Garland Dock Claxton, Sr., 90, of Swainsboro, passed away Friday, April 26, 2024, at his residence surrounded by his loving family following an extended illness. Funeral service was held Sunday, April 28, at 3 p.m. in the chapel at Chapman Funeral Home with Reverend Trent Boulineau officiating. Interment followed in Swainsboro City Cemetery with Rev Burton Dixon officiating. The family received friends Sunday, April 28, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Chapman Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were his grandsons, James Norris, Trent Boulineau, Ray McClellan, Thomas Battle, Brandon Claxton and Steve Claxton, Jr. Honorary pallbearers were his great- grandsons, Tucker Ray McClellan, Preston Dock Claxton, Benton Joseph Claxton, Julian Thomas Battle, III (Trey) and Kailub William Claxton.

Mr. Claxton was born November 19, 1933, to Eddie and Christine Sullivan Claxton of Swainsboro. He was a 1953 graduate of Swainsboro High School. Dock enjoyed playing football, basketball, and baseball, and was a member of the SHS 1951 State Champion baseball team. He earned a full football scholarship to Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee. Dock’s love for Shirley was stronger than his love for the game, so giving up his college career, he hitchhiked 470 miles home to his sweetheart. Mr. Claxton was proud to be co-owner of Claxton Brothers Logging. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time on the family farm. Dock’s greatest accomplishment in life was his family. He and his wife have cherished their 70 years together with their children, grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren. Dock was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church and later in life attended Ebenezer Methodist Church. Mr. Claxton is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Christell Claxton, Estell Claxton, Nancylon Claxton and Frances Claxton Sumner; brothers, Marvin Willis Claxton, Sr. and John Claxton; sisters-in-law, Catherine N. Preston and Mary Helen N. Fields; brothers-in-law, Luther Nasworthy, Jr. and Frank Nasworthy, Sr.; son-in-law, Larry Boulineau.

Mr. Claxton is survived by his loving wife, Shirley Ann Nasworthy Claxton of Swainsboro; sons, Garland Dock Claxton, Jr. (Tammy) of Kite and Steven Wilder Claxton, Sr. (Sherry) of Swainsboro; daughter, Melinda Claxton Boulineau of Kite; sister, Carolyn Claxton Kirby of Warner Robins; seven grandchildren, Tori Boulineau Norris (James), Trent Boulineau (Candi), Ashlie Claxton McClellan (Ray), Mandy Claxton Battle (Thomas), Brandon Claxton (Whitney), Steven Claxton, Jr. (Hannah) and Casey Claxton; 17 great-grandchildren, Mattie Lee Boulineau, Jessi Ann Norris, Jami Lee Norris, Sadie Lynn Boulineau, Addison Nicole McClellan, Tucker Ray McClellan, Chloe Leanne Boulineau, Preston Dock Claxton, Benton Joseph Claxton, Sara Thomas Battle, Josie Lou Boulineau, Harlee Camille Claxton, Claxton Lynn Battle, Julian Thomas Battle, III (Trey), Sidney Lane Boulineau, Saylor Ray Claxton and Kailub William Claxton.

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro was in charge of arrangements.