Archie P. Field (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

AUGUSTA, Ga. - Archie P. Field, Jr., 91, of Augusta, GA, entered into rest at his residence on May 11, 2008. A native of Wethersfield, CT, Archie made the metro Atlanta area his home after his 1945 army discharge until 1990 when he moved to Augusta following the July 1988 death of his first wife, Mary Jane Sheppard Field, the mother of his 4 children. In 1993 he met and married his second wife, Janet Dunaway Field, who preceded him in death in Feb 2005. From 1940 to 1945 he served with the 169th Regiment, 43rd Infantry Division during World War II with over 2 years in the Solomon Islands campaign (South Pacific). He worked 1945 to 1980 for the US Post Office in Atlanta and worked part time for Pinkerton Security. He enjoyed his Pinkerton guard duty many years at the Masters Golf Tournament. Archie, a strong Christian, lived his 91 years to the fullest, yet unconditionally loved and provided very well for his family and friends. He was known for his contagious smile, wit, soft spokenness, kindness, and generous spirit. When no longer able to donate blood (over 13 gallons), he decided in 1993 to donate his body after death to the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta for education and research. He was a family genealogist and collector of photographs of family and friends. He enjoyed music from the 1930's through 1950's and was a prolific letter writer. He kept up with sports all his life, particularly baseball. He was a regular exercise enthusiast all his life into his 90's. He hiked 9 miles one day in and out of the Grand Canyon at the age of 75. "Mr. Archie," as he was fondly called in his later years, had an amazing talent for remembering names and even small details and facts learned through his extensive reading, cross country travels, and myriad life experiences. Survivors include son, Frederick Field, son, Richard Field (Glenda), step-daughter, Linda Desch (Jake) of California, brother, Richard Field (Margie) of Florida, brother, Donald Field (Lois) of Connecticut, 7 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren. Also preceding him in death were his brother, Robert Field; sister, Dorothy Green; daughter, Mary Susan Field Knight; and daughter, Annette Jane Field. The family extends deep gratitude to Archie's many health care professionals, faithful nurse caretakers, neighbors, and other friends. A memorial service with Dr. Rodger Murchison and Rev. Nathan Dean officiating will be held Saturday, May 24, 2008, at 2:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church of Augusta, GA (3500 Walton Way Extension). Extended family will gather in the First Baptist Church activities center for fellowship starting at noon prior to the memorial service. Visitation with the family and other guests will be in the church rotunda at the conclusion of the memorial service. At a future date, Archie's remains will be taken to the State of Connecticut Veterans' Cemetery in Middletown, CT. In lieu of flowers, if so desired, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Archie's last church, Bethlehem Advent Christian Church (1815 Central Ave, Augusta GA 30904) or to his favorite exercise location Family Y Wilson Branch, 3570 Wheeler Rd. Augusta, GA 30909. Memorial contributions also may be made in his name to the 43rd Infantry Division Memorial Project at the Veterans' Cemetery in Middletown, CT (43rd Memorial Project, PO Box 7281, Berlin, CT 06037). Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. www.thomaspoteet.com

The Augusta Chronicle-May 23, 2008