MARTINEZ, Ga. - Mr. Leon William Dortch, 79, of Martinez Georgia went to be with the Lord on Monday, June 22, 2009 at his residence. Mr. Dortch was retired from the Richmond County Board of Education and the United States Army, he was also a member of the Fort Gordon Retired Golf Association. Bill touched the lives of many people. He knew no strangers. Bill loved the game of golf and was an avid golfer. He was the best husband and "Daddy," loving "Paw Paw," and devoted friend. He will be greatly missed. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church with Dr. Leslie Holmes officiating. Interment to follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens. Survivors include his only daughter, Brenda Sharpe of Martinez, GA, a niece, Donna Kircher of Gainesville, FL, two grandchildren Kera Sharpe Tinker of Augusta, GA, and Ethan Sharpe of Martinez, GA. A brother Robert Dortch of Lake City, FL, and two sisters, Jessie Mae Lee of Jacksonville, FL, and Mary Walker of Lake City, FL. Additional survivors include a sister in law, Edith Dortch Augusta, GA and sister in law, Velma Dortch of Lake City, FL, and many other nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Robert Williams, Chuck Williams, Kenny Lee, Tim Dortch, Michael Stalvey and Robert Miller. Honorary pall bearers will be Bennie Nelson, William Hestad, Ronnie Smiley, Greg Newsome, LLoyd Gulledge and Jimmy Cofert. The family has requested that memorials be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 1899 Central Ave. Augusta, GA 30904, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 2233 Bridgton Rd. Augusta, GA 30909. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday, June 24, 2009 evening, from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Platt's Funeral Home, 337 N. Belair Rd., Evans, GA. 30809, 706- 860-6166. Please sign the register book and send condolences to: www.plattsfuneralhome.com . Sign the guestbook at AugustaChronicle.com

The Augusta Chronicle-June 24, 2009