Clifton Parks Wurst

Born Jan. 7, 1927, Clifton Parks Wurst was the youngest of John and Pearl (Turner) Wurst’s three sons. He grew up on a farm established by his grandfather near Ochlocknee. He inherited a love of learning and was a good student. After finishing high school during World War II, he joined the navy and signed up for flight training. He later attended Oberlin College under the navy’s sponsorship, where he excelled in his studies, but with the war soon over and his obligation to country met, Clifton returned to South Georgia and his home on Stage Road. In 1947, he married Wylda Starling of Ray City, and worked as a farmer while taking classes on farm productivity. Later, he worked in insurance and helped launch the fledgling American Family Life Insurance Co. by selling some of its first public stock while working for its founder John Amos. Cliff moved his family to Columbus to work full time with the young company in 1964. After several years in Columbus managing the home office of AFLAC, he moved to Savannah to serve as regional manager. He retired in 1986, and he and Wylda moved back to the family farm. They were truly home again. In retirement, he was busier than ever, joking that he needed to get a job so he could have a day off! He was active in the Ochlocknee Community Club, the American Legion, the Thomas County Historical Society, the Thomas County Genealogical Society, the Ochlocknee Boys Dinner Club and the Ochlocknee Cemetery Fund. As long as his health allowed, he was active in serving our Lord through the Ochlocknee Baptist Church. His kind heart, generous hand and wise counsel enriched his community. Clifton is preceded in death by Wylda, his wife of 60 years; his parents: John and Pearl Wurst; and his brothers and their wives, John (Emma), and James Avon (Wally). He leaves behind four children, Debbie Kaufmann (Jim), Steve (Julie), John (Julie), Jeff (Kimberly); five grandchildren, Erin Wurst, Dana Mangum, Robert Wurst, Abigail Wurst, Millicent Wurst; and two great-grandchildren, Peyton and Ryan Mangum.  Donations may be made to the Ochlocknee Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 56, Ochlocknee, Ga. 31773 or to Ochlocknee Baptist Church, P.O. Box 69, Ochlocknee, Ga. 31773. Family visitation is Monday, Feb. 11, 2013, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Whiddon-Shiver Funeral Home. The funeral is Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013,  11 a.m. at Ochlocknee Baptist Church, 3096 N. Railroad St. E., Ochlocknee. Guests may sign the register book online at www.whiddonshiverfuneralhome.com — Whiddon-Shiver Funeral Home