John William Robinson, III

John William Robinson, III died on January 14, 2007.

He was born in Selma, Alabama March 10, 1920.

His parents were John William Robinson, Jr. and Kathleen Blanton Robinson.

Bill graduated from Selma High School and the University of Alabama.

He was endowed with integrity, ambition and a desire to help others.

A few months after college graduation, he received his Navy commission at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center at Northwestern University.

During World War II, he served in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters and, lastly, was the executive officer aboard the destroyer Bancroft.

Following the war, he taught naval science at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Those months at Georgia Tech inspired his intense loyalty to the school and prompted his generosity to the institution.

In 1950 Bill joined the John H. Harland Co.

He remained with the company for 40 years, and in 1969 he became the first CEO to succeed his mentor, John Harland.

During his tenure as CEO, Harland out-performed all other listed companies on the NYSE for consecutive yearly increases in earnings, sales and dividend payment.

Bill’s directorships have included Atlanta Gas Light Co., Citizens and Southern National Bank, Atlantic Steel, Business Council of Georgia, Egleston Children’s Hospital and the Commerce Club.

He was a Trustee of Emory University and for 10 years was Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Young Harris College.

He was a member of Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church where he was a trustee and a former Chairman of the Administrative Board.

He also was a member of Atlanta Rotary Club and Capital City Club.

Bill’s hobbies were fishing, hunting and traveling.

At the age of 12, he rode by bus with a younger cousin on a trip from Selma to Los Angeles to attend the 1932 Summer Olympics.

Some of his happiest days were spent at the Homosassa Fishing Club.

He is survived by Elizabeth Smith Robinson, his wife of almost 60 years.

Children include John William Robinson IV of Tampa, Florida, and Rutledge Lee Robinson and Mrs. Charles Edward (Margaret) Buker IV of Atlanta.

Grandchildren are Will Robinson, Anna Alldredge, Elizabeth Robinson, John Robinson, Caroline Robinson, Charles Buker and Meg Buker.

A sister, Kathleen Jones of Selma, survives him.

There will be a visitation for family and friends on Tuesday, January 16 from 7-9 p.m. at A.S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home.

Services to be held Wednesday, January 17 at 10:30 a.m. at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church with parking available at Fishburne deck; burial at Covington, Georgia City Cemetery at 1:30 PM.

Following the internment, family and friends may call at Burge Bolton House, 2674 Hwy. 142 East, Mansfield, Georgia.

Donations may be made to Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church.

Mandy Callens

Mandy Callens, age 81, of Selma, Ala. died on January 8, 2007 at her residence.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 at Summer Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Willie Jackson officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Miller Funeral Service directing.

Survivors include: four sons, Willie James Callens, Emanuel Walker, William James Callens and James Williams Callens; four daughters, Dorothy Callens, Sallie Bell Lawson, Mattie Bell Graham and Eloise Chaney; twenty-four grandchildren, forty-one great grandchildren, five great great grandchildren, one great great great grandchild and a host of cousins and other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers will be family and friends.

Mattie M. Moore

Mattie M. Moore, age 64, of Selma passed at a Montgomery hospital on January 11, 2007.

Final arrangements will be announced later by J.H. Williams & Sons Funeral Home.

Pearlie Beasley

Pearlie Beasley, 84, passed January 12, 2007 in Boston, Mass.

Final arrangements will be announced later by J.H. Williams & Sons Funeral Home.

Mr. Robert T. Watkins

Mr. Robert T. Watkins, age 71, of Selma, Ala. died on January 14, 2007 at Vaughan Regional Medical Center.

Funeral services will be announced at a later date by Miller Funeral Service.

Rosa Greene

Rosa Greene, age 79, of Selma, Ala. died on January 12, 2007 at Jefferson County Hospital.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at Lewis Brothers Chapel with Rev. Alfred P. Greene, Sr. officiating. Burial in Pineview Cemetery with Lewis Brothers Funeral Home directing.

Mr. Sammie Smiley

Mr. Sammie Smiley, age 54, of Selma, Ala. died on January 14, 2007 at his residence.

Funeral services will be announced at a later date by Miller Funeral Service.