OBITUARY MR. W. C. ORR

Weekly Banner, November 23, 1917

Transcribed by Connie Epps Bond, September 28, 2006

MR. W. C. ORR

Passes Away

Prominent in Athens Business

Circles for more than Half a century

Yesterday afternoon at one o’clock at his home on Grady avenue Mr. William C. Orr passed away after a brief illness.  Mr. Orr had been a great sufferer with asthma for many years but in all that time he exhibited a resignation and courage that was beautiful to behold.

He was born in Talladega, Ala, seventy-two years ago and while a mere child came with his father to Jefferson, GA, where he was reared to young manhood.

When the call to arms was sounded in 1861, although he was but a boy, he rallied to the colors of the Confederacy, and became a member of the famous Cobb Legion of cavalry.  He gave to the South the most valiant services of his young manhood.  Near Richmond he had the misfortune to lose one of his eyes.  Throughout all the years following the war he was loyal to the reunited country, but always held dear to his heart the memories of the days when he followed the starry cross of the South.

In 1873 he came to Athens and at once became one of the most progressive of the young business men of the city. Since that time he has engaged with success in the cotton and guano business.

Mr. Orr always took vital interest in the affairs of the city and county.  At one time he served with much ability and fidelity as a member of the city council. He had been a consistent member of the First Presbyterian church of this city since coming to Athens as a young man.  Quiet and unassuming, shunning the limelight and devoted to his family and friends, Mr. Orr was one of the best and most highly esteemed of the citizens of Athens.  Loyal and true, faithful to every duty, beloved by all who knew him, Athens loses by his death a splendid citizen and hundreds of our people a valued friend.

Mr. Orr is survived by his wife, who prior to her marriage was Miss Emma Lyle, of Jackson county, and by his son, Mr. Fred M. Orr, of this city.

The funeral of Mr. Orr will be conducted this afternoon at four o’clock at the First Presbyterian church by the pastor, Rev. E. L. Hill, and the interment will be in Oconee cemetery. 

The following gentlemen will act as pallbearers  Messrs R. S. Crane, J. W. O’Kelley, W. C. Ash, John E. Talmadge Sr., J. C. Hutchins, W. W. Scott, J. D. Bradwell and C. H. Newton.