Going home services and celebration of love for Deacon Jack Latimer, Tuesday, October 5, 1999, 3:00 p.m., Antioch Baptist Church, Augusta, Georgia, Reverend Kenneth B. Martin, pastor

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Tuesday, October 5, 1999 3:00 P.M.
Antioch Bqptist Church Augusta. Georgia
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Reverend Kenneth B. Martin ~ Pastor

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inter was born to the late Mr. and Mrs. Wade and Emma Lee Latimer on October 10, 1913,
in Grovetown, Georgia.
He confessed Christ at an early age and was baptized at the Jerusalem Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. Wade Jennings.
His early academic training was provided at the Jerusalem Baptist School. Upon entering the United States Army, he studied Electrical System Technology. After completing his stint in the military, he attended the Electrical Training Program at Haines Institute in Augusta, Georgia. Following this, he received certification in Radio and Television Service Technology at the National Radio Institute, Washington, DC.
While in service to his country in the United States Army, Jack Latimer distinguished himself on the battlefield in France and England during \Vorld War II. He was a noted Gunner, Tanksman and Artillery expert. Because of his rapid skill development, he had the uncommon achievement of rising to the position of Staff Sergeant in less than three full years of service. Because of his heroism, he was cited and decorated with the Bronze Star, World War II Victory Medal, American Theater Service Ribbon, EAMET Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal.
After an impressive tour of duty in the military, Jack Latimer continued his record of achievement by becoming the first African American Mechanic at Harrison-Gulley Chevrolet, one of the leading Chevrolet dealerships in the CSRA. After a corporate acquisition, Harrison-Gulley became Milton Reuben Chevrolet and Jack Latimer was asked to continue as Electrical Mechanic. He remained in the employ of these companies for over forty years.
After returning to Augusta from Europe, Jack Latimer visited Antioch Baptist Church where his brother, Bonnie, had become a member. He quickly followed his brothers footsteps and established Antioch as his new church home. He remained an active member for over sixty years until his death. During those sixty years, he was a diligent and faithful servant and held numerous positions including: Chairman and Chairman Emeritus (respectively) of the Deacon Board, as well as President of the Baptist Training Union. Jack Latimer was regarded as a leader of integrity and strength, and provided critical continuity and stability in the life of the church during key periods of transition - especially during the search for a new pastor. He was an active and loyal participant in the Georgia State Baptist Convention and was particularly involved in the work of the Christian Education Department. Deacon Latimer was so devoted to the Christian Education of students in the Baptist Training Union that he would personally go to many of their homes to pick them up and return them home in order for them to attend "BTU" on Sunday evenings.
In addition to his devoted service at church, Jack Latimer was also a devoted family man and was involved in community .affairs through his affiliations with the NAACP, the Augusta Voters League, the American Legion, and the Veterans of Foreign War (VFWj.
For over thirty years, Jack Latimer also operated a radio and television repair business. The service provided by his company was as much a "mission" as it was a business in that numerous clients were provided service even when they were unable to pay. But that was the spirit ofjack Latimer. He was willing to do anything to help anyone, often at his own expense. Because of his leadership and his spirit, he was regarded as the "Daddy" of his neighborhood at the time of his death. He and his late wife, Edna, were married for fifty-three years and were considered to be "Daddy Jack" (sometimes "Uncle Jack") and "Nana" to scores of people throughout the Central Savannah River Area.
Jack Latimer is survived by: his son, Timothy Marshall; one sister, Mrs. Mary Brown; four brothers, Mr. Phillip Latimer, Mr. Ned Latimer, Mr. John Latimer and Mr. Sam White; one granddaughter, Nile Imani Marshall; one daughter-in-law, two sisters-in-law; and a host of nieces and great-nieces, nephews and great-nephews, other relatives and friends.