from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — John Edward Statham III, 69, of Hawkinsville, Ga., died Jan. 23, 2014, in an Augusta hospital.

Mr. Statham was born Oct. 24, 1944, in Abbeville, Ga. He was the son of the late John E. Statham, Jr. and Opal Dykes Statham.

He was an electrician with Plant Hatch and was a member of the H.O.G. Bee Keepers Association, Local I.B.E.W #1316. He was a United States Army veteran, serving his country during the Vietnam era.

Mr. Statham was a trainer and member of the USTA. His favorite horse was Georgia Green who had been voted Horse of the Meet in Kentucky at one time. He had just started back training a couple of horses to take to Kentucky with him this spring.

He is survived by his wife, Thersa; son, John IV; daughter, Laura Morrison; brother, Thomas; sisters, Sandra Gregel, Marinell Paxton and Hedy English; and grandchildren, Dillan Morrison, Landyn Morrison, Anna, Edward and Emma.

Funeral services will be held Saturday (Jan. 25) in the Cedar Creek Baptist Church with the Reverend Freddie Rhodes officiating. Visitation will be held from 2-3 p.m. in the church Social Hall. Interment will be in the family plot of the Cedar Creek Cemetery.

Frazier and Son Funeral Home of Rochelle has charge of arrangements. You may visit their online registry at www.fraziersonfuneral.com.