George R. Withers, Jr.

George R. Withers, Jr., age 80, of Tallula, passed away on Monday, February 08, 2016 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.

He is survived by five sons, Richard Gene (wife Leslie) Withers of Petersburg, Bobby Gene Withers of Athens, Donald Lee Withers of Springfield, Ronald Dean Withers of Florida, and Robert Lee (wife Jen) of Pleasant Plains; one daughter, Jolene Marie Rawlings of Texas; grandchildren, Tucker Withers, Grant Withers, Wyatt Withers, Maci Withers and Colins Withers; several great-grandchildren; two sisters, Barb Doughtery and Janice Doughtery; one brother, Cliff Withers.

Mr. Withers was born March 12, 1935 near Jamestown, Kentucky, the son of George Roosevelt and L. Hazel (Wells) Withers.

He attended Springfield High School and worked as a union cement finisher for 50 years. George was owner and operated Illini Fur Buyers for 50 years. George enjoyed playing in his band called “George Withers and the Illini Boys”.

Mr. Withers is a member of the Athens Christian Church and Cement Masons Local #18.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until time of funeral service at 12:00 PM on Saturday February 13, 2016 at the Athens Christian Church.

Cremation rites will be accorded after the services.

Rev. Ken Gennicks will be officiating.

Memorials can be made to the “George Wither’s Memorial Fund”.

Mott & Henning Funeral Home in Athens is assisting the Wither’s family