Joshua Utley

Joshua Lee Utley

Gough, GA  – Joshua Lee Utley, 24, loving son of Michael and Paula Utley, entered into rest Tuesday morning, July 8, 2014 at University Hospital.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM Friday, July 11, 2014 in the James Funeral Home Chapel with the Reverends Ron McMillan and Billy Carroll officiating. Interment will follow in Rose Dhu Cemetery in Vidette.

A lifelong resident of Burke County, Joshua served his Lord as a member of Brushy Creek Baptist Church. Being physically disabled from birth, he was only able to attend first grade at Waynesboro Elementary School at which time his prognosis of survival was just one year. His mental strength, determination and will-to-live afforded him another eighteen years of life in which he never complained and was a picture of courage, inspiring others with his loving, positive, “can-do” attitude. Josh loved to ride four-wheelers, shoot pool and being at the lake with his friends. He also enjoyed sports, especially NASCAR and football, and was an avid Georgia Bulldog fan--GO DAWGS. Josh was most proud of his ’67 Ford pickup—his first ride and, as he requested, his last ride. Loving his family and friends with all his heart, Josh lived life to the fullest, always praising God for his many blessings. This unselfish man of courage and faith will be greatly missed by all who had the honor of knowing him.

Josh is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Bobby O’Neal Prickett. Other survivors include his siblings, Mike Utley Jr. (Samantha), Brandy Utley and Corey Utley; maternal grandmother, Betty Prickett; paternal grandparents, Virginia Story Utley and Marion Utley Sr.; nephew, David Utley; niece, Kaylee Utley; aunts, uncles, cousins and numerous friends. Pallbearers will be William Bessent, Hal Kight, Charles May, Steve Moody, Chris Parrish and James Tobias Jr.

Because of the financial burden incurred with his disabilities, the family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to James Funeral Home, PO Box 588, Wrens GA 30833.

The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00PM Thursday evening, July 10, 2014 at James Funeral Home.
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The Day God Called You Home

God looked at His garden and found an empty place.
He then looked down upon His earth and saw your loving face.

He put His arms around you and lifted you to rest.
His garden must be beautiful—He always takes the best.

He knew that you were suffering; He knew you were in pain;
And knew that you would never get well on earth again.

He saw your path was difficult; He closed your tired eyes.
He whispered to you “Peace be Thine” and gave you wings to fly.

When we saw you sleeping so calm and free of pain,
We would not wish you back to earth to suffer once again.

You’ve left us precious memories—your love will be our guide.
You live on in our hearts; you’re always by our side.

It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone,
For part of us went with you on the day God called you home.

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