James Eschol Riner

James Eschol (J.E.) Riner, age 83, of Hazlehurst, died Sunday, March 20, 2022 at Jeff Davis Hospital.

Mr. Riner was born September 23, 1938 in Jeff Davis County.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Eschol Graham Riner and Colleen Anderson Riner, two sisters, Linda Hinnant and JoAnn Beitz. He was a master mechanic for over 45 years, he was the owner and operator of Riner’s Auto Repair and a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church. It was always definitely a good day when he could enjoy the outdoors. He enjoyed driving his Tractor or his Golf Cart with his wife Sandy and his sidekick “Brownie” by his side. He always spoke softly and always portrayed a gentle spirit.

Survivors include his wife, Sandra Harris Riner of Hazlehurst; sons, Jimmy Riner (Senay) of Virginia, Daryl Riner (Christy) of Hazlehurst, Timmy Long (Deborah) of McRae and Corey Long (Kristi) of Hazlehurst; daughters, Debbie Riner Davenport of Hazlehurst and Christeena Riner Simmons (Kraig) of Baxley; brother, Roy Riner of Vidalia; sister, Katherine R. Williamson (Jerry) of Vidalia; grandchildren, Natalie Davenport Miller (C.J.), Dylan Riner (Kaela), Melanie Riner, Paula Riner-Waltz (James) of Virginia, Sommer Webster, Brayden Simmons, Matthew Simmons, Heather Force, Jayde Long, Dakota Nubern, Eathan Long and Liam Long; six great-grandchildren, Taylor Waldon, Charlee Waldon, Kaden Miller, Tenley Williams, Lanie Scott,  and Lake Riner.

Visitation and Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at Hillcrest Baptist Church, visitation will begin at 1:00pm and funeral service will follow at 2:00pm with Rev. Brian Brazzell officiating. Interment will follow in the Hazlehurst City Cemetery.

Honorary pallbearers will be Kendall King, Kenneth & Maureen Tapley, Rod Brewer, Carrol Taylor, Lloyd Mason, Jerry & Helen Hamm, Helen Yawn, Aaron & Mildred Newham, Lynn Thompson and James & Vernell Mincey.

Active pallbearers will be Walter Thompson, Greg Miller, Richard Kight, Kenny Jones, Michael Beecher, Chesley Taylor and Darren McDaniel.

The Riner Family and Wainright-Parlor Funeral Home respectfully ask all in attendance to continue to follow social distancing guidelines set by our local health district and the CDC.

Wainright-Parlor Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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