William Graves Weekley
December 4, 1926 - March 10, 2017
Columbus, GA-

William Graves Weekley, 90, of Columbus, Georgia died peacefully March 10, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family.
Funeral services were held at 3:00 p.m. Monday, March 13, 2017 in the Edgewood Hall of Striffler-Hamby, Columbus, GA. A private burial will follow in Parkhill Cemetery.
William Weekley was born December 4, 1926 in Langdale, Alabama to the late Reverend Paul E. Weekley and Lois McCrary Weekley. The family relocated to Phenix City, AL where William became an Eagle Scout. They later moved to Columbus, GA where he attended Baker High School, graduating in the first class of 1945. He was a member of the Who's Who Club and captain of the football team.
He entered the Army in 1945 and retired in 1965. While in the Army, he attended 22 Army schools and was at the top of the class in all of them. He played football for the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg, NC and the 508 Airborne at Fort Benning. In 1952 his outfit built the Ranger Camps at Dahlonega, GA and Camp Rudder, Florida. He attended an atomic test in Nevada that same year.
He served 2 tours in Germany. His outfit kept the roads open between East and West Berlin when the Berlin wall was built. On his 2nd tour, his family went with him, building many fond memories. He also served a long 18 month tour in Korea. At retirement, he was an instructor at the Pathfinder School at Fort Benning.
After retirement he worked many different jobs at the Post Office, retiring after 24 years. His last job was a 13 mile a day walking mail route. During this time he became interested in running. He helped start the Columbus Track Club and participated in many marathons. He was active in the Columbus Woods Club and made many beautiful things. His wooden animal collection is on display at the Morningside Baptist Library.
His interest turned to hiking and he started planning his walk of the Appalachian Trail. He and his friend, Tony Arnold left Columbus in April 1989 and William completed the trail 6 months later in September, 1989. He then went to Konnerock, VA for many years, working 2 to 3 weeks per year, repairing the trail. He also helped build the Pine Mountain Trail. His love of the outdoors never waned and he would have still been hiking if his health would have allowed it. He shared his knowledge and love of the trail with many hikers over the years.
A gifted writer, he left many precious journals for his family to cherish.
William was a founding member of Brown Bag of Columbus and volunteered for almost 30 years. He received the Alton R. Ray Humanitarian Award in 2000. He donated blood to the American Red Cross for many years.
He was married to Joyce Ramey Weekley for 64 years and a faithful member of Morningside Baptist since 1955.
Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Luther Weekley. He is survived by his loving wife, Joyce; his children, Carl William (Peggy), Beverly Porter (Scott); grandchildren, Richard Porter (Brandi), Melissa Wolf (Chris), Jennifer Brown (Dennis), Michael Hall and 5 great-grandchildren; one brother, Joe Weekley (Evelyn), 2 sisters, Vivian Noell and Phoebe Heath (Bill) plus numerous nieces and nephews and friends. The family wishes to thank Columbus Hospice and his caregivers, LaKiea Witherspoon and Angie Stathums for their loving care during latter days.
William's wish was that any memorials be sent to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy 799 Washington St., P.O. Box 807 Harpers Ferry, VA 25425-0807, Brown Bag Columbus 1342 17th Street Columbus, GA 31901 or Columbus Hospice 7020 Moon Road Columbus, GA 31909.
Online condolences may be offered at www.shcolumbus.com

Ismael (Ish) Nazario '61