Joel Payton Ankerich

Mr. Joel Payton Ankerich, 90, of Deer Run Lane, Canon, husband of Sue Boleman Ankerich, died peacefully on Monday, November 5, 2018, at Hartwell Heath & Rehabilitation Center surrounded by his family.

Mr. Ankerich was born in Hart County on October 5, 1928, son of the late Pascal Payton Ankerich and Jessie Mae Brown Ankerich. He was a member of Bethany Baptist Church and a retired loom fixer having worked at Newton Mills.

Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Sue; children: Anne A. and Norman Berry of Elberton, Tonnie A. Garner of Bowman, and Mark and Melissa Ankerich of Canon; brother, Douglas and Shirley Ankerich of Hartwell; grandchildren: Stephanie Bryant, Matt and Joni Berry, Sean Burdette, Chris Berry, Caitlin A. and Kyle Ledford, and Conner Ankerich; great-grandchildren: Victoria Berry, Colin Berry, and Alexandria Burdette; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers: Bobby Ankerich, Billy Ankerich, Ray Ankerich, and Ronnie Ankerich; grandson, Russell Berry; and great-grandchildren: Meadow Berry and Hunter Berry.

Funeral services celebrating Joel’s life will be held on Thursday, November 8, at 11 o’clock at Bethany Baptist Church with Rev. Jerry Durham and Rev. Luther Thomason officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family is at the residence and will greet friends immediately following the service in the church sanctuary.

Contributions may be made in his memory to Gideons International, Hart County Camp, PO Box 59, Hartwell, GA 30643 or Affinis Hospice, 2565 Thompson Bridge Road, Suite 201, Gainesville, GA 30501.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mr. Joel Payton Ankerich.