Gary E. Ellinwood

MR. GARY E. ELLINWOOD Mr. Gary E. Ellinwood, 69, of Grantville, died Monday, March 31, 2008, at his home. Born April 9, 1938, in Fostoria, Ohio, Mr. Ellinwood was a veteran of service in the U.S. Army, was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church, and was retired from James River Corporation in Newnan. He was active in the organization of Welcome House in Newnan and had remained an ardent supporter; was an avid fisherman; and had been the subject of several articles featuring his vast collection of hot sauces. Mr. Ellinwood shared his life and children with his first wife, Connie Ellinwood, who died November 1, 1998, and then with his second wife, Casernell Smith. Survivors include his children and step-children, Cathy Hartman of Newnan, Megan Birchfield of Grantville, Phyllis Stone of Easley, SC, Kathy Duckworth of LaGrange, Cliff Smith, Veronica Rogers, Joseph Smith and Clint Smith, all of Grantville; his mother, Winifred Ellinwood of California; brother, Steve Ellinwood of California; grandchildren, Brandy Agee, Daniel Agee, Matthew Stone, Steven Stone, Brook Amanda Hartman, Constance Rhiannon Birchfield, Victoria Birchfield, Lucas Birchfield, and Oasis Davis; a great-grandson, Nicholas; and a number of step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Connie, he was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Holly Lynn Hartman; and his father, Royal Arthur Ellinwood. Mr. Ellinwood is remembered by his granddaughter, Rhiannon, who wrote the following on the night before his death: "My Paw Paw. We loved him a lot. My Paw Paw was a good guy. He made me laugh a lot. I loved his jokes; we will miss him a lot. He has been sick for a long, long time. We would go over and take care of him when he needed us. We were there for him. It has been a hard year. My Mom and my aunt has always been there day to night and everybody has been trying to help him a lot. I would stay with him when they cant; I would try to do what he wanted. If I could not help I would call my mom and she would help me for him. She stays by the phone if someone calls about him. I loved being his grandchild. When he goes I will always be his strong grandchild. Love you Paw Paw. We will miss you. We will always think of you. Lots of love, Rhiannon." The family will host a gathering to celebrate the life of Gary E. Ellinwood at 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 2, at Colley Park and at Bonnie Castle in Grantville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Camp Scholarship Fund in memory of Gary Ellinwood, Pine Valley Council of Girl Scouts, P.O. Box 1569, Griffin, GA 30224. Claude A. McKibben and Sons Funeral Home, Hogansville. Services: A gathering to celebrate the life of Gary E. Ellinwood will be held at 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 2, at Colley Park and Bonnie Castle in Grantville