John McDonald (Don) Hulsey

Alexander Funeral Home of Cleveland announces the death of Mr.

John McDonald "Don" Hulsey passed away on January 20, 2014 at age 102.

Born on Nov. 26, 1911, he was the son of William Harrison Hulsey and Bertie Head Hulsey. He was the last of his generation, his siblings Eula Campbell, Edith Huff, Velma Maddox, Roger Hulsey and Lera Bruckner having preceding him in death.

Raised in Cleveland, he graduated from the Univ. of Georgia in 1933 and served as Principal of Shoal Creek School, the first Agricultural Teacher of Cleveland High School, Assistant County Agent of Towns County and County Agent of Union County during the 1930s.

An inactive Army Officer before the war, he served in the Quartermaster Corps at Fort Hamilton, NY during WWII. He made at least two Convoy Voyages to England during the war as Army liaison to the convoy. Following active duty he continued in the US Army Active Reserve, retiring with 30 years' service in 1971 as a Lieut. Colonel.

After discharge, he served as County Agent in Gilmer County. In 1949, he returned to White County where he bought his father's farm and farmed for over 30 years, his first love. His father continued to farm with him until 1970. Don helped organize the White County Farmers Exchange and was active in the White County Farm Bureau for many years. He taught agriculture to returning veterans for several years in addition to farming. Don was honored with the first award of the White County Agricultural Hall of Fame in 1992.

Don married Clara Pettit of Ellijay, GA in 1949 and they enjoyed 45 years of marriage before her death in 1995. Being accomplished bridge payers, they annually traveled to Bridge Tournaments in St. Simons. Don sold a farm to Xavier Roberts and retired from active farming in 1981. After their retirements, they traveled extensively, Don inspecting farms in many areas of the United States. Don and Clara acted as caretakers to his Aunt Bertha Hulsey and Uncles Talmer and Bunyon Hulsey until their deaths.

Don and Clara became friends with Gunter and Selma Wackenhut, also accomplished bridge players. After Clara's and Gunter's deaths, Don and Selma Wackenhut became close friends and companions, playing bridge weekly.

Don continued to garden until age 94. He and his nieces-in-law, Sara Jo and Charlyce Poindexter, traveled extensively including trips to Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

Due to declining health, Don moved into Selma's home in Dawsonville in 2010 where he resided until his recent illness.

Don is survived by best friend and caretaker Selma Wackenhut, nephews and caretakers Joe Campbell, Cave Springs, GA, William Huff, Cleveland, GA, and caretakers Sara Jo and Charlyce Poindexter, Gainesville, GA and Jane Peloquin, Cleveland, GA. Sarah Jo and William are to be commended for their dedicated attention to his medical needs.

He is survived by 15 additional nephews and nieces and a number of grand-nephews and nieces.

The family wishes to thank Albert and Martha Jean Taylor, Cleveland GA, friends and financial advisor for over 50 years and the Caretakers of Bright Star, Inc.

Visitation to be held on Thursday, January 23, 2014 from 1 to 3 pm at Alexander Funeral Home with funeral services being held at 3:00pm

Donations in his honor to the White County Historical Society are encouraged.

To share a memory of Don or to send condolences, please visit www.alexander-funeral.com

Arrangements for Mr. John McDonald "Don" Hulsey are in the care of Alexander Funeral Home of Cleveland (706)865-1500