Haywood Rabitsch, 86, of Millen died Feb. 16

Haywood Walter Rabitsch, 86, died Friday, Feb. 16, 2007 at Jenkins County Hospital.

Funeral services were held 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 19, at Big Horse Creek Baptist Church. Burial followed in the church cemetery with full military honors.

Mr. Rabitsch lived all his life in Jenkins County on property his grandfather, a German immigrant, settled upon coming to America in the 1860s. He was very proud of the heritage of his home.

He was born August 5, 1920, the youngest of 11 children, to the late Emma Burke Rabitsch and Freeman Rabitsch.

Mr. Rabitsch attended school in Jenkins County before volunteering to serve his country in the 101st Airborne division as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in France in preparation for the Normandy invasion when his unit ran out of ammunition, and he was captured and held as a prisoner of war for eight months until the war ended. He wanted to serve his country after a period of recuperation but was unable to do so because his health was permanently compromised during his imprisonment.

Upon returning home, he farmed for a while before working as a lineman with Planters Electric Co-op, and later as a dispatcher before retiring in 1985, after 36 years of service.

He was a deacon at Big Horse Creek Baptist Church, where he faithfully served in many capacities. He was a lifetime member as well as the eldest member of C.V. Dwelle Post 2775 V.F.W.

As long as his health permitted, he enjoyed gardening, fishing and spending time with family and friends. In addition to his parents and siblings, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Steven Harley.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Kathleen Lewis Rabitsch of Millen; a son and daughter-in-law, Don and Dot Sanders Rabitsch of Metter; a daughter, Sandra R. Harley of Millen; three grandchildren, Mickey Harley of Blue Ridge and DeAnne Rabitsch and Don Randall Rabitsch, both of Woodstock; and two great-grandchildren, Trenton Harley and Chase Harley of Millen.