Mr. James William “Bill” Day, Jr., 93, of Kite, passed away Sunday, March 24, 2024, peacefully at his residence. Funeral services were held Wednesday, March 27, at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of Chapman Funeral Home with Pastors David Hutchinson and Craig Foskey officiating.
Mr. Day was born December 14, 1930, in Versailles, KY, to the late James William Day, Sr. and Virginia Murphy Day. He spent time as a child working in the tobacco fields on his grandparents’ farm in Kentucky. When James was 15, his uncle, who was a master electrician, started taking him to work with him. His first job was working at Churchill Downs, the Kentucky Derby Racetrack. At this job, James acquired a great love for racehorses. He trained as an electrician and became a master electrician. After 45 years, James retired and move to Georgia to farm. Within six years, he and Peggy had two beautiful baby girls and they were his heart and joy. When these girls started school, Dad pushed them towards show hog competition and both girls loved it. Sometimes, there was more competition between parents than the kids. James became a school bus driver and had close ties to the school. He was very helpful to the 4-H club and FFA and worked with the hog shows for 13 years. During James’ tenure as a bus driver, he drove football teams to games. He was at all Herschel Walker’s games during high school. By this time, James was addicted to high school football, especially the Johnson County Trojans and may have been their biggest fan. He attended every game possible, even the last season in a wheelchair wrapped in a blanket. James drove the school bus for 17 years and had to retire due to an accident. Later, he went to work with Daniels Chevrolet in Swainsboro. He was a driver to deliver or purchase cars from other locations. James made many good friends there and retired due to failing eyesight. He lived his life out on his small farm which he cherished. James got both girls back home to the farm, which made his heart happy. Mr. Day is preceded in death by his parents; son, Michael Day; brothers, Arthur Day and David Day; and sister, Lena Day.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Peggy Colston Day of Kite; daughters, Ronda Day Callahan (Charles) of Lake Wales, FL, Amanda Day and Allison Day (Jeremy Goode), both of Kite; sister, Anna Dukes of Louisville, KY; grandchildren, Ronnie Grose (Candi) of Frostproof, FL, Danielle Croft of Lake Wales, FL, Christopher Smith (Taylor) of Charlotte, NC, Payton James Day (Kasey Lamb) of Stillmore and Alana Nicole Day of Kite; great-granddaughter, Morgan Grose; several nieces, nephews and many friends.
Chapman Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
