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Jack Westmoreland, son of the late Melvin & Inez Westmoreland, was born December. 15, 1932. He grew up in Toccoa, GA, where he attended the Toccoa public schools, and graduated in 1950. In 1953, Jack joined the U. S. Army and served for 20 months in Germany. While in Germany, he was able to visit many countries. In 1955, after an honorable discharge, he became store manager with United 5&10. While working, he attended Piedmont College at night in Demorest GA. Having graduated in 1959 with a degree in Business Administration (cum laude) he had a desire to move to Florida in l960, where he worked with Pratt-Whitney Research Center and later with RCA Computer Co. While at RCA he attended Florida Atlantic University, where he graduated in 1971 with a MBA (magna cum laude). At FAU he co-authored a manual on Systems & Procedures which was published by Prentice-Hall Publishers. In 1972, he joined Sonoco Products in the Systems and Procedures department and later became Director of Personnel. Jack was involved in the Hartsville community. One big achievement was the Chamber of Commerce and hiring Dianne Chinnes to be the executive director. Hartsville became well known in the state as one of the best places to live and work. He was on many committees, having served on 48 task forces and groups, including the Educational Foundation. He was very active in the schools of Darlington County (Hartsville), planning summer camps and trips to Washington, DC for a number of children. On one occasion he even drove a child who missed bus to Washington, so she could experience the trip. Jack was a member of the Rotary Club for many years, past president of club, and Paul Harris Fellow. He had a perfect attendance record for over 25 years. In 1985, he received the Hartsville Citizen of the Year. Jack worked with Governor Carroll Campbell on the Economic Development committee. He also worked on the Keep South Carolina Beautiful program, at one time having the state to sow wild flowers along the interstates. Jack started the Christmas in April program in Hartsville in 1989. In 1995, he received the Order of Palmetto award by Governor David Beasley. After he retired from Sonoco, Jack wrote a book (God He Don't Live In No Box). The book was about life experiences. He sold many copies and spoke to many church groups about his book. Jack and Helen loved to travel, having visited all the states, Canada, and Mexico. Prior to moving to the Methodist Manor, their last trip was 31 days. Jack married Helen Farmer on July 12, 1953. Jack was married to his beloved Helen for 64 years, who was dedicated to his care for the last five years. They enjoyed many trips together and supported each other all of the 64 years. So many people admired Jack. One quote was "He was told by some by executives at Sonoco that Jack was the man you must know". "Jack was dedicated to the South Carolina and ranks as a giant in our 20th century advances in community relations, business, labor relations and in keeping our state on the straight path to do good for all our citizens". He received a letter from Rev. Bill Bouknight with a message stating "My grace will be sufficient for you "(2Cor.12-9). Jack you have run this earthly portion of the race with faith, joy and love, but the best is yet to come." One employee sent a message describing Jack as. "THE BOSS, THE MENTOR, THE LEADER, THE CHEERLEADER, THE PROTECTOR, THE PROMOTER, THE ENCOURAGE, THE CONSOLER, THE SOUNDING BOARD, THE SUPPORTER, THE COMRADE IN ARMS, FELLOW ROTARIAN, FELLOW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SUPPORTER, THE DISCIPLINARIAN, THE SHOULDER TO LEAN ON WHEN THE GOING WAS TOUGH, DO YOU GET THE MESSAGE, BUT MOST OF ALL MY FRIEND." Another one of Jack's talents was finding lost people and families. One was a Vietnam couple where a father and two small boys got on the boat leaving Vietnam coming to U.S. The father had to leave his wife and two month old child in Vietnam. He came to the U.S., resided in Conway, SC, where he worked as a dishwasher, later went to college and raised his two sons. The sons graduated from and entered medical school . Their mother and brother (now 10 years old) were later re-united in through Jack's efforts working with an Ambassador. He is survived by sisters, Doris Hallford of Tucker GA and Helen (Bob) Blowers Macon, GA; and many nephews, nieces and cousins. The family would like to thank the employees of the Methodist Manor for their professional care, Mary and Ashley from Embrace Hospice for their care, and Helen and Bob for the many trips from Georgia to assist in Jack's care. Jack was very active at St. Luke United Methodist Church, having taught Sunday School classes and also bible study groups in his home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Luke United Methodist, 302 Dunlap Dr., Hartsville, SC 29550 or Paul Anderson Youth Home, Box 525, Vidalia, GA. 30475-0525. Serving as pallbearers are nieces and nephews. Jack died Wednesday, December 28, 2016. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 31, 2016 at the Acree-Davis Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Ray Hewitt will officiate with burial in Stephens Memorial Gardens, Toccoa, GA. The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. at Acree-Davis Funeral Home, Toccoa, GA.

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Mr. Jack E. Westmoreland

December 15, 1932 - December 28, 2016