Gavin William Laurie, Jr.

We are sad to announce the death of Gavin W. Laurie, Jr., of Franklin, GA. Mr. Laurie was born and raised in Springfield, PA. He became an Eagle Scout and graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy and then from Southern Methodist University where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity. After graduation, he became a pilot in the U.S. Air Force. After military service, he worked in Chicago for an engineering firm. There he met and married Carolyn Emery Jones. They soon moved to Jacksonville, FL, and had three daughters and a son. They subsequently lost their son at fifteen to a drunk driver. The City of Jacksonville selected Gavin to become the consultant to oversee the development, construction, and opening of Jacksonville International Airport. The success of this project opened the door to many airport projects in the Southeastern United States. He later became involved in purchasing and developing privately owned water and sewerage systems. These were eventually sold, and the couple moved to Quitman, GA where they bought a farm and enjoyed farm life. Gavin was very active in Quitman, serving as County Commission Chairman, and Chairman of the Airport Authority where he was instrumental in developing the airport expansion. He served as Chairman of the library board and was very active in the Baptist Church where he taught Sunday School. He also served as Deacon Chairman numerous times, headed the Outreach Program, and formed a hospital visitation program. He was a member of Nutall Rise Hunting and Fishing Club and in his "spare time," he developed and patented a process for killing mistletoe in pecan trees. He and his wife are now retired residents of Franklin, GA, and members of Macedonia Baptist Church in Newnan. The graveside service celebrating Gavin's life is Friday, January 19, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 656 Roscoe Road, in Newnan, with Rev. Matthew Myers officiating. Gavin is preceded in death by his parents, Gavin and Leila Laurie, and his son, Gavin W. Laurie, III. He is survived by his wife Carolyn Jones Laurie, daughters Annie Laurie Leigh, Bonnie Laurie Sherman (Mike), Lee Laurie Schroeder (Bud), five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made in Gavin's name to the Childrens Department at Macedonia Baptist Church, 1504 Macedonia Rd., Newnan, GA 30263. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.mckoon.com. McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory 770-253-4580

Gavin William Laurie, Jr.

March 26, 1931 - January 14, 2024