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Today I was privileged to sing for the funeral of John Henry Choate, the father of my friend Don Choate. I sang "In The Garden".
I did not know Mr. Choate well, but was honored to be a small part in arranging for him to be interviewed for the StoryCorps Veterans Project about his experiences in World War II. Mr. Choate was a part of some fierce fighting, and even many decades later had a hard time discussing those days without becoming emotional. How I respect those young men who left their families to travel all the way around the world to defend our freedoms. I pray that we as a nation will never disrespect their sacrifices by allowing our democratic values to erode.
The following is from the website of Henderson and Sons Funeral Home:
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Mr. John Henry Choate, age 94, of Rome, passed away on Saturday, April 29, 2017, at a local assisted living facility. Mr. Choate was born on June 22, 1922, in Chattooga County, Georgia, the son of the late John Riley Choate and the late Vivian Clara Housch Choate.
He is survived by two sons, Don Choate and wife, Sarah, and Arthur David Choate and wife, Carolyn; granddaughters, Natalie Choate Edwards, Beth Choate Grossman and husband, Rob, and Bonnie Choate Cockrill and husband, Chris; great grandchildren, John Abernathy and his wife, Haley, Branson Edwards, Max Cockrill, and Eliana Grossman; great-great grandchildren, Lexie Abernathy, Summer Bowman, and Kylee Abernathy; sister, Glenda Bullard, Tampa, FL; brothers-in-law, Vernon Morris, Arthur Morris and wife, Lena, Harold Morris, Roy Morris and wife, Virginia, and Thurmon Morris and wife, Martha; special friends, Deborah Smith and her son, Bobby Smith; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nettie Helen Morris Choate, daughter, Deloris Choate, grandson, Jeff Abernathy, great granddaughter, Heather Abernathy, sister, Betty Dawson, and brother, Riley Choate. Mr. Choate served his country honorably during World War II in the United States Army receiving both the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. Of his 34 months of service, 26 of those were spent in overseas duty. He fought and served in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre (five campaigns), Aleutian Islands, Marshall Islands, Philippines (Philippines Liberation), and in Okinawa, Japan. He, along with his beloved Nettie, devoted a lifetime to helping others. Nobody would ever be turned away. They would always make room for one more person at their table, or find one more place for someone to sleep. He was a member of Enon Baptist Church and practiced his faith through the way he treated others. His friends and family always appreciated his great sense of humor.
Funeral services for Mr. Choate will be held on Tuesday, May 2, 2017, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel at Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, North Chapel, with the Rev. Scott Lambert officiating. Interment will follow in Oaknoll Memorial Gardens with military rites presented by the American Legion Post #5 Honor Guard.
The family will receive friends at Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, North Chapel, on Tuesday, May 2, 2017, from 12 noon until the funeral hour. At other hours, they may be reached at their respective residence.
Pallbearers are asked to assemble at Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, North Chapel, on Tuesday by 1:30 PM and include: Kenneth Mann, Johnny Morris, Ben Morris, Robb McCullough, Jonathan Morris and Bobby Smith.
The family expresses gratitude to the dedicated and caring staff at Riverwood Retirement Center and Homestead Hospice.
Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, North Chapel, has charge of the arrangements.
