Ellabell

Mr. G.R. "Ricky" Hires, 61, died on Sunday, Sept. 23 at Candler Hospital.

Mr. Hires was employed at the Savannah Sugar Refinery and was an avid fisherman, hunter and gardener.

He was preceded in death by his mothers, Katie Bragg Saxon and Mattie Lee Hires, and his father, Ira Bragg.

Survivors include his children, Kimberly and Donald Lyons of Ellabell, Richard "Billy" Hires of Ellabell, Melissa "Missy" and Andy Fields of Dallas, Texas, and Mark Slater of Ellabell; grandchildren, Kayla Hires, Brandon Lyons, Marissa Hires and Taylor Hires; great-grandson, Brantley Miles; father, Willie P. Hires, Sr. of Statesboro; siblings, Calamity and Spencer Mikell of Pembroke, Polly and Glennis Williams of Pembroke, Dave and Linda Bragg of Ellabell, Danny and Janice Bragg of Pembroke, Patricia Ann Collins of Eden, Willie Hires, Jr. of Jesup, Tommy Hires of Jesup and Paul and Susan Hires of Ellabell; special friends, Nancy and Jessie Kelehar, and a number of nieces and nephews.

Visitation was held Monday evening at the funeral home. The family will have a private burial at a later date.

Remembrances may be given to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 13117, Savannah, GA 31416.

Friends may sign the online register book at www.stricklandandsonsfuneralhome.com.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Homes – West Chatham Chapel was in charge of the arrangements.