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The life of Cordele, Ga. native Wayne Lauger Sirmons is being commemorated by family and friends as they mourn his passing.

Mr. Sirmons was born in Cordele to the late Judge Morgan Sirmons and Dorris Evelyn Ellis Sirmons.

In his life and work, he was valued as a trusted friend by many whose lives he impacted. As President of the First National Bank of Decatur County, his career reflected a passion for investing in the Bainbridge community and businesses in South Georgia. He was a member of the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. His career in banking spanned more than four decades, until his retirement in 2016.

Mr. Sirmons grew up in Cordele, where as a youngster he could often be found on the baseball field. He cherished spending time outdoors, working the family farm or hunting with his brother. He was a member of the Seville Baptist Church. He attended Valdosta State University and graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in business.

Mr. Sirmons passed away at his Cordele home Tuesday, September 17, 2019. He was 69.

He is survived by his brother, Judge Kenneth “Kenny” Sirmons of Winterville, Ga.; his nephews, Judge Kevin Sirmons of Acworth, Ga., and Brock Harris Sirmons of LaGrange, Ga.; his nieces, Tara Carr Lewis of LaGrange, Ga., and Kenna Shea Sirmons of Atlanta, Ga.; and seven great nephews and nieces.

Funeral services for Mr. Sirmons will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, September 20, 2019, in the chapel of Hughes & Wright Funeral Home in Cordele, Ga. The family will receive friends following the service. Burial will be at Sunnyside Cemetery.