Metts
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Roger W. Metts, Sr. passed away peacefully at HCA Florida Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, Fla., Tuesday, November 26, 2024.
He lived a life full of love and service. Metts was born and raised in Atkinson County, where his love of life began. In the late 1960s, he followed his uncle, Morris Guess, to Standard Container where he met his beloved wife of 54 years, Carylene Kight Metts.
Metts also served Clinch County as Justice of the Peace for several years. He then started his next career in the car industry. For more than 40 years, he managed several car dealerships in Clinch, Coffee, Lanier and Ware counties. His voice roared through radio stations as he marketed for dealerships including George Dempsey Ford “right here in Waycross,” and Giddens Chevrolet in Lakeland.
Metts also was the second voice of the Clinch County Panthers. Following the death of Mike Davis, Metts’ voice quickly permeated through houses, radios and Sessoms Field. He spent a lifetime attending his son’s games and daughter’s dance recitals.
Metts’ life of service continued. When most people make the decision to retire, he decided to continue his call of service. He served as a Clinch County Commissioner for 13 years, serving seven of those years as Chairman.
As Chairman, he made Clinch County proud. Metts served for seven years on the tri-county EMC 911 board. He also served on the Development Authority for seven years. He served on the first Regional TSPLOST Board in 2018. Metts loved Clinch County, and his long-lasting impact will never be forgotten.
Metts loved watching his four grandchildren play sports, never missing a game or competition. He never met a stranger. His love for people flowed from his heart. He spoke to everyone, and would always initiate a conversation with anyone, especially one that could include University of Georgia football.
Metts loved to “shoot the bull” with special friends in his life that included friends from childhood, people in the car business, his children’s friends, his grandchildren’s friends, and those in the county commissioner’s office. He welcomed daily conversations with the people he served.
Metts legacy is his family. He taught his family how to love and find joy in all circumstances. He taught his family how to live a full life.
He leaves behind his wife, Carylene Metts; children Roger Metts, Jr., and Donna Metts and Amanda and Roy Lankford; grandchildren Bailey and Willy Waters, Britt Metts and Maggie Williams, Bentlee Metts and Jacob Gardner, and Auden Lankford; great grandson Macky Metts Waters; brother Roy Metts (Chris); and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Metts was preceded in death by his parents Dan and Ollie Mae Guess Metts.
A funeral service was held Saturday, November 30 at Trinity Baptist Church in Homerville with Brother Louis Cassota, Christy James Musgrove, and the Rev. David Johnson officiating.
Special music included “Amazing Grace” rendered by Josh Clark. Soft music for prelude and postlude were by Josh Clark, guitarist. The interment followed in Shiloh Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Cary Kight, Travis, Kight, Burt Kight, Tate Kight, Triston Gibbs, Mike Nugent, Keith Guess and Karter Kight.
Honorary pallbearers were Clinch County Commissioners, employees, and George Dempsey.
In lieu of flowers, his wishes were for donations to be made to Brentwood School’s baseball program where grandson, Britt Metts, is head coach. Donations can be sent to Brentwood School, C/O Britt Metts, 725 Linton Road, Sandersville, Ga., 31082 Relihan Funeral Home in Pearson was in charge of the arrangements.
