Elmer Leven Durrance Jr. "J.R.", age 74, of Nichols, Georgia, was born on October 17, 1951. He passed away peacefully at Memorial Hospital in Savannah, Georgia, with his beloved son Rodney by his side.

J.R. was preceded in death by his mother, Nora Durrance; his father, Elmer Leven Durrance; and his brothers, Willie Durrance, Jimmy Durrance, Buddy Durrance and Lavern O'Berry.

He is survived by his loving family: his sisters, Nancy Batten and Shirley Jewell; his son, Rodney Durrance (Gloria); his daughters, Kimberly Taylor (Jamie) and Sonya Lumpkin; and his cherished grandchildren, Anna Eunice (Clay), McKensie Tucker (Jordan), Jose Anguiano (Danielle), Javan Carboney (Madeline), Destiny Williams (Jordan), Andrea Kurtz (Drew), Makala Lumpkin, Emily Lumpkin, Estefania Villatoro, and Elsie Villatoro. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Willa, Christopher, Christian, RaeLynn, Madden, Brody, and Liam.

J.R. worked most of his life in the clothing factory industry as a cutter and electrical engineer. Through hard work and determination, he later went on to establish his own business, J.R. Screenrooms, where his craftsmanship and dedication were evident in everything he built.

To know J.R. was to know his love for NASCAR—he rarely missed a race. He also found great joy in spending time with his family, fishing, building, and tending to his garden. Above all, J.R. had a deep faith and love for God, which guided his life and gave him strength. His faith, along with his devotion to family, shaped the man so many loved and admired.

J.R. will be remembered as a clever, kind, and witty man who always knew how to make others laugh. His presence brought warmth and humor to every gathering, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be 2 -3 pm Thursday, January 8, 2026 in the funeral home.

Memorial Service will be 3 pm Thursday, January 8, 2026 in the funeral home chapel.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel (912) 754-6421.