Wendell Paul Shearouse

Wendell Paul Shearouse, 86, of Jonesboro, GA passed July 8, 2026 at East Georgia Regional Medical Center, Statesboro, GA after suffering cardiac arrest. Wendell was born June 12, 1940 at the home of his grandparents (Shellie and Ruth Helmey) in Marlow, GA. He graduated from Effingham County High School in 1958 and began working for Southland Life Insurance Company. He eventually started working for Delta Airlines and retired from there after nearly 20 years.

Although he lived in the metro Atlanta area for more than 40 years, his heart always remained in Effingham County. He had recently relocated to Statesboro to be closer to his family and had looked forward to spending time with his brothers and sister, even though it was hard for him to leave his daughter in Atlanta.

Wendell was a very social person and had a passion for playing musical instruments, listening to gospel and country music, and watching Jimmy Swaggart and NASCAR. He grew up going to Bethesda Global Methodist Church where he was baptized as a child, later going to Maranatha Assembly of God before moving to Atlanta. He was currently a member of Southside Baptist in Fayetteville, GA.

Wendell was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Clarice Shearouse, his wife of nearly 50 years, Avis W. Shearouse; son, Darnell W. Shearouse and brother-in-law, Howard (Buck) Jenkins. Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter, Tonya L. Shearouse (Debbie Woodward), Jonesboro, GA, brother, Kelby L. Shearouse (Connie); brother, Marty S. Shearouse (Kathy); sister, LaTrelle S. Jenkins, all of Guyton, GA. Wendell also held a special place in his heart for his nephew, Derek Shearouse (Amber) and his nieces, Toni S. Cowart (Bengie), Julie S. Carabetta (John), Jennifer S. Cornaire (Michael), in addition to great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

A viewing will be at Bethesda Global Methodist Church on Midland Rd., 12-1 pm Wednesday, July 15, 2026 with funeral at 1 pm with Pastor Paul Broussard officiating and burial immediately following at the church cemetery. After the burial, all are welcome to visit with the family in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests donations be made to the Bethesda Global Church cemetery fund or building fund. Checks can be made out to the church and sent to 3608 Midland Rd, Guyton, GA 31312

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