Mr. Ervan Mauldin Ariail Jr.

Ervan Mauldin Ariail, Jr. passed away on April 30, 2024. A longtime resident of Americus, Ervan was born October 21, 1938, the son of Ruth Carson Ariail and Ervan Mauldin Ariail, Sr. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 2 PM, at First Baptist Church of Americus, and Reverend Keith Parks will officiate. A visitation will take place at the church on Saturday preceding the funeral, beginning at 1 PM. Following the service, a private burial will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers are the Charlie Gibbs Sunday School Class and cherished friends George Ellis, Bill Harris, Raymond Holt, BT Johnson, Melvin Kinslow, Sam Lott, and Ed Pope. A committed believer, devoted husband, and loving father, Ervan lived a long and happy life. He was born in the north Georgia community of Carnesville and spent his early years in Savannah while his father played an important role in the building of Liberty Ships, supporting the US Navy during World War II. After the war, the family moved to Americus to be near relatives. Ervan was blessed with a large extended family and many friends as he grew up in local schools and Central Baptist Church. After graduating Americus High School in 1957 and studying at Georgia Tech, Ervan joined his father in a family business, Ariail Implement Company. In 1961, he married his high school sweetheart, Gail Glawson, and they had two daughters, Gayla and Ashley. Ervan and Gail were members of First Baptist Church throughout their life together, and the Charlie Gibbs Sunday School Class was especially meaningful to them. Ervan was involved in service to others throughout his life. Some highlights include his time in the National Guard, leadership responsibilities at First Baptist Church, serving as president of the Americus Rotary Club, president of the Americus and Sumter County Chamber of Commerce, and president of the Southland Academy Raider Club. Ervan’s greatest joys were his family and friends, and he especially loved celebrating life with his four grandchildren and two great-grandsons. Ervan was preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, Gail. He leaves behind his two daughters, Gayla Ariail Payne of Auburn, Alabama, and Ashley Ariail Bernier (Jeff) of Alpharetta, Georgia. His beloved grandchildren include Rob Payne (Kayla) of Mobile, AL; Ashlyn Payne of Birmingham, AL; Nicholas Bernier of Alpharetta, GA; and Natalie Bernier, and great-grandsons Maverick and Mattis Fitzhugh, all of Alpharetta, GA. Ervan is also survived by his brother Tim Ariail (Davyd) of Decatur, GA, as well as cherished cousins and many special friends. The family requests that gifts in memory of Ervan be given to First Baptist Church of Americus or The League of the Good Samaritan of Magnolia Manor.

Mr. Ervan Mauldin Ariail Jr.

October 21, 1938 - April 30, 2024