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 Harold James Israel Sr., 97, of Smithville died on Wednesday December 27, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be conducted Friday December 29 at 11 A.M. at Hebron Baptist Church in Americus with Rev. Jim Eubanks officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 A.M. until the service begins. Burial with military honors will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers include Justin Johnson, Alan Johnson, Chance Israel, Eric Israel, AJ Jones, and Crit Jordan.

 A native of Sumter county Mr. Israel was the son of the late Charlie Lee Israel and Ruth McCoy Israel Carden, and later the stepson of the late Albert Carden. He was an Army veteran of World War II and a leading farmer in his community. He was a member of the Georgia Peanut Producers Association and established Israel Farm Supply in 1982. He was awarded the centennial farm family award in 2007. Mr. Israel was a longtime member of Hebron Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and song leader. He enjoyed fishing, traveling and spending time with his family.

 Mr. Israel was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Peggy Urash; a sonin-law Bruce Johnson; two brothers Wayne Carden and Thomas Carden; and a sister Carolyn Deriso.

 Survivors include his wife of 72 years, Peggy Ann Short Israel; a daughter Beverly Johnson; three sons, Charles Israel (Tracy), Hal Israel (Dawn) and Mark Israel(Sharon) all of Smithville; Eleven grandchildren, Justin Johnson (Susan), Alan Johnson (Whitney), Allison Jordan (Crit) , Trevor Israel, Chance Israel, Delanie Michas (Michael), Kayla Jones (AJ), Peggy-Claire Smith (Jake), Kelly Burrell (Britt), James Israel and Eric Israel(Jenna); 14 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Hebron Baptist Church % Elaine Thomas 163 Gary Brewer Road, Cobb Georgia 31735 The family would like to thank the support of caregivers including Catherine Sims, Annie Wells, Mary Sweet, Pam Smith and Trynesa Jackson. Aldridge Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements

To sign the online guest book and share your condolences with the family, please visit aldridgefuneralservices.com. Aldridge Funeral & Cremation Services, 612 Rees Park is in charge of these arrangements.