Channing Cope Wooten

Channing Cope Wooten, Sr. Channing Cope Wooten, Sr., 73, of Lakeland, formerly of Gulf Coast, Mississippi, passed away Friday, March 28, 2008 in the Louis Smith Memorial Hospital. He was born February 15, 1935 to the late Aden and Vera Clanton Wooten. He was retired from the United States Air Force after 23 years of service. He was Baptist by faith. Channing was very interested in history and constantly promoted the history of Lanier County. He was a founding member and an honorary lifetime member of the Lanier County Historical Society. He was the first vice president of the Society and was currently on the board of directors. Channing was chosen Volunteer of the Year for 2007. He provided programs for the monthly meetings several times, the favorite being "Did Ya Know." He designed the Society logo Give Your Past A Future. He set up the Museum design, exhibits and displays. He was a regular volunteer to keep the Museum open. As the old Museum building was being restored, he and his son, Clay, replaced and refinished the floor. His interest in genealogy led him to provide research for many families in this area. He was preceded in death a brother, Benny Wooten. Survivors include: his wife, Cindy Wooten, Lakeland, Ga.; two daughters, Kim Gallagher, Albany, Ga., and Misty Black, Lakeland, Ga.; four sons, Channing Wooten, Jr., Eaton, NJ., Clay Wooten, Rockford, Al., John A. Wooten, Clanton, Al., and Danny Davis, Ocean Springs, MS.; nine grandchildren; a sister, Doris Bradford, Deerfield, IL.; a brother, Jack Wooten, Valdosta, Ga.; and a number of nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, April 1, 2008 at 6 p.m. at the Lakeland Chapel of Music Funeral Services. In lieu of flowers the family request donations may be made to the Lanier County Historical Society or the Lanier County Humane Society. —Music Funeral Services, Lakeland