Dr. Rex Courtney

Dr. George “Rex” Courtney of Milledgeville passed away in his home on September 30th, 2012. He is survived by his wife Suzanne Pipp Courtney and 4 children; Audrey Courtney Letostak (David) and Theresa Courtney McMahan (Jayson) both of Milledgeville, Jule Courtney Hazel (Tommy Jr.) of Leesburg, GA and Robert Lyle Courtney (Audrey) of Charlotte, NC and three grandchildren, TW Hazel III, and Jennifer and Maureen Letostak. In 1969, he was preceded in death by his first wife Seenie Coody Courtney of Eastman, GA. Dr. Courtney retired from Central State Hospital in Milledgeville in 1989. An accomplished scientist and optometrist, Dr. Courtney established the Eye Clinic at Central State and was the Director of the Research department. Dr. Courtney was a Navy veteran who served during World War II and during the Korean War, both as an enlisted sailor and an officer. Dr. Courtney received his Bachelor’s and his Doctor of Optometry degree from Northern Illinois College of Optometry, and Master’s and Ph.D. in Neurophysiology with concentration in Physiological Optics from Indiana University. Very active in the Georgia Optometric Association, he served on the Board of Trustees, as President, and Chairman of the education committee for a number of years to help change the profession of optometry to be a primary care provider of ocular health. Dr. Courtney also served as a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. In 1959, Dr. Courtney established a private Optometry practice in Milledgeville in which he served the community until his retirement. As a dedicated health care provider, he continued to serve the clients at Central State Hospital as an Optometrist in the Eye Clinic until shortly before his death. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his honor to the Helping Hands Society through Sacred Heart Catholic Church, The Wounded Warriors Project or another charity of your choice. Mass requests in his memory may be arranged through Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Services will be held on Friday, October 5, 2012 at 11AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. A Prayer Service will be held on Thursday at Williams Funeral Home at 7:30 PM. The family will receive friends from 6Pm until 7:15 on Thursday.

Dr. Rex Courtney

September 25, 1927 - September 30, 2012