Albert Henry Folsom, Sr., 95, of Nashville, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 25, 2021, at his residence.  He was born November 1, 1925 in Fitzgerald, Georgia to the late William Charles (WC) Folsom and Lilla Hancock Folsom.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Luel (Greene), his parents, and brothers, William Charles Folsom, Jr. and Fred Folsom. He is survived by one sister, Betty Ruth Folsom Pierce of Savannah, his son, Al (Ann) Folsom, Jr. of Eastland, TX, his daughter, Karen (Mark) Folsom Loerzel of Gainesville, FL, four grandchildren: Gardner (Will) Folsom Mack of Houston, Maury (Alyssa) Folsom of Fort Worth, Jared Loerzel, Capt. USMC of Corpus Christi, and Kacey Loerzel of Nashville, TN. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren: Duncan, Annie and Sawyer, his very special friend, Betty Griner, and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends.

Albert was a member and deacon of First Baptist Church in Nashville, Georgia. He was a Mason, community leader, and member of several community and mission driven organizations throughout his life.

He began repairing watches and clocks in the back of the Firestone Building in 1948 before setting up his own shop. He was the owner of Albert's Jewelers on the square for many years. On his own time, he kept the Berrien County Courthouse town clock going and perfectly in sync for many years.

His proudest accomplishment was being a US Marine in World War II and getting the opportunity to serve his country. He joined the U.S. Marine Corp in 1943 at the age of 17. As a PFC, he went to boot camp in San Diego. After completing boot camp, he was deployed to Pearl Harbor, where he joined up with the First Provisional Brigade and later that year was sent to Guadalcanal in the South Pacific for intense training in jungle war conditions. He was part of the invasion of the Marianas Islands of Saipan, Tinnian, and Guam in April 1944. During the invasion, he landed at Agat Beach, Guam on April 21, when the USA re-claimed the island. He returned to the base on Guadalcanal where the 6 ^th Marine Division was formed.  After regrouping and additional training, he and his squadron set sail for Okinawa. Okinawa was invaded April 1, 1945 and he was wounded in battle there. He was sent to a hospital ship, then transferred to a field hospital on Saipan for a 90-day recovery. He was then sent back to Okinawa, and later to Tsingtao, China and remained there until the surrender. He was awarded a Purple Heart for bravery and service to our country and was Honorably Discharged from service on December 13, 1945. Upon returning to Nashville, Georgia, he vowed to never step foot on another plane or ship and he met that goal.

After retirement, Albert opened the Watch & Clock Shop behind his home to continue service to the community. He and his wife, Luel, loved to travel by car and had the opportunity to visit many states in the USA. Albert had a special place in his heart for helping those less fortunate and he loved his family deeply. He also loved John Wayne movies and has seen all of them multiple times.

A private graveside service will be held on Saturday March 6, 2021 in Westview Cemetery with Rev. Danny Ray and Rev. Keith Steward officiating. Honorary Pallbearers are: Bill Folsom, Stan Folsom, Kirk Folsom, Chris Folsom, Scott Pierce, Guy Martin, Kim Miller, L.E. Watson III, Paul Nix, Jimmy Drawdy, and Jackson Moore.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations or volunteer time to the Berrien County Senior Center, Meals on Wheels Program, 204 Hazel Avenue, Nashville, Georgia 31639 (229) 686-5648 or First Baptist Church of Nashville, Georgia, Sr Adult Outreach & Technology, 301 W. Washington Ave., Nashville, Georgia 31639 (229) 686-2048.

A final word from Albert to all his family and friends - "Gung Ho" and "Semper Fi".