Ware County GA Obits May 2001 File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Teresa Griffis http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/ware.htm Table of Contents page: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm Georgia Table of Contents: Thursday, May 3, 2001: Mr. Robert Elgie ‘Bob’ Lairsey, 66 (5-1-2001) Ware Co. native (Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home, Blackshear) Mr. Foster Lincoln Thrift, 54 (4-22-2001) Waycross native (Miles-Odum Funeral Home, Waycross) Friday, May 4, 2001: Mrs. Addie H. Chatman, 87, native of Cordele (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Mrs. Rosa Lee McCray, 74, Newton, Ga. native (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Mrs. Floris Jarrard Price, 62 (5-1-2001) Ware Co. resident (Miles-Odum Funeral Home, Waycross) Saturday, May 5, 2001: Mrs. Lillian Dixon Aldridge, 89, (5-4-2001) Pierce Co. native (Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home, Blackshear) Mr. Otis Davis, 64 (5-3-2001) Green Cove Springs, Fla. native (Perry Brothers Funeral Home, Waycross) Mrs. Mildred Laverne Clark, 73 (5-4-2001) Pierce Co. native (Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home, Brunswick) Monday, May 7, 2001: Mr. Bernard W. Corbitt, 63 (5-5-2001) Ware Co. native (Gordon-Harrison Funeral Home, Jesup) Mrs. Betty Lynch Crews, 68 (5-5-2001) Folkston resident (Shepard Funeral Home, Folkston) Mrs. Dorothy Hiott, 26 (5-5-2001) Ware Co. native (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) Mrs. Dorothy Hiott, 26, died suddenly Saturday (May 5, 2001) at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah. She is a native and resident of Ware County, but she has lived most of her life in Brantley County. She worked as a substitute teacher, and she was a member of Brunel St. Church of God. She is the daughter of Ray Sims and the late Lelia Mae Hickox. She is survived by her husband, Curtis Hiott of Waycross; three adopted children, Mardi, Victoria and Beth Britton all of Waycross; father, Ray Sims of Alabama; two brothers, Wiley Petty of Panama City, FL, and Keith Petty of Hoboken; one sister, Retha Sims of Hoboken; four nieces, Ashley and Megan Petty both of Waynesville, and Jessica Sims and Angela Britton both of Hoboken; eight stepchildren and 24 stepgrandchildren; mother-in-law, Rosie Hiott of Waycross; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday (May 8, 2001) at Brunel St. Church of God. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery. The family will receive friends 7 until 9 p.m. Monday at Music Funeral Home. Mr. Carlos M.Dixon, 98 (5-6-2001) Pierce Co. native (Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home, Blackshear) Mrs. Nancy Elizabeth Ham, 88 (5-6-2001) Brantley Co. native (Chambless Funeral Home, Nahunta) Mrs. Glenda Mae Johns Davis, 38 (5-5-2001) Charlton Co. native (Chambless Funeral Home, Nahunta) Ms. Mildred Cox, 47 (5-6-2001) Millwood native (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Mr. Fred Smith 74 (5-5-2001) Ware Co. native (Smith Funeral Home, Blackshear) Mrs. Dora Carter Sellers, 81 (5-5-2001) Pierce Co. native (Rinehart & Sons Funeral Home, Jesup) Mrs. Opal Jean Moody Beckham, 67 (5-5-2001) Brantley Co. native (Edo Miller & Sons Funeral Home, Brunswick) Tuesday, May 8, 2001: Mr. Bobby E. Bradley, 66 (5-7-2001) Macon native (Miles-Odum Funeral Home) Ms. Carrie Sue Bennett, 44 (5-6-2001) Coffee Co. native (Reliham Funeral Home, Pearson) Mrs. Elizabeth Y. Young, 89 (5-7-2001) (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Mrs. Elizabeth P. Plowden, 70 (5-6-2001) Pierce Co. native (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Wednesday, May 9, 2001: Mrs. Dossie K. Dyal, 91 (5-8-2001) Charlton Co. native (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) Mrs. Dossie K. Dyal, 91, died Tuesday (May 8, 2001) in Satilla Regional Medical Center following a short illness. She was a native of Charlton County and had resided in Ware and Charlton County most of her life. She was married to the late Lewis Jackson Dyal and was daughter of the late Kyler Johns and Agnes Todd Johns and was preceded in death by a daughter, Marion Cox. Mrs. Dyal was a member of the Way of Holiness Church of God. The survivors include four daughters, Edna Smith of Lake Butler, Fla., Elma Carter (husband Raymond), Margaret Aldridge, Glenda Browning (husband Clarence) all of Waycross; three sons, Lewis Dyal, Jr. (wife Ima Jean), Ronnie Dyal, Bennie Dyal (wife Rose Marie) all of Waycross; 24 grandchildren; 43 great grandchildren; 18 great great grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday (May 10, 2001)in the Racepond Church of God. Burial will be in the Sandhill Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home Wednesday night from 6 until 8 oclock. Mrs. Viola Elizabeth Manning Crump, 82 (5-7-2001) Wayne Co. native (Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home, Blackshear) Miss Kathy Armstrong, 31 (5-7-2001) Bartow native (Gause Funeral Home, Bartow) Thursday, May 10, 2001: Mrs. Kertis Boyd Dean, 86 (5-8-2001) Telfair Co. native (Chambless Funeral Home, Nahunta) Mrs. Cleo Davis Gunter, 79 (5-8-2001) Pierce Co. native (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) Mrs. Cleo Davis Gunter, 79, died Tuesday (May 8, 2001) at Baptist Village after a lenghty illness. She was a native of Pierce County and had resided in Charleston, SC before moving to Waycross. She was married to the late George D. Gunter and was a daughter of the late Hiram Prester Davis and Ida Crews Davis. The survivors include one son, Jack E. Robbins, Jr. (wife Helen) of Austin, TX; two sisters, Betty J. King and Julia Griffin, both of Waycross; a brother, Gilbert C. Davis of Jacksonville, FL; 3 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm Friday in the Music Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in the Oakland Cemetery. The family will be receiving friends at Music Funeral Home Thursday from 7 until 9 oclock. Mrs. Betty Joe Brown Robinson, 59 (5-5-2001) Lakeland, Fla. native (Chambless Funeral Home, Nahunta) Mr. Irvin Fairley Conaway, 55 (5-8-2001) Savannah native (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) Mr. Irvin F. (Red) Conaway,55,died Tuesday (May 8,2001) at Shands Hospital in Jacksonville, FL., after a lenghty illness. He was a native of Savannah but had resided in Waycross for the past 9 years. He was retired with CSX Transportation after 30 years of service. He was Master of Thunderbolt Masonic Lodge 693. He was a US Navy verteran serving in Viet Nam, and an active member of Okefenokee Trail Riders Association and the Country Boy Plow Club. He was of the Methodist faith. He is survived by his wife of 33 years Ann Dryden Conaway of Waycross; two daughters, Jan Smith of Waycross, Jody Oleary of Newport News,VA, a son Michael Conaway of Waycross; mother, Virginia Fields of Savannah; father and step mother, Marion and Cleat Conaway of Reidsville; a brother, Carlton Conaway of Tybee Island; four grandchildren,Scott Lawson, Victoria Oleary, Whitney Counts, Lauran Smith. A service is planned for 11:00 am Friday in the Music Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Greenlawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 oclock Thursday evening at the funeral home. Mrs. Minnie Lee Kight Hunter, 72 (5-8-2001) Bacon Co. native (Chambless FuneralHome, Nahunta) Ms. Katharine D. "Kathy" Armstrong, 33 (5-7-2001) Mr. Wilbur Hightower, 44 (5-4-2001) Wayne Co. native (Meadows Funeral Home, Albany) Friday, May 11, 2001: Mrs. Iva Griffin Cook, 86 (5-9-2001) Brantley Co. native (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) Mrs. Iva Griffin Cook,86, died Wednesday evening at Baptist Village after a extended illness. She was a native of Brantley County had resided in Waycross since her retirement in 1973. She was the daughter of the late George Ruel Griffin and Minnie Davis Griffin and the widow of the late John Robert Cook,also preceeding her in death was a son Dale R. Cook and a sister Amy Jacobs. She was retired clerk with Civil Service, and a member of Central Baptist Church and the Mary Martha Sunday School Class. She is survived by a daughter Marsha Valeria Cook of Waycross, five sisters; Luvada Cason of Waycross, Ruby Jacobs of Nahunta, Leona Amundson of Jacksonville,Fla., Mary Crews husband Archie B., Christine Dryden husband Leonard both of Hoboken, a brother in law: Claude Cook of Macon, and several nieces and nephews. A service is planned for 11:00 am Saturday in the Music Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Oakland Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 oclock Friday evening at the funeral home. Of interest: Iva Griffin Cook was the granddaughter of Pleasant Dempsey Griffin and Jane Elizabeth Thornton (daughter of George W. Thornton and Mary Moody). She was the great-granddaughter of Dempsey Griffin and Mary Elizabeth Dowling (daughter of Darling Dowling and Sophia Davis). Her great-great-grandparents were James Griffin, Sr. and Nancy Burnside (daughter of John Burnside and Delilah Sheffield who was the daughter of William (RS) Sheffield and Mary Abbott.) Respectfully submitted, Christopher Henderson Griffin Boyd Mrs. Eula Mae Taylor, 90 (5-10-2001) Bacon Co. native (Miles-Odum Funeral Home, Waycross) Waycross Journal-Herald, Friday, May 11, 2001: MRS. EULA MAE TAYLOR Mrs. Eula Mae Taylor, 90, died Thursday morning (May 10, 2001) at her residence, after a short illness. A Ware County resident for most of her life, she was a retired seamstress and a member of the Whitehall Free Will Baptist Church. She was the widow of Lester Elton Taylor. Also preceding her in death were a son, Darrell Taylor, and a daughter, Betty White. A Bacon County native, she was the daughter of Floyd and Lennie Odum Hayes. She is survived by four daughters, Willene O'Neal and Joyce Gill (husband Linwood), both of Blackshear, and Kathleen Chancey and Inell Bell (husband Billy), both of Waycross; three sons, Eugene Taylor (wife Alice) and Ray Taylor (wife Kay), both of Waycross, and Glynn Taylor of Atlanta; a sister, Grace Pittman of Warner Robins; 31 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and a number of nieces, nephews, and other relatives. A funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday in the chapel at Miles-Odum Funeral Home, with burial in the Wesley Chapel Cemetery in Alma. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Saturday. Mrs. Glenda Ruth Hollaway Hyers, 60 (5-9-2001) Andalusia, Ala. native (Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home, Blackshear) Mr. Otis Davis, 64 (5-3-2001) Green Cove Springs, Fla. native (Perry Brothers Funeral Home, Waycross) Ernestine Prescott Chandler, 92, (5-9-2001) Charlton Co. native (Futch Funeral Home, Statesboro) Mr. Wilbur Hightower, 44 Wayne Co. native (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Ms. Mildred Cox, 47 (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Mrs. Elizabeth Y.Young, 89 (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) 0Mrs. Elizabeth P. Plowden, 70 Pierce Co. native (Fluker Funeral Home,Waycross) Saturday, May 12, 2001: Mrs. Runell W. Yarbrough, 67 (5-10-2001) Ware Co. native (Miles-Odum Funeral Home, Waycross) Mr. Earlie Graves, 67 (5-8-2001) Coffee Co. native (Sims Funeral Home, Douglas) Mrs. Ernestine Prescott Chandler, 92 (5-9-2001) Charlton Co. native (Statesboro) Monday, May 14, 2001: Walter Iverson Miller Jr., 74 (5-13-2001) native of Orlando, FL (Miles-Odum Funeral Home, Waycross) Mrs. Eva Mae Spradley Rountree, 66 (5-12-2001) native of Pierce Co. (Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home, Blackshear) Mr. James Merle Mikell, (5-11-2001) (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) Mr. James Merle Mikell, 88, died Friday (May 11, 2001) in the South Georgia Medical Center in Valdosta following a short illness. He was a native of Lake Park but had resided in Waycross most of his life. He was son of the late J. P. and Sallie Mikell. He was retired from Fruit Growers Express Company and was a member of the First Christian Church and a honorary member of the Exchange Club of Ware County. The survivors include his wife, Eva Curtis Mikell of Douglas; a step-daughter, Dorothy Duncan of Pheonix City, Ala.; a step-son, Robert Curtis of Watkinsonville; 9 step grandchildren and 16 step great grandchildren. A funeral service will be held Monday (May 14, 2001) at 2:00 p.m. in the Music Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. The Family will recieve friends at the funeral home Sunday night from 6 until 8 oclock. Mr. Ed W. Wainright, 80 (5-12-2001) Nahunta native (Edo Miller & Sons Funeral Home, Brunswick) Mr. Larry Charles Taucer, 56 (5-11-2001) Waco, Texas native (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) Mr. Larry Charles Taucer, 56, died Friday (May 11, 2001) at his residence following a long illness. He was a native of Waco, Texas but resided in Brantley County for the past 12 years. His mother was the late Helen Pollard Taucer. He was employeed with St. Marys Railroad in St. Marys. The survivors include his wife, Sandra Taucer of Hoboken; his father, Willie Taucer of Buna, Texas; two brothers, Richard Taucer and Anton Taucer (wife Sharon) all of Buna, Texas; three nephews, Philip Taucer and William Taucer both of Buna, Texas, Justin Thigpen of Waycross; mother-in-law, Edith Jones of Hoboken; sister-in-law, Cheryl Griffin (husband Donald) of Waycross; brother-in-law, Daryl Jones (wife Debra) of Valdosta; a aunt, Pauline Wilson of Houston, Texas and many loving friends. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday (May 14, 2001) in the Music Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Antioch Cemetery in Buna, Texas. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Sunday night from 6 until 8 oclock. Mr. Virgil Eugene Knox, 76 (5-12-2001) native of East Port, FL Mr. Quinton Dewey Googe, 57 (5-9-2001) Wayne Co. native (Jacobs Funeral Home, Blackshear) Mr. J. D. "Dock" Hughley, 67 (5-13-2001) Waycross native (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Mrs. Annie Laurie Simmons Battle, 88 (5-13-2001) Waycross native (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Infant Jerry-Jelal Ahamad Williams Jr., 3 ½ months (5-9- 2001) Waycross native (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Tuesday, May 15, 2001: Mrs. Gertrude "Trudie" Bawkin, 79 (5-13-2001) Windber, Pa. native (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) Mrs. Gertrude (Trudie) Bawkin, 79 died suddenly Sunday (May 13, 2001) at Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, FL. She is a native of Windber, PA, but she has lived in Waycross and been a member of St. Josephs Catholic Church since 1957. She was a homemaker and assisted her husand in owning and operating Steves Pine Room. She is the daughter of the late Steve Novak, Sr. and Anna Klemick Novak. She is proceded in death by her son, Steve Bawkin, Jr. ,who passed away in 1967, and brother, Leonard Novak. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Steve Bawkin, Sr. of Waycross; one daughter, Cynthia McKinnon (husband Burrell) of Hoboken; one son, Grady John Bawkin (wife Dana) of Folkston; four grandchildren, Nikki Nadeau (husband Mark) of Waycross, Stacie McKinnon of Hoboken, Kayla and Kyle Bawkin both of Waycross; two great grandchildren, Ashleigh and Mollie Nadeau of Waycross; two very special children she babysitted, Alex and Stephen Britt both of Waycross; one sister, Dorothy Bleakley (husband Roland) of Brunswick; one brother, Steve Novak, Jr. of Peekskill, NY; several nieces and nephews; special friends, Earnestine Pittman, Mary Beth Jeffords and Carrie Williams. A funeral service will be conducted 11 a.m. Wednesday (May 16, 2001) at St. Josephs Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 7 until 9 p.m. at Music Funeral Home. Mr. Euell Bernie White, 69 (5-14-2001) Atkinson Co. native (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) Mr. Euell Bernie White, 69, died early Monday (May 14, 2001) morning in St. Vincents Medical Center following a short illness. A native of Atkinson County but had resided in Waycross most of his life. He was son of the late Leonard Chester White. He was retired from the CSX Railroad and served in the Army during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the Swamp Road Baptist Church. The survivors include his wife, Letitia White of Waycross; two daughters, Debra Hanchey of Callahan, Fla., Dolores Melton of Waycross; five sons, David White of Millwood, Dewayne White and Chris White both of Waycross, Jeffrey White of Axon, Darren White of Douglas; his mother, Clara White of Waycross; three sisters, Nell Music and Myrna Jordan both of Waycross, Yetie Sanders of Jacksonville, Fla., two brothers, James White of High Point, North Carolina, Billy White of Blackshear; eleven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. A funeral service will be held Tuesday (May 15, 2001) at 2:00 p.m. in the Swamp Road Baptist Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will be receiving friends at the Swamp Road Baptist Church Monday night from 7 until 9 oclock. Mr. James L. Grobsmith, 55 (5-14-2001) native of Syracuse, NY (Miles-Odum Funeral Home, Waycross) Mr. Troy Thomas Yates, 40 (5-12-2001) (May & Smith Funeral Directors, Sandersville) Mr. Earlie Graves, 67 (5-8-2001) Coffee Co. native (Sims Funeral Home, Douglas) Wednesday, May 16, 2001: Mr. James Arthur Thornton, 93 (5-15-2001) Bristol native (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) Mr. James Arthur Thornton, 93, died Tuesday (May 15, 2001) at the Bay View Nursing Home in Nahunta following a shrt illness. He was native of Bristol but had resided in Waycross most of his life. He was married to the late Christine Smith Thornton and the late Wilma Stallings Thornton. He was the son of Mozelle Tyre Thornton and was preceded by a son, Charles Thornton. The Survivors include a daughter, Lugene T. Smith (husband Buck) of Waycross; a sister, Josephine Horne of Patterson; a daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Thornton of Lousana; five grandchildren, Andy Smith, Tim Smith, Ann Russell, John Thornton and David Thornton. Several great grandchildren. A funeral service wil be conducted 11:00 a.m.at the chapel of the Greenlawn Mausoleum. The entombment will be in the mausoleum. The family will be receiving friends from 6 until 8 oclock Thursday at the funeral home. Evangelist Eva Mae Gibbs, 91 (5-14-2001) Cordele native (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Mrs. Mildred Young Bargeron, 73 (Pierce Co. native (Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home, Blackshear) Thursday, May 17, 2001: Mrs. Ella Vaughn Eunice, 70 (5-15-2001) Brantley Co. native (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) Mrs. Ella Vaughn Eunice, 70, died suddenly Tuesday (May 15, 2001) at her residence. She was a native of Brantley County but had resided in Ware County most of her life. She was married to the late Earl Eunice and was daughter of the late Wiley E. Carter and Berta Walker Carter and was preceded in death by a son, Anthony (Tony) Earl Eunice. She was a retired salesperson with Ellas Stout Shop and was a former employee of Southern Bell and coached Southern Bells basketball team. A member of West Carswell Baptist Church and a former member of Crawford Street Baptist Church where she taught the Fidelis Sunday School Class, WMU project chairman and was a member of the Bible Searchers. She was a contributing columnist for the Journal-Herald, writing Straight From The Heart column. The survivors include a daughter, Robbi King (husband Parnell King, Jr.) of Fitzgerald; a grandson, Adam King of Fitzgerald; a granddaughter, Haley Ashton King of Fitzgerald; four sisters, Florence C. Dollar, Kathleen Bock and Jonnie Cobb all of Waycross, Geraldine Klauman of Live Oak, Fla.; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday (May 18, 2001)in the Music Funeral Home Chapel. Burial wil be in Greenlawn Cemetery. The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home Thursday night from 6 until 8 oclock. The family request memorials be sent to your favorite chairty or to the Arbor Baptist Church in Fitzgerald. Mrs. Aileen Bushko Eason, 74 (5-16-2001) native of Phil Campbell, Ala. (Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home, Blackshear) Mrs. Mildred Young Bargeron, 73 (5-14-2001) Pierce Co. native (Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home, Blackshear) Ms. Walterine Fullmore, 54 (5-13-2001) Waycross native (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Mrs. Alma Sallett, 73 (5-17-2001) (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Mrs. Nettie Kern Guest, 79 (5-16-2001) Bulloch Co. native Chambless Funeral Home, Nahunta) Friday, May 18, 2001: Mary Thrift Vincent, 79 (5-14-2001) Ware Co. native (funeral & burial in Jacksonville, FL) Mr. Eugene "Red" Byrd, 76 (5-16-2001) Pierce Co. native (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) Mr. Eugene (Red) Byrd, 76, died Wednesday (May 16, 2001) at Baptist Village after a long illness. He is a native of Pierce County, but he has resided in Waycross for the past 55 years. He is retired as manager and mechanic of the Waycross City Garage. He was also a member of Calvary Baptist Church. He is the son of the late Colon Byrd and Effie Leggett Byrd. He is preceded in death by his son, Gerald Eugene Byrd, and two brothers, Julian and George Byrd. He is survived by his wife, Helen Smith Byrd of Waycross; daughter-in-law, Cathy Byrd of Atkinson; four grandchildren, April Byrd of Orlando, FL, Ashley Byrd of Fernandina, FL, Jeremiah and Joshua Byrd both of Atkinson; two sisters, Mildred Smith and Doris Brown both of Rincon; two brothers, W. C. Byrd and Parnell Byrd both of Savannah; special sister-in-law, Juanita Wright (husband Herman) of St. Marys; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. A funeral service will be conducted 2 p.m. Saturday (May 19, 2001) at Calvary Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery. The family will be receiving friends at Music Funeral Home tonight from 6 until 9 p.m. Mr. Sidney Lee Johnson Jr. (5-17-2001) Long Co. native (Chambless Funeral Home, Nahunta) Rev. Fernell L. Story, 51, native of Waycross (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Saturday, May 19, 2001 Mr. Raymond W. Stewart, 86, (5-17-2001) Stevenson, Ala. native (Music Funeral Home, Waycross Mr. Raymond W. Stewart, 86, died Thursday (May 17, 2001) at Satilla Regional Medical Center after a short illness. He is a native of Stevenson, AL, but he resided for nearly thirty years in Homerville. He has lived in Waycross for twenty years. He is the former owner of the Western Auto Associate Store in Homerville. He served as captain of the signal corp in the United States Army during World War II. He was a member of First Christian Church and served as a deacon emeritus. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge in Homerville, Waycross Shrine Club, and the Hasan Temple. He is the son of the late Edward Walter Stewart and Alice Cash Stewart. He was the husband of the late Kathryn Cameron Stewart. He is survived by his brother, Walter C. Stewart of Fackler, AL; two nieces, Ann Calabrese of Arab, Ala., and Faynell Ramlow of Burney, Calif.; one nephew, J. W. Stewart of Thibodaux, LA; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, James C. and Anne A. Cameron of Waycross. A funeral service will conducted 2 p.m. Sunday (May 20, 2001)at Music Funeral Home Chapel. A graveside service will be held 4 p.m. Sunday at Greenlawn Cemetery in Lakeland, GA. The family will be receiving friends Saturday night 7 until 9 p.m. at the funeral home. Mr. J. D. ‘Dock’ Hugley, 67, Waycross native (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Ms. Walterine Fullmore,54 (5-13-2001) Waycross native (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Mrs. Rosa Mae Williams, 88 (5-17-2001) Hawkinsville native (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Monday, May 21, 2001 Mrs. Nellie Woodard Griffin, 81 (5-18-2001) Pierce Co. native (Chambless Funeral Home, Nahunta) Waycross Journal-Herald, Monday, May 21, 2001: NELLIE WOODARD GRIFFIN The funeral for Mrs. Nellie Woodard Griffin, 81, of Waycross, took place Sunday afternoon at the First Baptist Church of Nahunta. Dr. W. Derrell Rentz officiated. Burial was in Greenlawn Cemetery, Waycross. Serving as honorary pallbearers were members of the Senior Ladies Sunday School Class at Central Baptist Church, Waycross. Arrangements were with Chambless Funeral Home of Nahunta. She died Friday (May 18, 2001) at the Satilla Care Center, following a lengthy illness. She was a native of Pierce County but had lived in Brantley County for a number of years. She was a secretary for the Farm Bureau and was retired from the Selective Service Board. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Nahunta and the W.M.U. Her parents were Jim Woodard and Beaulah Smith Woodard. Also preceding her in death were her husband, Pleasant Demsy "PD" Griffin, a grandson, Lance Griffin, two sisters, Irene Petruci and Christine Darby, and two brothers, Charles and Lamar Woodard. She is survived by a daughter, Sharon Griffin Carlson, Waycross; two sons, Franklin Griffin (wife Glenda) of Hoboken, and Terry Griffin of Waycross; five grandchildren, Phyllis Harris, Cindy Herrin, Amber Blanchard, Jennifer Griffin, and Alexander Carlson, and five great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Mertice Thompson of Kingsland and Katherine Kemp of Palatka, Fla. Mr. Roger L. Whiddon, 46 (5-18-2001) Waycross native (Miles-Odum Funeral Home, Waycross) Mrs. Carol Ann Robbins, 55 (5-18-2001) Spruce Creek, Pa. native (Music Funeral Home,Waycross) Mrs. Carol Ann Robbins, 55, died suddenly Friday (May 18, 2001) at Satilla Regional Medical Center. She is a native of Spruce Creek, PA, but she has been a resident of Waycross for thirty-one years. She was employed by Wal-Mart. She served as department manager in cosmetics. She was also a member of Open Arms Praise Tabernacle. She is the daughter of the late Ralph Kinch and Grace Showwalter Kinch. She is survived by her husband, Bill Robbins of Waycross; two daughters, Ginger Ragans (husband Lee) of Atlanta and Ashley Robbins of Waycross; one grandson, Aaron Ragans of Atlanta; three brothers, Ralphie Kinch of Fredericksburg, VA, Dave and John Kinch both of Norfolk, VA; three sisters, Tiny Griffin of Hampton, VA, Ann Sargent of Elizabethton, TN, and Wanda Bradley of Norfolk, VA; and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will conducted 10 a.m. Tuesday (May 22, 2001) at Open Arms Praise Tabernacle (1818 Lamont St.). Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery. The family will be receiving friends tonight (Monday) at Music Funeral Home from 6 until 8 p.m. Mr. Frank E. Wesline, 79 (5-18-2001) Waycross resident (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) Mr. Frank E. Wesline, 79, died Friday (May 18, 2001) at Satilla Regional Medical Center after an extended illness. He is a native of Milwaukee, WI, but he has been in Waycross over forty years. He is retired from the United States Army after 22 years and the King Edwards Cigar Factory. He served in the army during World War II and the Korean War. When he retired, he was serving as sergeant first class E-7. He was also affiliated with the Methodist faith. He is preceded in death by a wife, Polly Irene Dowling Wesline. He is survived by his fiancee, Glenda Hiott of Waycross; eight step-children, Angela Boutin, James Howell, Marvin Hiott, Jr., Danny Hiott, Jeffery Hiott all of Blackshear, Angel Burks of Waynesville, Linda Barker of Waycross, and Ginger Selph of Homerville; grandchildren, Keith and Joshua Barker, Amber, Kelly and Kyle Boutin, Ashley and Megan Petty, Satilla Burks, Candace, Marsha, Dustin, Chelsey and Tabatha Hiott, J. R., Kerstian and Austin Hiott, April and Jason Day; and several nephews and other relatives. A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Monday (May 21, 2001) at Music Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery. The family will be receiving friends 7 until 9 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Miss Nora Belle Bryan, 79 (5-19-2001) Ware Co. resident (Miles-Odum Funeral Home, Waycross) Mr. Russell McKee Hickox, 45 (5-18-2001) Wayne Co. native (Pearson-Teadwell Funeral Home, Blackshear) RUSSELL McKEE HICKOX PATTERSON--A funeral service for Mr. Russell McKee Hickox, 45, will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday in the chapel at Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home, Blackshear. Mr. Robert Johns and Elder Alvin Johnson will officiate. Burial will be in the New Home Cemetery near Offerman. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 7 until 9 o'clock tonight. He died suddenly Friday morning (May 18, 2001) from injuries sustained in a tractor-trailer accident in Appling County. He was a truck driver for Ace Pole Co. of Blackshear and he attended Primitive Baptist church services. He served four years in the Army and attained the rank of Specialist 4. His military honors included the Good Conduct Medal, Parachute Badge, and Expert badges for the M-16 and M-60 weapons. He was born in Wayne County but resided in Pierce County most of his life. His mother, Ina Johnson Hickox, died this past January. He is survived by his wife, Robin Thomas Hickox; five children, Tiffany Hickox of Fayetteville, N.C., Jared Hickox, U.S. Army, Korea, Kayla Hickox of Stockbridge, Sarah Barnes (husband Barry) and Frank Horne, both of Patterson; his father, Melvin Hickox of Offerman; five sisters, Glenda Herndon (husband Downey) of Dixie Union, Kathleen Gill (husband Marvin) of Offerman, Mary Jane Heath of Jesup, and Julia Lawton (husband Clyde) and Ann Scott (husband Charles), both of Waycross; six brothers, Clayton Hickox (wife Tracey) of Jacksonville, Fla., Layton Hickox (wife Petra) of St. Marys, Raymond Hickox and Stevie Hickox (wife Lynn), both of Offerman, Wendell Hickox (wife Marlene) of Blackshear and J.D. Hickox (wife Leniece) of Patterson; one grandchild, Laimie Barnes; and several other relatives. Grant Nobles, 5 (5-18-2001) Coffee Co. native (Crosby Funeral Home, Alma) Ms. Melissa Ann Marcott, 21 (5-18-2001) Sarasota, Fla. native (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) Ms. Melissa Marcott, 21, died suddenly Friday (May 18, 2001) at Satilla Regional Medical Center. She is a native of Sarasota, FL, but she has been living in Waycross since last July. She was a day care center worker and a member of Grace Episcopal Church. She is the daughter of the late Sharon Underwood Marcott. She is survived by her father, John L. Marcott of Waycross; two sisters, Dottie Mathis of Sarasota, FL, and Cheri Hineman of Waycross; and three nephews, Carl James Hineman and Kiyota Marquis Hineman both of Waycross, and Jesse Lee Parks of Sarasota, FL. A graveside service will be conducted 11 a.m. Thursday (May 24, 2001) at Greenlawn Cemetery. The family will be receiving friends 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday at Music Funeral Home. Melissa Lynn Wassing, 31 (5-19-2001) Waycross native (Brice W. Herndon and Sons Funeral, Walterboro) Tuesday, May 22, 2001 Mrs. Kathleen F. "Katie" Johnson, 85 (5-20-2001)Virginia Beach, Va. native (Miles-Odum Funeral Home, Waycross) Mrs. Edna V. Tennis, 83 (5-21-2001) Fall River Mills, Calif. native (Hatcher Cremations, Jacksonville, Fla.) Mr. Harvey D. Bell Sr., 70 (5-21-2001) Washington Co., Fla. native (Fluker Funeral Home, Homerville) Mr. Richard John Ross, 79 (5-20-2001) Pittsburgh, Pa. native (Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home, Blackshear) MR. RICHARD JOHN ROSS BLACKSHEAR--Mr. Richard John Ross, 69, died Sunday evening (May 20, 2001) at the Satilla Regional Medical Center, Waycross, following a long illness. He had been head of security for Scott Housing and had lived in Blackshear for 12 years prior to moving to Virginia. He returned to Blackshear in 1999. A brother, Charles Joseph Ross Jr., preceded him in death in 1997. He was a native of Pittsburgh, Pa. and a member of St. Joachim Catholic Church in Greenfield, Pa. His parents were the late Charles Joseph Ross Sr. and Mary Albina Onda Ross. He is survived by a daughter, Mary Herendeen (husband Steven) of Sandston, Va.; two sons, Ricky Ross (wife Brenda) of Front Royal, Va. and Charles Ross (wife Tillie) of Macclenny, Fla.; two stepdaughters, Deborah Herndon (husband Bobby) of Mechanicsville, Va. and Linda West of Sandston; a stepson, Steven West (wife Chris) of Temecula, Calif.; a brother, James Ross of Annapolis, Md.; 14 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and several nieces, nephes, and other relatives. Memorialization will be by cremation. Burial will take place later next to his mother's grave at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 718 Hazelwood Ave., Pittsburgh. Arrangements have been with Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home. Wednesday, May 23, 2001: RUSSELL McKEE HICKOX PATTERSON--A funeral service for Mr. Russell McKee Hickox, 45, took place Tuesday morning at the Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home in Blackshear with Elder Alvin Johnson and Mr. Robert Johns officiating. Burial was in the New Home Cemetery. The pallbearers were Harold Floyd, Wayne Meeks, Will Bowen, Dewayne Roberson, Stanley Stone and Stevie Altman. Employees of Ace Pole Co. and Thom's Transport were honorary pallbearers. David Michael MacRae, 16 (5-20-2001) Burlington, Vt. native (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) Mr. David Michael MacRae, 16, died early Sunday morning (May 20, 2001) from injuries received in an auto accident in Brantley County. He was a native of Burlington, Vermont but had resided in Brantley County since August of last year. His father was the late Daniel MacRae. He was a 10th grade student at Brantley County High School and was an employee with McDonalds in Waycross and was a member of the Nahunta United Pentecostal Church. The survivors include his mother, Chandra Roman of Altus, OK; three sisters, Rachel MacRae of Texas, Deborah MacRae of St. Paul, Minn., Joy Roman of Altus, OK; one brother, Jonathan Roman of Altus, OK; his grandparents, Jerry Darling and Virginia Gibbs both of Calif., Harold and Marjory MacRae of Blackshear; numerous aunts, uncles and other relatives. A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday (May 23, 2001) in the Calvary United Pentecostal Church on Elizabeth Street. The family will be receiving friends at Music Funeral Home Tuesday night from 7 until 9 oclock. Mrs. Josie Mae Wells-Spradley, 76 (5-19-2001) Wartburg, Tenn. native (Baldwin, Fla.) Mrs. Virginia Shiver, 85 (5-21-2001) Thomasville native (Allen & Allen Funeral Home, Thomasville) Wednesday, May 23, 2001: No new obits. Thursday, May 24, 2001: Mrs. Mallette Brown Clark, 67 (5- 22-2001) Folkston resident (Shepard Funeral Home, Folkston) Mr. Roy H. Cannon, 59 (5-22-2001) Bacon Co native (Crosby Funeral Home, Alma) Friday, May 25, 2001: Mr. John Hayes Roberts, 42 (5-24- 2001) Arcadia, FL native (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) Mr. John Hayes Roberts,42, died Thursday (May 24,2001) afternoon at St. Lukes Hospital in Jacksonville, FL after a lenghty illness. He was a native of Arcadia,FL and the son of the late Clayton Hayes Roberts. He had lived in Waycross for the past 5 years where he worked for the City of Waycross. He attended Calvary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife Patricia Roberts, two daughters; Amanda Roberts, Virginia Roberts,mother; Mary Varnadore, all of Waycross, three sisters; Cinty Roberts of Waycross, Louise Varnadore of South Carolina, Idell Roberts of Waycross, a bother; Melton Stark of St. Cloud,FL, several nieces and nephews. A service is planned for 2:00 pm Sunday in Music Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 Oclock Sunday. Mr. Robert Rozier Jr. 66 (5-24-2001) (Perry Brothers Funeral Home, Waycross) Mrs. Rosa Mae Williams, 88 (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Donald Emmett Spann Sr (5-23-2001) resident of Kingsport, TN Mrs. Elma Ivey (5-23-2001) (Miles-Odum Funeral Home, Waycross) Saturday, May 26, 2001: Mr. Hilton C. Crews, 79 (5-24- 2001) Charlton Co. native (Shepard Funeral Home, Folkston) Mrs. Mae A. Sports, 92 (5-24-2001) Pierce Co. native (Sims Funeral Home, Douglas) Mr. Harvey D. Bell Sr., 70 (5-21-2001) Washington Co., FL native (Fluker Funeral Home, Homerville) Monday, May 28, 2001: Mr. Jesse Melvin Smith Sr., 74 (5- 26-2001) Sylvania native (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) Mr. Jesse Melvin Smith, Sr., 74, died Saturday (May 26, 2001) in Hadlow Center in Jacksonville, Fla. A native of Sylvania but had resided in Coffee County most of his life. He was married to the late Sally Faye Batten Smith and was son of the late Rev. William B. Smith and Sallie Page Smith. He was retired business owner of ladies clothing stores called Fayes Inc. in Waycross, Douglas and Cordele. He was a member of Central Baptist Church and served in Manila, Philippines during World War II in the U.S. Navy. He was a former financial advisor with Consumer Credit Counseling in Waycross. He was a graduate of the University of Georgia and received a masters degree from Auburn University. He received a scholarship to the University of Tennessee specially for teachers and at that time they were giving only one scholarship per year to each state. He was a counselor in the Bacon County School System and former principal of the Center High School. He was a former counselor and professor at the Middle Georgia College in Cochran and former facullty member of the Coffee County Board of Education. He worked for the Douglas Enterprize for several years and wrote an article titled Jess Talking. He took over a newspaper in Pierce County many years ago and at the time was the youngest newspaper publisher in the state of Georgia. He was a southeast Georgia reporter for the Florida Times Union when he lived in Brunswick. The survivors include a daughter, Rhenda Zarzuela (husband Dr. Ric) of Waycross; a son, Jesse M. Smith, Jr. (wife Susan); three grandchildren, Ashley Moses of Marietta, Alex Zarzuela and Andrew Zarzuela both of Waycross; two brothers, John P. Smith (wife Dot) of Jacksonville, Fla., Billy Smith Smith (wife Edith) of Douglas; several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday (May 29, 2001)at Trinity United Methodist Church. Burial will be in the Douglas City Cemetery in Douglas, Ga. The family will be receiving friends at funeral home Monday night from 6 until 8 oclock. Mr. Bobby Hue Sears Sr., 65 (5-27-2001) Coffee Co native (Crosby Funeral Home, Alma) Macolm Jamal Swift, 13 (5-26-2001) St. Mary’s native (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Mrs. Eva Dell Reaves, 64 (5-26-2001) Axson native (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Tuesday, May 26, 2001: Mrs. Nellie Kelly Smith, 83 (5-28- 2001) Wayne Co. native (Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home, Blackshear) Mrs. Wilda Faye Henderson, 86 (5-28-2001) Ware Co. native (Miles-Odum Funeral Home, Waycross) Miss Minnie E. Collins (5-26-2001) Florence, SC native (Miles-Odum Funeral Home, Waycross) Mrs. Mildred Louise James Rowe, 75 (5-28-2001) Ware Co. native (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) Mrs. Mildred Louise James Rowe,75,died Monday(5-28-01) afternoon at her residence after a lenghty illness. She was a native of Ware County and the daughter of the late Clayton M. James and Audrey Wise James and the widow of the late Warren A. Rowe. She was retired with American General Insurance Company,also with Merle Norman Cosmetics. She was a member of Jamestown Baptist Church and the Golden age Sunday School Class, she was a charter member of the Okefenokee Lionis club,Waycross Shrine auxilary,Eastern Star, American Legion Post 10 auxilary. She is survived by two daughters; Pam Clifton husband Tommy of Waycross, Lynn Gray husband Terry of Sylvester, 2 sons; Clayton Everett Rowe wife Bobbi of Graden City, W. Jamie Rowe wife Donna of Palm Coast,FL., beloved aunt; Lennie Prosser of Charlotte,NC., Aunt & Uncle; Buck & Edith Wise of Johnsonville,SC., 9 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren. A service is planned for 2:00 pm Wednesday at Jamestown Baptist Church with burial in Greenlawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 until 9 oclock Tuesday evening at Music Funeral Home. Mr. Fredrick "Fred" Eugene Williams, 35 (5-27-2001) Coffee Co. native (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) Mr. Fredrick (Fred)Eugene Williams, 35, died Sunday (May 27, 2001)evening at his residence in Waresboro. He was a native of Coffee County but had lived in Ware County most of his life. He worked in construction in Brunswick, he had previously worked for General Housing. He is survived by a daughter Jamie Williams of Waresboro, father & mother; Gene (Biggen) & Georgia Harper Williams, two sisters ; Kimberly Jean Gordon, Rhodenia Williams both of Waresboro, 2 brothers; Arthur Williams of Waycross, Marvin Lynn Williams of Winter Haven, FL, special friend; Kimberly Carter Williams of Waycross, several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday (May 31, 2001) at Full Gospel Church of God LTD Apostolic. Burial will be in Kettle Creek Cemetery. The family is receiving friends 7 until 9 p.m. Wednesday at Music Funeral Home. Mr. Robert Rozier Jr. (Perry Brothers Funeral Home, Waycross) Mr. Grady H. Bennett, 74 (5-24-2001) Waycross native (Platt’s Funeral Home, Evans) Wednesday, May 30, 2001: Mrs. Denise Louise Davis 46 (5-28-2001) Vernon, LA native (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) Mrs. Denise Louise Davis, 46, died Monday (May 28, 2001) at her residence in Marietta. She is a native of Vernon, LA, but was a resident of Marietta. She was a homemaker. She is the daughter of the late Harley Leon Davis. She is survived by her husband, Col. Michael H. Davis of Marietta; one son, Sgt. Chad Davis of Hinesville; two daughters, Melissa Davis and Sarah E. Davis both of Marietta; her mother, Josephine Barber Davis of Houston, TX; three brothers, Donald P. Davis of Texas, Darwin Davis of Pineville, LA, and Dennis Davis of Moss Bluff, LA; and many nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday (May 31, 2001) at Roy Davis Funeral Home Chapel in Austell. A graveside service will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday (June 1, 2001) at Oakland Cemetery. Mr. Charles M. Aspinwall, 83 (5-28-2001) Pierce Co.native (Miles-Odum Funeral Home, Waycross) Mr. Daniel Johnson, 59 (5-29-2001) Brantley Co. native (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) George Franklin Paulk, 66 (5-24-2001) Coffee Co. native (Harrell’s Funeral Home, Douglas) Thursday, May 31, 2001: Mrs. Odessa Faison Lee, Ware Co. native (Campbell Funeral Home, Trenton, NJ) Josie Mae Spradley (5-19-2001) Born 10-30-1924 at Wartburg, Tenn. (Prestwood Funeral Home, Baldwin, FL) Friday, June 1, 2001: Mr. Edwin B. Jelks Jr., 89 (5-21-2001) Quitman native Mr. Charles D. ‘Noody’ Gibson, 83 (5-30-2001) Brantley Co. native (Chambless Funeral Home, Nahunta) Mrs. Naomi Anna Flora Fulton, 84 (5-31-2001) Dayton, Ohio native (Smith Funeral Home, Blackshear) Mr. Willie Holmes, 79 (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Mrs. Eva Dell Reaves, 64 (5-26-2001) Axson native (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) ======================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be freely used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or other presentation. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for FREE access. ==============