REV. FRANKLIN EUGENE GIBSON

Rev. Franklin Eugene Gibson, age 85, of Milner, Georgia, died Wednesday morning, July 29, 2020, in Jacksonville, Florida.

Funeral services for Rev. Gibson will be held on Sunday, August 2, at 3:00 PM at Milner Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Lamar Memory Gardens.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 until the funeral hour at the church.

Fletcher-Day Funeral Home of Thomaston is in charge of all arrangements.

Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.fletcherdayfuneralhome.com.

MRS. JANE HARWELL SALTER

Mrs. Jane Harwell Salter, age 94, of Thomaston, died Friday, July 31, 2020 at her daughter's residence in Statesboro, Georgia.

Mrs. Salter was born on March 10, 1926 in Telfair, County, to the late James F Harwell, and the late Alpha Chapman. She retired after 30 years as a school teacher, was a member of the Retired Teachers Association, and was a member of Thomaston First United Methodist Church. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Paul Bethel Salter, and her sister, Frances Rackley.

Survivors include her daughter, Mary (Forrest) Boyer of Statesboro, son, Paul Bethel Salter Jr. of Decatur, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held on Monday, August 3, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. from Crystal Hill Cemetery.

MS. PATRICIA ANNE DICKERSON

Ms. Patricia Anne Dickerson went to be with her Lord and Savior on July 30, 2020. She was born on July 22, 1946, in Thomaston, GA. She graduated from Pike County High School in 1964.

Trish retired from Delta Airlines. She was an excellent cook, seamstress and loved to travel. She enjoyed being with her friends. She loved the Lord and was a faithful member of McDonough Road Baptist Church in Fayetteville before her health prevented her from attending.

She was preceded in death by her parents James and Susie Belle Dickerson, Sr. and baby brother James Dickerson, Jr.

She leaves behind a brother Leonard Dickerson (Pam), a cousin who was like a sister Linda Fowler (Dennis), nephews Lenny Dickerson and Robby House, and numerous cousins.

Graveside services will be held at Fincher Memorial Cemetery in Meansville on Saturday, August 1, at 2 p.m. Rev. Dennis Fowler and Pastor Daryl McCard will officiate.

Social distancing guidelines will be observed.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to your favorite charity.

MISS FRANCES HILL

Miss Frances Hill, age 85, of Thomaston, passed away July 29, 2020. She was born in Marion, AL, daughter of the late Willie Benton Hill and Theo Moore Hill. Frances was a people person. She never met a stranger and loved to talk.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Gerald Hill and Ludie Hill.

She is survived by her sister: Sue McCullough of Williamson; and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 1, 11 a.m., in Moody Memorial Gardens with Rev. Ted Moody officiating.


Friends may visit the family on Saturday, 10 -11 a.m., at the funeral home.

MRS. LINDA L. HOYAL

Mrs. Linda L. Hoyal age 73 of Molena Ga, died Thursday July 30, 2020 at Upson Regional Medical Center.

Mrs. Hoyal was born on August 31, 1946 in Upson County, Georgia, to the late Oscar Raymond McKinley, and the late Bessie Ashe McKinley. She retired from the Thomaston Mills in the sewing room and bleachery. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Donald Helms, brothers, Leonard McKinley, Donnie McKinley, and Ricky McKinley.

Survivors include her son, Chris Hoyal, sisters Mary Watson, Vickie Griffin and sister-in-law, Diane McKinley, two grandchildren, Summer Hoyal, Alex Hoyal, three, great-grandchildren, Raven Hoyal, Gabe Hoyal, and Luna House.

Funeral services will be on Sunday, August 2, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Coggins Funeral Home. Burial to follow at Stribling Cemetery in Molena, GA. The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 1, 2020 from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at Coggins Funeral Home.

Coggins Funeral Home, 321 Hannahs Mill Road, Thomaston, GA 30286

706-647-9681

MR. KENNETH DONALD "DON' GASKINS

Mr. Kenneth Donald "Don" Gaskins, 89, of Thomaston, died on Saturday, July 25, 2020 at his home.

Funeral services for Mr. Gaskins will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2020, at 11:00 AM at Trinity Baptist Church of Thomaston. The Rev. Bob Wilson and The Rev. Bill Barber will officiate. Burial will follow in South View Cemetery. 

The family of Mr. Gaskins will receive family and friends at the church on Wednesday morning from 9:30 AM until the funeral hour.

Mr. Gaskins was born in Nashville, GA, on June 21, 1931. He was the son of the late Preston and Tollie Vickers Gaskins of Nashville, GA. He was a graduate of Berrien County High School. Mr. Gaskins went on to graduate from the Southern College of Pharmacy; a division of Mercer University of Atlanta. He owned and operated Paulk's Pharmacy of Thomaston for over 30 years.

A veteran of the United States Army, Mr. Gaskins was stationed in Germany during his service.

Mr. Gaskins and his wife, Mary Jean Roberts Gaskins, were charter members of Trinity Baptist Church of Thomaston where he served as a life-long Deacon. He was also a member of the Thomaston Lions Club.

Mr. Gaskins is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jean Gaskins, as well as two sons, Ken (Melody) Gaskins and Mark (Martha) Gaskins, both of Thomaston. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Maggie Gaskins of Covington, GA, Lauren (Jonathan) Hall of Thomaston, Matthew Gaskins (Mary Ashby Ward) of Atlanta, and Katelyn Gaskins (Logan Kent) of Pensacola, FL

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Baptist Church of Thomaston, 410 South Church St., Thomaston, GA 30286, or to the First Baptist Church TV Ministry, 208 South Church St., Thomaston, GA 30286.

Fletcher-Day Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.fletcherdayfuneralhome.com

Mrs. Virginia Smith Anderson

Mrs. Virginia Smith Anderson, 97, of Thomaston, died Friday, July 24, 2020 at Upson Regional Medical Center.

Funeral services for Mrs. Anderson will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 2020 at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of the Fletcher-Day Funeral Home. Burial will follow in South View Cemetery. The family of Mrs. Anderson will receive friends at Fletcher-Day Funeral Home on Tuesday from 10:00 AM until the funeral hour.

Fletcher-Day Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.fletcherdayfuneralhome.com

Mr. Mike Bates

Mr. Mike Bates age 60 of Yatesville Ga, died Saturday July 25, 2020 at his residence.

Mr. Bates was born on June 1, 1960 in Thomaston Ga, to Lynn Bates and the late Peggy Bates. He retired from The Georgia DOT where he worked as Aera Asphalt Superintendent. He is preceded in death by his mother Peggy Bates and sister Lori Passmore.

Survivors include his wife Cindy Bates of Yatesville Ga, son Josh (Mallory) Bates of Thomaston Ga, father Lynn (Linda) Bates of Yatesville Ga, step daughters Hope (Jason) Blankenship of Thomaston Ga, Crystal Williams of Yatesville Ga, Brooke Williams of Yatesville Ga, brother Todd (Linda) Bates of Thomaston Ga, grandson Ellis Bates, step grandchildren Emily Lanely and Allie Huffman.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday July 28, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Coggins Funeral Home. Burial will follow in New Hope Cemetery in Yatesville Ga. The family will receive friends at Coggins Funeral Home on Monday July 27, 2020 from 6-8 p.m.

Coggins Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements

MRS. JEANETTE FORTSON RUSSELL

Mrs. Jeanette Fortson Russell, 89, of Meansville, died Thursday, July 23, 2020 at her home.

Graveside funeral services for Mrs. Russell will be held on Sunday, July 26, 2020 at 2:00 PM in Upson Memorial Gardens.

The family of Mrs. Russell will receive friends at Fletcher-Day Funeral Home on Saturday from 6:00 until 8:00 PM.

Fletcher-Day Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

MRS. SYBIL OWENBY BRIGHT

Mrs. Sybil Owenby Bright, age 80, of Thomaston, died at her residence.

Mrs. Bright was born on September 24, 1939, in Commerce, GA, to the late Roy Verner Owenby, and the late Velma Frances Owenby. She retired from Food Giant as a clerk and is of the Baptist Faith. She is preceded in death by her parents, sister, Katherine Dean, brothers, Nathan, Gene, Randolph, and Rudolph Owenby, and grandchild, Brandon Clay.

Survivors include her husband, Grover Bright, daughters, Charlotte (Rickey) Clay, Gail (Donald) Garner, brothers, Ray (Delia) Owenby, Grady (Dawn) Garner, sister, Rachel (Bobby) Crews, five grandchildren, Dustin, Nathan Clay, Jonathan, Carey, Merry Garner.

Graveside services will be held on Sunday, July 26, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. from Crystal Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 26, 2020 at Coggins Funeral Home from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association at, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601

MRS. HILDA SAWYER ANDREWS

Mrs. Hilda Sawyer Andrews, age 98 of Thomaston, Georgia died Monday, July 20, 2020 at Riverside Health and Rehab. Graveside funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, July 25, 2020 at 10:00 A.M. at South View Cemetery in Thomaston with Rev. Andy Cunningham and Rev. Herb Flanders officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church at P.O. Box 707, Thomaston, Georgia 30286 or the Pass the Salt Ministry of the First Baptist Church at 208 South Church Street, Thomaston, Georgia 30286.

Fletcher-Day Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.fletcherdayfuneralhome.com

COACH CLINT MCABEE

Mr. Clinton Harris McAbee (Coach), age 90, passed away at Harborview Health Systems, on July 21, 2020. He was born in Griffin, Georgia on August 1, 1929 and graduated from Spalding High School in 1947, where he was a standout center for the school's football team. He earned an athletic scholarship to the University of Mississippi. While at Ole' Miss, he had an injury that ended his career there; however, groundbreaking surgery repaired his arm. He was one of the first patients ever to have his fracture repaired using a steel plate.

After his successful surgery, Clint transferred to South Georgia Junior College, where he continued playing the game he loved and learned from coaching greats, Wyatt Posey and Johnny Griffin. He was the starting center for the 1949 team that won the Junior Sugar Bowl (Junior College National Championship).

While at South Georgia Junior College, Clint met Jane Cook from Valdosta and they married in 1951, Clint went on to earn his bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia. After graduating he started teaching and coaching at Griffin High School. In 1953, he accepted a position at R.E. Lee Institute as part of Head Coach Jim Cavan's new staff.

Clint was on the sidelines for the first game ever game played at Matthew's Field. In 1961 the Rebels hosted Valdosta, in the AAA State Championship game. The Rebels lost 34-13, but the community experienced pride like it had not seen in years. Several players made local history and four were selected as All Stars.

Clint helped the Rebels win 5 region titles (1961, 1965, 1967, 1970). A highlight of his career was being asked to coach the North Squad in the 1962 Georgia High School All Star game. He took over coaching the offensive line in 1964 and played a major role in bringing the Veer Offense to R.E. Lee. In 1970 the team gave Coach Cavan his first undefeated high school football season and the coveted region 6-AAA championship.

Clint diligently dedicated his time to the football program at R.E. Lee. When asked why he never accepted offers to coach anywhere else he replied that he considered it a privilege to be a part of one of the most respected programs in Georgia. He loved his players and cherished his time with Coach Cavan and longtime friend, Burns Pruett. He always said it was a pleasure to work with associates, Mac Arthur, Jim Franko, Ronald Johnson, Wallace Rhodes, Tommy Perdue, Red Bullock, Daryl Jones and team physician, Dr. Doug Head. He was proud to play part in many players and team trainers earning scholarships to major universities.

Clint filled many roles for the school, including driving the Rebel bus for all sports. He supported the basketball and baseball teams in anyway he could. Players recall many happy times on the Rebel bus. Clint was known for parking the bus in tight spots like the Varsity in Atlanta. Players remember his big boisterous laugh while driving.

Coach McAbee taught math and P.E. to many students in Upson County. He also taught hundreds of students to swim. He enjoyed golf and walking as well as watching all sports. He was a member of the First Baptist Church.

Clint is preceded in death by his wife, Jane Cook McAbee, parents, Walter Clinton McAbee and Nora Hays McAbee, brother, Daniel Holms McAbee, and sister Bonner McAbee Parris of Griffin.

Survivors include, his daughter, Lacy (Dick) Barnes of Thomaston, two sons, Criss (Kristi) McAbee of Thomaston, and Walt (Nancy) McAbee of Concord, grandchildren, Chase (Fiance' Becky) Barnes, Jane-Asher (Heath) English of Thomaston, Rhett (Cristy) McAbee of McDonough, Abby (Nathan) McClure of Augusta, John McAbee, and Patrick McAbee both of Tuscaloosa AL, great-grandchildren, Mckenzie English, Campbell English, Addison English, Brooks English, Calleigh McClure, Austin McClure, Caroline McClure and Reagan McAbee. A host of loving nieces and caregivers also survive.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, July 24, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. from the Pavilion at The Gathering Church. The family will receive friends on Friday, July 24, 2020 from the pavilion at The Gathering Church one hour prior to the service. We will be adhering to social distancing, but all are welcome to come.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Pass the Salt, First Baptist Church, 208 S Church St. Thomaston, GA 30286 or Thomaston Hospice at 512 S Center St. Thomaston, GA 30286

Coggins Funeral Home, 321 Hannahs Mill Road, Thomaston, GA 30286

706-647-9681