William “Bill” Edward Carver

Mr. William “Bill” Edward Carver, age 90, of Williamson, passed away January 31, 2023, at his home. 

Mr. Bill was born on August 11, 1932, to the late Edwin and Sankie Carver. He grew up in East Griffin alongside two younger sisters. Mr. Bill served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Mr. Bill wed Beatrice Carver and the couple had three children. The family lived happily in Griffin until Beatrice’s passing in 1989. Mr. Bill was married to Shirley Carver in 1993 and the couple settled in Williamson. Mr. Bill worked as a nighttime shift supervisor at Dundee Mills #5 for over 30 years until his retirement.

 

Mr. Bill was a longtime member of Second Baptist Church in Griffin. He loved farm life and being outside in his garden. Over the years he raised cows and other farm animals. He also liked to fish and go camping. Mr. Bill enjoyed traveling, particularly to the mountains. More recently, Mr. Bill watched wrestling, baseball, and truck pulls on television.

 

Along with his parents, Mr. Bill was preceded in death by his wives, Sara “Beatrice” Carver and Shirley Eubanks Carver, and sister, Martha Butler.

 

He is survived by his children and their spouses: Mike and Ruth Carver, Debbie and Gregg Brown and Susan and Jeff MacDonell; grandchildren: Crystal (Randy) Presley, Abby, Liberty and Cassidy MacDonell; great-grandchildren: Bradley, Mackenzie and Madison Presley; sister: Millie Carver; sister-in-law: Sarah Lawrence.

 

A funeral service will be held at 2 PM on Friday, February 3rd in the chapel of Moody-Daniel Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Griffin Memorial Gardens. Friends may visit the family between 5 and 7 PM on the evening of Thursday, February 2nd at the funeral home.

Sandra B. Germain

Mrs. Sandra B. Germain, age 67, of Concord, departed to her Heavenly home on January 30, 2023.

 

Sandra attended Mars Hill University where she studied religious education. She went on to graduate from nursing school in 1980. In August of that year, Sandra was wed to Wayne “Matt” Germain. The couple had one son, Seth. The Germain family lived in Asheville, North Carolina for 37 years where Sandra worked as an LPN at the local VA hospital. In December of 2010, Sandra and Matt relocated to Concord, Georgia, where Sandra spent the remainder of her life.

 

Sandra was a longtime member of Concord United Methodist Church. She loved the Lord and worshipping with her church family. She was a sweet and happy lady. She was also strong-willed and could be feisty when needed. Sandra enjoyed going to the movies with her husband. She was a collector of many treasures including books, thimbles and precious moments figurines. Sandra will be remembered by her cheerful spirit and her love for Jesus.

 

Sandra is survived by her husband of 43 years: Wayne “Matt” Germain of Concord; son: Seth Germain of Washington; parents: Daniel and Margaret Bond of Concord; sister and brother-in-law: Alisha and George Pastiran of Alabama; brother-in-law: Russell Germain of Massachusetts; sister-in-law: Gail Ketchum and her husband Tim of Oklahoma; niece and nephew: Sheena and Hack.

 

A memorial service will be held at 12 PM on Saturday, February 4th in the chapel of Moody-Daniel Funeral Home. Friends may visit the family beginning at 11 AM at the funeral home.

Horace Richard Montgomery

Mr. Horace Richard Montgomery, age 85, of Thomaston, died Monday, January 30, 2023, at his residence.

 

Mr. Montgomery was born on November 3, 1937, in Upson County, to the late Hoyt Montgomery and the late Lottie Mae Jenkins Montgomery.  He retired from the U.S. Air Force as an E-7 Master Sargent, and a member of Clark's Chapel Baptist Church.  In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Francis Farmer Montgomery, son, Kenneth T. Montgomery, brothers, Marion Montgomery, Gene Montgomery, and sister, Betty Lackey.

 

Survivors include his daughter, Dawn (Grady) Owenby of Thomaston, son, Doug Montgomery of Thomaston, six grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren.

 

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Coggins Funeral Home.  Burial will follow at Southview Cemetery.  The family will receive friends on Friday, February 3, 2023, from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at Coggins Funeral Home.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.support.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate.

Coggins Funeral Home 

Rev. John H. Cox

Rev. John H. Cox, age 67, of Thomaston, died Monday, January 30, 2023, at his residence. 

The family will hold a memorial service for Rev. Cox on Saturday, February 4, at 11:00 AM, at the Barnesville First United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 10:00 until 11:00 AM at the church. 

 

Rev. Cox was born in Dublin, Georgia, on October 11, 1955, a son of the late Henry Lee Cox, Jr. and the late Mardre Ann Davis Cox. He was a 1973 graduate of Dublin High School. He earned his degree in forestry from the University of Georgia in 1977. He worked three years as a forester before entering the ministry. He then earned his master of church music from Southern Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1985. He served as associate pastor and choir director for many churches in Indiana, Tennessee, and Georgia over the last 37 years. His last eight years of service were at Barnesville First United Methodist Church as minister of music. 

 

Rev. Cox enjoyed participating in many music groups throughout his career, among them the Chancel Bell Choir, The Achords quartet, the Tennessee Men's Chorale, and the Sons of Jubal, where he served as one of the past presidents. He was very active in Boy Scouts earning the rank of Eagle Scout and served many years as Scout Master of Troop 850. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Greg Cox of Bakersfield, California. 

 

Rev. Cox is survived by his wife, Susan Sapp Cox of Thomaston; his daughters, Alison (Andrew) Barrett of Forsyth; and Courtney Cox of Thomaston: his son, Blair Cox of Thomaston; and his five grandchildren. 

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or The Music Fund at Barnesville First United Methodist Church. 

 

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

Nedra Angeline Piper

Ms. Nedra Angeline Piper, age 81, of Barnesville, passed away January 29, 2023.

Nedra was born on May 20, 1941, in Savannah, Georgia to the late David and Ruby Payne. Upon graduation from high school, Nedra joined the United States Navy and trained as a nurse. She eventually wed and had four children. Nedra was a longtime mother and homemaker to her family. She lived in Florida for many years. In the 1990’s Nedra and her family relocated to Georgia where she lived in the Thomaston and Barnesville areas.

 

Nedra enjoyed sewing and cooking. She liked to create arts and crafts projects. She was a collector of pig décor, which she proudly displayed around her home. Nedra was a longtime member of Ramah Primitive Baptist Church. She loved her church and all her church family. Nedra was an adoring grandmother who loved spending time with her grandchildren.

 

Along with her parents, Nedra was preceded in death by her husbands: Joseph J. Mrosco and Paul M. Piper; daughters: Shannon Serene and Freda Piper; grandson: Matthew Bullington.

 

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law: Joey and John Ellington of Thomaston; son: James Tate Piper of Barnesville; grandchildren: Andrew Bullington, Jessica Carpenter, Cora Lewis, Giacinto (Charlie) Serene, Kristov Serene, Ashleigh (Johnny) Shelley, Ben Hofer and Vicky Hofer; 15 great-grandchildren.

 

The family is being assisted by Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

William M. "Bill" Anderson

Maj. William M. "Bill" Anderson, USMC Ret., age 87, of Thomaston, died Thursday, January 12, 2023, at Upson Regional Medical Center.  

 

Memorial services for Maj. Anderson will be held Saturday, February 4, at 11:00 AM, at Thomaston First Presbyterian Church with Dr. Glenn Gilstrap and Father Brian Davy officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until the service hour at the church.  Inurnment will be in Arlington National Cemetery.

 

Maj. Anderson was born on January 9, 1936, in Rockbridge, WI, to the late William Hugh Anderson, Jr., and the late Emma Frances Parfrey Anderson.  He earned a BS degree in aeronautical engineering from Parks College of Engineering of St. Louis University.  He served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1960 until his retirement in 1980, earning the rank of Major.  He received numerous service medals and citations during his time of service in Vietnam.  After retirement from the military, he was employed by Burlington Industries as a plant engineer.  Maj. Anderson loved horses and dogs, especially his dog, Skipper.  He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Thomaston.

 

Maj. Anderson is survived by his wife, Lynne Kathleen "Kathy" Anderson of Thomaston; a daughter, Karen (Wayne) Currin of Hartsville, SC;  two sons: William Mark (Jennifer) Anderson of Virginia Beach, VA, and Walter Lance (Rania) Anderson of Kansas City, MO; a sister, Patricia Rhinelander; nine grandchildren: Alex Hursey, Jackson (Emily) Currin, Daniel Currin, Deirdre Currin, Jesse Currin, Taylor Anderson, Spencer (Vijay) Upadhyaya, Chase Anderson, and Nick (Shannon) Anderson; and four great grandchildren: Lela-Marie Rhodes, Rafael Upadhyaya, Cy Anderson, and Sunday Anderson.

 

Those desiring may make memorial contributions to First Presbyterian Church, 403 Birdsong St., Thomaston, GA  30286, or to Thomaston Hospice Foundation, 512 S. Center St., Thomaston, GA  30286.

 

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

Dewey William “Bill” Ramsey, Jr

Mr. Dewey William “Bill” Ramsey, Jr., age 78, of Thomaston, passed away January 29, 2023.  Bill grew up in LaGrange, son of the late Dewey William Ramsey, Sr. and Clara Mae Hester Ramsey.  He worked at Delta Airlines for 33 years before retiring from the customer service department.  He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, collecting antiques and playing poker.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Jeff Ramsey.

 

He is survived by his wife: Sribungon Daoseth Ramsey “On”; daughters: Angie McReynolds (Steve) and Sherrie Gonzales all of McDonough; grandchildren: Lauren Pitt-McClelland (Jesse), Amber Craig, Anna Gonzales, and Alex McReynolds; great-grandchildren: Titus and Novyn; twin sister: Betty Taylor (Stanley) of Coden, AL; sister: Sara Ann Knight of Kelso, TN; special nephews: Tim Hendrickson (Pamela) and their son, Caiden and Todd Hendrickson (Melissa) and their children Seth and Rachael; special friends: Michael Patterson, Jack Gray, Suzie Ross, John King, Steve Tallstal, and Meko and Gaye Haralu, Richie Coleman, and Duangsamorn “Tui”; several other nephews, nieces and friends.

 

Friends may visit the family on Saturday, February 4, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the funeral home.  A memorial service will follow at 3 p.m., in the chapel of Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

James “Jim” Bennett

Mr. James “Jim” Bennett, age 85, of Griffin, formerly of Pike County, passed away January 27, 2023, at his home.  He grew up in Hartwell, GA, son of the late Grover Cleveland Bennett and Buena McCurley Bennett. Mr. Jim was a born salesman who loved life and enjoyed talking to everyone he met.  He worked in sales in the trucking industry and most recently for Walker Brothers in Fairburn. 

While living in Clayton County, he was a member and Deacon at Eastside Baptist Church in Riverdale.  After he and his wife moved to Pike County in 1994, he joined Concord Baptist Church where he also served as Deacon. They moved to Griffin a year ago and were currently attending New Salem Baptist Church. He was affectionately known as the “candy man,” because he gave out Jolly Ranchers and Life Savers to children and seniors. Mr. Jim was a member of the “Romeo” Club (Retired Old Men Eating Out) and enjoyed his time with friends. He also liked to play cards and ride around on his golf cart.

 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by seven brothers and sisters, W. R. Bennett, Luke Bennett, Chandler Bennett, Florence Bond, Doris Adams, Emma Cothran, and Herbert Bennett, and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Mary and J. W. Wheeler.

 

He is survived by his wife of 61 years:  Angela Bennett; daughter and son-in-law: Cheryl and Michael Burchfield of Griffin; son and daughter-in-law: Tim and Michelle Bennett of Molena.

 

He was Grandpa to five grandchildren and their spouses: Melissa and Sean Israel, Tori and Brandon Pitts, Payton and John Hoerner, Allie and Ryan Pearson, and Brady Cleveland Bennett.  He adored his grandchildren and was at every event they participated in.

 

He is also survived by five great-grandchildren: Jensen Israel, Aaron Israel, Logan Pearson, Jaxon Pitts, and Larson Pearson; brother and sister-in-law: Talmadge and Betty Bennett of Athens; sister-in-law: Betty Bennett of Athens; his faithful companion Buddy and his beloved dog Hershey; and many nieces and nephews.

 

Friends may visit the family on Monday, January 30, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the funeral home. 

 

Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m., in the chapel of Moody-Daniel Funeral Home with Pastor Chris Teasley and Pastor Mike Barnes officiating.

Cherry Elizabeth Sweatman

Mrs. Cherry Elizabeth Sweatman, age 55, formerly of Newnan, passed away January 23, 2023.

Cherry was born on December 17, 1967, to the late Allen and Virginia Thomas. Cherry was wed to Wesley Sweatman in March of 1987. The couple had two daughters and one son: Melissa, Katelyn and Joshua. The family lived in Zebulon for a time before settling in Newnan, Georgia. Cherry was a wife and “domestic goddess” of her household. She was the proud grandmother of two precious granddaughters. Cherry enjoyed fishing and traveling with her husband. She loved being near the ocean and watching the dolphins. She also loved her visits to the mountains. Cherry will be remembered as an amazing wife, mother and “Ma” to her family.

 

Cherry is survived by her husband of 36 years: Roy “Wesley” Sweatman, Jr. of Newnan; children: Melissa (Jeremy) Mason of West Columbia, SC, Katelyn Sweatman (Sam) of Atlanta, and Joshua Sweatman of Newnan; grandchildren: Ciara and Miranda Mason.

Moody-Daniel Funeral Home

Howard Hendley

On January 24, 2023, Howard H. Hendley of Hilton Head, SC was released from this mortal coil at the age of 69 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on July 25,1953, in Albany, Georgia, to Sara Alice Mainor Hendley and Jessie Herbert Hendley.

 

 Howard grew up in Albany, Georgia, and graduated from Dougherty County High School (1971). He then attended Albany Junior College, where he would earn an Associates of Arts Degree (1973). It was during this time that he would meet the love of his life and future wife, Sharon.

 

Howard continued his collegiate education at the University of Georgia where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science (1975). He then went on to receive a Masters Degree in Social Studies Education (1979) from Georgia Southwestern State University and a Doctoral Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Georgia's Department of Educational Leadership (1983).

 

Howard served the public school system for nearly 30 years, and he served in many roles. He began his career in public education in 1977 as a teacher, assistant principal, and central office administrator for Sumter County Schools in Americus, Georgia. Howard served as Principal at Tri-County High School (1985-1989), Americus High School (1989-1995), and Dublin High School (1995-1997). He then became superintendent for the Jeff-Davis County (1997-2000) and Thomaston-Upson County (2000-2007) School Systems. After retiring as a public school educator and leader, Howard worked at the Georgia Department of Education serving as Education Administration Specialist (2007-2009) and Director of Policy for the Georgia Department of Education (2010-2017). He also served as an adjunct professor for Georgia Southwestern State University and Columbus State University.

 

His expertise was evident from the accomplishments of schools under his leadership. While superintendent for the Jeff Davis County School System, Jeff Davis High School was named a Georgia School of Excellence (1999). During his time as principal, Dublin High School (1996) and Americus High School (1992, 1994) were both named a Georgia School of Excellence. Howard was named the Most Outstanding Secondary School Principal in Georgia in 1992 and had the opportunity to represent the State of Georgia at a National Principal's Convention.  In 1995, Howard received The Outstanding Member Award from the Professional Association of Educators, District 3. He was also named Distinguished Alumnus by the Educational Leadership Department of the University of Georgia in 2001.

 

His community involvement included participating on the Board of Control for the Upson County Health Department and serving as director of the Thomaston-Upson County Chamber of Commerce.

During his downtime, Howard took pleasure in camping, boating, and fishing. He had fun watching all types of sporting events - especially UGA football. He also enjoyed traveling, and was able to journey across the US and abroad. But most of all he loved his family, and being with them. He was a member of St. Andrew By-The-Sea United Methodist Church.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife of 49 years, Sharon Hendley, his children: Elizabeth Ott (Ryan Ott) and Holden Hendley (Jessica Hendley), his siblings: Chris Hendley (Ragan Pollack) and Linda Bradshaw (Steve Bradshaw), and his grandchildren Colleen, Cassidy, and Emily Ott.

 

Memorial Services will be held on Friday, January 27, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Coggins Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at Coggins Funeral Home on Friday, January 27, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. A burial will follow at Six Oaks Cemetery in Hilton Head Island, SC on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.

 

 In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Samaritan’s Purse.

Peter James Wagner

Mr. Peter James Wagner, age 87, of Thomaston, GA, passed away Sunday, January 22, 2023, at Upson Regional Medical Center. Jim, as he was better known, was born on October 12, 1935, in Pittsburgh, PA to Peter J. and Genevieve (Vilsack) Wagner.

 

Jim is survived by his loving wife Betty Wagner, adored sister Carole Kren of Jacksonville, FL, beloved brother Kenneth Wagner of California, devoted daughter and son-in-law Laura and Donnie Perry of Barnesville, GA, and loving son Peter James Wagner II of Worcester, MA. Jim's family included cherished grandchildren, Amy Perry (Patrick Boehm), Ryan (Kristy) Perry, and Brian (Kristie) Nelson, and treasured great grandchildren, Blake Perry, Kyle Nelson, Easton Perry, Chandler Perry, Hudson Perry, Skylar Lightsey, Reese Lightsey, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

 

Upon graduating from Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh, Jim joined the US Army. After his duty in the military was complete, Jim was recruited by the Central Intelligence Agency. Jim served with the CIA for 29 years until he retired and moved to Thomaston, GA with his family in 1986. In Thomaston he began a new life learning how to raise cattle, grow pecans, and pursue his passion for learning new things.  A true Renaissance man, Jim was a member of Mensa, a published author, beekeeper, winemaker, sailor, photographer, pilot, bird watcher, and accomplished wood worker.  He built several stringed instruments, furniture, RC airplanes, and an experimental aircraft. 

 

Jim contributed to his new community by serving as a member of the Upson County Tax Assessor's Board, the Georgia Cattleman's Association, and the Georgia Farm Bureau. Recognized as a leader for his 24 years of service on the Thomaston-Upson County Airport Authority in November, Jim helped expand the Thomaston-Upson County Airport from a small community airport into a thriving regional airport.  

 

Memorial services for Mr. Wagner will be held Friday, January 27, at 2:00 PM, in the chapel of Fletcher-Day Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Friday from 1:00 until 2:00 PM at Fletcher-Day Funeral Home. 

 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org <http://stjude.org>).

 

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

Peggy Quarles Wilson

Peggy Quarles Wilson, age 79, of Griffin, passed away peacefully at Brightmoor Hospice at 6:34 PM on January 22, 2023. Peggy was comforted in her final hours by her eldest daughter, Tammy, and her youngest daughter, Angie, was by her side as she took her last breath.

Peggy was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Rev. Eugene “Gene” Wilson. After about 11 weeks apart, for the first time in their lives, Gene and Peggy Wilson are back together again. Married for almost 64 years and a preacher’s wife, and raising two girls, she is finally where she wants to be, experiencing Heaven and being reunited with her husband. 

 

She will always be remembered and loved but never forgotten. Her daughters and family will miss her dearly. She was a dear friend to many. The love she had for her God and her family was apparent to everyone who knew her but now she is experiencing her faith firsthand. 

 

Peggy's family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff of Brightmoor Nursing Home & Hospice for the compassion, comfort and dignity shown to Peggy in her final months of life. A joint service for Rev. Gene and Peggy Wilson will be held at a later date. The Wilson family is being assisted by Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.