Joel P. “Sonny” Crane

Mr. Joel P. “Sonny” Crane, age 80, of Griffin, passed away January 9, 2024.

Sonny grew up in the Spalding and Lamar County areas, son of the late Joel David Crane and Elsie Mae Howard Crane.  He was a veteran of the United States Army.  Sonny enjoyed tinkering and working on old trucks.

 

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Patsy Moore.

 

He is survived by his children: Amanda Blair (Dwayne) of Griffin, Josh Crane (Cassie) of Meansville, and Jacob Crane of Williamson; grandchildren: Hayden Sandefur, Elijah Crane, Emma Sandefur, JB Crane, Jr., Tori Blair and Dawson Blair; several great-grandchildren; sister: Harriette Wallace of Oak Ridge, TN.

 

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at 3 p.m., at Northridge Church in Thomaston.   

 

Moody Daniel Funeral Home

Vera Mae Love Barron

Mrs. Vera Mae Love Barron, age 88, of Blakley, passed away January 8, 2024.  She grew up in Blakley, daughter of the late Barney Love and Evie Jane Love. Mrs. Barron was a homemaker who enjoyed playing rummy and spending time with her family.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Leroy Barron, son, Melvin Rick Barron, and grandson, Reginald Keith Lunsford, Jr.

 

She is survived by her daughter: Jena Love Brookins of Meansville; grandchildren and their spouses: Kimberly and Christopher Moore of Molena, Lee Davis of Douglasville, Ricky Barron, Jr. of Griffin, and Jessica Woodruff of Griffin; great-grandchildren: Micheala Moore, Brent Johnson, Arianna Barron, Lexi Davis, Hannah Woodruff, and Korbin Martin; brother and sister-in-law: Gene and Pat Hussey of Hampton; and many nieces and nephews.

 

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at 2 p.m., in the chapel of Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.  Burial will follow in Moody Memorial Gardens.

 

Friends may visit the family on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the funeral home.

Robert Douglas Gilstrap

Mr. Robert Douglas Gilstrap, 89, died on Saturday, January 6, 2024, after a period of declining health. A graveside service will be held at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Greenville, SC, on Thursday, January 11, at 11:00 AM.

Mr. Gilstrap was born August 5, 1934, in Pickens County, South Carolina, the son of the late Martha B. and Robert L. Gilstrap. After serving in the United States Army, he graduated from Furman University in 1959. He was associated with Liberty Life Insurance Company of Greenville for more than thirty years. Mr. Gilstrap was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Greenville, where he served as an Elder, a choir member, a Sunday School teacher, and a Visitation Pastor. He was a former member of McCarter Presbyterian Church where he served as choir member, Sunday School teacher, and Treasurer. He also served as the Commissioned Lay Pastor of John Calvin Presbyterian Church for two years. He was a long- time member of the Blue Ridge Amateur Radio Society, and he enjoyed singing in the Piedmont Men’s Chorale.

 

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Gladys Hack Gilstrap, their son the Rev. Dr. Glenn A. Gilstrap (Kathy) of Thomaston, and two grandsons, Christopher G. Gilstrap of Los Angeles, CA, and Robert S. Gilstrap of Denver, CO.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Thomaston First Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 403 Birdsong Street, Thomaston, GA 30286, or to the Thomaston Upson Arts Council (TUAC) Summer Theater Scholarship Fund, PO Box 211, Thomaston, GA 30286.

Judith Youngblood McCrary

Mrs. Judith Youngblood McCrary, age 90, of Thomaston, died Monday, January 8, 2024 at her residence.  

Mrs. McCrary was born May 17, 1933, in Butler, Georgia, to the late James Hollis Youngblood and to the late Arah Katrine Peterman Youngblood.  She worked for Thomaston Mills in the bleachery and was a member of East Thomaston Baptist Church.  In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Will Carson McCrary and sister, Maxine Duncan.

Survivors include her daughter Hollis "Holly" (Keith) Carter of Thomaston, grandchild, Jamie Carter, and great-grandchildren, Ava, and Kaylee Anne.

Crypt side services will be held on Friday, January 12, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. from the Mausoleum at Upson Memorial Gardens. 

Coggins Funeral Home

 

William James “Jimmy” Pilkenton, Jr

Mr. William James “Jimmy” Pilkenton, Jr., age 64, of Molena, passed away January 3, 2024, at his home.  He grew up in Pike County and graduated from Pike County High School in 1977.  In his early years, Jimmy worked with his family in their landscaping business, Pilkenton Enterprises, and also cut and bailed hay.  He later drove a gas truck for McKenzie Tank Lines in Milner.  Jimmy was an outdoorsman who enjoyed turkey hunting, riding horses, drawing and racing dirt bikes.

He was preceded in death by his father, William James Pilkenton, Sr., and two brothers, Todd Pilkenton and Jeffery Pilkenton.

 

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law: Jamie and Tiffany Pilkenton; grandchildren: Jaxon and Ella Pilkenton; and his mother: Mary Pilkenton all of Molena.

 

A Celebration of Life service for Jimmy will be held at a later date.

Bobby Clay Blankenship III

Mr. Bobby Clay Blankenship III, age 27, of Concord, passed away January 6, 2024.  Bobby grew up in Griffin. He was athletic and enjoyed snow skiing. He was an avid GA Bulldog fan. Bobby had a kind heart and loved spending time with his family and playing video games with Liam, his little brother. 

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Bobby Clay Blankenship, Sr., and great-grandparents, B.J. and Dorothy Kimbrel.

 

He is survived by his parents: Bobby Clay Blankenship, Jr. (Stacey) and Nicole McKenzie (Rick); brothers and sisters:  Victoria Blankenship, Ryleigh Shepherd, Liam Blankenship, Anzlee Blankenship, and Thomas McKenzie; grandparents: Rick and Gail Nemyer and Judy Blankenship; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins; and Chubb, his four-legged son (German Shepherd).

 

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 10, 2023, at 3 p.m., in the chapel of Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

 

Friends may visit the family on Wednesday, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the funeral home.

Danny Kenneth "Ken" Boyt Jr.

Mr. Danny Kenneth "Ken" Boyt Jr. age 52 of Thomaston Ga, died Friday January 5, 2024 at Upson Regional Medical Center. 

Mr. Boyt was born on May 4, 1971 in Thomaston Ga, to Elizabeth Worrell Boyt and the late Danny Kenneth Boyt Sr. He was employed with J.M. Clayton where he worked as an electrician for many years. Mr. Boyt was a member of IBEW in Atlanta.

 

Survivors include his mother Elizabeth Boyt of Thomaston Ga, daughter Livia Cheyenne Boyt of Thomaston Ga, brother Anthony Wade Boyt of Thomaston Ga.

 

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday January 11, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Coggins Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Bethlehem Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Coggins Funeral Home on Thursday January 11, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

John “Johnny” Hoyt Broach

Mr. John “Johnny” Hoyt Broach, age 62, of Barnesville, passed away January 4, 2024.  He grew up in West Palm Beach, FL, one of five children born to the late Harold Edwin Broach and the late Nora Alene Wilbanks Broach.  He served for over 15 years in the Army National Guard. In his early years, Johnny worked as a drywall finisher and later in life was a security officer and supervisor for a security company. He enjoyed refinishing furniture and was a jack-of-all-trades.  

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his nephew, Brian Broach, who passed away 2005.

He is survived by his brothers and sisters: Harold Broach (Arlene), Sherri Brock (James), Dwayne Broach, and Tammi Bills (Dorian); nieces and nephews: Harper Broach, April Carter, Jamie Brock, Cody Broach, Garrett Brock, Wyatt Bills and Journi Bills; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

The family will have a private Celebration of Life Service at a later date.

Sara Elizabeth “Beth” Williams Kasulaitis

Mrs. Sara Elizabeth “Beth” Williams Kasulaitis, age 66, of Thomaston, passed away January 3, 2024, at her home.  Beth grew up in Griffin and graduated from Griffin High School in 1975. She was in the hospitality business for most of her life, first as a floral designer for her family’s business, Whatley’s Flower Shop, and then as a caterer for her own company, Custom Catering by Eleven Acres.  Beth was a rescuer of both animals and people. She had a servant’s heart and was always eager to help others. Beth was a liver transplant recipient and worked tirelessly as a volunteer for Georgia Transplant Foundation in Atlanta. She attended Auburn University majoring in theater.  Her theatrical and feisty spirit will be missed by all those who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth “Bubber” Williams and Sara Frances Whatley.

 

She is survived by her husband of 40+ years: Al Kasulaitis, Jr.; children: Katie Kasulaitis and John Kasulaitis (Kayla).  

 

She was known as Lolli to her two grandchildren: Carlee Cheree and Riley Jean Kasulaitis.

 

She was also survived by many special cousins and friends who she dearly loved.

 

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 2 p.m., in the chapel of Moody-Daniel Funeral home.

 

Friends may visit the family on Saturday, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., at the funeral home.

Millie Sandra Hardwick

Mrs. Millie Sandra Hardwick, age 76, of Yatesville, GA, died  Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at Emory University Hospital.  

Funeral services for Mrs. Hardwick will be held on Saturday, January 6, at 11:00 AM, in the chapel of Fletcher-Day Funeral Home.  Mr. Gary Bray and Mr. Jeffrey Falls will officiate, and burial will follow in the High Falls Baptist Church Cemetery in Monroe County.  The family will receive friends at Fletcher-Day Funeral Home on Friday evening, January 5, from 6:00 until 8:00 PM. 

Mrs. Hardwick was born November 17, 1947, in Stone Mountain, GA, to the late Millard J. Cates and the late Mattie Sue Nelson Cates.  She was retired from the US Postal Service, having worked for a total of 32 years in the Lithonia and Bainbridge Post Offices.  Mrs. Hardwick was independent and hard-working.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son James Roger Mitchell, and a brother, Donald Lee Cates. Survivors include three daughters: Karen (Bill) Wood of Yatesville, GA, Robin (Jeff) Falls of Ft. Myers, FL, and Cindy (Monica) Edwards of Norcross, GA; a brother: Thomas Andrew Cates of Newborn, GA; five grandchildren: Samantha DeArmond (Clint Friar), Chad (Tabitha) Power, Shana Mann, Sandy (Connor) Stevens, and Brock DeArmond; and ten great grandchildren. 

 

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

Charlene Coker Patrick

Mrs. Charlene Coker Patrick, age 81 of Thomaston, died Tuesday January 2, 2024 at her residence.  Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

Coggins Funeral Home

James Franklin Gaskill

James Franklin Gaskill, age 77, a native and current resident of Thomaston, GA, died Sunday, December 31, 2023, at Upson Regional Hospital.

Mr. Gaskill was born on November 6, 1946, to Ed Gaskill and Grace Evans Gaskill. He worked for the Georgia Department of Transportation for 34 years. After he retired in 1997, he and his wife moved from Cobb County to his hometown of Thomaston. Thereafter, he worked for several years as a consultant for private companies as well as the Georgia Soil and Water Commission.  He was a 1964 graduate of R.E. Lee High School. In 1968, he earned his Associate Engineer Degree from what was then Southern Technical Institute in Marietta. Following graduation, he worked in GDOT’s Office of Materials and Research in Forest Park until his retirement.

 

His survivors include: his wife of 56 years, Johnnie Ann Burgess Gaskill; two daughters: Jennifer (Shane) Holley of Williamson, and Jena (Richard) Jones of Griffin; his four grandchildren: Ryan and Bailey Jones and Peyton and Michael Holley; and his siblings: Alice Gaskill Neikirk of Thomaston and Danville, KY, and George (Carrie) of Murfreesboro, TN. 

 

Mr. Gaskill, who was also known as Jim or Pop, will be remembered for his leadership abilities, his work ethic, his love of family and friends, his love of travel, and his willingness to help those in need. To honor his memory, in lieu of flowers, the family requests that those who wish to continue his legacy of kindness lend a helping hand to those who need one.

 

Visitation will be held at Coggins Funeral Home on Thursday, January 4, 2024, between 2-4. He will be laid to rest beside his parents in Upson Memorial Gardens during a private graveside service at a later date.