News, Obituaries, & Sports

Dorothy Jean “Dottie” Eldridge, age 79, of Barnesville, passed away January 16, 2026. Dottie grew up in Yatesville, daughter of the late Colby W. Eldridge, Sr. and the late Mattie Stallings Eldridge. After graduating from Yatesville High School in 1964, she attended Airline School and obtained the job of her dreams at Eastern Airlines where she worked in several capacities including instructor roles. She worked for Eastern until they closed in 1991. She then moved to SITA whe

Mrs. Mary Velma Fuss Mahaffey, age 98, of Williamson, passed away January 21, 2026, at home surrounded by her family. She was the youngest of 13 children born to the late Henry Bass Fuss and the late Nettie Pearl Kittrell Fuss of Atlanta. She and her husband, Bill, raised their family in Fayetteville.  For many years, Mary was the secretary at First Baptist Church in Fayetteville and then drove a school bus for the Fayette County School System.   Mary had been a cancer surviv

Mr. Charles “Chuck” Kale Dorris, age 50, of Thomaston, passed away January 17, 2026. Chuck grew up in Thomaston where he enjoyed fishing and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle. He was currently an autobody repairman for Cahaba Collision in Griffin, where he had been working for several years.   Chuck was preceded in death by his father, Dan Pescopous. He is survived by his twin daughters: Shayla Dorris and Shana Dorris; mother: Pauline Hartness; sisters: Lynn Bridge and Ke

Mrs. Gloria Sandefur age 75 of Thomaston, died Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at Heritage Inn of Barnesville.  Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

Mrs. Rachel Hammock age 80 of Thomaston, died Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at Brightmoor Hospice.  Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

Mr. Dennis "Bird" William Thrasher age 70 of Thomaston Ga, died Tuesday January 20, 2026, at Riverside Health and Rehab.  Mr. Thrasher was born on July 16, 1955, in Thomaston, Georgia to the late Angus Bubba Thrasher and the late Betty Jean Gleaton Thrasher. He was an R.E. Lee graduate of 1973 where he was the manager of the football team.  He retired from Quad Graphics after 31 years, was an avid musician, and golfer.  He loved Parrot Head, his band Trigger, the Atlanta Brav

Mr. Robert "RL" Lee Patrick age 82, of Thomaston, died Monday, January 19, 2026, at Harborview Health and Rehab. Mr. Patrick was born on May 25, 1943, in Upson County, Georgia to the late James Patrick and the late Lois Rogers Patrick.  He served his country in the U.S. Navy and owned and operated Patrick Trucking. He was a member of Mt. View Baptist Church.  In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Faye Scruggs Patrick, brother, James Edward Patrick,

Alfred Levone Shepard was born on October 20, 1935, in Lanett, Alabama, to the late Jim and Lynnie Thompson Shepard, and was the youngest of five brothers and sisters.  He was raised in Thomaston, Georgia, where he developed the strong work ethic, patriotism, and hands-on skills that defined his life. Alfred entered into eternal rest on January 18, 2026. He attended R. E. Lee High School, where he was an active member of the ROTC. After graduating in 1954, Alfred proudly enli

Mrs. Geneva "Doll" Salter Harrison age 91 of Thomaston Ga, died Friday January 16, 2026 at Providence Health and Rehab.  Mrs. Harrison was born on September 2, 1934 in Thomaston Ga, to the late J.T. Salter and the late Ethel Presley Salter. She worked for Upson Regional Medical Center in Security for many years. Mrs. Harrison was a member of Thomaston First Free Will Baptist Church. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her husband William Henry Harrison and

Donald Ray Hanson, 85, passed away peacefully at his home on January 14, 2026, surrounded by his family. Donald was born on July 24, 1940, in Thomaston, GA.  Donald was raised in a small mill village called Silvertown which later became the modern day Thomaston. He attended school in Thomaston, GA where he met his childhood sweetheart and wife of 65 years, Claudette Duncan Hanson in the first grade. He graduated from R.E. Lee High School in 1959. After graduation, Donald marr

Mrs. Gloria Dawn Ivie Russell, age 57, of Thomaston, died Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at her residence. Memorial services for Mrs. Russell will be held on Saturday, January 17, at 11:00 AM in the chapel of Fletcher-Day Funeral Home, followed by a private family inurnment in Crystal Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday morning from 10:00 until the service hour. Mrs. Russell was born on August 10, 1968, in Thomaston, GA. She was a 1987 gr

Cassie LeAnn Garner, age 38 of Lake Park, Georgia, died Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at her residence. Cassie was born on October 7, 1987, in Milledgeville, Georgia to the late Robert Anthony Fowler, and Pam Tidwell Bloodworth.  She was a member of Northside Christian Church.  She is preceded in death by her father. Survivors include her mother Pam (Jeff) Bloodworth of Thomaston, fiancé, Johnnie Kidd of Lake Park, son, Zachary Kidd of Lake Park, brother Nay Nay (Savannah) Blo

Mrs. Rebecca “Becky” Ann Smith Reese, age 85, of Zebulon, passed away peacefully at her home on January 13, 2026. Becky spent her childhood in Zebulon and later moved to Ellenwood after marrying Marvin Reese. They made their home there for many years before returning to Zebulon in 1991. At the age of 12, Becky was baptized at New Hope Baptist Church in Zebulon. She later attended Victory Temple in Jonesboro and remained strong in her faith throughout her life. In her early wo

Mr. Travis Grady Foster, age 51, passed away on January 8, 2026. He was raised in Forest Park and lived in Griffin for many years. He enjoyed fishing and had a natural talent for drawing. He was stubborn in his own way, loved to tell stories and will be remembered for his big personality and sense of humor. He worked as a welder and a glass cutter and took pride in working with his hands. He was of the Baptist faith. He was preceded in death by his mother, Rebecca Bridges Fos

Mr. Rodney Wayne "Hot Rod" Wheeler age 60 of Thomaston Ga, died Wednesday January 7, 2026 at St. Josephs Hospital. Memorial Services will be held at a later date.

Mrs. Thelma Ruth Sweat Meade Melton, affectionally known as “Ruthie”, age 51, of Yatesville passed away January 12, 2026.  Ruthie grew up in Middlesboro, Kentucky and lived in Tennessee for many years before moving to Georgia to be with her family.  She was a homemaker and an excellent cook who enjoyed the outdoors, jeep riding and arts and crafts, especially diamond art. She was preceded in death by her parents, Neal Sweat and Barbara Sue Thomas Sweat, and her beloved dog, D

Mr. Elbert Leon “Bill” Stiles, age 80, of Zebulon, passed away January 11, 2026, at his home. Bill grew up in LaFayette, Georgia, the son of the late Charles Stiles and Mae Sprayberry Stiles. For 42 years, Bill owned and operated Stiles Body Shop in Riverdale, where he was known for being honest, straight forward, hardworking and dedicated. He was musically talented and enjoyed playing the guitar, piano, and organ. Bill would often be found picking music with friends at many

On Sunday January 11, 2026, the world became a much quieter place with the passing of Carolyn Joyce Teal Fuller, age 72 of Thomaston, GA. Renowned for her ability to turn any five-minute story into a fifty-minute story, Joyce’s family is now enjoying what they are calling their "first collective moment of silence in decades." Though she never had a filter, she was never short on love, and will be deeply missed. No doubt she is giving all the angels in heaven a detailed accoun

Mrs. Eloise Hickman Cornwell-Cobb, age 86, of Griffin, GA, passed away January 9, 2026.  Eloise grew up in Columbus, GA, daughter of the late Edgar Eric Hickman and Addie May Free Hickman.  She was a member of both the Charles S. Harrison American Legion Unit 35 and the VFW in Columbus. Eloise moved to Griffin in 1980 where she worked as a CNA for many years at Spalding Regional Hospital. She was a loving and devoted mother and MeMe who took wonderful care of everyone.  She e

Mrs. Brenda Watts Watson, age 82, of Thomaston, died Saturday, January 10, 2026, at her residence.   Mrs. Watson was born on January 23, 1943, in Thomaston, Georgia to the late Gilbert Watts and the late Ruby Waddell Watts.  She worked as the Assistant Vice President at the Bank of Upson and was a member of The Gathering Church.  In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother, James Watts. Survivors include her husband, Jimmy Watson of Thomaston, daughter