News, Obituaries, & Sports

Mrs. Brenda Joyce Hall Kempson, age 82, of Concord, passed away February 1, 2026.  Joyce grew up in Griffin, daughter of the late William Lonnie Hall and Katie Dye Hall. She worked as a secretary at the Georgia Baptist Children’s Home in Meansville for over 15 years and then at the office of Dr. Frank Kirby in Zebulon for an additional 10 years.  Joyce enjoyed going to yard sales, thrift stores, walking, reading her Bible and spending time with her grandchildren. She was a me

Marilene B. Ballard of 229 Roberts St. Griffin, GA, went home to be with the Lord early Saturday morning at 9:19 am. She was the daughter of the late James M. Buffington and Eugenia Lyles Buffington of Zebulon, GA. She was born in Pike County, GA. She lived in Orlando, FL and Andersonville, GA. during her young childhood. She graduated from Pike County High School in 1962. She is survived by her Son Christopher Brian Ballard, Sister Catherine (Buffington) Anderson, Brother-in

Mrs. Vickie White Schultz, age 74, of Thomaston, Georgia, passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Upson Regional Medical Center with her children and husband by her side.  Vickie was born on January 5, 1952, in Thomaston to the late Lamar Hall and Maxine Ledford Hall. From an early age, she carried a joyful curiosity about the world. She had a zest for life that showed in the way she loved to travel, explore, and embrace new adventures in her younger years. A true free

Mr. Ricky Franklin "Rick" Varnom age 76 of Thomaston Ga, passed away Saturday January 31, 2026 at Upson Regional Medical Center.  Mr. Varnom was born on January 19, 1950 in Griffin Ga, to the late Frank E. Varnom and the late Geneva Washington Varnom. He worked for Winn-Dixie for 32 years as Store Manager and was a member of Northridge Church. Mr. Varnom loved wood working and gardening. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his siblings, Larry Varnom, Kenneth

Mr. Martin Dallas "Marty" Teal age 58 of Thomaston Ga, passed away Saturday January 31, 2026 at Providence Health and Rehab. Known for his sharp wit, warm smile, and unmatched gift for storytelling, he brought laughter, comfort, and connection to everyone who knew him. Marty was a 1985 graduate of R.E. Lee Institute. He is preceded in death by his mother, Reba Roberts Phillips, most recently, by his sister , Laquita Teal Hudson and his son, whom died at birth, Austin Lee Teal

Mr. Kenneth "Kenny" Ray Gulledge age 71 of Thomaston Ga, died Friday January 30, 2026 at Upson Regional Medical Center.  Mr. Gulledge was born on April 6, 1954 in Thomaston Ga, to the late Ray Horace Gulledge and the late Carol Ruffin Gulledge. He worked for the United States Postal Service for many years as a Postman. Mr. Gulledge was a member of Mountain View Baptist Church. Survivors include his brother Mr. Gary (Darlene) Gulledge of Thomaston Ga, nephews Noah (Candy) Gull

Mrs. Shirley Teal Lindsey, age 89, of Thomaston, died Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Riverside Health and Rehab.  Funeral services for Mrs. Lindsey will be held on Sunday, February 1, at 3:00 PM, in the chapel of Fletcher-Day Funeral Home. Rev. Joey Smith will officiate, and interment will follow in South View Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Sunday afternoon from 2:00 until the funeral hour. Mrs. Lindsey was born at The Rock, GA, on December 11,

Mr Shawn Eric Scott, also known as “Hollywood”, age 58, of Thomaston, passed away January 15, 2026, at home surrounded by his family.  He was born in Denver, Colorado, son of the late Jack Junior Scott and the late Betty McLemore Scott. Shawn was a Pressroom Operator at Quad/Graphics in Thomaston for many years.   He enjoyed riding his Harley, fishing and hunting. He was preceded in death by a sister, Penny McCall and a nephew Justin McCall.  He is survived by his daughter: M

Mrs. Francine Kendle McDougall Rafferty, age 65, of Sharpsburg, passed away on January 24, 2026. Franny was born in Charleston, South Carolina, one of eight children born to the late Peter John McDougall and May Gloria Dickerson McDougall. During her childhood, her father served in the United States Navy, and Franny grew up moving with her family wherever his service took them. Franny was a loving and devoted wife, mother, Nan, and great-Nannie. Her family was her greatest jo

Mr. Roger Eugene Cook, age 68, of Molena, died Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Upson Regional Medical Center. Mr. Cook was born August 5, 1957, in Boone County, W. VA., to the late Paul Eugene and Beulah Gibson Cook. Mr. Cook served in the United States Marine Corps for six years and retired as a Coal Miner in W. VA after 32 years. He attended Mountainview Baptist Church, a true outdoorsman who loved to hunt. More than that, he loved his wife, his family, and especially his gr

​ Mrs. Patricia Weems Coe, age 71, of Woodbury, died Sunday, January 25, 2026, at her residence. Mrs. Coe was born on December 31, 1954, in Upson County, Georgia to the late Allen Franklin "Jack" Weems, and the late Ruby Scott Weems.  She retired as a teacher after 30 years in the Upson County School System and was a member of Cedar Rock Baptist Church in Woodbury.  In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother, Steve Weems. Survivors include her husband

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