News, Obituaries, & Sports

Donald Peacock passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 30, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Donald dedicated his life to service and community. He honorably served with the Georgia State Patrol for 34 years before continuing his commitment to public service as Sheriff of Upson County, where he faithfully served three terms. Throughout his life, Donald was known for his integrity, leadership, and unwavering dedication to helping others. He was preceded in death by hi

Mr. Rollyn Travis Armstrong, age 57, of Locust Grove, passed away April 29, 2026. Rollyn was born in Dublin and grew up in Decatur. His greatest love was Jesus and his family. He loved them deeply, especially his wife, two daughters and his grandchildren, who meant the world to him. He loved serving every Sunday at Christ Chapel, Zebulon. He was preceded in death by his mother, Gwyne Armstrong. He is survived by his wife: Carole Armstrong; daughters: Brittany Hammond (Casey)

Mr. Noah Jackson “Jack” Shiflet III, age 84, of Yatesville, passed away April 29, 2026, at his home. Jack grew up in Tampa, Florida. Early in his career, he was a union pipefitter, served as an investigator with the Hillsborough District Attorney’s Office and was a proud member of the Fraternal Order of Police. Jack later owned and operated his own business, All Florida Fire Systems (AFFS). Jack was a people person who never met a stranger. His friendly personality earned him

Mr. Martin “Marty” Allen Jones, Sr., age 71, of The Rock, passed away April 30, 2026. Marty was born in Thomaston, son of the late Lee Franklin Jones and Merelyn Allen Jones. Marty worked for B.F. Goodrich/Martha Mills in Thomaston for many years and more recently was a truck driver for Rock-It Sand and Gravel. He liked being outdoors and going to truck pulls. Marty loved his family and especially enjoyed spending time with them. Along with his parents, he was preceded in

Mrs. Uldine Bankston Brumbeloe, age 81, of Molena, passed away April 27, 2026, at her home. A lifelong resident of Molena, Uldine was born to the late Lester Bankston and the late Ona Mae Alexander Bankston and was born and passed away in the same home. She was a 1962 graduate of Pike County High School, where she excelled at basketball. She went on to build a long and dedicated career as a dental hygienist, beginning with Dr. Dewey Jones, Jr. in Thomaston. Over the years, sh

Mrs. Yvonne Craven Thompson, a beloved mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 27, 2026. She was 88 years old. She was born on January 13, 1938, in Upson County, Georgia. Yvonne dedicated much of her life to her work as a seamstress for Sherrell Lynn. She was known for her skill and care in her craft. Beyond her career, Yvonne had a true passion for crocheting and sewing, hobbies that brought her great joy throughout her life. In her later years, she f

Mr. Daniel Jackson Blount, age 29, of Thomaston, died Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Upson Regional Medical Center. Jackson was born in Thomaston on March 20, 1997, to David Cecil Blount and Laurel Medcalf Blount. He was employed as a journeyman electrician at his father’s company, DCB Electric, where he excelled at his work. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Thomaston. Jackson was as unique and as well-designed as the classic cars he loved. Kind-hearted, sturdy,

Mr. Michael Tyrone Mitchell, age 85, of Thomaston, passed away April 22, 2026. Michael grew up in Forsyth, son of the late James Mitchell and Muriel Neal. Following his high school graduation, Michael enlisted in the United States Navy. While in the military, he traveled the world and furthered his education in criminal law and medical sciences. Michael served on the ground in the Vietnam War, worked in a naval hospital both before and after the war, and reenlisted in the Ma

Lewis Henderson Hobbs passed away peacefully in his home on April 21, 2026. Lewis is the son of the late William and Sara Hobbs of Butler, Georgia. He has a late brother Donnie Hobbs and sister Brenda Moss. Left to cherish his memories are his two boys Johnathon (Mindy) Hobbs of Reynolds and Wesley (Megan) Hobbs of Butler, grandchildren Logan, Kaylin, and Lainey Hobbs, Skylar and Jaxon Hobbs, and Nathaniel and Dakota Fournier, his sister Peggy (Eddie) Allen of Thomaston, a sp

Mr. Christopher Brian Ballard, age 48, of Griffin, passed away April 13, 2026, at his home. Brian grew up in Griffin. He worked for many years as an electrical inspector with SSL Services LLC. Brian was a kind and tenderhearted soul who truly never met a stranger. He had a gift for conversation and could make anyone feel like an old friend. Brian left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He had a special love for cats and found joy in being outdoors and working in his yar

Mr. Richard Stephen Pitts, age 61 of Thomaston, died Sunday, April 19, 2026, at his residence. Mr. Pitts was born on December 10, 1964, in Thomaston, Georgia to the late Robert Eugene Pitts and the late Betty Garner Short. He was a member of the National Guard in 1982 and worked as a Supervisor at J&M Pools. He was a member of the First United Pentecostal Church. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Lisa McKissick, and stepfather, Larry Short.

Mr. Marvin Gwyn Ballard, age 77, passed away on April 28, 2023, at Peace Heart St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Bellingham, WA. with family by his side. His passing was due to conditions incurred while serving his country in Vietnam and Kuwait. Gwyn was born June 11, 1945, in Zebulon, GA., to the late James Young Ballard and the late Elizabeth Storey Ballard. He attended schools in Pike County, GA. and Homestead, FL. After high school, Gwyn enlisted in the Army and atten

Betty G. Mims, age 90, formerly of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, passed away April 15, 2026. Betty was born in Meridian, Mississippi, the daughter of the late Nell Coffman Coats. For many years, she was the PBX Operator at Olympia Mills. She is survived by her children: Teresa Giovannangeli, Eddie Klein and wife Sandra, and Jeanine McKeel and her late husband Derek McKeel; grandchildren: Ric Englebert and his late companion Connie Brunner, Rob Englebert and wife Stacy, Duane Klein,

Mrs. Beverly Smith Jones, age 88 of Thomaston, died Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Brightmoor Nursing Home. Mrs. Jones was born on September 3, 1937, in Upson County, to the late George Aldine Buntyn, and the late Minnie Helen Blankenship. She worked for the Thomaston Board of Education as the Secretary for Special Education. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her first husband, Fred Allen Smith, second husband, Claude Jones, brother, Dean Buntyn, sister

Mr. Richard Pitts, age 61 of Thomaston, died Sunday, April 19, 2026 at his residence. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

Mr. Edwin Lamar Kelly Jr., known affectionately as “Ed,” passed away peacefully at his residence in Thomaston, Georgia, on April 18, 2026. He was 91 years old. Ed was born on October 17, 1934, in Thomaston, Georgia, to the late Edwin Lamar Kelly Sr. and Louise Kelly. A lifelong resident of Thomaston, he was a devoted member of First Baptist Church since childhood, where his faith remained a guiding force throughout his life. He graduated from R.E. Lee Institute in 1953 and co

Mrs. Lucy Allene Collins, age 82 of Thomaston, died Monday, April 13, 2026, at Spalding Regional Hospital. Mrs. Collins was born on September 14, 1943, in Marion, North Carolina to the late Garland Kaylor and the late Annie Lee Turner Kaylor. She worked for 30 plus years in the cotton mill and was a member of Mt. View Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Olif Collins, and several brothers and sisters. While we mourn th

Mrs. Jean McGill, age 81, of Hampton, passed away on April 14, 2026. Born and raised in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Bill and Elizabeth Doster. Jean was the business finance manager for Emory at Crawford Long Hospital in Atlanta for 32 years. Following her retirement, she spent much of her time volunteering with the American Legion and VFW in Jonesboro. Jean was a strong and independent woman who lived life her way. She found joy in music, l

Mr. Richard “Ricky” Edmond Hammond, age 73, of Forsyth, passed away Friday, April 10, 2026. He was the son of the late Charles Evans Hammond and Ethel Virginia Hammond. Ricky lived most of his life in Atlanta and spent his working life as a mechanic and electrician. He greatly enjoyed fishing and camping. He was always one to help others. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Lee Charles Hammond. He is survived by his son: Richard Keith Hammond; b

Mrs. Mabel Bridges Parker McDonald, age 80 of Thomaston, died Sunday April 12, 2026 at Upson Regional Medical Center. Mrs. McDonald was born on February 7, 1946 in Augusta, Georgia to the late Willie Frank Parker, and the late Matrice Bridges Parker. She worked at the Warm Springs Roosevelt Institute and was a member of The Rock Methodist Church. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her son, John Paul Mitcham Jr. and sisters, Evelyn King, Louise Powell, a