News, Obituaries, & Sports

Mr. Arsenio Sam Cruz Torres, age 88, of Zebulon, passed away May 12, 2026, at his home. Arsenio was born in San German, Puerto Rico, son of the late Arsenio Cruz, Sr. and the late Amansia Torres. He moved to the United States in 1946, settling in New York City. Arsenio spent most of his life in law enforcement. He began his career with the New York City Police Department. After retiring from there, he moved to Molena and served as Chief of Police. He also worked as a police

Mr. Daniel “Danny” John Eppstaedt passed away Monday, May 11, 2026, at his home in Hampton. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Robert and Roberta Eppstaedt. Danny was born in Brookfield and moved to Georgia as a young child. A true jack of all trades, he worked many different kinds of jobs throughout his life, including residential and commercial painting. Danny had a deep love for rock and roll and spent many years attending concerts and enjoying live music whenever h

Mrs. Janice Fowler Rainey, 83, of Milner, passed at home on May 6, 2026. Janice was born in Griffin, Georgia to Frances and Robert Z. Fowler. She spent her childhood growing up around Barnesville in the Aldora Village. Janice was a graduate of Milner High School class of 1960. Her professional career began in 1974 as a bookkeeper at Lamar County High School. She retired after 26 years of dedicated service. In 1986, she was awarded her license as a Real Estate sales profession

James Bradford Elliott age 44, of Thomaston, died Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at his residence. James was born on June 29, 1981, in Thomaston, Georgia to Joel Elliot and Mary Gresham Washington. He worked for Southern Pump and Electric as a Technician. He loved hunting, fishing, collecting arrowheads, playing guitar and strolling local creeks and streams. James was a member of Pine Mountain Nazarene Church. He is preceded in death by his wife, Leslie Jewel Curlee Elliott, and

Mr. Gene Lawson, age 85, of Thomaston, died Monday, May 11, 2026, at Upson Regional Medical Center. He was born Jimmy Gene Lawson in Emanuel County Georgia to the late Morris Lee Lawson and Muriel Rawlings Lawson. After graduating high school in Frostproof, Fla., Gene entered the U.S. Army as an M.P. and did his basic training at Fort Benning, GA and spent 2 years in service overseas. After returning home to central Florida he met the love of his life, Naomi Elder, and went t

Mrs. Tammy Jane Gooding Garrett, age 56, of Zebulon, passed away May 9, 2026, at her home. Tammy was born in Jamestown, Tennessee and graduated from Alvin C. York Institute. She moved to Pike County in 1988. Tammy was a certified pharmacy technician and part owner of Beckham’s Pharmacy in Manchester for 26 years and more recently worked at Coker Pediatrics in Griffin. She loved to tan, trips to the beach, shopping, 4-wheeling and spending time with her fur babies and grandc

Mrs. Angelia Leigh Smith Thompson age 52 of Barnesville Ga, died Friday May 8, 2026 at Upson Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Thompson was born on September 28, 1973 in Carrolton Ga, to the late Clinton Ricky Smith and the late Carol Ross Waters. She was a 1992 graduate of Newnan Highschool and a 2004 graduate of Gordon State College. Mrs. Thompson was employed with the Georgia Department of Transportation where she worked as a District Contracts Manager. She was a member of N

Remedios “Remie” Ibanez Scruggs, age 86, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on May 10, 2026. Her life was a beautiful example of kindness, strength, joy, and unconditional love for those around her. Mrs. Scruggs was born on December 15, 1939, in Cebu, Philippines and moved to Georgia in 1974. She worked for many years in the Thomaston-Upson School cafeteria, where she became a beloved part of countless students’ and teachers’ daily lives. She wasn’t just s

Mr. Willard Lea Hensley, age 85, of Thomaston, passed away May 6, 2026, at Providence Healthcare. Lea grew up in Deer Lodge, Tennessee, son of the late Alvah and Mildred Hensley. He served in the United States Navy. Lea was a jack-of-all trades and liked to piddle and cut grass. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his siter, Dorothy Jean Reed. He is survived by his brothers: George Hensley and Tommy Hensley; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great

Michael Dylan Crawford, age 31 of Thomaston, died Sunday, May 3, 2026. Memorial services will be announced at a later date.

Mr. James "Jim” Paul Thomas, age 79, of Mauk, GA, formerly of Zebulon, GA, passed away May 5, 2026, at his home. Jim was born in Charleston, West Virginia, son of the late Jabez Johny Thomas and the late Mayble Marie Walker Thomas. In high school, Jim excelled in sports and was offered two college football scholarships, which he declined to enlist in the United States Army. Jim proudly served his country in the Vietnam War, where he received the Vietnam Service Medal, the Rep

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