News, Obituaries, & Sports

Mr. Billy Wayne Avery, age 89, of Daphne, Alabama, passed away peacefully at his home on February 27, 2026, surrounded by his family. A celebration of life service will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 4 p.m., in the chapel of Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.  Friends may visit the family on Sunday, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the funeral home.

Mr. Willard Anthony “Tony” Montogomery, age 69, of Zebulon, passed away February 26, 2026, at Heritage Inn Health and Rehab in Barnesville. Tony was born in Thomaston. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army. He worked as a maintenance technician at Henry Wood Chevrolet in Thomaston for many years and then for St. Joe Container in Dothan, Alabama. He had a beautiful voice and enjoyed playing his guitar and singing. He was preceded in death by his mother, Alice Montgo

Mr. Dennis Eugene Norton, age 79, of Griffin, Georgia, passed away February 25, 2026.  He was born in Porterdale, Georgia, son of the late Thomas Norton and the late Mamie Miller Wilson. Dennis was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps and served in the Vietnam War, where he was awarded the Purple Heart.  He worked for the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) for 35 years before retiring as Logistics Operations Manager.  Dennis was an avid golfer and a “Sil

Mr. Neal Edmond Nesbit, age 59, of Columbus, GA, died Saturday, February 21, 2026, at his residence. Graveside memorial services for Mr. Nesbit will be held on Saturday, February 28, at 1:00 PM, in the Norcross City Cemetery, Norcross, GA. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening, February 26, from 5:00 until 7:00 PM, at Fletcher-Day Funeral Home in Thomaston. Mr. Nesbit was born on May 7, 1966, to Harriett Cosey Nesbit and the late Grayle S. Nesbit, Jr. He was a 1

Mrs. Barbara Ann Parrott age 89 of Thomaston, died Friday, February 20, 2026, at her residence.   Mrs. Parrott was born on April 8, 1936, in Upson County, Georgia to the late Leland Merrill Elliott and the late Bobbie Lee Holland.  She retired from the William Carter Company where she worked in the sewing room for 33 years and was a member of Faith Baptist Church.  In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Marcelle Aldean Parrott, brothers, Billy Me

Richard Toombs Webb, of Griffin, Georgia, passed peacefully into his heavenly home on February 22, 2026, at the age of 77. Born on April 23, 1948, in Douglasville, Georgia, Richard was the beloved son of Toombs and Mildred Webb. He was a proud Georgian whose roots ran deep in the community where he was raised. Richard was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis “Sunny” York, and by his m

Mrs. Dolores Virginia Owen Brown, age 94 of Thomaston, died Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at her residence. Mrs. Brown was born on November 18, 1931 in Jones County, Georgia to the late Eldus Owen and the late Maggie Louise Hightower.  She retired from B.F. Goodrich in the weave shop after 36 years, and was a member of Jones Chapel Church in Woodbury.  She was a member of the neighborhood watch and loved to travel.  In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her hus

Mr. Joseph “Joe” Stansell, age 66, of Pike County, passed away February 18, 2026, at his home.  Joe grew up in the Thomaston and Yatesville areas. He was the son of the late Charles Rudolph Stansell, Sr. and the late Joann Jones Stansell. He began working as a logger at the age of 21 and made it his lifelong career.  He was known as a dedicated and hardworking man. Joe was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed camping, fishing, and looking at property. Along with his parents, he w

Mr. John Q "Johnny" Buffington age 82 of Thomaston, died Thursday, February 19, 2026 at his residence. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

Mrs. Shirley G. Graves age 89 of Decatur formerly of Thomaston, died Thursday February 19, 2026 at her daughter's residence. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

Ms. Terry Laine Patrick Smith, age 57, of McDonough, went home to be with the Lord on February 16, 2026 after a courageous battle with cancer. She fought with strength, faith and determination through it all. Terry grew up in Barnesville, Georgia. She enjoyed crocheting, gardening, listening to music and watching scary movies. She never met a Dr Pepper she didn’t like. She was strong willed and stubborn, yet her heart was tender and her soul was kind. She was preceded in deat

Mr. Fred Jack Dunn age 79 of Thomaston Ga, died Tuesday February 17, 2026 at Upson Regional Medical Center. Mr. Dunn was born on September 7, 1946 in Meansville Ga, to the late Hoyt Dunn and the late Sara Maddox Dunn. He worked as a Diesel Mechanic for many years and served his country in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Saint Paul (CA-73). In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his brothers Julius Dunn, Hoyt Dunn, James Dunn. Survivors include his wife Mrs. Jean D

Mrs. Gene H. Johnson, age 90, of Thomaston, passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Brightmoor Nursing Center in Griffin. Born on July 24, 1935, in Griffin, Georgia, Gene enriched the lives of those around her through her unwavering commitment to family, education, and community service. Gene was a proud graduate of R.E. Lee Institute and the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where she fostered lifelong friendships and connections as an active alumna of the Gamma

Mrs. Barbara Ann Pitts Anthony age 68 of Molena Ga, died Sunday February 15, 2026 at Emory Long Term Acute Care.  Mrs. Anthony was born on September 9, 1957 in Atlanta Ga, to the late Hartez Lamar Pitts Sr., and the late Lillie Lois Allen Pitts. She was formerly employed with K-Mart where she worked for 27 years and later worked at Upson-Lee South Elementary School as a Paraprofessional. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her brother Hartez Lamar Pitts Jr.

Leslie Lachelle Craven age 30 of Thomaston Ga, passed away Friday February 13, 2026. Lachelle was born on February 8, 1996 in Thomaston Ga, to Leslie Coggins McCullough and Russell Craven. She worked for Mcintosh Trail as substitute teacher as well as door dash. Lachelle was a member of Thomaston First Assembly of God. She is preceded in death by her maternal grandfather Donald Ray Coggins.  Survivors include her mother Leslie (Albert) McCullough of Thomaston Ga, father Russe

Mr. Richard Anthony Viano, age 74, of Thomaston, died Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Upson Regional Medical Center. Mr. Viano was born July 29, 1951, to the late Joseph Anthony Viano and Ann Volaj Viano. He was a retired CPA and HVAC contractor. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Teri Spivey Viano. He is survived by his daughter, Teresa (Jim) Rogers; son, Kevin (Allie) Spivey; brother, Joe Viano; and grandchildren, Dakota, Summer, Sierra, Wesley,

Mrs. Wanda Jones Lee, age 71, of Molena, passed away February 14, 2026.  Wanda was born in Zebulon, daughter of the late William Kelly Jones, Sr. and the late Mary Hammond Jones. She spent much of her childhood in Zebulon and would fondly tell stories of walking to her grandparent’s service station, Jones Amoco.  Later, her family moved to Griffin, and she graduated from Griffin High School. She attended Gordon College where she earned her associate degree in Nursing and wher

Joyce Claire Sprayberry, better known as Nana or Juicy Joyce, left this world after only gracing us with 92 years of her presence on Saturday, February 7, 2026. For those that don’t know, Joyce was born in Griffin, Georgia the day that Prohibition ended in the United States, on December 5, 1933. She married the love of her life and fishing partner, Jerry Lee Sprayberry, in 1955 who has awaited her presence since 2005 along with her parents, Harry and Annie Stephens Donehoo wh

Mr. Kenneth Michael Compton age 74 of Thomaston Ga, passed away Saturday February 14, 2026 at his residence.  Mr. Compton was born on May 14, 1951 in Griffin Ga, to the late Charles Compton Sr., and the late Opal Powers Compton. He worked for the William Carter Company as an Embroidery Mechanic for many years and was a member of New Harmony Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife Mrs. Carol Brooks Compton of Thomaston Ga, daughter Mrs. Maegan (Robert) Gardner of Trenton Ga

Mr. Ray Claude Owenby age 71 of Thomaston Ga, passed away Saturday February 14, 2026 at Upson Regional Medical Center. Mr. Owenby was born on December 15, 1954 in Thomaston Ga, to the late Vernon Owenby and the late Thelma Saxon Owenby. He worked as a carpenter for many years and loved playing his guitar. Survivors include his wife  Mrs. Deila Owenby of Thomaston Ga, daughters Ms. Brandy Owenby of Thomaston Ga,  Mrs. Sheree Owenby of Florence S.C., Mrs. Tonya Burch of Kennesa