News, Obituaries, & Sports

There was only one Freddie Helms, and on Sunday, September 13, 2026, heaven gained quite a character. William F. “Freddie” Helms, age 89, of Thomaston, passed away at Riverside Health and Rehabilitation. Mr. Helms was born on August 8, 1937, in Thomaston, a son of the late Henry Aldine Helms and Marion Gertrude Helms. He worked for many years as a veterinary assistant with Wesley Chapel Animal Hospital. Freddie never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with just

Jerry Mack Ward, 79, was born November 23, 1946, in Geneva County, Alabama, to William and Nettie Ward. He peacefully stepped into eternity on September 13, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones. One of twelve children, Jerry came from humble beginnings. His family had very little, and those early years helped shape his values of hard work, responsibility, and providing for his family. Jerry served his country for 21 years in the United States Army, retiring as a Chief Warrant O

Mitchell Scott Reeves, 53, of Mableton, GA, died at his residence on Saturday, September 12th, 2026. A native of Zebulon, GA, he was born at Griffin Hospital (now Wellstar Spalding Medical Center) on July 23rd, 1973 to Donald McKenzie Reeves (deceased) and Lynda Morris Reeves. He graduated from Pike County High School in Zebulon where he was the 1991 Star Student. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the Georgia Institute of Technology where he was a member, like

Sean Ashdon Wall age 36 of Concord Ga, died Thursday September 10, 2026. Sean was born on October 30, 1989 in Thomaston Ga, to Dan Wall and Sharon Rogers Oxford. He served his country in the U.S. Army serving in Iraq. Sean received the Army Good Conduct Medal, Service Medal/ Global War on Terroism, Service Medal/ Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star and Parachutist Badge. He is preceded in death by his grandparents John & Evie Wall. Survivors include his mother Sharon (Le

Mrs. Sarah Ann Piper age 77 of Thomaston Ga, died Thursday September 10, 2026 at Upson Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Piper was born on March 23, 1949 in Telfair County Ga, to the late Robert Lee Green and the late Sarah Frances Ryals Green. She worked in the Upson County School System in the food service department for many years. Mrs. Piper was a member of First Pentecostal Church. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her husband Bonnie Lee Piper. Survivor

Ernest Eugene Buchanan, born December 7, 1937, in Eastman, Georgia, passed away on September 11, 2026. After graduating high school in 1956, Ernest continued a family tradition by proudly serving in the U.S. Navy. Following his military service, he pursued an A&P license at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Miami. It was there he met Patricia Loveland, and after a whirlwind three-month courtship, they married. Ernest dedicated his career to aviation maintenance, working

Mrs. Lillian Mayo age 94 of Thomaston Ga, died Saturday September 12, 2026 at her residence. The family of Lillian H. Mayo will hold a memorial service Saturday September 19, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. from Shiloh Baptist Church. Coggins Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements!!!!!!!!!

Mr. Jon Jason Petty, age 54, of Zebulon, passed away September 11, 2026, at Emory-Midtown Hospital in Atlanta. Jason grew up in Zebulon and graduated from Pike County High School. He later moved to Tampa, Florida, where he lived for many years. Jason enjoyed the simple things in life, especially fishing from the Skyway Bridge in Tampa. He was a fan of all things Star Wars and Funko Pop and enjoyed playing Fantasy Football. His favorite football team was the Pittsburgh Steeler

Mrs. Sarah Ann Piper age 77 of Thomaston Ga, died Thursday September 10, 2026 at Upson Regional Medical Center. Funeral Arrangements will be announced later.

Ms. Octavia Martina DeLaGarza, age 54, of Griffin, passed away September 8, 2026, at her home. Octavia grew up in the Atlanta area and was the daughter of the late Anthony DeLaGarza and Ruth Duke DeLaGarza. Octavia loved to laugh and have a good time. She was always up for shenanigans and had a playful spirit that brought joy to those around her. She enjoyed playing scary games, watching random videos, and most of all, spending time with her family and friends She is survived

Mother Christine Brown, 91, of 25744 Clark Drive, Thomaston, GA passed on Sunday, September 6, 2026 at Brightmoor Hospice in Griffin, GA. Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Henderson Temple True Church Of God In Christ. Interment will follow in the Lincoln Memorial Cemetery. Public viewing will be held on Friday, September 11, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Trice Funeral Home of Thomaston is in charge of all arrangements.

Ms. Debra “Debbie” Mae Rawlins, age 68, of Williamson, passed away on September 2, 2026. She was born in Virginia on August 11, 1958, to the late Robert Rawlins and Elenor St. John Rawlins. Debbie lived in Pike County for over sixty years; she worked for Sherri Lynn Manufacturing in Zebulon as a seamstress for twenty years. She loved the Lord and her family dearly and enjoyed spending time outside in nature. Debbie’s dog, Riley, held a special place in her heart. She had a fr

Mr. George Willie Ellington, age 77 of Thomaston, died Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Brightmoor Hospice. Mr. Ellington was born on January 23, 1949, in Thomaston, Georgia to the late Walter Douglas Ellington and the late Mary Yeargin Ellington. He worked at Coca Cola as a Service Technician for 20 years and was a Volunteer Firefighter at Rock Hill Fire Department for 32 years. He attended Mountain View Baptist Church and loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing and drag racin

Mr. Brandy Shone Clark, age 53, of Griffin, passed away September 6, 2026, at Brightmoor Hospice. Shone grew up in the Griffin, Zebulon and Barnesville areas. For many years, he worked as a CDL driver for Quality Trucking in Barnesville. Shone was a member of the Griffin Moose Lodge. He never passed up an opportunity to sing karaoke or play a game of cornhole. He was a grill master who followed his own moto “low and slow.” Shone loved drinking Mountain Dew, watching NASCAR an

Mrs. Shelia Cordelia Hughes, age 83 of Stockbridge, died Monday September 7, 2026 at Providence Nursing Home. It was Mrs. Hughes wishes to be cremated and no services are planned at this time.

Mrs. Cheryl Letitia Golden of Fayetteville, Georgia, daughter of the late Robert Harvey and Shirley Jakes Springer, passed away August 31, 2026. Born and raised in Florida, she loved the sand and the beach life. It was her happy place. In 1993, she moved to Georgia where she has lived since but would return to visit her hometown or any beach to catch the sunshine. Not only was Cheryl beautiful both inside and out, but she had a generous heart. She truly enjoyed helping others

Mr. Robert "Mike" Michael Eagen, age 75 of Molena, Georgia died, Monday, August 31, 2026, at his residence. Mr. Eagen was born on July 9, 1951, in Jetmore, Kansas to the late Robert James Eagen and the late Darlene Schlup Gregg. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force and worked as a Draftsman at Enterprise Precast. He was a member of St. Peter the Rock Catholic Church. He is preceded in death by his parents, Survivors include his wife Cynthia "Cindy" Stowgil Eagen, da

Mr. Stanford Gary Anthony, 82, of Butler, GA, died August 27, 2026, at Navicent Peach Medical Center in Ft. Valley, GA. Mr. Anthony was born on September 28, 1943, in Pike County, Georgia to the late Henry T. Anthony and the late Susan Ella Anthony. He worked at Peerless Mills and was of the Baptist Faith. Mr. Gary loved fishing, gardening, working in his yard and cooking. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his daughter, Martha Sue Anthony, brothers, E

Mr. Stanley Eugene Boyt, age 75, of Zebulon, passed away August 25, 2026. Friends may visit the family on Friday, August 28, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the funeral home. A celebration of life service for Stanley will follow at 11 a.m., in the chapel of Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

Mrs. Mary Ann "Honey" Norvell Coley, age 88, of Zebulon, passed away peacefully August 21, 2026, at Eternal Hope Hospice in Griffin. Mary Ann grew up in Newburgh, New York and was the daughter of the late John Henry Norvell and the late Veronica Paloski Norvell. On October 20, 1957, she married James William Coley Sr., who was serving in the United States Air Force. Mary Ann worked as a bookkeeper for Western Auto in Morrow Georgia and eventually worked in banking for Wachovi