News, Obituaries, & Sports

Mr. Ted Benson Bishop, age 64 of The Rock, GA, passed away on July 6th, 2026. Those who knew him well knew that Ted was no stranger to hard work. He was a man who knew what he wanted, how he wanted it done and why his way was the best way to do it. Debating with him was often a losing battle, but his stubbornness was born out of a genuine desire to see things done right and to protect the people he cared about. Underneath that famously gruff exterior was a heart of absolute g

Mr. Billy Ray “Bill” Hattaway, age 88, passed away on July 7, 2026, at Pike Manor in Zebulon. Bill grew up in Atlanta and was the son of the late Robert Steve Hattaway and the late Bonita Bell Hattaway. He graduated from Brown High School, where he served as captain of the football team. Bill enlisted in the United States Navy, where he proudly served his country and also played football. Following his honorable discharge, he began a career with Eastern Airlines, where he wor

Mr. Christopher “Chris” Brooks Wadford, age 46, of Zebulon, passed away on July 1, 2026. Chris grew up in Columbia, South Carolina. He had a wonderful sense of humor, never met a stranger, and had a gift for making others laugh. He was an avid Gamecocks fan who never turned down a pizza, good or bad. Above all, Chris loved his family dearly and was immensely proud of his children. No matter the circumstances he faced, Chris remained steadfast in his faith in Jesus Christ. He

Mr. Walter “Raymond” Royal, Jr, 81 of Thomaston died Thursday July 2, 2026 at Upson Regional Medical Center. Mr. Royal was born February 15, 1945 in Millen, GA to the late Walter Raymond Royal and the late Eunice Bassett Royal. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his loving wife of 51 years Martha Goins Royal and nephew, Chance Royal. Survivors include his daughter, Monica Ann Bridges (Benji) of Thomaston, sisters, Judy Garvin of Millen, GA , June Carpen

Mr. Gary Bruce Gordy age 80 of Thomaston Ga, died Saturday July 4, 2026 at Brightmoor Hospice. Mr. Gordy was born on April 19, 1946 in Thomaston Ga, to the late Paul Gordy and the late Cleone Daniel Gordy. He was formerly employed with the Georgia Department of Transportation where he worked in the Asphalt division for many years. Mr. Gordy served his country in the U.S. Navy during Vietnam aboard the USS Kitty Hawk and later served in the National Guard. He was a member of C

Mr. Benjamin Robert Maxedon, age 78, of Zebulon, passed away July 4, 2026. Ben was born in Martinsville, Illinois, son of the late Dean Richard Maxedon, Sr. and the late Delores June Shockey “Penny” Maxedon. Ben was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force. He enlisted in the military on June 10, 1966, and served until April 1970, earning the National Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon. After being honorably discharged, Ben

Mrs. Betty Lou Hilton age 89 of Thomaston Ga, died Wednesday July 1, 2026, at Providence Health and Rehab. Mrs. Hilton was born on March 1, 1937, in Thomaston, Georgia, to the late Roger Blount, and the late Hattie Johnson Blount. She was a housekeeper and a member of Trinity Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Hilton. Survivors include her daughters, Debbie (Tony) Barnes of Thomaston, Vickey (Michael) McLendon of Tho

Forrest Dwight “Frosty” Davis, age 78, passed away peacefully at his home in Hampton, Georgia, on June 29, 2026. Forrest was born on February 3, 1948, in Washington State, to the late Otis and Marion Davis, and later moved to Aiken, South Carolina, where he spent his formative years. A standout athlete from a young age, he was recruited out of high school by the legendary Bobby Dodd to play football for Georgia Tech. During his distinguished collegiate athletic career, he was

Born in San Luis Obispo, California in 1944 to Sam and Kathryn Smith, Mike Smith made his first trip home to Pike County when he was almost one year old. Being the first son and grandson, he was much anticipated and warmly welcomed upon arrival. After an extended battle with Alzheimer's, Mike finished his earthly race near midnight on June 25, 2026, at Heritage Nursing Home in Barnesville, and made his last trip home to Pike County at age 81. Or at least his body made that l

Ray Brooks passed away peacefully on June 20, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of service, friendship, and a deep love for the outdoors. Ray comes from a family of service members including his father and two brothers. Ray proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1966 to 1968, including service during the Vietnam War. Known by all who loved him as the epitome of an outdoorsman, Ray felt most at home in nature and he found joy in every season. He was an avid hunt

Mr. Robert “Bob” Lee Tilley, age 73 of Thomaston, died Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at Piedmont Coliseum Hospital in Macon. Mr. Tilley was born on September 23, 1952, in Atlanta, Georgia to the late Fred Brandon Tilley Sr. and the late Carolyn Spence Tilley. He retired from AT&T after 40 plus years and was member of Valley Grove Baptist Church where he served on many committees. Bob was a lover of his cats, GA tech, the Atlanta Braves and Chic Fil A. In addition to his parents, he

Mr. Richard Lee Ward, “Rick,” age 61, of Griffin, passed away June 20, 2026, at his home surrounded by the love of his family. Rick grew up in Pike County and graduated from Pike County High School in 1983. He continued his education at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida. He had a love for all things aviation. His dad instilled the love of flight from a very early age. On his 16th birthday, he obtained his driver’s license and then with the help

Mrs. Christine Harris Taunton, age 91 of Thomaston, died Sunday June 21, 2026, at her residence. Mrs. Taunton was born on January 15, 1935, in Thomaston, Georgia to the late Albert Charles Harris and the late Gladys Rosalee Nicholson Harris. She worked as a textile worker in the Martha Mills and was a member of the First Assembly of God. She is preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include her daughters, Bonnie Taunton Chapman of Bonaire, Georgia, Cathy Taunton McCard

Theresa Tobin Gassett, 74, of Thomaston, Georgia, passed away on June 18, 2026 at her residence. Theresa, affectionately known as Toby, was born in Faribault, Minnesota on September 15, 1951 to William and Norma Tobin. Theresa and her family lived in Minnesota until the family moved to Georgia in 1963. Theresa attended nursing school at Georgia State University and became a Registered Nurse where she worked in Atlanta area hospitals until moving to Thomaston in the early 1970

Mr. Jeremiah Robert Clapper, age 48, of Griffin, died Monday, June 8, 2026 in Thomaston. Mr. Clapper is survived by his wife, Andrea Clapper; daughters, Alexandra Castillo and Hannah Clapper; sons, Matthew Clapper, Isaac Clapper, and Isaiah Clapper; brother, Corey Smith; sister, Melissa Smith; and grandchild, Lehlani Gomez. Memorial services for Mr. Clapper will be held by his family at a later date.

Tarina Dawn Worthington, age 43, passed away June 17, 2026. Tarina was born on July 29, 1982, in Griffin. She spent yer younger years mainly in the High Falls area. She enjoyed writing and all types of wildlife. She was preceded in death by her mother, Vickie Lynn Pace, and Grandparents, James Edwin Eidson and Mary Mageline Tucker Eidson, Adrian and Josie Pace. Survivors include her fiance, Allen Banks; sons, Drake Navarro (Violet), Noah Faulkner, Braydon Banks; daughters, Ch

Mr. Charles Fredrick “Freddy” Daniel, Jr., age 83, of Thomaston, died Saturday, June 13, 2026. Mr. Daniel was born in Sylacauga, Alabama, on September 20, 1942, to the late Charles Fredrick “Peg” Daniel, Sr. and the late Mary Hale Daniel. Mr. Daniel served his country in the US Marine Corps during Vietnam. He was employed for a time with Delta Airlines as a mechanic, but he returned to Thomaston in 1977 to work with his father at Ace Cleaners, where he later became the owner

Mrs. Lynette Anne Fitch, age 86, of Pike County, Georgia, passed away on June 17, 2026. Mrs. Fitch was born on September 7, 1939, in Savannah, Georgia, where she was raised. She lived in Henry County for many years before moving to Pike County in 2019. Professionally, she dedicated more than 20 years to Ryder Truck Rental before her retirement. Lynette had a passion for cooking and preparing family meals, enjoyed shopping, and cherished every moment spent with those she loved

Theresa Tobin Gassett, 74, of Thomaston, Georgia, passed away on June 18, 2026 at her residence. Theresa, affectionately known as Toby, was born in Faribault, Minnesota, on September 15, 1951, to William and Norma Tobin. Theresa and her family lived in Minnesota until the family moved to Georgia in 1963. Theresa attended nursing school at Georgia State University and became a Registered Nurse, where she worked in Atlanta area hospitals until moving to Thomaston in the early 1

Mr. Harvey Gerald Wainwright, known affectionately to many simply as “Gerald,” passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at his home in Barnesville, Georgia, surrounded by family. He was 87. Born on May 2, 1939, in Taylor County, Georgia, Gerald lived a life that could best be described as “larger than life,” not least because of his knack for laughter and his unrelenting mission to sprinkle humor wherever he roamed. Gerald was no ordinary man. If there was a task tha