News, Obituaries, & Sports

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

Mrs. Clayra Jane Rutherford Bryant age 93 of Thomaston Ga, died Friday April 10, 2026 at her daughters residence. Mrs. Bryant was born on May 15, 1932 in Taylor County Ga, she was the daughter to the late James Thomas "Jim" Rutherford and the late Georgia Esther Parker Rutherford. She worked at the Peerless Mill for 35 years until her retirement. Then she worked as a Substitute Teacher until 85 years old. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her husband Jam

Archie Carroll Storey, age 64, of Thomaston, Georgia, passed away on Friday, April 10, 2026. Mr. Storey was born on April 4, 1962, in Thomaston, Georgia, to the late Shirley Daniel Carpenter. In addition to his mother, Mr. Storey is preceded in death by his brothers, Robbie Hicks, Donnie Hicks; and his sister, Melinda Payne. Mr. Storey is survived by his wife, June Vermeer; daughters, Michelle Paramore, Kristina (Jeremy) Warren; brother, Warren (Barbara) Storey; grandchildre

Kathryn Ross Rogers, age 97, of Fayetteville, formerly of Thomaston, Georgia, passed away on Friday, April 10, 2026. Mrs. Rogers was born on March 2, 1929, in Meansville, Georgia, to the late Leavy Ross and Fannie Maude Nelson Ross. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Rogers was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie Rogers; as well as her grandson, Matthew Howard. Mrs. Rogers is survived by her daughter, Gail (Tommy) Gilbert; sons, David C. Rogers, Mark Rogers; sisters, Bets

Mr. John Coode Randolph, Jr., age 90, of Williamson, passed away April 8, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born in Nashville, Tennessee, son of the late John Coode Randolph, Sr. and the late Margaret Davidson Randolph. When John was young, he and his family moved to Alabama where he graduated from Shades Valley High School. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and honorably served for 3 years. John married Patricia “Pat” Funderburk in July, 1958.

Mrs. Sherry Dawn Salter Green, age 53 of Thomaston, died Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at her residence. Mrs. Green was born on August 4, 1972, in Thomaston, Georgia to the late James David Salter Sr. and the late Deborah Dover Hiers. She worked as a paralegal and was a member of First Baptist Church of Thomaston. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother, Kevin Paul Hiers. Survivors include her husband Randy Green, daughter, Jennifer Sticca, MaCayla (

Mr. William “Bill” Franklin Scoggins, age 76, of Griffin, passed away March 29, 2026. Bill grew up in West End, Atlanta, son of the late James William Scoggins and the late Margaret Porter Scoggins. He attended Brown High School. For most of his life, Bill was an automobile mechanic. He enjoyed working on cars and listening to classic rock music. Bill loved his family and was very protective of his four sisters. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, P

Kristina Dee Miller, 35, of Thomaston, GA on March 28th 2025 was taken from us all too soon. She was the victim of a fatal motor vehicle accident. Tina is survived by her father Clark V Miller. Her brother Benjamin R V Miller. Her grandfather Emanuel D Wilson. Aunts and Uncles include Jason and Heather Miller, Dawn and Bob Miller, Ann and Dave Carbone, Ed and Shelly Wilson, Doug and Lisa Wilson, as well as numerous cousins. Tina positively impacted so many during her life,

Linda Lee Daniel, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend peacefully passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Thomaston, Georgia surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 19, 1945 in Savannah, Georgia to William Kenneth Heckman Sr. and Birtie Mae Edwards. A native of Savannah, Linda grew up in the Parkside neighborhood and attended several of the local schools. She graduated with Savannah High’s Class of 1964. While living in Savannah she attended church