News, Obituaries, & Sports

Mrs. Etta Owen Bottoms Turner, age 85, of Williamson, passed away May 20, 2026, at her home. Etta grew up in Pike County, daughter of the late Johnny Bottoms and Faye Clark Bottoms. She graduated from Pike County High School in 1958. She then earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Georgia Baptist College of Nursing and her master’s degree from Emory University. Etta worked as a nurse practitioner at Spalding County Health Department for 10 years and then at Peachtree Ci

Mr. Arthur "Marty" Monroe Harbin, age 70 of Thomaston, died Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Brightmoor Hospice. Mr. Harbin was born on March 15, 1956, in Brunswick, Georgia, to the late Clarence C. Harbin, and the late Dorothy Jean Miller Harbin. Marty was a graduate of Brunswick High School Class of 1974. He worked as a dispatcher at Boaty's Transport and was a member of Mt. View Baptist Church. He is preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife, Cathy Price Harb

Mr. Walter Lewis Brown, Jr., a loving husband, devoted father, and a friend to all, passed away on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Upson Regional Medical Center. He was 86. Born on August 7, 1939, at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, Mr. Brown was the son of the late Walter Lewis Brown, Sr. and the late Susie Read Brown. Mr. Brown was a 1957 graduate of R. E. Lee Institute and pursued further education at the University of Georgia and Southern Technical Institute. His professi

Mr. James Arthur Fortner, Jr., age 88, of Griffin, passed away May 17, 2026. James was born in Pike County, GA, son of the late James Arthur Fortner, Sr. and Minnie Lee Gatlin Fortner. James was a veteran of the United States Army. Throughout his life he worked for multiple trucking companies and most recently served as a vehicle recovery agent. He was passionate about all things farming, horses, and western TV shows. He was an avid reader; with his favorite being US histo

Mrs. Patricia “Patsy” Ann Sims Carden, age 83, of Rex, passed away May 15, 2026. Patsy grew up in the Bessemer, Alabama area, daughter of the late Truman and Lorene Sims. She worked for Owens-Illinois for over 30 years before retiring. Patsy’s great joy in life was being with her family. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles “Kenneth” Carden, brother, Larr

Laura Nicole Nettles, age 32 of Thomaston, died Thursday, May 14, 2026, at her residence. Laura was born on March 3, 1994, in Atlanta, Georgia to Joseph Scott Nettles and Tonya Howard Nettles. She was of the Baptist Faith. Survivors include her father, Joseph (Trang Villigran) Nettles of Hoboken, Georgia, Tonya Nettles (Rigo) of Thomaston, brothers, Eddie Nettles of Waycross, Earl (Serenity) Nettles of Waycross, sister, Keisha (Tommy) Riggins of Tifton, aunt, Judy (Raython

Mrs. Mary Lynn McGee Howard, age 55, of Molena, passed away May 13, 2026. Mary grew up in the Griffin and McDonough areas. For over 20 years, she was a bookkeeper for a family-owned business, Zebulon Tax Office. Mary was hilarious and had a great sense of humor. She brought inspiring energy to every life she touched. She loved spending time with her family and especially enjoyed trips to West Point Lake, where she loved being out on the water with her husband, children, and

Mr. Andrew "Andy" Hay Jr., age 76, of Meansville, passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at The Gardenias Assisted Living. Mr. Hay was born on May 19, 1949, in Thomaston, Georgia to the late Andrew Hay Sr. and the late Mary Pitts Redwine. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Ann Bell Hay, stepfather, Frank Redwine, and brother Tony Hay. Andy is survived by his son and daughter in law, Jason and Rikki Hay, grandson, Kasen Hay, granddaug

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