News, Obituaries, & Sports

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

Mr. Rollyn Travis Armstrong, age 57, of Locust Grove, passed away April 29, 2026. Rollyn was born in Dublin and grew up in Decatur. His greatest love was Jesus and his family. He loved them deeply, especially his wife, two daughters and his grandchildren, who meant the world to him. He loved serving every Sunday at Christ Chapel, Zebulon. He was preceded in death by his mother, Gwyne Armstrong. He is survived by his wife: Carole Armstrong; daughters: Brittany Hammond (Casey)

Mr. Noah Jackson “Jack” Shiflet III, age 84, of Yatesville, passed away April 29, 2026, at his home. Jack grew up in Tampa, Florida. Early in his career, he was a union pipefitter, served as an investigator with the Hillsborough District Attorney’s Office and was a proud member of the Fraternal Order of Police. Jack later owned and operated his own business, All Florida Fire Systems (AFFS). Jack was a people person who never met a stranger. His friendly personality earned him

Mr. Martin “Marty” Allen Jones, Sr., age 71, of The Rock, passed away April 30, 2026. Marty was born in Thomaston, son of the late Lee Franklin Jones and Merelyn Allen Jones. Marty worked for B.F. Goodrich/Martha Mills in Thomaston for many years and more recently was a truck driver for Rock-It Sand and Gravel. He liked being outdoors and going to truck pulls. Marty loved his family and especially enjoyed spending time with them. Along with his parents, he was preceded in

Mrs. Uldine Bankston Brumbeloe, age 81, of Molena, passed away April 27, 2026, at her home. A lifelong resident of Molena, Uldine was born to the late Lester Bankston and the late Ona Mae Alexander Bankston and was born and passed away in the same home. She was a 1962 graduate of Pike County High School, where she excelled at basketball. She went on to build a long and dedicated career as a dental hygienist, beginning with Dr. Dewey Jones, Jr. in Thomaston. Over the years, sh

Mrs. Yvonne Craven Thompson, a beloved mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 27, 2026. She was 88 years old. She was born on January 13, 1938, in Upson County, Georgia. Yvonne dedicated much of her life to her work as a seamstress for Sherrell Lynn. She was known for her skill and care in her craft. Beyond her career, Yvonne had a true passion for crocheting and sewing, hobbies that brought her great joy throughout her life. In her later years, she f

Mr. Daniel Jackson Blount, age 29, of Thomaston, died Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Upson Regional Medical Center. Jackson was born in Thomaston on March 20, 1997, to David Cecil Blount and Laurel Medcalf Blount. He was employed as a journeyman electrician at his father’s company, DCB Electric, where he excelled at his work. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Thomaston. Jackson was as unique and as well-designed as the classic cars he loved. Kind-hearted, sturdy,

Mr. Michael Tyrone Mitchell, age 85, of Thomaston, passed away April 22, 2026. Michael grew up in Forsyth, son of the late James Mitchell and Muriel Neal. Following his high school graduation, Michael enlisted in the United States Navy. While in the military, he traveled the world and furthered his education in criminal law and medical sciences. Michael served on the ground in the Vietnam War, worked in a naval hospital both before and after the war, and reenlisted in the Ma

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