News, Obituaries, & Sports

Mrs. Shirley G. Graves age 89 of Decatur formerly of Thomaston, died Thursday February 19, 2026 at her daughter's residence. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

A  DISCUSSION  ON  THE  FUTURE  AND  STRUCTURING OF  JOINT PROJECTS  AT  A  JOINT  MEETING  OF   THOMASTON  CITY  COUNCIL  AND   UPSON  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS--TUESDAY--MORPED  INTO A  MOVE  TO  EXPLORE  HOW  MUCH  A  STUDY  OF  CONSOLIDATION  WOULD  COST.  BOC  CHAIR  DAN  BRUE  SAID  HE  WANTS  VOTER  INPUT  ON  THE  MAY  BALLOT. THE  TWO  GOVERNING  BODIES  APPOINTED  THEIR  MANAGERS  TO  SEEK  SOME  ANSWERS  TO  THE  COST AND  WHO  COULD  DO  A  STUDY.

Ms. Terry Laine Patrick Smith, age 57, of McDonough, went home to be with the Lord on February 16, 2026 after a courageous battle with cancer. She fought with strength, faith and determination through it all. Terry grew up in Barnesville, Georgia. She enjoyed crocheting, gardening, listening to music and watching scary movies. She never met a Dr Pepper she didn’t like. She was strong willed and stubborn, yet her heart was tender and her soul was kind. She was preceded in deat

Mr. Fred Jack Dunn age 79 of Thomaston Ga, died Tuesday February 17, 2026 at Upson Regional Medical Center. Mr. Dunn was born on September 7, 1946 in Meansville Ga, to the late Hoyt Dunn and the late Sara Maddox Dunn. He worked as a Diesel Mechanic for many years and served his country in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Saint Paul (CA-73). In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his brothers Julius Dunn, Hoyt Dunn, James Dunn. Survivors include his wife Mrs. Jean D

Mrs. Gene H. Johnson, age 90, of Thomaston, passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Brightmoor Nursing Center in Griffin. Born on July 24, 1935, in Griffin, Georgia, Gene enriched the lives of those around her through her unwavering commitment to family, education, and community service. Gene was a proud graduate of R.E. Lee Institute and the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where she fostered lifelong friendships and connections as an active alumna of the Gamma

Steven McNeel has been elected to the District 18 State Senate seat following a runoff race which concluded Tuesday. Republican McNeel defeated Democrat LeMario Brown for the seat after the two received the most votes during the Jan. 20 special election. McNeel celebrated his victory with alongside family and friends in Macon Tuesday night, and says he was campaigning until the polls closed. McNeel will join the Georgia Senate mid-session, which is set to end in early April.

Mrs. Barbara Ann Pitts Anthony age 68 of Molena Ga, died Sunday February 15, 2026 at Emory Long Term Acute Care.  Mrs. Anthony was born on September 9, 1957 in Atlanta Ga, to the late Hartez Lamar Pitts Sr., and the late Lillie Lois Allen Pitts. She was formerly employed with K-Mart where she worked for 27 years and later worked at Upson-Lee South Elementary School as a Paraprofessional. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her brother Hartez Lamar Pitts Jr.

Leslie Lachelle Craven age 30 of Thomaston Ga, passed away Friday February 13, 2026. Lachelle was born on February 8, 1996 in Thomaston Ga, to Leslie Coggins McCullough and Russell Craven. She worked for Mcintosh Trail as substitute teacher as well as door dash. Lachelle was a member of Thomaston First Assembly of God. She is preceded in death by her maternal grandfather Donald Ray Coggins.  Survivors include her mother Leslie (Albert) McCullough of Thomaston Ga, father Russe

Mr. Richard Anthony Viano, age 74, of Thomaston, died Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Upson Regional Medical Center. Mr. Viano was born July 29, 1951, to the late Joseph Anthony Viano and Ann Volaj Viano. He was a retired CPA and HVAC contractor. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Teri Spivey Viano. He is survived by his daughter, Teresa (Jim) Rogers; son, Kevin (Allie) Spivey; brother, Joe Viano; and grandchildren, Dakota, Summer, Sierra, Wesley,

The Upson-Lee High School NJROTC precision team recently competed in the 2026 JROTC Service Championship (Navy Nationals) in Columbia, Missouri, earning a top-15 national finish among the country’s most competitive programs. The two-day event, hosted by the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP), was held at the Missouri Marksmanship Education Center and featured 21 teams from across the United States. Competing in the precision division, Upson-Lee posted an impressive aggregate

Mrs. Wanda Jones Lee, age 71, of Molena, passed away February 14, 2026.  Wanda was born in Zebulon, daughter of the late William Kelly Jones, Sr. and the late Mary Hammond Jones. She spent much of her childhood in Zebulon and would fondly tell stories of walking to her grandparent’s service station, Jones Amoco.  Later, her family moved to Griffin, and she graduated from Griffin High School. She attended Gordon College where she earned her associate degree in Nursing and wher

On February 12, 2026 at 10:50pm the residents of 1939 Yatesville Highway in Thomaston reported a Burglary. They reported that as they returned home they found that the front door to their house had been kicked open. As they entered the residence they found a white male inside. The male claimed that he was told by an unknown person that he could live there. There was a confrontation between the homeowner and the burglar as the male attempted to run from the residence. The home

Joyce Claire Sprayberry, better known as Nana or Juicy Joyce, left this world after only gracing us with 92 years of her presence on Saturday, February 7, 2026. For those that don’t know, Joyce was born in Griffin, Georgia the day that Prohibition ended in the United States, on December 5, 1933. She married the love of her life and fishing partner, Jerry Lee Sprayberry, in 1955 who has awaited her presence since 2005 along with her parents, Harry and Annie Stephens Donehoo wh

Mr. Kenneth Michael Compton age 74 of Thomaston Ga, passed away Saturday February 14, 2026 at his residence.  Mr. Compton was born on May 14, 1951 in Griffin Ga, to the late Charles Compton Sr., and the late Opal Powers Compton. He worked for the William Carter Company as an Embroidery Mechanic for many years and was a member of New Harmony Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife Mrs. Carol Brooks Compton of Thomaston Ga, daughter Mrs. Maegan (Robert) Gardner of Trenton Ga

Mr. Ray Claude Owenby age 71 of Thomaston Ga, passed away Saturday February 14, 2026 at Upson Regional Medical Center. Mr. Owenby was born on December 15, 1954 in Thomaston Ga, to the late Vernon Owenby and the late Thelma Saxon Owenby. He worked as a carpenter for many years and loved playing his guitar. Survivors include his wife  Mrs. Deila Owenby of Thomaston Ga, daughters Ms. Brandy Owenby of Thomaston Ga,  Mrs. Sheree Owenby of Florence S.C., Mrs. Tonya Burch of Kennesa

Mr. Tony Bell age 77 of Thomaston Ga, died Sunday February 15, 2026 at Upson Regional Medical Center. Funeral Arrangements will be announced later.

Holly Elizabeth Lopez Milnes, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, was born on December 23, 1958, in San Jose, California. She found eternal peace on February 5, 2026, in Barnesville, Georgia, surrounded by the life she had long dreamed of. Holly dedicated more than 26 years of service as a 911 dispatcher at NASA Ames Research Center, where her calm presence and compassion helped so many people during moments of crisis. She graduated from Mission High School in Frem

Janet Patricia Smollen, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and faithful servant of Jehovah, passed away on February 10, 2026, at the age of 77. Born on May 29, 1948, in Lewiston, Maine, Janet lived a life defined by hard work, deep faith, and unwavering love for others. For many years, she owned and operated her own daycare, caring for countless children in her community. To many families, she was more than a caregiver—she was lovingly known as “Ga-Ga,” a t

Mrs. Lillian Parham Murph, age 73, of Griffin, passed away peacefully at her home on February 13, 2026.  Lillian was born in Florida, daughter of the late Herman Russell Culver and the late Evelyn Bamberg Culver.  She moved to Georgia with her family in the mid-60s and graduated from Griffin High School in 1971.  Lillian enjoyed painting ceramics at the senior citizen center in Griffin, crocheting and knitting. She loved all things hummingbirds--painting ceramic ones, collect

Margaret Anne McDougal Francis, age 82, of Griffin, passed away February 14, 2026.   It was her wish to be cremated and no formal services are planned.