Minnie L. Dykes, age 92, who passed away Thursday, in the Appling Health Care. She was a native and lifelong resident of Baxley. She was a homemaker and a member of Zion Church of God. She was preceded in death by her husband Roy Dykes. She was the daughter of the late Ben Smith and the late Ellen Varnadoe Smith. She is survived by four daughters and son-in-law, Betty and Robert Herrin of Surrency; Vivian Carter of Surrency; Glenda Jeffords of Baxley; and Janice and Burl Messer of Jesup. One son and daughter-in-law, Troy and Betty Dykes of Surrency; Eleven grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren also survive. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Friday at David E. Miles Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday at Memorial Free Will Baptist Church with Rev. Amos McMillan, Rev. R.M. Warren, and Rev. Darrell Quinn officiating. Interment will follow in the Memorial Free Will Church Cemetery. Active pallbearers are David Crosby, Dustin Crosby, Ben Foster, James Godwin, Dane Bruce, Andy West, Gene Mann, and Don Foster. Honor pallbearers are all friends attending the funeral service. The body will be placed in the church one hour prior to the funeral service to lie in state. The family will assemble at the residents of Robert and Betty Herrin on Poor Robin Road. David E. Miles Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements. Repeating the name of the deceased, Minnie L. Dykes.
Vertice Woodard Coleman
Vertice Woodard Coleman, 85, of 11240 County Farm Rd., Hazlehurst, died Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008 in the Appling Convalescent Center in Baxley. Mrs. Coleman, the daughter of the late Victory Hartley and Eliza Jane Jones Woodard, was a native of Laurens County, and raised in Appling County, most of her life. She was the widow of the late Elijah Leve Coleman. She was formerly employed with Hazlehurst Mills. Mrs. Coleman was preceded in death by three grandchildren, Rhonda Sue Coleman, Rachel Nicole Manning and Joseph Devin Coleman, and four sisters. She is survived by four daughters, Lera (Wayne) Bennett of Hazlehurst, Feral (Wayne) Wilcox of Alma, Linda (Bruce) Carson and Elaine (Earnie) Manning of Baxley; five sons, E. L. (Doris) Coleman, Billy (Christine) Coleman, Albert (Lurlene) Coleman and Johnny Coleman, all of Baxley, and Milton (Gayle) Coleman of Hazlehurst; brother, Joseph A. Woodard of Hazlehurst; 16 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren also survive. Funeral services were held Tuesday, Jan. 15 at 3:00 p.m. at Zoar Baptist Church with the Rev. Wayne Bennett and the Rev. Wayne Williamson officiating. Interment followed in Hazlehurst City Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Chris Wilcox, Scott Wilcox, Craig Coleman, Jonathan Coleman, Mike Coleman, William Cain, Elijah Manning and David Bohannon. Honorary pallbearers were the Cain Family, Glenda Howard, Ida Williams, members of the Zoar Baptist Church and Appling Convalescent Center. Musical selections were rendered by Roger and Sonja Cain, Diane Foster and Johnny Vaughn. In lieu of flowers, the family request contributions may be made to Zoar Baptist Church, 10170 Zoar Rd., Baxley, GA 31513 or the new Appling Nursing Home, c/o the Appling HealthCare System, P.O. Box 2070, Baxley, GA 31515.
Wainright-Parlor Funeral Home of Hazlehurst was in charge of arrangements.
James "J.W." Griffin
David E. Miles Funeral Home announces the death and funeral service for James "J.W." Griffin, age 72, of Baxley, who passed away Tuesday, in the St. Vincent's Hospital in Jacksonville, FL. He was a native and life-long resident of Baxley. He was self employed as a Timber Producer and was of the Baptist Faith. He was preceded in death by a brother, Wilbur Griffin. He is the son of the late Grady Griffin and the late Minniorman Holton Griffin. He is survived by his wife, Peggy Griffin of Baxley: three sons and daughters-in-law, Russell and Sylvia Griffin, Dion and Crissy Griffin and Durwin and Melanie Griffin all of Baxley: A daughter, Amanda Griffin of Baxley: Sister and brother-in-law, Myrtle Ruth and Roy Nail of Baxley: two brothers and a sister-in-law, Grady W. and Bonnie Griffin of Baxley, and Charles Griffin of Baxley: four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren also survive. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at David E. Miles Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church with Rev. Darrell Quinn and Rev. David Griffin officiating. Interment will follow in the Satilla Baptist Church Cemetery. Active pallbearers are L.C. Carter, Stevie Roberson, James Reynolds, Eddie Hartley and Billy Vaughn The body will be placed in the church one hour prior to the funeral service to lie in state. The family will assemble at the residence at 660 Post Road S.E.
David E. Miles Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements. Repeating the name of the deceased, James "J.W." Griffin.
Allison Nicole "Nikki" Orvin
Allison Nicole "Nikki" Orvin, age 28 of Hazlehurst, Ga. died Friday, January 18, 2008, Hazlehurst, Ga. Survivors include: 2 sons, Gabriel Mark Bamberg and Elijah Scott Bamberg both of Hazlehurst, Mother, Rita Orvin of Baxley, Gary Orvin of Baxley, Brother, Rick Orvin of Baxley, and maternal grandparents, Donald & Phyllis Williams of Baxley. Ms. Orvin was born May 24, 1979, in Bacon County and was a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She was seeking a degree as a Pharmacy Technician at South Eastern Tech. Ms. Orvin is preceded in death by her grandparents, Leroy" Doc" and Beatrice Orvin, grandfather, Acy Bryant and nieces Samantha and Caitlyn Orvin. Visitation will be Wednesday, January 23, 2008, from 6:00- 8:00 p.m. at Swain Funeral Home. The Family will assemble at the home of Phyllis C. Williams, 548 Patterson Rd. in Baxley. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, January 24, 2008, at 3:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Swain Funeral Home.
Ministers will be Rev. Jackie Cabaniss, Bishop Dana Taylor, and Ray Hesters.
Interment will be at Appling Memorial Gardens.
Active Pallbearers: Dillon Bryant, Ron Smith, Stanley Allen, Steven Allen, Adam Bryant, and Dusty Lee.
Honorary Pallbearers are the graduating class of 1997.
Swain Funeral Home of Baxley, Ga. is in charge of funeral arrangements.
Mary Aspinwall Herndon
Mrs. Mary Aspinwall Herndon died Tuesday, December 30, 2008 in the Wayne Memorial Hospital. Mrs. Herndon was born October 1, 1914 in Appling County, to the late Ellis Aspinwall and the late Mattie Ammons Aspinwall. She was a member of Memorial Free Will Baptist Church and was preceded in death by her husband, Stephen Herndon, daughter, Shirlene Herndon Lightsey, 2 Sons, Edgar Russell Herndon and J.D. Herndon, 6 Sisters, Miriam Rozier, Mammie Tillman, Minnie Moore, Mert Bennett, Mabel Owens, and Melba Aldrich, 5 brothers, George Aspinwall, Ellis Aspinwall, Jr., Gordan Aspinwall, Kenneth Aspinwall and Billy Aspinwall. Survivors Include: Daughter and Son-in-law, Betty Jo and Jack Griffis of Surrency; Sons and Daughter-in-law, Glynn Herndon of Odum and Rodney and Hazel Herndon of Baxley; Sister, Maude Karaway of Rock Island, Ill. 18 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, 35 great-great-grandchildren and 34 nieces and nephews also survive. Active Pallbearers: Edgar Russell Herndon, Gary Herndon, James K. Lightsey, Ricky Herndon, Mark Herndon, and Dustin Morris. Honorary Pallbearers: all in attendance Funeral Services will be held Friday, January 2, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. from the Memorial Free Will Baptist Church. Mrs. Herndon will lie in-state one hour prior to funeral service.
Interment: Church Cemetery
Ministers: Rev. Amos McMillian and Rev. Jerry Newell
Visitation will be Thursday, January 1, 2008 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Swain Funeral Home.
The family will assemble at the home of Betty and Jack Griffis, Hwy 203, Surrency.
Swain Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.
John Henry Griffin
Mr. John Henry Griffin died Sunday, December 28, 2008 in the Appling Healthcare System after an extended illness. Mr. Griffin was born May 29, 1920 in Jeff Davis County to the late Jesse and Mamie Carter Griffin. He was a retired Farmer and was of the Baptist Faith. Mr. Griffin was preceded in death by his Wife, Kate Kicklighter Griffin and three sons, John L. Griffin, James Holt Griffin, and Glenn Griffin. Survivors Include: Three Daughters and Sons-in-law; Venola and Buddy Miles of Alma, Vernie Griffin and June Dale and Randy Kimbrel all of Baxley; 3 Sons and Daughters-in-law, J.F. Phyllis Griffin of Baxley, Bayne and Laurie Griffin of Perry, and Tony L. Griffin of Baxley; 2 Foster Sisters, Levenia Doke and Odessa Skipper both of Baxley; 12 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews also survive. Active Pallbearers: Chris Carter, Eric Moore, Michael Hunter, Scott Whitley, Kevin Moore, William "Bill" Nix Honorary Pallbearers: Altamaha Home Health Care, Wylena Lynch, Dr. Errol G. Graham, J.E. and Helen Roberson, Merrell and Norma Faye Miles, Dale and Judy Lynch, Boozy Bullard, Aubrey and Linda Lynch, JoAnna A. Beecher, Robert and Joyce Churchville, Robert and Violet Williams, Billy Leggett, Mary Leggett, Diane Bennett, Oris and Cherry Lynch Buster, and JimmiRee Miles, Jimmy and Connie Miles, Ernest Beckworth, H.M. Herndon, Marion Crummey, Albert and Wilda Ann Crosby, Verlon Moore, Joseph L. "Short" Crosby, Danny Britt, Benny Crews, B.J. Crews, Appling Healthcare System Nurses, Nurse Assistants, Rebecca Bohanan, Joffre Courson, and Russell and Kristen Crosby. Funeral Services will be Wednesday, December 31, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. from the Chapel of Swain Funeral Home.
Interment: Red Oak Baptist Church Cemetery
Ministers: Rev. Ron Ross and Rev. Rick Brown
Visitation will be Tuesday, December 30, 2008, from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Swain Funeral Home.
The family will assemble at the residence, 894 Henry Griffin Rd.
Swain Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.
Maeleigh Elaine Driggers
Maeleigh Elaine Driggers died Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at her residence in Metter. Maeleigh Elaine was born October 8, 2008 in Coffee County, to Michael Karon Driggers and Lindsey Elaine Herndon Driggers. She was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Richard Wheeler and Tyson Lanier. Survivors Include: Her parents, Michael and Lindsey Driggers of Metter; Sister, Haley Grace Driggers of Metter; Brother, Tyson Author Driggers of Metter; grandparents, Connie Lanier of Metter, Cindy Wheeler of Uvalda, Karon and Pam Driggers of Statesboro and George and Linda Herndon of Baxley
Active Pallbearers: Brandon Womble, Brett Massey, Ryan Johnson, and Beau Collins
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, December 27, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. from the Chapel of Swain Funeral Home.
Ministers: Rev. Steven Toole, Rev. Wesley Woods, and Pastor Ray Woodcock
Interment: Carter Cemetery
Visitation will be Friday, December 26, 2008 from 6:00 until 8:00 pm at Swain Funeral Home.
The family will assemble at Cindy Wheeler, 104 Rodger NeeSmith, Uvalda, GA.
Swain Funeral Services is in charge of funeral arrangements.
David Lee Griffin
Mr. David Lee Griffin died December 21, 2008 at his residence in Alma, GA. Mr. Griffin was born May, 27, 1945 in Carrollton, GA to the late Dorris Lee Griffin and Frances Chambers Griffin. He was employed with the Coffee Correctional Facility as Business manager for 7 years. He was preceded in death by his son,, Thomas Burke, Jr. Survivors Include: His wife of 18 years, Carolyn Grace Griffin; daughters: Cristina Griffin, Michelle (Courtney) Cray, Melissa Deen; Sons: Kyle Burke, Tommy (Linda) Deen, Rev. David (Pam) Deen, Ned Deen; stepdaughters: Misty Taylor and Rhonda (Tim) Feasby; grandchildren: Kenan Griffin, Isaiah Cray, Kiki Cray, Jazmin Cray; step-grandchildren: Marc Sandiford, Bo Taylor, Kristy Taylor, Kayla Taylor; great-grandchild: Dayton Taylor; Sister: Elizabeth (Betty) Tankersley and Husband Harry; Brother: Dr. Joseph (Jan) Griffin
Graveside Services will be held Saturday, December 27, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at Omega Cemetery. Interment: Omega Cemetery Minister: Bro. Chris Swinson and Ruth Nance Memorials: In lieu of flowers, any Condolences may be made to the home. The family will assemble at his residence, 756 Pine Level Church Rd, Alma, GA.
Swain Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.
Harry Clanton Sims, Jr.
Mr. Harry Clanton Sims, Jr. died December 19, 2008. Mr. Sims was born June 26, 1930 in Chatham County and was married to Nadine Sims. He was the son of the late Harry C. Sims and Rosebud F. Sims of Rincon, GA. He had resided in Appling County, for the past 44 years. Mr. Sims was an active member of the First United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Trinity Sunday School Class and the Methodist Men. Mr. Sims was a former Scout Master for Troop 472 of Baxley, he received the National Endowment Award being designated the James E. West Fellow from the Okefenokee Area Council of the BSA. Mr. Sims was a member of the D Company, 10th Infantry BN-USMCR, Savannah, GA. He was retired truck driver from FRP/Akzo Nobel Chemicals. He was an avid deer hunter and fisherman as well as a devoted father. Survivors Include: His Wife, Nadine Wells Sims of Baxley, two daughters Sheila Sims and Yvonne (Randy) Sellers of Baxley; two sons, Ronnie (JoAnne) Sims of Brunswick, GA, and Douglas Sims of Baxley; two sisters Mary Nell Bowers of Bloomingdale, GA, and Florence S. Moore of Rincon, GA; two brothers Andy Sims of Virginia Beach, VA, and George (Frank) Sims of Omaha, NE; four grandchildren and eleven nieces and nephews. Active Pallbearers: Vernon DeLoach, Jimmy Allen, Kelly Bird, Marty Sims, Andy Sims, and Omer McLean Honorary Pallbearers: Trinity Sunday School Class and all family and friends in attendance. Funeral Services will be held Monday, December 22, 2008 at the Chapel of Swain Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. Interment: Goshen Cemetery, Rincon, GA, at 3:30 p.m. Minister: Rev. Alan Miller and Roy McClung Visitation: December 21, 2008 Remembrances: BSA Troop 472 and First United Methodist Church Family Life Center The Family will assemble at 551 Alpine Dr, Baxley, GA.
Swain Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements. .
Denny Eugene Smith
Mr. Denny Eugene Smith died December 16, 2008 at the Southeast Georgia Health System. Mr. Smith was a member of Red Oak Baptist Church where he taught the Senior Adult Sunday School Class, he was retired from the Atlanta Gas Light Company, a veteran of the United States Army, a present member of the Baxley Lions Club, owner of Smith Plant Company, and past member of the Appling County Development Authority. Mr. Smith is preceded in death by his father and mother Harold and Eula Smith and his grandson Wyatt Smith Reddy. He was a life-long resident of Appling County. Survivors Include: His wife, Audrey Hughes Smith of Baxley, two daughters, Aimee Reddy of Baxley and Dana Greenich (Jordon) of McDonough, GA, three sisters, Sandra Lewis (Staten), Deborah Parker, and Sheila Smith all of Baxley, and one grandson, Harrison Reddy. Mr. Smith is also survived by a special son James Cook. Active Pallbearers: James Cook, James Copeland, Jay Reddy, Jerry Landmon, Stevie Smith, and Stacy Williams Honorary Pallbearers: All friends and family in attendance. Funeral Services will be held Friday, December 19, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. Interment: Red Oak Cemetery Ministers: Rev. Ron Ross, Rev. Rick Brown, Rev. Robert Wigley, and Rev. Steve Hughes Visitation will be Thursday, December 18, 2008 from 6:00- 8:00 p.m. Memorials: American Cancer Society, Gideons International, or Ronald McDonald House. The family will assemble at 1278 City Circle Rd. Swain Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.
