Mrs. Aletha Lamb Buhler passed away in the early morning hours of March 16, 2008, at Appling Nursing Home after an extended illness. She retired after 33 years of service with Union Camp Corp. in Savannah, where she worked in the engraving department. After her retirement she and her beloved husband Andrew moved to Baxley where they maintained their home on 80 beautiful acres of pine trees, pasture, and pond. While she lived and worked in Savannah, she attended Calvary Baptist Temple under the pastoral ministries of Dr. John S. Wilder and Dr. John Tippitt. Upon returning to Appling County she was a faithful member of Zion Baptist Church. She loved the Lord and loved her neighbors as the Bible instructs us to do. She is survived by two brothers M.J. Lamb of Baxley and J. Del Lamb of Savannah. Five grandchildren, Richard Coursey (Lisa) of Pittsburg, Pa., Debbie Garmen (Jim) of Birmingham,Ala., Angelita Dyal (Mitchell) of Baxley, Shaun Coursey (Tonya) of Atlanta and Aumaretta Cooper (Redd) of Waycross. She is also survived by nine great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Visitation will be tonight March 17, 2008 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Swains Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. from the Zion Baptist Church. Mrs. Buhler will lie in state one hour prior to funeral service. Interment will be in the Church cemetery. Minister Rev. Bill Stone will officiate. Active Pallbearers are Mitchell Dyal, Kenyon Lamb, Tripp Pearce, Shaun Coursey, Ricky Coursey, and Jared Murphy. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
John Lester Ford
John Lester Ford age 61 of Baxley, died Thursday, March 6, 2008 at his residence after a brief illness. Mr. Ford was born July 16, 1946 in Jeff Davis County to the late John Samuel Ford and Evelyn O'Quinn Ford Reddish. He was a member of the Dunn Memorial Baptist Church and a member of the VFW Post #4472, Appling County War Veterans & Ohoopee Hunting Club. Mr. Ford was a retired Fire Chief & member of the Baxley Fire Department for 37 years and was Fireman of the year in 1975 & 1978. He was Commander of the Appling War Veterans. He was preceded in death by his wife Wanda Sumner Ford. Visitation will be held Friday, March 7, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Swain Funeral Home. The family was assemble at: The home, 2076 Hatch Parkway South. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, March 8, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Swain Funeral Home. Rev. Rick Brown will officiate and interment will follow at Zoar Cemetery. Active Pallbearers: Lonnie Wooten, Walt Tillman, Dan Johnson, Donnie Lewis, Jimmy Crapps & Jerry Copeland. Honorary Pallbearers: Pallbearers: Best friend, Bunny Metts, Member of the Appling County War Veterans and Ladies Auxiliary, VFW Post #4472, Hospice of South Georgia, Baxley Fire Dept., Appling EMA, Ohoopee Hunting Club, Carl Tillman, Paul Harrelson, Donald Harrelson, Ronnie Lamb, Rick Martinez, Mike Page, Dewayne Urssery, Joey Heirs, Donnie Sikes, Sr., Donnie Sikes, Jr., Bob Pinckard, and all other friends. Survivors include: 2 Daughters: Mary Vaughn Smith & husband, Diana Ford Swanson & husband, all of Baxley; step-children, Rebecca Buffer & husband, Angela Sawyer & Melissa Harris both of Brunswick; Mother Evelyn O'Quinn Reddish of Brunswick; Sister, Marie Reeves of Brunswick; brother, Ken Ford of Brunswick, 9 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren & 2 nieces & a nephew. Swain Funeral Home of Baxley, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
Loualta Tillman Tomberlin
Mrs. Loualta Tillman Tomberlin died Saturday, October 18, 2008 at St. Joseph's Hospital, Savannah, GA after an extended illness. Mrs. Tomberlin was born on August 28, 1924 in Appling County, to the late Ruth and Herschel Tillman. She resided in Appling County, all of her life. She was the founder of Surrency Day and very active in the upkeep of Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery. She was a member of Surrency Methodist Church. Survivors Include: Husband, J.C. Tomberlin; Daughters, Emily Williams, Louise Tomberlin, and Marie Tomberlin; sons and daughters-in-law, Jasper and Jane Tomberlin, Mark and Toni Tomberlin, Howard Tomberlin, and Roy Mincey; Brothers, Lowell Tillman, Rooney Tillman, and Stanford Tillman; Sisters, Nita Henderson and Hazel Thomann; grandchildren, Shanna Williams, Felicia Smith, Jenny, Jill, Jessica, Blake, Weston, Kristin, Dallas, and Cheyanne Tomberlin; great-grandchild, Hayden Tomberlin.
Active Pallbearers: Blake Tomberlin, Weston Tomberlin, James Tomberlin, Don Tomberlin, Timmy McGowan and Marlow Waters.
Honorary Pallbearers: All in attendance.
Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, October 21st at 3:00 p.m. at Bethel United Methodist Church.
The body will lie-in-state one hour prior to the funeral.
Interment: Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery
Minister(s): Rev. Julian Tucker and Rev. Jimmy Gilbert
Visitation will be Monday, October 20, 2008 from 6:00- 8:00 p.m.
The family will assemble at the residence, 902 JC Tomberlin RD, Surrency.
Swain Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.
Howard E. Carter
Mr. Howard E. Carter died Tuesday, October 14, 2008. Mr. Carter was born February 16, 1926 in Appling County, to the late Foster and Naomi Carter. He had resided in Darien for the past 11 years and was of the Baptist Faith. Survivors Include: One Sister, Hilda Thomas; One Niece, Cindy Curtis. Funeral Services will be Thursday, October 16, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Swain Funeral Home. Interment: Midway Baptist Church Cemetery Minister: Rev. Wayne Williamson Visitation will be one hour prior to funeral service. Swain Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.
Thomas Felton (Felt) Gay
Mr. Thomas Felton (Felt) Gay died Friday, October 10, 2008 in the Satilla Regional Medical Center, Waycross, GA. Mr. Gay was born May 28, 1922, in Wrens, GA to the late Oscar Lee Gay and Mary Lillie Windom Gay. He was preceded in death by his wife Macie Nail Gay. He had lived in Jacksonville, Fla. most of his life before moving to Blackshear, GA. Mr. Gay was of the Baptist faith. Survivors Include: 3 Daughters: Myrtice Wrighton, Linda Blair, and Betty Garcia of Jacksonville, Fla.; 1 son: James C. Gay of Jacksonville, Fla.; 1 Sister: Mary Ruth Chastain of Thompson, GA.; 1 Brother: David R. Gay, St. of Blackshear, GA.; 15 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews as well as great-nieces and nephews. Active Pallbearers: David Gay, Henry Gay, Andy Gay, Eddie Hurst, Wayne Hurst, and Tony Nail
Honorary Pallbearers: All those in attendance.
Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Swain Funeral Home.
Interment: Pleasant Grove Cemetery;
Minister(s): Rev. Lonnie Weaver
Visitation will be Tuesday, October 14, 2008, 9:00 until 11:00 at Swain Funeral Home.
The Family will assemble at the home of Dewey & Shirley Altman, 678 Beach Rd., Baxley.
Swain Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.
Mamie Lee Wiggins Hicks
Mrs. Mamie Lee Wiggins Hicks died October 9, 2008 at her residence. Mrs. Hicks was born May 15, 1920 in Appling County, to the late Oscar Sikes and Tempie Jane Smith Sikes. She was a Charter member of Dunn Memorial Baptist Church and preceded in death by her 2 husbands, Odell Wiggins and Kenny Hicks. Survivors Include: 3 daughters, Dot Higgins, Cathryn Harrelson, Vivian Griffin all of Baxley; 1 Son, Bob Wiggins of Baxley; 3 Sisters, Estelle Peavey of Tampa, Florida, Edna Sistrunk of Jacksonville, Florida, and Ethleen Hunter of McDonough; 3 brothers and sisters-in-law, John and Gladys Sikes, Donnie and Ruth Sikes all of Baxley and James Sikes of Claxton. 12 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. Active Pallbearers: Donnie Sikes, Jr., David Sikes, Oscar Sikes, Corey Griffin, and Joey Boyette.
Honorary Pallbearers: Joyful Seniors Sunday School Class of Dunn Memorial Baptist Church and Dr. Teresa Cezar.
Funeral Services will be held Sunday, October 12, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. at Dunn Memorial Baptist Church.
Interment: Ten Mile Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.
Minister(s): Rev. Rick Brown and Rev. Jack Peeler
Visitation will be Saturday, October 11, 2008 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Swain Funeral Home.
The family will assemble at the home 194 Simmons Street.
Swain Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.
Wilson C. Walker
Mr. Wilson C. Walker died September 27, 2008 after a lengthy illness. He was under the care of SouthernCare Hospice. Mr. Walker graduated from the University of Georgia with a BS in Education and later received his Master's in Education from Lee College. He spent his entire teaching career in the Cleveland, Tennessee, school system and was named Teacher of the Year. Mr. Walker was an avid Bulldog fan. Mr. Walker was born May 29, 1940, in Appling County, to the late Wilson C. Walker and Effie Young Walker Reeves, Mr. Walker was predeceased by a brother, Vanlayer and sister, Lois Allen. He is survived by two sisters; Jane Butler (Tom) of Jacksonville, Florida, and Dovie Crosby of Baxley, a host of cousins, nieces and nephews and two special caregivers, Dot Harrell, cousin and Berniece Howard, niece. Mr. Walker was a member of The First Baptist Church of Baxley. Graveside services will be held Thursday, October 9 at 10:00 am from Omega Cemetery with Rev. Jay Mead Meadows. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to The Pavilion, 163 East Tollison, Baxley, GA 31513. Swain Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.
Sara Mae Williams
Mrs. Sara Mae Williams died Friday, October 3, 2008 at her home in Palmetto, GA. Mrs. Williams was born November 20, 1949 in Alma, GA to Ms. Louise Peacock Williams and the late Mr. James Madison Williams. She was preceded in death by her brother Wade Williams. She was of the Church of God faith. Survivors include: Her husband, J.M. Weaver, Daughters and Sons-in-law, Kanita and Donald Duncan, Scarlett Doggett; Son and Daughter-in-law, Joseph and Vicki Beecher; Mother, Louise Peacock Williams; Sister, Gloria Diane Williams; Brother, Ed Williams; grandchildren, Gregory Gibby, III, Joshua Ingram, Brittany Beecher, Kaitlon Ritch, Kailea Mae Ritch, Abby Beecher, and Jaron Doggett. Active Pallbearers: Donald Duncan, Greg Gibby, Josh Ingram, Edwin Williams, Danny Beecher, and Kelly Williams.
Honorary Pallbearers: All in Attendance.
Funeral Services: Tuesday, October 7th at 11:00 a.m.
Interment will be held at Carter Chapel Cemetery
Minister(s): Rev. Rick Brown and Rev. Wayne Williamson
Visitation: Monday, October 6th from 5:00- 8:00 p.m.
The family will assemble at the home of Gloria Williams, 88 Highland Dr., Apt 512, Baxley.
Swain Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.
Sarah Elizabeth (Lizzie) Mock Miles
Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth (Lizzie) Mock Miles died on Friday, October 3, 2008 at The Pavilion. Mrs. Miles was born January 10, 1919 in Appling County, to the late Mrs. Lillah Magdalene Hardwick and the late Mr. Mack Wilson Mock. She was preceded in death by her husband, Mr. Bernice Clyde Miles. Mrs. Miles and her late husband operated a restaurant and service station in the late thirties. In the forties and fifties she assisted him in farming and turpentine. She was also a former employee of Miller Dress Factory and a homemaker. She was devoted to her entire family and brightened the lives of everyone who knew her with laughter and an outgoing personality. She was an avid gardener, and excellent cook, and a talented singer. She made life easier for her family members by her willingness to help in sickness and health. She was affectionately called "Granny Groover" by her family. Survivors Include: Daughters, Annette Ware (Homer), Gwinette White; Son, Bernice Clyde Miles (Donna); grandchildren, Charmaine Cole, Selina Howell, Brenda Kay Taylor, Lamar Mils, Justin Miles, Michael Miles, Kevin Ware, Melanie Howard, and Skyler Miles; 13 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Active Pallbearers: Lamar Miles, Kevin Ware, Skyler Miles, Trevor Howell, Kelly Bryant, and Markus Nail Honorary Pallbearers: Naomi Sunday School Class, South Care Hospice Employees and Appling County Rehabilitation Pavilion Employees Funeral Services will be Monday, October 6th at 4:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Swain Funeral Home. Interment will be held at Ten Mile Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Minister(s ): Rev. Tommy Daniels and Rev. Ronnie Rentz Memorials may be made to the Ten Mile Creek Baptist Church, American Diabetes Association and the Alzheimer's Association. The family will assemble at: The home of Annette M. Ware, 3955 Hatch Parkway N., Baxley.
Swain Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements
Maggie Spivey "Granny" Cowart
Maggie Spivey "Granny" Cowart, age 87, died, Tuesday, November 3, 2009 in the St. Joseph Hospital in Savannah, Georgia, after a short illness. She was born in Appling County, on September 11, 1922 to the late Bill and Ruth Campbell Spivey. She was a charter member of Baxley Freewill Baptist Church where she served asa deacon's wife and a faithful worker in all phases of the church. She was known as "Granny" to everyone. She was preceded in death by her husband of sixty-two years, Jesse Cowart, her sons, Jerry and Billy Cowart, her grandson, Bryan Everett, brothers Billy Ray "Sam" and Ralph Spivey. She is survived by four daughters and sons-in-law, Lila and Winston Everett, Helen and Lindon Lightsey, Jan and Larry Whitley and Deanna Cowart all of Baxley; eighteen grandchildren, twenty-one great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Laura and Margie Spivey of Baxley, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral services were held Saturday, November 7, 2009 at 3:00 P.M. at the Baxley Freewill Baptist Church, with Rev. David Amburgey, Rev. Rick Brown and Rev. Lamar Lee officiating. Interment followed in the Memorial Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery. Active pallbearers were grandsons, Tim Varnadore, John Gardner, S. Forrest Cowan, Kevin Lightsey, Caleb Karnoutsos, Andy Dowdney, Alan Everett, Jim Avera, Mark Varnadore, Tyler Avera, Craig Lightsey, Keith Thomas, Josh Griffis, Micah Avera, Drew Dowdney, Hunter Lightsey and Davin Lightsey. Musical selections were rendered by Rev. Lamar Lee, Monty Lasseter and Javen Anderson, Andy Dowdney and Fredia Jones. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of David E. Miles Funeral Home.
