David Lee Griffis, age 71, passed away Sunday, February 14, 2010 at his residence. He was a native and lifelong resident of Appling County. He was an automobile and farm equipment dealer, a farmer and was a member of Ephesus Church of God. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jean Jones Griffis, brothers, Julian, Philmon, Willard, Kelson, Edward and Timothy Griffis, and parents, Arthur and Rosa Lee Griffis. Survivors are his daughter, Tammy Jean Brown of Patterson; grandson, James Michael Brown of Stockbridge; and two adopted "sons", Morris Fuller and Phil Griffis; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held Thursday, February 18 at 2:00 p.m. in the James R. Gordon Memorial Chapel of Howard-Jones-Nobles Funeral Home with the Rev. David Hubbs, the Rev. Calvin Lewis and the Rev. Gene Evors officiating. Interment followed in Ephesus Church Cemetery in Appling County. The family received friends Wednesday evening, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Active pallbearers were Ronnie Griffis, Larry Fuller, Morris Fuller, Larry Griffis, Johnny Griffis, Dowell Jones, Neal Eunice and Robert Eunice. Honorary pallbearers were all attending the funeral service. Memorial contributions may be made to Ephesus Church of God, 20322 Blackshear Hwy, Bristol, GA 31518. Howard-Jones-Nobles Funeral Home of Jesup was in charge of the arrangements.
Avie Jewel McCall Odum
Avie Jewel McCall Odum, 94, of 1639 Liberty Church Road, Monticello, died Sunday, February 14, 2010 in Monticello, Jasper County, GA. Mrs. Odum was born in Baxley, on Oct. 17, 1915 to Berry and Georgia Mae O'Quinn McCall and was married to the late Neal Archibald Odum. She was a member of New Rocky Creek Baptist Church in Jasper County where she taught Sunday School until she was 88 years of age. Mrs. Odum also served in various leadership roles in the Dyal Homemaker's Club and was awarded numerous blue ribbons. She is survived by two daughters, Betty Lou Hays (Pleas) of Mansfield and Judy West (Dwight) of Byron; two sons, Larry Odum (Carol) and Randall Odum (Donna), both of Baxley; one sister, Connie Poole of Baldwin; one brother-in-law, Amos Odum (Frankie) of Blackshear; 11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16 in Mansfield at New Rocky Creek Baptist Church and at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 18 at Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Baxley, with the Revs. Dr. Randall Reese, Darrell Quinn and Daniel Vaughn officiating. Interment followed in Mount Vernon Baptist Church Cemetery in Baxley. Active pallbearers were Jerome Murphy, Neal Murphy, Bruce Weaver, Byron Graham, Russ Hays and Richard Odum. Honorary pallbearers were Vivian Sands, Lucille Sands, Jenny Davis and Garett Smith. Memorials may be made to New Rocky Creek Baptist Church, 190 Rock Creek Road, Mansfield, GA 30055 or Gideons International. Musical selections were rendered by the McCall Family Singers. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
Glenda Harmon
Glenda Harmon, 52, died Monday, February 15, 2010 in Memorial Health Center in Savannah, (Chatham Co). Mrs. Harmon was born in Jeff Davis County, GA, on April 19, 1957. She was a homemaker and was a member of Xplosion Outreach Ministries. Glenda was the daughter of Azalee Williams and the late Phillip Poole. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Kayla Poole Harmon and a brother, Buddy Poole. She is survived by her husband, Thomas Harmon of Baxley; one daughter, Kim Tomberlin and husband, Casey of Baxley; mother, Azalee Williams of Baxley; grandsons, Corey, Halen and Peyton Tomberlin, all of Baxley; two sisters, Pat Carter of Baxley, and Tammy Smith of Surrency and two brothers, Larry Williams of Screven and Roger Williams of Surrency. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17 in the chapel of David E. Miles Funeral Home with the Revs. Keith Griffin and Andrew Kersey officiating. Interment followed in Omega Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Corey Tomberlin, Halen Tomberlin, Kole Walker, Peyton Tomberlin, Thomas Harmon, Matthew Smith and Jeremy Hallman. Honorary pallbearers were members of Xplosion Outreach Ministries. Musical selections were songs played from a CD and a worship dance performed by Brooke Griffin. Arrangements were under the direction of David E. Miles Funeral Home.
Bertie Lee Page Hunter
Bertie Lee Page Hunter, 90, of Surrency (Appling Co, GA), died Wednesday, February 17, 2010 in the Pavilion. Mrs. Hunter was a life-long homemaker. In her early years, she lived in Winter Haven, Florida, with her brother and worked in various jobs there prior to her marriage to her husband of 49 years. She was an active member of the Bethel United Methodist Church as long as her health permitted. Mrs. Hunter was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and wife. She never met a stranger and always had a smile for everyone she met. No job was ever too hard for her. There was always room at her table for anyone that stopped by. She cared for her family deeply and loved gardening and going to church. Mrs. Hunter was preceded in death by her husband, John Courson Hunter; parents, Jonah and Maggie Page; infant son, Jonathan Hunter and great- granddaughter, Katie Skelton. She is survived by four daughters and sons-in-law, Anita and David Brown of Little Rock, AR, Johnnie Hunter of Chattanooga, TN, Maxine and Bob Brown and Ann and Mitchell Stanfield, all of Surrency; three sons and daughters-in-law, Frank and Debbie Hunter, J.C. Hunter, Jr., and Ronnie and Susie Hunter, all of Surrency; one sister, Inez Collins of Barnwell, S.C.; ten grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services were held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19 at Bethel United Methodist Church with the Revs. Julian Tucker, Virgil Carter and Jimmy Gilbert officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Active pallbearers were Stanley Griffin, Ron Tillman, Terry Tillman, Genelle Poppell, Ricky Poppell and Glen Pearce. Honorary pallbearers were Adult Sunday School Class, Marlene Buffkin, Jessie Branch and Lisa Pearce. Musical selections were rendered by Mona Shumans, Floyd Hunter and David Williams. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
Carlton Barney
Carlton Barney, died February 20, 2010. Mr. Barney was born June 5, 1924 in Hazlehurst. He married Annie Lou Covington and she preceded him in death. Carlton accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and united with Pentecostal Miracle Deliverance Church under the leadership of Bishop Nathan Flowers and Pastor Patricia Flowers. He is survived by three daughters, Juanita (Eddie), Cora and Ophelia (Omar) of St. Petersburg, FL; five sons, Carlton (Annie) of St. Petersburg, FL, James (Charlotte) of Baxley, Robert (Linda) of Rochester, NY, Thomas and Edward (Mary) Barney; eight children preceded him in death; two sisters, Gertrude Gamble and Lillie Drake of Baxley; two sisters and brothers preceded him in death; and a host of grandchildren, great and great-great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind many relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25 from Mizpah Baptist Church with Pastor Patricia Flowers presiding. Eulogy given by Bishop Nathan Flowers. Interment followed in Barney Hill Cemetery, Tallahassee, Ga. Pallbearers were grandsons and friends. Musical selections were rendered by The A Cappella Praises. Arrangements were under the direction of Baxley Funeral Home.
Rev. James C. "Preacher" Wilcox
Rev. James C. "Preacher" Wilcox, age 87, of Hazlehurst (Jeff Davis Co.), died Saturday, February 20, 2010 at Jeff Davis Hospital. Preacher Wilcox was born October 8, 1922 to the late T.A. Wilcox and the late Missie Creamer Wilcox. He was a native and lifelong resident of Jeff Davis County, a member of First Baptist Church and a retired farmer. He was licensed to preach on April 27, 1954, and ordained on November 20, 1955, as a Baptist Minister and retired after 56 years of pastoring. He was employed by Wainright-Parlor Funeral Home for over 30 years and was also preceded in death by a son, Waymon Wilcox and a sister, Lucille Hutchinson. Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Mildred Schell Wilcox of Hazlehurst; daughter and son-in-law, Janell and Randy Squires of Brunswick; sons and daughters-in-law, Larry and Willie Wilcox of Byron, Malcom and Sandra Wilcox of Macon and Jimmy and Ethelyn Wilcox of Brunswick; brothers, Edward Wilcox, Odis Wilcox, Raleigh "Bo" Wilcox and Theo Wilcox, all of Hazlehurst and B. F. "Shorty" Wilcox of Holly Hill, FL; 12 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral Services were held Thursday, February 25 at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Hazlehurst with the Rev. Justin McLellan, the Rev. Rick Brown, the Rev. Hubert Hart and the Rev. John Darcey officiating. Interment followed in Hazlehurst City Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Ernest Kersey, Jason Bohannon, Ronnie Harrell, Jim Girtman, Jones Hart and Wayne Kirkley. Honorary pallbearers were all pastors, Dr. Frank Bixler, Shirley Walters and the nursing staff of Jeff Davis Hospital. Musical selections were rendered by Kimberly and Kelli Girtman and Kathy Lord. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Wainright-Parlor Funeral Home of Hazlehurst.
Miss L. D. Gribble
Miss L. D. Gribble, 84, died Sunday, February 21, 2010 at the Pavilion. She was born on June 29, 1925 in Whitfield County. She was a retired farmer and was a member of Harvest Temple Church of God. Ms. Gribble was the daughter of the late Horace and Cora Dills Gribble. She is survived by nephews, Earl Gribble and wife, Marilyn of Baxley, and J. M. Gribble of Vero Beach, Fla.; niece, Toby Copas and husband, Bobie of Dexter, several great-nephews, great nieces and cousins also survive and special extended family, Maude Barlow, Willie Ina Harper, M.C. Barlow and family and Donna and Haley White, all of Baxley. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23 in the chapel of David E. Miles Funeral Home, with the Rev. Earl Wiggins, Rev. Billy Bratton and Chris Nail officiating. Eulogy given by Donna White. Burial followed in Omega Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Danny Giddens, David Bryant, Eddie Johnson, Teresa Adams, Scotty Adams, Jimmy Crapps and Dakota Gribble. Honorary pallbearers were the staff of the Pavilion, Dr. Errol Graham, Dr. Esco Hall and all in attendance. Musical selections were rendered by various artists. Arrangements were under the direction of David E. Miles Funeral Home.
Mrs. Carole Beckworth
Mrs. Carole Beckworth, age 66, died Sunday, February 21, 2010 in the Toombs Nursing Home in Lyons, GA after an extended illness. She was a native of Dillon, South Carolina, living in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, many years, and most of her life in Baxley. She was a cosmetologist, a homemaker, attended the Church of God and was preceded in death by her husband, Langford Beckworth. Mrs. Beckworth is survived by two sisters, Virginia Baxley of Vidalia and Clara Thompson of Whiteville, North Carolina, and several nieces. Mrs. Beckworth was cremated.
Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home of Vidalia, GA, was in charge of arrangements.
Harold Lee Simpson
Funeral services were held at 12:00 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25 at Harper Chapel United Methodist Church for Harold Lee Simpson, who died February 21, 2010. The Rev. Precious Lundy officiated. Interment followed in Baxley Cemetery, Zoar Road in Baxley, with Military honors. Active pallbearers were Army National Color Guard. Honorary pallbearers were Rayonier Pulp Mill Department and Class of 1967. Mr. Simpson was born May 17, 1949 in Baxley, to Grady and Pearlie Mae Simpson. In 1967 he graduated from Appling County Consolidated High School. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he was deployed to Vietnam. During his service, he was decorated with the National Defense Service medal, Vietnam Service medal, Vietnam Campaign medal, Army Commendation medal 1st OLC and Bronze Star medal. Harold spent 40 years as an employee at Rayonier, while working at Rayonier, he also served in the Army National Reserve, where he later retired as Captain with the Army National Reserve. He was also a lifetime member of Harper United Methodist Church. Simpson served as Vice Chairman of Trustee. He is survived by his wife of 37 years Sandra; three children, Carl Wilhelm Simpson of Decatur, Harold Lee Simpson, Jr. of Dalles Port, WA, Bradford Lee Simpson (Miranda) of Acworth; seven grandchildren, Nicholas Marquette Freeman, Carlie Jeandra Simpson, Drue Bradford Simpson, Jewelee Kate Simpson, Tychyanna Simpson, Xavier Simpson and Kanesha Brianna Simpson. Harold leaves behind five sisters and five brothers, Carolyn Holmes (George) of Baxley, Cecelia Weems of Baltimore, Delorise Wilhite (John) of Savannah, Carol Ann Jacobs of Savannah, Jimmy Simpson (Betty) of Uvalda, Curtis Simpson of Baxley, Johnny Simpson of Augusta, Darrell Simpson (Sharon) of Baxley, Randy Simpson of Decatur and Tonya Byrd (Alvin) of Baxley. He also leaves behind a host of close relatives and friends. Arrangements were under the direction of Baxley Funeral Home.
Lillie Spell
Lillie Spell, age 88, died Monday February 22, 2010 at the Pavilion. She was born on October 7, 1921 in Appling County, GA, and had resided here all her life. She was a retired grocery clerk and was employed by Branch's Grocery and Abattoir for 23 years. She was a member of Baxley Church of God. She was preceded in death by husband Cecil L. Spell and was the daughter of the late Lawrence Williamson and the late Henreatta Williamson. She is survived by daughters, Patricia Lewis of Baxley, Eula Leggett and husband, Maxwell of Baxley, and Mary Creech of Baxley; son, Ronnie Spell and wife, Glenda Sue of Baxley; sister, Alma Taylor of Alma; grandchildren, Donna Hillis, Greg Lewis, Sherry Leggett, M.C. Leggett, Valerie Spink, Stephen Creech; great-grandchildren, Jamie Parlor, Kristin Lairsey, Michaela Parlor, Jessa Lewis, Katie Lewis, Priscilla Harrison, Patty McManus, Roxanne Eason, Dale Johnson, and Ashley Leggett; great-great-grandchildren Hayden Parlor, Aviana Lairsey, Jacob Rents, Jaden Taylor, Leah Harrison, Caleb Eason, Chelsey McManus and Ashlyn McManus. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 25 at Baxley Church of God with the Rev. Lamar Lee, and the Rev. Earl Wiggins officiating. Eulogy was given by Al Graham. Interment followed in the Omega Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Robert Spell, Jamie Parlor, Horace Spell, Maxwell Leggett, Jerry Williams and Ray Creech. Honorary pallbearers were the staff of the Pavilion, Baxley Church of God Sanctuary Class, Joan Altman, Pat Skinner, Serenity Hospice and Dr. Fernando. Musical Selections were rendered by the Baxley Church of God Choir.
