Lanny Oscar Raulerson, 66, of Alma, passed away early Thursday morning, July 26, 2012 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Waycross following a short illness. Born in Hazlehurst on May 1, 1946, he had lived in Pierce and Bacon Counties all of his life. Raulerson was a US Army veteran having served during the Vietnam Conflict and retired in 2011 from Griffins Warehouse in Baxley, where he had been manager. He was a member of Shady Grove Baptist Church, enjoyed hunting and doing for others. Raulerson will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather. Raulerson was the son of the late Oscar D. and Winnie Virginia Rogers Raulerson. Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Dorothy Cothern Raulerson of Alma; one daughter and son-in-law, Holly and Greg Belew of Blackshear; one son, Bob Raulerson of Alma; one sister and brother-in-law, Sandy and Wade Sanders of Slidell, LA; two grandchildren, Christopher Leggett and Hannah Belew; one niece, Christy Myers; one nephew, Eric Sanders; many other nieces, nephews and numerous other relatives. Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon, July 28, at 3:00 o'clock at Shady Grove Baptist Church. Interment followed in the Shady Grove Cemetery in Pierce County. Visitation for Raulerson was held Friday evening, July 27, from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Members of the Raulerson Hunting Club were asked to serve as honorary pallbearers. Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org. Pearson-Dial Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of the arrangements.
Jim Bush, Sr.
Jim Bush, Sr., died July 24, 2012 at his residence at 331 Yellow Pine Circle in Baxley. Jim was born Jan. 26, 1939 in Appling County, and had resided in Lakeland, FL for 33 years before moving to Baxley in June of 2012. He was a retired truck driver and was employed with Inicial Uniform Company before his retirement. Jim was of the Church of God Faith. He was the son of the late Major Bush and the late Hattie Lou Hutcheson Bush. Survivors include his wife, Janet Bush of Baxley; two daughters, Renae Hutcheson of Baxley, and Sharon Lynn Manis of Dalton; one son, Jim L. Bush, Jr. of Lakeland, FL; one sister, Ruby Campbell of Fort Mead, FL; nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews also survive. A private memorial service was held Saturday, July 28 with family and close friends attending. Arrangements were under the direction of David E. Miles Funeral Home.
Inez Dyal
Inez Dyal, 84, died Wednesday, August 1, 2012 in Appling Healthcare System. Inez was born Dec. 6, 1927 in Appling County, to the late James Evans Altman and the late Roxie Angeline Varnadore Altman. She was a member of Midway Missionary Baptist Church and was faithful in the Ladies Senior Adult Sunday school class, the WMU organization and a Vacation Bible School Teacher. Mrs. Dyal achieved various awards of dedication and craft ribbons. She was a devoted wife of 62 years, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, a wonderful cook, seamstress, personal friend and caretaker. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George Lorace Dyal and two sisters, Wilma Dyal and Lucile Bratcher. Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Dianne and Tim Medders and Sherry and Glenn Beach, all of Baxley; one son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Edna Dyal of Baxley; one sister, Willie Mae Coleman of Baxley; five grandchildren: Dr. Larry Dyal, Jr., Keisha Medders Walker, George Eric Dyal, Heather Medders Vickers and Tyler Beach; seven great-grandchildren: Broughton Walker, McKenna Walker, Faith Walker, Benton Dyal, Elizabeth Dyal, Jaden Dyal and Eli Vickers; and a host of nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services for Inez Dyal were held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, Aug. 3 at Midway Baptist Church with the Revs. Marty Anderson, Matt Walker, Wayne Williamson and Rick Brown officiating. Interment followed in church cemetery. Active pallbearers were Dr. Larry B. Dyal, Jr., James Benton Dyal, George Eric Dyal, Tyler Glenn Beach, C. E. Dyal, Wade McDaniel, Broughton Wells Walker and Bryan Vickers. Honorary pallbearers were Adult and Senior Women and Men Sunday school class of Midway Baptist Church, Appling Co. Health Dept. Home Health Care, visiting nurses and staff, and Dr. Abraham Cheong, and all family and friends in attendance. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 or the Gideons International, P. O. Box 403, Baxley, GA 31515. Musical selections were rendered by Floyd Hunter and David Williams. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
Steve Griffis
Steve Griffis, 56, of Baxley, and Ocoee, Fla., born September 8, 1955, he died Sunday, July 29, 2012 of an apparent heart attack. He was a member of Ephesus Church of God, a former industrial maintenance worker and a U.S. Air Force Veteran. He was predeceased by his wife, Charlotte Bradham Griffis and a brother, Larry Griffis. Survivors are two daughters, Joyel Waller of Ocoee, Fla. and Ashley Griffis of Grand Rapids, Michigan; one son, Steven Lee Griffis of Ocoee, Fla.; and his parents, R.A. and Margaret Griffis of Ocoee, Fla. Funeral services were at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 3, at Rinehart and Sons Chapel with the Rev. David Hubbs officiating along with the American Legion Post 311's presentation of the U.S. Flag. Interment was in Big Creek Cemetery. Active pallbearers were his friends. Visitation was held one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup were in charge of arrangements.
Tommie Cagle Statum
April 8, 1935 - August 2, 2012
Tommie Cagle Statum, 77, of Baxley, and Hinesville, died Thursday, August 2, 2012 after a short illness. The Huntsville, Ala. native was a member of Zion Church of God in Appling County, a former English instructor with the Liberty County School System and worked for many years with the Grambling Louisiana State University School System. She was predeceased by her husband, the Rev. John D. Statum and enjoyed ministering with him for over 40 years. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Vicki Statum Dunklin. Survivors are a daughter and son-in-law, Jacque and Todd Davis of Ludowici; a son and daughter-in-law, the Rev. Stephen and Pam Statum of Surrency; a sister, Buena Tallman of Jacksonville; a brother, Jesse Cagle of Cleveland, Tenn.; four grandchildren, Michael and Nichole Dunklin of Mobile, Ala., Jeremy Statum of Columbus, Tori Davis of Ludowici, Ian Davis of Ludowici; two great-grandchildren, Seth Dunklin and Brianna Dunklin; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 3, at Zion Church of God, with the Rev. Todd Davis and the Rev. Stephen Statum officiating. Visitation was held from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, August 3, prior to services at the church. Memorials may be made to Zion Church of God, 16 Pratt Hutto Rd., Surrency, GA 31563. Graveside funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 7, at Maple Hill Cemetery in Huntsville, Ala. Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup, was in charge of arrangements.
Florence Hutcheson
Florence Hutcheson, 92, died Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2012 in Appling Healthcare System. Miss Hutcheson was born July 20, 1920 in Montgomery County to the late William Spencer Hutcheson and the late Ophelia Claxton Hutcheson. She was a member of Philippi Baptist Church. Florence was preceded in death by one brother, Clyde Hutcheson and three sisters, Lucy Hutcheson, Elevener Lynn and Willie Anne Toler. Survivors include a sister, Martha Fletcher of Baxley, and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 9 in Swain Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. James Horton and Mitchell Jones officiating. Interment followed in South Thompson Cemetery in Lyons. Active pallbearers were Toby Hallman, Tony Sellers, Joseph Herndon, Wayne Bennett, Stephen Hutcheson, Matt Ahl, Billy Davis, Jr., Michael Rogers and Jon Lott. Honorary pallbearers were all friends in attendance. Music was rendered by the Pavilion Singers. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
James Cuthbert (Dink) Morris
James Cuthbert (Dink) Morris, 87, of Valdosta, died Monday, August 6, 2012 at Langdale Hospice House. He was born in Appling County, on May 25, 1925 to the late Benjamin James (B.J.) and Leone Dunn Morris and had lived in Lowndes County for many years. Morris was a member of the Benevolence Baptist Church and a veteran of the United States Army having served during World War II. He was retired from Owens-Illinois in 1986, after thirty-one years of service and loved farming, raising cattle and tending to his cats. Morris was a compassionate man who loved people and was always willing to help anyone in need. Survivors include his four children and their spouses, Connie and Ronnie Williams, Vicki and Allen Crump, Ben and Lisa Morris, all of Valdosta, Julie and David Chotiner of Mills River, N.C.; eight grandchildren, Ron Morris Williams of Valdosta, Beth (Brian) Payne of Albany, Ann (Tim) Brady, Jason (Meraris) Morris, Jared Morris, Elena Strickland, all of Valdosta, Natalie Helen Chotiner of Alexandria, VA and Jessica Yetta Chotiner of Mills River, N.C.; his great-grandchildren, Steven Russell, Shad Mays, Hunter Reed, Jamie Stalvey, Katia Strickland, Halia Strickland, Luke Morris and Conrad Morris. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Scott Morris, a brother, Carroll Quinton Morris and two infant sisters. Graveside services were held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, August 9 at Friendship Cemetery, 6571 Union Road, Hahira, GA 31632. The family received friends on Wednesday, August 8, 2012 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Carson McLane Funeral Home, 2215 N. Patterson St., Valdosta, GA 31602. Carson McLane Funeral Home of Valdosta was in charge of arrangements. (NOTE: Burial in Friendship Cemetery, Union Road, Hahira, Lowndes Co, GA)
Dean Russell "Rusty" Osteen
Dean Russell "Rusty" Osteen, 49, of Surrency, died Saturday, Aug. 4, 2012 at his residence. Rusty was born Nov. 14, 1962 in Alma but had resided in Appling County, all of his life. He was a member of Zion Missionary Baptist Church and was a Highway 144 volunteer firefighter. A brother, Lavan Osteen, preceded him in death. Survivors include two daughters, Brittany Butler and husband, Thomas, of Lumber City and Lindsey Osteen of Baxley; one son, Adam Osteen and wife, Tiffany, of Surrency; his father and mother, Quinten and Betty Osteen of Surrency; four grandchildren: Jesse, Laynee, Kate and Mila Osteen; and special friend, Teresa Powers of Baxley. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, Aug. 6 at Zion Baptist Church with the Rev. Wayne Williamson, the Rev. Philip Osteen and Elder Thomas Kelly officiating. Interment followed in church cemetery. Active pallbearers were Linton Deloach, D. J. Kimberly, Earl Eason, Wayne Crosby, Benjie Deloach, Richard Crosby, Greg Carter and Blake Jones. Honorary pallbearers were all friends in attendance. Musical selections were rendered by Susan Lamb. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
Princess Hayven Da'Miracle Breontae Shaw
Princess Hayven Da'Miracle Breontae Shaw was born Feb. 22, 2011 to Bridgette Sailem and Deon Shaw. Princess Hayven enjoyed going to church, being outdoors and Baby Einstein. She died Aug. 5, 2012. Her paternal grandfather, Danny Dasher, Sr. preceded her in death. She leaves to cherish her loving memories: her loving parents, Bridgette Sailem and Deon Shaw; four siblings, Brianna Cray Sailem, Brandon Cray, Brittany Sailem and Brandi Sailem; maternal grandparents, Marvin and Maretha Ryals; paternal grandmother, Sonraya Shaw; aunts, Melody Ryals, Amy Ryals, Tristan Lee (Tracy) Sailem and Dichelle Shaw; uncle, Terrion Kilpatrick; special cousins, Kemoni Ryals, J'amiya Romain, Kamiya Ryals and Tajurnee Butler and a host of great-aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 9 at Fresh Start Ministries with Apostle Gloria Hood officiating. Interment followed in Rachel Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery (black). Active pallbearers were Willie Carl Cray, Jarmon Nobles, Leon Hood, Jr., Danny Miller, Kemoni Ryals and Henry Alderman. Musical selections were rendered by Carletha Wright, Dorothy and Kendra James and Terrance Gibbs. Arrangements were under the direction of Brown Funeral Home.
James Larry Wilson
James Larry Wilson, 67, of Surrency, died Thursday, Aug. 9, 2012 at his residence. Larry was born Oct. 17, 1944 to the late James Burrell and Edna Kelly Wilson. He was a member of Zion Baptist Church. Wilson was retired from the mobile home industry after 43 years as owner and operator. He was an avid Nascar and Georgia Bulldog fan. He was an entrepreneur, member of several social and business organizations, proud father, father-in-law, grandfather and great friend. Survivors include two daughters, Monica Wilson of Baxley, and Janet Kelly and husband, Scott, of Jacksonville, FL; and one grandchild, Stacie Peeples of Jacksonville, FL. Funeral services were held at 5:00 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 12 at Zion Baptist Church with the Revs. Darrell Quinn, Philip Osteen and Wayne Williamson officiating. Interment followed in church cemetery. Active pallbearers were George Lightsey, Roger Lightsey, Wally Sapp, Larry Tanner, Terry Turner, Joe K. Moore, Bob Wiggins and Raymond Theus. Honorary pallbearers were Cotton Murray, Lennon DeLoach, Benny DeLoach, Quinton Rush, Ken Smith, Henry Hood, Richard Griffin, Benny Woods, Jackie Woods, Billy Woods, Aaron Branch, Randy Branch, Philip Osteen, Ronnie Hunter, Frank Hunter, Jeff Whitaker, Dale Atkins, Buddy Creech, Charles Gillis, Anthony Cothern, Chris Copeland, Ricky Everly, Corey Theus, Chuck Theus, Corbitt Hunter, Dean Collins, Joey Collins, Stephen Tillman, Jody Collins, Reed Collins, Glenn Martin, Jamie Gardner, Jeff Baxley, Tony Fowler, Robert Hess, Sr., John Schwab, Ray Laborde, Johnny Harper, Ken Cormier, Ricky Gillard, Steve Sellers, Kenny Wright, Wesley Horne, Corbitt Brown, Sarah Boatright, Frank Parkerson, Terry Overstreet, Deen Craven, Marta Lillard, Leon Russell, Payne Eason, Ralph O'Quinn, Ricky Bennett, Roger Branch, Lee Lewis, Carolton Metts, Steve Metts, Edsel Darsey and Jimmy Davis. Musical selections were rendered by Rick and Ann Herndon and Hilda Lowry. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
