Ollie Mae Herrington Wilson, 88 (b. 05 September 1923), of Hazlehurst, died Monday, April 23, 2012. Mrs. Wilson was a native and life-long resident of Jeff Davis County. She was the daughter of the late Tommy Herrington and Minnie Hayes Herrington and the wife of the late Henry Dallas Wilson, Jr. Ollie Mae was a hairdresser and a member of the First United Methodist Church. Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Linda and James Cox of Baxley; two sons and daughter-in-law, Tommy and Janice Wilson of Hazlehurst and Henry Wilson of Alpharetta; very special friends, Richard and Joann Deas of Hazlehurst; three grandchildren, Tommy Wilson, Jr., Christina Hendrix-Smith and Dan Hendrix; five great-grandchildren, Stephen Smith, Julia Smith, Josh Hendrix, Kimberleigh Hendrix and Samantha Hendrix also survive. Funeral services were held at 3:00 p.m. April 23 at First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Rodney Porter officiating. Burial followed in Hazlehurst City Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Jimmy Morris, Buck Elder, Charlie Cole, Jack Cole, Bayne Stone and Milton Kirkland. Musical selections were rendered by Jeffery Spell. Arrangements were under the direction of Miles Funeral Home in Hazlehurst.
Eugene "Gene" Hardwick
Eugene "Gene" Hardwick, age 78, of Lamar County, passed away unexpectedly on May 2, 2012. He was a Graduate of Appling Co. High School and Perry College, as well as the University of Georgia, with degrees in Accounting and Business Administration. He was a retired executive with BellSouth with 38 years of service, and was a member of the Telephone Company Pioneers. He was a deacon with the First Baptist Church of Roswell. He was a director with the American Cancer Society, he worked with Relay For Life for many years, was a member of Village Readers- a group that reads to Pre-K children, past president of Barnesville Rotary Club, served on the City of Roswell Zoning Board, served on the Solid Waste and Industrial Development Authority for Lamar Co., was two term Lamar County Commissioner (Vice-Chair for six years), current Chairman of the Lamar Co. Republican Party, among many other titles. He raised Beefmaster cattle and was the current President of the Southeastern Beefmaster Breeders Assn. and current president of Mid-Atlantic Beefmasters Marketing Group, and member of the GA. Cattleman's Association. He was a decorated Marine and a Mason. He loved the outdoors and was an avid and accomplished hunter and fisherman. He is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Melaine, four children- (son) Lynn Hardwick, (daughters) Tara Hardwick, Jennifer Topper Simmons (Marcus), Heather Topper Cox (Cader); six grandchildren- Thomas Eugene Brimer, Madalyn Hardwick, Taylor Brimer, Carson Simmons, Kendall Simmons, and Caroline Cox; three sisters- Grace Carswell, Angelia Taylor, Penelope Bowles; one brother- Chester Mims, and many other aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was a dedicated husband, father, granddad and his family was his pride and joy. He will be sadly missed by many. Funeral Services for Gene Hardwick were conducted on Saturday, May 5, at two o'clock in the First Baptist Church of Barnesville with the Reverend Garth Forster officiating. Entombment followed in Greenwood Cemetery. The family received friends at the Williams Funeral Home on Friday, May 4, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Williams Funeral Home of Barnesville was in charge of arrangements.
Clarice Collins Crosby
Clarice Collins Crosby, 97, died Sunday, May 6, 2012 in the Pavilion. Ms. Crosby was born March 1, 1915 in Appling County, to the late Henry Collins and the late Clara Floyd Collins. She was the wife of the late R.E.L. (Rob) Crosby and they were engaged in farming for most of their working life. She was preceded in death by a son, Edward Crosby. Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Carl and Martha Crosby of Blackshear and Freddy and Toby Crosby of Baxley; one sister, Jean Fordham of Jesup; two brothers, Henry Collins of Alabama and Charles Collins of Arden, N.C.; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren also survive. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 9 in the chapel of David E. Miles Funeral Home with the Rev. Ron Burbank and the Rev. Charles "Buddy" Coss officiating. Interment followed in Omega Cemetery in Baxley. Active pallbearers were Steve Blanton, Dylan Crosby, Robbie Crosby, Ryan Crosby, Levi Thrift, Richie Williams and Jimmy Branch. Honorary pallbearers were the management and staff of the Pavilion, and the management and staff of Concerted Services. Musical selections were rendered by Floyd Hunter, David Williams and Glenda Crosby. Arrangements were under the direction of David E. Miles Funeral Home.
Earl Vance Milton, Sr.
Earl Vance Milton, Sr., 76, died Sunday, May 6, 2012 at his residence. Milton was born Sept. 15, 1935 in Appling County, to the late Alton Vance Milton and the late Mary F. Johnson Milton. He was a member of Ten Mile Creek Baptist Church where he was a member of the church choir in early years and taught Sunday school and training union. Milton was a member of Holmesville Masonic Lodge 195 F. & A.M. He attended Appling County Schools and graduated from Baxley High School in 1954. He moved to Marietta in 1955 and was employed by Lockheed Aircraft Corp as an airplane mechanic. He and his family returned to Appling County in 1961, where they still presently reside. Milton was employed by Gold Kist, Inc. of Baxley, and retired in 1990 as general manager. His daughter, Kathy Milton Drawdy and two infant sons, Keith Milton and Richard Neal Milton, preceded him in death. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Shirley Smith Milton of Baxley; one son and daughter-in-law, Vance "Skip" Jr. and Ginger Milton of Surrency; four grandchildren, Krisann and Adrian Atkinson, Richard "Rick" Vance and Amy Milton, Brittany and Daniel Guerra and Christina Milton; five great-grandchildren, Melana Atkinson, Kaylei Atkinson, Kendra Leggett, Jared Leggett and Landen Vance Milton; two sisters, Mary Jean Gardner and Betty Jo Dixon; one brother and sister-in-law, Harold, Sr. and Nancy Milton; father-in-law, Richard R. Blue, Sr. and wife, Willie F. Blue; two brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Richard R. Jr. and Glenda Blue and T. Carlton Barry, Sr. and the late Dot Barry. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 9 at Ten Mile Creek Baptist Church with the Rev. Tommy Daniels and the Rev. Doug Weisel officiating. Interment followed in Ten Mile Creek Baptist Church Cemetery with Masonic Rites. Active pallbearers were Harry W. Moody, Alton V. Moody, Terry Moody, George Milton, Jr., Bobby Gardner, Joe Gardner, William E. Tharpe, Sr., Robert Bartles and Butch Cochran. Honorary pallbearers were Holmesville Masonic Lodge 195 F. & A.M., former employees of Gold Kist, Inc., Comfort Care Hospice, Dr. William G. Grubb and staff of Marshes Medical Diagnostic Clinic of Brunswick. Musical selections were rendered by Ten Mile Creek Baptist Church Choir. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
Mildred Turner Butler
Mildred Turner Butler, 84, died Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at her residence. Mildred was born Nov. 8, 1927 in Appling County, to the late Joseph Turner and the late Eva Victoria Holland Turner. She was a member of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church since the age of 10. Ms. Butler taught Adult Sunday school for 50 years and held numerous other positions in the church. After retirement from Department of Family and Children Services, she worked with ATEC on Adult Literacy Committee and with Appling Healthcare First Step-Program. She was a loving mother, grandmother and devoted to her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Benney Eugene Butler, a sister, Jincy Turner Crosby and a nephew, Gary Crosby. Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Janey and Larry Britt of Baxley; two sons and daughters-in-law, Rhett and Linda Butler of Brunswick and Bruce and Sandra Butler of Baxley; eight grandchildren, Scott Britt, Gene Butler, Tim Butler, Dr. Jeffery Butler, John Butler, Dr. Angela Britt, Victoria Hunt and Vanessa Carter; one step-grandchild, Andrea Miller; eight great-grandchildren, one step-great-grandchild; and several very special cousins also survive. Funeral services were held at 8:00 p.m. Thursday, May 24 at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church with the Rev. Darrell Quinn officiating. Interment to follow at a later date. Active pallbearers were Scott Britt, Rhett "Gene" Butler, Jr., Tim Butler, Jeffery Butler, John Butler, Angela Britt, Victoria Hunt, Vanessa Carter, Andrea Miller and Tucker Stone. Honorary pallbearers were senior members of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church. Remembrances may be made to Mt. Vernon Baptist Church Building Fund c/o Lamar Turner, 459 G. W. Turner Road, SE, Baxley, GA 31513. Musical selections were rendered by members of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
Betty Lou McDaniel Collins
Betty Lou McDaniel Collins, 54, died Sunday, May 20, 2012 in the Appling Healthcare System. Mrs. Collins was born Aug. 2, 1957 in Appling County, to the late Bloyce Coy McDaniel and the late Mattie Lou Davis McDaniel. She was a member of Spring Branch Baptist Church. Betty was a former employee of We Care Too Transport. Survivors include her husband, Danny Collins, Sr. of Baxley; one daughter and son-in-law, Selena and Jason Head of Baxley; one son and daughter-in-law, Adam and Lori Carter of Baxley; one step-daughter, Cindy Driggers of Vidalia; three step-sons, Eddie Collins and Kenneth Collins, both of Vidalia and Phillip Collins of Glenwood; step-mother, Betty "Cleo" Carter; four sisters, Mary Thatcher of Hazlehurst, Connie McDaniel of Baxley, and JoAnne Wilcox and Virginia Carter, both of Hazlehurst; two brothers, Joel Poe and Junior McDaniel, both of Hazlehurst; grandchildren, Hunter and Lexsy Griffin and Triston and Kagon Carter; step-grandchildren, Dalton, Sam and Ivey Driggers, Brittany, Big Brandon, Little Brandon and Casy and Maklyn Collins; and several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services were held at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 22 at Spring Branch Baptist Church with the Revs. Thomas Turner and Dennis Bryant officiating. Interment followed in Olen Carter Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Joel Poe, Chris Thatcher, Anthony McDaniel, Brad McDaniel and Michael McDaniel. Honorary pallbearers were all friends in attendance. Musical selections were rendered by The Apostles. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
Sandra H. Dawson
Sandra H. Dawson, 66, died Tuesday, May 22, 2012 in Appling Healthcare System. Sandra was born Sept. 28, 1945 in Appling County, to the late Jessie Thomas Hardwick and the lat Lily Merle Edenfield Hardwick. She was a member of Zion Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by a son, William Thomas Ashmore. Survivors include one daughter, Tabitha Medders of Baxley; two sons and daughter-in-law, Keith and Christy Ashmore of Hazlehurst and Don Medders, Jr. of Baxley; one sister, Bonnie Murray of Baxley; eight grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and two nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services for Sandra H. Dawson were held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, May 25 at Zion Baptist Church with the Revs. Tommy Kelly, Chris Nail and Wayne Williamson officiating. Interment followed in church cemetery. Active pallbearers were Derek Cochran, Josh Barber, Justin Barber, Steven Barrett, Christian Barker and Heath Ashmore. Honorary pallbearers were all friends in attendance. Musical selections were rendered by Debbie Taylor and Cathy Temple. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
Annette Herndon Morris
Annette Herndon Morris, 72, of Blackshear, died early Thursday morning, June 28, 2012 at Southeast Georgia Medical Center. Born in Blackshear on December 30, 1939, she had moved away for several years before moving back to Pierce County in the early '70's. Mrs. Morris was a homemaker. She also served on the Pierce County Board of Elections and the board of The Magnolia House. She also worked with the census bureau. She loved to learn and considered herself a "professional" student. Having a big heart, Mrs. Morris loved to help people and no matter where you saw her she always had a smile on her face. She was a member of First Baptist Church where she was in the Enriched Sunday School Class. Mrs. Morris was a daughter of the late Willie Lloyd and Inez Turner Herndon. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Ima Gene Williams, by her brother, Robert Jack Herndon, and by a grandson, Drake Davis. Survivors include her husband, Robert R. Morris of Blackshear; three daughters and sons-in-law, Sherri and Jeff Adams of Jacksonville, Jerri and Tim Mann of Atlanta and Terri and Joe O'Connor of Brunswick; eight grandchildren, Ashley Waters, Zach Adams, Dusty Davis, Tripp Mann, Ricki Lynn Davis, Ellie Mann, Colby O'Connor, and Cassidy O'Connor; two great-grandchildren, Kaleigh McQueen and Kolson McQueen, and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services for Mrs. Morris were held at 11:00 o'clock Saturday morning, June 30, at the First Baptist Church. Interment was in Big Creek Cemetery. Visitation for Mrs. Morris was held Friday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 at the funeral home. Board members and employees of The Magnolia House were asked to serve as honorary pallbearers. Memorials may be made to the Drake Davis Foundation, 145 15th St. Unit 1204, Atlanta, GA 30309 or go to www.drakedavis.com. Pearson-Dial Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of the arrangements.
Benjamin E. "Coach Ben" Park
Benjamin E. "Coach Ben" Park, 93, (born Oct. 14, 1918) of Jesup and Baxley, died Thursday, June 28, 2012 after an extended illness. The Washington Co., native had lived most of his adult life in Wayne and Appling Co. He was a member of the Jesup First United Methodist Church and the Baxley First United Methodist Church and was a graduate of Auburn University, where he played football and basketball and started his coaching career with Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC. After serving in the U. S. Army, he served as athletic director in Vidalia, Jesup, and Alma, and influenced many young people with life skills in pursuing greater career goals. He laid the foundation for the Wayne County Recreation Department and was honored this year with the naming of the "Ben Park Complex" in his honor. He enjoyed all sports, especially golf, church activities, playing bridge, and fishing. He was predeceased by his wives: Frances H. Odum Park and Maebelle Breen Park, a daughter, Lyn Park, great-granddaughter, Tinley Park, and ten siblings. Survivors are a daughter and son-in-law, Patti (Kenny) Bryant of Jesup; one son and daughter-in-law, Pastor Brad (Debbie) Park of Baxley; one brother and sister-in-law, Clifford (Pat) Park of Blackshear; four grandchildren: Lauri (Craig) Davis, Brandi Edenfield and Allen Edenfield, Dallas (Larissa) Bryant, all of Jesup and Derek (Janna) Park of Collins, great-grandchildren, Graham and Gray Davis, Ryan and Rilie Edenfield and Bailey Bryant, and several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services were at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 30 at Jesup First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Tucker Lewis and Kenny Bryant officiating. Interment was in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Gary Peel, Herschel Daniel, Johnny Wolfe, Mike Harrell, Kendall Keith, Paul Conner, Warren Purvis and Harry Spell. Visitation was from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Saturday at the church prior to services. Memorials may be made to: Jesup First United Methodist Church Children and Youth Ministries, 205 E. Cherry St. Jesup, GA, 31546. Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup were in charge of the arrangements. (NOTE: s/o Hugh Alonza PARK & Eva T. NEWELL)
Mitchell Leroy Russell, Sr.
Mitchell Leroy Russell, Sr., died Sunday, June 24 at 5:28 p.m. Russell was born Dec. 28, 1935 in Appling County, to the late Robert Russell, Sr. and Audrey Moody Russell. He attended school in Appling County. He was employed and retired from Hazlehurst Mills. Russell farmed and worked in turpentine on his own land. He was a lifetime member of St. James A.M.E. Church; he held the office of trustee pro-tem, finance committee member, served on the steward board, Sunday school scholar, church van driver for Sunday school youth and the church lawn keeper.
Leroy married Clara Mae Davis Oct. 17, 1954 and to this union eight children were born. A daughter, Cassandra Russell and two sons, Clifton Russell and James Henry Russell preceded him in death. Survivors include his wife, Clara Mae Russell; six children, Gregory Russell (Sadie) of Baxley, Kathy Marshell Russell Solomon (Alfred) of Baxley, Mitchell Leon Russell (Elvira) of Baxley, Mitchell Leroy Russell, Jr. of Baxley, Terrance Stanley Russell, Sr. (Lillie Ann) of Atlanta and Eric Demetrius Russell (Angela) of Adairsville; god-daughter, Dora Ogden Mann; siblings, Leroy, was the first born of 12 children: Thomas Lewis Russell, Dora Russell Williams, Gloria Ann Russell McDuffie, (James Henry Russell preceded him in death), Mary Russell Wilkerson of Baxley, Robert Russell, Jr. of Savannah, Willie Mae Russell of Albany, Willie Lee Russell (Fannie) of Baxley, Rosetta Russell Smith (David) of Tampa, FL, Jettie Russell Baldwin of Hinesville and Beatrice Russell of Albany; 27 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. Funeral services for Leroy Russell were held Thursday, June 28 at St. James A.M.E. Church with Elder Norris Williams officiating. Eulogy was given by Pastor Douglas B. Stinson. Interment followed in Rachel Baptist Church Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Tearel Russell, Cedric Solomon, Tony Russell, James Solomon, Terrance Russell and Stephen Russell. Musical selections were rendered by Voices of Genesis, Jeremnich Russell and St. James A.M.E. Church Choir. Arrangements were under the direction of Brown Funeral Home (black).
