Georgia, U.S., Marriage Records From Select Counties, 1828-1978
Millard E. Griffin
Mr. Millard E. Griffin, 71, of Fitzgerald died Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at his residence.
Services were held Friday, November 28 at 2 p.m. at the Paulk Funeral Home Chapel in Fitzgerald, with Rev. Greg Carroll and Rev. Kenneth Smith officiating. Interment was held in Evergreen Cemetery.
Music was provided by pianist, Patsy Spradlin; duet, Diane Bellamy and Perry Carroll and piano soloist, Millard Griffin, Jr.
Pallbearers were Tim Turnage, Scott Spinks, Sam Evans, Edgar Bellamy, Keith Griffin, Billy Wilder, Allan Griner and Alan Foster.
Honorary pallbearers were Fitzgerald Ford-Lincoln-Mercury employees.
Mr. Griffin was born August 21, 1932 in Irwin County, son of the late Riley Vasco and Ivey Belle Fowler Griffin and was also preceded in death by two brothers. He was a driver for Fitzgerald Ford-Lincoln-Mercury. He retired as supervisor of the Card Room at Modern Fibers, was a former employee of Massey-Ferguson Tractor Company, International Tractor Company and Sultana Truck Stop. He was a former insurance agent with Life of Georgia and a farmer. Mr. Griffin served in the U. S. Army during the Korean War era. He was a member of Crossview Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Daner Cook Griffin of Fitzgerald; three daughters, Darlene G. Cook of Fitzgerald, Marcia G. Smith of Atlanta and Andi G. Griffin of Fitzgerald; two sons, Millard E. “Sport” Griffin, Jr. of Aiken, SC and Stacy Griffin of Fitzgerald; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; one sister, Dorothy G. Bellamy of Fitzgerald.
Paulk Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Marlene S. Miles
Mrs. Anne Marlene Smith Miles, 72, of Tifton died Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at Tift Regional Medical Center.
Mrs. Miles was born May 16, 1931 in Waycross, daughter of the late Walter Marsh Smith and Viola Rose Johnson Smith.
A longtime resident of Tifton, Mrs. Miles was a retired Media Specialist with the Tift County School System. She was a member of the Gardener Sunday School class at First Baptist Tifton. She was very active with her church and Sunday School class.
Services were held at Sanctuary of First Baptist Church, Tifton on Saturday, November 29 at 2 p.m., with Dr. W. Ches Smith, III and Rev. Paul Thomas officiating.
Pallbearers were Troy Hampton, Bill Johnson, Billy Selph, Ray Worley, Gene Seigler, Joe Johnson, Clair Troxell and Billy Wood.
Honorary pallbearers were the Adult III Sunday School Department of Tifton First Baptist Church and Media Specialists of the Tift County School System, both active and retired.
Interment was held at Oakridge Cemetery.
Survivors include her husband, Robert L. “Bobby” Miles of Tifton; daughter, Marsha Miles of Jacksonville, FL; daughter and son-in-law, Melanie and Steve Morgan of Roswell; brother, Morris A. Smith, Sr. of Irwin County; two grandchildren, Miles and Diana Morgan of Roswell; nephew, Andy Smith of Tifton and several other nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by a brother, O. A. Smith.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Brother Charlie’s Rescue Mission or the Sewing Ministry of the WMU of First Baptist Church of Tifton.
Albritton-Beaumont Funeral Directors - Tiftarea Chapel were in charge of arrangements.
Thomas Gatlin
Mr. Thomas Gatlin of Miami, FL, formerly of Ocilla, passed away Friday, November 28, 2003 at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, FL.
He is survived by Ophelia Sneed Gatlin of Miami, FL; three sons and his mother, Mrs. Ivory Sneed of Ocilla.
Services will be held Saturday, December 6 at 1 p.m. at Antioch Baptist Church in Brownsville, FL.
Ottis W. Lewis, Jr.
Mr. Ottis W. Lewis, Jr., 71, of Ocilla died Sunday, November 30, 2003 at Tift Regional Medical Center. Full details were not available at press time. Paulk Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Willie Frank McClain
Mr. Willie Frank McClain, “Preacher Man” died Thursday, November 13, 2003 at Irwin County Hospital. He was 44.
Mr. McClain was born February 2, 1959 in Ocilla, son of the late Annie Mea McClain and John Willie Dean.
He attended Irwin County High School and enjoyed a career as a truck driver until his health would no longer allow him to drive.
Preceding him in death were his son, Cornelius; daughter, Nikola “Cocoa” McClain Hall; grandmother, Essie Dean and stepfather, Thomas Paschal.
Survivors include his two daughters, Tausha and Dia McClain; his brothers, Ricky (Paula) Telfair of Fitzgerald and Curtis (Joann) Terry; grandchildren, Keona and Kevin McClain; a very special friend, Gloria Dyous; maternal grandmother, Sally McClain and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Services were held at Pleasant Grove First Baptist Church in Ocilla on Monday, November 17 at 2 p.m. with Elder Johnny B. Battle officiating.
Music was provided by the choir.
Pallbearers were Clifford Riley, Jr., Tony Wynn, George Moore, Donnie Stanley, Eddie Floyd, Cedrick Robinson and Chester Lewis.
Honorary pallbearers were Willie McClain, Curtis Terry, John Bryant, John McClain, Ricky Telfair, Mose McClain and Terry Cook.
Interment was held at Ocilla City Cemetery.
Henderson Memorial Chapel was in charge of arrangements.
Rebecca Stone White
Mrs. Rebecca (Becky) Stone White of Fitzgerald died Wednesday, November 19, 2003 at her home.
Services were held Friday, November 21 at 2 p.m. at the Ocilla Church of God with Rev. Clayton Dowd and Rev. Robert Tanner officiating.
Pallbearers were David Chaney, Roy Oglsby, Michael Oglsby, Billy Alexander, Joshua White and Charles White.
Music was provided by pianist, Wendy Dowd; soloist, Joey Mykytka and duet by Victor and Melanie Gilbert. Interment was held in Evergreen Cemetery in Fitzgerald.
Mrs. White was born January 2, 1959 in Palatka, FL, daughter of the late Henry Stone and Martha Hutchinson Stone. She was a cashier with Flash Foods in Ocilla and had also worked as a cashier with Murphy Usa in Douglas. She was a former employee of Coats & Clark Manufacturing and Elixir Industries in Douglas. Mrs. White was a former resident of Douglas, Tifton, Ocilla and Tampa, FL. She was a member of the Ocilla Church of God.
Survivors include her husband, Raymond White of Fitzgerald; daughter, Amanda Taylor of Fitzgerald; one son, Jason Stone of Ray City; two step-daughters, Bonnie White and Jasmine White, both of Fitzgerald; four grandchildren, Holly and Lindsey Taylor, both of Fitzgerald and Jase Stone and Austin Branch, both of Ray City; five sisters, Lucille Barnett of Charleston, SC; Nell Taylor of Douglas; Carolyn Whitley of Nicholls, Wanda Mullinnix of Easley, SC and Faye Roberson of Ocilla; four brothers, Melvin Stone, Kenny Stone and Henry Stone, all of Douglas and J. W. Stone of Charleston, SC.
Paulk Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements
J. D. Arnold
Services for J. D. Arnold, age 75, of Sycamore were held at 11 a.m., Saturday, November 22 at New Prospect Freewill Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Mr. Arnold died Thursday, November 20 at Archbold Medical Center after a short illness.
Mr. Arnold was a native of Tift County, son of the late Walter Jordan and Evelyn Gertrude Shivers Arnold. He was retired from the Turner County School System as maintenance supervisor and was an electrician. He was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the U. S. Army and was a member of the New Prospect Freewill Baptist Church and had been a resident of Turner County most of his life.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Elbert Arnold and Leroy Arnold.
Survivors include his daughter, Elaine Arnold; step-daughter, Requelen Payne and step-son, Tommy Pirkle, all of Sycamore and brother, Warren Arnold of Sycamore.
Perry Funeal Chapel was in charge of arrangements.
Claryce Paulk Fountain
Claryce Paulk Fountain, 88, of Fitzgerald died Thursday, November 20 at the Palemon-Gaskins Nursing Home in Ocilla.
Graveside services were held Saturday, November 22 at 2 p.m. at Evergreen Cemetery in Fitzgerald with Rev. Gerald Thomas officiating.
Mrs. Fountain was born January 28, 1915 in Irwin County, daughter of the late Warren J. Paulk and Georgia Leila Story Paulk. Before her marriage to the late J. W. Fountain, Sr., she taught first grade in Ambrose. As a devoted wife and mother, Mrs. Fountain excelled in ceramics, china painting, needlepoint, gardening and playing the piano by ear.
She was a member of First Baptist Church and the Bethany Sunday School class. In service to her community, Mrs. Fountain was past president of the Floraculture Garden Club, a member of the Pilot Club, the Bridge Club, the local chapter of the American Cancer Society and the Elks Club. Mrs. Fountain is also remembered for her loyalty as a Fitzgerald High School Band parent for her children and a Cub Scout den mother.
Survivors include her three children, Georgia F. Latimer and her husband, Ken, of Fitzgerald; Gail F. Barcus and John W. Fountain, Jr. and his wife, Nancy, all of Amelia Island, FL; five grandchildren, David Latimer of Atlanta; Miles Latimer, Jerry Latimer, both of Tallahassee, FL; Will Barcus of Amelia Island, FL and Jay Barcus of Albany; five great-grandchildren, Shelby Latimer of Atlanta; Jordan Latimer, Charlie Latimer, Joey Moore and Chris Clements, all of Tallahassee, FL; two sisters-in-law, Myra Fountain of Fitzgerald and Melba Paulk of Ocilla and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were Jim Floyd, David Latimer, Miles Latimer, Jerry Latimer, Will Barcus and Jay Barcus.
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials may send them to First Baptist Church, Ocilla Baptist Church or donor’s favorite charity.
Paulk Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Larry G. Fussell
Mr. Larry G. Fussell, 53, of Coffee County (Lax) died Saturday, November 15, 2003 at his home.
Services were held Monday, November 17 at 4 p.m. at Union Primitive Baptist Church, Coffee County near Lax with Elder Philip Smith and Elder Dale Smith officiating. Interment followed in Union Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Jr. McDonald, Willie Neal McDonald, Keith McDonald, Buddy Wynn, Ron Daniel and Ed McDonald. Music was provided by pianist, Betty McIntyre; song leader, Danneda Perkins and singers, Elder Roy Perkins, Elder Philip Smith and Danneda Perkins.
Mr. Fussell was born May 6, 1950 in Coffee County, son of Oveda Harper Fussell and the late Joel William Fussell. He was a maintenance technician having worked with Shaw, formerly Modern Fibers, for 20 years. He was a 1969 graduate of Coffee County High School and had lived in Fitzgerald for 26 years before returning to Coffee County. Mr. Fussell was a member of Union Primitive Baptist Church.
Survivors include two daughters, Marlena Jernigan and Sherry McMorrow, both of Fitzgerald; mother, Oveda H. Fussell of Coffee County near Lax; brother, Travis Fussell of Fitzgerald; sister, Janice Hattaway of Coffee County near Lax and three grandchildren.
Paulk Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Lawton Daniel
Lawton Daniel, 87, of Ocilla died Monday, November 10, 2003 at Irwin County Hospital.
Services were held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, November 12 at Union Primitive Baptist Church in Coffee County with Elder Philip Smith officiating. Interment was held in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers were Edwin McDonald, Olan Daniel, Jimmy Studgehill, Travis Fussell, Kenny Pridgen and Lem Hattaway.
Honorary pallbearers were Larry Fussell, David Smith and J. L. McMillan.
Music was provided by Betty McIntyre, Elder Roy Perkins, Danneda Perkins and Elder Philip Smith.
Mr. Daniel was born February 4, 1916 in Coffee County. Mr. Daniel farmed until 1951. He was a retired automobile salesman with Troy Tankersley at Irwin County Motors and a former employee of Paulk Funeral Home. He was a dedicated member and deacon of Union Church.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Myrtice T. Daniel; one son, Ronnie C. Daniel; two daughters, Alicia Cockman and Helen Wynn and three granddaughters.
Lucile Clements Hobby
Lucile Clements Hobby, 75, of Fitzgerald died Tuesday, November 11, 2003 at Tift Regional Medical Center.
Services were held Saturday, November 15 at 10 a.m. at Paulk Funeral Home Chapel, Fitzgerald with Rev. Steve Waldorf officiating. Interment was held in Irwinville Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Jonathan Ross, Drew Hobby, Kent Heninger, David Hobby, Lamar Wright, Joey Veal and John Ross.
Honorary pallbearers were William Marsh, Plyde Marsh, William Evans, Charlie Bowman, John Lang, Gene Cowan, Pete Roberts, UDC members and WMU Circle members.
Music was provided by pianist, Patsy Spradlin and soloist, Susan Hobbs.
Mrs. Hobby was born September 13, 1928 in Irwin County, daughter of the late Judge J. B. and Lillie Hunter Clements. She lived in Ben Hill and Irwin counties all of her life and graduated from Ocilla High School.
She was a housewife, an avid gardener and artist. Mrs. Hobby was a member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy and a member of the garden club. She was a member of Central United Methodist Church, Fitzgerald, the Jessie Thompson Sunday School class and the United Methodist Women.
Survivors include her husband, Tracy Hobby of Fitzgerald; daughter, Pat Ross-Clark of Atlanta; stepson, David Hobby of Fitzgerald; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Elaine Mitchell Bills
Mrs. Elaine Mitchell Bills of Las Vegas, NV died Monday, November 10, 2003 at Ucla Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA. She was 58.
Mrs. Bills was born February 3, 1945 in Ocilla, daughter of Gena Beth Henderson Mitchell and the late Sammie Steve Mitchell.
Mrs. Bills was a 1963 graduate of Fitzgerald High School and she received her BS and masters degree from Georgia Southern University. Mrs. Bills taught at Mystic School, Irwin Academy and she taught in Aiken, SC and Las Vegas, NV, where she received the the Teacher of the Year award in both cities. She was a Hospice volunteer and a very active member of Shadow Hill Baptist Church, Las Vegas, NV, helping the less fortunate.
Survivors include her husband, Robert C. “Bob” Bills of Las Vegas, NV; daughter, Ginnia Bills of Las Vegas, NV; son, Steve Bills of San Diego, CA; mother, Gena Beth Mitchell of Fitzgerald; sister, Ann Mitchell of Fitzgerald and granddaughter, Kaylyn Bills of San Diego, CA.
Services were held at Shadow Hill Baptist Church in Las Vegas, NV on November 14 at 1:30 p.m., with Rev. Bob Cassels officiating. A private interment was held. At the end of the service, balloons were released in Las Vegas and other cities.
Lurrice Arnold
Lurrice “Reese” Arnold, 54, of Ocilla died Thursday, November 6, 2003 at her home.
Services were held at 11 a.m., Saturday, November 8 at Ocilla Baptist Church with Rev. Gerald Thomas and Rev. Eddie Allen officiating. Interment was held in Old Valley Grove Cemetery in Irwin County.
Music was provided by organist, Sujette Giddens and soloist, Lynn Jones.
Pallbearers were Chad Sumner, Jimmy Lee, Walter Tyler, Wyndall Walters, Harry Mixon and Bruce Wilder.
Honorary pallbearers were Doug Litts, Billy Wilder, Alan Gray, Bucky Tyler, Howard Mitchell, Lamar Purvis and Gary Tankersley.
Mrs. Arnold was born May 4, 1949 in Irwin County, daughter of Varney D. and Esther Hawes McClelland. She was a retired Service Representative with the Social Security Administration in Tifton with 20 years of service.
Mrs. Arnold was a former employee of the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany with six years of service. She was a member of Ocilla Baptist Church where she had served as Sunday School teacher. Mrs. Arnold was a member of Contractors for Christ of the Georgia Baptist Convention and was the Georgia Emergency Management Agency Volunteer of the Year in 1988.
Survivors include her husband, Gene Arnold of Ocilla; two sons and daughters-in-law, Morgan Eugene “Shotgun” III and Jennifer Arnold of Tifton, Steven Tate and Amy Arnold of Ocilla, one grandson, Morgan Eugene Arnold IV of Tifton; parents, Varney and Esther McClelland of Ocilla; two brothers, Carey McClelland of Ocilla and Darien McClelland of Heavener, OK.
Paulk Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Rebecca Hogan Baltes
Rebecca (Miss Becky) Hogan Baltes of Ocilla died Tuesday, November 4, 2003 in Tifton.
Services were held Thursday, November 6 at 2 p.m. at St. William’s Catholic Church in Fitzgerald with Rev. Ted Johnson and Rev. David Matthews officiating. Interment was held in Oakridge Cemetery in Tifton.
Mrs. Baltes was born March 7, 1917 in Chula, daughter of the late David H. and Mittie Payne Hogan. She was preceded in death by her husband Neil E. Baltes in 1951. A beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and aunt, Mrs. Baltes was a dear friend to many. She was a model of courage raising her two children without their father, battling cancer three times, as well as other illnesses.
Mrs. Baltes will be remembered for her devotion to her family and St. William’s Catholic Church as well as the generous amount of time she spent visiting the sick and elderly. When her children were young, she was a substitute school teacher and later worked for Dill’s Hardware for 30 years. She was a Pink Lady at Irwin County Hospital and a volunteer for the American Red Cross Bloodmobile.
Survivors include daughter and son-in-law, Frances and Charles Tidd of Cumming; son and daughter-in-law, Joe and Elizabeth Baltes of Canton; two grandchildren, Jeff Baltes and Ryan Baltes; sisters, Frances Aultman of Ocilla, Virginia Sedlick and Betty Matthews, both of Chula.
A memorial fund has been established at St. William’s Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. William’s Catholic Church, Attn: Mary Spicer, P. O. Box 861, Fitzgerald, GA 31750.
Paulk Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
