Georgia, U.S., Marriage Records From Select Counties, 1828-1978
Willie Lee Wood
Mr. Willie Lee Wood, 55, of Jennings, FL, died Tuesday, September 28, 2004 in Port St. Lucie, FL.
Memorial services were held at Paulk Funeral Home Chapel, Fitzgerald on Monday, October 4 at 11 a.m., with Rev. Carlton Webb officiating.
Music was provided by a duet of Cindy Evans and Karen Hancock.
Mr. Wood was born January 29, 1949 in Ty Ty, son of Marvin and Mamie Lee Willoughby Wood. He was a veteran of the United States Army during the Vietnam War era. Mr. Wood was a truck driver with Scales Transport Corporation. He was a member and bus driver for Westside Baptist Church in Ashburn. Mr. Wood was a member of the American Legion.
Survivors include two sons, Charlie Wood of Jennings, FL and Jeremy Wood of Quitman; two daughters, Lisa Faust of Houston, TX and Chrisy Moore of Katy, TX; two brothers, Everett Wood of Albany and Ricky Wood of San Antonio, FL; two sisters, Joyce Stephens of Lakeland, FL and Cathy Hall of Rebecca.
Paulk Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Charles A. Young
Charles A. Young, 87, of Ocilla died Sunday, September 26, 2004 at the Osceola Nursing Home.
Services were held Tuesday, September 28 at 2 p.m. at Ocilla United Methodist Church with Rev. Keithan Tucker and Rev. Jim Osborn officiating. Interment was held in Ocilla Cemetery.
Music was provided by organist, Jean Dent.
Pallbearers were Orman Paulk, Marchmon Howell, Johnny Bishop, Scott Williams, Steve Williams and Walter Tyler.
Mr. Young was born June 15, 1917 in Ocilla, son of the late Albert Green Young and Carrie Paulk Young. He served as Clerk of Superior Court for Irwin County from 1949-1981. He was the former owner of Charles Food Store in Ocilla. Mr. Young was also an area supervisor for Dell Cook Lumber Company. During World War II, he worked in the Shipyard in Savannah. Mr. Young was a member of the Ocilla United Methodist Church and former Chairman of the Pastor Parrish Committee. He was a Mason.
Survivors include his wife, Marguerite Bishop Young of Ocilla; son and daughter-in-law, C. Larry and Shirley “Sam” Young of Ocilla; two grandsons and granddaughters-in-law, Todd and Angie Young of Ocilla; Ryan and Mandy Young of Americus; two great-granddaughters, Madison and Darbee Young. He was preceded in death by one son, James David Young and six brothers, Aldean, Russell, Carl, Loyless, Rogean and Horace Young.
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials in lieu of flowers may send them to Ocilla United Methodist Church or the Ocilla Cemetery Fund.
Joe Barthell
Deacon Joe Barthell died Sunday, September 19, 2004. He was 78.
Mr. Barthell was born January 8, 1926 in Wray, Irwin County, son of the late Joe and Mattie Bell Barthell. He was educated in the Irwin County School system.
He met and married Ms. Ella Mae Williams on August 14, 1948. To this union six children were born; one of which preceded him in death.
At an early age he joined the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church RFD Fitzgerald. Deacon Barthell served in many capacities of the church as an ordained Deacon, President of the Usher Board, chairperson of the Cemetery Committee and served in other capacities. He was very instrumental in providing musical services for the church.
Later, he joined the Friendship Baptist Church where he served on the Deacon Board, Finance Committee and served in other capacities.
Deacon Barthell believed in his church, pastor and family values. He was a very devoted husband, father and grandfather. His grandchildren were the center of his life.
As a provider for his family he farmed, managed Street’s Econo Wash and drove a cab for Taylor’s Cab Company.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Ella Mae Williams Barthell of Fitzgerald; children, Nella (Aldene) Tyson of Ocilla, Betty (Roscoe) Brown of Fitzgerald, Linda (Calvin) Wilcox of Fitzgerald, Alice Ruth of Savannah and Joe (Pam) Barthell of Philadelphia, PA; nine grandchildren, Valerie, Tonya, Lovonda, Chrisie, Mary Etta, Shannon, Tony, Timothy and Decovan (DJ); 14 great-grandchildren; one brother, James Barthell of Tampa, FL; two sisters-in-law, Mabel (Joe) Newton of Philadelphia, PA and Shirley Barthell; two brothers-in-law, Wilbert (Mary) Williams of Savannah and Rev. Mathis Henderson of Philadelphia, PA; one very devoted great-grandson, Javari Barthell and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Services were held at Friendship Baptist Church in Osierfield on Saturday, September 25 at 11 a.m., with Rev. Douglas Taylor officiating.
Music was provided by the church choir and soloists, Deacon Junior Slacks and Deacon Robert Leverson.
Active pallbearers were Deacons Jimmie Lee Moss, Albert Webb, Junior Slacks, Willie B. Porter, Henry Deese, Matthew Moss, David Deese and Morris Moss.
Honorary pallbearers were grandsons and great-grandsons.
Interment was held in Evergreen Cemetery.
Jack Elie Vickers
Mr. Jack Elie Vickers of Irwin County died Saturday, September 25, 2004 at his residence. He was 78.
Mr. Vickers was born July 22, 1926 in Irwin County, son of the late John W. Vickers and Ethel Willis Vickers. He was a member of Liberty Baptist Church.
Mr. Vickers was retired from the Georgia Forestry Commission. He was a veteran of the U. S. Navy serving in WW II, retired from the Irwin County Board of Commissioners and he was also a Mason. He lived in Irwin County all of his life.
Services were held at Chapel Albritton-Beaumont on Monday, September 27 at 11 a.m, with Rev. Gerald Purvis and Rev. Steve Hand officiating. Interment was held in Tift Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers were W. F. Pate, Monty Pate, Jerry Pless, Randy Pless, Mark Pless, Charlie Jackson, Robert Pipin and Jerry Padgett.
He was preceded in death by one brother.
Survivors include his wife, Betty Pless Vickers of Ocilla; son, Darryl Vickers of Newnan and son and daughter-in-law, Don and Kim Vickers of Ocilla; two grandchildren, Christie V. Goins of New York, NY and Amy V. Arnold of Ocilla and one great-grandson, Gowan Arnold of Ocilla.
John C. Collins
Mr. John C. Collins, 52, of Jennings, FL passed away Tuesday, September 21, 2004 at Trinity Community Hospital. Mr. Collins was born in Indianapolis, IN on March 31, 1952 and was a former resident of Orlando, FL. He moved to the Jennings area some 20 years ago. Collins worked for many years at Satellite Antenna Systems and was presently employed by Hamilton Correctional Institution.
Survivors include his wife, Angela Sims Collins of Jennings; one son, Jared Collins (Natalie) of Jennings; one daughter, Amanda Collins of Orlando, FL; his mother, Ada Roberts of Winter Springs, FL; two sisters, Laura Curtis and Vicky Clarke, both of Winter Park, FL; one grandson, John Patrick Collins and 11 nieces and nephews.
Services were held at the chapel of Harry T. Reid Funeral Home in Jasper, FL on Friday, September 24 at 11 a.m.. Interment was held at Ocilla City Cemetery at 3 p.m.
James O. Sutton, Jr.
Mr. James O. Sutton, Jr., 84, of Warner Robins, passed away Thursday, September 16, 2004 at the Houston Medical Center in Warner Robins. Mr. Sutton was born February 22, 1920 in Irwin County, son of the late James O. Sutton, Sr. and Ann Paulk Sutton.
He joined the U. S. Army Air Corps in 1941, later serving in the Air Force from 1947 to 1972. He retired from the United States Air Force as a lieutenant colonel with almost 32 years of service. He served during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Lt. Col. Sutton lived in Boynton Beach, FL after his retirement, where he worked as Director of Materials at R. E. L., Inc. for 13 years. He moved to Warner Robins in 1990. He also lived in Tokyo, Japan; Izmir, Turkey and Taipei, Taiwan during his military career. Lt. Col. Sutton was a 32nd degree Mason and a Shriner.
Mr. Sutton was an avid golfer, shooter, hunter and fisherman. He loved hunting trips to Nebraska with his son, grandson Alex, nephews and cousins. He also loved taking long fishing trips to Alaska, British Columbia and Idaho with friends. He got special enjoyment from travel with his beloved Emily, regularly scheduling cross-country jaunts to see family and friends. Mr. Sutton was a member of Ocilla Baptist Church and the Al Sihah Shrine in Macon.
Survivors include his wife, Emily T. Sutton of Warner Robins; a son and daughter-in-law, Col (Usaf, Ret’d) James O. and Dawn Sutton of Ogden, UT; three grandchildren, Jennifer Sutton of San Marcos, TX, Alex Sutton and John Sutton, both of Ogden, UT. His first wife, Jimmie Tripp Sutton, preceded him in death in 1995. Mr. Sutton is also survived by hundreds of loving nieces, nephews and cousins from around the world.
Services were held at Ocilla Baptist Church on Sunday, September 19 at 2 p.m., with Rev. Gerald Thomas and Rev. Don Brewer officiating. Interment followed in Brushy Creek Cemetery, Irwin County with full military honors by the Moody AFB Honor Guard.
Music was provided by pianist, Jan Morgan; organist, Sujette Giddens; soloist, David Berry and Marvelyn Story led the singing of a congregational hymn .
Pallbearers were Kice Stone, Billy Thomas, Joe Brewer, James Hurt, Harry Hurt, Charles Hurt, Don Mangold and Bobby Hurt.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Sutton’s name to the charity of the contributor’s choice or the Alzheimer’s Association of Central Georgia, 301 Mulberry Street, Macon, GA 31201.
Paulk Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Kenneth E. Coffey
Mr. Kenneth E. Coffey, 50, of Fitzgerald died Monday, September 13, 2004 at his residence.
Services were held at Central United Methodist Church on Friday, September 17 at 2 p.m., with Rev. Steve Waldorf officiating. Interment was held in Evergreen Cemetery.
Music was provied by pianist, Becky Anderson; organist, Jon Durkovic; soloist, Cheryl Jacobs; bagpipe, Dan Bray and congregational hymn “Amazing Grace”.
Pallbearers were Mark Coffey, David Coffey, Steve Coffey, Michael Coffey, Michael Kelly, Ryan Coffey and Steve Parker.
Honorary pallbearers were Bobby Clark, Donald During, Roy Warren, Van Waters, Scott Morris, Philip Taylor, Tommy Ash, Corey Gibbs and East Central Technical College Employees.
Mr. Coffey was born October 5, 1953 in Rislip England, son of Doreen J. S. Coffey and the late Morris W. Coffey. He was a 1971 graduate of Fitzgerald High School, he attended ABAC and was a 2002 graduate of East Central Technical College in Telecommunications. He was the 2002 national winner of Skills USA VICA in telecommunications Cabling.
Mr. Coffey served in the United States Navy as a Missile Technician. He was the former owner of Southern Comfort Insulation and was an instructor in Electronics at East Central Technical College. Mr. Coffey was past-president of the Kiwanis Club and a member of Central United Methodist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Connie M. Coffey of Fitzgerald; mother, Doreen J. S. Coffey of Fitzgerald; three brothers, Steven W. Coffey of Tyrone, Mark A. Coffey of Tullahoma, TN and David M. Coffey of Fitzgerald; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a daugher, Cheryl Marie Coffey and one brother, Marshall Peter Coffey.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society/Winn Dixie, Hope Lodge, 1552 Shoup Ct., Decatur, GA 30033 or Central United Methodist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 428, Fitzgerald, GA 31750.
Paulk Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Bascom Tucker
Mr. Bascom Tucker, 88, of Ocilla died Wednesday, September 8, 2004 at the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center in Dublin.
Services were held at Ocilla United Methodist Church on Saturday, September 11 at 2 p.m., with Rev. Jim Osborn officiating. Interment followed in Brushy Creek Cemetery.
Music was provided by organist, Jean Dent.
Active pallbearers were Roger Dill, Gene Paulk, Jack Franklin, Charles Lang, Jan Giovingo, Dr. David Tucker.
Honorary pallbearers were Dr. Howard McMahan, Murphey Rogers, Bobby Dix, Waldo Paramore, Orman Paulk, Wesley Young, Wyndall Walters.
Mr. Tucker was born December 7, 1915 in Irwin County, son of the late John Willie and Elizabeth Lee Tucker. He was a graduate of Georgia-Alabama Business College. Mr. Tucker was a former resident of Columbia, SC; Anniston, AL and Albany before returning to Ocilla in 1980.
For 34 years he worked for Rhodes Furniture and was a former store manager for Rhodes in Anniston, AL, retiring as Regional Credit Manager. He was a former employee of the Agricultural Adjustment Agency in Ocilla. Mr. Tucker served in the United States Navy during World War II. He was a member of the Ocilla United Methodist Church and was a former member of the Rotary Club in Anniston, AL.
Survivors include his wife, Ida Nell Tucker of Ocilla; daughter and son-in-law, Susan Tucker Franklin and Jackie C. Franklin of Scottsboro, AL and brother, Orion Tucker of Warner Robins.
Paulk Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Charles Merritt
Services for Charles Winston Merritt of Oakwood, age 79, were held Tuesday, September 7, 2004 at 11 a.m. in Williams Funeral Home Chapel, Milledgeville, Rev Bill Neely officiating. Interment was in the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Milledgeville. Mr Merritt died Sunday, September 5, 2004 in a Macon hospital.
Mr Merritt was a native of Irwin County, the son of the late Clayton and Ada Harper Merritt. He had made his home in Hall County for the past 30 years. He was a Veteran of the US Army having served in WWII with the 82nd Airborne Division, a graduate of the University of Georgia, and was a retired Pharmacist from the North East Georgia Regional Medical Center.
Survivors include wife, Bertice Lee Merritt of Oakwood; daughters, Faye (Alan) Maxwell of Milledgeville, Shirley (Roy) Bledsoe of Nashville, TN; son, Charles “Chuck” Merritt of Oakwood; sisters, Georgann Winslow and Joyce Carter, both of Fernandina Beach, FL; brothers, Don Merritt of Brunswick, Gerald Merritt and Wendell Merritt, both of Fitzgerald, Ralph Merritt of Seattle, WA; four grandchildren, Tom Maxwell, Melissa Bledsoe Harms, Amanda Bledsoe and Allison Merritt. Those who prefer may make expressions of sympathy to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Williams Funeral Home and crematory of Milledgeville was in charge of arrangements.
Christopher Lamar Harper
Mr. Christopher Lamar Harper, 42, of Wray passed away on Friday, September 3, 2004 as a result of injuries received in an airplane crash.
Mr. Harper, a native of Coffee County, Georgia was born July 16, 1962. He was a graduate of South GA College, Valdosta State University and one year Pilot training. A Veteran of the US Air Force serving in Desert Storm, he was a Pilot and a farmer.
His church membership was at the Mount Union Primitive Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Angela Tucker Harper of Wray; children, Calan Lamar Harper and Candace Yvonne Harper; parents, Lamar and Wanda Harper of Ambrose; grandmother, Narcess (Doll) Caves of Ambrose.
Services were held Tuesday September 7 at 11 a.m. at the Mount Union Primitive Baptist Church near Ambrose, with Elders John Shelton Mikell, Lee Chambers and Vernon Eckleberry officiating. Special Music was presented by soloist, Jason Hunkapillar who sang, “Amazing Grace” and “Go Rest High On That Mountain”; Soloist, Anna Watson sang “Daddy’s Hands” with prelude and postlude by Justin Fussell, pianist. Special taped selections of “Butterfly Kisses” and “Top Gun” were provided.
Burial followed in the Elam Harper Cemetery near Ambrose. Active pallbearers were Al Merritt, Rob Merritt, Justin Nicolelli, Mark Vickers, Larry Tucker and Simeon Highsmith. Honorary pallbearers were Jackie Fussell, Bernard Vickers, Trevor Merritt, Kevin Merritt, Willie Clements, Jr., David Evans, Joey Anderson, Hugh Fussell, Wesley Vickers, Donnie Smith, Harold Roberts, Wayne Fussell, Ricky Smith, Charles Haynes, Ernest Harper, Carl Rowland, Chris Hackler, Stanley Brock, Dewey Brock, David Harper, Keith Ross, Mike Vickers and Sheriff Rob Smith.
Sims Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Christopher Lamar Harper
Mr. Christopher Lamar Harper, 42, of Wray died Friday, September 3, 2004 as a result of injuries received in an airplane crash.
Mr. Harper was a farmer and a crop-duster.
Survivors include his wife, Angela Tucker Harper of Wray, and his children, Calan Lamar Harper and Candace Yvonne Harper; his parents, Lamar and Wanda Harper, and his grandmother, Narcess (Doll) Caves, all of Ambrose.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, September 7 at 11 a.m., at the Mount Union Primitive Baptist Church near Ambrose. Burial followed in the Elam Harper Cemetery.
Sims Funeral Home, Douglas, was in charge of arrangements.
Thomas Acree Whiting
The Reverend Doctor Thomas Acree Whiting, age 87, of Lake Junaluska, NC, died Thursday, August 19, 2004. He was born June 21, 1917 in Camilla, the son of the late Julian Deming and Kathleen Acree Whiting, Sr.
Dr. Whiting received his bachelor's degree at Emory University. He attended Candler School of Theology and Yale Divinity School, from which he received a master of divinity degree. He was awarded an honorary doctor of divinity by Lambuth University.
He served as a United Methodist minister from 1944 until his retirement in 1986. He served 21 years in the South Georgia conference at churches in Hiltonia, Meighs-Oclocknee, Ocilla, Jesup, Valdosta, and Savannah and was District Superintendent of the Macon District; 21 years in the North Georgia Conference at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church in Atlanta, Decatur First United Methodist Church in Decatur and Superintendent of the Atlanta-Emory District from which he retired.
He was the author of several published books and other religious publications. In 1981 he was selected as the United Methodist preacher for the Protestant Radio Hour.
He moved to Lake Junaluska, NC in 1988 and was active for several years in the First United Methodist Church of Waynesville, NC.
Dr. Whiting was preceded in death by his first wife, Martha Page Whiting; a son, Thomas A. Whiting, Jr.; a daughter, Linda Whiting Porter; a son-in-law, Clay Porter; a brother Julian Deming Whiting, Jr. and two sisters, Rebecca Whiting Jones and Gladys Whiting Glenn.
Survivors include his wife, Helen Knarr Thurmond Whiting; daughter, Dr. Peggy Whiting and her husband, Ben Lancaster of Charlotte, NC; daughter, Diane Thurmond Lee and her husband, Randy Molner, of Nashville, TN: a son, Gene Thurmond and his wife, Christine, of Eugene, OR; five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren; a brother, George Whiting and sisters, Florence Findlay, Eunice Bryanton, Ruth Culbreth and Julianne Fish.
Services were held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 21 at the First United Methodist Church of Waynesville, NC. An additional service was held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 22 at Patterson’s Arlington Chapel, Atlanta. Interment followed at Arlington Memorial Park.
Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 838, Waynesville, NC 28786 or Givens Estates, United Methodist Retirement Community, 2360 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville, NC 28803.
