Georgia, U.S., Marriage Records From Select Counties, 1828-1978
Ralph A "Lanky" Vaughn
Ralph A. “Lanky” Vaughn, 82, died Wednesday, July 27, 2005 at Candler County Hospital. He lived most of his life in Dalton, later moving to Summerville, in 1970 where he retired after 40 years of service with Georgia Power. The U.S. Navy veteran served in the Asiatic-Pacific Area during WWII. He moved to the Metter area in 2001. He had a love of the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and the mountains, especially Lake Wiess, Alabama. He was predeceased by his wife of over 46 years, Cyrena “Cy” Kettles Vaughn.
He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Sheran and Jimmy Wilcox of Metter; a grandson and granddaughter-in-law, Garrett and Blythe Wilcox of Vidalia; a great-granddaughter, Bess Wilcox of Vidalia; and several nephews and nieces.
Graveside funeral services were held Saturday at West Hill Cemetery in Dalton with visitation starting 1 hour prior to the service.
Morgan Family Funeral Home of Metter was in charge of arrangements.
Marian Johnson Cliett
Marian Johnson Cliett, 84, of Americus died early Thursday, August 18, 2005, at Sumter Regional Hospital. She is the daughter of the late Howard Johnson and Alberta Crawford Johnson, and was born in Athens on November 3, 1920. A caring, loving person who always thought of others, she was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Elberton. She was an active member of the United Methodist Church wherever she lived, teaching Sunday School in the Metter church, and actively participating in the Sunday school activities in Elberton. For many years she was a member of the Iris Garden Club and was active in Life Enrichment in Elberton.
She was preceded in death by her husband, O.J. Cliett, three brothers, John Howard Johnson, Charles Johnson, and Billy Johnson, all of Athens; and a sister, Catherine Aycock of Gaines-ville.
Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Beth and Raymond Kersey of Elberton, Marian and Lanny Cawthorn of Woodbridge, VA; a son and daughter-in-law, Jay and Janice Cliett of Americus; a sister, Ann Johnson of Athens; grandchildren, Travis Cliett, his wife Jennifer, and their children, Abi Cliett, Jack Cliett, and Luke Cliett, all of Columbia, S.C., Ryan Cliett of Atlanta, Graham Cawthon of Radford, VA, and Rambo Kersey of Elberton.
Funeral services were held on Sunday in the First United Methodist Church of Elberton with Rev. Jack Bozeman and the Rev. Terry Phillips officiating. Interment followed in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Athens.
Memorial contributions may be made to the League of the Good Samaritan, Magnolia Manor, 2001 South Lee Street, Americus GA 31709, the Alzheimer’s Foundation, 1925 Century Blvd., NE, Suite 10, Atlanta, GA 30345-3315, The First United Methodist Church of Elberton, or any charity of your choice.
Berry Funeral Home of Elberton was in charge of arrangements.
James "Jimmy" Miles
James “Jimmy” Miles, 68, of Macon passed away Saturday, August 20, 2005 after a lengthy illness. He was born in Metter, the son of the late Fred L. and Alexa S. Miles. He was educated in the public schools of Metter and graduated from Mercer University, where he was a member of the Army ROTC, Sigma Nu Fraternity and Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity. After college he fulfilled his military service in the Medical Corps with the Headquarters Company of the 48th Armored Division, Georgia Army National Guard located in Macon, and in Jacksonville, FL with the Headquarters Company of the 400th MP POW Camp, U.S. Army Reserve.
Mr. Miles was employed by Sears, Roebuck and Co. for more than 32 years and served in Executive Positions in Georgia, Florida and Tennessee. He retired store general manager in Knoxville, TN. He was also the owner of his great-grandfather’s farm, the D.O. Fordham Place in Candler County which was recognized in 1993 as a Georgia Centennial Family Farm. This honor is bestowed on farms that have been in continuous family ownership for over 100 years.
Mr. Miles was a member of the Ingleside Baptist Church, the Gaymon-Ross Sunday School Class, the Welcome Ministry and the Inglelights. He was also a member of the Macon Central Camp of the Gideons Interna-tional, a Life Member of the President’s Club of Mercer University, a member of the Board of Trustees of Mercer University, Life Member of the National Eagle Scout Association, The Golden Eagle Society, a member of the Executive Board of the Central Georgia Council of the Boy Scouts of America, The National Association of Retired Sears Employees, the Georgia Farm Bureau, Forest Landowner Association, Georgia Forestry Association and American Tree Farm System.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Pauline Ferguson Miles of Macon; and several cousins.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday in the chapel of Ingleside Baptist Church with Dr. Timothy McCoy and Reverend Mark Hudgins officiating. Interment was held Tuesday at Lake Cemetery in Metter.
Pallbearers were Paul L. Miles, Bill E. Patterson, Billy E. Patterson Jr., Billy P. Miles, John David Miles, John D. Miles Jr., Bowen Patterson and Mark Miles.
In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to the Ingleside Baptist Church Building Fund, 834 Wimbish Road, Macon, GA 31210 or to the Gideons International, Memorial Bible Fund, P.O. Box 26025, Macon, GA 31221-6025.
Hart’s Mortuary of Macon and Kennedy Funeral Homes of Metter were in charge of arrangements.
Fronita Rigdon Lanier Turner
Fronita Rigdon Lanier Turner went home Sunday, August 28, 2005 after 96 wonderful years. Fronita was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. She spent her life serving others through cooking, sewing and sitting with the elderly in her community. She enjoyed traveling throughout the country, spending time with her family, going fishing and gardening. Her greatest love was helping others. She was a member of the Rosemary Primitive Baptist Church where she enjoyed gospel sings and dinner on the grounds. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She was predeceased by her husbands, John Wesley Lanier Sr. and Marly Lewis Turner and a granddaughter, Brenda Flynt.
Mrs. Turner is survived by one son, John Wesley Lanier Jr. of Metter; daughter, Margie Lee Lanier Morris of Metter; a brother, Velma Rigdon of Metter; sister, Willie Pearl Rigdon Shryrock; two step-children, Albert Turner and Marley Lewis Turner; three grandchildren, Pat Dekle, Randy Lanier, Terry Lanier and a grandson-in-law, Malcolm Flynt; nine great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday at Rosemary Primitive Baptist Church with Elder Charles Garrett and Elder Sam Bowen officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers were Brad Lane, Ray Huff, Jason Lanier, Randy Lanier, Terry Lanier and James Lanier
Kennedy Funeral Homes, Hooks Chapel, was in charge of arrangements.
Mozelle Hilderbrandt Forehand
Mozelle Hilderbrandt Forehand, 90, died Monday, Aug. 22, 2005, at Candler County Hospital.
The native of Anderson, S.C., had lived most of her life in Metter. A member of Metter Free Will Baptist Church, she was a certified nursing assistant for several years at Metter and Pulaski nursing homes. She was predeceased by two children, Claudine Durham and Raymond Hilderbrandt.
She is survived by a daughter, Edna H. Dowd of Metter; two sisters, Alice Mayes and Carolyn Rigdon, both of Metter; two brothers, George Beasley of Savannah and Franklin Beasley of Metter; four grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were conducted Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Metter Free Will Baptist Church, with burial following at Lake Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to Metter Free Will Baptist Church, 88 Eldridge St., Metter GA 30439.
Morgan Family Funeral Home of Metter was in charge of arrangements.
Jimmy Ray Phillips
Jimmy Ray Phillips, 60, died Thursday, August 25, 2005, at Candler County Hospital. The Tattnall County native had lived in Cobbtown for the past 35 years and was a brick mason. He loved to fox hunt, deer hunt and his work and attended the Pine Grove Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Mary L. Phillips of Cobbtown; sons and daughters-in-law, James “Jay” and Tammy Phillips of Claxton; Sandy Phillips and Angela Phillips Hansen, both of Cobbtown; brothers, Wiley Phillips of Callahan, FL and Billy Phillips of Cobbtown; sisters, Frankie McMillen of Metter, Johnnie Mae Hayes and Patricia Brown, both of Cobbtown; and five grandchildren.
Funeral services were held on Saturday at Kennedy Funeral Homes, Cobbtown Chapel with Rev. Thomas Sheppard officiating. Burial was in Sunlight Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Rusty Phillips, Tony McMillen, Randy McMillen, Nicholas Phillips, Heath Brown and Peyton Collins. Honorary pallbearers were Gene Wiggins, Bobby Rigdon, Tommy Rigdon, Larry McGlasum, Larry Sikes, Thomas Spell and Terry Williams.
Kennedy Funeral Homes, Cobbtown Chapel was in charge of arrangements.
Margie Lorine Forehand Bonnema
Margie Lorine Forehand Bonnema, 83, died Saturday, September 10, 2005. The Candler County native lived several years in Chicago, before returning to Metter in 1965. She worked several years as a waitress in Savannah, was an excellent cook, devoted wife, loving mother, and a Christian. She was predeceased by her husband, Albert Bonnema; daughters, Judy Spudville and Linda Bonnema; and a grandson, Joe Bonnema.
Survivors include: daughters and sons-in-law: Dianna and James Owens of Twin City, and Patty and Ronald Fail of Metter; sisters, Betty Gardner of Tampa, FL and Mildred Scott of Sylvania; seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were conducted Monday at Morgan Family Funeral Home with burial in the Thain Cemetery. Ministers were Charles Vaughn and Eric Hahn.
Pallbearers were Fred Thain, Paul Thain, Cecil Wise, Kurt Holt and John Holt.
Morgan Family Funeral Home of Metter was in charge of arrangements.
Angel Fay Lunardi
Infant Angel Fay Lunardi, died Thursday, September 1, 2005. She is survived by her parents Alina and Timothy Lunardi and twin, Judith Grace, all of Metter. She is also survived by grandparents, Teresa Miller of Metter, Janita Metzeer of Florida and J.C. Mahala of Pennsylvania; Great-grandparents, Grace Mahala of Pennsylvania and Judith and Thomas Hirt of Metter; uncles, Anthony Lunardi of Florida, Donald Ryan and David Runyon, both of Metter, and aunts, Katie Runyon and Libby Teeter, both of Metter.
Graveside funeral services were conducted Friday, September 9, 2005 at Lake Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers remembrances can be made to the Angel Fay Lunardi fund at Metter Bank, P.O. Box 1160, Metter, GA 30439, or see any teller at the bank.
Morgan Family Funeral Home of Metter was in charge of arrangements.
Preston B. Durden
Preston B. Durden, 84, died Saturday, September 10, 2005 at his home under Hospice care. He was a lifelong resident of Emanuel County retiring as Sgt. 1st Class from the U.S. Army and served in World War II. He was a carpenter, cabinet maker and musician, playing saxophone with the Dixielanders. Most of all he loved his home and family. Mr. Durden was a past Master of Ridgeway Masonic Lodge #104 in Garfield and a member of the Antioch Primitive Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Margie Greenway Durden of Twin City; a son, Jinks Ell Durden of Metter; a daughter, JoAnn Durden Payne of Conyers; four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held on Monday at Antioch Primitive Baptist Church with Rev. Phil Wilson and Rev. Franklin Sasser officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Military honors and Masonic Rites were observed.
Pallbearers were Wayne Greenway, Jimmy Greenway, Gene Greenway, Getson Dekle, Jimmy Ray Mercer and Emmitt Roundtree.
Kennedy Funeral Homes, Hooks Chapel, was in charge of arrangements.
Danny Clifton Biggers
Danny Clifton Biggers, 55, of Metter died on Wednesday, September 14, 2005 at his residence. A native of Candler County, he lived in Metter all of his life. He attended Metter High School and enjoyed spending time with friends and family and playing the guitar. He was preceded in death by his father, Howard Biggers.
He is survived by his mother, Margie Biggers of Metter; brothers, Larry Biggers of Sylvania, Jimmy Biggers of Brooklet and Terry Biggers of Metter; sisters, Peggy Kicklighter of Knoxville, TN, Karen Hutchinson of Vidalia and Sue Cannon of Ellabell; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held on Sunday in the chapel of Wood Funeral Home with Rev. Johnny Beasley officiating. Burial was in Lake Cemetery.
Pallbearers were John Biggers, Chris Biggers, Shawn Morris, Casey Hutchinson, Johnny Biggers and Roy Biggers. Honorary pallbearer was Bobby Porter.
Wood Funeral Home of Metter was in charge of arrangements.
Melvin E. Hicks
Melvin E. Hicks, 50, died Saturday, September 3, 2005 at his home. He was a lifelong resident of Tattnall County, born and raised in the Hillview community. His trade was a painter. He is preceded in death by his wife, Brenda C. Hicks; his father, Reid Hicks; his brother, Gerald Hicks; nephews, Allen Hicks and Jamie Hicks.
Survivors include his mother, Oleta Boyette Hicks of Collins; a daughter, Nichole Hicks of Statesboro; granddaughter, Brianna Hicks of Hillview; a grandson, Caleb McNamara of Statesboro; a sister, Linda Gail and L.R. Anderson of Metter; brothers, Lamar and Denise Hicks of Claxton and Kenny and Sharon Hicks of Collins; and a sister-in-law, Linda B. Hicks of Hillview.
A memorial service was held Sunday at Kennedy Funeral Homes, Cobbtown Chapel. It was Melvin’s wish that his body be donated to Medical Science. Remembrances can be made to Ogeechee Technical College Foundation, 1 Joe Kennedy Blvd., Statesboro, Ga 30458. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.
Kennedy Funeral Homes, Cobbtown Chapel was in charge of arrangements.
