Georgia, U.S., Marriage Records From Select Counties, 1828-1978
Gradie Griffin
Gradie Griffin, age 87, of 2295 Creekview Trail, Decatur, Ga. died Wednesday, January 18, 2006 at Beverly Health Care. Funeral services were held at Ulysses Rice Memorial Chapel on Saturday, January 21 at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Casey Reid and the rev. Bruce Johnson officiating. Interment was held at East Eatonton City Cemetery. The Eatonton native was born January 3, 1919 to Morris Griffin and Ossie Walker. He served the United States Army, was employed as a assembly worker at the Ford Motor Company. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, was a member of Community AME Church in Ecorse, Michigan, and a member of the Elks Lodge. Survivors include: daughter, Annie Freeman, two granddaughters, De’Andrea Freeman and Regina Beeks; brother, Valzie Griffin; sister Josephine Scurles, God-son, Booker Moon; seven great-grandchildren, nine great, great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were his great-grandsons and nephews. Putnam Memorial Funeral Home in Eatonton was in charge of final arrangements.
Ruth Hurst
Ruth Boone Hurst, age 69, of Milledgeville died Thursday, January 19, 2006. Funeral services were held on Monday, January 23 at 2 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home Chapel in Milledgeville with the Rev. Daniel Gatlyn, and the Rev. Charles Galloway. The Indiana native was the daughter of the late Ralph M. Boone and Vera Ellen Clear Boone. She lived in Lakeland, Fla. for a number of years, and made her home in Milledgeville since 1969. She worked for Horton Homes for a number of years. She was a member of the Father’s Heart International Church. Survivors include: husband, Charles Hurst of Milledgeville; daughters, Wanda Lee Batchelor and husband Michael of Eatonton, Rhonda Joe Harvey of Greenville, S.C.; son, Chuck Hurst and wife Susan of Milledgeville; sisters, Barbara Jean Taylor of Havelock, N.C., Lovernia Boone and Lois Ann Currens of Lakeland, FL; brothers, Jessie Lee Boone of Modesto, Calif., Ralph David Boone of Lakeland, FL, 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews. View and sign the guest book online at: www.williamsfuneralhome.net Williams Funeral Home & Crematory of Milledgeville was in charge of final arrangements.
Gertrude Dennis Presley
Gertrude Dennis Presley, age 85, were held Saturday, December 23, who passed away Sunday, December 18, 2005 in a Fulton County medical facility. Services were held at Henderson Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. Roger Williams of Greater Mt. Hermon Baptist church, Atlanta, the Rev. Willie C. Jones, pastor, the Rev. Eddie Lee Presley, Evangelist, Monique Render and Elder Jesse Porter assisting. Burial was conducted in the East Eatonton Cemetery. Mrs. Presley was a native and life-long resident of Putnam County. She was a member of Henderson Grove Baptist Church serving as Deaconess and a Church Mother. Survivors include: her husband, Roosevelt Presley, six children, Annie Mae Burke (Hulon), Cleveland Presley (Sandra); Carolyn Presley-Farley (Luther) all of Eatonton, Roosevelt Presley, Jr. of Riverdale, Rugenia Rencher (Timmie) of Lithonia, Evangelist Leila Williams (Rev. Roger) of Mableton. Her son Terry Lee Presley of Eatonton preceded her in death, one sister Estell Milline of Milledgeville, and two sisters-in-law Hazel Presley of Hamilton, OH, and Clara Presley of Atlanta, 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and a host of other loving family and friends. Hurt & Redd Funeral Home of Eatonton was in charge of final arrangements.
Matthew Johnson
Matthew Johnson, age 92, of 112 Alexander Drive, Eatonton, Ga. died Friday, January 27, 2006 at Putnam General Hospital. Funeral services were held at St. John AME Church on Tuesday, January 31 at 1 p.m. with Archbishop Jimmy L. Smith officiating and assisted by the Rev. R.B. Bass, pastor of St. John AME Church. Interment was held in Texas AME Cemetery. The Eatonton native was born September 26, 1913 to the late Nathan Warren and the late Annie Johnson. He was married to Stella Lee (Scott) Johnson. He served in the U.S. Army and was retired from the sawmill of Hallman Wood Products, educated in the Putnam County School system and a member of Texas AME Church. Survivors include: wife, Stella Johnson of Eatonton; daughters, Beatrice Heard of Sacramento, Calif, Annie Mae Carter of Stone Mountain, Mildred Martin of Decatur, Fannie (George) Perry of Convington, Linda Crawford of Eatonton, Mary (Alvin) Easton of Atlanta; two stepdaughters, Francis Nelson and Eula M. Harris both of Eatonton; 16 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were the American Legion. Putnam Memorial Funeral Home was in charge of final arrangements.
Kathy Richardson
Thelma Kathy Hunnicutt Richardson, age 56, of 105 Access Road, Eatonton, GA died Monday, January 30, 2006 at her residence. Graveside services were held Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Crestlawn Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Terry Richardson officiating. The Putnam County native was born October 12, 1949 to Clark Hunnicutt and Gladys Cumbie Hunnicutt. She was married to Terry Richardson. She was a homemaker and a member of Marshall Memorial Baptist Church. Survivors include: husband, Terry Richardson, Eatonton; sons, Kevin Richardson, Chris Richardson both of Eatonton; daughter, Amy Roberts, Eatonton; sister, Donna Cison of Eatonton; brothers, Calvin Hunnicutt, Stevie Hunnicutt and Michael Hunnicutt, all of Eatonton; mother, Gladys Hunnicutt, Eatonton; six grandchildren, Christopher, Autumn, Joshua and Isabelle Richardson and Ashley and Matthew Roberts, all of Eatonton. Pallbearers were, Timothy Hunnicutt, Jesse Cason, Jeffrey Cason, Brandon Dearman, Phil Newsome, Scott Richardson. Vining Ivy Hill Chapel in Eatonton was in charge of final arrangements.
Joyce Joiner
September 30, 1935 – January 25, 2006 Betty Joyce Joiner, of 230 Shelton Drive, Eatonton, Georgia, died January 25, 2006 at her home. She was 70. Funeral services were held Saturday, January 28, 2006 at 2 p.m. Rev. Preston Joiner officiated. Interment was in Crestlawn Memorial Gardens. The Florida native was the daughter of Walter C. Selph, Sr. and Mamie Sue Lankford Selph. She was born September 30, 1935 in Hamilton County, Florida. She was married to the late David Joiner. Mrs. Joiner was a homemaker and a member of Live Oak Church of God in Live Oak, Florida. Survivors include a daughter, Susie Baker, of Live Oak, Florida; four sons, David Mitchell Joiner, Jr., Michael Dwayne Joiner, Jonathan Love Joiner, all of Eatonton, and Mark Alan Joiner of Macon. Mrs. Joiner was also survived by her mother, Mamie Sue Selph of Live Oak, Florida; sisters Louvenia Harden, also of Live Oak; Eloise Parker and Erlene Rogers both of Avon Park, Florida; and brothers Walter C. Selph, Jr., of Fort Myers, Florida; Billy Selph and Donny Selph, both of Live Oak, Florida. Pallbearers were David, Michael, Mark and Jonathan Joiner, Yancey Baker and Lee Baker. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice or to Hospice Care Options, 811 N. Cobb Street, Suite 3, Milledgeville, Ga. 31061. Vining Ivy Hill Chapel was in charge of arrangements.
Jon Harrison Butler
Infant Jon Harrison Butler, of 164 Parkside Lane, died Saturday, March 11, 2006 at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. Funeral services were held at the graveside at Eatonton Memorial Park with the Rev. David Smith and Rev. Peggy Little officiating. The Eatonton native was born March 4, 2006 to Jon Milton and Courtney Adams Butler, both of Eatonton. Survivors include his parents, paternal grandparents Ray and Teresa Butler of Eastman, maternal grandparents Freda and Mike Rountree of Eatonton, great-grandparents Thomas and Juanita Greene of Cochran, Sam and Carolyn Doss of Rome and Dot Rountree of Eatonton; aunts and uncles: Ron E. Butler of Eastman, Chris (Jill) Adams of Alpharetta, Blake (Beth) Adams of Statesboro, Stephanie Scott, Matt Rountree and Renee Foran, all of Eatonton; and cousins Carson Adams and Barrett Adams, both of Alpharetta. He was preceded in death by grandfather Michael Adams and great-grandparents Ernest E. Butler, Joe Adams, Avis Butler, Gladys Adams and Walt Rountree. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the Eatonton First United Methodist Church’s “Jon Harrison Butler Memorial Fund” or the Children’s Medical Center in Augusta at Children’s Medical Center Development Office, 120 15th Street, BA827, Augusta, Ga. 30912, please specify “In memory of Harrison Butler.”
Mary Bethune
MILLEDGEVILLE: Mary Bethune, 81, of Robin Court, S.E., died Monday, March 13, 2006 in a local hospital. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, March 16, 2006 at Cross Roads Baptist Church in Eatonton. Mrs. Bethune is survived by her husband: Ray Bethune of Eatonton Bridges Funeral Home in Gray has charge of arrangements.
Eunite “Anabell” Knowles
December 20, 1910 - March 17, 2006
Eunite Seymour Knowles, age 95, of 105 Hickory Street, Eatonton, Ga. died Friday, March 17, 2006 at her residence. Funeral services were held at Vining Ivy Hill Chapel with the Rev. Bill Kitchen officiating. Interment followed at Eatonton Memorial Park. The Comer, Ga. native was born December 20, 1910 to Robert P. Seymour and Lela Ann Boothe. She was married to Sam Knowles. She was the owner/operator of a restaurant and a member of the First Baptist Church of Eatonton. Survivors include: daughter, Frances Alliston, Eatonton; sons, Bill Hall, Valentie, VA and Bob Carnes, Bowie, MD; grandchildren, Bob Alliston (Dotty), Lynn Alliston (Tammy), Kent Duffey (Cindy) all of Eatonton, Kyle Duffey (Tammy), Tifton, Robert Edward Hall (Dottie), MD, Lee Allen Hall (Vivian), MD, David Hall, MD, Chris Carnes (Bambi), Mona Taber (Bobby), MD. Pallbearers were grandsons and great-grandsons. Vining Ivy Hill Chapel in Eatonton was in charge of final arrangements.
George Leslie Gleaton
Georgia Leslie Gleaton, 81, of 101 Twisting Hill Dr., Eatonton, died March 15, 2006 at Decatur Hospital. Visitation was held Saturday, March 18, 2006 with the funderal following at Vining Ivy Hill Chapel. The Revs. Billy Neeley and Mike Willard officiated. A native of McDonough, he was the son of Frank Gleaton and Verlie Elliott. Mr. Gleaton served in the Navy during World War II and was owner of Diesel Injection of Georgia. He was a member of Concord United Methodist Church and a Mason. Mr. Gleaton is survived by his wife Nancy Gleaton of Eatonton; daughter Vikki (and husband Dave) Coleman, of Loganville; granddaughter Kelly (and husband Will) Ramsey, Texas; and gandson Jonathan Gleaton, Atlanta. Vining I’ve Hill Chapel had charge of arrangements.
William Clate (W.C.) Ralston, Sr.
February 17, 1916 - March 17, 2006
William Clate (W.C.) Ralston, Sr. of Eatonton, Georgia passed on from this life on Friday March 17, 2006, at the age of 90. A celebration of his life was held Saturday March 18, 2006 at The First United Methodist Church with the Rev Peggy Little officiating. W. C. was born in Copperhill, Tennessee on February 17, 1916 to William David and Ada Johnson Ralston. He was the fifth child to this hard working farm and dairy family. The family left the Tennessee area for Putnam County because they had heard of the area through Dr Benjamin Hunt who at the time was developing great strides with the farming and dairying industry. The family moved to the Phoenix community of Putnam County when W. C. was around three years old. He attended school in the old Phoenix schoolhouse. He married Mabel Resseau and they had one son William Clate, Jr. unfortunately Mabel passed away in 1944 from pneumonia. With a young son to raise he then met and married Estelle Howard April 1, 1945, to which two more sons were born Thomas Howard and Walker David Ralston. W. C. had decided at an early age that farming was not for him and moved to Eatonton to start a very multi talented career in the construction business. He began work as a carpenter for Mr. Douglas Hudson and then served in the United States Navy during the height of World War Two where he learned many of his skills as a cook. Those skills followed him far and wide over his lifetime, as he became known as a great barbeque chef as many of the people of Eatonton and Putnam County can attest to. Shortly after he returned to Eatonton after the war he decided to begin business for himself and started what was then known as C and W Cabinet Shop in 1948. The business has evolved over the years and in 1972 his youngest son joined the business and it was incorporated as W. C. Ralston & Son. He was known for his septic tank work over several counties and loved and rode his tractor hard until the early 1980’s when his health would no longer allow him to ride the tractor and he took a back seat in the business for a few more years. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman of the Putnam County area and knew the woods and the lake area like the back of his hand even before the dams were built in the area and the lakes appeared. He was a member of The First United Methodist Church of Eatonton, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, The American Legion, The Forty and Eight and the Exchange Club of Eatonton. He also was one of the instrumental hard working people who devoted countless hours to the founding of Gatewood School serving for many years as the barbeque chef. He is survived by his three sons and their families, William Clate Ralston, Jr. and wife Belle Hewitt Ralston, and their children Jennifer R and Shawn Hall, Joseph, Lauren and Hunter Hall. Kevin Clate Ralston, William Hewitt Ralston all of Savannah, Georgia. Thomas Howard Ralston and his wife Gwen C. Ralston and their children Dana R. and Andy and Andrew Meeks, David T. and Tonya and Jacob Ralston of Eatonton, Georgia, Kyle Thomas and Joanna Ralston of Greensboro, Georgia. Walker David Ralston, Sr. and wife Linda T. Ralston and their sons Walker David, Jr. and Garrett Lee Ralston of Eatonton, Georgia. The family request in lieu of flowers donations be made to The First United Methodist Church of Eatonton, Gatewood School or the charity of your choice.
Jon Harrison Butler
Jon Harrison Butler, one week infant, of 164 Parkside Lane, Eatonton, GA died Saturday, March 11, 2006 at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. Graveside services were held at Eatonton Memorial Park with the Rev. David Smith and the Rev. Peggy Little officiating. The Richmond County, Augusta, Ga. native was born March 4, 2006 to Courtney Adams Butler and John Milton Butler, both of Eatonton. Survivors include parents, Courtney Adams Butler and John Milton Butler of Eatonton. Vining Ivy Hill Chapel in Eatonton was in charge of final arrangements.
Robert “Bo Tic” Howard, Jr.
Services for Robert “Bo Tic” Howard, Jr., age 33, were held Saturday noon, March 4, 2006 who passed away the last week of February, 2006. Services were held at Greater Bell Chapel Baptist Church with the Rev. Willie C. Jones, Sr. officiating and the Rev. Gregory Ellison, pastor, assisting. Burial was conducted in the Greater Bell Chapel Cemetery. Mr. Howard, a native and life-long resident of Putnam County, was the son of the late Robert Howard, Sr. He attended public school here and was a member of Jenkins Grove Baptist Church. He is survived by his mother Dorothy Howard of Eatonton; three sisters, Rose Roundtree of Augusta, Lucille Reese and Louvenia Portor both of Eatonton; four aunts, Valerie Rolland of Decatur, Lula Pitts, Dorothy Anderson, Betty Brown all of Chicago, Ill.; four uncles, Leonard Hurt, Jr. of Eatonton, Joseph Howard of Chicago, Ill.; three great aunts, Lucinda Strickland, Linda Humphries both of Eatonton, and Susie West of Chicago, Ill; a best friend Akeba Swain of Eatonton; a host of other nieces nephews, cousins and friends. One brother who preceded him in death. Pallbearers and floral bearers were family and friends. Hurt & Redd Funeral Home of Eatonton was in charge of final arrangements.
Rita Carol Huff
Rita Carol Huff, age 56, of Eatonton, GA died Friday, March 10, 2006. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 13 in the Chapel of Carmichael Funeral Home in Smyrna with the Rev. Mike Willard officiating. Burial followed in Riverview Cemetery in Smyrna. A Cobb County native Mrs. Huff has lived in Eatonton since 1974. She was also the Editor of Granny’s Kitchen Column for the U.S. Legacies Magazine. She is survived by: husband, David Huff of Eatonton; mother Betty Redd of Eatonton; sons, George (Mitch) Mitchell and Brad Mitchell, step-son, Michael Rhett Huff, all of Eatonton; sisters, Vickey Redd of Eatonton and Pam redd of Acworth; brother, Terry Redd of Woodstock; grandchildren; Ryan Mitchell, Chase Mitchell and Allison Mitchell. Carmichael Funeral Home in Smyrna was in charge of final arrangements.
William “Joe” Kelso
William Joseph Kelso, age 75, of 429 Crooked Creek Rd. of Eatonton, Ga. died Thursday, March 9, 2006 at Putnam General Hospital. Funeral services were held at Vining Ivy Hill Chapel on Saturday, March 11, at 2 p.m. with the Rev. A.M. Samples officiating. Interment was held at Crestlawn Memorial Gardens following the service. The Louden County, Tenn. native was born June 11, 1930 to Rosco Kelso and Bertie Sue Shaw. He was married to Savannah Kelso. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, and he was employed as a band saw operator. Survivors include: Wife, Savannah Kelson, Eatonton; daughters, Marsha Mashburn, Martha Hester, Pamela Johnston and Sondra Kelso all of Eatonton. sons, Gary Kelso of Eatonton, Ronnie Kelso of Michigan; 23 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by son Joe Kelso, Jr. and grandson Carl Eugene Kelso. Pallbearers were Mr. Kelso’s grandchildren. Vining Ivy Hill Chapel in Eatonton was in charge of final arrangements.
Vernon Little
Vernon Lester Little, age 81, of 255 Harmony Rd., Eatonton, Ga. died Sunday, March 12, 2006 at Oconee Regional. Funeral services were held at Harmony Baptist Church on Wednesday, March 15 at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Billy Waters and the Rev. Marvin Westbrock. Interment was held at Harmony Baptist Cemetery. The Putnam County native was born September 11, 1924 to Lest Joseph Little and Elzenia Ferrell Little. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, he was a dairy farmer and a member of Harmony Baptist Church. He also was past commander and member of VFW Post 6686, member of Eatonton Kiwanis Club. Memorial donations may be made to Harmony Baptist Church. Survivors include: wife, Mildred Little of Eatonton; daughter Linda Stewart and husband William of Eatonton; grandchildren, Watson Stewart and wife Paula and Cathy Stewart, all of Eatonton, great-grandchildren Dalton Stewart and Behlyn Stewart, both of Eatonton. Pallbearers: Ellison Whitehead, Monte Marshall, Foster Mchugh, Dennis Adams, Mark Little, John Little. Vining Ivy Hill Chapel in Eatonton was in charge of final arrangements.
Pauline Akins Tyson
Pauline “Polly” Akins Tyson, a long-time resident of Eatonton, died March 5, 2006. Funeral services were held in the old sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church on March 8. Officiating were the Rev. Robin Lindsey, the Rev. Peggy Little and the Rev. Bill Kitchen. The Rev. Lindsey and Tod Swymer sang, and Frances Griffith and Donna Gregory provided instrumental music. The Rev. Lindsey and the Rev. Little officiated at the graveside service at Eatonton Memorial Park. Mrs. Tyson was born on July 28, 1922, in Cartersville, Ga., to Homer and Edna Reeves Akins. She was the youngest and last surviving of six children, four sons and two daughters. Her husband of 49 years, Robert M. Tyson, preceded her in death in 1991. Mrs. Tyson worked for more than 18 years as a legal secretary to George Lawrence, district attorney for the Ocmulgee Circuit. Following that, she worked as secretary at the AgSouth Farm Credit Service in Madison before her retirement. She was an active member of the community for most of her life. The Tysons were members of the United Methodist Church, where she was active in United Methodist Women. She was a member of the Eatonton Service League, serving as president at one point. After her retirement she was a Pink Lady with the Putnam General Hospital Auxiliary. An avid bridge player, she and Bob were members for 25 years of a couples’ bridge club. She also enjoyed spending time with the Golden Girls. Survivors include her three children, Sally Newell (John) of Awendaw, SC; Dr. Rebecca Newell (Bill Griffin) of Dublin; and Robert Tyson (Ann) of Eatonton. Grandchildren include Michael Newell (Tracey) of Islamabad, Pakistan; Carol Newell (J.P. Eggers) of Philadelphia, PA; Jennifer Carroll (Jeremy) of Eatonton, and Kate Tyson of Eatonton. Great-grandchildren include Anna Carroll and Cole Eggers.
Helen Nadine Akers Brown
Helen Nadine Akers Brown, age 84, of 171 Little Circle, Eatonton, GA died Saturday, March 4, 2006 at the Medical Center in Macon, GA. Funeral services were held at Vining Ivy Hill Chapel on Wednesday, March 8, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Frank Bruce officiated. Interment was at the Georgia Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Milledgeville. The Oklahoma native was born August 22, 1921 to Virgil Akers and Emigene Beals Akers. Mrs. Brown served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. She was a retired school teacher, having taught more than 30 years in Georgia. During her retirement, she was active in many organizations, including Pink Ladies at Putnam General Hospital, Garden Club, Phoenix Club and Retired Teachers Association. She was a member of Harvest Baptist Church. Pallbearers were: Cliff Hardy, Larry Thompson, Larry Knight, Wayne Knight, Fred Beasley, Jim Forringer. She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Harold B. Brown. She is survived by son Harold B. Brown, Jr. and wife Judy of Blairsville, Ga., son Dr. John Lee Brown of Glasgow, Montana and grandson, Jesse Brown of Glasgow, Montana. Vining Ivy Hill Chapel in Eatonton was in charge of final arrangements.
Robert “Bo Tic” Howard, Jr.
Services for Robert “Bo Tic” Howard, Jr., age 33, were held Saturday noon, March 4, 2006 who passed away the last week of February, 2006. Services were held at Greater Bell Chapel Baptist Church with the Rev. Willie C. Jones, Sr. officiating and the Rev. Gregory Ellison, pastor, assisting. Burial was conducted in the Greater Bell Chapel Cemetery. Mr. Howard, a native and life-long resident of Putnam County, was the son of the late Robert Howard, Sr. He attended public school here and was a member of Jenkins Grove Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents Dorothy Howard and Rickey Clemons both of Eatonton; three sisters, Rose Roundtree of Augusta, Lucille Reese and Louvenia Portor both of Eatonton; four aunts, Valerie Rolland of Decatur, Lula Pitts, Dorothy Anderson, Betty Brown all of Chicago, Ill.; four uncles, Leonard Hurt, Jr. of Eatonton, Joseph Howard of Chicago, Ill.; three great aunts, Lucinda Strickland, Linda Humphries both of Eatonton, and Susie West of Chicago, Ill; a best friend Akeba Swain of Eatonton; a host of other nieces nephews, cousins and friends. One brother who preceded him in death. Pallbearers and floral bearers were family and friends. Hurt & Redd Funeral Home of Eatonton was in charge of final arrangements.
