OBITUARIES

May 5, 2024

Gregory Neal Fleeman, 62, died on Sunday, May 5, 2024. Born in Athens, GA, he was the son of the late JW Fleeman and Frances Smith Fleeman. Greg was self employed and enjoyed working in his garden, camping, fixing things and his dogs. Survivors include his siblings: Peggy (Johnny) Hoyle, Patricia Bates, Brenda Crumley, Jean (Guy) Power and Keith Fleeman;...

May 4, 2024

The obituary will be published once available. 

May 4, 2024

Jacqueline "Jacky" Dickens ThomasonAugust 19, 1936 - May 4, 2024A native of Oconee County, Jacqueline was the daughter of the late Ralph and Angie Belle Dickens. She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Caiphas Thomason; son-in-law, Johnny Dillard and sister, Louise Beal.Jacky retired as a Cashier from American General Insurance Company. She was an excellent cook...

May 4, 2024

Betty Joyce Thurmond Brooks, 92, of Athens, passed away on May 4, 2024.

Born in Bostwick, GA on August 22, 1931 to the late Harry Claude Thurmond and Lithonia Mobley Thurmond, Betty was a lifelong resident of the Athens area. On April 16, 1949, she married Walter Lee Brooks, Sr., and this year they celebrated 75 years of marriage. Betty and...

May 3, 2024

William Dewitt "Bill" Paul, Jr., 89, of Athens, GA, passed away on Friday, May 3, 2024, following multiple extended illnesses. Born at home in the rural town of Wadley, GA, Bill spent his formative years amidst the charm of his family's general store and family farm, playing with and caring for farm animals and getting into trouble in elementary school...

May 1, 2024

With a heavy heart, I write to let those of you who are unaware know that Tom passed away this past Wednesday.  He had been hospitalized 5 days prior.  His nurse was with him at the time of his death late that evening and said he was peaceful. His wit, intellect and especially his culinary gifts will be missed by...

May 1, 2024

Roy Lee Sosbee, 92, died May 1, 2024. 

A native of Jackson County, Mr. Sosbee lived most of his life in Oconee County. He was a son of the late Roy C. and Josie Davis Sosbee. 

Mr. Sosbee was an active member, former deacon and choir member at Mars Hill Baptist Church. He was an electrician and homebuilder for over forty years...

Apr 29, 2024

Sondra Kay Fountain, 59, of Danielsville, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, April 29, 2024.Sondra was the daughter of Annie Lois Fabris Ayers and the late Steven Fabris. She worked as a Bus Driver with the Madison County School System. Sondra had four beloved children of her own but served as a maternal figure for numerous others while working with the...

Apr 29, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of W T Fields. W T went home to be with his Lord and Savior on April 29, 2024.

W T was born in Oglethorpe County on March 14, 1938 and was a lifelong resident.

He was a retired truck driver who enjoyed time with family and friends. He was a member of...

Apr 28, 2024

Lisa Marie Saxon, 60, of Athens died on Sunday, April 28, 2024.

Born in Charleston, SC to William Cody Saxon and Patricia Carter Saxon, Lisa lived in Texas and North Carolina before returning to her family in Athens during her final illness. Lisa was a songwriter and played guitar.

She was preceded in death by her father.

Lisa is survived by her mother,...

Apr 28, 2024

Paul Alphus Grimes, 89, of Crawford, Georgia, passed peacefully into the arms of his Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, April 28, 2024. He was a lifelong resident of Oglethorpe County, where he was a member and honorary deacon of Welcome Avenue Congregational Holiness Church. 

He was the son of the late Paul B. and Lila Lucas Grimes. He is survived by...

Apr 27, 2024

Apr 27, 2024

Robert Derrell Hancock, Jr., of Bishop, Georgia, passed away April 27, 2024.

Robert grew up in Winterville, Georgia, the oldest of Derrell and Alice Hancock’s three children. He possessed a playful mischievousness which thrilled his brother David and sister Jacque. A love of horses, cars, and tractors began in his adolescent years and would endure throughout his lifetime.

Robert dedicated his life...

Apr 27, 2024

Entered into rest on April 27, Donald M. Leebern Jr., age 85, born August 30, 1938.

A native of Columbus, Georgia, Don Leebern graduated from Columbus High School in 1956 and attended the University of Georgia and later completed a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. The proud Georgia Bulldog was active in the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, the “G” Club and...

Apr 26, 2024

John M. McGilvray, of Watkinsville, GA, a proud Marine Corps veteran, passionate conservationist, and beloved husband, father, and brother, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 26, 2024. He was born on June 9, 1948, in Gainesville, Florida, to the late James Tapp McGilvray and Mary Agnes Fields McGilvray.

John's life was one of dedication and service, marked by love for his...

Apr 24, 2024

Helen “Clarice” Pilcher, 85, passed away quietly on April 24, 2024, with family at her side. 

Born May 15, 1938, in Taylor County, GA to Charles Cline Giles, Sr and Iris Vera Theus, she was the youngest of two children. On July 8, 1956, she married Wendall “Wayne” Pilcher, the love of her life, who she was devoted to for 66...

Apr 24, 2024

Doris Collins Davis, 76, of South Boston, Virginia, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2024. Born on July 5, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Oscar Talley, Jr. and Gertrude Goad Talley.

Doris was born and raised in South Boston, Virginia, by her loving grandmother, Ida Talley, who despite being a widow, adopted four of her grandchildren under the...

Apr 23, 2024

Brenda P. Whitley, 71, wife of 38 years to Jim Whitley, died on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.

Born in Athens, GA, she was the daughter of the late Herbert David Patton and Ruth Willoughby Patton and sister to the late Vickie Diane Patton and Tammy Patton Greer.  Brenda graduated from Oconee County High School in 1971, attended the University of Georgia...

Apr 22, 2024

With heavy hearts but unwavering faith, we announce the passing of Betty Mann Bennett. On April 22, 2024, Betty peacefully departed this world to stand with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and to reunite with her beloved husband of 65 years, Herbert Lincoln Bennett, in eternal rest.

Betty was born on April 26, 1935, to Roy Calvin Mann and Ora...

Apr 21, 2024

Mary Lynn Key, 74, of Bogart, passed away on April 21, 2024. Born on September 13, 1950, she was the daughter of the late Oscar Lee Morris and Merle Rowland Morris.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Latrelle Bush.

Survivors include her husband, Joe L. Key; children, Christopher Ward (Philavone); stepdaughters, Diana Johnson, Debbie Bowen;...