OBITUARIES

Oct 8, 2023

Jack Eugene Rice, 89, of Nicholson, Georgia, passed away on Sunday,  October 8, 2023.

Born in Dayton, Ohio on September 11 1934, he was the son of James David Rice and Hazel Louise Rice. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his two brothers.  Jack is survived by his wife of over 28 years,...

Oct 6, 2023

Leslie Todd Randall was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He left this world suddenly on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.

Todd was born to Jean and Jere Randall on Dec. 4, 1961 in Atlanta, GA. He was the youngest of two brothers: Tony and Tim Randall. After attending Georgia State University, he served in the...

Oct 6, 2023

Barbara Ann Ledford, 68, of Crawford passed away on Friday, October 6, 2023 after an extensive illness.

A lifelong resident of Oglethorpe County, she was born on October 13, 1954 to the late Fred & Bobbie Burgess.  She is also preceded in death by her sister, Sheryl Bridges and brother, Dennis Burgess.  She retired from Superior Pants...

Oct 6, 2023

Harriet Garrison McCurley, 85, of Winterville, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 6, 2023.

A lifelong resident of the Athens area, she was a daughter of Trenton Cleveland Garrison and Rosalie Lavender Garrison. Harriet was a member of The Red Hat Society and the VFW where she loved to dance. Harriet worked with Erwin, Epting, Birchmore and...

Oct 6, 2023

Willie Ruth Lord, 93, of Colbert, wife of 70 years to the late Narlin Milton Lord, died on Friday, October 6, 2023.  A native and lifelong resident of Colbert, she was the daughter of the late Troy Winston Thompson and Ruth Power Thompson. Mrs. Lord was a member of Colbert First Baptist Church and had worked as a seamstress....

Oct 5, 2023

William L. Escoe, 77, died on Thursday, October 5, 2023. Born in Danielsville, GA he was the son of the late Andrew Jackson Escoe and Omie Burdette Escoe and brother to the late Shirley Morgan, Dot Manders, and Jack Escoe. Mr. Escoe served in the US Army and had worked for Surplus Unlimited Boating Supplier.  He enjoyed fishing, hiking,...

Oct 4, 2023

Betty Carey West, cherished mother, sister and "gran", passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at the age of 75.

Born in Athens, she was a daughter of the late John Lafayette Carey and Norman Jean Carey. Betty enjoyed sitting on her front porch and most importantly, she adored her family. In addition to her parents,...

Oct 4, 2023

Peggy O. Smith, 76, of Hull, Ga died at her home on October 4, 2023.  The daughter of the late Claude and Lila O’Kelley of Athens, GA. Peggy is survived by her husband of 44 years, JR Smith, and her children; Darrin Cook (Sarah), Donna Hale (Rob), and Dana Smith.  Her grandchildren include Zachary Hale, Beatice Cook, Blake Rutledge...

Oct 2, 2023

Visitation will be Sunday, October 15, 2023 from 2:00 until 4:00 pm at Lord and Stephens, East.

Oct 2, 2023

Donna Lynne (Blomgren) Askren died peacefully at home on the evening of October 2, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born November 13, 1948 in Frankfurt, Germany, Donna was the oldest daughter of Bettee Elouise (Breckenridge) Blomgren and Col. Holton Eugene Blomgren.

Donna spent her early years in many locales including Germany, Thailand, Alexandria,...

Oct 1, 2023

Connie Jean Wooten, 61, of Watkinsville, GA, died on Sunday, October 1, 2023. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, she was the daughter of the late Charles James “Jimmy” Haller and Esther Annabell Shupe Barber. Connie was a faithful member of Poplar Springs Baptist Church and had worked as an at home caregiver. She is survived by her husband, Tommy Wooten,...

Oct 1, 2023

Clarence Wesley Nalley, 75, of Jefferson passed away on October 1, 2023. Born on July 5, 1948, he was the son of the late Roy Wesley Nalley and Jesse Qualls Nalley.

Clarence was a Vietnam veteran, serving in the United States Navy. He drove a gas tanker for over 40 years, acquiring the CB handle “Truckn’ Man”....

Oct 1, 2023

Thomas Evans Hedges Sr, age 87, of Bogart, Georgia was born September 18th, 1936, in New York City.  His family moved when he was young to Melbourne, Florida where he was raised. After graduating from Melbourne High School, he attended the University of Florida and received a degree from the school of Journalism and Communications.  Go Gators!

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Oct 1, 2023

In Loving Memory of Rev. Benjamin F. Coggins, Sr. Benjamin F. Coggins, Sr. a beloved minister, devoted family man, and a true servant of God, passed away on October 1, 2023. With a heart filled with love and a spirit of selflessness, he touched countless lives during his remarkable journey of faith. Born September 10, 1942, Benjamin F. Coggins,...

Oct 1, 2023

Janice Annette Smith, 71, of Eatonton, formerly of Winterville, passed away on Sunday, October 1, 2023.

Born in Athens, she was the daughter of Roy Lee Smith and Jeanette Epps Smith. Janice retired from Athens Regional Medical Center after more than 30 years of employment. She was an avid fan of the Georgia Bulldogs and the Atlanta...

Sep 30, 2023

Elizabeth (Betsy) Hornbuckle, age 75, passed away at her residence in Hoschton, GA on September 30, 2023, surrounded by loved ones holding her hands, just as she wanted. She is now re-united with her husband Bob, sister Alyce Deyo, and brother James Healy.

Betsy was a loyal and proud mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was born...

Sep 29, 2023

Jerry Allan Morgan, 85, of Athens, passed away on September 29, 2023. He was born on February 5, 1938 in Monticello, IL. to the late Birch and Jessie Morgan. Growing up in an idealic small town he was able to participate in numerous sports and enjoyed spending time on the family farm with his sister Emily.

Jerry...

Sep 28, 2023

Joyce McCrackin Gravely, 88 of Athens, passed away peacefully surrounded by most of her family on September 28, 2023. She is the daughter of Frank P. McCrackin and Ella Fay Nelson McCrackin of Seneca, SC.

Born in Spartanburg, SC, she was raised in Seneca, SC and moved to GA in 1956 where she raised her family in...

Sep 27, 2023

Dr. Franklin Shumake, educator, died on Wednesday, September 27, 2023.  He is survived by his wife, Hildred Hardigree Shumake; children, Joy and Ed Tant, Jan and Stan Witherington, Steve and Alonya Shumake. Grandchildren are Daniel and Christy Butler, Marie and Richard Jones, Sara and Andy Torbert, Emma and Paul Heffernan, Jamie and Chris Tripp, and Maya Shumake and seven...

Sep 26, 2023

Paul DeLargy lived a long purposeful life that sadly came to an end on September 26 in Athens, GA.  Born in 1928 in Hoboken New Jersey, he grew up first in the New York area then in Florida where he attended Miami Edison High School. He served as a paratrooper in the Army’s 82nd Airborne before studying economics at...