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Obituaries for September 27, 2007

James I. Collins, 86

Mr. James I. Collins, 86, passed away Monday morning, September 17, 2007, at Meadows Regional Medical Center. The Tattnall County native had lived in Reidsville most of his life. He was a retired farm equipment sales person.

He is survived by two sons and daughter-in-law, Jimmy Collins Jr., and Jimmy, III and Jessica Collins, all of Reidsville; a daughter, Cynthia Lee of Savannah; a sister, Virginia Scott of Vidalia; a brother, Harry L. Collins of Claxton; 13 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, September 19, 2007, with Rev. David Moxley and Rev. Tom Howard officiating. Interment followed in the Rome Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery.

Bradley B. Anderson Funeral Home was in charge of services.

Belle Johnson Harper, 87, died Sunday, September 23, 2007. The native of Emanuel County lived most of her life in Metter. She was a charter member of Cedar Street Baptist Church, a homemaker and loved being outdoors, especially fishing.

Survivors: daughter Jackie (J.D.) Dyches of Rincon, son Jerry Sr.(Ruth) Harper of Locust Grove, sister Mildred Cannady of Savannah, grandchildren Jenny Denney, Joan Blissett, Jerry Harper Jr., Christy Tilton, J.D. Dyches Jr., Janice Weseloh, 16 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe W. Harper, a daughter, Joe Ann Harper, parents, Batt and Lenora Johnson Johnson, six brothers and four sisters.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, September 26, at Morgan Family Funeral Home with burial in the Lake Cemetery. Remembrances may be made to Vista Care 1000 Towne Center Blvd. Suite 604, Pooler, GA 31322, or Cedar St. Baptist Church, P.O. Box 555, Metter, GA 30439

Morgan Family Funeral Home of Metter was in charge of arrangements.

Mr. William Eskew Holland, 59, died Tuesday, September 18, 2007, at Community Hospice in Vidalia. The native and lifelong resident of Cobbtown was a member of the Evergreen Baptist church. He was a farmer, a security guard at Georgia State Prison, loved hunting fishing and cutting his grass.

Survivors include his mother, Jewel Holland of Cobbtown; brothers and sisters in-law: James (Grace) Holland of Phelan, CA, Don (Barbara) Holland of Collins, Neal (Janice) Holland of Warner Robbins, Houston Holland of Cobbtown, Robert (Diane) Holland of Harlem, George (Ann) Holland of Cobbtown, Tommy( Jan) Holland of Cobbtown; sisters and brothers in-law: Patricia (Edward) Lewis of Claxton, Brenda (Wally) Beecher of Jesup, Annie Sue (Floyd) Rushing Cobbtown, Juanita (Amos) Rogers of Claxton, Mary Pauly of Cobbtown, Teresa (Larry) Hightower and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held Thursday, September 20, at Evergreen Baptist Church with burial following in the church cemetery.

Morgan Family Funeral Home of Metter was in charge of all arrangements.

Vera Stubbs Nagel, 88, died Thursday, September 20, 2007, at Glenvue Nursing Home under the care of Ogeechee Hospice. She was a native of Tattnall County, having lived in Claxton and Glennville most of her life. She was employed with Claxton Manufacturing from February 6, 1973 to July 20, 1984. She retired and moved to Minnesota. She lived there a few years, working at the elementary school as a social helper for the teachers, before returning to Georgia to live with her daughter. She has always been active in church work and working with young children, before having to make her new home in the Glenvue Nursing Home. Mrs. Vera was a member of The Church of God of Prophecy of Claxton. She was preceded in death by her parents, James Winfield and Mary Mozell Groover.

Mrs. Nagel is survived by two sons and daughter-in-law, Anthony W. Stubbs of Claxton and James Arnold Stubbs (Patricia) of Pine Island, MN; one daughter, Eileen Elizabeth Stubbs of Glennville; one brother, Wallace Groover of St. Petersburg, FL; three sisters and brother-in-law, Janie Todd of Glennville, Ora Lee Taylor (Russell) of Marietta and Doris Groover of Glennville; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Sunday, September 23, 2007, at Carter Funeral Chapel in Glennville with Reverend James Spence and Reverend Jerry Knight officiating. Interment followed in the Glennville City Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Michael Groover, Donnie Stubbs, Phillip Bostic, Carl Mann, Richard Ulmer and Larry West.

Carter Funeral Home of Glennville was in charge of the arrangements.

French E. Weathers, 80, passed away Sunday, September 23, 2007, at Glenvue Nursing Home. The Tattnall County native had lived in Glennville all of his life and was a World War II Army veteran and a 1949 Graduate of Brewton parker College. He was retired from Rayonier Corporation with 32 years of service, and was also a retired poultry producer of 40 years. He was a lifelong member of Oak Grove Baptist Church, where he served as Sunday School Teacher for over 50 years and Deacon for 47 years. He was a member of Philadelphia Lodge #73 F&AM and an honorary member of Battle Creek Hunting Club. He is preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Juanita Tootle Weathers.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Marty and Karen Weathers of Jesup; grandchildren, Brandon Weathers of Valdosta and Lauren Weathers of Jesup; sister, Mavelene Valdes of Arab, AL; several nieces and nephews and a special friend, Mrs. Mary Jean Gardner of Baxley.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, September 25, 2007, at Oak Grove Baptist Church with Dr. Charles “Bucky” Strickland and Reverend Michael Morgan officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery with military honors and Masonic graveside services.

Remembrances may be made to: Oak Grove Church Cemetery Fund, 2989 Oak Grove Rd., Glennville, GA 30427, or American Cancer Society, c/o Jeanette DeLoach, P.O. Box 188, Reidsville, GA 30453.

Pallbearers were Richard Blanton, Quinton Rush, Cline Tootle, Dana Simmons, Paul Peterson and Willie Collins. Honorary pallbearers were Deacons of Oak Grove Baptist Church and members of the Adult Sunday School Class.

Brannen-Kennedy Funeral Home of Glennville was in charge of the arrangements.

Obituaries for September 20, 2007

Courtney Walter Bacon Sr., 26

Courtney Walter Bacon Sr., 26, died September 6, 2007. He was born September 11,1980.

He is survived by his parents, Mr. Willie Lee (Redell) Bacon of Ellabell; Margaret ManuelTimmons of Claxton; and Theresa Ann (Ronnie) Walcott of Glennville; grandmother, Dollie Ann Bacon; children: Deanda Bacon of Reidsville; Courtney Walter Bacon Jr., of Glennville; and Octavius Fillmore (adopted son) of Glennville; siblings: Willie Lee Bacon Jr. (Veronica); William Lee Bacon (Pinkie); and Otis Lee Bacon (Saleeta), all of Glennville; Jerald Timmons of Myrtle Beach, SC; Jared Walker of Ellabell; Karen (Willie) Goldsby and Angie (John) McFadden, both of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; two “special” brothers, James Phillip Fields of Daisy and Claude Fillmore Jr., of Glennville; 14 aunts; nine uncles; several great-aunts and uncles; his fiancée, Andrea Weems; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Saturday, September 15, 2007, at White Pines Holiness Church, officiated by Bishop Wallace Grant, Pastor. Interment was in Robert Chapel Memorial Cemetery in Tyson. Repast was at New Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in Glennville.

Active pallbearers were Jeremy Kingston, Christopher Davis, Xavier Banks, David Jackson, Richard Roundtree, and Shaun Lisbon.

Honorary pallbearers were Mantrell Coley, Cory Lisbon, Michael Roberson, Corey Roberson, Robert Boyd, and James Golden.

Condolences may be given online at www.kingbrothersfh.com.

King and Sons Funeral Home of Glennville, Georgia, was in charge of the arrangements.

Chiquana Dijonea Byrd, age 14, passed into eternal rest, Saturday, September 15, 2007.

She is survived by her mother, Cashia Williams; father, Gary Byrd Jr.; three brothers, Jarqees, Kwazone and Keman; three sisters, Cherokee, Kenya and Destiny.

Funeral services will be held Friday, September 21, 2007, at 11:00 a.m. at Greater Zachariah Baptist Church in Glennville, GA. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Professional services are entrusted to Harper’s Funeral Home of Claxton.

Daniel Byrd Jr., 45, was born January 25, 1962, in Reidsville, GA, and at the age of three he moved to Miami, FL. He graduated from Jackson High School. He worked as a solid waste driver for Waste Management.

He leaves behind his wife, Gwendolyn Williams - Byrd; daughter, Danielle Elise Byrd; stepsons, Kermit and William Gainous; mother, Catherine Sharpe; father, Daniel Byrd, Sr.; mother-in-law, Ida Cooper; grandmother, Rena Mae Clay; sister, Kathy Byrd-James; brothers, Robert Sharpe, Donnell Byrd and Kenneth L. Byrd; brothers-in-law, Robert C. Cooper II and Robert Lee James; sisters-in-law, Shawanda “Lynn” Williams-Byrd and Camille Pickarda-Byrd; aunts, Glenda Grimes, Jessie Mae and Gerald; uncles, Jonas and David Byrd; special friend, Michele Hartley and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services for Mr. Byrd will be held on Saturday, September 22, 2007, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Phillips Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Artis Carswell and Rev. Roy Givens officiating. Burial will follow in the Sandhill Cemetery in Reidsville, GA.

King and Sons Funeral Home of Glennville is in charge of arrangements. www.kingbrothersfh.com

Funeral services for Meeda Orr Connor, 91, were held August 20, 2007, at Lankford Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Grady Snowden officiating. Burial followed in DeLand Memorial Gardens.

Ms. Connor passed away August 17, 2007, at Florida Hospital DeLand. She was born in Dublin, GA and moved to Lankford in 1960 from Hollywood, FL. She was a teacher at DeLand Junior High School. She received her Master’s Degree in Education from Stetson University. She also taught at Daytona Beach Community College and the Volusia County Correctional Facility. She enjoyed gardening and was a Master Bridge Player.

She is survived by her daughter, Susan Connor Livingston of DeLand; sisters, Quessie Shultz of GA and Betty Orr of FL; brother, Wardell Orr of TX and granddaughter, Vanessa Livingston of CA

Memorial donations may be made to Meeda Orr Connor Math Scholarship fund, DeLand High School, Attn: Nancy Pataky, 800 N. Hill Ave., DeLand, FL 32724.

Danny Harrelson, 49 passed away Wednesday morning, September 12, 2007, at the Community Hospice House in Vidalia. The Evans County native had lived in Reidsville all of his life. H e was a painter employed with Circle M Construction and attended Pine Grove Primitive Baptist Church.

He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Renee Harrelson of Reidsville; aunt, Arlue Fowler of Reidsville; special nieces and nephews, Bridgett Shuman, Jeremy Harrelson, Jerry Allen and Denise Harrelson, all of Reidsville.

Graveside services were conducted at Pine Grove Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery on Friday, September 14, 2007.

Bradley B. Anderson Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Regis Scott Kennedy, 90, of Wagener, SC, died Saturday, September 1, 2007. She was born February 1, 1917. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C.P. Scott Sr.  Regis was preceded in death by her parents and daughter Joyce East Hadsel. She is survived by her son Eugene L. Kennedy of Wagener SC., several grandchildren, sister Frankie Hunt of Paris, TX, and several nieces and nephews. Regis was a secretary with the Georgia State Prison System until retirement in 1976. There will be a memorial service at a future date in her honor.

Sgt. John William Mele II, died Friday, September 14, 2007, of wounds suffered when a roadside bomb detonated near his unit during combat operations. The Texas native had lived in the Hinesville and Glennville area for the past five years. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Platoon, Echo Co., 3rd Infantry Division, Ft. Stewart. He attended Glennville United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Mele of Glennville; daughter, Clarissa of Glennville; father and step-mother, Michael and Linda Mele of TN; mother, Kim Gilzow of FL; brothers, Michael and Nick Mele of TN; half-brother, Blake Northcutt of Ft. Polk, LA and half-sister, Jessie Breanne Northcutt of FL.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, September 22, 2007, at the Chapel of Brannen-Kennedy Funeral Home with Reverend Vance Riggins officiating. A reception will follow the service for the family and friends at Glennville United Methodist Church social hall. Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 27, 2007, at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.

Remembrances may be made to Glennville Christian Academy Building Fund, 105 S. Liberty St., Glennville, GA 30427.

Brannen-Kennedy Funeral Home, Glennville Chapel, is in charge of local arrangements.

Obituaries for September 13, 2007

Latisha Anderson, 29

Latisha Anderson, 29, passed away, Thursday morning, September 6, 2007, at her residence. The Tattnall County native had lived in Reidsville for many years, prior to moving to Jesup seven years ago. She was preceded in death by her father, Tommy Anderson, and a sister, Donna Sue Anderson.

She is survived by two daughters, Victoria Anderson of Glennville and Donna Sue Anderson of Jesup; a son, Isaiah Anderson of Jesup; her mother, Patsy Martinez of Jesup; two sisters, Angel Anderson of Glennville and Ashley Anderson of Ludowici; a brother, Tommy Lee Anderson of Jesup; her grandparents, John D. Blanton of Baxley and Martha Padgett of Jesup, and Louis and Patsy Anderson of Reidsville.

Pallbearers were David Blanton, Brandon Floyd, Louis Merritt, Bobby Anderson, Ryan Blanton, and Tommy Chavis.

Funeral services were held Monday, September 10, 2007, at the Chapel of Bradley B. Anderson Funeral Home with Rev. Ricky Mobley officiating. Interment followed in the Reidsville City Cemetery.

Pallbearers were David Blanton, Brandon Floyd, Louis Merritt, Bobby Anderson, Ryan Blanton and Tommy Chavis.

Bradley B. Anderson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Naomi Ross Camper, 85, died August 31, 2007. She was born May 11, 1922.

Naomi served the church all her life. She married Wadis Edwards as a teenager and had two children: Dr. Dorothy E. Brunson (Mickey), who is the first African-American woman in America to own radio and television stations, and Barbara Ann Edwards (Sing), who died on Easter Sunday in 1951 after being hit by an automobile. Naomi left Glennville in her early 20s and moved to Troy, New York, to live with her sisters, but jobs were few, so she moved to New York City.

During the mid-40s, Naomi met and married Clyde Porter, and from that union had three children: Clyde Porter, Jr., a civil engineer with his own Consulting Engineering firm; Jerome R. Porter; and Geraldine Melissa Wilkins.

Naomi was hired as one of the first African-Americans to work at United Airlines and stayed there for 31 years, working as a matron. She retired, and for the rest of her life received executive privileges that allowed her to fly for free, paying only the taxes on a ticket. This allowed her to fly all over the world and see many other countries and cities.

She was a hard-working, praying woman and believed that education and learning was the way to a better life. She taught all her children the model prayer before she taught them their ABCs. History will show that her four children won many perfect attendance awards from both school and church. She always lamented about having only an eighth grade education, so when she retired at age 68, she went back to school and was awarded her diploma. Upon receiving her diploma, she immediately registered for college and studied theology.

During the latter years of her life, Naomi met and married Douglas Camper, and because of age and slightly failing health, she sold her home in Denver, Colorado, and moved back to Hinesville.

She is survived by two daughters, Dorothy and Geraldine of Baltimore; two sons, Clyde Porter of New York and Jerome Porter of Denver; six grandchildren: her “boys” - Edward, Daniel, Quaddus, and Malik of Baltimore; Jelaney in Atlanta; and Kiela in New York; 11 great-grandchildren; and a host of very loving and caring family and friends in New York, Denver, Michigan, and many parts of Georgia.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 8, at Greater Zachariah Missionary Baptist Church, with the Rev. C. L. Anderson officiating.

Pallbearers were Daniel Brunson, Edward Brunson, Malik Jordan, Quaddus Jordan, Roy Ross, and Marvin Sharpe.

King and Sons Funeral Home of Glennville was in charge of the arrangements. Condolences can be given online at www.kingbrothersfh.com.

Dr. Oliver Raleigh Finch, Sr., 79, of Jacksonville, FL, died Monday, September 10, 2007, at The Baptist Hospital in Jacksonville.

Dr. Finch was born October 22, 1927, in Bulloch County, GA, to the late Brooks and Ruby Clark Finch. After moving to Glennville, GA, in 1943, he attended Glennville High School, going on to graduate from Georgia Southern in 1948 with a degree in Education. He married Gloria McDonald on June 30, 1953. The couple resided in Baxley where Dr. Finch was principal of Baxley Elementary School until moving to Florida in 1960. In 1966, Dr. Finch and his family moved to Jacksonville where he was employed by Florida Junior College, later known as Florida Community College of Jacksonville, as an administrator. He received his Doctoral Degree from the University of Alabama. He retired after years of dedicated service to the Junior College. He was a member of Southside Methodist Church in Jacksonville. Through the years, Dr. Finch was involved in community organizations including the Association of Retarded Citizens and the Southside Rotary Club. He was an avid fisherman. In addition to his parents and wife, he was also preceded in death by a son, Christopher Finch.

He is survived by two daughters, Nina Finch of Callahan, FL, and Marcy Finch Dunavant of Jacksonville, FL; a son, Oliver R. Finch Jr. and wife, Sandy, of Port Orange, FL; brother, Jesse Finch and wife, Gloria, of Glennville; special friend, Ethel Lee of Jacksonville, FL; nine grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 13 at 2 p.m. at the chapel of Swain Funeral Home in Baxley with Rev. Alan Miller presiding. Interment will follow in Omega Cemetery.

Swain Funeral Home, Inc., of Baxley, GA, is in charge of the arrangements.

Dale Lamar Hicks, 55, passed away September 8, 2007, at Ogeechee Area Hospice. He was a native of Tattnall County where he was raised in the Hillview Community. He was retired from T & K Hicks Construction.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oleta and Reid Hicks; his son, Jamie Hicks; brothers, Gerald and Melvin Hicks and nephew Allen Hicks.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years Denise Hicks of Claxton; one son and daughter-in-law, Jason (Tracy) of Claxton; one brother and sister-in-law, Kenny (Sharon) Hicks of Reidsville; one sister and brother-in-law, Linda Gail (L.R.) Anderson of Metter; one sister-in-law, Linda Hicks; one granddaughter, Haley Elizabeth Hicks; special grandson, Gage Todd; godchildren, MaKayla and Hunter Smith and he will be remembered and loved by many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held September 11, 2007, at J. Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home in Claxton, GA. Burial followed in Canoochee Church Cemetery.

J. Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home of Claxton was in charge of the arrangements.

Harold J. Peters, 63, passed away Thursday, September 6, 2007, at his residence.

The Kentucky native had lived in Reidsville for the past five years. The US Navy veteran served in the Vietnam War and was retired from Industrial-Tooling-Engineering as the Vice President. Mr. Peters was a member of the Reidsville United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Joy Peters of Reidsville; two sons, Daniel Peters of Ohio and Chadwick Peters of Reidsville; sister, Rebecca Parker of Bluffton, IN; two brothers, Gerald Peters of Reidsville and Dale Peters of Florida; three grandchildren, Josh and Kyle Peters, Daniell Peters; several nieces and nephews.

Graveside Funeral services were held Monday, September 10, 2007, at Fairview Cemetery in Berea, KY.

Bradley B. Anderson Funeral Home of Reidsville was in charge of the arrangements.

Wallace Walker, 49, passed away Friday, September 7, 2007. He was born January 23, 1958, to the late Albert Walker and Joyce Eva Walker.

He leaves to mourn his passing, his wife, Lavonia Weaver Walker; four children, Keisha (Amory) Surcy, LaNetria Walker, Victor McCoy, Julius Walker; three stepchildren, Quisha and Keith and Tosha Gore; one Godchild, Jessica Johnson; eight grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, Ann McCoy; four sisters, Betty (Gregory) Smith, Lavonia (Dean) McKinnon, Beverly (Carlos) Burke, Leslie Doe, and a half-sister, Glenda Grimes; four brothers, Orrie (Geraldine) Doe, Albert Walker, Willie Walker and David; paternal grandparent, Rosella Walker; aunts, uncles and a host of nephews and nieces; and a very close friend, Yolanda Robinson.

Funeral service will be held Thursday, September 13 at 1 p.m. at Little Rock Holiness Church in the White Pines Community in Glennville with Rev. Charles Fulton officiating and Rev. Wallace Grant presiding.

Pallbearers will be Pernell Doe, Stephen Doe, Matthew Walker, Willie Walker Jr., Justin McMillian and Gregory Smith.

King and Sons Funeral Home of Glennville is in charge of arrangements. Condolences can be given online at www.kingbrothersfh.com.

Obituaries for September 6, 2007

Viola Mosley Colwell, 82

Mrs. Viola Mosley Colwell was born in Tattnall County, Georgia, on June 13, 1925, to the late Tom Mosley and Lucy Hall Mosley. She was call to Heavenly Rest on Thursday, August 16, 2007, at Meadows Regional Medical Center in Vidalia, Georgia.

She was a member of St. Williams Missionary Baptist Church. She enjoyed cooking, gardening and also fishing; but most of all she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who was a pillar of strength that kept her family close.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by siblings, Enoch, Leah, Mary, Jessie, Tempie and Bertha; and a grandson, George W. (Chuck) Lane Jr.

She is survived by a devoted and loving husband of sixty-six years, Gordon Colwell of Reidsville, GA; a son and daughter-in-law, Curtis and Patricia Colwell of Reidsville, GA; one daughter, Teresa C. Johnson; one step-daughter, Retha Byrd of Miami, FL; one sister, Birdie Beal of Odom, GA; one sister-in-law, Maggie Colwell of Jamaica, NY; one brother-in-law, Cecil Smith of Savannah, GA; three grandchildren, Stephanie Murphy (Sam), Corey Colwell and Chastin Colwell (Monica), all of Reidsville; four step-grandchildren, Kenneth Byrd (Nicole), Katheria Byrd, Tamiko Brown (Tyrone), and Gregory Hunter (Diana); seven great-grandchildren, Kacey Collins, George W. Lane III, Somayah Murphy, Teresa Lane, Corey Jr., Cobey, and Christian Colwell; several step-great-grandchildren; special family friends, Lois Bangs of Savannah, GA and Francis Williams of Manassas, GA and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers were Tyrone Brown, William Carwell Jr., Quinton Colwell, Marty Carswell, Roy Summersett and Chris Walker. Honorary pallbearers were Kenny Byrd, George W. Lane III, Corey Colwell, Chastin Colwell, Jamie Murphy, Samuel Murphy and Richard Buford.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, August 21, 2007, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Williams Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Freddie Marshall and Rev. Artis Carswell officiating. Interment was in the Sandhill Cemetery.

Harpers Funeral Home of Claxton was in charge of arrangements.

Johnny Hardy, 71, passed away Saturday, September 1, 2007, at his residence under the care of Ogeechee Area Hospice. The Appling County native had lived in Savannah for 30 years, before moving to Glennville seven years ago. He was a retired auto mechanic and attended the Assembly of God Church in Savannah.

He is survived by his daughters, Becky Boyer and Sherry Newman, both of Glennville and Sheila McGlown of Dixon, IL; son, Johnny Hardy Jr. of Savannah; brothers, Albert Hardy Jr. of Lumber City and Estell Hardy of Baxley; eight grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, September 4, 2007, at the chapel of Brannen-Kennedy Funeral Home with Reverend Bill Eller officiating. Burial followed in Bulloch Memorial Gardens in Statesboro.

Pallbearers were David Schanen, Steven Bradley, Keith McGlown, David Galvan, Rysheen Rogers and Lloyd Bradley.

Brannen-Kennedy Funeral Home of Glennville was in charge of the arrangements.

Robert Kyle Landman, 24, passed away August 28, 2007, after injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

The Gainesville, FL, native was of Baptist faith. He was a volunteer fire fighter in Tattnall County, GA.

He is survived by his fiancée Kristen Blakeney of Higgston, GA; his father and mother, Kyle and Ann Landman of Collins; one brother and sister-in-law, Jamie and Danielle Landman of Collins; one sister and brother-in-law, Kelly and Michael LaSala of Collins; one nephew, Ethan Kyle Landman; paternal grandparents, Ernest Landman of Collins; maternal grandparents, Joe and Lillie Mae Copeland of Uvalda and Dixie Austin of Millner, GA; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, September 1, 2007, at J. Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home with Reverend Joey Copeland officiating. Burial followed in Gravel Hill Cemetery in Bloomingdale, GA.

Pallbearers were Lee Riffit, Shane NeSmith, Albert Brown, Carl Lallak, Josh Terry and Dusty Hutcheson. Honorary pallbearers were Terry Calhoun and Eddie Anderson.

J. Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home of Claxton was in charge of the arrangements.

Miss Crystal Gail Martin, 29, died August 31, 2007. She was a native of Tattnall County and had lived 14 years in Long County. Her occupation was farm work. She loved to watch wrestling, was a Sunday School teacher and a member of Little Rock Baptist Church in Glennville.

She is survived by her parents, J.W. and Lois Martin of Glennville; two brothers, James Martin (Rachael) of Anderson, IN, and Steven Martin of Glennville; grandmother, Bessie Bacon of Ludowici, GA; two nieces, Morgan Martin and Wiley Martin, both of Anderson, IN; several aunts, uncles and special friends, L.W. and Craig Burkhalter of Glennville.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, September 5, 2007, at Little Rock Baptist Church in Glennville with Brother Bryan Anderson officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery.

Carter Funeral Chapel was in charge of the arrangements.

Margie Lanier Morris, 77, passed away Wednesday, August 29, 2007, at her residence, after an extended illness. The Candler County native lived in Toombs County for 37 years before moving back to Metter in 1989. After 30 years, she retired as a supervisor with Hazlehurst Manufacturing and then became a resident manager for Southern Manor Retirement Inn for 12 years. For many years she was a member of a bowling league in Vidalia and was a member of the Rosemary Primitive Baptist Church. “Mimi” loved to travel, play cards and spend time with her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, L.E. “Runt” Morris; two daughters, Brenda M. Flynt and an infant, Sandra Morris; parents, John Wesley and Fronita Rigdon Lanier; and a brother, Wesley Lanier.

She is survived by three granddaughters and their husbands, Cindy and Ray Huff of Metter, Gina and Brad Lane of Lyons and Candice Flynt of Augusta; a grandson, Jason Flynt of Kodiak, AK; a son-in-law, Malcolm Flynt of Metter; four great granddaughters, Emi Huff, Darby, Roxi and Torie Lane.

Funeral services were held Saturday, September 1, at Rosemary Primitive Baptist Church with Elder Sam Bowen and Elder Charles Garrett officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers were Terry Lanier, Michael Parker, Ronnie Flynt, Craig Lanier, Morgan Trapnell and Kenny Flynt.

Kennedy Funeral Homes, Hooks Chapel, was in charge of the arrangements.

Mr. Paul Walter Nix, 84, passed away Wednesday, August 29, 2007, at the Meadows Regional Medical Center. The Union County native had lived there most of his life, prior to moving to Reidsville fifteen years ago. He was a World War II veteran serving in the US Army. He was retired from Dalton Carpet and was an avid gardener and landscaper. Mr. Nix was a member of the Old Union Baptist Church. He is preceded in death by his parents, William Jasper Nix and Leona West Nix; one son, Bobby Nix; brothers, Clayton, Mercer, Donald, Newton, Andy and Kimsey Nix; and one sister, Estee Nix.

He is survived by his wife, Ina Souther Clark Nix of Vidalia; five daughters and sons-in-laws, Lavern and Carl Cook, Brenda and Burch Wood, both of Newport, TN, Melva and Vernon Akins of Gainesville, GA, Tina and Frank Vanderpool of Vacaville, CA and Kathy and Wendell Sanders of Reidsville; a sister and brother-in-law, Rosa Lee and Dillard Owenby of Otisville, Mich; a brother, Harrison Nix of Blairsville, GA; a sister-in-law, Allene Nix of Flowery Branch, GA; a special family friend, Priscilla Costen; 13 grandchildren, several great and great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Shane Arnold, David Akins, Eddie King, Devin Durrence, Anthony James, and Brian Curl.

Funeral services were held Saturday, September 1, 2007, at the Chapel of Bradley B. Anderson Funeral Home with Rev. Andrew Nelms officiating. Interment followed in the Reidsville City Cemetery.

Bradley B. Anderson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Annie Merle Purcell, 100, died peacefully at her home Sunday, September 2, 2007. She was the oldest living member of Ebenezer Free Will Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband of 77 years, Lannes Purcell; two sons, John and Jerry Purcell; three brothers, Roy, Oren and Ellis Folsom; one sister, Clarice Folsom Purcell; and two sons-in-law, Estus Warren and Burton Scott. She was the last surviving child of the late James Madison Folsom and Julia DeLoach Folsom.

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Debbie P. Warren of Baxley, Olivia P. Scott of Atlanta, Fay and Alex Cantrell of Knoxville, TN, Mary and Paul Cooper of Birmingham, AL, and Martha and Thom Maass of Acworth; eight grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, September 4, 2007, at the Chapel of Brannen-Kennedy Funeral Home. A graveside farewell of silent prayers was held in Ebenezer Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Chuck Parke, Perry Parke, David Cooper, Jimmy Warren, George Cash and Julian Lightsey. Honorary pallbearers were Pat Patterson, Mike Folsom, Ennis Purcell and Douglas Purcell.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Ebenezer Church Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 452, Glennville, GA 30427, or Pearls of Life Hospice, 13 S. Newton St. Claxton, GA 30417.

Brannen-Kennedy Funeral Home of Glennville was in charge of the arrangements.

Mr. Homer “John” Welch Jr., passed away Thursday, August 30, 2007, at his home. He was born and raised in Jefferson County, Georgia, and later moved to Reidsville as a young man. He was a World War II veteran serving in the Air Corps. John retired after many years of owning and operating a trucking business. He was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and attended the Reidsville Congregation. He was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine Iddings Welch.

He is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, John Welch III and Bridget B. Welch of Reidsville; a daughter and son-in-law, Allison W. and Dwain Doyle of Reidsville; two grandchildren, John A. Welch and Julia B. Welch, both of Reidsville; he is also survived by several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

Memorial services were held Saturday, September 1, 2007. Memorials may be given to a charity of your choice.

Bradley B. Anderson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Wilma Eason Wilkes, 95, died Friday, August 31, 2007, under the care of Ogeechee Area Hospice. The Tattnall County native had lived in Tattnall and Evans counties for most of her life, residing at NorthSpring Assisted Living in Claxton for the past two years.

Born to the late James R. and Lillie Outen Eason, she was a graduate of Claxton High School and was a member of the first graduating class of South Georgia College in Douglas, Georgia. She was a schoolteacher for several years and a lifelong homemaker.

She was a member of Shiloh United Methodist Church and then Reidsville United Methodist Church, where she was a member of the Tommy Thomson Sunday School Class. She served in many capacities, including church pianist at Shiloh for many years and as a Sunday School teacher. Her example as a Christian cannot be reduced to words, but will live on in the lives that she touched.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas H. Wilkes, and her brothers, James and Tillman Eason.

She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Jimmy and Diane Wilkes of Jekyll Island and Tommy and Kathy Wilkes of Reidsville; daughter and son-in-law, Kay and Carl Reid of Reidsville; grandchildren Jason (Carrie) Wilkes, Mark (Shanna) Wilkes, Kristy Wilkes, Susan (Nathan) Sparks, Brad Wilkes, Brittany (Tim) Thompson, Brian (Paula) Reid, Andy (Liz) Reid and Patrick (Tia) Reid; 11 great-grandchildren and five step-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; special friend Mary Tootle, special caregivers, Mary Alice Wilkerson and Louise Williams and her NorthSpring family.

Pallbearers were Brad Wilkes, Brian Reid, Mark Wilkes, Patrick Reid, Andy Reid and Jason Wilkes. Honorary pallbearers were Tommy Thomson Sunday School Class, Residents and Staff of NorthSpring Assisted Living.

Funeral services were held Monday, September 3, 2007, at the Chapel of Bradley B. Anderson Funeral Home with Rev. Marc Foster and Rev. Tim Thompson officiating. Interment followed in the Shiloh United Methodist Church Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to: Ogeechee Area Hospice, P.O. Box 531, Statesboro, GA 30459 or Shiloh United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Winona Shuman, 463 Robert Tootle Rd., Reidsville, GA 30453.

Bradley B. Anderson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.