Obituaries

“Local News by Local Citizens”

Ms. Lucile

Mangham Oglesby

Ms. Lucile Mangham Oglesby, age 87, of Molena, Ga., died June 26, at Riverside Nursing Center.

Ms. Oglesby was born May 23, 1926, in Pike County, Ga., to the late Floyd and Georgia Mae Mangham. She was formerly employed with Riverside Nursing Center where she worked as an LPN for many years and also worked in home healthcare. Ms. Oglesby was a member of Rehoboth Nazarene Church. She spent the last few years raising her grandson.

Survivors include her son, Mr. Lyn (Linda) Smith, of Molena, Ga.; sister, Mrs. Margaret Brown, of Meansville, Ga.; grandchild, Curtis (Ashley) Clark Smith; great-grandson, Mason Parker Smith.

Funeral services were held Saturday, June 29, at 11 a.m., from Rehoboth Nazarene Church. Burial followed in Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery.

Coggins Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Marcelle Polly Parrott

Mr. Marcelle Polly Parrott, age 83, of Thomaston, died June 25, at his residence.

Mr. Parrott was born Jan. 1, 1930, in Upson County, Ga., to the late George and Mattie Lou Parrott. He owned and operated a service station for many years and worked at Parrott Pawn Shop. Mr. Parrott was a member of Faith Baptist Church. He served his country in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany.

Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Barbara Ann Parrott, of Thomaston; daughters, Mrs. Jan McCorkle, of Carnesville, Ga., Mrs. Jayna (Mike) Sinns, of Thomaston; sons, Mr. Phillip Parrott, of Thomaston, Mr. Jeffery Parrott, of Thomaston, Mr. Jason "Bo" Parrott, of Calgary Canada; sister, Mrs. Connie Davidson, of Oklahoma; eight grandchildren and 10 great- grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Thursday, June 27, at 11 a.m., from Faith Baptist Church. Burial followed in Upson Memorial Gardens.

Coggins Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Riley Lee Royal

Mr. Riley Lee Royal, age 84, passed away Friday, June 28, at Ogeechee Hospice in Statesboro.

He was born in Jenkins County and worked here as a farmer and for Thomson Company. He went on to work in a cotton mill and as a mechanic. He retired as a mobile home park owner. He was a member of The Church of God in Millen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lonnie and Elene Cooper Royal; baby sister, Becky M. Royal; brother, Peter Royal; and daughter, Rachel R. Reynolds.

Funeral services were held Sunday at The Church of God of Millen, with Rev. Josh Farthing officiating. Burial followed in the MillenCemetery.

He is survived by his wife, Pauline Clark Royal, of Millen; a son, Dale Royal, of Barnesville; three sisters, Joyce R. Thompson, of Millen,Jewel R. Bevel, and Patsy R. (Calvin) Lane, both of Thomaston; and two grandchildren, Jason (Ann) Royal, of Signal Mountain, Tenn., and Jennifer (Chris) Butler, of Griffin.

Memorials may be made to the Ogeechee Area Hospice, P.O. Box 531, Statesboro, Ga. 30459.

Crowe-Fields Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Patricia

Stillwell Upchurch

Mrs. Patricia Stillwell Upchurch, age 71, of South Earles Road, Thomaston, died Friday morning, June 28, in Upson Regional Medical Center in Thomaston.

Funeral services were held Monday, July 1, at 11 a.m., in the Chapel of Pasley-Fletcher Funeral Home in Thomaston. Rev. Michael Norman officiated. Interment followed in Restlawn Memory Gardens in LaGrange. Mrs. Upchurch was a native of Coosa, Ala. She was a retired carpet inspector at Millican Co. in LaGrange and was a member of Faithful Christian Baptist Church. She was predeceased by her daughter, Stephanie Pope. Mrs. Upchurch is survived by her husband, Mr. Hollis Upchurch, of Thomason; one son, Mr. Marty G. (Peggy) Upchurch, of Mountville; three daughters, Mrs. Terrie Lynn (Johnnie) Holcombe, of Mountville, Mrs. Darline Luke, of Carrollton, and Mrs. Toni (Carl) Hardy, of Mountville; one sister, Mrs. Dorothy Stillwell Williams, of Lanett, Ala.; one brother, Mr. Raymond Paul (Carla) Stillwell, of Thomaston; 18 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Divita Dialysis, 1065 US Hwy 19 North, Thomaston, Ga. 30286. Pasley-Fletcher Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Chessie Arnold Rogers

Mrs. Chessie Arnold Rogers, 91, of South Green Street, died Sunday, June 30, at her residence.

Funeral services were held at Thomaston First United Methodist Church, Tuesday, July 2, at 2 pm. Rev. Herb Flanders and Rev. Charles Bennett officiated. Interment followed in Southview Cemetery in Thomaston.

Pasley-Fletcher Funeral Home of Thomaston was in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Rogers was a native of Hancock County, Ga., and moved to Upson County at an early age. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse E. Rogers, Sr. They married on Oct. 26, 1940, and were married for 64 years. Mrs. Rogers was part owner of Wilson's Dress Shop. She was bookkeeper at Jesse Rogers Sand and Gravel from 1958 to 1978 and Rogers Cash and Carry from 1978 to 2003. Mrs. Rogers was a member of First United Methodist Church and was past Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star of the East Thomaston Lodge.

Mrs. Rogers is survived by her children, Mr. Jeffrey H. (Carlene) Rogers, of Thomaston, Mrs. Joan R. (Tommy) Neely, of St. Simons Island, and Mr. Jessie E."Eddie" (Tina) Rogers, of Thomaston; brothers and sister, Mr. Jackie (Bessie) Arnold, of Thomaston, Mr. Billy (Millie) Arnold, of Sharpsburg, and Mrs. Eleanor Harris, of Thomaston; nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren also survive.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributons may be made to the First United Methodist Church or the church of the donor's choice.

Mr. Joel K. Brooks

Mr. Joel K. Brooks, 69, of Thomaston, died Saturday, June 29, at his residence.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 2, at 2 p.m., in the Chapel of Pasley-Fletcher Funeral Home. Interment followed in Upson Memorial Gardens. Rev. Jimmy Wright officiated.

Mr. Brooks was retired from the Thomaston-Upson County School System where he worked in the maintenance department, and he was previously employed with Thomaston Mills. He was preceded in death by a sister, Susan Clark.

Mr. Brooks is survived by his wife, Mrs. Barbara Moore Brooks; a son, Mr. Kenneth Brooks of Griffin, Ga.; and a daughter, Mrs. Karen (Chris) Mills of Macon, Ga.

Pasley-Fletcher Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Peggy Evans Bickley

Funeral services for Peggy Evans Bickley, 81, of Butler, will be held Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. at Antioch Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery.

Mrs. Bickley passed away Sunday, July 7, at her residence.

She was a member of Antioch Baptist Church. She was a tiny, humble lady with a huge heart as well as a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

Survivors include her husband, Homer C. Bickley of Butler; two sons, Thomas Golden (Ellen) of Macon and Randy Bickley (Dodie) of Bonaire; four daughters, Ellen Bickley of Butler, Clair Haney (Robert) of Thomaston, Donna Hay (Steve) of Navarre, Fla. and Judie Hood (Drew) of South Carolina; two brothers, David Lanier and Darrell Lanier, Sr. (Michelle) of Macon; three sisters, Glenda Hampton (Dwight) of Macon, Patsy Wallace of Macon and Elizabeth ìBeppieî Reig (Kevin) of Tennessee; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Antioch Baptist Church, 2093 Thomaston Highway, Butler, Ga. 31006

McLeighton Funeral Service of Butler is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Claxton Bernard Fountain

Mr. Claxton Bernard Fountain, age 87, of Thomaston, died July 1, at Upson Regional Medical Center.

Mr. Fountain was born Aug. 13, 1925, in Dodge County, Ga., to the late Lonnie and Bessie Fountain. He was formerly employed with B.F. Goodrich Martha Mills where he worked in the twister room. Mr. Fountain was a member of Sylvia Hills Baptist Church. He served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Survivors include his daughters, Mrs. Diane (Ray) Holley of Thomaston, Ga., Mrs. Peggy (Don) Kleinknecht of Rutledge, Ga.; four grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, July 3, at 2 p.m. from the Chapel of Coggins Funeral Home. Burial followed in Crystal Hill Cemetery.

Coggins Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Aline M. Alexander

Mrs. Aline M. Alexander, age 94, died at her home on Spencer St., Barnesville, Ga., of natural causes, July 8.

Mrs. Alexander was predeceased by her husband Clifford "Tip" Alexander, a retired Army Officer, whom she married on Feb. 4, 1954.

Mrs. Alexander lived a long and adventerous life, working for Defense Contractors during WWII in Baltimore, Md., Head Telephone Operator in Thomaston, in the mid 1950's, and at the William Carter Company in Quality Control in the 1970s and 1980s, as well as following her husband in Europe and the U.S. during his Army Career.

Mrs. Aline Alexander was born in Meansville, Ga., Jan. 31, 1919, her parents were Alvie Clifton Morris and Julia Hagan Morris. She had two older brothers, Homer and William, and an older sister, Susie.

She is survived by her son, COL (R) William Michael (Mike) Alexander; her loving daughter-in-law, Misuk Kim Alexander; her grandsons, William Michael Alexander, Jr. and Clifford Robert Alexander; Cliffords finance, Jani McFadden, of Seoul, Korea; and her nieces, Marie, Linda, Sandra, Jan, and Toni; and nephew, Scott.

In celebration of Mrs. Aline M. Alexanders life, it is requested by the family that in lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Thomaston Hospice, 316 West Gordon St., Thomaston, Ga. 30286.

A memorial service will be held at Coggins Funeral Home Chapel, Thursday, July 11, at 11 a.m. with visitation from 10 a.m. until the service hour and immediately afterwards, internment to be held Saturday, July 13, at Arlington National Cemetery where she will join her husband Clifford "Tip" Alexander.

Coggins Funeral Home is in charge of arrangments.

Mr. Otis Junior Walker

Mr. Otis Junior Walker, age 73, of West Moores Crossing Rd., in the Potato Creek Heights Community, died Saturday, July 6, at his residence.

His wife, Mrs. Angelene Parker Walker, and all other relatives can be contacted at their residence.

Funeral services for Mr. Walker will be held Wednesday, July 10, at 2 p.m., at Thomaston-Upson Civic Center. Burial will follow in the Rocky Mt. C.M.E. Church Cemetery. Brother Roland Hockenhull, from The Kingdom Hall, will officiate.

Bentleyís and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of all professional services.

Mr. Walker is survived by his wife, Mrs. Angelene Walker, of Thomaston; seven children, Gwendolyn WalkerWills, of Dallas, Tex., Adrian Walker, James Eric Walker, Jeremy Quentin Walker (Jacqueline), Otha Bernard Searcy (Quinitha), and Miguel Starling, all of Thomaston; 16 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; one brother, Robert Walker, of Thomaston; brothers and sisters-in-law, Annette Worthy, of Thomaston, James Parker (Vivian), of Barnesville, T.J.Sledge, of Atlanta, Ga., and Gene Parker, of Detroit, Mich.; a host of nieces, nepews and other relatives who mourn his death.

Mr. Hubert M.

Wilson

Mr. Hubert M. Wilson, of Molena, died at his residence Saturday, July 13.

Funeral services were held Monday, July 15, at 11 a.m., in the Pasley-Fletcher Funeral Home Chapel. Dr. Rex King officiated. Burial followed in Upson Memorial Gardens.

Mr. Wilson was born in Spalding County to the late William T. Wilson and the late Annie Kate Wiles Wilson. He served in the Army during the Korean Conflict and worked many years for B.F. Goodrich Company as a weaver. Mr. Wilson was predeceased by his grandson, William T. Wilson, II.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Mary Sams Wilson; one daughter, Kathy (Rodney) Marks; one son, Billy (Cassie) Wilson; four grandchildren, Kristy Frierson, Logan Duck, Katilyn Shipman, Bailey Shipman; two great-grandchildren, Joshua Frierson and Alyssa Frierson, all of Molena.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Pasley-Fletcher Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be made at www.pasleyfletcher.com.

Mr. Eugene C. Williams

Mr. Eugene C. Williams, age 81, of Johnston Drive, died Saturday, July 13, at his residence.

Memorial services were held Monday, July 15, at 2 p.m., in the First Presbyterian Church. Rev. Christopher Peterson, Dr. Albert E. Simmons, and Rev. William R. Conine, Jr. officiated, with Pasley-Fletcher Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Williams was a native of Jackson, Ga. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church and served in the U.S. Air Force in England from 1950-1954 during the Korean War. Mr. Williams retired from the Department of Transportation as an engineer. He had been part owner of WAG Home Medical Supply. Mr. Williams was an Upson County Tax Assessor and a licensed real estate appraiser. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Elsie Spensley Williams, and his son, Tony Eugene Williams.

Mr. Williams is survived by his wife, Mrs. Jackie Jones Williams, of Thomaston; two daughters, Debbie Williams (Pete) Cavan, of Tuscaloosa, Ala., and Tina (Eddie) Rogers, of Thomaston; grandchildren, Jess Rogers and Chelsie Rogers, both of Thomaston, David (Julie) Cavan, Stuart Cavan, and Ashley Cavan, all of Tuscaloosa, Ala.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church or the church of the donor's choice.

Mrs. Reba Lavenia Rogers Boyt

Mrs. Reba Lavenia Rogers Boyt, age 72, of Thomaston, died at her residence Sunday, July 14.

Mrs. Boyt was born Sept. 8, 1940, in Thomaston, to the late Claude and Dovie Wade Rogers. She was employed with Playtex, Lanier Electronics and later was employed with Yamaha Music where she worked as an inspector for many years. Mrs. Boyt was a member of Mountain View Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Mr. Gene Rogers, Mr. Joel Rogers, sisters, Mrs. Evelyn Scroggins, Mrs. Gail Hagans, three nieces and one nephew also precedes her death.

Survivors include her husband, Mr. Samuel Boyt, of Thomaston; daughter, Mrs. Tammy (Barry) Wheeless, of Thomaston; grandchildren, Carrie and Caleb Wheeless. Mrs. Boyt is also survived by two nieces and two nephews and by lifelong friends Emory and Omie Pitts.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 17, at 2 p.m. from Mountain View Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Upson Memorial Gardens.

Coggins Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Louise

McKinley Foy

Mrs. Louise McKinley Foy, age 92, of Thomaston, died July 10, at Upson Regional Medical Center.

Mrs. Foy was born Nov. 13, 1920, in Thomaston, to the late Raymond and Mary Lou McKinley. She was a homemaker.

Survivors include her son, Mr. Robert Raymond Foy, of Thomaston; brother, Mr. J.B. (Ruby) McKinley, of Thomaston; grandchildren, Jeremy and Daniel Foy.

Funeral services for Mrs. Louise McKinley Foy were held Friday, July 12, at 11 a.m. from the Chapel of Coggins Funeral Home. Burial followed in Southview Cemetery.

Coggins Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Evelyn R. Avery

Mrs. Evelyn R. Avery, age 85, of Thomaston, died Friday, July 12, at the West Georgia Hospice Center in LaGrange.

Mrs. Avery was born in Upson County to the late Homer L. and Jamie Pearl Bryant Rigdon. She worked in Thomaston Mills and BF Goodrich's Martha Mills in the spinning department and as security, retireing after 35 years. She was a member of the Upson Regional Medical Center's "Pink Ladies" and Silvertown Baptist Church.

Mrs. Avery is predeceased by her husbands, James A. Avery, and Richard F. Willis; son, Ferrell Willis; brother, Hommer E. Rigdon; and sister, Christine Rogers.

Survivors are daughter, Sandra (Charles) Lee, of Hogansville; and daughter-in-law, Rhonda Willis, of Thomaston; six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren also survive.

Graveside services for Mrs. Avery were held Sunday, July 14, at 2 p.m., in Southview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made to the Thomaston-Upson Cancer Car, c/o Cary Pitts, 300 Upson Ave, Thomaston, GA 30286.

Coggins Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Thomas Jack Noles

Mr. Thomas Jack Noles, age 77, of The Rock, Ga., died Monday, July 15, at the Upson Regional Medical Center.

Mr. Noles is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carolyn Noles, and his two daughters, Jackie Noles Hall, of Macon, Ga., and Gwen Noles, of The Rock, Ga. Mr. Noles is also survived by his grandchildren, Bart Hall and fiance, Julie, of Macon, Ga., and Barron Hall, and wife, Katie, of Gray, Ga., and Shelby Hall, of Macon, Ga. He is also survived by one brother, Harold Noles, and wife, Bernice (also sister of Carolyn). He is also survived by close family friends James and Joyce Dawson, of The Rock, Ga., and Jimmy and Christine Lane, and children, Lauren,Will, and Savannah, of The Rock, Ga.

Mr. Noles, known by everyone as "Jack," worked as superintendent for Thomaston Mills for 15 years and retired in 1997. Jack was born in Heard County, Ga. where he was a 50-year member of Masonic Lodge number 688. Jack was also a member of the Rock Baptist Church where he was a long standing deacon and Sunday school teacher. He was a devoted and faithful servant of God who treasured time spent with family, country living, quail hunting, fishing, and good food. Jack always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. He made friends wherever he went and was loyal to them always. He was deeply loved by his family and by all of his excptional caregivers at Providence Healthcare, especially Beth, Sherry, Brandi, Claire and Roberta, who showed him such kindness in his final days on this earth. He will be deeply and eternally missed.

Funeral services will be held at the Rock Baptist Church, Thursday, July 18, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Mike English and James Dawson to officiate. Visitation will also be held Thursday, July 18, at the Rock Baptist Church, from 10-11 a.m. Burial will follow in Ephesus Baptist Church Cemetery, in Ephesus, Ga., at 3 p.m.

Coggins Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Frances Lena Fallin

Mrs. Frances Lena Fallin, age 82, of Molena, Ga., died July 19, at her daughterís residence.

Mrs. Fallin was born Jan. 1, 1931, in Lee County, Ala., to the late Henry Lynn and Salena Presley Clark. She was formerly employed with Thomaston Mills where she worked as a weaver. Mrs. Fallin was a member of Valley Grove Baptist Church.

Survivors include her daughter, Mrs. Margie Conner, of Thomaston; sons, Mr. Randy (Debra) Fallin, of Thomaston, and Mr. Joseph Fallin, of Thomaston; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Sunday, July 21, at 2 p.m., from the Chapel of Coggins Funeral Home. Burial followed in Valley Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

Coggins Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Kathy

Ellington Maddox

Mrs. Kathy Ellington Maddox, age 60, of Yatesville, Ga., died July 20, at her residence.

Mrs. Maddox was born Nov. 21, 1952, in Thomaston, to the late James and Mattie Ellington. She worked for C&S Bank as a bookkeeper for many years.

Survivors include her husband, Mr. Winston "Junior" Maddox, of Yatesville; daughter, Mrs. Lori (Shane) Hill, of Yatesville; brothers, Mr. Ronald (Theresa) Ellington, of Macon, Ga., Mr. Jimmy (Erma) Ellington, of Thomaston; and one grandchild.

Funeral services were held Monday, July 22, at 3 p.m., from the Chapel of Coggins Funeral Home. Burial followed in Southview Cemetery.

Coggins Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Pledger Pete Reems

Evans Funeral Home announces the death of Mr. Pledger Pete Reems, age 89, of Watkinsville, Ga., who entered into rest Friday, July 19.

Mr. Reems was born in Banks County, Ga., the son of the late Henry and Sally Hooper Reems and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Watkinsville. Mr. Reems faithfully served his country during World War II in the Pacific Theatre including Guadalcanal, retiring from the U.S. Navy with over 20 years of service. Together with his late wife Mable, they operated Reems Child Daycare Centers in Commerce and Jefferson for a number of years and Mr. Reems also operated a Barbershop in downtown Jefferson for many years.

Survivors include a daughter, Joyce Cox; sons, Pete Reems, Jr. and Dallas Reems, and nine grandchildren.

Graveside services were held noon Saturday, July 20, at Woodbine Cemetery, Jefferson with military honors, and the Reverend Carlos Sibley officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Watkinsville, 1610 Simonton Bridge Road, Watkinsville, Ga. 30677.

Evans Funeral Home Inc., 1350 Winder Highway, Jefferson, Georgia. 706-367-5467.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com.