OBITUARIES

Jan 8, 2026

Connie Lenora Towe, 79, of Whitehall, Ga., passed away on January 8, 2026

Born in Oconee County, Ga., she was the daughter of the late William R. Scoggins and Alliefair L. Scoggins. Connie loved and dedicated over twenty years of her life to the University of Georgia, she started with the physical plant department and ended at Stegeman Coliseum. In her...

Jan 7, 2026

Diana Maywhort, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away peacefully at St. Mary’s Hospital in Athens, Georgia on Wednesday, January 8, 2026, with her family.

Diana was born on October 12, 1948 in Chattanooga, Tennessee and grew up there, going to school atop Missionary Ridge. She was very creative, and put on plays with her three siblings in their attic.

She...

Jan 7, 2026

George Arlan Secrist, of Watkinsville, Georgia, passed away at his home on January 7th, at the age of 95. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, and two daughters, Pam Kelly and Rachel Copelan. He was the last survivor of his parents’ nine children. He is survived by four children: Mark Secrist of Asheville, North Carolina, Patrice Secrist...

Jan 7, 2026

Anthony Monroe "Tony" Lynn, Jr. was born on May 1, 1946 in Asheville, NC. He passed away on January 7, 2026.

Tony dedicated 20 years of his career as a Correctional Officer at the Athens Clarke County Jail. He also proudly served in the US Air Force, retiring as a Staff Sergeant after 20 years of service.

Tony is survived by his...

Jan 6, 2026

Judy Gayle Smith—beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend—passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026, in Athens, Georgia. She was born on March 14, 1949, in Gainesville, Georgia, and lived a life marked by deep love, joy, and an unwavering devotion to family and friends.

Judy began her professional career at an early age with The Gainesville Times, where she...

Jan 6, 2026

Bessie Patsy Bagwell, 89, of Bogart, passed away on January 6, 2026.

Born in Washington DC, she was the daughter of the late Cleve and Dolly Bagwell. Bessie was a very loving mother who would give the shirt off her back. In her free time, she enjoyed goodwill thrifting and cooking, but nothing was more important than being with her beautiful...

Jan 5, 2026

Margaret Sosbee Burns, cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 5, 2026 at the age of 92.

A lifelong resident of Oconee County, she was a daughter of the late Roy C. Sosbee and Josie Davis Sosbee. Mrs. Burns enjoyed crafts and was an excellent cook as everyone always looked forward to her Christmas treats. She...

Jan 5, 2026

Faye Kilgore, 82, died January 5, 2026.

Born February 9, 1943, in Eastman, GA, she was a daughter of the late J.P. and Viola Mae Harrison Dunn. She graduated from Dodge County High School and Macon University of Cosmetology. Growing up and in later years, Faye enjoyed playing tennis and was a wonderful cook. She was known as Nana to her...

Jan 4, 2026

Jackilan Chapman | October 1946-January 2026

It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of Jackilan “Jackie” Chapman (79) of Watkinsville, GA on Sunday, January 4, 2026. Jackie was born on October 23, 1946, in Eclectic, Alabama.

Jackie is preceded in death by her father, James Robert Williams; mother, Annie Ruth Williams; sister, Bobby Anne Williams; and sister, Jennifer...

Jan 4, 2026

James Wyatt Martin Sr., known as Jim, (Uncle) Wyatt, Dad, Papa, and Paw Paw, 95 ½, of Addison, TX went to be with the Lord Sunday morning, January 4, 2026.

Born in Danielsville, Madison County, GA, he was the son of the late John Luther Martin and Verbie Patten Martin. He is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Ree Patrick...

Jan 4, 2026

David Charles Whitehead, 66, of Statham died Sunday, January 4, 2026, after a two-year battle with cancer. He was the son of the late Charles and Jo Whitehead. David was a master machinist/fabricator with Dye Sheet Metal until 2000 when a work accident left him disabled.

David is survived by his son, Justin Whitehead; sister, Annette (Calvin) Loggins and many other...

Jan 4, 2026

Allen Gunter, 84, passed away surrounded by his family on Sunday, January 4, 2026.

Born in Greene County, he was one of 12 children born to David Gipson Gunter and Georgia Lou Higginbotham Gunter. Allen was a faithful member of Whitehall Baptist Church. He was an avid outdoorsman with a passion for fishing and a love for gardening but most importantly,...

Jan 3, 2026

I am a mother, and that was always the greatest gift of my life. I loved my children with an intensity that knew no limits, with a simple and profound love—one expressed through hugs, repeated words, and always being present, even when I seemed lost in my own thoughts.

A memorial service will be Saturday January 17, 2026 1:00 PM at...

Jan 3, 2026

Jan 2, 2026

Roy Lanier Seay, 74, of Hull, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 2, 2026.

Born in Athens, he was a son of the late Sam Roy Seay and Pauline Elizabeth Palmer Seay. Mr. Seay was married for 48 years to the late Debora “Debbie” Marie Chandler Seay. He loved anything and everything related to automobiles and classic cars and trucks. He...

Jan 2, 2026

Billy Edward McCarty, 84, of Watkinsville, passed away on January 2, 2026. Born on June 11,1941, in Oconee County, he was the son of the late Horice McCarty and Lila Watson. Billy spent most of his career working as a manager at Levelor Home Fashions where he retired. Upon retirement, he took a job at Wal-Mart where he enjoyed interacting...

Jan 1, 2026

Larry Van Cooper, born on November 5, 1949, in Fayetteville, NC, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026, surrounded by his beloved family.

Larry was a dedicated self-employed residential builder who took immense pride in his craft, leaving a lasting impact in the communities he served. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Larry earned his Bachelor of Science in Business,...

Jan 1, 2026

Sheila Gail Shelton was born on November 24, 1947, in Athens, Georgia. She passed away on January 1, 2026. Sheila dedicated her career to nursing and worked at Athens Neurology. She graduated from the University of Georgia and received her nursing degree from the Medical College of Georgia.

Sheila was known for being an avid reader. She enjoyed books and sharing...

Dec 31, 2025

Roger “Rick” Pinette, 83, of Athens, Georgia, finished a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease on December 31, 2025.

Rick was born on July 12, 1942 in Fort Kent, Maine, to Pat and Lucille Pinette. Growing up in Maine instilled in him a deep appreciation of nature, and his life was rooted in family, faith, and an abiding love of the great...

Dec 31, 2025

Sharon Dawson Campbell, a beloved figure in her community, passed away on December 31, 2025, at the age of 64 after an eight-month battle with cancer. A lifelong resident of Madison County, Sharon was born on January 27, 1961, in Athens, Georgia. She left this world surrounded by her loving family, each of whom had the opportunity to convey their...