Author: Submitted

Governor Brian Kemp has announced that the Douglas Police Department has a project that is among 118 projects to receive a grant to improve community-level public safety measures and address law enforcement staffing challenges that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic. Douglas Police Department will receive $110,000 from the Community Public Safety Grant for the ShotSpotter Project. “Public safety has always been a top priority of my administration and will continue to be,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “With the increase in violent crime seen in communities across the country, including here in our state, we’re sending reinforcements to keep…

Governor Brian Kemp has announced that the Douglas Police Department has a project that is among 118 projects to receive a grant to improve community-level public safety measures and address law enforcement staffing challenges that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic. Douglas Police Department will receive $110,000 from the Community Public Safety Grant for the ShotSpotter Project. “Public safety has always been a top priority of my administration and will continue to be,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “With the increase in violent crime seen in communities across the country, including here in our state, we’re sending reinforcements to keep…

The Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting on Friday, June 23, 2023 in honor of the grand opening of Interstate Credit Union. Broadcast South and the Chick-Fil-A Douglas food trailer were in attendance to help kickoff the celebration as the community gathered to welcome Interstate Credit Union to Douglas. Open Monday through Friday, Interstate Credit Union is located at 1401 Bowens Mill Rd SE. Interstate Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative, serving greater Southeast Georgia since 1968. Along with the Douglas branch, Interstate Credit Union also has locations in Jesup, Baxley, Brunswick, Hazlehurst, and…

Johnny Lee Williams Jr. was born on December 17, 1953, to the late Johnny Lee Williams and Mildred James in Douglas, Georgia. He was educated through the Coffee County School System. Shortly after high school, he relocated to Adel, Georgia, to help his mother. Later in life, he moved back to Douglas, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnny Lee (Ethel) Williams and Mildred (Curtis) James, and one daughter, Brandy Williams. He leaves to cherish his memories: one son: Antonio (Victoria) Williams; one daughter: Janet Coleman; seven grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; five brothers: John…

Mr. Robert Gerald Newell, age 81 of Douglas, passed away Saturday morning, July 1, 2023 at Coffee Regional Medical Center following an extended illness. Mr. Newell was born July 23, 1941 to the late May Bell Sapp Newell and the late Robert Newell. Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers: Donald Newell, Roger Newell, Larry Newell and James Monroe Newell; 2 Brothers-In-Law: Paul Knight and Raymond “Butch” Yarbrough and 1 Sister-In-Law: Lynn Yarbrough Worth. Mr. Newell, a native of Coffee County, was a retired diesel mechanic and transporation manager with Gold…

Susan Marie Giddens Barlow, 52, of Wray, GA, passed away on Wednesday, June 28 after a hard fought battle with cancer. Susan was born on July 13 to Evelyn Hutchinson Griffin and Chuck Giddens in Fitzgerald, GA. After graduation from Coffee High School in 1988, she matriculated to South Georgia State College. Soon after school, Susan welcomed two beautiful girls, Lauren Ashlee and Cadie Marie, they were her pride and joy. Susan was an entrepreneur at heart and owned several businesses, including her beloved, Susan Barlow Photography. She enjoyed taking pictures for her clients,…

Mr. Vernon Rickerson, age 86 of Douglas, passed away Wednesday afternoon, June 28, 2023 at his residence following an extended illness. Mr. Rickerson was born January 2, 1937 to the late Ivey Rickerson and the late Thelma Harper Rickerson. Mr. Rickerson, a native of Douglas, GA, had retired from the City of Douglas as the supervisor of the Maintenance Department. He was a 20-year United States Navy veteran. He had served his country during the Vietnam War. Mr. Rickerson was of the Baptist faith. Survivors include: His wife: Wilda “Judy” Davis Rickerson of Douglas,…

Mr. Vondal Hayward Mathews, age 67 of Douglas, passed away Sunday afternoon at his residence following an extended illness. Mr. Mathews was born September 17, 1955 to the late James Hayward Mathews and the late Patsy Florene Hodge Mathews. Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson: James Austin Mullis; and his Father and Mother-in-law: Russell and Prue Kirkland; and a brother-in-law: Rusty Kirkland Mr. Mathews, a native of Coffee County, was a diesel mechanic and a tree farmer. He attended Lone Hill Methodist Church. Survivors include: Wife:…

Mrs. Louise Nelson McClelland, age 89 of Douglas, passed away Thursday evening, June 22, 2023 at her residence following and extended illness. Mrs. McClelland was born September 5, 1933 to the late Noah Nelson and the late Stella Nelson. Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by a son: Michael Wayne McClelland, 1 Brother and 5 Sisters. Mrs. McClelland, a native of Douglas, GA, was a bookkeeper for several churches and had worked with the Internal Revenue Service. She was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Douglas. She was also a member…

Ms. Clara Mae Rowell Gourley, age 77 of Vidalia, formerly of Douglas, GA passed away June 20, 2023 at Fairview Park Hospital from injuries received in an auto accident in Dublin, GA. Mrs. Gourley was born July 28, 1945 to the late Edward Rowell and the late Bernice Allen Rowell. Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by Her Husband: Ralph Milburn Gourley and 5 Siblings: Linda Sweat, Helen Tapley, Jerry Luke Rowell, E. J. Rowell and Carolyn Nelson. Ms. Gourley, a native of Broxton, GA, had been employed for a number of years…