Debra Morgan Carpenter, age 66, of Jacksonville, Florida passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at her home. She was born on October 16, 1959 in Douglas, GA to the late J.C. Morgan and the late Merlene Taylor. Her survivors include: her beloved husband, Robert Carpenter of Jacksonville, FL: one daughter, Amanda M. Laster of Brunswick, GA; a great nephew and niece, Devin Lee Deen of Jacksonville, FL and Ashlyn Jordan Deen of Douglas, GA; one sister, Brenda Dale (Rodney) Deen; one brother, Johnny C. Morgan of Nicholls, GA; and one grandchild, Nicholas Laster. She was preceded in death by…
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Mrs. Leila Ellen Banks Morgan, age 91, of Douglas, Georgia, formally of Barnesville, Georgia, passed away peacefully at her home on May 1, 2026. She was born on April 10, 1935, the daughter of the late Mr. James Louis Banks and the late Katherine Gordy Banks.. She was a homemaker for several years and a dedicated teacher for most of her career. She adored her children and their spouses, grandchildren, great grandchildren and her extended family and friends. She found no greater joy than conversing, laughing, and spending time with them. She was loved and adored by many. Instead of…
What began as a casual conversation among colleagues has evolved into a landmark achievement for emergency medical services education in Georgia. The creation of a new Emergency Services concentration at South Georgia State College stands as a testament to the power of networking, collaboration, and forward-thinking leadership. In 2021, Jason Hurst joined 26 other professionals from across the state in the Georgia EMS Association Leadership Course. Spanning four weeks over the course of a year, the program highlighted EMS agencies statewide, showcasing innovative practices and organizational excellence. Yet amid these insights, one critical gap became clear. Georgia lacked a dedicated higher education…
Jenna Williams, ABAC’s 2026 J.G. Woodroof Scholar, earned the college’s highest academic honor with a perfect 4.0 GPA while graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. A dedicated leader across campus, she served as Student Government Association President, ABAC Ambassador President for two years, a Stallion Society Orientation Leader, and founding captain of the Golden Girls Cheer and Dance Team. Jenna will continue her journey at Mercer University School of Medicine as a recipient of the prestigious Nathan Deal Scholarship. Jenna, a native of Douglas, is a 2022 graduate of Citizens Christian Academy.
Frank Byrd, age 76, of Douglas, GA, passed away on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Savannah, GA following an extended illness. Mr. Byrd was born on September 24, 1949 to the late Frank Byrd Sr. and Kally Byrd. Survivors include: two sons, Damon Byrd and David Brandon Byrd of Douglas, GA; one stepson, Tommy Royals of Douglas, GA; two sisters, Demitra Cunningham of Mississippi and Kitty Courson of Douglas, GA; one grandchild, Kaylei Chaney; one great grandchild, Grayson Arnold; former spouse, Debbie Byrd Bray of Douglas, GA; and three special family friends, Roy Swann, Pennie Francis,…
Don Ray Paulk was born on February 5, 1950, to Aubrey and Bessie Paulk in Ambrose, Georgia. After an extended hospital stay, he died peacefully at his daughters’ home in Savannah, Georgia on April 29, 2026. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Karen Quinkert Paulk; his children Angela, Jenny, Kari Beth, and his (grand)son, Aubrey; his grandchildren, Conner, Caleb, Hannah, Ellie, and Eliana; his brothers, Jerry Paulk (Betty) and Doyle Paulk (Brenda); and many beloved brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Matthew Paulk (Victoria), and his parents. Don Ray…
The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 32-year-old Cameron Blake Spires of Coffee County in connection with the unauthorized sale of a motor vehicle. The case began after detectives received information about the unlawful sale of a tan 2005 Lexus RX. Investigators determined the vehicle’s registered owner was incarcerated at the time and had not authorized the sale or transfer of ownership. Through witness statements, transaction records, and recorded jail communications, detectives confirmed the vehicle had been sold for approximately $700. The Douglas Police Department later recovered the vehicle during a traffic stop. It is currently being held pending return…
By Van Yandell Psalm 90:4 reads “For a thousand years in thy sight are but yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.” Anyone that considers themselves a southern gourmet cook knows what a smidgen is. It’s like a “bit” or a “pinch” or a “tad.” At any rate, a smidgen is a legitimate unit of measure south of the Mason-Dixon Line. As of yet however, I haven’t seen a spoon in a measuring set with such an amount. We simply have to guess or use our best judgement. Measurements in time and materials control us.…
On April 28, 2026, the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office received an anonymous tip through the sheriff’s office’s mobile app that led to the arrest of James Michael Shelton, 32, of Waycross. Shelton was previously charged and convicted of aggravated stalking in 2019 and sentenced under First Offender status to five years of probation. That same year, Shelton violated the conditions of his probation, resulting in the revocation of his First Offender status and adjudication as a convicted felon. He was subsequently re-sentenced to a total of 10 years of probation. As a condition of his probation, Shelton was prohibited from…
John William Moore, age 62 of Nicholls, Georgia passed away at his residence, Monday, April 27, 2026. John was born February 07, 1964, in Bradenton, Florida to the late Mary Grace Horton Moore and the late Thurman William Moore. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by, a sister, Sherry Moore Thomas, two nieces Brittany Johnson and Crystal Johnson. John believed in hard work, and he enjoyed the fruits of his efforts by tending and watching his crops grow, mature and harvesting them. He tilled the soil and was a steward of what God had entrusted him…