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Mr. Kenneth L. Hunkapiller, age 79 of Willacoochee, Ga., passed away Thursday, June 30, 2022, at Memorial University Hospital in Savannah, Ga. following a brief illness. Survivors include: Wife: Joyce Hunkapiller of Willacoochee, Ga. Son: Jason Hunkapiller and wife Amy of Willacoochee, Ga. Daughters: Vickey Kirkland and husband Richard of Willacoochee, Ga. Deidra Floyd and husband David of Willacoochee, Ga. Brother: Daniel Hunkapiller and wife Margie of Willacoochee, Ga. Sister: Betty Ann Walker of Willacoochee, Ga. 7 Grandchildren, 4 Step-Grandchildren, 6 Great-Grandchildren, 3 Step Great-Grandchildren and…

South Georgia State College (SGSC) made a $59.6 million impact to the regional economy and was responsible for more than 622 jobs locally during fiscal year 2021. SGSC’s President Dr. Ingrid Thompson-Sellers shared, “As an economic driver for the communities we serve, it is important to share this information annually and recognize its correlation to the work we do. SGSC always strives to provide students with the education and skills they need to compete and succeed in today’s global economy. From focusing on the needs of the community and creating new opportunities, SGSC is proud to provide positive economic benefits…

Mrs. Carole Bell Blue Smith, age 71 of Douglas, GA passed away Monday afternoon, July 4, 2022 at Coffee Regional Medical Center following an extended illness. Mrs. Smith was born June 6, 1951 to the late Louis Edward Blue, Sr. and the late Henrietta Tillman Blue. Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Terry Smith. Mrs. Smith, a native of Statesboro, GA, had previously worked with Verizon as a customer service representabive. She attended GracePointe Baptist Church. Survivors include: 2 Children: Dana Coker of Douglas, GAKeith Smith and wife Joell of…

Mr. David Emile Benoist, age 96 of Douglas, GA went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 2, 2022. David was born to the late Emile and Mildred VanDuzer Benoist on January 14, 1926 in Camden, NJ. He married Clara L. Bodine an August 22, 1948. David served in the US Navy during World War II and retired as a Principal Engineer from the NJDOT with 35 years of service. He graduated from Berean Bible College and enrolled in the Covenant Theological Seminary. Mr. Benoist worked with juveniles through the Juvenile Court System. He also served as…

Dr. Jack G. Williams, age 83 of Axson, GA passed away late Friday evening, July 1, 2022 at Coffee Regional Medical Center following an extended illness. Dr. Williams was born May 10, 1939 to the late Berrian Hiram Williams and the late Lucy Fussell Williams. Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth Joan Sweat Williams and 1 Sister: Joann Williams Griner. Dr. Williams, a native of Douglas, GA, was a retired pediatrician. He served Coffee Regional Medical Center as a beloved pediatrician for many years. His love and dedication to the…

Samuel Jefferson Davis, age 58, of Nicholls, Georgia, passed away on Monday, July 4, 2022. Mr. Davis was born on February 27, 1964, in Douglas, GA to the late Jeff Lawton Davis and Naomi Rollins Davis. Survivors include; Wife: Judy Davis of Nicholls, GA, Son: Lawton (Mikhaela) Davis of Nicholls, GA, Daughter: Amanda (Timmothy Wooten) Davis of Douglas, GA, Mother: Naomi R. Davis of Douglas, GA, Sister: Reba (Wayne) Vaughn of Douglas, GA, Grandson: James Waylon Mitchell Davis and several Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and a host of Friends. He was preceded in death by; Father: Jeff Lawton Davis. …

Montgomery Ethan McKinnon, age 18, of Douglas, Georgia passed away on Saturday, July 2, 2022. McKinnon was born on November 10, 2003, in Douglas, GA to George Russell McKinnon Jr. and Melissa Faye Spivey. Survivors include: Father: George Russell McKinnon Jr. of Douglas, GA; Mother: Melissa Faye Spivey of Douglas, GA; Two Brothers: Zachary (Laney) McKinnon of Douglas, GA and Johnny McKinnon of Douglas, GA; Grandfather: George Russell McKinnon, Sr., of Douglas, GA; Grandmother: Lavada Spivey of Doerun, GA, Niece; Navie Doe McKinnon, Two Nephews: Max McKinnon and Greyson McKinnon; Several Aunts and Uncles. He was preceded in…

Gladys Lucille Gutierrez, age 87, of Pearson, Georgia passed away on Friday, July 1, 2022, at Coffee Regional Medical Center. Gutierrez was born on July 16, 1934, in Jacksonville, FL to James Warren Cadle and Victoria Rozier Cadle. Survivors include: Husband, Miguel Gutierrez of Pearson, GA, Two Sons, Ronnie Underhill of Douglas, GA, Jay Underhill of Pearson, GA, Two Daughters, Sharon Popovich of Middleburg, FL, Vicky Divona of Callahan, FL, One Brother, Luther Cadle of Stark, FL, Fifteen Grandchildren, Thirty-Six Great Grandchildren, and Twelve Great Great Grandchildren. She was also survived by several Nieces and Nephews. She was preceded in…

Vernell Hutto, age 71, of Hazlehurst, Georgia passed away on Friday, July 1, 2022, at Jeff Davis County Hospital following a brief illness. Mrs. Hutto was born on December 20, 1950, in Douglas, GA to the late Vilas Benefield and Eva Mae Burkett Benefield. Survivors include: Brother, Vilas (Penny) Benefield of Douglas, GA, Special Cousins, Anita Marie Rowland of Hazlehurst, GA, Betty Jewell of Douglas, GA, James Clark of Douglas, GA, Special Nephew, Ian Pickren, and a Sister-in-Law, Sue Benefield of Douglas, GA. She was preceded in death by: Her Husband; William “Bill” Hutto, Father; Vilas Benefield; and Mother, Eva Mae Burkett Benefield. Graveside…

Parks and Recreation Appreciation Day will be held on Thursday, July 14, 2022, from 11 AM-2 PM at the CE Weir Center, located at 307 E. Bryan Street beginning with a Parade of Champions. The Parade of Champions will feature the 2021-2022 GRPA State Champions that have participated with the Recreation Department this year. Line-up will begin at 10:00 AM at the Premier Sports Athletic Complex. The parade will leave the sports complex at 10:30 AM to travel to the CE Weir Center (307 E. Bryan Street). Volunteer coaches, participants, parents, and sponsors of 2021-2022 State Champion teams are invited…