When a Georgia Forestry Commission Ranger visited Clay Murray’s middle school to talk about careers, it sparked an interest that would shape his future. Today, Clay serves as a Ranger in Ware County, where he gets to do exactly what inspired him years ago — serve his community, operate heavy equipment, and fight wildfires. Growing up in a large family near the Okefenokee Swamp helped prepare him for life outdoors. Along the way, he developed a love for hunting deer and dove and learned how to safely navigate waterways shared with one of South Georgia’s most famous residents — the…
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The Douglas Mayor’s Youth Council officially welcomed new and returning members to the 2026-2027 Mayor’s Youth Council during the annual orientation session earlier this summer. The session was filled with learning, connection, and motivation which inspired many of the youth in attendance. Learning sessions kicked off in the morning for the members with sessions with Mayor Tony Paulk, who shared his vision for the city. Each city department also gave insightful overviews of their roles and responsibilities, helping the Youth Council better understand how local government operates. Team building exercises were held throughout the orientation as well. A special highlight…
Patricia Joan Thompson passed away peacefully on June 26, 2026 at the age of 88 after a prolonged illness. She was a lifelong Baptist and her family finds peace in the knowledge that she was joyfully accepted into the arms of her savior, Jesus Christ. Patty relocated to Douglas, Georgia ten years ago to be near family. Prior to that move she grew up and spent her life in southern Ohio and that is where she will be laid to rest. We will always remember her for her love of all animals, traveling, country music, the outdoors, camping, and working…
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is seeking information regarding the disappearance of a woman who was last seen 25 years ago. Altomease Sallet, age 37, was last seen on the night of June 28, 2001, at about 11:00 p.m., when she left work at the Cady Bag Company in Pearson. At the time of her dissapearance, Sallet was wearing a blue short-sleeved flowered shirt and blue jeans. On July 2, 2001, at about 8:00 p.m., Sallet’s vehicle was found abandoned on the shoulder of Highway 64 in Atkinson County north of Pearson. The front driver’s side window was rolled down,…
Mr. Jim “Bodie” Dotson, age 60, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away peacefully at his residence on Saturday morning, June 27, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer. Bodie was born February 9, 1966, in Wauchula, Florida, to June Hall Eldridge and the late Jimmy Dotson. He was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corp. Following his military service, he became an electrical lineman and worked for a number of years with Jingoli Power Company. He was a pilot and he loved to fly his plane and see the world from above. When he wasn’t flying, he could often…
Louis Cecil Harper, 91, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2026, at his home in Douglas, Georgia, surrounded by his wife and four children. He was born June 21, 1935 in Pierce County, Georgia, to William Berry and Catherine Davis Harper. He joined the Army in 1952 and proudly served his country in the Korean War. Following his military service, he married his long time sweetheart Ruby and they moved to Fernandina Beach, Florida. After moving back to Douglas, Louis joined Fleetwood Mobile Homes in the early years of the company, which required him and his family to live in…
Mrs. Carolyn Delane Driggers Newman, age 75, of Waycross, Georgia, passed away Monday morning, June 15, 2026, at Memorial Health Satilla in Waycross, Georgia following a lengthy illness. Mrs. Newman was born August 8, 1950, in Waycross, Georgia, to the late Carlton Edward Driggers and the late Elizabeth McClelland Carter. She was a fulltime housewife who enjoyed making a home for her husband, the late Roy Lee Newman, Sr., and their children. She was of the Baptist faith. Along with her husband and parents, Mrs. Newman was preceded in death by two stepchildren: Roy Lee Newman, Jr. and Lee Ann…
Mrs. Maxine Evelyn Dockery Gregory, age 78, of West Green, Georgia, passed away Thursday, June 25, 2026, at her residence following a sudden illness. Maxine was born April 26, 1948, in Broxton, Georgia, to the late John Dockery and the late Eula Lee Dockery. She was a homemaker who loved the Lord and going to church. She was of the Baptist faith. Although she was never blessed with children of her own, she had a deep affection for children and was known to always keep a pocket full of candy for the kids. Not only did she enjoy sharing candy,…
Mr. Hubert Anderson, age 87, of Nicholls, Georgia, passed away peacefully at his residence on Friday morning, June 26, 2026, following a lengthy illness. Mr. Anderson was born April 12, 1939, in Nicholls, Georgia, to the late Hawley Anderson and the late Pauline Williams Anderson. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army where he served his country well. Following his military service, he was employed for many years with Reinforcement Steel, as well as ten years of dedicated service to Blue Cross Blue Shield. He and his first wife, Mrs. Betty Porter Anderson, shared more than forty…
Mr. Lucious Daniel “Don” Taylor, age 91, of Hazlehurst, Georgia, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday morning, June 24, 2026, following a brief illness. Don, as he was known to friends, family, and business associates, was born April 20, 1936, in Atkinson County, to the late Daniel Taylor and the late Willie Mae Cowart Taylor. He proudly served our country in the United States Air Force. Following his military service, he returned to South Georgia and became a highly skilled and sought after painter for 34 years prior to his retirement. He loved flowers, gardening, and working with…