Coffee Regional Medical Center (CRMC) is pleased to announce leadership title changes for two highly respected leaders whose experience, dedication, and vision continue to strengthen the organization’s ability to serve the healthcare needs of the community. Ben Floyd’s title has changed from Vice President of Operations to Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer. This change recognizes Ben’s many leadership accomplishments and his successful credentialing as a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE). Fellowship status represents the highest standard of professional achievement for healthcare executives, with only 8,697 healthcare leaders nationwide holding this distinction. Since joining CRMC in 2005, Floyd…
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Mr. David Michael Floyd, age 64, of Broxton, Georgia, passed away on January 14, 2026, at his residence following a sudden illness. David was born February 23, 1961, in Jacksonville, Florida, to the late Vernon Trio Floyd and the late Dora Pearl Wooten Floyd. He was machinist by trade and a member of IAM Union. He was employed as a machinist, working on newspaper printing presses for a number of years. Along with his parents, David was preceded in death by a grandson, Jaxon Lesteen Floyd, and 3 brothers: Johnny Wayne Floyd, Neil Joseph Floyd, and Michael Floyd. David leaves…
Douglas Rotary Club recognizes exceptional Wiregrass Georgia Technical College students each month. The January 2026 recipient is Paramedic student Stephanie Olivo. Ms. Olivo is employed by Coffee Regional Medical Center as an Emergency Medical Technician and will be taking her paramedic exam this year. After earning her paramedic credential, she will continue in this advanced role at CRMC. Attending the ceremony were Michael Woods, her teacher at Wiregrass Technical College and Paulette Brown, Wiregrass Coffee Campus Director. Mr. Brown shared with the Rotarians how hard-working Ms. Olivo has been in his classes and how he is confident she will pass the paramedic exam and continue to…
Georgia House Majority Caucus Whip James Burchett (R-Waycross) has announced his Majority Caucus Whip Team for the 2026 legislative session. The team includes the new appointment of State Representative Carter Barrett (R-Cumming), who will serve as a deputy whip. “One of the best parts of serving as House Majority Whip is the chance to serve with devoted deputy whips from around the state who bring differing perspectives to our conversations about important legislation,” said Whip Burchett. “I look forward to continuing to serve with Chief Deputy Leverett and our returning deputies, and welcome Representative Barrett to the whip team this…
Wiregrass Tech is thrilled to announce the launch of its brand new video podcast, The WireCast, premiering Tuesday, February 4 at noon. The WireCast gives viewers an up-close, personal look at the people, ideas, and experiences shaping the college and South Georgia. The first episode is hosted by Michael Williams, Wiregrass Executive Vice President, and features President DeAnnia Clements, who shares her leadership journey, personal hobbies, and vision for the future of Wiregrass. “The sky’s the limit with The WireCast,” says Williams. “We’ll be sitting down to share personal stories, challenges, and triumphs with students, faculty, staff, donors, and community partners. It’s more than a…
The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Gloria Rush, 65, following an investigation into the alleged financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult. Investigators determined that Rush was serving as a representative payee for an individual unable to manage his financial affairs due to mental limitations. In this role, she was authorized to use the individual’s funds only for approved living expenses and basic necessities. A review of bank records and financial documents revealed that Rush allegedly exceeded her authority and used a portion of the funds for personal purposes over an extended period of time. Rush was taken into custody…
Mitchell E. Tanner, age 68, of Nicholls, GA, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 12th, 2026 at Baptist Hospital in Jacksonville Florida. He was born on September 17th, 1957, the son of the late Ernest Tanner and the late Louise Stone Tanner. His survivors include three sons: Casey (Diana) Tanner of Broxton, GA, Ashley (Amanda) Tanner of Nicholls, GA, and Cody Tanner of Douglas, GA; one daughter, Michele Tanner of Douglas, GA; five grandchildren: Hunter Tanner, Haleigh Tanner, Ashton Tanner, Alaine Tanner, and Annadru Tanner; one great grandchild, Kataleya Burns; three sisters: Betty Jo Moore of Douglas, GA, Fairlee Rojas…
Mrs. Gray Virginia Pulliam Lynch, age 106, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday afternoon, January 12, 2026. Mrs. Lynch was born May 14, 1919, in Leakesville, North Carolina, to the late William Thurman Pulliam and the late Pattie Kate Wilson Pulliam. She spent her life caring for her family. She was a dedicated wife to the late Milton Greenville Lynch, of 43 years at the time of his passing in 1983. Together they raised nine children. She continued to devote her life to her family and Mr. Lynch’s memory for another 42 years before she…
By Representative James Burchett (176th District) Before sunrise on Monday, I began making the drive north to Atlanta for the start of the 2026 Legislative Session. Family, work, and community keep me grounded in south Georgia year round – but I am honored to have the opportunity to work for you as your Representative and the House Majority Whip at the Gold Dome every Spring. This session, our leadership team—with the support of the Governor and our colleagues in the Senate—is focused on a clear objective: keeping Georgia the best state in the nation to live, work, and raise a…
Mrs. Christine Davis, age 71, of Axson, Georgia, passed away at her residence on Sunday afternoon, January 11, 2026. Christine was born August 22, 1954, in Douglas, Georgia, to the late William Bryant Davis and the late Lois Tapley Davis. She was married the love of her life, the late Otis Lee “John” Davis, for 41 years prior to his passing in 2022. She was employed at Specialized Structures in Willacoochee, Georgia, as well as Design Space and First String in Douglas, Georgia. Christine loved all things outdoors. She enjoyed fishing, a good yard sale, working in her vegetable garden,…