Author: Submitted

Duane Kirby, 48, a well-respected man and investigator from Hazlehurst, passed away Sunday, July 11, 2021, at his residence, ending his battle with cancer. Throughout his law enforcement career, Kirby was most recognized from his contributions in the field of drug enforcement. The pinnacle of his career came in 2012, when he assisted in a case that led to the discovery of 840 pounds of cocaine in Telfair County, which had an estimated street value of $38 million. The United Stated Justice Department, along with the Drug Enforcement Administration, recognized him for his efforts in this case alone. …

Mr. Henry Brooks Merritt, Jr. age 86 of Nicholls, GA, passed away early Tuesday morning, July 13, 2021, at Vista Park Health and Rehab following an extended illness. Mr. Merritt was born September 14, 1934 to the late Henry Brooks Merritt, Sr. and the late Reba Hutchinson Merritt Davis. Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jordan Davis and a brother, James Herman Merritt. Survivors include: Children: W. B. Merritt and wife Kathy of Douglas, GA Kathy Jennings and companion Curt Woodard of Omega, GA Judy Self and companion Vernon Floyd of Douglas, GA…

Effective immediately, due to an increase in COVID-positive patients and the presence of the Delta variant in our community, Coffee Regional Medical Center finds it necessary to restrict patient visitation. The following restrictions are in place: Only the spouse or significant other of new mothers will be allowed. The parent/caregiver of patients under the age of 18, court-appointed guardians of patients, or those needing special care will be allowed in the hospital at this time. All patients 18 and over will not be permitted visitors unless otherwise approved by clinical leadership. We acknowledge that there will be circumstances…

Ms. Elisabeth Ward Bradley, 71 of Griffin, GA passed away Friday July 9, 2021 in Jackson, GA. She was born December 19, 1949 in United Kingdom to the late William and Margaret Ward. Ms. Bradley dedicated her life to be being a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She dedicated her career to early childhood education through her career as an elementary school teacher at Satilla Elementary and later on at Orrs Elementary in Griffin, Ga. She is survived by her Daughter; Hannah Elisabeth Bradley of Kansas City, MO 2 Sons; Daniel Franklin Sparks and…

Mr. Clifford (Larry) Lawrence Butcher, 75 of Douglas, GA. passed away Monday July 5, 2021 at Coffee Regional Medical Center with his loving family at his bedside. He was born in Wilmington, NC on September 27, 1945 to the late Clifford and Hope Butcher. Early in life Mr. Butcher served his country by becoming a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps. He worked most of his life providing for his family as a telephone cable splicer. He is survived by his Wife; Sharon McCartney Butcher 3 Sons; Guy (Lois) Tucker, Paul (Susie) Tucker and James (Jenny) Butcher. …

Ms. Tammy Jo Sellers, 56 of Douglas, GA passed away Friday, July 2, 2021 at her home with her loved ones by her side. She is daughter of the late Spencer Carl Sellers and Quincy Faye Strickland. Ms. Sellers is survived by her Son; Billy Edward Sellers of Douglas, GA. Daughter; Karla Joann Sellers of Douglas, GA. Special Son; Diego Gomez of Broxton, GA. 3 Sisters; Teresa Perez (Lupe) of Douglas, GA., Wanda Sellers Howell of Broxton, GA. and Christine Overby of Waycross, GA. Brother; Larry (Elaine) Sellers of Douglas, GA. 6 Grandsons; Spencer…

Mr. Velton Edward Walker, 46, passed away on Monday, July 5, 2021, at his home in Kempner, TX following an extended illness. He was born on February 8, 1975, in Albany, GA to Moses Velton Walker and Suzanne Jones (Clark). Velton grew up in Albany, GA. He graduated from Jacksonville High School in Jacksonville, FL. After high school, Velton joined the US Army following the footsteps of many of his family members. He served 21years during which he did deployments to Kosovo, Bosnia, and four deployments to Iraq. He was stationed in Germany, Ft. Bliss, and Ft. Hood. Velton…

Mr. Mason Pate., age 28 of Willacoochee, Ga., passed away Friday, July 2, 2021 at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas, Ga. Survivors include: Parents: Michael and Amy Pate of Willacoochee, Ga. Brother: Dillon Pate of Willacoochee, Ga. Niece & Nephew: Ariana and Benjamin Pate of Ft. Pierce, Fl. Special Friends: Jennifer Vega of Willacoochee, Ga. Tamara Kashula of Willacoochee, Ga. Several other relatives also survive. Visitation for Mr. Pate will be held Friday, July 9, 2021 from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. at Relihan Funeral Home in Pearson. A memorial service will be…

Mr. Folks Junior Bennett, age 90 of Millwood, Ga., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 30, 2021, at Baptist Village in Waycross, GA. Born to Lennie Maud Stephens and Folks Elsie Bennett on February 22, 1931, in Axson, GA, he is the oldest of 10 children. He was raised in Millwood and loved living in the country. Folks is survived by two daughters, Gloria Jean (Eric) Boswell, and Delores Verona (Angelo) Petite. He has 8 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Folks is also survived by two brothers, Dane Jason (Marlene) Bennett and Virgil Eric (Linda) Bennett, and two sisters…

Mr. Steve Allen Jordan, age 54 of Axson, Ga., passed away Monday, June 28, 2021, at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas, Ga., following a brief illness. A native of Douglas, Ga., Mr. Jordan was born, July 4, 1966, son of George Wesley and Mary Alice Jackson Jordan. After working at Cady Bag Co. in Pearson for over 20 years, Mr. Jordan continued to work the last several years as an auto mechanic. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and attended Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, Mr. Jordan was preceded in death by his brother, Greg Jordan.…