Mr. Charles Orville “Duppy” Ricketson, age 87, of Denton, Georgia, passed away Thursday morning, January 1, 2026, at Tift Regional Medical Center with his family by his side following a recent decline in health. Duppy, as he was affectionately known by friends and family alike, was born June 23, 1938, in Coffee County to the late Robert Ricketson and Fannie Lott Ricketson. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather who was well known for both his carpentry skills and his gardening abilities. He attended Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. Along with his parents, Duppy was preceded in death…
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Vonell Musgrove Mizell, age 100, of Douglas, GA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 31st, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on November 8th, 1925, the daughter of Henry Musgrove and Vera Walden Musgrove. Her survivors include five sons, Marvin Lindsey Mizell of Kathleen, GA James Larry (Nick) Mizell of Douglas, GA, John Orvin Mizell of Clover, SC, Jeff Mizell of Vidalia, GA, Ray Lehmen Mizell of Douglas, GA, and Ira Mizell of Lake Hughes, CA; two daughters, Judy Dunn of Williams, GA and Julianne Mizell of West Green, GA; three brothers, Tommy Musgrove,…
Mrs. Linda Lankford Maitland, age 76, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away surrounded by her family on Wednesday morning, December 31, 2025. Linda was born January 25, 1949, in Irwin County Georgia, to the late Calvin Lankford and the late Elizabeth Swilley Lankford. She was the office manager at Fabtec for many years. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who enjoyed cooking, and found great joy in cross stitching and sewing. She was a member of the Willacoochee Baptist Church for 6 years as well as the Pearson Senior Center for a number of years. Along with her…
On December 30, 2025, agents with the Douglas-Coffee Drug Unit executed a search warrant and arrested two individuals at a residence located near Trojan Way as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation. Upon arrival at the property, agents were led on a brief vehicle pursuit that concluded on Highway 441 North. The pursuit caused a short disruption to traffic in the area but was resolved quickly and safely. Inside the vehicle were 35-year-old Joel Dooley of Douglas and 44-year-old Leondra Carmichael Dooley of Douglas. Both individuals were detained without further incident and transported to the Coffee County Jail. Following the…
By Representative James Burchett (176th District) While many refer to us as a part time legislature, the work of the Georgia General Assembly continues year ‘round. Just a short time ago, I represented you as a member of our Committee on Insurance Rates at a hearing in Macon. While we took a first step in reining in costs with the passage of lawsuit reform legislation last session, our next step is to ensure that those savings reach you and Georgians around the state. Like you, I’ve seen significant increases in the insurance premiums I pay to protect my family -…
Mr. Danny Ray Good, age 73, of Ambrose, Georgia, passed away Monday evening, December 29, 2025, at Coffee Regional Medical Center surrounded by his loving family following a recent illness. Danny was born October 24, 1952, in Middlesboro, Kentucky, to the late Thelma Louise Good. He was a plumber at Fleetwood industries for many years and a member of Harvest Time Church of God. He was a loving husband, granddaddy, and great granddaddy. He enjoyed football, fishing, and a good meal. He played high school football. He found his greatest joy in time spent with his family and fellowshipping at…
Mr. Robert Gregory Melville, age 74, of Alma, Georgia, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday morning, December 28, 2025, with his devoted wife and son by his side. Born in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, on March 28, 1951, Robert was the son of the late William “Bill” Melville and the late Helen Gettemy Melville. He was the owner/operator of an auto body shop for many years, and was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Ligonier, Pennsylvania. Robert leaves behind his loving wife of 40 years, Sheron Lee Melville of Alma, Georgia; 3 daughters: Lacie Ward of Maryland, Katie Melville…
Miss Patricia Gertrude Melton, age 73, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away Sunday afternoon, December 28, 2025, at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas, Georgia, following a recent decline in health. Patricia was born May 23, 1952, in Waycross, Georgia, to the late Owen Parnell Melton and the late Gertrude Stella Stevens Melton. She made her career with the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services where she retired after 30 years of dedicated service. She was also a tax preparer with H & R Block for many years. Patricia was a loving mother and grandmother. Her two granddaughters were the…
Mrs. Linda Gail Wilkinson Chaney, age 61, of West Green, Georgia, passed away Saturday evening, December 27, 2025, at Coffee Regional Medical Center following a recent illness. Linda was born April 8, 1964, in Douglas, Georgia to Inez Judy Riggins Wilkinson, and the late Bervon Ellis Wilkinson. She was a housewife who made her career caring for her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and had a special love for her puppy, Gizmo. She enjoyed working in her yard, gardening and raising chickens, but she found her greatest joy in being around her family. Along with her…
By Michael Dockery For generations, agriculture has been the backbone of South Georgia. It’s more than an industry — it’s our heritage, our livelihood, and the foundation of every small town in this region. From the fields of Coffee County to the pine lands of Ware and the pastures of Lanier, farming and forestry are what keep our local economy alive and our communities connected. But too often, the people who work this land — our farmers, producers, and ag workers — are overlooked when decisions are made in Atlanta. Policies get written by those who have never set foot…