Author: Submitted

In a thrilling rematch of the region championship, the CCA Patriots faced off against the First Preparatory Christian Academy Highlanders for the Class A state title. The last time these teams met, CCA claimed victory in overtime on a dramatic last-second shot. This time, however, FPCA came out strong, surging to a 17-8 lead after the first quarter. The Patriots struggled with turnovers and went into halftime trailing 37-26. CCA fought back in the second half, cutting the deficit to just three points late in the third quarter. But in the closing minutes, forced to foul in an attempt to…

Johnny Dewayne “Wayne” Merritt, age 64, of Wray, GA, passed away on Thursday, February 27th, 2025 at his residence, following an extended illness. He was born on November 20th, 1960, the son of John Harold Merritt and Irma Ruth Harper Merritt. His survivors include: Mother; Irma Ruth Harper Merritt, One Daughter; Linsey Merritt, Two sons; Cory Merritt and Casey Merritt, 13 Grandchildren; Bradley White, Aireal Vazques, Cassidy Merritt, Destiny Merritt, Charley Merritt, J.T. Lott, Holland Lott, Calyuar Lott, James Williams, Johnathan Williams, Kasey Merritt, Jaylin Merritt, Harley Merritt, Four Great-Grandchildren, Elijah Larue Silver, Jayden White, Kolton Merritt, Noah Roberts, Sister;…

Ms. Barbara Dell Varnedore Rowell, age 79 of Douglas, Georgia, was called to her heavenly home on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. She experienced a peaceful passing surrounded by her loved ones at her residence. Barbara was born May 30, 1945 in Axson, Georgia to the late James I. Varnedore and the late Idelle Varnedore. She was a retired Licensed Practical Nurse who enjoyed a career spanning 40 years. She spent many of her years as a nurse serving patients at Coffee Regional Medical Center as well as within the Georgia Prison System. She loved her family deeply and enjoyed bargain…

Mr. Christopher Lee Taylor, age 28, of West Green, Georgia passed away unexpectedly on Friday, February 21, 2025 at his residence. Chris was born September 6, 1996, in Douglas, Georgia to the late Jonathon Lee Taylor and Kay Yvette Miller Taylor. He worked a number of places, including office manager at Johnson Auto, before his health issues caused him to have to stop working. He attended Forest Grove Baptist Church. Chris is survived by a daughter, Georgia Lee Taylor of Wray, Georgia; his mother, Kay Yvette Miller Taylor of Douglas, Georgia; a brother, Charles Luke Taylor of Douglas, Georgia; maternal…

On a bright and cheerful afternoon, the Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce proudly joined Hometown Furniture in celebrating the Grand Opening of their newly rebranded store with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony. Hometown Furniture, formerly known as Badcock & More Home Furnishings, is a testament to resilience and community strength, having faced unexpected challenges in 2024 and emerging stronger than ever. Owned by Douglas native Matt Pridemore and managed by his renowned team of furniture experts—many of whom have been with him for decades—Hometown Furniture stands ready to exceed expectations in both quality and service. The program commenced with a warm…

State School Superintendent Richard Woods has named 301 Advanced Placement (AP) Honor Schools from 104 school districts for 2025. Coffee High School was honored to be named an AP Expansion School, an AP STEM School, and an AP Access and Support School.AP Expansion Schools are schools with 25% growth in AP student participation from May 2023 to May 2024 and a minimum of 25 students testing in May 2023. AP Stem Schools are schools that administered at least 5 exams in each of four separate AP STEM courses (math, science, and computer science) and a minimum of 25 total exams…

Mrs. Elnettia Royal Reed, age 82, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away Tuesday morning, February 18, 2025 at Vista Park Health & Rehabilitation surrounded by her family. Mrs. Reed was born April 8, 1942 in Douglas, Georgia to the late Daniel Bernice Royal and the late Ella Carter Royal. She made a career as a seamstress, working for a number of years for Fleetwood Manufacturing where she started up and became head of the Drapery Department. She was a member of West Ward Church of God for many years where she was very active in Ladies Ministries. She also impacted the…

Mrs. Teresa Lockamy Mancil, age 74, of Willacoochee, Georgia passed away suddenly on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at Coffee Regional Medical Center. Teresa was born August 5, 1950, in Douglas, Georgia to the late Marion Lockamy and the late Thelma Sapp Lockamy. She attended Coffee County High School and South Georgia College. She was a clerk with the United States Postal Service in Willacoochee, Georgia for a number of years, and also enjoyed a variety of crafts and loved her dogs. She was a member of Saving Grace Ministries. In addition to her parents, Teresa is preceded in death by…

Mr. Lonnie Crawford Myers, age 85, of Ambrose, Georgia passed away Friday morning, February 21, 2025 at his residence following an extended illness. Mr. Myers was born September 19, 1939 in Jeff Davis County, Georgia to the late Southern Edward “Coot” Myers and the late Minerva Johns Myers. He made his career in as a stump remover for Hercules, Inc. He was known for his ability to grow things and spent many hours working in his garden. Outside of his gardening, he enjoyed fishing, but most of all he loved the Lord, and his family. Mr. Myers is survived by…

Dennis Cecil Josey, age 91 , of Douglas, Georgia passed away peacefully on Friday, February 21st, 2025 at his residence. He was born in Douglas, Georgia on May 19th, 1 933, the son of Dennis Eugene Josey and Alice Chaney Josey. Dennis Josey was a building contractor who built upwards of several hundred homes in Coffee County and surrounding counties. He began working in construction almost immediately after graduating from Douglas High School in 1951 . Over the years he has been a frequent patron of Lott Builders Supply Company, Coley Electric, Carson’s Lumber Company, and most recently Lowe’s and…