Author: Submitted

Mary Frances Smith Davis, age 78, of Nicholls, Georgia, passed away on Friday, August 14, 2020, at Langdale Hospice House in Valdosta, GA. Frances was born on June 12, 1942, in Douglas, GA to Hugh Dorsey Smith and Cecile Metts Smith. Her survivors include: Daughter, Karen Cecile (Jimmy) Davis of Valdosta, GA, daughter, Julie (Dave) Dipietro of Mullica Hill, NJ; son, David (Susan) Davis of Alma, GA; brothers Donnie (Marilyn) Smith of Willacoochee, GA and, Ricky (Joy) Smith of Ambrose, GA; grandchildren, Kyle Davis, Evan Davis, Frances Dipietro, Chris Dipietro; one great-grandchild, Avery Anna Davis; brother-in-law, Herman Fussell and several nieces and nephews. She was…

The Coffee Lady Trojans remained undefeated with another thriller in front of the home crowd at Faircloth Field on Thursday 1-0 in 10 innings. The Brantley County Lady Herons came to town in what turned into a classic pitcher’s duel with two senior pitchers squaring off. The 2019 1-AAAAAA All-Region pitcher Reagan Thomas scattered three hits through 8 1/3 and struck out 14 Brantley batters to keep Coffee in the game most of the night. Another All-Region performer from 2019, Madison Strickland, relieved Thomas and recorded the final five outs for the win. Strickland led Coffee’s offense with…

By Kevin Tatum University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service August 1 each year begins a new 4-H year. State Congress typically ends the 4-H year in late July and then it’s time to reboot and start all over again. It is also a time to plan for the new year’s programs. With COVID-19 altering everyone’s plans in 2020, it will definitely change the status quo for the new school year. As school gets back underway, we are working with our school’s administration and teachers to provide safe educational opportunities for the youth in Coffee County. Plans are being…

Wiregrass Tech is expanding the current Video Production program to create a new program, Design and Media Production Technology. This program combines interests in graphic design and video design into one program. This new offering begins Fall Semester. The program is being offered as an Associate’s Degree where students can choose from two specialization tracts, Graphic Design and Prepress, and Video and Film Production. The program is also offered as a Diploma with several imbedded Technical Certificates of Credit. Students enrolled in the diploma program will be able to complete the program in four semesters, and the degree in…

These Wiregrass graduates have the tools needed now to go to work thanks to Whitehead Industrial Hardware of Valdosta. As a recipient of the Tradesman Award the students received a plaque along with a $250 credit to purchase tools for their new jobs. “It’s a great honor to have the opportunity to present each of these deserving individuals with the Whitehead Distinguished Tradesman Award,” shared Jonathan Miller, Whitehead Industrial Hardware Principal. “All of us here at Whitehead salute the modern tradesman and believe in the importance of recognizing the hard work and success of these students. Skilled labor is a…

On July 28, 2020, Coffee County deputies were dispatched to a residence in the Oak Park community about a shots fired call. Upon arrival at the location a deputy spoke with a female subject at the location. The female stated that a white male subject identified as Billy Ray Taylor, 35 of Pearson, had come to the residence and had gotten into a verbal dispute with owner and other individuals at the location. Taylor then reportedly went back to his vehicle which was parked across the road to leave the location. Persons at the location reported that as Taylor rode…

Mrs. Linda Gail McElroy Gaskins, age 69 of Ambrose, passed away early Wednesday morning, August 12, 2020 at Coffee Regional Medical Center following an extended illness. Mrs. Gaskins was born February 9, 1951 to the late Julius C. McElroy and the late Jessie Harper McElroy. Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers Jimmy Ray McElroy and Larry McElroy. Mrs. Gaskins, a native of Coffee County, was a cattle farmer. She attended Bushell Chapel Church. Survivors include her husband, John Wayne Gaskins of Ambrose, GA; niece Tammie M. Douglas of Nicholls, GA; and nephew Stanley McElroy of…

Mr. John Marshall “JM” Pridgen, age 83, of the Pridgen community, passed away August 12, 2020 at his residence following an extended illness. Mr. Pridgen was born December 15, 1936 to the late John Pridgen and the late Bessie Kight Pridgen. Mr. Pridgen was also preceded in death by his wife, Norma Jean Miller Pridgen. Mr. Pridgen was an ordained deacon and member of Pridgen Baptist Church. He farmed in the Pridgen community for more than 50 years and served as an agricultural inspector for the state of Georgia for 30 years. Prior to his career in agriculture, Mr. Pridgen…

Greater Destiny International Ministries, Inc. is excited to announce the opportunity for those in the community who are not registered to vote, to get registered. “It is important that we are registered to vote. There are so many decisions that are made based on us voting. There’s blood that has been shed, lives that have been lost, and people have fought for everyone to have the right to vote,” says Rueben Speight, Senior Pastor of Greater Destiny. This event will be held on Saturday, August 15, from 9 AM to 3 PM in the Greater Destiny parking lot…

Pauline Bray Merritt, age 91, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away on Wednesday, August 12, 2020. Mrs. Merritt was born on January 9, 1929 in Coffee County, Georgia, the daughter of the late William Franklin Bray and Elevener Lee Bray. Mrs. Merritt had been attending First Congregational Christian Church, Douglas, Georgia. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Elie Joe Merritt and two sisters, Virginia Griffin and Louise Ward. Survivors include her daughter, Jan Shrouder (Billy Joe) of Douglas, GA; granddaughter, Kelly Shrouder Waldron (Banner) of Douglas, GA; great granddaughter, Kate Jolie…