Author: Submitted

Mrs. Mary Wanda Denning, 77 years old, was born on April 23, 1942 in Atkinson County to the union of the late Mr. Frank and Mrs. Annie Douglas, whom proceeded her in death. On June 28, 2019, our Lord called Mary Wanda Denning home to rest, for we all know to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Mary attended Paulk Elementary School and Carver High School. She enjoyed working at Douglas Foods and Lumber City Nursing Home where she was known for her loving, dedicated care as a CNA. All loved her. She enjoyed…

Thigpen becomes honorary lineman for birthday On Friday, July 5, 2019, the City of Douglas Utilities Department helped to make Brice Thigpen’s birthday a little more special. After hearing about the “Birthday Cards for Brice” project and Brice’s joy of receiving cards on his birthday (July 6), the Douglas Utilities Department decided to make this year’s birthday extra special. The department threw a surprise birthday party for Brice and designated him as an honorary City of Douglas lineman complete with t-shirt, hard hat, safety glasses, and safety vest. Thigpen also received a card, cake, and a few gifts to honor him…

City honors employees at luncheon Each year, the City of Douglas holds an appreciation luncheon for city employees. During the luncheon, an outstanding employee is awarded with the City Manager’s Award for great customer service and going above normal job duties throughout the year, employees with 20+ years of service are recognized, and all employees are treated to great food, door prizes, and more fun. The city manager, mayor, and commissioners are allowed time to share their appreciation to all employees and join in on the fun. City employees who are on the FISH! Committee organize, setup/cleanup, and prepare the food for the…

4-H enjoys summer activities Kevin Tatum University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service Coffee County 4-H enjoyed three summer activities during the month of June. On Friday, June 7, 4-H members traveled to Macon to enjoy an evening at the Macon Bacon baseball game. While at the ballpark, they enjoyed unlimited hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, and soft drinks. Some almost made themselves sick eating so much. The Macon Bacon team won the game and the weather was perfect following a brief rain. On Tuesday, June 25, the 4-H members traveled to Savannah, GA, to tour the Ronald McDonald House…

Mr. Wyatt Stephen Spann, Jr., age 88 of Broxton, passed away Monday night, July 8, 2019 at Coffee Regional Medical Center following an extended illness. Mr. Spann was born July 29, 1930 to the late Wyatt Stephen Spann, Sr. and the late Princie Irene Spann. He was also preceded in death by his sisters Doris O’Steen and Sue Scrubbs, and a step-son, Clyde Smith. Mr. Spann, a native of Coffee County, attended the schools in Broxton. He was a hardware store operator for many years. He was also a truck driver, farmer and mechanic. Mr. Spann was also a veteran…

The Community Foundation of Coffee County is accepting grant applications from now until Sunday, Sept. 1, 2019 at noon for funding requests up to $3,000. Organizations that receive a grant are encouraged to use this grant in applying for matching funds to maximize the funding potential for their program or project. Visit cfcga.org/grant/cfcc-community-grant-program for more information on the application process. CFCC’s community grant program awards grants to organizations in Coffee County and the immediate surrounding area. Applications will be considered from nonprofits, higher education, and faith-based organizations only for non-sectarian, community outreach programs in the Coffee County and immediate…

Paulette Wilson, age 83, of Douglas, Georgia passed away on Sunday July 7, 2019 at Lakeside Senior Living. Mrs. Wilson was born on March 31, 1936 in Coffee County, the daughter of the late William Bryan McKinnon and Laura Estelle Summerlin McKinnon. Mrs. Wilson was president and owner of H&R Block in Douglas, was a member of the Pilot Club, and a member of Eastside Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, David Wilson. Survivors include her daughter, Lorie Wilson of Douglas; son, Ray Hancock (wife Kay) of Alma; brother, Clark McKinnon (wife Sherry)…

Randolph Relihan Smith, M.D., beloved husband of Becky Jo Hardy Smith, died on July 6, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. He was the son of the late Maxine Relihan Smith and Lester Vernon Smith of Augusta, GA, and was named for his maternal grandfather Randolph Cheatham Relihan of Douglas, GA, who was the Sheriff of Coffee County from 1928 to 1948. Born April 13, 1944 at University Hospital in Augusta, Dr. Smith attended public schools in Augusta, including Richmond Academy, where he is a member of the ARC Hall of Fame. He earned a football scholarship to Clemson University, where he…

Rev. Earl Lamar Selph, age 73, of Douglas, passed away on Thursday July 4, 2019 at Coffee Regional Medical Center. Mr. Selph was born on August 10, 1945 in Wheeler County, the son of the late Joseph Harrell Selph and Earl Burta Selph. Rev. Selph was a retired pastor graduating from Rhema Bible College, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and was a member of Saving Grace Ministries in Douglas. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Carlos Selph and a sister-in-law, Sherri Booth. Survivors include his wife, Onecia Ann Johnson Selph of Douglas; son, Harris Selph (wife…

Mary Edith Kirkland, age 87, of Auburndale, Florida, passed away on Friday July 5, 2019 at Good Shepard Hospice, Auburndale, Florida. Mrs. Kirkland was born on August 10, 1931 in Douglas, the daughter of the late David Peacock and Hannah Sweat Peacock. She was a homemaker and a member of Trinity Life Church of God in Lakeland, Florida. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Harry O. Kirkland; son-in-law, Donald Ross; and 10 brothers and sisters. Survivors include two sons, Kenneth Kirkland (wife Pamela) of Auburn and Keith Kirkland (wife Dana) of Washington, Utah; two…