Author: Submitted

On Saturday, October 6, 2018 at 10 am, the Douglas Fire Department will host Douglas’ first Firefighters Fun Walk. Beginning at Fire Station #1 (Gordon Street), firemen will be marching down South Peterson Avenue to Fire Station #3 (beside Williams Institutional Foods) to raise awareness and funds for the Boys and Girls Club of Coffee County Region. Firemen will be dressed in full gear, which weighs approximately 65lbs. Citizens are encouraged to come out support the Douglas Fire Department as they raise funds for our local community Boys and Girls Club.

Thinking outside of the box is sometimes the key to moving a city forward. I often have to look outside of my zone to come up with new ideas and solutions to help Douglas remain a progressive city – a city that everyone should be proud of. I know recently there has been some tension in our city meetings but I believe that is due to the fact that no one is always going to agree on the same thing. I may like it, another commissioner may love it, while another commissioner may feel strongly against it. In the…

Coffee Middle School is a huge supporter of childhood cancer awareness and the Childhood Cancer Awareness Group of Coffee County. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month, and CMS has been busy gathering donations. September 28 was a fun Friday of raising money to finish out the month. Students enjoyed soccer, basketball, face painting, music, snacks, and being together with one goal in mind –fighting childhood cancer. CMS appreciates Brooks Waldron for spending the day and sharing his music with the students. Congratulations to Clusters 6C, 7D, and 8A for winning performances at the basketball tournaments. Pictured is Cluster 8A.

Edward Harris was born January 11, 1942 in Jackson, Mississippi. He was the son of the late Elmo and Mable Evans. He moved to Georgia where he met and married Myrtice Belinda Woodbury. To this union one child was born. He joined Popular Springs Baptist Church under the late Rev. Amos Henry. On September 16, 2018, the death angel called Edward from labor to reward. He is survived by his wife, Myrtice Belinda Harris of Alma; four sons, Rev. Steve (Julie) Edwards of Newton, Mississipp, Roderick (Monica) Harris of Dallas, Texas, Lee (Valencia) Goodman of Jacksonville, Fla., and Donald Moore…

Master Aiden Walker Gillis, age 5 months, passed away on Wednesday September 26, 2018 at Memorial Hospital, Savannah, Georgia following an extended illness. Aiden was born on April 11, 2018 in Douglas, the son of Alexis Trowell and Davis Gillis. Aiden was preceded in death by a sister, Hileigh Rose Trowell and great grandfather, Vickers Gillis. Survivors include his mother, Alexis Trowell of Douglas and father, Davis Gillis of Douglas; maternal grandparents, Andrew Joel and Maggie Merritt Bennett of Douglas; paternal grandparents, Nipper Gillis and companion Amber Chaney of Pearson and Donna Gillis and friend Christy Nipper of Sumner;…

Ausie Morris “Buddy” Vaughn, age 88, passed away on Wednesday September 26, 2018, at Vista Park following an extended illness. Mr. Vaughn was born on July 22, 1930 in Coffee County, the son of the late Ausie Vaughn and Mary Elizabeth Tarrant Vaughn. He worked as a farmer and was a member of Jowers Chapel Holiness Baptist Church. He was known in his last days as “The Cowboy” at his last home at Vista Park, but he was “well known in these parts” for his beautiful steel guitar playing. Mr. Vaughn was preceded in death by his wife…

Rebecca Paulk, age 92, of Wray, passed away on Thursday September 27, 2018 at her residence following an extended illness. Mrs. Paulk was born on January 17, 1926 in Coffee County, the daughter of the late Dave Harper and Drucilla Merritt Harper. Mrs. Paulk was a homemaker and a member of Wray Holiness Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, George A. Paulk, 10 sisters and one brother. Survivors include son, Melvin Paulk of Sylvester; daughter, Martha Jean McKinnon (Loel) of Calhoun; four grandchildren, Myron Paulk of Athens, Merlin Paulk of Valdosta, and Carol…

Owen Ray Batten, age 60, of Douglas, passed away on Tuesday September 25, 2018 at his residence following an extended illness. Mr. Batten was born on September 27, 1957 in Duval County, Florida, the son of the late Owen Batten and Mary Eloise Waters Batten. He worked as a self-employed truck driver with Paulk Livestock and Nicholls Logging and his CB handle was Gambler. Mr. Batten was loved by many and will be missed by so many. Survivors include his wife, Latrelle Batten of Douglas; two daughters, Danita Harper (Keith) of Douglas and Janet Batten of Douglas; son,…

Mr. Robert Wiley Fletcher II, age 67 of West Green, passed away Friday afternoon September 28, 2018 at his residence following a brief illness. Mr. Fletcher was born April 30, 1951 to the late Wiley Henry Fletcher and the late Melba Grace Mixon Fletcher. Mr. Fletcher was a self-employed carpenter. He was a volunteer for the West Green Fire Department and a member of Gideons International. He was also a member of West Green United Methodist Church. Survivors include wife: Kathy Johnson Fletcher of West Green; sons Trae Fletcher and his wife Fran, and Dan Fletcher and his wife Amy,…

Michael Frawley Geary, age 66, of Douglas, passed away on Tuesday September 25, 2018 at Coffee Regional Medical Center following a brief illness. Mr. Geary was born on August 14, 1952 in Montreal, Canada, the son of the late Robert Irving Geary and Janet Gilroy Geary. He worked as a plumber in the construction business, was a veteran of the United States Army serving during the Vietnam War and was Post Commander with VFW Post 5976. Survivors include his companion, Connie Sue Hines of Douglas; two sons, Michael Shane Geary and Robert William Geary, both of Arizona; two…