BICE

MR. BILLY JOE BICE, age 58 of Summerville, Georgia passed away Thursday, May 30, 2024 at his residence. He was born in Summerville, Georgia on June 7, 1965, son of the late Frank Bice Sr, and Vera Mae Bundrum Bice. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Regina Bice; brothers, Frank Bice, Jr., Leonard Fay Bice, Richard Lamar Bice, Terry Lee Bice and Roland Lee Bice, Sr.

Surviving are his children, Christopher Bice and Brandon Bice; sister, Cindy Williams and brother, Danny Ray Bice; several Nieces and Nephews also survive.

Funeral Services will be held, Sunday, June 2, 2024, at 3 p.m. from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Pastor Paul Bice officiating; interment in Summerville Cemetery. Active Pallbearers will be Johnny Reece, Jason Reece, Justin Reece, Michael Bice and Tyler Williams. Honorary Pallbearers will be staff members of Tapestry Hospice. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2 p.m. until the hour of service.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Billy Joe Bice.

LYDAY

MISS JUDITH WYNELL (JUDY) LYDAY, age 73, of Rome, Georgia, passed away Tuesday, May 28, 2024, in a Rome hospital. She was born in Fort Payne, Alabama on July 16, 1950, to the late Edmond Taylor (T.) Lyday and Lois Cash Lyday. Miss Lyday was a graduate of Chattooga High School and received her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from University of West Georgia; afterward had a career with Georgia DFACS, where she dedicated her life helping the elderly.

Surviving are aunts, Clara Bozemen and Martha Hulgan; several First Cousins, several Special Friends including “Little Gril” Emily Self.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, June 1st, at 3:00 P.M. EST, from Graveside in Bankhead Chapel Cemetery, with Rita Galloway, Rev. Harold Helton, and Emily Self officiating. Active Pallbearers Brandon Galloway, Derek Buffington.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

CALDWELL

 Mrs. Louise Brady Caldwell passed peacefully on May 22, 2024.  Mrs. Louise was Christian by faith and a member of the Perennial Baptist Church.  A dedicated wife, mother, sibling, and small-town philanthropist. She loved family, friends, and the area of Lyerly, Georgia where she was born, lived and worked her entire life.  Before retirement she was a lifelong seamstress and co-owner of Lyerly House of Fabrics.  Known locally as ‘The Fabric Lady’.  Mrs. Louise taught sewing to beginning homemakers and frequently would anonymously stitch baby clothing, prom dresses, dolls and other garments for the benefit of those in need or those without her sewing expertise.  She donated the Old Town Hall building to be used as for the future Lyerly Community Center.  She also donated several acres of land to expand the town park to approximately double the original size.

Mrs. Caldwell was born September 10,1929, the eldest of seven children. She was preceded in death by her parents; Michael Chele and Annie Belle Ragland Brady, husband Hill, daughter Rose Anne Woodall, and siblings Katherine, Andrew, and Jo Anne.  Surviving are her son, Michael Caldwell (Peggy); sisters, Evelyn Rinehart (Ralph) and Barbara Everett (Clint); brother, Harry Brady (Carol) and former son in law, Lamar Woodall; Grandsons, Christopher Woodall (Tina), Matthew Caldwell (Kathryn), Errynn Woodall (Jessica), Brent Caldwell (Meghan), and Kyle Caldwell (Mary Beth); Eight great grandchildren plus numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.  Special recognition is extended to her nephew Robert (Robby) Allen who lovingly cared for his Aunt Louise for many years!  Appreciation from the family to Mrs. Peggy Cordell who served as caregiver and a special friend.

A memorial celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 10 AM (EDT), from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Reverend Alton Stamey officiating and special comments from Paster John Mann. In lieu of flowers the family requests a contribution to a charity of one’s choice.

STRICKLAND

MR. JERRY LEE STRICKLAND, SR., age 86, of Summerville, Georgia, passed away Thursday evening, May 23, 2023, in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia. He was born in Thomaston, Georgia to the late Wilson Lee and Lucille Robinson Strickland, on July 6, 1937. Mr. Strickland was a member of the Menlo First Baptist Church, a Veteran of the U. S. Navy, and was a retired store clerk for the Pure Stop. In addition to Parents, He was preceded in death by his wife, the late Martha Wofford Strickland in 2015, sisters & spouse, Evelyn and Horace Williams and Bernice Walters two brothers the late Ernie L. Strickland and Joseph Lamar Strickland.

Surviving, step son, Kevin and Dana Baker; grandchildren, Blake Baker, Haley Baker, Kyle Baker; special friends, Dana Hughes, Louis Parrill, and Simon Parrill; several Nieces and Nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 28th, at 2:00 P.M. from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Rev. Harold Helton officiating, interment in Ami Cemetery. Pallbearers are Thomas Waller, Joshua Jennings, Greg Williams, Barry Williams, Louis Perrill, and Simon Parrill. Visitation will be Tuesday from 12:00 noon until 2:00 P.M. at The Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Jerry Lee Strickland, who passed away Thursday.

APPELBAUM

Arthur Frank Appelbaum, 82, of Homosassa, FL, passed away at home on May 15, 2024, after an extended illness. He was born in Baltimore, MD, on August 3, 1941, the son of the late Bennie and Mollie Appelbaum. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Arlene, whom he met while completing his Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at the State University of New York at New Paltz. In addition to Arlene, Arty is survived by his son, Dr. Jeff (Karen) Appelbaum, of Trion, GA, and his daughter, Amy (Mike) Mihalchik, of Poughkeepsie, NY, as well as grandchildren, Max and Brooke Appelbaum and Sydney Mihalchik. He is also survived by his sisters, Linda (Bob) Glickstein and Phyllis (Jerry) Stein; nephews and niece Steven (Anne) Glickstein, Daniel (Toni) Glickstein, Michelle (Cary) Berman, Jason (Bethany) Stein, and several great nieces and nephews. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, who supported his family unfailingly and took great pride in them, attending as many milestone events as travel allowed.

After completing his degree at SUNY New Paltz, Arty became a teacher in the Chappaqua Central School District, where he taught all grades of elementary school during his 37-year career at Roaring Brook Elementary School. He spent the majority of his years teaching first grade, because he loved watching the growth of his students during the year, and he impacted the lives and futures of hundreds of children in his nurturing classroom environment. In addition, he served as the New York State United Teachers chapter treasurer for many years, while also working as the Sunday School Superintendent at Temple Beth-am in Yorktown Heights, NY. Arty retired from teaching in 1999, and in 2000 he and Arlene moved to Homosassa, FL, where they became involved in the leadership of the Nature Coast Orchid Society, made many close friends, and participated in several community activities.

A celebration of his life will be held on Monday, May 20 at Macrini-Wilder Funeral Home in Homosassa, Florida, with interment at West Hill Cemetery in Trion, GA On May 25 at 11am.

HAMBY

MR. EDWIN HILL HAMBY, age 91, passed away Monday, May 13th, 2024, at his Beavers Road residence in Summerville, Georgia. Mr. Hamby was born in Summerville, Georgia on September 29th, 1932, to the late Hugh Lee and Margaret Wofford Hamby. In addition to parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, the late Hughbelle Tucker, Joyce Hogg, Peg Tate Hogg, Margaret Thomas, Nelle Adamson; and grandson Luke Grogan. Surviving are his wife of 67 years, Frances Lucille Hamby; daughters, Fonda (Dwight) Morgan, Sonya (Ronnie) Dixon, Kim (Tim) Grogan; sister, Jane Stokes; brother, Jerry Hamby; nine grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

With faith in Christ, he was thankful for all the blessings of life. One of his greatest delights was his family. He was a loving and caring husband. He was a hard worker, sometimes working two jobs to provide for his wife and children. He loved when all his family was together, celebrating special events, and making his legendary waffles for breakfast. He loved farming, gardening, sitting on his front porch, fishing, planting flowers, collecting farm primitives, and racing cars. Notably, his favorite cars were his '50 Mercury and his '65 GTO. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran of the Korean War, member of the Summerville First United Methodist Church, and retired Terminal Manager for Mason & Dixon Trucklines.

Funeral services will be held Friday, May 17th, at 4:00 P.M. from The Chapel At Camp Hamby, with Rev. David Autry and Rev. John Wesley Privett officiating, interment in Garrett Cemetery. Pallbearers, Dwight Morgan, Ronnie Dixon, Tim Grogan, Joshua Morgan, Zachary Morgan, TJ Grogan, Ian Johnstone, Chris Cope, and Nick Henson. Visitation will be Thursday evening from 6 until 8 P.M. at the Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Edwin Hill Hamby.

WADE

MRS. RHONDA GAIL WADE, age 75, of Dogwood Drive, Trion, Georgia passed away Sunday, May 12, 2024, at her residence.  She was born in LaFayette, Georgia, to the late Ernie M. and Edna H. Owensby Anderson, on June 24, 1948. Mrs. Wade attended the Lookout Hall Church of Christ, and was retired from the Winding Department for Color Spectrum.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, the late Steven A. Wade, to whom she was married on December 22, 1968; and brother the late Richard Wayne (Bud) Anderson.

Surviving are her son and spouse, Mike and Wendy Wade; sister and spouse, Elizabeth and Leon Williams; brother and spouse, Ken and Freda Anderson; granddaughter, Autumn Wade.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 15th, at 2:00 P.M. from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Minister Terry York officiating, interment in Greenhills Memory Garden.  Active Pallbearers Eric Davenport, Ken Anderson, Scotty Anderson, Zac Anderson, Larry VanFossen, and Daniel Williams; Honorary Pallbearers Ricky Anderson and James Singleton.  The Family will receive friends Wednesday from 12 noon until 2:00 P.M.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Rhonda Gail Anderson Wade who passed away Sunday morning.

WRIGHT

MR. JERRY THOMAS WRIGHT, age 84, of Summerville, Georgia passed away Monday, May 6, 2024 in a Rome hospital. Mr. Wright was born in Cedartown, Georgia, July 31, 1939, son of the late Jay Wright and Mozelle Collins Wright. He worked in Chemical Sales for many years before his retirement in 2004. Mr. Wright was a member of the National Guard and Baptist by faith. In addition to his Parents, He was preceded in death by a sister, Janice Bowen; granddaughter, Ashley Wright; and step child, Kimberly Rochester.

Surviving are his wife, Annette Vanpelt Wright; children, Scott Wright (Candi), Christy Baker (Jeff), Brent Wright (Nancy); grandchildren, Tiffany Payton (Craig), Brittany Mathis (Josh), Bre Merrell (Wayne), Christopher Wright, Cody Baker, Jack Wright, T. J. Wright and Jamie Knight; brother, Jimmy Wright (Anne); 10 great grandchildren.

Funeral Service will be held Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 2 p.m. from the Graveside with Rev. Jason Boyd officiating, interment in Polk Memory Gardens, Cedartown, Georgia. Active Pallbearers, Christopher Wright, Jack Wright, Cody Baker, Jay Stroud, T. J. Wright, Wayne Merrell, Mark Parkinson, and Tony Wright. Visitation will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. until 12 noon from Earle Rainwater Funeral Home Summerville, Georgia.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Jerry Thomas Wright.

RAY

MRS. KATHRYN BRADY RAY, age 92, of Cartersville, Georgia formerly of Chattooga County, Georgia, passed away April 16, 2024, in Tucker, Georgia. She was born on August 8, 1931 in Georgia to the late Michael Chele Brady and Annie Bell Ragland Brady.

Surviving are daughters, Kathy LaBelle and Rebecca Huffstutler; sisters, Louise Caldwell. Evelyn Rhinehart, and Barbara Young; brother, Harry Brady; grandchildren, Heather Jones, JoAnn Price, Lea Ann Ray, and Niki LaBella; several Nieces and Nephews.

Memorial service Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 1:00 P.M. from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Rev. Harold Helton officiating, inurnment in Lyerly Cemetery.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

BROWN

MRS. RITA FAYE BROWN, age 67, of Walnut Street, Trion, Georgia, passed away Tuesday, morning, April 30, 2024. Mrs. Brown was born in Trion, Georgia on August 11, 1956, a daughter of the late Robert A. Johnson, Sr. and Clara L. Smith Johnson. She was a member of the Church of Christ, a retired mental health technician, and in addition to Parents was preceded in death by siblings Charlotte Todd, Terry Lee Johnson, Sr., and Robert Alvin Johnson, Jr.

Surviving are daughter, April Brown; son, David Jordan; sister, Jackie Cain; brother, Tony Johnson; grandsons, Ashton Jordan, Kaindon Jordan, Noah Jordan, and Jonah Jordan; several Nieces and Nephews.

Funeral services will be held Friday, May 3rd, at 2:00 P.M. from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with niece, Toni Johnson and Minister Hugh Glaze officiating, interment in West Hill Cemetery. Active Pallbearers David Jordan, Mike Jones, Bo Jones, Jacob Hammitt. The Family will receive friends Friday from noon until 2:00 P.M. at the Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Rita Faye Brown.