HESTER

MR. DANNY LANE HESTER, SR., age 54, of Alabama Street-Trion, Georgia, passed away Sunday, March 30, 2025, in a Rome, hospital following an illness. Danny was born in Salome, Arizona on April 25, 1970, a son of the late Tommy Glenn Hester and Glenda Kay Dye Hester. He was a member and Deacon Chairman for the Harrell Street Church of God of the Union Assembly. Danny was well known in the community as Jazzy the Balloon Artist, Gishamer the Magician, and Homer “Da” Clown. He loved being involved with church VBS, plays, and ect, and always enjoyed spending time with his family. Danny will be sorely missed in so many places and by many people. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by father, C. D. (Tiny) Long, siblings, Tommy Glenn Hester, Jr., Karen Hester, and Gevetta Samples.

Surviving are wife, Jean Hester; sons, Danny (DJ) Hester and Tanner Hester; mother, Judy Long; sisters, Melissa (Thomas) Hamilton and Retta (Stephen) Sprayberry; brothers, Charlie Long and LeBron (Corrinna) Long, Michael Butler, Jessie Butler, Sonny (Devin) Jones; granddaughter, Micah Ellis; 2 Aunts; several Nieces and Nephews.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 2nd, at 1:00 P.M. from the Harrell Street Church of God of the Union Assembly with Rev. Denny Smith, Rev. LeBron Long, Rev. Kenny Payne , and Rev. Rocklan Hughes officiating, interment in Greenhills Memory Garden. Active Pallbearers Aaron Long, Sam Roberts, Mikie Jones, Eric Mann, Josh Smalley, Barry Tanner, Sam Eldridge and Cody Betts. The Family will receive friends Tuesday evening at Earle Rainwater Funeral Home from 6 until 8 P.M. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses of Floyd Atrium ICU, especially Dr. Brock Jr. and Jordan and Ashley, nurses.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Danny Lane Hester, Sr. who passed away Sunday afternoon.

McCOLLUM

MISS ANN MCCOLLUM, age 69, of Church Street Trion, Georgia passed away Monday morning at her residence. Born in Trion on June 10, 1955, She was the daughter of Clifford (Tip) Wesley and Edith Morrow McCollum. Ann was a Loving Sister and Great Aunt, always thinking of others, before herself. She was a graduate of Trion High School, a member of Trion First Baptist Church for 60 years and Church Pianist for 40 years; prior to retirement was Bank Teller for Regions Bank.

Surviving are brother and sister-in-law, Johnny and June McCollum; companion, Terry Hawkins; nieces, Emily (Travis) Poole and Laura (Steven) Butler; great nieces, Ella and Lola Poole; great nephews, Noah, Caleb, Daniel, and James Butler; special cousins, Jim and Michelle Allie and Greg Morrow; many Special Friends also survive.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 27th, at 3:00 P.M. from the Trion First Baptist Church with Pastor Casey Bramlett officiating, interment in West Hill Cemetery. Active Pallbearers Tom Morrow, Danny Carlock, Doug Carlock, David Carlock, Travis Poole, and Steven Butler. Visitation will be at Trion First Baptist Church Thursday from 1 until 3 P.M.; in lieu of flowers please send contributions to the Trion First Baptist Church in honor of Ann.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Miss Ann McCollum, who passed away Monday.

MILLER

MR. EMMETT WAYNE MILLER—-April 4, 1944—November 18, 2022

Emmett was born in Rome, Georgia and was the only child of Maddie Sue Easter and Bennett Layfette Miller. Emmitt grew up outside of Summerville and was standout football player in the Summerville High School and graduated in 1962. After graduation He entered the United States Marine Core and was part of the 1st Radio Battalion, who were the first “boots” on the ground in Vietnam. After three tours in Vietnam and four years of service, Emmett was discharged from the Marine Core and Started a lengthy career with the CIA, (1967-1997), upon retirement from the CIA, Emmett and Elaine bought a 90 years house in Menlo and Spent their retirement years traveling,         relaxing, and renovating their house in Menlo.


MARION ELAINE MILLER—-January 15, 1943-- December 4, 2024

Elaine was born in Rome, Georgia and was the third child of Horace Glen Patterson and Annie Maxine Phillips. Elaine grew up in Gore and was very close with her aunts and uncles. Elaine was a cheerleader, played basketball, and graduated from the Summerville High School in 1961. After a few years working in Summerville, Elaine and Emmett got married and moved to California, Elaine also enjoyed a lengthy career in the CIA (1970-1997) and retired the same year as her husband Emmett. In retirement Elaine was part of Several social clubs in Summerville and surrounding areas.

A service of Remembrance for Emmett and Elaine Miller will be held Sunday, March 30th –2:00 P.M. at Earle Rainwater Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

CARGLE

MRS. MAXINE WOFFORD CARGLE, age 81, of Armuchee, Georgia, Little Sand Mountain Community, passed away Thursday evening at her residence. She was born in Rome, Georgia on October 9, 1943, the daughter of the late Jim and Minnie Watkins Wofford. Mrs. Cargle was a member of the Little Sand Mountain Baptist Church and was retired from Food Service for the Floyd County Schools.

Surviving are Her husband, David M. Cargle, to whom she was married on August 30, 1969; daughter and husband, Mandy and Jeff Ward; son Chris and Lola Thompsen; grandchildren, Emma Rae and Morgan Ward, and Carla Thompsen.

Funeral services will be held Monday, March 24th, at 2:00 P.M. from Little Sand Mountain Baptist Church with Pastor Miles Phillips officiating, interment in the Church Cemetery. Active Pallbearers Andy Allen, Jackson Allen, Jeffery Jarrett, Tim Wesson, Gil Fowler, and Casey Ray. The Family will receive friends Sunday afternoon from 6 until 8 P.M. at the Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Maxine Wofford Cargle.

WOODS

The family of Mrs. Judy DiAnne Hutchins Woods, announces her entrance into the gates of heaven,
Tuesday March 18, 2025. She was the daughter of Shirley Yvonne Wofford Hutchins and Hershall Lee "Pete" Hutchins born in Summerville, GA August 1, 1951. She and husband, Ricky W. Woods, were married November 7, 1971 and were blessed with fifty three years together. She retired from Winshape Retreat on the Berry College Campus in Rome, GA. Judy was very artistic, creative, and loved going to the beach. She was always gentle, kind, and she was very strong in her Christian faith. Mrs. Woods was a member of the Summerville Pentecostal Worship Center. 

Judy was preceded in death by her mother, Shirley Hutchins, and father, Pete Hutchins. Surviving family members include her husband, Ricky Woods, sons Todd (Lacy) Woods, Kevin (Tonya) Woods, stepson Steve (Leondra) Woods, and brother Andy (Dorothy) Hutchins. Grandchildren Jared (Krista) Woods, Brianna (Tyler) Chastain, Christian Woods, Rachel Woods, Billy Woods, Sarah Woods, Brittany (Cody) Maynard, Collin Woods, Branson Woods, Ben Woods, and also several great grandchildren. Special friends include Betty Corbin, Sonya Corbin Ledford, Jennifer Hatley, and Elaine West. 

 A private service will be held with Reverend Dollas Messer officiating. Interment in West Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers, nephews, Bryn Hutchins and Ty Hutchins, Grandsons, Chris Woods, Collin Woods, Branson Woods, Billy Woods, Ben Woods, and Jared Woods. Honorary pallbearers, Bill Price and the families of Roy Woods, Franklin Woods, and Neal (Joyce) Cordell. Mrs. Judy DiAnne Woods, absent from the body, forever present with the Lord.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements

DAWSON

MR. JOE G. DAWSON, age 87, of Gore Community, Summerville, Georgia, passed away Wednesday , March 19, 2025, in a Rome hospital. He was a Son of the late Frank J. and Elizabeth Floyd Dawson; life long resident of Gore Community, farmer and logger, and a member of The Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by wife, the late Mary Frances Barron Dawson, a grandson the late Chuck A. Hammonds, and siblings the late Frankie Gordon, George, Gene, and David Dawson also died earlier.

Surviving are daughters and spouses, Pam and Ricky Hammonds and Paige and Greg Shaw; granddaughters, Megan Hunter, Clancey and Calen Cooper; grandson, Chris and Avery Hammonds; sister, Jan Ragland; brother-in-law, Jimmy Barron; great grandchildren Elsie Quinn, and Ella Cooper, Autumn, Will, Reese, Callan, and Lexi Hammonds; several Nieces and Nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 21, 2025 at 3 P.M. from the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with Pastor James Baird officiating, interment in Pleasant Grove Cemetery. Active Pallbearers Tony Bannister, Jayme Dawson, Gary Gordon, Larry Hogan, Sam Jones, Britt Ragland, Shane Ragland, and Travis Tittle; Honorary Pallbearers Ray Davis, Richard Dover, Jeremy Eager, Stacy Gray, Roger Grizzle, Clint Hunter, Matt Eubanks, Jason King, Danny McGraw, Ross Lowry, and William Mitchell. Visitation will be Friday from 1 until 3 P.M. at the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers donation may be made to Pleasant Grove Cemetery c/o Cindy Woodall, 3648 Farmersville Road, Summerville, Georgia—30747.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Joe G. Dawson, who passed away Wednesday morning.

SPRAYBERRY

MR. BENNY E. SPRAYBERRY, age 82, of Summerville, Georgia, passed away Monday, March 17, 2025, at His residence. Born in Trion, Georgia on October 5, 1942, was the son of the late Homer C. “Chan” Sprayberry and Edna E. Worsham Sprayberry. Mr. Sprayberry was retired from the construction industry and a member of Pleasant Grove Church Christ.

Surviving are His wife of 60 years, Linda McWhorter Sprayberry; daughters, Karen (Jesse) Teague and Kim (Chris) Nickolson; son, Kevin (Lindsey) Sprayberry; grandchildren, Dalton (Ashley) Gilreath, Cory (Hope) Sprayberry, Chloe (Damien) Walker, Corben (McKenna) Nickolson, Carlee Nickolson, Declyn Sprayberry; great grandchildren, Elsie Sprayberry, Finn Gilreath, Will Sprayberry, Oakley Walker, and Ladd Gilreath.

A celebration of His life will be held Friday, March 21st, at 11:00 A.M. from Pleasant Grove Church of Christ with Minister Hugh Glaze and Family Members officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 10 til 11 A.M. at Pleasant Grove Church of Christ.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Benny E. Sprayberry, who passed away Monday.

SCOGGINS

MR. KEVIN SCOGGINS, age 61 of Summerville, Georgia passed away Friday, March 14, 2025. He was born in Rome, Georgia, December 3, 1963, son of the late Donnie H. and Eula Belle Bennett Scoggins. Kevin was a Carpenter by trade and Baptist by faith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, the late Brent Scoggins.

Surviving are his wife, Sandra Scoggins; daughters, Brandi (Terry) Eller and Jennifer (Nathan) Thompson; step son, Adam (Tina) Lee; grandchildren, Alex Stewart, Logan Eller, Sara Thompson, Addie Thompson; Niece, Beth Kellett; uncle, Johnny (Elenor) Scoggins.

Funeral Service will be held Monday, March 17, 2025 at 12 Noon from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Bishop officiating; interment in Summerville Cemetery. Active Pallbearers will be Alex Stewart, Logan Eller, Terry Eller, Nathan Thompson, Adam Lee and Jeff Ramsey. Honorary Pallbearers will be Mike Bennett, Chris Scott, Rusty Dooley and J.D. McNair. The family will receive friends Sunday, March 16, 2025 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Earle Rainwater Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Kevin Scoggins.

OWENS

MR. CHARLES EDWARD OWENS, age 87, of Summerville, Georgia, passed away Monday, March 3, 2025, in a Rome hospital, following a sudden attack. Mr. Owens was born in Gadsden, Alabama on August 3, 1937, a son of the late Samuel J. and Artie Marie Goins Owens. He was a Christian by Faith, a Veteran of the U. S. Army, was retired Officer for the Summerville Police Department.

Surviving are His wife of 62 years, Glenda Joyce Dickerson Owens; son-Michael Edward Owens; sister, Anna Tolnai; a host of Nieces and Nephews also survive.

Private Graveside service was held Thursday, March 6, 2025, in Greenhills Memory Garden.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Charles Edward Owens.

GOODNIGHT

Bobby Wayne Goodnight, 84, Leaves a Legacy of Strength and Devotion

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Bobby Wayne Goodnight, a man of unwavering strength and devotion, who departed this life on March 12, 2025, at the age of 84, surrounded by his loving family in the comfort of his home.

Born on June 7, 1940, in Batesville, Mississippi, Bobby grew up in the heart of the South, where he cultivated a love for the outdoors and a passion for sports. As a standout athlete, he proudly played football for his high school team, which achieved the State Championship—a testament to his dedication and teamwork.

Throughout his life, Bobby exemplified resilience, loyalty, and an unyielding commitment to family. His love for outdoor activities remained steadfast, and he treasured every moment spent with loved ones. His legacy is defined by the countless lives he touched and the memories he created.

Bobby retired from Reichhold Chemical after 33 years of service and later spent 25 years owning and operating Jim’s Family Restaurant. In his later years, he pursued hobbies such as training Labrador retrievers and competing in Field Trials, where he earned numerous championships. He also raised gaited horses and gaited mules that went on to win national and world championships.

Bobby is survived by his devoted family: his wife of 32 years, Gina Bishop Goodnight; his daughter Amy Goodnight Kennedy (Gary); four grandchildren—Scott Chandler Kennedy (Kimber), Rebecca Kennedy Thomas (Ramsey), Lilly Kennedy (Parker Jordan), and Lauren Goodnight Pettie (Luke); four great-grandchildren; his brother Bernard Goodnight (Sandy) of Tarpon Springs, FL; and his sister Gloria Goodnight Grady of Hartford, AL. Also surviving are his mother-in-law, Wilene Bishop; sister-in-law Tina Bishop Ham (Zane); brother-in-law Rodney Bishop (Jan); and numerous beloved nieces and nephews whom he cherished deeply. He was preceded in death by his parents; two daughters—Karen Goodnight and Julia Anne Goodnight; two siblings; and other devoted loved ones. A celebration of Bobby’s life will be held at Earle Rainwater Funeral Home on Sunday, March 16th, at 3P.M.; visitation will be Sunday from 1 until 3 P.M. Friends and family are invited to honor this remarkable man through shared memories and stories.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Chattooga County High School Basketball Program c/o Alva Beasley at 989 Hwy 114, Summerville, GA 30747—further commemorating Bobby's commitment to community and his love for Chattooga County.

Rest in peace, Bobby Wayne Goodnight. Your strength, love, and spirit will forever be remembered.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Bobby Wayne Goodnight.

WOODS

MR. TOMMY JOE WOODS, age 82, of Mahan Road, Summerville, Georgia, passed away Tuesday morning, March 4, 2025, in a Rome hospital. He was born on July 31, 1942 in Summerville, Georgia, a son of the late Alfred and Mary Lou Cherry Woods . Mr. Woods was a member of the Wayside Baptist Church and was retired from the maintenance department of Shaw Industries. In addition to Parents, He was preceded in death by first wife, the late Nellie Keen Woods, grandchildren, the late Brad (Demi) Jones and Ryan Gifford, great grandchildren, the late Claire Jones, Lola Jones, and Olivia Jones ; step sons, the late Jimmy Smith and Michael Smith died earlier.

Surviving are His wife, Barbara Woods; daughters, Missy Jones (Ed Lepper), Abby (Ryan) Willingham, Kim (Richard) Gifford, and Tonia (Bobby) Edgeworth; step children, Nette Jackson and Chris (Amy) Smith; Twenty Two Grandchildren, several Great Grandchildren; sister, Beulah (Roger) Keith; several Nieces and Nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 7th, at 2:00 P.M. from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Pastor Brian Keith officiating, interment in Garrett Cemetery. Active Pallbearers Landon Jones, Alex Jones, Jarod Willingham, Hagen Willingham, Noah Edgeworth, and Mike Hall. Visitation will be Friday from 12:00 noon until 2:00 P.M. at the Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Tommy Joe Woods who passed away Tuesday.

                        

FOWLER

MRS. JANIE AGNES FOWLER, age 94, of Summerville, Georgia, passed away Sunday, March 2, 2025, in Calhoun, Georgia after an extended battle with dementia. She passed peacefully with her family at her side.

She was born October 7, 1930 in Floyd County at the home of her parents, Turner Hamilton Cordle and Esther Lee Scoggin Cordle. Agnes was one of nine children raised by her parents. The family later moved to Subligna where Agnes met her beloved husband Carl “Buddy” Marion Fowler, Jr. when they were in grade school. They were married on February 12, 1949.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three of her siblings; J.T. Cordle, Carlton Dewitt Cordle, and David Lee Cordle; and her husband of 71 years Buddy Fowler.

Agnes was a devoted wife, home maker and mother to her four children. As the wife of a member of the U.S. Air Force, she traveled the world, making homes for her family in Okinawa, Turkey, and Belgium; as well as, Mississippi, Florida, California, and Georgia. She enjoyed reading, sewing, quilting and crocheting, as well as playing cards with friends and family.

She is survived by her children, Dale Fowler (Carol), Carla (Jim) Roberts, Keith Fowler, and Kevin (Denise) Fowler; grandchildren, Marlee Fowler, Rachel (Pat) Longseth, Dana (Joseph) Jones, Lacey Fowler Sellers, Rosalinda (John) Frietze, Johnny (Christina) Reyes, Kathleen (Ricky) Fowler, and 13 great-grandchildren. Surviving siblings are sister in Marjorie Cordle, Charles Cordle, Avis Cordle, Max (Janette) Cordle, sister in law Sylvia Cordle, Gary (Carolyn) Cordle, and Brenda (Yandell) Park.

There will be a graveside service for family when she is buried with her husband at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton.



In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Subligna Baptist Church, 35 Subligna Baptist Church Road, Summerville, Georgia, 30701 in her honor.

HYDEN

William U. (Bill) Hyden, Jr., a cherished son, father, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2025, surrounded by loving family. He was a lifelong resident of Chattooga County, born on May 27, 1947, to the late Dr. William U. Hyden and Betty Catherine Hyden (Garner). He was 77

He is survived by two sons, William U. (Wil) Hyden, III (Tisch Colcock), and Joseph Franklin Hyden (Christy), sister Deborah H. Turner (John), grandchildren Alyssa Hyden, Addalyn Hyden and Joseph Hyden, nephew Richard Ross Camp (Mia), and extended Garner family members.

He was a proud graduate of the University of Tennessee and the University of Georgia School of Law where he served on the prestigious Law Review. Bill loved being an attorney and served many in this area for over thirty years.

Bill’s love of music was well-known to his friends and family. Attending the weekly “picking” a the Shed was a highlight for him. His love of all things Tennessee Vols was legendary.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date, where family and friends will gather to share memories. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a local charity of your choice in his memory.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

LOWRANCE

MR. GARY ROGER LOWRANCE, age 68, of Lowrance Drive, Trion, Georgia, passed away Saturday, March 1, 2025, at his residence following an extended illness. Mr. Lowrance was born in Trion, Georgia on July 17, 1956, to the late William Alvin and Bonnie Mae Craig Lowrance. He was retired from the Weaving department of Mount Vernon Mills.

Surviving are daughters, Mary (MJ) and David Swift and Kathy Medley; grandchildren Destinee Swift, Serenity Swift, Autumn Swift, Sinclaire Caldwell, Amber Snowden, Brandon Snowden, Alexis (Peanut) Slater, and Gabby Medley; several Great Grandchildren; sister, Martha Camp; brother, Richard Lowrance; niece Erica and Don Thompson; several other Nieces and Nephews also survive.

Memorial service will be held Monday, March 10th, at 1:00 P.M., from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Pastor Jeff Shaver officiating.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Gary Roger Lowrance who passed away March 1, 2025.