GREEN

MR. ALAN GREEN, age 80, of Green Road, Summerville, Georgia passed away Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at his residence, following an illness. A native Chattooga Countian, He was born on September 27, 1942, to the late Gordon Duncan and Ellen Lucille Worsham Green. Alan was a member of New Hope South Baptist Church and was retired accounting manager for Mount Vernon Mills. In addition to Parents, He was preceded in death by a sister, the late Martha Green Calhoun and brother, the late John Worsham Green.

Surviving are his Wife, Linda Shiver Green; Daughter, Angela Green Digsby; Sons, Marcus Alan Green and Michael Scott (Michelle) Green; Ten Grandchildren, Thirteen Great Grandchildren, several Nieces and Nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 1st, at 2:00 p.m. from the New Hope South Baptist Church with Rev. Kenny Roach, Rev. Bill Abercrombie, and Rev. John Worsham officiating, interment in the Church Cemetery. Active Pallbearers Cody Green, Landen Self, Avery Smith, Dwaine Morgan, Kevin Carr, and Brady Hebert; Honorary Pallbearers Adam Green, Dusty Toles, Ron Hill, James Archer, Cecil Reynolds, and Men of New Hope South Baptist Church. The Family will receive friends at Earle Rainwater Funeral Home, Wednesday from 6 until 8 p.m. and Thursday from 1 until 2 p.m. at the Church. The Family request no cemetery flowers and suggest cut flower or live plant arrangements.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Alan Green who passed away Tuesday.

CARTER

MR. HESTER CARTER, SR., age 81, of Ramey Street, Summerville, Georgia, passed away May 12, 2023, at his residence.

Surviving are children, Stacey Jones, Tracy Carter, and Teddy Carter; brother, Steve Carter.

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

HILL

Mr. Joe Hill, age 79 of Summerville, passed away Tuesday, May 23, 2023 in a Rome Nursing Facility. He was born in Alabama, February 28, 1944, son of the late Lawrence A. and Myrtle Walls Hill. He was employed as a team member in the Coater Department of Mohawk Industries.

Surviving are his daughter and son-in-law, Tonya and John Wayne Stowe; granddaughter, Kaitlin Montgomery; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Friday, May 26, 2023 at 2 p.m. from the Graveside with Rev. Larry Scoggins officiating. Interment in Summerville Cemetery. Active Pallbearers will be John Wayne Stowe, Dennis Bandy, Gregg Tanner, Logan Blevins, Scott Ballard and Billy Joe Dooley. Honorary Pallbearers will be Mr. Hill's nurses and the staff of Pruitt Healthcare. Visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. until 2 p.m. Friday at the Funeral Home. The family will accept flowers or contributions may be made to the Chattooga Boys & Girls Club at P.O. Box 636 Summerville, GA 30747.

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

FLOYD

MRS. MARGARET JANE, “Miss Jane” FLOYD, age 76 of Summerville passed away Wednesday morning, May 17, 2023. She was born July 11, 1946 in Chattooga County, daughter of the late Johnnie C. and Gladys Searles Ivey. “Miss Jane” was self - employed and had a home daycare for many years and cared for multiple generations of children. She was a member of South Summerville Baptist Church for many years. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Matt Floyd; sister, Carolyn Spraggins and brother, Steve Ivey.

Surviving are her husband of 59 years, Mike Floyd; daughter, Terri Lynn Floyd; sons, Mickey (Stephanie) Floyd and Mark (Beth) Floyd; 11 grandchildren; daughter in law, Elena Floyd; sister, Debbie (Arnold) Kilgo; brother, Denny (Joan) Ivey; sister in law, Yvonne Ivey; several nieces and nephews also survive.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 11 a.m. from the South Summerville Baptist Church with Gene Greer officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the hour of service at the church.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Jane Floyd who passed away on Wednesday.

HINES

MR. ROBBY HINES, age 63 of Summerville passed away Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at a South Georgia Hospital. He was born on October 12, 1959 in Summerville, Georgia, son of the late Claude and Betty Rose Hines. He worked at Roper Corporation in assembly. In addition to his parents, Mr. Hines was preceded in death by a brother, Donnie Hines and a niece, Tonia Railey.

Surviving are his children, Adam Godfrey, Justin Ward, Robyn Hines (Michael Bean), Jacob Hines; sisters, Elizabeth Hall, Terry Hines, Linda Morgan, Christy Hines, Kimberly (John) Mincey; brother Jason Hines; several grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, May 21, 2023 at 2 p.m. from the J.D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Minister Hugh Glaze officiating. Interment will be in the Chapel Hill Cemetery. Active Pallbearers will be Dough Railey, Caine Railey, Michael Mincey, A.J. Strickland, Justin Ward and Donnie Smith. Visitation will be held Saturday, May 20, 2023 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for Mr. Robby Hines who passed away Wednesday.

HIMES

MRS. SANDRA JEAN HIMES, age 56, of Summerville, Georgia, passed away Monday, May 15, 2023, in a Rome hospital. Native of Atlanta, Georgia, She was born on June 9, 1966 to George and Judy Greer Miller, who survive. Mrs. Himes was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Rome.

Surviving are Her husband, Andy Himes; parents, George and Judy Miller; daughter, Jennifer Succardi; son, Michael Himes; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bob and Sandra Himes; sisters, Debbie Pruitt, Becky Williams, and Lori Himes; grandchildren, Isabella Succardi, Gabriella Succardi, Milana Succardi, Cayde Succardi, Katherine Himes, and Noah Himes, and Zoey Himes; several Nieces and Nephews also survive.

Funeral service will be held Friday, May 19th, at 2:00 P.M. from Graveside in Summerville Cemetery. Active Pallbearers Bob Himes, Kenny Davis, Mike Pruitt, Phillip Williams, Matt Himes and Abby White.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Sandra Jean Himes who died Monday.

IVEY

MR. STEVE WAYNE IVEY, age 73, of North Elizabeth Street, Summerville, Georgia, passed away May 13, 2023, in a Rome hospital. Born in Trion, Georgia on September 10, 1949, He was a son of the late Johnny and Gladys Searles Ivey. Mr. Ivey was a Veteran of the U. S. Army serving in the View Nam War, worked for Mohawk Industries in the Dye Department for 43 years, and attended the Perennial Springs Baptist Church. In addition to Parents, He was preceded in death by siblings, the late Carolyn Spraggins and Jane Floyd.

Surviving are His wife, Yvonne Ivey; daughter, Stephanie Ivey; step sons, Michael Mason and Cliff Griffith; grandchildren, Dakota Grey and Cheyenne Faulkner; great grandchildren, Aubrey Faulkner, Kaylie Faulkner; siblings and spouses, Debbie and Arnold Kilgo, Dennis and Joan Ivey, and Mike Floyd; several Nieces and Nephews also survive.

Memorial service will be held May 27th at 2:00 P.M. from the Perennial Springs Baptist Church, with Mr. Bobby Chisolm officiating; Military Honors will be rendered by American Legion Shanklin-Attaway Post #5.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

MURRAY

MR. NEIL MURRAY, age 79 of Trion Georgia, passed away Monday, May 15, 2023 in a Rome Hospital. Mr. Murray was born in Cleveland Tennessee on October 20, 1943, son of the late James Scott Murray, Sr. and Emma Burgess Murray. He was employed with Harriett – Henderson Mill for a number of years. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Henry Carl Murray, Kenneth Murray, and James Scott Murray, Jr.

Surviving are his daughter, Beverly (Randy) Young; son, Scott (Jannie) Murray; 9 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, 2 great, great grandchildren; sisters, Jois (Ted) Turner, Ann Murray, and Sandra Murray; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 12 Noon Eastern Standard Time from the Berea Church of Christ Cemetery of Gaylesville, Alabama with Minister Robby Eversole officiating. Interment to follow in the Berea Church of Christ Cemetery. Active Pallbearers will be Luke Young, Charles Young, Chance Young, Chesley Young, C.J. Murray, Dewayne Bynum, and Jeremy Worsham. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Staff & Residents of Oakview Nursing and Rehab.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for Mr. Neil Murray who passed away Monday.

WELCH

Retired local educator Reba Phillips Welch died April 28, 2023 after battling a number of chronic illnesses over the last several years, principally diabetes. She was the only child of Hall Watson Phillips and Kathleen Logan Phillips, both of whom descended from early settlers of Chattooga County and preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband of forty-five years, David E. Welch, a native of Cuthbert, GA. It was with great pride that Mrs. Welch was an active member of a number of heritage organizations including the Dames and Barons of the Magna Charta, Daughters of the Revolutionary War , Colonial Dames, The Mayflower Society, XVII Century, Daughters of the American Colonies, The Mayflower Society, Daughters of the War of 1812, The Continental Society Daughters of Indian Wars, Inc. and the United Daughters of the Confederacy. In addition, she held various officer positions throughout her memberships.

Mrs. Welch was known for her love of history and writing and her flamboyant teaching style. These characteristics formed her personality as she sought to make an indelible impression on her students, many of whom received local, state, and national recognition winning writing awards during her many years of teaching. “If I want students to write with passion, they must see in me a role model”. Mrs. Welch wrote numerous articles which were published locally as well as regionally and nationally. One of the nationally published articles focused on a local family, the Cleghorn, and its mausoleum situated in the Summerville Cemetery.

A product of Chattooga County Schools, Mrs. Welch attended the University of Alabama and Georgia State University earning several degrees. After a successful yet unfulfilling financial career, she became an educator at the age of 38 with the Cobb County School System. “I made my plans for a business based career, but God redirected my footsteps into education.” She remained in that capacity for thirteen years teaching English Language Arts , Social Studies, and Drama before returning to her beloved Chattooga County where she taught English/Language Arts an additional 13 years at Summerville Middle School before her retirement. Her greatest joy was staying connected to former students and seeing their successes in real life. At the time of her death, she had served as the Vice President of Programs for the Chattooga County Historical Society and overseen the annual Robert S. Baker Amateur Historian Essay Contest for many years. Prior to a decline in her health, Mrs. Welch had enjoyed belonging to the Chattooga Garden Club and spent as much time as possible enjoying the grounds of McCollum Manor which she and her husband purchased in 2006. They were particularly proud of the native azalea and rhododendron species which were added to the grounds in 2016. Art and music were very important to Mrs. Welch who spent over forty years supporting and attending the Atlanta Opera and Atlanta Ballet. She valued local art as well and volunteered at Paradise Gardens built by the legendary Howard Finster. She and her husband, Dave, were awarded the 2014 Paradise Garden Volunteers of the Year by the Paradise Garden Board and then Director Jordan Poole all of whom who worked tirelessly to renovate the gardens and showcase Reverend Finster’s work. Mrs. Welch was active in her church, St. Barnabas, in Trion, GA and she served as the Vestry Clerk for many years until her death.

She is survived by her husband of forty five years, David Welch and special cousins, Charles Logan, Kim Logan, Elaine and Emmett Miller, Logan Hall, Jeff Owings, and Jacqueline Shelley Hix and her sons of choice Adam Dawson and Timothy Hartline who cheerfully and willingly assisted Mrs. Welch on the grounds of McCollum Manor maintaining a Southeastern Blue Bird Trail, nurturing unusual plant species, and dispensing love and care to the estate’s peacocks and other assorted creatures, both feline and canine.

Funeral services will be held Friday, May 5, 2023 at 4 p.m. from St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Trion, Georgia with Rev. Dr. John Herring, of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church of Rome, officiating, burial following in the Phillips Family Plot in the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Active Pallbearers will be Stephen Strickland, Phil Dater, Robert McWhorter, John Bailey, Steve Groce and David Chandler. There will be a reception following services at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church given by The Marsh Chapter of D.A.R., The Chattooga County Historical Society and Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Visitation will be Thursday, May 4th from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Earle Rainwater Funeral Home. The family requests no flowers, but donations may be made to the local animal shelter.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Reba Phillips Welch.

MURDOCK

MRS. VIOLET L. MURDOCK, age 90, of Little Sand Mountain Road, Armuchee, Georgia, passed away Thursday afternoon at her residence, following a brief illness. She was born on Little Sand Mountain on September 22, 1932, a daughter of the late James B. and Maggie Owens King. Mrs. Murdock was a member of Little Sand Mountain Baptist Church and had worked for Berry College, the Floyd County Family & Children’s Services, and later the Chattooga Training Center. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, the late Hugh Murdock and a brother, the late James B. King, Jr.

Surviving are sons and spouses, Wayne and Angie Murdock, Don & Anita Murdock; grandchildren and spouses, Melanie & Jason Lackey, Holly Murdock, Randy & Katie Murdock; great grandchildren, Hunter Murdock and Ashton Lackey; sister & spouse, Betty & Ted Youngblood; sisters-in-law, Kay & Byron Yarbrough and Cindy Murdock; Nieces and Nephews.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 29th, at 4:00 P.M. from the Little Sand Mountain Baptist Church with Pastor Myles Phillips officiating, interment in Little Sand Mountain Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday from 2 until 4 P.M. at the Church.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Violet L. Murdock, who passed away Thursday.

PRICE

MR. DEED “EWELL” PRICE, SR., age 84, of Lyerly, Georgia passed away Sunday, April 23, 2023, in a Rome hospital. Mr. Price was born on July 24, 1938, in Chattooga County, Georgia, to the late Ernest and Irene Green Price. He was retired from General Electric and a member of Dry Valley Baptist Church. Mr. Price proudly served his Country in the United States Army during the Viet Nam War. In addition to Parents, He was preceded in death by his wife, Vivian Ponder Price, brother, Kenneth Price, sister and brothers-in-law, Dean and James Parr and J. C. Garlin.

Survivors include His children, Maria (Jimmy) Holbrook, Deed (Wendy) Price, and Holli Price; grandchildren, Tyler Wilson, Lexi (Corey) Dowdy, Haley Price, Savannah Price, and William Price; great grandchildren, Seth Wilson, Blayne Wilson, Price Wilson, and Mason Dowdy; sister, Margaret Garlin; brothers, Bill (Georgia) Price, and Rev. Benny (Barbara) Price; sister-in-law, Sophia Price; several Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, Special Friends, and Neighbors also survive.

A memorial service honoring the life of Mr. Price will be held at the Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home on Saturday, April 29, at 1:00 P.M., with Rev. Lee Hickman officiating. The Family will receive friends at the Funeral Home from 11:00 A.M. until the Service hour. The Family request, in lieu of flowers contributions be made to Lyerly Cemetery Fund c/o Lyerly First Baptist Church.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Deed “Ewell” Price, Sr.

SILVERS

MRS. KATHLEEN M. SILVERS, age 82, of Summerville, Georgia, passed away Saturday morning, April 8, 2023. She was born in LaFayette, Georgia on April 12, 1940 to the late Lee and Nellie Hill Corbin. Mrs. Silvers was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church and prior to retirement was an operator for Wometco Company. In addition to Parents, She was preceded in death by husband, the late Thomas A. (Tom) Silvers, son, the late Gary Eugene Silvers, granddaughter the late Jaden Mitchell, and Six Siblings.

Surviving are daughter, Tammy (Jamie) Mitchell; sons, Rickey (Brenda) Silvers and Mickey (Marilyn) Silvers; sister, Faye (Ray) Wooten; brother, Floyd Lee Corbin; Ten Grandchildren, Thirteen Great Grandchildren, several Nieces and Nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 12th, at 3:00 P.M. from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Rev. Rickey Biddle and Rev. Kevin Norton officiating, interment in Summerville Cemetery. Active Pallbearers Derek Mitchell, Nicholas Dooley, Brandon Wooten, Chris Corbin, Chris Harris, and Jamie Mitchell. The Family will receive friends Wednesday from 1 until 3 P.M. at the Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Kathleen M. Silvers who passed away Saturday.

ANDERSON

MR. RICHARD WAYNE “BUD” ANDERSON, age 72, of Simmons Flat Road, Trion, Georgia, passed away Monday, April 3, 2023, morning in a Rome hospital following an extended illness. Born in LaFayette, Georgia on August 25, 1950 to the late Ernie M. and Edna Owensby Anderson. He was a member of the Highland Avenue Baptist Church and before retirement was Supervisor in the Sanding department of Mount Vernon Mills.

Surviving are His wife, Charlotte B. Anderson; daughter, Carrie Anderson; sons, Ricky Anderson and Scotty Anderson; sisters, Gail Wade and Elizabeth (Leon) Williams; brother, Ken (Freda) Anderson; brother-in-law, Stephen Tidmore; grandchild, Preslee Anderson; several Nieces and Nephews.

Funeral service will be held Wednesday at 2:30 P.M. from Graveside in Howell Cemetery with Rev. Kevin Jones officiating, Active Pallbearers Scotty Anderson, Keith Gray, Stanley Gray, Daniel Williams, Zachery Anderson, and Ricky Anderson. The Family will receive friends Wednesday from noon until 2:30 P.M. at the Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Richard Wayne “Bud” Anderson.

RATHBUN

MR. JOSHUA CODY RATHBUN, age 34, of Summerville, Georgia, Pennville Community, passed away unexpectedly Monday, April 3, 2023, morning. He was born in Melburn, Fla. on January 5, 1989 to Rickie Allen Rathbun and Lisa Joanne Hinchman Rathbun who survive. Mr. Rathbun was Baptist by Faith and an operator for Audia Plastics of LaFayette.

Surviving are His wife, Megan Rathbun; parents, Rickie and Lisa Rathbun; daughter, Avery Grace Rathbun; sons-Noah James Rathbun and Colton Joshua Rathbun; brother, Jason Allen (Heather) Rathbun; nieces, Destiny Rathbun, Addison Ramey, and Caydence Ramey; sister-in-law, Mandi Ramey.

Funeral service will be held Thursday, April 6th, at 1:00 P.M. from Graveside in Summerville Cemetery, with Dr, Charles Bishop officiating. The Family will receive friends Thursday from noon until 1:00 P.M. at the Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Joshua Cody Rathbun.

FERGUSON

MR. ROBBY EUGENE FERGUSON, age 45, of Summerville, Georgia passed away Wednesday, March 29, 2023, from injuries received in an auto accident near his home. He was born December 20, 1977, in Dalton, Georgia, son of Rocky Eugene Ferguson and Carolyn Marlene Allmon Ferguson. Mr. Ferguson was a self-employed Mechanic. Mr. Ferguson was preceded in death by his grandparents, Rube and Fannie Allmon and Tommy and Iris Ferguson.

Surviving are his parents, Rocky & Carolyn Ferguson; sister, Christy (Richard) Dycus; niece, Mikayla Dycus; nephew, Brandon (Sarah) Dycus; great-niece, Remi Dycus.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, April 1, 2023, at 2 p.m. from the J.D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Rev. David Pruett and Rev. Larry Scoggins officiating, Interment in Subligna Cemetery. Active Pallbearers will be Brandon Dycus, Richard Dycus, Sam Sutton, Mike Sutton, Kevin Godfrey and Chad Brown. The family will receive friends Friday, March 31, 2023, from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Robby Eugene Ferguson who passed away Wednesday.

COPELAND

MR. RYAN DEWAYNE COPELAND, age 47, of Summerville, Georgia, passed away unexpectedly Friday, March 24, 2023, in a Rome hospital. Ryan was born on June 23, 1975, in Rome, Georgia to the late Veston Dewayne Copeland and Brenda Joy Posey Copeland, who survives. He was Baptist by Faith and was Lot Manager for Harvey’s South End Auto Sales.

Surviving are sons, Jackson Graham Copeland and Dayton Tanner Copeland; Mother, Brenda Copeland; sister, Holly (Joe) Money; brother, Lane Copeland; nephew, Landon (Haley) Henson; great nephews, Brody and Lincoln.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 30th, at 4:00 P.M. from Graveside in Summerville Cemetery, with Pastor Phil Minter officiating. Active Pallbearers Steven Fountain, Jason Brown, Harvey Fitzgerald, Danny Hayes, John Sterner, and Danny Carter. The Family will receive friends Thursday from 2 until 4 P.M. at the Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Ryan Dewayne Copeland who passed away Friday.

BELL

With great sorrow, the family announces the death of Patricia Bell, age 80, of Summerville, GA. Patricia passed away on March 21, 2023, after a brief illness. She was surrounded by her loved ones at the time of passing.

Pat was born April 12, 1942, in Memphis, TN to Walter and Lillian Slay. She Graduated from Batesville High School, in Mississippi and from the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga, TN.

In addition to the role of mother to Julia Anne Goodnight, Nancy Karen Goodnight and Amy Goodnight Kennedy, Pat spent her career as an accountant, and retired as the Vice President of Finance for the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce.

During retirement Pat spent time in many hobbies. She participated in multiple Bible Study groups and several book clubs. She was an extraordinary painter and she was an avid Master Gardner.

Pat lived a life of deep faith and was a devoted member of the McFerrin Sunday School Class at Brainerd Baptist and of the Lydia Sunday School class at Trion First Baptist Church.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents Walter and Lillian Slay, Winnifred and Theron Chandler, beloved Aunt and Uncle, daughters Julia Anne and Karen Goodnight

Pat is survived by a daughter Amy Kennedy (Gary), adoring grandchildren Scott Kennedy (Kimber), Lauren Pettit (Luke), Rebecca Thomas (Ramsey) and Lilly Kennedy as well as 4 great grand children Rowan, Ridley and Rory Thomas and Josie Kennedy. Additionally, Pat is survived by special loved ones, Barbara, David, Megan and Alison King. Pat leaves behind a very large and special friend group from many phases of her life. There are beloved childhood friends from Batesville, MS, and numerous friends from Chattanooga, TN and friends from Summerville, GA.

Pat was an extraordinarily brilliant person with many gifts and talents. She was a generous soul to all she met and loved by all who knew her. Her talent for gardening and painting are tangible gifts she leaves us. Her creativity and boundless love made this world a better place.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Trion First Baptist Church on Thursday March 30, 2023 in the sanctuary. The family will receive friends at 11 am with the Celebration to begin at noon.

The family request that any memorial donations in honor of Patricia Bell be made to Trion First Baptist Church or The Ronald Mcdonald House where she volunteered for many years.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

DRUMMOND

Thomas “Tom” Clyde Drummond, age 81, of Summerville, Georgia, passed away on March 21, 2023, at his residence.

Tom was born on April 5, 1941, to the late Thomas “T.J.” Jefferson Drummond & Vivian Irene Kellett Drummond Bryant in Trion, Georgia. Tom was raised on Kellett Hill in the Summerville area and graduated from Summerville High School in 1959. He was an elite athlete and excelled in basketball, baseball & football at SHS. After graduation, he married Lola Bowers & moved to Statesboro, Georgia, where they began a family & he began studying Recreation at Georgia Southern University. After graduating from GSU in 1964 with a degree in Recreation, Tom began working as Program Director at Dalton Parks & Recreation, kickstarting a 33-year career in the field. He worked for the State of Georgia and was also a Director in Carrollton, GA. He later became the Director of Clayton County Parks & Recreation. Tom was instrumental in starting many recreational programs all over the state of Georgia. After retiring at the age of 51, Tom moved to Jekyll Island, Georgia, where he enjoyed sailing, playing golf, tennis and restoring classic cars. Tom moved back to his hometown of Summerville in 2016, due to declining health and to be near family.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and Stepfather, Edward R. Bryant & Stepmother Lillian E. Drummond.

He is survived by his four children: Kelli (Tim) Winters, Kit (Randy) Willingham, Matt (Shelley) Drummond, Laine Drummond; grandchildren: Josh (Emily) Hurley, Lacey (Willys) Hames, Leslie (Blake) Gazaway, Jessie (Kyle) Shepard, Emily Green (Justin Smith), Wil (Alyssa) Drummond, Cal Drummond; Ten great-grandchildren; One great-great-grandchild; Former wife & mother of his children, Lola Bedford; Uncle, Gordon Kellett; Special Cousin Jamie Frady and a host of special, life-long friends.

A Memorial Service for Mr. Drummond will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 22nd, at 290 Woodhaven Drive, Summerville, Georgia.

SPEER

MRS. SHIRLEY TREADAWAY SPEER, age 82, of Farmersville Road, Gore Community, Summerville, Georgia, passed away Wednesday, March 8, 2023, in a Rome hospital. A native of Trion, Georgia, She was born to the late Lonnie Carl and Mae Brown Treadaway on November 16, 1940. Mrs. Speer was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church and retired from the weave shop of Riegel Textile Corporation. In addition to Parents, She was preceded in death by, brothers the late Jimmy Treadaway, Jerry Treadaway, Randy Treadaway, Charles Treadaway, and Tommy Treadaway.

Surviving are her Husband, Jerry Speer; Sisters, Betty Mahan (Lewis), Debbie Pyper (Bud), Dianne Watkins (David), Sandra Kirby; brothers, Billy Treadaway (Rita), and Bobby Treadaway; several Nieces and Nephews, Special friend, Rhonda Pollard.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 11th, at 2:00 P.M. from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Dr. Charles Bishop officiating, interment in Greenhills Memory Garden. Active Pallbearers John Hunter, Dewayne Treadaway, Kevin Treadaway, Clint Hunter, Danny McGraw, and Jason Machtolff; Honorary Pallbearers William Hughes, Gerald Pinion, Larry Mann, John Treadaway, Billy Treadaway, William Mitchell, Bud Pyper, and Jimmy Barron. The Family will receive friends Saturday from 1 until 2 P.M. at the Funeral Home. Flowers are appreciated or contributions may be made to the Fellowship Baptist Church.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Shirley Treadaway Speer who passed away Wednesday evening.

LAWMAN

MRS. VIOLA PLEDGER LAWMAN, age 100, of Marietta, Georgia, formerly of Summerville, Georgia, passed away Thursday, March 2, 2023, in Marietta. Mrs. Lawman was born on March 16, 1922, in Summerville, Georgia to the late Cicero and Ida Mitchell Pledger. She was a member of South Summerville Baptist Church and was retired from Bohannon’s Store. In addition to Parents, She was preceded in death by her husband Joe Thomas Lawman, a sister-Oneida Owens, and brothers-Bill Pledger and Winston Pledger.

Surviving are daughters, Deborah Lawman Gerber, Linda Lawman Johannes, and Nancy Lawman Moon; grandsons-Bill Moon, Keith Moon, Travis Wright, Greg Wright, and Nathan Wright; several Great Grandchildren, Great Great Grandchildren, Nieces, and Nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 7th, at 2:00 P.M. from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home, interment in Summerville Cemetery. The Family will receive friends Tuesday from 1 until 2 P.M. at the Funeral Home. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Ladies Sunday School Class of South Summerville Baptist Church.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Viola Pledger Lawman, who died Thursday.