About The Sylvania times. (Sylvania, Ga.) 2022-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 17, 2024)
Page 6 - Wednesday, January 17, 2024 The Sylvania Times thesy lvaniatimes .com * Benjamin “Ben” Brian Byrd MOULTRIE, GA- Benjamin “Ben” Brian Byrd, 16, of Moultrie, passed away Saturday, January 6, 2024. A memorial service was held at 3:00 PM Saturday, January 13, 2024, at Cobb Funeral Chapel. Inurnment was in Cobb-Suncrest Memorial Gardens. The family received friends from 2:00-2:45 PM Saturday at Cobb Funeral Chapel. Born May 29, 2007, in Moultrie, Georgia, he was the son of Larry Brian Byrd and Torri of Adel, GA, Jessica Barker Byrd and fiance Jason Lauth of Thomaston, GA. Ben was a welder at Tyson Steel and a member of Faith Baptist Church in Boliva, NC. He loved his family, his cat, Pete and his beloved dog, Drake. Ben enjoyed fishing, hunting, shooting birds, working on his race car and truck. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Peggy Byrd; maternal great-grandmother, Odene Bullock. In addition to his parents, survivors include his siblings, Lainey Byrd of Thomaston, GA, Brilan Byrd of Adel, GA, Karlie Lauth, Dalton Lauth both of Thomaston, GA; paternal grandfather, Larry Byrd; maternal grandparents, Marie Williams of Sylvania, GA, Mark Crawford of Sylvania, GA; fiancee Ava Dean of Moultrie; second mothers, Brittany Grovenstein and Erin Slater of Sylvania, GA; best friends, Kameron Cooper of Moultrie, GA, Aaron Whitehead of Sylvania, GA, Kody “KJ” Jarrel; aunt, Kathy Crawford and fiance Jason Lemons; aunt and uncle, Nan and Jerry Muse of Moultrie; several other extended family members and friends. Memorial contributions may be made to The Gideons International Processing Center, PO Box 97251, Washington, DC. 20090-7251. Cobb Funeral Chapel was entrusted with arrangements. Please sign the online guestbook at www.cobbfuneralchapel. com. Melvin Samuel Gordon Sylvania - Melvin Samuel Gordon, of Springfield, GA, age 83, passed away on Saturday evening, January 13. 2024 at his residence with family at his side. Melvin was born in Long County, GA, on January 19,1940, to the late couple. King Samuel Gordon & Cora Lee Sallette Gordon. He was an USAF Vietnam veteran and worked in data processing. Melvin was a loving husband and father; he enjoyed time with his family. He extended that love to everyone he met and insisted on feeding friends. He enjoyed farming, fishing, and was an animal lover. In addition to his parents, Melvin was preceded in death by his son, Michael Waters; brothers, Madison Gordon, Danny Gordon, Larry Gordon, Kim Gordon, and his sister, Glenda Gordon. Those who will cherish his memory include his loving wife, Billie Jean Gordon; daughters and sons-in-law, Anna & Peter Brennan, Michelle & Glenn Sikes, Vicki Waters Morton; sons, Wendell Waters, Barry Waters; brother and sister-in-law, Don & Sharon Gordon; 14 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, January 17,2024, at 2:00 PM at Screven County Memorial Cemetery in Sylvania, GA. Please share your thoughts and f memories about Melvin and his life at .LtVIi' www.thompsonstricklandwaters.com * 1 IJ TT BOOKING LOG January 17 Georgia State Patrol Jan. 2 - Jessica Lyn Edenfield Wetherbee, 45, Crepe Myrtle, Ocilla, Ga., DUI. Sylvania Police Department Jan. 7 - Criminal Trespass, Sylvania Carwash/ Laundromat. Jan. 8 - Criminal Trespass (Private), Sylvan Heights Dr. Jan. 8 - Lost or Mislaid Property, Screven County. Screven County Sheriff’s Department Jan. 2 - Richard Elbert Neal, Jr., 62, Hurst Church Rd, Sylvania, Simple Battery (Misd.). Jan. 2 - Vince Cleo-Copeland, 41, Copeland Mill Dr., Valdosta, Hold for Superior Court, Superior Court Bench Warrant (2 Counts). Jan. 2 - Aaron Settler Hunt, 35, Rocky Ford Rd, Sylvania, Battery/Simple Battery - Family Violence (Misd.), Cruelty to Children (3rd Degree), Simple Battery (Misd.), Exploration of Elder or Disabled Adult. Jan. 3 - Tiro Jermaine Scott, 46, Davis St, Sylvania, Court Sentenced County Time. Jan. 3 - Dallas Jiaues Maynor, 22 Industrial Blvd, Newington, Aggravated Assault, Criminal Damage to Property (2nd Degree). Jan. 3 - Madison Maynor, 17, Walton St, Newington, Criminal Damage to Property (2nd Degree). Jan. 3 - Melony Brinkley, 20, Walton St, Newington, Criminal Damage to Property (2nd Degree). Jan. 5 - Derrell Lavon Hodges, 57, Lee Rs, Sylvania, Court Sentenced Weekend Time. Jan. 5 - Christopher Lynn Bragg, 33, Rocky Ford Rd, Sylvania, Superior Court Probation Violation (5 Counts). Jan. 5 - Branden Jerrell Atkins, 33, Newington Hwy, Sylvania, Burglary (Felony), Obstruction of Officer (Felony). Jan. 6 - Beancia Gerlyn Grant, 35, Cameron Rd, Sylvania, Court Sentenced Weekend Time. Jan. 7 - Shawna La’meigue Douse, 30, Doe Run Rd, Sylvania, Court Sentenced Weekend Time. Jan. 7 - Kenyon Marcellous Oneal, 37, Statesboro Hwy, Sylvania, Speeding DUI (Drugs), Possession of Drug Related Objects, Driving w/License Suspended/Revoked. Incidents Jan. 1 - Accident w/Deer, Effingham Hwy. Jan. 1 - Criminal Trespass (Misd.), Damaged Property, Millen Hwy. Jan. 1 - Burglary (Felony), Theft by Taking, Statesboro Hwy. Jan. 1 - Domestic, Hurst Church Rd. Jan. 1 - Possession of Marjina (Less than ounce), Winchester Rd. Jan. 2 - Missing or Stolen Item, Effingham Hwy. Jan. 2 - Prowler Report, Effingham Hwy. Jan. 3 - Accident w?Animal, Burton’s Ferry Hwy. Jan. 3 - Investigate Suspicious Person/Vehicle/Activity, Kettle Creek Rd. Jan. 3 - Lost or Stolen Item, Screven County. Jan. 3 - Damaged Property, Civil Dispute, Veeta Dr. Jan. 3 - Damaged Property, Main Street, Rocky Ford. Jan. 3 - Aggravated Assault, Criminal Damage to Property (2nd Degree), Walton St., Newington. Jan. 3 - Damaged Property, Bascom Rd. Jan. 4 - Criminal Damage to Property (2nd Degree), Whitehill Rd. Jan. 4 - Runaway Juvenile, Old River Rd. Jan. 5 - Accident w/Deer, Savannah Hwy. Jan. 5 - Civil Dispute, Rocky Ford Rd. Jan. 5 - Speeding, Rocky Ford Rd. Jan. 6 - Accident w/Fixed Object, GAHwy 21. Jan. 6 - Accident w/Animals, Effingham Hwy. Jan. 6 - Probation Violation, Theft of Motor Vehicle (Parts, Components), Heights Rd. Jan. 6 - Recovered Property, Savannah Dr. Jan. 6 - Criminal Trespass (Misd.), Burton’s Ferry Hwy. Jan. 6 - Welfare Check, Brittany Lane. Jan. 6 - Sick or Injured Inmate, Rocky Ford Rd. Jan. 7 - Wrecker Needed, Abandoned Property, Cab Dr. Jan. 7 - Theft by Taking, Civil Dispute, Blue Bream Spur. Jan. 7 - Super Speeder, DUI (Drugs), Driving w/License Suspended/Revoked, Smart Lane. Jan. 7 - Prowler Report, Kettle Creek Rd. Screven County Fire Department Jan. 8 - Aircraft Standy, Statesboro Hwy. Jan. 9 - Alarm Activation, No Fire, Acorn Hill Lane. Jan. 10 - Cancelled En Route, Millen Hwy. Being sworn in by Judge Debbie Brown at Monday’s meeting was Shirley Walker, Trey Waits, Matthew Forehand, and Mayor Bobby Mobley. Photo by J. Brady By Joe Brady, Editor for The Times The Hiltonia town council convened for their monthly meeting at the town hall last Monday, addressing key matters that impact the community. City Attorney Evelyn Hubbard played a pivotal role by advising a resident interested in purchasing the former town hall building. The council decided to proceed with the sale, accepting earnest money and establishing a 30-day time limit for the resident to present the finalized contract. The former town hall underwent a zoning change to residential after the relocation of the city hall. Matt Forehand was re-elected as mayor pro-tem. During the meeting, Forehand expressed his willingness to continue in this role. The council unanimously supported his re-election. In a follow-up to a story published in The Times on Dec. 19, 2023, Council delved into the Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG) project again. Reeves Paving, a key player in the project, submitted a revised quote amounting to $82,950, with an amended charge of $23,000 for the repair of Fourth Street. Another contender, LR Paving offered a quote of $79,840. Unfortunately, Sikes Construction did not respond to the bid request. Mayor Mobley informed the council about discussions with Speaker Jon Bums regarding additional grant funds for the project, leading to the council awarding the project to LR Logistics. City clerk Shannon Phillips presented the financial overview, shedding light on the town's economic status. As of December 31, 2023, the general fund held $13,726k, with total income for December reaching $21,982.00 and expenses totaling $46,285.00, resulting in a deficit of $24,302.00. In the water account, the balance stood at $11,898k, with an income of $4,369 and expenditures of $3,549, resulting in a positive balance of $819.00. The police account recorded an income of $22,574, expenses of $19,942, and a balance of $1,763. Notably, Chief Taylor is still searching for a replacement deputy. Council members voted to extend the State Mutual Aid Agreement with the county, a cmcial step to ensure collaboration in the event of a natural disaster. The agreement, renewed every five years, solidifies the commitment to providing mutual aid between the town and the county. With a focus on community safety, the council discussed the installation of three speed bumps in areas where speeding has become a concern within residential zones. The decision on their exact placement will be made in the next meeting. Forehand Lane, impacted by the recent water project, is experiencing washing out issues. The county is actively working to address and repair this concern. The next Hiltonia town council meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 12, at 6:30 p.m., where further developments and community matters will be discussed. I Saw The Light Recently while listening to the gospel channel on my car radio, I heard the song, I saw the light. This is just one of those hymns that gets my motor going. You know what I mean. Foot stomping, clapping and just plain enjoying the spirit of the Lord! I remember back in the late sixties when a gospel group came to my Grandmother’s Church and sang. I think the name of the group was “the good ole boys”. They sang that good old gospel foot stomping music and had a perfect blend of all the parts. It comes to mind that one of their members, who sang tenor for the group, sang, I saw the light. He started off very slow with just the violin playing and for the first time, I remember paying closer attention to the words. Now, at this time, I was only seven years old, but I do remember thinking how much I loved this song. When you listen to the words of the song, you find that it is very biblical and scriptural. My favorite verse says, “Just like a blind man, I wandered along worries and fears I claimed for my own. Then like the blind man that God gave back his sight, Praise the Lord, I saw the light.” Every verse of this hymn speaks to the day you receive Christ in you heart and life and how it was like a “bulb” going off. Finally, you have seen the light. Now, do you know who wrote the hymn? It was Hank Williams, Sr. Yes. Ole Hank Williams! Man of country music for many years. It seems, Williams penned “I Saw the Light” on the way back from a dance in Fort Deposit, Alabama. It was from something one of his helpers had said to him that caused the writing. The first draft is dated January 26, 1947. It was said, “If all the people who later claimed to be in the car with him that night had actually been there, Hank would have needed a twenty-passenger bus.” One of the passengers with Hank that night was Leabome Eads ( I wonder if I am kin?) she stated, “Mizz [Lilly] Williams had given me money to hand out circulars at Fort Deposit. Hank was higher than a kite by the time the show was over. She drove home, and he was in the back seat sleepin’ it off. There was a beacon light near Dannelly Field Airport, and Mizz Williams knew it always took time to get Hank awake when he was drunk like that, so she turned around and told him, ‘Hank, wake up, we’re nearly home. I just saw the light.’ Between there and home he wrote the song.” “I Saw the Light” was held until its release in September 1948. Meanwhile, Clyde Grubbs recorded his own version for RCA Records, and it was released August 1947. Hank was a believer, but not, in later life, a churchgoer. Perhaps he felt unworthy, perhaps his schedule didn’t permit it. Nevertheless, he included a hymn on almost every syndicated radio show, and even in beer joints he would sometimes throw everyone off guard with a hymn. Even when he knew himself to be a backslider, even when he knew he had been weighed in the balance and found wanting in so many ways, he seemed to find rare peace in singing the hymns and living their sentiments in that moment at least.” I pray as you sing this hymn, that you too will see the light! I wandered so aimless, life filed with sin I wouldn't let my dear Savior in Then Jesus came like a stranger in the night Praise the Lord, I saw the light. Choms: I saw the light, I saw the light No more darkness, no more night Now I'm so happy, no sorrow in sight Praise the Lord, I saw the light. Just like a blind man, I wandered along Worries and fears I claimed for my own Then like the blind man that God gave back his sight Praise the Lord, I saw the light. I was a fool to wander and stray For straight is the gate and narrow's the way Now I have traded the wrong for the right Praise the Lord, I saw the light. SANDERS 1 MONUMENT COMPANY 1484 Halcyondale Rd., Sylvania, GA Kenneth & Stacy Sanders Owners 912-425-7870 or 912-451-6382 -jr - v" DPI sandersmonumentco@gmail.com sandersmonument. com - - UCERS OF HIGH QUALITY MONUMENTS AND MARKERS Twenty-Four killed on Georgia roads this holiday season Georgia State Patrol (GSP) Troopers investigated 14 fatal traffic crashes, and local law enforcement agencies investigated 10 fatal traffic crashes resulting in 24 deaths across Georgia during the 102-hour Christmas and 102- hour New Year’s holiday travel periods. There were 15 fatalities during Christmas and nine during New Year’s. Local law enforcement agencies reporting fatalities during the Christmas holiday period which began Friday, December 22, at 6:00 p.m. and ended at 11:59 p.m., Tuesday, December 26, include the Atlanta Police Department, Cobb County Police Department, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, and DeKalb County Police Department. Between Friday, December 29, at 6:00 p.m. and Tuesday, January 2, at 11:59 p.m., Cobb County Police Department, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, DeKalb County Police Department, Newton County Sheriff’s Office, and South Fulton Police Department reported fatalities during the New Year’s holiday period. In addition to fatal crashes. Troopers investigated over 589 traffic crashes statewide, resulting in nearly 332 injuries during the Christmas period. Over 305 traffic crashes were investigated during the New Year’s period resulting in approximately 156 injuries
