About Upson beacon. (Thomaston, Ga.) 2008-current | View Entire Issue (June 10, 2021)
Page 2A Thursday, June 10, 2021 The Upson Beacon Funeral Notices Mr. Bill "Billy" Chapman Mr. Bill "Billy" Chapman, age 78, of Thomaston, passed away Monday, May 31, 2021 at Upson Regional Medical Center. Mr. Chapman was born March 17, 1943 in Upson County, to the late, William Carvis Chapman and the late Maiy Ellen Harden Chapman. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Louise Johnson. He said before he died, the most influential man in his life was his daddy, William Carvis Chapman, who taught him how to be a man. He said the most important thing in his life is our savior Jesus Christ, who gave up his life to be cru cified on the cross, giving us eternal life with our loved ones in Heaven. Bill was a charter member of Trinity Baptist Church and taught young adults Sunday school class. He was disc jockey for many years at WSFT in Thomaston and sales manager at WTGA (Fun 101) in Thomaston and sales manager at WKEU FM in Griffin. He worked with Rex King as a disc jockey, also former Sheriff Don Peacock as a disc jockey. He was awarded DJ of the Year at the CMA Awards show in 1990 and he was inducted into the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame in 1994. Bill had a perfect atten dance record from first to 12th grade. He went by the name of Billy as a child and changed to Bill in radio. He said if any body asked and wanted to speak to Billy, he knows they’re old friends and he will always answer because it was someone who had known him a long time. He had a tennis scholarship in college with an undefeated record. He was a paratrooper in the Army Air borne, while attending Army training at Fort Lee in Vir ginia. He was appointed act ing company commander over trainees. He was awarded expert with rifle in the Army, the highest medal awarded. Survivors include his wife, Sylvia Winters Chapman of Thomaston; daughters, Sheriy (Lee) Sumner of Woodland and Michelle (Jim) Smith of Molena; sons, Clay (Lacy) Chapman of Thomas ton and Sandy (Pam Worth) Chapman of Fruithurst, Ala.; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Thursday, June 3, from Trinity Baptist Church. Burial followed at Upson Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memo rial donations maybe made to Trinity Baptist Church at 410 S. Church St., Thomaston, GA 30286. You may sign the online guest book and share your own special thoughts with Mr. Chapman’s family by visiting the Coggins Funeral Home website at cogginsfuneral- home.com. Coggins Funeral Home in Thomaston had the privilege of being entrusted with arrangements. Ms. Kayla Middlebrooks Ms. Kayla Middlebrooks, more affectionately known as "Kitty" and "Cookie," age 57, of Hollis Road, passed Sun day, May 23, 2021 on Daniel Street. Funeral services were held on Sunday, May 30,2021 at Maiy Lizzie Baptist Church. Pastor McArthur Childs offici ated, assisted by Pastor Rickey Wright and Evangelist Sandra T. Trice. Interment was in Worthy Cemetery. Ms. Kayla Middlebrooks was educated in the public schools of Upson County and attended Upson High School. She was formerly employed as a homecare nurse and later an employee at Standard Tex tiles. She was survived by one brother, Mr. Luther (Cass andra) Middlebrooks; two sisters, Mrs. Lorraine Rowe and Mrs. Patricia Davison, both of Thomaston; a cousin who was more like a brother, Mr. Terry (Naomi) Hollis of Yatesville; a God-sister, Mrs. Mary (Stanley) Hudson of Roberta; sister-in-law, Mrs. Frances Middlebrooks of Thomaston; aunts and uncles, Mrs. Clyde Middlebrooks and Mrs. Mary Kate Middle brooks, both of Thomaston, Mrs. Eddie Mae Hollis of Ya tesville, and Mr. James Mid dlebrooks of Philadelphia, Pa.; three devoted friends, Mrs. Lynn Bickley, Ms. Mae Owens, and Mrs. Miriam Elsey all of Thomaston; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends. Trice Funeral Home was in charge of the arrange ments. John L. Gdowik John L. Gdowik, age 58, of Deltona, Fla., passed March 27, 2021. He was with his closest friends Mike and Anne even when he was preparing for cancer treatments. He peacefully passed in his sleep from throat cancer. John was a proud polish American that enjoyed the simple things in life. He was passionate about fishing, rid ing his motorcycle, and sup porting the troops. John was born in New Jersey. His mother was Eleanor and father was John. He has one son, John, and a grandson, Elias, but his family included friends that had become family throughout the years. John always told stories about how his closest friends Robert, Anne, and Mike would take these wild fishing trips with him. He loved being on the water, whether it was in his kayak or on a fishing boat. He also loved visiting Tina back in New Jersey and would often talk about all the wild things they would get into in their younger years. John was a blessing to anyone that he encountered and was quick to put a smile on every one's face. He will always be in our hearts and prayers. Thank you to the Ameri can Cancer Society, and to all of his family members that helped him see hope during his hard times. Mike, Anne, Robert, and Tina. Frankie Cain Moore Frankie Cain Moore, age 85, of Buford, passed away Wednesday, June 2, 2021. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank W. Moore; parents, Robert L. and Ruth McDaniel Cain; and brothers, Marion Cain and Bobby Cain. Mrs. Moore is survived by son, John (Kathleen) Moore of Buford; daughter, Marion (Ricky) Cantrell of Lawrence- ville; grandchildren, Tyler Moore and Biyan Cantrell; step-grandchildren, Rebekah Boscarino, Carter Schmidt, Frankie Boscarino, Channelle and Issac Miller; step-great granddaughter, Ava Rose Miller; sisters, Betty Boles of Tennessee, Jeanette Byrd of Gray, and Dianne (Larry) Baker of Andalusa, Ala.; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Mrs. Moore was born June 19, 1935 in Thomston. She graduated from R.E. Lee Institute in Thomaston, and she was a retired real estate agent. Mrs. Moore attended Ivy Creek Baptist Church in Buford. Frankie loved to gather her family and friends for food and fellowship. She had a heart to serve others with her hospitality. She was a doer and supreme organizer. Mrs. Moore loved to travel and have fun and laugh. She en joyed singing and playing the piano, and provided her family with many lovely memories. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 12, at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home, with Dr. Craig Dale officiating. Interment will be Monday, June 14 at 1 p.m. in Crystal Hill Cemetery, 321 Hannah’s Mill Road, in Thomaston. The family will receive friends June 12 from 9:30 a.m. until time for the service at 11 a.m. To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at flaniganfuneral- home.com. Arrangements by: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory of Buford. Mr. Jerry Richards Mr. Jerry Richards, age 70, of Thomaston, passed away Friday, June 4, 2021 at his residence. Mr. Richards was bom June 16,1950 in Thomasville, to the late Merle Richards and the late Irene Holland Rich ards. He worked in the bank ing industry for 43 years. Mr. Richards served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Viet nam War. He attended Fel lowship Baptist Church and was a member of several civic organizations including the Lions Club. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Gloria Richards of Thomaston; daughter, Mrs. Gwyn (Matt) Gordon of Thomaston; son, Mr. Brett (Jacqueline) Richards of Ma rietta; four grandchildren; six brothers and one sister also survive. Memorial services will be held at a later date. You may sign the online guest book and share your own spe cial thoughts with Mr. Rich ards’ family by visiting the Coggins Funeral Home web site at cogginsfuneralhome.com. Coggins Funeral Home in Thomaston had the privilege of being entrusted with ar rangements. Mr. Curtis Risper, Jr. Mr. Curtis Risper, Jr., age 71, of Georgia Avenue, passed Friday, May 21,2021 at Upson Regional Medical Center. Funeral services were held Friday, May 28 at Maiy Lizzie Baptist Church. Pastor Jimmy Lyons officiated, assisted by Pastor McArthur Childs and Pastor Rickey Wright. Inter ment was in the Fellowship Cemeteiy. Mr. Curtis Risper, Jr. was educated in the public schools of Upson County and gradu ated from R.E. Lee Institute. He was a member of Mary Lizzie Baptist Church. He was employed as a maintenance worker for Farview Apart ments for more than 40 years. He also worked at West Valley Apartments and Ruthie Manor. He is survived by two brothers, Mr. Bobby Risper of Griffin and Mr. Aldine King of Thomaston; one sister, Mrs. Ethel Jean (Maynard) White of Thomaston; two sisters-in- law, Mrs. Peggy Risper of Thomaston and Mrs. Jeanette Risper of Griffin; aunts and uncles, Mrs. Annie Sue Town send of Atlanta, Mrs. Jennie Pearl Gaston of Detroit, Mich., Mrs. Christine Little, Mrs. Ida Little, Mrs. Dorothy Little, and Mr. Shedrich Risper, all of Thomaston; four devoted cousins who were more like brothers, Mr. Jamie Little, Mr. Jeff Little, Mr. Joseph Lit tle, and Mr. Lariy Little, all of Thomaston; a devoted cousin, Mr. Patricia Marshall of Thomaston; five devoted friends, Mr. Jeffery Middle brooks, Mr. Kenny Cunning ham, Mr. Ricky Dallas, Mr. Jeff Kirk, and Mr. Willie Sparks; a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends. Trice Funeral Home was in charge of the arrange ments. Mrs. Margie Jean Murphy Trammell Mrs. Margie Jean Murphy Trammell, age 73, of Means- ville, died, Friday, June 4, 2021 at her residence. Mrs. Trammell was bom Sept. 3, 1947, in Hammond, Ind., to the late George Mur phy and the late Anita Fergu son Murphy. She was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith. In addition to her par ents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Carol Graff and Jackie Murphy. Survivors include her hus band, Robert Trammell of Meansville; daughter, Mi chelle Holcumb of Griffin; son, Mark (Cindy) Andrade of The Rock; grandchildren, Christopher Lowe, Brandon Andrade, Krystin Andrade, Nicholas Andrade, Serenity Holcomb and Trey Holcomb; and eight great-grandchil dren. Memorial services will be held Saturday, June 12, at 2 p.m. from the chapel of Cog gins Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at Coggins Funeral Home. You may sign the online guest book and share your own special thoughts with Mrs. Trammell’s family by visiting the Coggins Funeral Home website at cogginsfu- neralhome.com. Coggins Fu neral Home in Thomaston had the privilege of being en trusted with arrangements. Jefferson Owen “Jeff’ Waddell, Jr. Jefferson Owen “Jeff’ Waddell, Jr., age 69, of Wood- buiy, passed away Thursday, June 3,2021. Funeral services were held Sunday, June 6, at the chapel of Cox Funeral Home, Manchester. Inter ment followed in Meriwether Memoiy Gardens. Mr. Waddell was bom Aug. 5, 1951 in Thomaston, the son of Jefferson Owen Waddell, Sr. and Maiy Louise McGraw Waddell. He worked in construction for 50 years, including 40 years with Tor rance Constmction of La- Grange. Mr. Waddell was a member of the former Harris City Baptist Church and had also attended the Church of the Nazarene in Manchester. He and his family enjoyed gospel music and traveled frequently to singings in the area. He also enjoyed garden ing and maintaining his yard, especially his flower gardens. Mr. Waddell was preceded in death by his parents; a daugh ter, Denise Cantrell; and a brother, Ricky Waddell. Survivors include his wife, Theresa Hobbs Waddell of Woodbuiy; two sons, Marcus “Bo” Waddell of Michigan and Greg Albritton (Kristen) of New Greenwich, R.I.; one brother, Edwin Waddell (Lisa) of Woodbuiy; one sister, Debbie Addison (Ron nie Rollins) of Woodbury; nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren; brother- in-law, Herman Hobbs of Woodbury; and sisters-in- law, Margie Hobbs and Joy Hobbs Corley (Phillip) of Thomaston. Cox Funeral Home of Manchester is assisting the family with arrangements. Crystal Hill Monument Co. Let us help you create a fitting tribute to a loved one. 706-647-9685 A division of Coggins Funeral Home Call Ryan Fulghum or Kenny Coggins 24-Hour Obituary Line Vail anytime - day t)r niyltt 706-648-1111 Coggins Funeral Home 321 Hannah's Mill Rd. - Thomaston - 706-647-9681 www.cogginsfuneralhome.com FLETCHER-DAY (^funeral 0^6ome Since 1893 Obituary Line (706) 648-0008 or go to www.fletcherdayfuneralhome.com for up-to-date information BARNESVILLE Marble & Granite Company Serving Middle Georgia for 112 Years Designers & Manufacturers of Marble, Granite and Bronze Memorials Since 1908 Owned and Operated by George and Janice Moore 770.358.1470 124 Railroad Street • Barnesville The Upson Beacon (ISSN or USPS 25625) June 10, 2021 - Volume 14, Number 23 Published Weekly by Upson Newspapers, Inc. 219 Thomas Street, Thomaston, GA 30286 P: 706-646-2382 Subscription Price: $29 Per Year in Upson County $39 Per Year in State; $49 Per Year out of State Periodicals Postage Pending or Paid at Thomaston, GA Postmaster: Please send address changes to The Upson Beacon, 108 East Gordon Street, Thomaston, Ga 30286 Debbie McClain Publisher & Advertising Director • dlord@upsonbeacon.com Bridge Turner General Manager & Managing Editor • bturner@upsonbeacon.com Luke Haney Graphics/Photography/Editor/Advertising • lhaney@upsonbeacon. com Allie Parnell Marketing & Sales Manager • aparnell@upsonbeacon.com Jacob Stewart Sports Editor & Photographer • sports@upsonbeacon.com Jean Render Office Manager & Human Resources • jrender@upsonbeacon.com The Upson Beacon is proudly published for the citizens of Upson County by Upson Newspapers, Inc., locally owned and operated by Debbie McClain and Bridge Turner. Our goal is to produce quality, community-oriented pub lications of which our readers can be proud. We will attain that goal through diligence, teamwork, and dedication to printing the truth in an accurate, fair, balanced, and objective manner. Policies: Signed letters to the editor are welcomed and encouraged. We do not edit for content, only grammar, spelling and punctuation when necessary, as designated by Associated Press style guidelines. Unsigned, libelous, or profane letters will not be published. Please limit letters to 400 words or less. Liability for errors in advertising will not exceed the space occupied by the error. We reserve the right to edit all submitted materials. / The Family of Mrs. Leslie Stevens would like to thank all who have so graciously supported our family during this time of loss. Sincerely, Her mother Elaine Scott, husband David Stevens, sons Derrick and Jeremy, and daughter Jorden Thomas. Mrs. Leslie Stevens February 26, 1971 - May 6, 2021. ❖
