About Upson beacon. (Thomaston, Ga.) 2008-current | View Entire Issue (May 1, 2024)
Page 2A UPSON BEACON Wednesday, May 1, 2024 it* lot »nd fcLfcC.1 Background: Born and raised in Thomaston, George E. Carriker hails from the heart of the community at 412 Drake Street. He is the sixth child of Walter and Lucinda Carriker and takes great pride in his Thomaston heritage. George is the dedicated father of four children: Jennifer, Yukubu, Amonn, and Kymon. Education: George’s journey through education began at Drake Primary School and continued to Upson High School, where he earned his diploma. He furthered his academic pursuits at Gordon College, obtaining AA degrees in both Liberal Arts and Applied Science. Additionally, he completed the Electronics Program at Upson Tech, enhancing his skill set for the benefit of his community. Military Service: George is a distinguished veteran, having served honorably in the U.S. Army. Experience: With over 15 years of professional experience as a Telecommunications Specialist Program and Projects Manager, George boasts a robust background in initiating, planning, and executing diverse communication projects. His dedication to excellence has earned him numerous accolades, and he is recognized for his adept handling of employee relations, including promoting diversity and inclusion. Community Activism: George’s commitment to community activism spans decades beginning with his involvement in the civil rights movement. He has actively participated in pivotal events such as Black Lives Matter, the Million Man March, and the Selma to Montgomery March. His passion for social justice has led him to engage with influential figures like Rev. Dr. Joseph Lowery, Hosea Williams, John Lewis, and Rev. Jessie Jackson. Accomplishments: George’s impact on the community is profound, with a legacy of achievements that include securing the current roof on the stage in Lincoln Park, preserving the Lincoln Park playground from potential sale, and advocating for the recognition of Emancipation History by local and state authorities. Supported Organizations: George is a staunch supporter of various organizations dedicated to social progress, including NAACP, Emancipation Committee of Upson Inc., Concerned Citizens Coalition, and American Legion Post 532. He serves as the Vice- Chair of the Upson County Department of Family and Children’s Services board, demonstrating his commitment to the welfare of the community. Platform: George’s vision for District One is one of progress and inclusivity. If elected, he pledges to tirelessly advocate for the community, focusing on crucial issues such as reducing violent crime and gang activities, fostering better relations with local authorities, and implementing measures to lower property taxes. He is committed to ensuring the equitable distribution of tax funds and will prioritize familiarizing himself with Commission Procedures and Operations within his initial months in office. Conclusion: George E. Carriker is not just a candidate, but a dedicated advocate for the unique needs and challenges of District One. He urges voters to embrace “REAL CHANGE” by electing him as their Commissioner, emphasizing the pivotal role of community involvement and support in driving positive transformation. VOTE FOR REAL CHANGE & HELP ELECT GEORGE E. CARRIKER FOR UPSON COUNTY COMMISSIONER OF DISTRICT ONE. GEORGE E. CARRIKER DEMOCRAT CANDIDATE FOR UPSON COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 1 VISIT “TEAM CARRIKER” ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE INFORMATION GEORGE E. CARRIKER DEMOCRAT CANDIDATE FOR * UPSON COUNTY * COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 1 Up/. ^ ■ / r jr. - 5 fir £ 11 Jf* i ' , JLJ 1 fall v k i. ■ Funeral Notices Mrs. Johnnie "Patricia" Beeland Majors Mrs. Johnnie "Patricia" Beeland Majors, age 85, of Thomaston, died Sunday, April 28, 2024, at her res idence. Mrs. Majors was born Jan. 8, 1939, in Butler, to the late Johnnie Fred Bee land and the late Ida Lee Culverhouse Beeland. She graduated from Mercer Uni versity with a bachelor's de gree in nursing and worked as director of surgery at North Fulton Medical Center. Mrs. Patricia was a member of Thomaston First Presbyterian Church. In addition to her par ents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Monroe Majors; and her brother, Wayne Bee land. Survivors include her daughters, Mitzi Kallio of Thomaston, Mimi (Stacy Harris) Majors of Wake Forest, N.C., and Mia (Steve) Mackey of Thomas ton; grandchildren, Natalie (Cody) Smith, Caitlyn (Tri- von Thompson) Kallio, Jac queline (Chris Hartgrove) Wyatt, Madeline (Thomas Owenby) Wyatt, Cara Mac- key, Katherine (Matt Tome) Washburn, and James Alex Mackey; and great-grand children, Kaeden, Emma- Leigh, Raegan, Kennedy, Harvin, Arthur, Gryffin, Amelia, and Teddy. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at 11 a.m. from Thom aston First Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow at Eastview Cemetery in Zebu- Ion. The family will receive friends Wednesday, May 1, from 10-11 a.m. at Thomas ton First Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, me morial donations can be made to the Memorial Fund for Johnnie Majors at Cog gins Funeral Home, 321 Hannahs Mill Road, Thom aston, GA 30286. You may sign the online guest book and share your own special thoughts with Mrs. Major’s family by visit ing the Coggins Funeral Home website at cogginsfu- neralhome.com. Coggins Funeral Home in Thomas ton has the privilege of as sisting the family. Mr. Charlie Allen Childs Mr. Charlie Allen Childs, age 75, of Worthy Drive, passed Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Upson Regional Medical Center. Memorial services were held Saturday, April 27, in the George E. Trice, Jr., Me morial Chapel. Pastor J.D. Walker officiated, assisted by Rev. Dr. Henry Childs and Minister Vivian L. Childs. Mr. Childs was educated in the public schools of Upson County and gradu ated from Drake High School. After graduation, he entered the United States Army and served active duty from March 26, 1969 until Dec. 28,1970. He served on reserve duty until March 25, 1975 and received an honor able discharge. He moved to Cleveland, later to Dayton, Ohio, and then back to his hometown. He was a skilled auto me chanic. He taught several classes at Flint River Tech nical School in auto repair. He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Ruthie Napier Childs of Jonesboro; two children, Mr. Charles Childs of Lithonia and Ms. Emily Perkins of Dayton, Ohio; two sisters, Mrs. Mattie Childs (David) Roussaw of Jonesboro and Mrs. Elaine Childs (Hime) Hambrick of Stockbridge; three brothers, Rev. Dr. Henry (Vivian) Childs of Warner Robins, Mr. Joseph Childs of Thom aston, and Mr. Kim Lamar (Lisa) Childs of Seattle, Wash.; two aunts, Mrs. Mary Alice Walker of Jones- boro and Mrs. Annie L. Ma- hone of Thomaston; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends. Trice Funeral Home was in charge of the arrange ments. 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 dull anytime - day or niyht 706-648-1111 Coggins Funeral FIome 321 Hannah's Mill Rd. - Thomaston - 706-647-9681 www.cogginsfuneralhome.com B ARNES VILLE /lARBLE S GRANITE COMP W'i EST.1908 -| DESIGNERS & MANUFACTURERS OF MARBLE, GRANITE & BRONZE MEMORIALS RAILROAD & MAIN STREET • BARNESVILLE 770-358-1470 WWW.BARNESVILLEMARBLE.COM. FLETCHER-DAY funeral Q^ome Since 1893 Obituary Line (706) 648-0008 or go to www.fletcherdayfuneralhome.com for up-to-date information The Upson Beacon (ISSN or USPS 25625) May 1,2024 - Volume 17, Number 18 Published Weekly by Upson Newspapers, Inc. 219 Thomas Street, Thomaston, GA 30286. P: 706-646-2382 Subscription Price: $35 Per Year in Upson County $49 Per Year in State; $59 Per Year out of State Periodicals Postage Pending or Paid at Thomaston, GA Postmaster: Please send address changes to The Upson Beacon, 219 Thomas Street, Thomaston, Ga 30286 Debbie McClain Publisher & Advertising Director ■ dlord@upsonbeacon.com Bridge Turner General Manager & Editor in Chief ■ bturner@upsonbeacon.com Luke Haney Editor & Digital Media Coordinator ■ lhaney@upsonbeacon.com Kensie Adams Marketing & Sales Manager ■ kadams@upsonbeacon.com Mandi Mitcham Advertising Sales Manager ■ mmitcham@upsonbeacon.com Jean Render Office Manager & Human Resources ■ jrender@upsonbeacon.com Andrew Carroll Sports Editor ■ acarroll@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 publications 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 and to only two letters per month. Liability for errors in advertising will not exceed the space occupied by the error. We reserve the right to edit all submitted materials. Thomas Dylan Murray Thomas Dylan Murray, age 20, of Thomaston, died Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at his residence. Dylan was born Jan. 21, 2004, in Thomaston. He graduated from Upson-Lee High School in 2023 and was a member of Thomas ton First Assembly of God. Survivors include his mother and his dad, Sarah (Josh) Strom of Thomaston; brothers, Thorne Alexander Strom of Virginia, Logan Payne Strom of Thomaston, and Cayden Benjamin Strom of Thomaston; sister, Raven Murray of Thomas ton; father, Timothy James Murray of Thomaston; and his grandmother, Teresa Jackson of Thomaston. Funeral Services were held Monday, April 29, from Thomaston First Assembly of God. Burial followed in Crystal Hill Cemetery. The family received friends at Thomaston First Assembly of God Monday, April 29. You may sign the online guest book and share your own special thoughts with Mr. Murray’s family by vis iting the Coggins Funeral Home website at cogginsfu- neralhome.com. Coggins Funeral Home in Thomas ton has the privilege of as sisting the family. See Funeral Notices, 8A
