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DEATH NOTICES
Obituaries are published as received
Greg Hughes
Greg Hughes, 64, went home to be with the Lord
on October 19, 2021. He was surrounded by his wife,
Nancy, and was visited by friends and loved ones in
the days before his passing.
Greg was born on August 3, 1957, to Jim and Bob
bie Hughes in Griffin, GA. An inquisitive and vibrant
personality from the beginning, Greg was an avid
reader and excellent stu
dent. After graduating from
Griffin High School, he went
on to study at Gordon Col
lege, where he fell in love
with the performing arts.
As the interim choir direc
tor for Friendship Baptist
Church, Greg reconnected
with Nancy Vaughn, who
became the love of his life.
Greg was always passion
ate about serving others.
He and Nancy were founding members of Dogwood
(Braelinn) Church, where they served for 20 years,
before the Lord called them elsewhere. He was an
active member of Coweta Community Church and
involved in the homeless ministry outreach and
served in the nursery. Greg never met a stranger. He
welcomed every person like he was welcoming Jesus.
Greg dedicated his whole self to loving others well.
Greg is survived by his wife, Nancy; his sister,
Jill Crews; his brother, Mark (Pam) Hughes; his two
children, Lauren (Parker) McGee, Justin Hughes; his
two grandchildren, Miriam, and Rebekah McGee; and
numerous nieces and nephews.
“The Celebration of Life” for Greg was held at
Coweta Community Church on Saturday at 2:00 p.m.
located at 310 Millard Farmer Industrial Blvd., Newn-
an, GA 30263.
For those who were unable to attend, the service
was live-streamed. cccnewnan.org/livestream
Conner-Westbury Funeral Home, 1891 W. McIntosh
Rd., Griffin, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.
Please join the family and friends in honoring the
life of Greg Hughes by visiting www.conner-westbury-
funeralhome.com to post your tributes and memo
ries.
Charles "Chuck"
Emory Bishop
Charles “Chuck” Emory Bishop age, 57, went home
to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, Octo
ber 20, 2021.
Chuck was born in Griffin, Georgia on August 20,
1964. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather,
son, brother, uncle, and friend. He loved the Lord and
sought Him daily. He was a
very gentle, compassionate,
generous man that made in
stant friends with everyone
he met. He was most pas
sionate about providing for
and protecting his family.
Chuck was a graduate of
Lamar County High School
and earned many technolo
gies and telecommunica
tions certifications through
out his career. Chuck always
at 211 degrees” and that’s
continually went above and
did.
He spent 26 years with Orange Business Services
where he held several positions. In Chuck’s early
years at Orange, he supported Orange’s network
infrastructure, holding several key positions ensur
ing their customers had seamless connectivity. The
second half of his career with Orange was more
hands on with clients around the world. Because of
his in-depth knowledge customers trusted him. His
last role within Orange was an Engagement Manager
where he managed various teams to bring in new
business. Chuck was well respected, caring and
seen as a leader in getting things done. After leaving
Orange Business Services in May, he began working a
contract position with Nivid Technologies. His prior
experience in this field granted him work relation
ships that became trusted friendships in many coun
tries around the world.
He is preceded in death by his beautiful mother,
Velma Jackson McCracken; and stepson, Jacob Wiant.
Chuck is survived by his wife, Debra Hinson
Bishop; children, Kyle Bishop, Kaleb Bishop, Elisha
Bishop; stepchildren Christian Wiant and Sasha Cu-
tright; grandchildren, Anna, Rosie, Sophia, Charleigh,
and Elena; father, Albert Bishop (Patricia); brother,
Ray Bishop (Nancy); sister, Sherry Bishop; numerous
aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
A visitation for his friends and family was held Sun
day, October 24, 2021, from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at
Conner-Westbury Funeral Home. Immediately follow
ing the visitation, a memorial service was held at 3:00
p.m. in the Chapel of Conner-Westbury Funeral Home.
All were welcome to join the family for Chuck’s favor
ite meal in the Family Center following the service.
Conner-Westbury Funeral Home, 1891 W. McIntosh
Rd., Griffin, Georgia oversaw arrangements for the
family. Pastor Jason Branson of Abundant Life Church
officiated.
Please join the family and friends in honoring the
life of Charles “Chuck” Bishop by visiting www.con-
ner-westburyfuneralhome.com to post your tributes
and memories. The 3:00 service was live streamed for
those who were unable to attend.
In honor of what Chuck was most passionate about
(his children) and in lieu of flowers, the family has
opened an education fund for his children with Navy
Federal Credit Union. For information on making a
contribution to this fund, please text Debra Bishop at
770-296-4734, Sandra Kelley Bishop at 404-863-6641,
or Rhonda Bird (Debra’s sister) at 843-709-4829.
Benjamin L. Bowles
Mr. Benjamin L. Bowles was born on April 28,
1975 to the parents of Mrs. Rosa M. Bowles and the
late Mr. Hyram Bowles. He was the youngest of four
children born to this union. On Saturday, October
2, 2021, Ben was called home by the Lord, where he
entered into eternal rest, preceded only by his father,
Hyram Bowles and brother, James Bowles.
Ben leaves behind a wonderful family to cher
ish his memory, including a son and two daughters;
Trevon Bowles, Khalia Barney-Bowles and Destiny
Bowles all of Atlanta, GA; mother Ms. Rosa Bowles
of Barnesville, GA; sisters Sieglinda Moody of Wood-
bridge, VA, Shauna Patterson of New Orleans, LA and
Darrien Bowles of Barnesville; a host of aunts, uncles,
nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends, who
will miss him dearly.
Sam R. Finn
Mr. Sam R. Finn, age 82, of Barnesville, Georgia,
passed away Monday, October 18, 2021 at his resi
dence.
Sam was born in Lexington, Kentucky on Novem
ber 19, 1938. He is preceded in death by his parents,
Andrew Jackson Finn, and
Evelyn Taylor Finn Ragan;
daughters, Sheila Denise
Mason and Tammy Powell;
brother, Richard Finn. Sam
was a collision mechanic,
owning his business, Mr.
Fender Bender. He loved
cars, horses, and animals.
He is survived by his wife,
Judy Rains Finn; son, Ken
neth Finn (Michelle); son-in
law Daniel Mason; sister-
in-law Kathy Toomey Finn;
daughters, Teresa (Larry) Whitaker, Decia (Danny)
Barker, and Dara (Darin) McGrath; sister June Faye
Faulconer; and a multitude of grandchildren and
nieces that he loved very much.
Sam enjoyed his many friends throughout his life.
The family appreciates everyone who supported him
during his long illness and would like to say a special
thank you to Brightmoor Hospice, especially nurses
Christie Bohensky, Emily McKinley, and CNA Clarrissa
Johnson.
Due to COVID-19, Sam did not wish for a funeral
service. Rather than attending a formal memorial, the
wish is that all can remember Sam’s passion, humor
and kindness.
Please visit www.conner-westburyfuneralhome.
com to post your tributes and memories.
Conner-Westbury Funeral Home, 1891 W. McIntosh
Rd., Griffin, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.
May Gold Coons
May Gold Coons, 94, died Sept. 24, 2021 in Atlantic
Beach, FL. Born May Lambdin Sheridan in Macon, she
was the granddaughter of Charles Lambdin of Barnes
ville. She moved with her family to newly established
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, when she was 13.
May attended Journalism school at the University
of Georgia but left when famed editor Ralph McGill
offered her a job on the society page of the Atlanta
Constitution. There she worked alongside Margaret
Mitchell, author of Gone With the Wind.
In 1948 May married Dan Gold, and they moved to
Winter Park, FL where she wrote a weekly column for
the Orlando Sentinel. Dan was called back into the
Navy for the Korean War and May moved with her
two young children to Norfolk, VA. After the war, they
lived in Washington, DC, and Summit, NJ. In DC, she
co-wrote a local live television talk show produced by
the Junior League. In Summit, May started the Sum
mit Speech School to teach deaf children to speak
and lip-read so they could attend regular classrooms.
The school has grown and flourishes today.
In 1984, at age 57, Dan Gold died of a heart attack.
May moved back to Macon and then to Ponte Vedra.
There she married her second husband, Joseph
Burkholder Smith. Joe’s lectures on history and on
his previous life in the CIA earned them free passage
on cruises around the world until his untimely death
after 10 years of marriage.
May married Captain Bill Coons and they had 13
happy years together at the Fleet Landing retirement
community until his death in 2016. She also turned
her own struggles to good by leading workshops on
grief.
May was predeceased by her three husbands,
her brother Dan Sheridan, and her son Daniel “Skip”
Gold. She is survived by son Andy Gold of Fleming-
ton, NJ, and daughter Liz Gold (Debbie Denison) of
Chimayo, NM; four grandchildren and three great
grandchildren.
A memorial Mass was held Friday, Oct. 22, 2021.
Interment will be at a later date in Barnesville.
Charles Waters
Mr. Charles Waters, 73, of Barnesville, went to be
with the Lord on Saturday, October 23, 2021, at his
residence.
Charles was born on Tuesday, August 24, 1948 to
Wimley and Inez Rogers Waters in Lyons, Georgia. He
is preceded in death by his father, Wimley Waters,
and sister, Judy Ochoa. Charles was a longtime owner
of the WBAF radio station in Barnesville. He was an
avid fisherman, precision shooter, and absolutely
loved his firearms.
Charles is survived by his loving wife of 42 years,
Glenda Waters; children, Ryan Waters, and Melisse
Moore; grandchildren, Madeline Waters, Sophie
Waters, Piper Waters, Cason Moore, E.J. Moore, and
Daniel Moore; mother, Inez Waters; sisters, Debbie
Marshall (Bill), and Marliyn Price; and a host of ex
tended family also survive.
A graveside service for Mr. Charles Waters will
be held on Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at 2 p.m.
at Lamar Memory Gardens with the Reverend David
Dawson officiating. The family will greet friends, and
loved ones after the service.
To sign the online registry or to send a condolence
online, please do so at www.williams-westburyfuner-
alhome.com
Williams-Westbury Funeral Home, 526 College
Drive Barnesville, Georgia is proudly serving the
Waters family.
Kerron Lamar Reese
Mr. Kerron Lamar Reese, age 64, of Thomaston,
passed away October 20, 2021, at his home. He was
born in Thomaston, son of the late Joe Reese and
Mary Montgomery Reese.
Lamar worked for Reddick
construction for over 20
years. He enjoyed riding his
Harley Davidson motorcycle
and canoeing down the Flint
River.
He is survived by his
sons: Kerron Lamar Bellew
and Rodney Jimmy Clay;
grandchildren: Kailee, Karo-
line and Kaden Bellew; two
brothers and five sisters:
Sonny Reese (Rita) of Thomaston and Joe Coote,
Sylvia Summers of Winter Haven, FL, JoAnn Sims
(Randy) of Barnesville, Nancy McCarty (Jerry), Gloria
Mallory (Robby) and Connie Winters all of Thomas
ton; numerous nieces and nephews.
Friends visited the family on Monday, October 25
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the funeral home. A memo
rial service followed at 2:00 p.m., in the chapel of
Moody-Daniel Funeral Home with James Allen officiat
ing.
Moody-Daniel Funeral Home is assisting the Reese
family.
Tuesday, October 26,2021 ®Ijt Ifcralb <©a?fttf 5A
Elizabeth Bush Sellers
Elizabeth Bush Sellers, 100, died peacefully Sun
day, October 24, 2021 after a brief hospitalization in
Macon.
Born in Barnesville to Jackson and Evelyn Bush,
she was well loved in the community throughout her
life and was, in turn, devoted to it - her father having
been integral in the establishment of Lamar County in
the year before her birth.
Mrs. Sellers was active in the Barnesville-Lamar
County Library and the First United Methodist
Church, and later in life she followed in the footsteps
of her mother by contributing a regular column,
Flashback,” to the editorial pages of The Herald
Gazette.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her
husband, Edgar.
She is survived by her two sons, David (Pam) and
Walter (Jerri), both of North Carolina; four grandchil
dren: Jack (Sarah), Ben, Matthew and Ryann Eliza
beth, all of North Carolina; one great-grandchild, Evie;
a sister, Jacolyn, of Columbia, SC; and several nieces
and nephews; as well as her Barnesville family, who -
whether related by blood or not - played an integral
role in her day-to-day livelihood, offering her the joie
de vivre that helped her reach her 100th birthday.
Per her wishes, the family will hold a small, private
graveside service at Greenwood Cemetery at a later
date. Details about a public celebration of life will
be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, donations may be
made in her memory to the First United Methodist
Church or the Barnesville-Lamar County Library.
Williams-Westbury Funeral Home is handling ar
rangements.
Miriam Howard
Our Mom rounded third and crossed home plate
on Saturday, October 16, 2021, and received her
reward in Heaven.
She fought the good fight and lived a life faithful to
her beliefs during her lifetime and will spend eternity
with the family and friends that went ahead of her.
She was preceded in life by
her parents Mamie Hancock
Whitten and Robert Edward
Whitten of Barnesville, Geor
gia. Her Dad was an engineer
for the Central of Georgia
Railway on the “Tomcat”
which made its way thru
Barnesville on a regular ba
sis. Also preceding her was
her brother Edwin Whitten,
twin sister Ruth Whitten
Phillips, younger sister Patricia Whitten Brown and
baby sister Shirley Whitten Fountain Yeager Taylor.
The love of her life and husband were married for 65
years at the First Baptist Church in Barnesville, East
ern Air Lines Captain C.B. Howard Jr. preceded her in
2012, his parents were Lucinda “Lucy” Clever How
ard, and Lt. Col. Ret Charles B. Howard Sr. Of Barnes
ville, Ga. Miriam’s daughter Susan Whitten Howard
Schoedinger and husband James Schoedinger reside
in Castle Rock, Colorado. Son, Charles B. Howard III
and wife Katherine Ashley Howard reside in Smyrna,
Ga. Granddaughter Amanda Bowlden Sandrock and
Husband Jim live in Dunwoody, Ga. Granddaughter
Katherine Austin Howard lives in Smyrna, Ga. Great-
grandson Nolan Sandrock and sister Great-grand
daughter Ella Sandrock live in Dunwoody, Ga. She
leaves behind many nieces and nephews whom she
loved very much.
Mom began life with her family in the Redbone
Community and graduated from High School from
Gordon in the class of 1945. Known as the “Teach
ers Pet” by her favorite teacher and lifelong friend
Ms. Marion Bush, she met her future husband C.B.
Gordon Class of 1943 during her time at school. C.B.
was an Army Air Corp Cadet during the war and when
he returned home from the war they moved to Tulsa,
Oklahoma where he attended Aircraft Maintenance
school and upon graduating moved back to Atlanta
to work for Delta Airlines. When C.B. Was recalled
back into service for the Korean Conflict they moved
to Ramey Airbase in Puerto Rico while he flew B-29
combat missions for the Strategic Air Command. At
the end of the conflict, they returned to Atlanta and
C.B. Went to work for Eastern Air Lines as a pilot
during moved again to New York. After a short time,
they moved back to Georgia for the remainder of
their lives. When they returned they settled in Forest
Park where Miriam started raising her two children
and became a Ladies fast pitch softball player and
coach of the “Tomboys” softball team for 21 years.
She worked with the Forest Park Athletic Association
with her husband for over 25 years helping young
kids play ball. She excelled at teaching and helping
young women as a coach and friend and is still rec
ognized by former players affectionately still calling
her Coach Howard today. Her joy was coaching her
daughter and granddaughter on the same team at dif
ferent times with the same results, First Place. In her
21 years of coaching only one team one team finished
the season out of First Place and that team came in
second place, a great coaching career and influence
for young women. She enjoyed watching her grand
daughter Amanda coach her great granddaughter Ella
while being in charge of the girl’s softball program
in Dunwoody, her coaching legacy continued. They
stayed in the Lake City area for 41 years and moved
to Mallards Landing in Locust Grove for 15 years
where she flew as C.B.’s co-pilot all over the United
States for many great adventures in one of Dad’s
many airplanes. After C.B. passed away she lived in
assisted living in Alpharetta and Roswell to be close
to her granddaughter’s. She was named ambassador
at the residence because she helped new residents
aquatint themselves to their new home. Her love for
music and dance continued to hers last days and was
known as the Elvis Lady because when you passed
her room a full size cutout of Elvis was outside her
door and you could always hear the sounds of Elvis
as you passed by her door. Her granddaughter Austin
commented to her that with her door always open on
her hall to welcome everyone that passed by was like
her dorm room at UGA where they all sat outside on
the floor, and Mom told her “well honey that sounds
wonderful, except if I do that I can’t get back up”. Her
energy and constant positive attitude even when she
had physical limitations were inspirational for her
many friends.
She was a caring wife, mother, grandmother and
great-grandmother and good friend to others that we
miss already and certainly not ever forget. She always
told me after my Dad passed away that sometimes
she was sure she saw him flying by on a cloud she
saw in the sky, or when a plane flew by, and I am sure
that her and my Dad are back together flying again.
A memorial service to honor her life will be held at
a later date.
To make an online condolence please visit www.
williams-westburyfuneralhome.com
Williams-Westbury Funeral Home, 526 College
Drive, Barnesville, is serving the Howard family.
said, “Water doesn’t boil
how he lived his life. He
beyond in everything he