Below is the OCR text representation for this newspapers page.

Wednesday, August 18, 2021 - Pike County Journal Reporter - Page 5A QBITUARIE. “Shelley” Deering II Lloyd E. May Emmie Fields Othel Rochelle “Shelley” Deering 11, went to be with his Lord and Savior on August 2, 2021, at the age of 86 years at Seasons Hospice in Cumming, Georgia. He was born in Fort Mon mouth, New Jersey and graduated from Florida Southern College in 1957 with a degree in business. Soon after he became a second-generation pilot with Eastern Airlines in 1966 and later became a captain. Shelley retired from Eastern Airlines in 1989 and settled in Wil liamson Georgia in 1990. He lived in Williamson for 26 years before moving to Duluth Georgia. Shelley was a dedicated husband and father to two children. He loved singing, playing the guitar and was a member of several barbershop quartets that competed nationally in the 1960s and 1970s. He performed on his own local TV show, the Grand Ole Opry and the Jackie Gleason show. Shelley’s passion for flying landed him a fly-in community in William son Georgia where he was able to fly his airplanes. He loved golf and as a hobby he assembled his own golf clubs. He was a motorcycle enthusiast and took many cross-country trips with his wife and friends. Shelley loved camping and hunting and participated over the decades in many memorable hunting trips. He became “Grandy” to four loving grandchildren and brought them many years of entertainment and lots of laughter and love. Shelley continued to share his voice with other seniors in his community while living in Duluth and even with children at a local public library well into his fight with Alzheimer’s and he performed as a duo known as “Senior Moments.” His last songs were recorded only a few weeks before finishing his journey. Surviving is his daughter Dana Runyon, of Peachtree Corners, GA; his second love of his life, Georgia Rogers; grandchildren, Kaylie Pape-Semrad, Cameron Pape, Kendall Runyon Fuller, and Emma Runyon; great-grandchildren Liam Pape and llah and Elliott Semrad. In addition to his two parents, Mr. Deering is predeceased by his first love, wife Patsy Johnson Deering and his son David Keith Deering. Bill Head Funeral Home Duluth, GA is assisting the family with arrangements. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, at 11 a.m. at the Perimeter Church Day Chapel. Memorial donations can be made to any Alzheimer’s Association. Richard Knotts Richard Knotts of Concord, GA passed away peace fully in his sleep on August 9, 2021 at Harbor View in Thomaston, Ga. He was 82 years old. He was raised in West Virginia. Dick was a Navy veteran who loved cars, tools and collecting both. He loved growing vegetables and gave away half of what he grew. He hardly missed a day to bountifully feed the birds, sit on his swing or usher for his church, Con cord Methodist on Sunday. He was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Genevieve Knotts, brother Art and wife Jean. He is survived by his sis ter Marge (Butch) Hayes of West Virginia, brothers Jim (Linda) Knotts of Florida, Charles (Lisa) Knotts of Ohio, children Jack (Kay) Stauffer of Ohio, Jill (George) Buynak of Ohio, Dean Stauffer of Georgia, Nancy Stauffer of Concord, six grandchildren, six great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be planned by the family for a later date. John 14:27. Margaret Walker Mrs. Margaret Louise Peters Walker, age 82, of Zebulon, passed away August 12, 2021, at her home. She was born in Williston, Florida, daughter of the late Otis Peters and Edith Eva Douglas Peters. For 32 years Mrs. Walker was an operator and then a su pervisor for the telephone company, retiring from Verizon. She was a faithful member of Christian Fel lowship Baptist Church in Zebulon. She loved to read recipes and her Bible. In addition to her par ents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Alfred Lloyd Walker and her brother, Otis C. (Sonny) Peters. She is survived by her daughters: Renee Walker of Zebulon and Michelle Favelle of Auburndale, FL; grandchildren: Shannon Chancey, Micca Simmons, Jay Fedele and Kaylee Floyd; six great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren; step-great-grand- daughters: Emilee Jacoby and Ashlee Mullenix; and several nieces and nephews. Friends visited the family on Monday, August 16 from 3 to 4 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services followed at 4 p.m. in the chapel of Moody-Daniel Fu neral Home with Rev. A1 Shackelford officiating. Burial will be held on Wednesday, August 25 at 11 a.m. at Glen Abbey Memorial Gardens in Auburn- dale, FL. Moody-Daniel Funeral Home in Zebulon is assisting the family with arrangements. Mr. Lloyd E. May, age 64 of Williamson, passed away on Wednesday, August 4, 2021. Lloyd was born in Cirencester, England on June 11, 1957 and was married to Sandy Jo, who preceded him in death. Lloyd was a trusted, respected and fair ap praiser in Georgia for over 20 years, mentoring several others in the field. For the past few years, he also drove a school bus for Pike County Schools and was endeared by the students in his charge. He was a loving and car ing husband, father, son, brother and friend to all in the surrounding communi ty. Lloyd loved the beach and the mountains and was often taking his family to visit the beaches of Florida or the hills of Tennessee. He had a zest for life and was always up to traveling and seeing the world. Survivors include his four sons, Joshua (Crystal) Snyder of Griffin, Adam (Jennifer) Snyder of Pike County, Philip (Jennifer) May of Crofton (MD) and Matthew (Rose) Snyder of Griffin; grandchildren, Stormy, Aiden, Elijah, Makenzie, T.J., Kaci, Kami, Kai- den, Kason, Cameron, Christopher, Natalie, Kolton, and Harmony; his mother, Sheila May; siblings, Bry an, Mike, and Debbie; several nieces and nephews. A private visitation and interment will be arranged by Conner-Westbury Funeral Home for immediate family; a public celebration of life (Luau for Lloyd) was held at Christ Chapel on Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Conner-Westbury Funeral Home, 1891 W. McIntosh Rd, Griffin is in charge of arrangements. Please join the family and friends in honoring the life of Lloyd E. May by visiting www.conner-westbury- funeralhome.com to post your tributes and memo ries. Arthur Neal French Mr. Arthur Neal French, 85, of Zebulon, died Tues day, August 10, 2021 at his home. Mr. French was born in Edwards, 1L on October 11, 1935, a son of the late James Leonard and Nora Jane Lafollette French. He served his country hon orably in the U. S. Army during the Korean War and was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. After his discharge from the Army Mr. French moved to Thomaston in 1957. He married the late Wynette Boyt French in 1958. He was employed with the Atlanta Gas Light Company and was the office manager when he retired. After the death of his first wife he married the late Rachel Ann Hammock French in 2008. Mr. French earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Mercer University. He loved to play golf and loved to travel. Mr. French was a member of the North Church Street Church of Christ in Thomaston. Mr. French is survived by his daughter, Kim (Ed die) Mason of Thomaston, and his son, Jim French of Fort Myers, FL; a brother, Warren French of Brim- field, 1L; six grandchildren, Kelli (Ricky) Marker of Waxhaw, NC, Mari-Beth (John) Hagin of Buena Vista, Alicia (Ron) Adams of Griffin, Leann (Brent) Terry of Williamson, Michelle (Luke) Harmsen of Forsyth, and Clint Shaw; and numerous great grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Dean French, and his sister, Georgia Weaver. Graveside funeral services for Mr. French were held on Friday, August 13, 2021 at 10 a.m. in Upson Memorial Gardens with Monty Eason and Chaplain Jack Landham officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the char ity of the donor’s choice. Fletcher-Day Funeral Home had charge of arrange ments. Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.fletcherdayfuneralhome.com. Margaret Rawlins Mrs. Margaret Eleanor Miller Rawlins, age 96, of Griffin, in Pike County, passed away August 12, 2021, at her home. Mrs. Rawlins was born in Lake Wales, FL, daughter of the late Fred Miller and Zola Teel Miller. Her father was a handyman and moved the family often. She spent her early years in Griffin, graduating from Griffin High School. Mrs. Rawlins was a homemaker who loved taking care of her family. She and her hus band enjoyed traveling and were proud to say that they had “pleasure driven” in ev ery state in the nation. Mrs. Rawlins enjoyed working crossword puzzles, reading and watching the animals in her yard. For many years she attended Zebulon United Methodist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Rawlins. She is survived by her children: Brenda Turner and her fiance Tim Wood, and Howard “Buddy” Rawlins Jr. all of Zebulon; grandchildren: Michael Turner and wife Heather of Clayton, Nik Turner of Zebulon and Brigit King of OK; great-grandchildren: Reagan, Ty, Kiley, Carmen, Crispin, Eli, Kayla, Lauren, Miranda, John and Lily; sister-in-law: Darlene Rawlins of Zebulon; numer ous nieces and nephews. Funeral services ill be held on Sunday, August 22 at 4 p.m. in Zebulon United Methodist Church, 212 Griffin St., Zebulon, GA 30295. Pastor Arianna Eberle officiated. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Friends visited the family on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the church. Moody-Daniel Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. FIND US ONLINE AT PIKECOUNTYGEORGIA.COM Emerald (Emmie) Brooke Fields, age 22, of Milner, passed away August 13, 2021, at Wellstar Spalding Re gional Hospital. Emmie grew up in Pike County, gradu ating in 2017 with honors from Pike County High School, where she excelled in the STEM program. She was about to begin her senior year at Kennesaw State University, majoring in English. It was Emmie’s dream to become an Edi tor. She was already editing dissertation papers at KSU. She was an avid reader and often called a bookworm. Emmie enjoyed traveling the world. Among her favorite places were Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Fiji, and the Bahamas. She loved God and her church, Christ Chapel in Zebulon. Emmie was preceded in death by her Big Daddy and her Uncle Ronny Fields. She is survived by her parents: Marie and Chris Fields of Milner; sisters and a brother: Raven Paige Fields of Milner, Hannah Coley of Molena and Dakota Gordy of McDonough; grandparents: Janie Ward of Milner, and Linda and Steve Chadwick of Griffin; many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Funeral services were held on Monday, August 16 at 11 a.m. at Christ Chapel Church. Pastor Billy Smith officiated. Burial followed in Moody Memorial Gar dens. Friends visited the family on Sunday, August 15 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Moody-Daniel Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Dorothy Stewart Watkins Dorothy Stewart Watkins was born in Lafayette, Georgia on January 14, 1933 to Fred and Esther Stewart. She grew up in Summerville, Georgia. She married Fred L. Watkins in 1949 and eventually moved to Griffin in 1956. She is a member of Second Baptist Church and served in the church nursery for over 50 years. She was affection ately known as Miss Dot on the basketball court and softball field. Her parents, Fred and Esther Stewart of Summer ville, Georgia, preceded her in death. Survivors include her husband of 72 years, Fred L. Watkins; children, Mark Watkins of Traverse City, MI, Rhonda Watkins Crumbley (Russ) of Jackson, Georgia, Kay Watkins Marshall (Tommy) of Concord, and Enid Watkins McDaniel of Griffin. Grandchildren include Stewart Watkins (Katrina) of Hoffman Estates, 1L., Brooke Crumbley Stroud (Wade) of Jackson, Erin Crumbley Downing (Brad) of Jackson, Dr. Emily Mar shall James (Thomas) of Carrollton, Elyse McDaniel Barnard (Jordan) of Griffin, Clair Watkins (Theresa) of Santa Barbara, CA., Andy Marshall of Concord, and Jackson Watkins of St. Paul, MN. Great grandchil dren include, Cheyenne, Colton, Carter, and Char lotte Watkins, Sydney, Ridge and Sarah Ellen Stroud, Barrett and Brock Downing and Hannah Kay James. Brother, Charles (Sonny) Stewart of Jacksonville, FL; sister, Polly Gilbreath of Summerville, brother-in-law, Reverend James Watkins of Nashville, TN and several adored nieces and nephews. We would like to thank her special caregivers at River Place and Westbury Rehab as well as the com passionate nurses on the First Floor and ICU of Well- star Spalding Regional Hospital. We are so grateful for the compassionate and professional staff and nurses of Brightmoor Hospice. Visitation was Thursday, August 12, 2021 from 12 noon until 2 p.m. followed by a funeral service in the Chapel. In lieu of flowers, you may choose to donate to the Alzheimer’s Association, Southern Crescent District, 41 Perimeter Center E., Suite 550, Atlanta, GA 30346, https://www.alz.org/georgia. Dennis Walker Mr. Elton Dennis Walker, age 64, of Meansville, passed away August 13, 2021, at his home. He was born in Thomaston, son of the late Henry Alvin (H.A.) Walker and Luella Smith Walker. Dennis worked at Bandag in Griffin for 28 years. After retiring, he be gan working in his family’s business, Walker Roofing. Dennis enjoyed hunting, fishing and singing. He was also a poet and enjoyed making others laugh. He could brighten your day. Dennis loved his family and was a best friend to many. He is survived by his children: Sunshine Walker of AK and Ryan Walker of Zebulon; grandsons: Trey Seward and Jacob Guinane; sister: Sheila Oxford of Thomasville; former wives: Dianne Dulak of Williamson and Donna Walker of Forsyth. Friends visited the family on Tuesday, August 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services followed at 7 p.m. in the chapel of Moody-Daniel Fu neral Home with Rev. Glen “Cujo” Todd officiating. Moody-Daniel Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. BARNESVILLE MARBLE & GRANITE COMPANY Serving Middle Georgia For 110 Years Designers & Manufacturers of Marble, Granite & Bronze Since 1908 George & Janice Moore 770-358-1470 124 Railroad St., Barnesville, GA 30204