About The Madison County journal. (Hull, Ga.) 1989-current | View Entire Issue (March 12, 2025)
PAGE 4B - THE MADISON COUNTY (GA) JOURNAL, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 2025 Obituaries Retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Johnnie Paul "Andy” Anderson With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Johnnie Paul “Andy” Anderson, who passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. Known as “Andy” to all who knew and loved him, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and community servant whose life was defined by un wavering dedication, ser vice and love. Andy was born on March 11, 1940, in Com merce, and grew up in Comer, Madison County. He was the beloved son of Curtis G. Anderson and Johnnie L. Anderson. He grew up alongside his broth ers, Ronald (deceased), Curtis (surviving) and Bobby (deceased); and his sisters, Linda Knight (deceased) and Eddie Manley (surviving). In 1963, Andy enlisted in the United States Air Force, beginning a remarkable military career that spanned 23 years of dedicated service. While stationed at Travis Air Force Base, he met the love of his life, Patricia “Pat” Corrigan, and the two were married on April 2, 1966, beginning a lifelong partnership of love, faith and ser vice. Andy’s heart belonged to Pat, and after her passing on Saturday, January 25, 2025 — just 10 days before his own — those closest to him knew he simply could not bear to be without her. Andy was a Vietnam War Veteran and a career Air Force Supply Chief, with assignments at Travis AFB, Norton AFB, and Keflavik Air Base, Iceland. He was the recipient of numerous military honors, including the Bronze Star, four Meritorious Service Medals, four Air Force Commendation Medals, Vietnam Service Medals, the U.S. Presidential Unit Award and three Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards. After retiring from the Air Force in 1986, Andy con tinued his enduring commitment to service by joining Travis Credit Union, recruited by his longtime friend and then-TCU President/CEO, Air Force Retired Lt. General John Gonge. Over his 29-year career with TCU, Andy became the face of the institution’s com munity support, serving in numerous roles that includ ed facility management, military and government rela tions, and spearheading countless community outreach efforts. His dedication to Travis AFB and the surround ing community was unparalleled. Andy’s community service was not bound by his du ties at TCU. He was a pillar of the community, passion ately involved in organizations such as, Travis Regional Armed Services Committee, Fairfield-Suisun Chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Travis AFB Chiefs Group, Vacaville Sunrise Rotary, Solano Library Foundation, Vacaville Police Activities League, Veter ans’ Day Parades, Memorial Days’ Ceremonies, Vacav ille Fiesta Days Committee, and multiple Chambers of Commerce Ambassadorships. Andy was a licensed realtor and sold homes part- time after work and on weekends, as well as completed management courses at Northwestern University and Solano Community College. He also earned an AA Degree in Computer Science. Andy played a crucial role in establishing the Business Issues Forums, Solano County Economic Development Council of Investors, Chamber Golf Events, North Texas Street Business As sociation and the Solano Chapter of the Red Cross. His enthusiasm was contagious, his leadership inspirational and his ability to bring people together unmatched. A man of deep faith, Andy converted to Catholicism and served as a deacon. He was also the Chaplain for his VFW Post and was frequently called upon to de liver invocations and blessings at events. His prayers seamlessly wove together humor, patriotism, faith and gratitude, leaving lasting impressions on all who heard them. Beyond his work and service, Andy valued time with his family. He and Pat loved RV’ing and camping, cre ating lifelong memories with friends and loved ones. He was a self-taught guitar player who loved to sere nade his friends and granddaughter, Zoie. Andy also coached girls’ softball with the Police Activities League and never missed a Youth Fishing Derby hosted by his Rotary Club. He was a die-hard San Francisco 49er and Giants fan, cheering on his teams through every season. Andy loved dogs and was most recently devoted to his little dog “Button.” Andy is survived by his brother, Curtis Anderson; sister, Eddie Manley; daughter, Stefanie Anderson; and one of his greatest joys in life, his granddaughter, Zoie Anderson. Andy lived his life with boundless generosity, deep faith and a profound sense of duty — to his country, his community, family, and most of all, his cherished wife Pat. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched, and the love he shared will never be forgotten. A joint service will be held to honor both Andy and his beloved wife, Pat, on Wednesday, April 2, 2025: •Church Service: 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Car mel, 2700 Dover Ave., Fairfield, California 94533. •Graveside Service: 1 p.m. at Sacramento Valley Na tional Cemetery, 5810 Midway Rd., Dixon, California 95620. •Reception: 2:30 p.m. at Travis Credit Union Com munity Room, 1 Travis Way, Vacaville, California 95687. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his hon or to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. Week of March 10-16 Jeffrey Thomas Gerrin HULL — Jeffrey Thomas Gerrin, 59, Hul passed away on Friday, March 7, 2025, at his home. Mr. Gerrin was born in Athens on February 12, 1966, son of the late Jack Thomas Gerrin and the late Elizabeth Ann Dunn Gerrin. He was a machin ist having worked at Roper Pumps in Commerce, and was a member of Union Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Penny Michelle Drake Gerrin; daughters, Chelsey Elizabeth Gerrin (Caleb McCannon), Hull, and Shelby Rebecca Gerrin (Cody Moore), Colbert; and grandchildren, Matthew Thomas McCannon and Pressley Jane Moore. A memorial service for Mr. Gerrin will be held at a later date. Pruitt Funeral Home in Royston, Ga., is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.pruittfhroyston.com. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. Week of March 10-16 1 2. Johnnie Mae Gurley ELBERTON — Johnnie Mae Gurley, 68, Elberton, entered rest Sunday, March 2, 2025. Miss Gurley was born in Baxley, a daughter of the late Paul B. and Annie Shipe Gurley. Miss Gur ley was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith. In ad dition to her parents, Miss Gurley is preceded by a sister, Betty Ann Gurley; and two brothers, Edward B. Gurley and Billy C. Gurley. Survivors include a sis ter, Mary Canup, Elber ton; nephew, Bobby Gaines (Jody); nieces, Marie How ard (David), Paula Gurley (Andy), Lisha Hardy (Scott) and Karen Gurley; and sister-in-law, Annie Gurley also survives. Graveside service: Thursday, March 6, 2025, from the Williamson Family Cemetery, Arcade communi ty, Jefferson, with Joe Massey officiating. Gentlemen honored as pallbearers are Caleb Hardy, Camren Hardy, Scott Hardy, Tom Evans, Andy Loftis and Glen Hacker. The family will receive friends at the graveside after the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memo ry of Miss Johnnie Mae Gurley to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org Evans Funeral Home, Inc., 1350 Winder Highway, Jefferson, Georgia, 706-367-5467. Online condolences at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. Week of March 10-16 Mary Jane David Hilley COMMERCE — Mary Jane David Hilley, 78, Com merce, died Monday, March 3, 2025, at Brookside As sisted Living in Commerce. She was born in Com merce to the late Kinchen and Gladys Burroughs David. Mrs. Hilley was a retired teacher and media specialist. She was a mem ber of New Hope Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, she was also pre ceded in death by her hus band, Nelson Ridgeway Hilley. Mrs. Hilley is survived by her son, Tracy Hilley (Paige), Athens; brother, Robert David, Nicholson; and grandchildren, Jackson and Sabrina Hilley, Athens. Graveside service: Monday, March 10, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Danielsville Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Mike Stowers officiating. Family to receive friends: Monday, March 10, 2025, from 12 to 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. Week of March 10-16 Jeffrey Acker Martin WINTERVILLE — Jeffrey Acker Martin, born on September 9, 1966, in South Carolina, passed away on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, in Winterville. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and son who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Jeffrey dedicated his career to working as a drywall =112 05 contractor, earning the respect of his colleagues and cli ents alike. His expertise in his trade was matched only by his dedication to his craft. Outside of work, Jeffrey was known for his loving and caring demeanor, always bringing laughter to those around him with his great sense of humor. Jeffrey took great joy in spending time with his family, particularly his eight beloved grandchil dren, who were the light of his life. He cherished every moment spent with them, from hunting in the great outdoors to simply enjoying a meal together, creating memories that will last a lifetime. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly Martin; his mother, Donna Acker Colquitt (Howard); children, Heather Kettle (Chris), Anthony Moody, Haden Martin (Lacy) and Hannah Martin; grandchildren, Caylan Ket tle (Mikayla), Will Kettle, Emma Kettle, Mila Martin, Ellie Martin, Wilder Martin, Paisley Kettle and Lenora Martin; and sister, Deana Thomas (Mitch). Jeffrey was preceded in death by his father, Robby Dean Martin. The family invites all to join them in celebrating Jef frey’s life.Funeral service: Friday, March 7, 2025, at 4 p.m. at Lord and Stephens Funeral Homes, Athens, 4355 Lexington Road, Athens. Family to receive friends: Friday, March 7, 2025, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the funeral home. Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, East, Athens, is in charge of arrangements, www.lordandstephens.com. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. Week of March 10-16 a ■4 •f Francis Louise Sheridan ROYSTON — Francis Louise Sheridan, 84, Royston, passed away on Friday, March 7, 2025, at the Brown Health and Rehabilitation Center. Ms. Sheridan was born in Comer on February 15, 1941, daughter of the late Henry Allen Pierce and Minnie Coile Pierce. She was the deli and bakery manager having worked at Winn-Dixie in Athens, and was a member of Da vid’s Home Pentecostal Holiness Church. In addition to her par ents, she was preceded in death by her sons, Billy Kidd, Bobby Kidd and Tracy Allen Sheridan. Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Lisa Jane Maxwell and Dale, Bowman; son and daughter- in-law, Donny Wayne Hughes and Martha Ann, Comer; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Funeral service: Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. in the Pruitt Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Doug Conwell officiating. Interment will follow in the Cedar Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Family to receive friends: Sunday, March 9, 2025, from 2 until 3:30 p.m. at Pruitt Funeral Home. During other times, the family will be at the home of Lisa and Dale Maxwell. Pruitt Funeral Home in Royston, Ga., is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.pruittfhroyston.com. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. Week of March 10-16 Frank Nelson "Curly” Shumake LOCUST, NORTH CAROLINA — Frank Nelson “Curly” Shumake, 87, Locust, North Carolina, passed away on Monday, March 3, 2025, in the Union County Hospice House in Monroe, North Carolina. Born July 19, 1937, in Jackson County, he was the son of the late Gro ver Shumake and Connie Furgeson Shumake. Mr. Shumake was a graduate of Jefferson High School and attended Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. He was a salesman in the food product industry and a member of the First Baptist Church of Locust, North Carolina. Mr. Shumake was a very spiritual man. He loved his family and loved music. He was associated with several churches including Talmo Baptist Church and Academy Baptist Church in Jefferson, where he served as music minister and deacon. Mr. Shumake was a veteran of the U.S. Army Nation al Guard and loved the Georgia Bulldogs, loved cook ing and loved providing for others. Mr. Shumake is survived by his wife, Christa Ann Sexton Shumake, of the home, whom he married De cember 5, 1958. Other survivors include daughter, Tena Martin (Patrick), Locust, North Carolina; son, Tracy Shumake; three grandchildren, Molly Ann Shumake, continued on next page
