About The Madison County journal. (Hull, Ga.) 1989-current | View Entire Issue (April 16, 2025)
PAGE 4B - THE MADISON COUNTY (GA) JOURNAL, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2025 Obituaries James Milton Bullock COLBERT — James Milton Bullock, 65, Colbert, went home peacefully to be with his lord and savior on Saturday, April 5, 2025, after a long hard-fought battle. Born on September 24, 1959, James was known for his strong work ethic and attention to detail. He spent a majority of his work ing career at Reliance Electric in Athens working as a machine oper ator. After leaving this employer, he went on to work as a bread man for both Flowers Bakery and Sara Lee. In 2021, he was proud to be co-founder of Butterz Biscuit LLC with his son Nathan and wife Debbie. James was a great cook who loved putting smiles on people’s faces, through all of his year's of hard work, James had one goal in mind. To make sure that his fam ily was taken care of. In his spare time, James loved spending time with his family and friends, watching his grandbabies play ball, working on home proj ects, gar'dening, cooking delicious meals, fishing and those yearly trips to Kentucky to deer hunt with his son. James will always be remembered as a loving and devoted hus band, daddy, papa, brother and son. If you knew him, you will al ways remember him as a good man that would always reach out whenever he saw someone in need, never asking for anything in return. James was preceded in death by his par'ents, Samuel Hawkins Bullock and Mildred Lenora (Hunt) Bullock; sister, Debbie Kay Mathis; and brother, Ronald Jay Bullock. Survivors include his loving wife of 46 year's, Debbie Bullock, Colbert; son, Nathan Bullock, Colbert; daughter, Vanessa Self (Chad), Hull; granddaughters, Taylor Knight, Athens, and Skye Ann Rojo, Hull,; grandsons, Devin Self, Hull, and Davidson James Rojo, Hull; granddog, Merle (forever Papa’s boy), Colbert; sisters, Diane Hunter, Bogart, Judy Goodman (Jimmy), Vienna, and Janice Merk (Joe), Danielsville; and brothers, Larry Bullock (Carol), Gaines ville, and Roger Bullock (Bonnie), Tignall. James’ wish was not to have services, but for everyone to remem ber him the way he was and to make it easier on his family. At a future date, we will have a private family gathering to celebrate the great man we remember and him conquering death. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. Week of April 14-20 Richard Dale "Dick” Clark JEFFERSON — Richard Dale “Dick” Clark, 78, Jefferson, en tered rest Thursday, March 20, 2025. Mr: Clark was born June 12, 1946, in Crowley, Louisiana, the son of Lucius Leroy Clark and Emethilde “Tillie” Hebert Clark. He was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Betty Clark of Lake Charles, Louisiana; brother- in-law and sister-in-law, Jeff and Alana “Purrky” Barrett of Harrison, Arkansas; his mother- in-law, Dorothy Kirk Moore of Harrison, Arkansas; and mother of his children, Barbara Darden Clark of Greensboro, North Car olina. After graduating from Crowley High School, Mr. Clark pursued an education at McNeese College then answered a higher calling to proudly serve his country by joining the United States Marine Corp serving in the Vietnam War. After his service he retired from the chemical industry and owned Lake Charles Propeller Service Inc. He was a well known regional pro bass fisherman and was fortunate to fish many lakes while living in Louisiana, Tennessee, Arizona, Arkansas, South Carolina and Georgia. He and Rejena, “the love of his life”, retired in 2012 on Lake Hartwell in Anderson, South Carolina. Dick loved to learn and share his knowledge, especially with his younger friends and fishing part ners. He designed bass fishing lures, enjoyed woodworking and reading action mysteries and westerns. He was an avid outdoors- man, excellent marksman and liked Corvettes, muscle car's, trucks, boats and motorcycles. With his engineering mind he was a craftsman who could fix, de sign or build most anything. He was defined by his southern values and Marine code and was well known as a principled man of integ rity, courage, strength, honesty, loyalty, wisdom and commitment among other many great qualities. If he said it, he meant it and you always knew exactly where you stood with Dick Clark. If he liked you, he loved you. If he didn’t, well, you knew that, too. One of his standar'd replies was his aw shucks statement, “ I’m just a good ol’ country boy from Southwest Louisiana, what do I know.” Mr: Clark was a devoted husband, loved his family and enjoyed being a Grandpa and he will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of truly knowing him. He attended The Jefferson Church, Jefferson, Georgia. Survivors include his wife, Rejena Barrett Clark; his children, Tracy Clark, Omaha, Nebraska, Christopher Clark (Heather), Lex ington, Nortlr Carolina, Justin Brewer (Amanda), Decatur, and Ross Hayley (Laura), Hoschton; eight grandchildren, Hailey Gomering- er, Alex Gomeringer, Addison Clark, Joseph Clark, Micah Hayley, Merrick Hayley, Allyson Naylor and Lauryn Collins; two nieces, Lisa Clark, Lafayette, California, and Tina Clark Strickland (Da vid), Houston, Texas. He is also survived by loyal, longtime friends, Paul Frilot (Linda), Pat Richard (Rita), Jerry Weston, Mario Mills (Angela), Rob Thelan (Jesy) and Rich Pratt (Sue); as well as many other friends and extended family. In accordance with Mr: Clark’s wishes, he will be cremated and a celebration of life service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to any charity of your choice or to The Jefferson Church Building Fund, 21 Cobb St., Jef ferson, Georgia 30549. Evans Funeral Home, Inc., 1350 Winder Highway, Jefferson, Georgia, 706-367-5467. Online condolences at www.evansfuneral- homeinc.com. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. Week of April 14-20 Jerry Harold Dowdy TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA—With deep sorrow we announce the peaceful passing of Jerry Harold Dowdy, 86, on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at his Tallahassee, Florida, home when he succumbed to a long battle with stage four Melanoma. Jerry was born July 21, 1938, in Jefferson, to Harold and Christine Dowdy. He was the fourtli of six childr'en. At age 21 he married his first wife, Dottie Deadwyler Dowdy (deceased). Together they raised three childr'en, Lynne Frachi- seur (Steve), Jefferson, Cheri Fye (Ron), Tallahassee, Florida, and Hal Dowdy (Erna), Demor est. Jerry’s family prospered to provide 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren: and three great-great-grandchildren. Jerry is survived by his sis ter, Joy Wood; childr'en, Lynne, Cheri and Hal; grandchildren, Tara, Heather, Ryan, Erika, Carlee, DJ, Carmin, Adam, Brett and Christine; great-grandchildren, Kayla, Savannah, Brayden, Victo ria, Drew, Matthew, Kamden, Kash; and great-great grandchildren, Rosie, Robbie and Ryleigh; and former wife of 14 years, Cheryl Williams. Jerry’s career was in life insurance. He earned his way to sales manager for Metropolitan Life in Gainesville, often winning top sales awards. In earlier year's, he loved traveling in his motor home discovering new areas and meeting new people. A favorite vacation was taking the family — plus some — to Daytona Beach, Florida. Just like his father, Jerry loved the beach. Jerry lived most of his life in nortlr Georgia where many friends and family still reside. He was a member and supporter of Bethany Methodist Church in Jefferson; helped start a Methodist church while living in Green wood, South Carolina; and then moved his family to Corinth Baptist Church in Gainesville. In 2018, he moved to Tallahassee, Florida, to be with his young est daughter, Cheri, and husband Ron. He quickly made many new friends while living in a retirement community by sharing his love for vegetable gar'dening (collards of course) and playing Rook. He was known for greeting residents as they filed in for dinner: Jerry always had a big smile, a quick joke and wanted to know, “Are you behavrn’?” Jerry “Pop” we miss you and now release you into The Father’s loving arms. Celebration of life service: Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson. Interment will be at the Bethany Methodist Church Cemetery in Jefferson. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Big Bend Hos pice of Tallahassee, Florida who provided Jerry excellent care since September 2023 at 1723 Mahan Center Blvd., Tallahassee, Florida 32308, bigbendhospice.org 1-800-772-5862, or the Bethany Ceme tery Fund where many of his family members including Dottie (first wife) are buried, c/o Chris Shirley, 1895 Brockton Loop, Jefferson, Ga. 30549. Evans Funeral Home, Inc., 1350 Winder Highway, Jefferson, Georgia, 706-367-5467. Online condolences at www.evansfuneral- homeinc.com. Published by Mainstreet Newspapers, Inc. Week of April 14-20 Wanda Ruth (Townson) Hudson BRASELTON — Wanda Ruth (Townson) Hudson, 84, Bra selton, passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born on March 10, 1940, in Loudon, Tennessee, a daughter to the late Bonnie Lee and Margie Irene (Hooker) Townson. She moved to Atlan ta in 1958, where she met her husband Calvin Lewis Hudson. They later moved to Florida and Texas before returning to Geor gia. She was a dedicated wife of 60 year's, mother and home- maker: Her hobbies included playing bridge with the ladies, she sewed beautifully and was an outstanding cook. She was active in her community, helping several year's with the Christmas Tour of Homes. Her life was centered around her family. She showed great love, care and compassion for her husband, son, daughter-in-law and three grandchildren, as well as her siblings. She loved the holidays, especially Christmas. She enjoyed family dinners and made many precious memories on vacations spent with them. Her family was her world, they were so special to her: She adored her grandchil dren, and nothing made her happier than spending time with them. She wanted nothing more than for everyone to feel loved and to be happy. Wanda is survived and missed by her husband, Lew Hudson; her son, Darrell Hudson; daughter-in-law, Maggie Hudson; her three grandchildren, Derek, Erika and Nadia Hudson; and her sister, Don na Hamill. Her memory fives on with her nieces and nephews. Wanda was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Fred, Denny and David; and her sisters, Elizabeth and Loretta. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Chapel on McEver: In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to the Good News Club of Gwinnett/Gwinnett Chapter of the Child Evan gelism Fellowship. Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Rd., Gaines ville, Ga. 30504 is in charge of the arrangements. Send online con dolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. Week of April 14-20 Asa Franklin Huff Asa Franklin Huff, age 79, passed away Monday, April 7, 2025, in his residence. Asa was born in Athens to the late David and Fannie Butler Huff and graduated from Athens High School. After graduation, Asa began working as a journeyman carpenter, before being draft ed into the United States Air' Force, serving until 1969. Af ter his service in the Air ' Force, Asa joined the University of Georgia Police Department and went on to work with the Clarke County Sheriff’s Of fice, before joining the Athens Clarke County Fire Depart ment, where he retired after 25 year's of service. Asa attended Gilead Baptist Church and taught Sunday school at Whitehall Baptist Church and New Hope Congregational Ho liness Church. During his retirement, Asa enjoyed camping and spending time with his family. In addition to his parents, Asa was preceded in death by his sis ters, Frances Kesler and Betty Epps; and his brothers, Billy Huff and Sam Huff. Asa is survived by his wife of 56 years, Susan Cowart Huff, Hull; son, Wesley Huff and his wife, Brandy, Crawford; daughter, Suzanne Huff Culbertson and her husband, Grant, Winterville; and grandchildren, Tristen Huff, Watkinsville, and Jacie Culbert son, Winterville. Funeral service: Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Bernstein Funeral Horne with the the Reverend Clay Huff officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park. The pallbearers will be Blake Huff, Keith Huff, Tyler Doster, Don Loggins, Brent Christopher and Brad Tucker: Family to receive friends: Wednesday, April 9, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bernstein Funeral Home. Bernstein Funeral Horne is in charge of firneral arTangernents. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. Week of April 14-20 Patricia Anne "Patsy” Merritt Simmons COLBERT — Patricia Anrre “Patsy” Merritt Simmons, 73, Col bert, passed away on Satrrrday, April 5, 2025, at her residerree. Patsy was born in Atlarrta orr March 10, 1952, daughter of the late Jesse Louis Merritt and Edna Mae Grimes Merritt. She was a graduate of Campbell Higlr School in Smyrna and furthered her education at West Georgia College. She worked in the IT sector for many years, beginning with Ta- racorp, later working for Georgia Pacific, and retiring fronr Clarke County School District and H and R Block in Athens. At Tara- corp, she started as an IT depart ment team member and eventual ly was the manager of the entire department. She literally, with only one assistant, ran a department that once numbered eight. She helped innovate and implement critical sales management software that was relied on by all of the salespeo ple throughout the multi-city company. Patsy had a lust for life and could cheer anyone up with her wit, infectious laugh and sense of humor. Surviving are her husband of 42 years, Jolin Wilson Simmons, Colbert; daughter, Jessica Nicole Simmons Cotterell and her hus band Simon Andrew Cotterell, Colbert; granddaughter, Emily Nicole Anne Cotterell; sisters, Vicki Merritt Barbour (Che’ Barbour) and Karla Merritt Ward; nephews, Michael Ward (Nikki Ward), Athens, and Killian Ward (Deceased); father-in-law, Jim Simmons; moth er-in-law, Sylvia Simmons, Marrietta; sister-in-law, Debbie Houser (Roger Houser), Rockmart; brothers-in-law, Mike Simmons (Dana Simmons), York, North Carolina, and Bobby Simmons (Crystal Sim mons), Gainesville; along with many other nieces, nephews, cousins and family members. Celebration of life service: Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Watson Mill State Park, 650 Watson Mill Road, Comer, Ga. 30629. Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is assisting the fam ily of Mrs. Patricia Aime “Patsy” Merritt Simmons. Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. Week of April 14-20 Diane Bramlett Stalnaker COLBERT — Diane Bramlett Stalnaker, 76, Colbert, passed away on Sunday, April 6, 2025. Diane loved animals, in partic ular hummingbirds, and spend ing her time bird watching. She was a sports fanatic and a devout fan of the University of Georgia Bulldogs and Atlanta Braves. She was known for her infectious laughter and joy for life. Diane will be remembered best as a loving wife, mother, sister and grandmother. Mrs. Stalnaker was preceded in death by her parents, Leon “Scram” Bramlett and Mary Mc Donald Bramlett; and brother, Jeff Bramlett. Mrs. Stalnaker is survived by her loving husband, Jimmy Stalnaker, Colbert; children, Christina (John) Boling, Watkinsville, and Tanya (Rob) Cheek, Watkinsville; sister, Susan (M.J.) Everett, Auburn; five grandchildren, Joshua Bol ing, Jordan Boling, Bryan Boling, Cody Cheek and Madison Cheek; and one great-grandchild, Sutton Boling. Funeral service: Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Maddox-Carter Memorial Home with the Rev. Jim Morris officiating. Family to receive friends: Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 12 until 2 p.m. at Maddox-Carter Memorial Home. Flowers are accepted or donations can be made in memory of Di ane to the Northeast Georgia Humane Society or an animal shelter of your choice. Maddox-Carter Memorial Home, Winder, is entrusted with the ar rangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. Week of April 14-20 Dr. Timothy Arneal Wheeler NICHOLSON — Di: Timothy Arneal Wheeler, 81, Nicholson, passed away on Thursday, April 10, 2025. Dr: Wheeler was born in Bow don, the son of the late Rome Arneal Wheeler and the late Lil lian Huckeba Wheeler: Tim was a passionate lifelong educator and musician. He began his ed ucation career as a band director and served as principal at sever al elementary and high schools including, Benton Elementary School, Jackson County High School and Elbert County High School. Dr: Wheeler also served as band director for Jeffer son City Schools and Douglas County High School. Tim was the last elected superintendent and the first appointed superintendent for the Jackson County School System. Dr: Wheeler was a United Methodist music director and wor ship leader for over 50 year's, serving at Midway United Method ist Church in Douglasville, the Jefferson First United Methodist Church and the Antioch United Methodist Church in Nicholson, where he was also a member: In addition to his par'ents, Dr: Wheeler was preceded in death by his sister, Nancy Allen; and his brother, Don Wheeler: Survivors include his wife, Lynne Massey Wheeler, Nicholson; childr'en, Martha Marie Yuran and her husband Patrick, Carrollton, Ethelyn Wheeler Johnson and her wife Sandy Enfrekin, Carrollton, and Wesley Arneal Wheeler and his wife Ashley, Nicholson; and grandchildren, Kimberly Lynne Johnson, Brookelyn Diane Wheeler and Cooper Arneal Wheeler, all of Nicholson, GA. Funeral service: Sunday, April 13, 2025, at 2 p.m. in the Antioch United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr: Marshall Bruner of ficiating. The burial will follow in the Antioch United Methodist Church Cemetery. The service will be live streamed at https://www. facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064306494727. Family to receive friends: Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 2 until 4 p.m. at Evans Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Dr: Timo thy A. Wheeler Fine Arts Scholarship, East Jackson High School, 1435 Hoods Mill Road, Commerce, Ga. 30529 or the Marie Yu ran Endowment for Supportive Cancer Patient Care at tanner.org/ tanner-health-foundation/opporlunities-to-help/cancer-care-giving (Please select Marie Yuran Endowment Hold for fund designation). Evans Funeral Home, Inc., 1350 Winder Highway, Jefferson, Georgia, 706-367-5467. Online condolences at www.evansfuneral- homeinc.com. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. Week of April 14-20
