SALMON FUNERAL HOME

John Douglas Hawkins, Jr. age 92, of Rome, GA, passed away peacefully April 28, 2022, at his residence. John started his career as a sawmiller and worked very hard throughout his life. He was a faithful member of Community Chapel Baptist Church. John enjoyed gardening, working on things, traveling, playing cards and staying active. He and his wife enjoyed traveling and volunteering any time that they could. John was very giving and always wanted to help others. A native of Rome and Floyd County, John was born March 16, 1930 in Forsyth, GA. He was born to the late John Douglas Hawkins, Sr and Ruth Brock Hawkins. John was active in S.O.W.E.R.S. Ministry. In addition to his parents, he was...

Mrs. Martha Jo Vaughan McGrath, age 86, of Rome, GA, passed away Thursday morning, March 1, 2022, in a local hospital. Martha was born in Elba, AL, on November 10, 1935, a daughter of the late John Frank Vaughan and Gladys Florine Kite Vaughan. She had been a resident of Rome and Floyd County for over 30 years, moving here from Lexington, KY. Aunt Jo, as she was affectionately known by her family, was a member of Friendship Baptist Church. She had worked with the Georgia Department of Labor for a number of years prior to retirement in 2004. Martha was a spunky and independent lady who loved to travel. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Myra Vaughan...

Barbara (Bobbie) Jean Royals Carter of Rome, GA, slipped away from this life into the arms of Jesus on January 31, 2022. She passed peacefully surrounded by family members. Barbara was born in Atlanta, GA, on April 10, 1939, to the late J.O. "Owen" Royals Sr. and late Ora Belle Davis Royals. She met her husband of almost 65 years, Daniel Lee Carter, as a child and they married in 1957. Survivors include her daughters, Karen (Ricky) Thompson of Subligna, GA, and Kristi (Ryan) Lorren of Dallas, GA, grandchildren Corey (Carrie) Thompson of Hiram, GA, Ben Thompson of Rydal, GA, Adam (Lindsey) Lorren of Temple, GA, and Joseph Lorren of Dallas, GA, and seven great grandchildren. A sister,...

Earl Norman Barrett, age 79, of Rome, GA, passed away on Wednesday, January 26, 2022. Earl was born in Floyd County on June 18, 1942. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Connor Barrett and Joyce Culbersen Barrett, and a sister Barbara Jean Barrett Camp of Adairsville, GA. Earl grew up in Floyd County. He was a 1962 graduate of Model High School in Shannon, GA. After high school, he worked at Pepperell Mill in Lindale, GA. He played semi-professional football with the Rome Bisons in 1963. Earl was drafted into the United States Army in 1964 and served until 1966. During his service, he played on the Army baseball team. Upon returning home from deployment, he married the love...

Mrs. Rachel Ann Breeden Highfield, age 84, of Kingston, GA, passed away Sunday morning, January 9, 2022. A native of Rome and Floyd County, Rachel was born August 16, 1937, daughter of the late James Daniel Breeden and Evelyn Richardson Breeden. She was a loving housewife and homemaker. "Mamaw Angel", as she was known to many, enjoyed being with her children and grandchildren. She was a babysitter for many years, keeping numerous children, raising them as her own. In addition to her parents, Rachel was preceded in death by her husband, Charles "Bo" Highfield, on April 16, 2018, whom she married October 27, 1956. Two sons, Gary Lee Highfield and Phillip Michael Highfield also preceded...

Mr. Earl Glenn Godfrey, age 83, of Adairsville, GA, passed away Thursday, January 6, 2022, in a local hospital. Earl was born in McCaysville, GA, on January 21, 1938, son of the late T.M. Godfrey and Elsie Stuart Godfrey. He was a member of Rush Chapel United Methodist Church and a lifetime member of Shannon Masonic Lodge #100 F&AM. Earl was a self-employed auto mechanic who enjoyed restoring cars. He only other hobby was spending time with his family. In addition to his parents, Earl was preceded in death by a sister, Joann Smith. Earl is survived by his wife of over 64 years, Eleanore Banghart Godfrey, whom he married October 26, 1957; a daughter, Debra Ann Godfrey and her...

Mrs. Carol Ann Mathis Watters, age 90, of Rome, GA passed away peacefully at her home with her 2 daughters, Gail and Becky by her side. Carol was born July 31, 1931, daughter of the late Robert Daniel Mathis and the late Rhoda Rebecca Yates Mathis. Carol loved singing, especially Christian hymns. At the age of 14, she along with 3 other girls sang on the radio before a service of one of the local ministers. She also that same year was hired for her first job as a clerk at Kress Company. She graduated from Girls High School in 1948 and immediately went to work at the Eagle Stove Works as a bookkeeper, where she met the love of her life, James Mark, marrying on February 3, 1951. Upon...

Jerle J Lockaby, age 76, of Cartersville, GA, formerly of Rome, passed away on Monday, December 27, 2021, surrounded by his family. Jerle was born in Hiawassee, GA on September 2, 1945, son of the late Roy and Maggie Sue Dayton Lockaby. He grew up in Hiawassee, a small town of approximately 350 people, located in Northeast Georgia. Growing up, he was a member of the North Mount Zion Church of God, and it was there, at the age of 9, where he gave his life to the Lord. Jerle graduated from Towns County High School in 1963. After high school, he served our country as a Sergeant in the US Army in Fort Bliss, TX. On November 15, 1970, he married Reba Ellen Harris in Young Harris, GA,...

Mrs. Ann Nix Ellis, age 92, of Rome, GA, passed away Saturday, December 25, 2021, at her residence. Ann was born May 13, 1929, in Floyd County. She was the daughter of the late Andrew B. Nix and Annie Johnson Nix. She was preceded in death by her husband, James H. Ellis, son, Steve Ellis, and a brother, A.B. Nix. Ann was a member of the North Broad Baptist Church and a homemaker. She never met a stranger, was loving and outgoing and loved her flowers. Ann is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Wayne and Susan Ellis of Rome; daughter and son-in-law, Susan and David Warren of Rome; four grandchildren, Emily (Doss) Adcock of Cartersville, GA, Mikel (Amber) Ellis of Rome, Lauren...

Mr. Fredrick Blake "Fred" Taylor, age 70, of Rome, GA, passed away Monday morning, December 13, 2021. Fred was born in Pontiac, MI, on March 31, 1951, son of the late Maurice Manning Taylor, Sr. and Madeline Ruth Small Taylor. He grew up in Ellsworth, a small town of approximately 380 people, located in Northwest Michigan. Growing up he attended and graduated from Ellsworth High School lettering in football, basketball and track for three years. He attended college at Michigan Tech University in Houghton, Michigan majoring in Mechanical Engineering. After college Fred returned to his hometown and married Mary Vander Ark and worked in the Taylor family business until 1982 when he moved his...

Mr. Fredrick Blake "Fred" Taylor, age 70, of Rome, GA, passed away peacefully, Monday morning, December 13, 2021. Funeral services for Fred will be held on Saturday morning, December 18, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. Fred's family will receive friends at Salmon Funeral Home on Friday evening from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Fellowship of Christian Athletes, P.O. Box 1246, Rome, GA, 30162, or to a local charity of your choice. A complete obituary will be announced later by Salmon Funeral Home.

James Jackson "Jake" Rhinehart, age 29, of Rome, GA, passed away in his home, on Friday, December 10, 2021. Jake was born on December 31, 1991, to Nan Marie Payne Rhinehart and the late Kyle Dew Rhinehart at Floyd Medical Center. He lived most of his life in Fairmount, Georgia and spent his last few years in Rome. He was a gentle giant who loved music. He was a poet, and a self-taught musician. He was a beautiful man inside and out. He was also the tallest man in the room no matter where he went. He was a lover of nature and knew every fishing hole in the Tri-State Area. He is preceded in death by his father Kyle Rhinehart, and both sets of his grandparents. He leaves behind his loving...

James Jackson "Jake" Rhinehart, age 29, of Rome, GA, passed away in his home, on Friday, December 10, 2021. Jake was born on December 31, 1991, to Nan Marie Payne Rhinehart and the late Kyle Dew Rhinehart at Floyd Medical Center. He lived most of his life in Fairmount, Georgia and spent his last few years in Rome. He was a gentle giant who loved music. He was a poet, and a self-taught musician. He was a beautiful man inside and out. He was also the tallest man in the room no matter where he went. He was a lover of nature and knew every fishing hole in the Tri-State Area. He is preceded in death by his father Kyle Rhinehart, and both sets of his grandparents. He leaves behind his loving...

Jessie James "DJ" Williams, age 63, of Rome, GA, passed away of natural causes Thursday, November 25, 2021. Funeral services for Jessie will be held on Monday evening, November 29, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. in the Alvis Miller Memorial Chapel of Salmon Funeral Home. Jessie's family will receive friends at Salmon Funeral Home on Monday from 5:00 p.m. until the service hour. For a complete obituary please visit www.salmonfuneralhome.com.

Mr. Clarence Brooks, age 90, of Rome, GA, passed away peacefully at his residence Friday evening, October 29, 2021. Funeral services for Mr. Brooks will be this afternoon at 2:00 p.m. in the Alvis Miller Memorial Chapel of the Salmon Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Morning View Cemetery with the Honor Guard of Shanklin-Attaway Post 5 American Legion conferring military honors. For a complete obituary please visit www.salmonfuneralhome.com.

Mr. James Willis "Jim" Lynch age 71, of Rome, GA, passed away at his residence Wednesday morning, October 20, 2021. A Celebration of Life for Jim will be held Friday, October 22, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. in Sherwood Baptist Church. For a complete obituary please visit www.salmonfuneralhome.com.

Gail Marie Highfield, age 59, of Rome, GA, passed away peacefully Sunday, October 17, 2021, surrounded by her family. Funeral services for Gail will be Wednesday afternoon, October 20, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. in the Alvis Miller Memorial Chapel of Salmon Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Rome Memorial Park. For a complete obituary please visit www.salmonfuneralhome.com.

Mrs. Sue Henley Whitehead, age 80, of Rome, GA, passed away Thursday, October 14, 2021. Mrs. Whitehead was born in Eupora, MS on June 22, 1941, a daughter of the late Walter B. Henley and the late Ruby Smith Henley. Sue had lived the greater part of her life in Rome where she grew up in the Celanese Village. She had a love for quilting and enjoyed shopping with her friends. Sue was a member of the Riverside Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy Ann Lambert. Sue is survived by her husband of fifty-eight years, Lamar Whitehead of Rome; two daughters: Lisa Townsend and her husband, Greg, Dalton and Lori Whitehead, Rome; three...

Martha Kathleen Harris Baird, 84, passed away peacefully Sunday, October 10, 2021. A graveside service will be held in Decatur, MS, on Thursday, October 14, 2021, at 10:00 am. For a complete obituary please visit www.salmonfuneralhome.com.

Leroy Selman Matthews, age 74, of Rome, GA, passed away Friday morning, September 24, 2021. Leroy was born in Piedmont, AL, on July 14, 1947, son of the late James William Matthews and Ara Zona Dawson Matthews. He had been a resident of Rome and Floyd County most of his life and was a 1966 graduate of Model High School. His senior year of school Leroy was selected as "All State Linebacker". Leroy served his country honorably, serving in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. After returning from his military duties, he worked as a real estate broker. He was an accomplished auctioneer, co-owner of United Auctions and a past president of American Association of Auctioneers. He...

Rev. Gregory Scott "Greg" Drake, age 53, a resident of Carrollton, GA, formerly of Rome, GA, made his heavenly flight Wednesday morning, September 22, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. Greg was born in Rome on October 1, 1962, son of John Berry Drake, Jr., and Sylvia Brooks Drake. He was a 1985 graduate of Model High School where he played several sports. For the past 14 years Greg was pastor of the Church at Carrollton. He had pastored several churches in the North Georgia region prior to taking the pastorship in Carrollton. Greg loved the outdoors, going camping, working on home improvement projects and was an excellent grill-master. Mostly, he loved to talk about his Lord and...