Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel

Coach Kenneth "Kenny" Walker, age 61, of Tallapoosa, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. Born on July 25, 1964, in Carrollton, Georgia, Kenny was a beloved educator, coach, and mentor whose influence reached far beyond the basketball court. A proud graduate of Central High School and the University of West Georgia, Kenny's lifelong love for sports paved the way for a remarkable career in education and coaching spanning 38 years. His journey began at Mary Persons High School in Forsyth, Georgia. Over the years, he made a lasting impact at numerous schools, including Jeff Davis High School, Madison County High School, Monticello High School, Temple High School, Lamar...

Mary Ross Wynn King, 83, of Carrollton, Georgia, passed away on January 25, 2025. She was born on August 23, 1941, the daughter of the late Neil Samford Wynn and Leurie Maples Wynn. Mary Ross proudly graduated from Jordan High School in Columbus, Georgia, in 1959. Throughout her professional life, she took on numerous administrative roles in various organizations, demonstrating a strong work ethic and dedication to her responsibilities. Ultimately, she retired from the Georgia Department of Health and Human Services in the early 2000s. Prior to her retirement, she spent several years making valuable contributions at the Carroll County Health Department, where she was known for her...

Margie Nell Lee Dietz, age 89, went to be with the Lord on January 17, 2025, in Gainesville, Georgia after a brief illness. She was born in Heard County, Georgia on October 1, 1935, to the late Sam O. Lee and the late Hazel M. Lee. She was also preceded in death by her late husband, Arthur T. Dietz and her brothers, Don V. Lee and Eli C. Lee. Margie grew up in Carroll County Georgia and graduated from Bowdon High School in 1954. She loved her church, family and her closest friends, Effie and Lillian, along with her high school classmates and teachers. Her favorite music was Shape-Note singing which she learned from her maternal grandparents. She loved to attend Sacred Harp singing at...

Catherine Wiley Drummer, 77, of Fayetteville, Georgia, passed away on Sunday, November 3, 2024. She was born on August 10, 1947, in Drew, Mississippi, the daughter of the late Tealy Wiley and Clemonteen Wiley. Mrs. Catherine dedicated many years of her career to working in administration at Dulles International Airport, where she gained extensive experience and made lasting friendships with her colleagues. In her free time, she found joy in cheering for the Dallas Cowboys, passionately following their games and celebrating their victories. Gardening was another of her great loves; she took pride in nurturing her plants and creating beautiful outdoor spaces that brought her and her...

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our loved one, Hilary Louise Nicole Williams. Hilary passed away on Tuesday, July 2, 2024. She was born on October 30, 1992, in Georgetown, South Carolina. A life ended too soon; Hilary was loved by many and will be remembered as a fierce, loyal, and joyful mother, daughter, sister, and friend. Her presence brought light and warmth to everyone she encountered, and her memory will continue to inspire and uplift us all. A passionate nature enthusiast, Hilary found joy in spending time in the great outdoors. Whether trekking through scenic trails or taking a refreshing swim, she cherished the tranquility and beauty of nature. Hilary was...

Beverly Dawn Reinoehl, age 59, of Villa Rica, Georgia, passed away after a long and courageous battle with cancer on Sunday, June 16, 2024. A celebration of life will be held to honor and remember Beverly's life on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 2:00 PM from the Chapel of Martin & Hightower Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12:00 PM until the hour of service. Condolence messages can be sent to the family at www.martin-hightower.com. Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

John William Barnes, age 69, of Carrollton, Georgia, passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2024. He was born on May 5, 1954, in Millington, Tennessee, the son of the late Ernest Hillyer Barnes and Wilma Gean Ellington. John was a man of many talents, leaving a significant mark in various fields, such as mechanics and computer programming. His last role was at the Southwire distribution center in Villa Rica, Georgia, where he made valuable contributions. Beyond his professional life, he was a passionate supporter of the Georgia Bulldogs, a hobby that brought him immense joy. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles, watching NASCAR, and fishing, activities that reflected his love for the outdoors and...

Willard Mitchell Robertson, age 82, of Carrollton, Georgia, passed away on Sunday, January 7, 2024. He was born March 18, 1941, in Atlanta, Georgia, the son of the late Mr. Mitchell McKay Robertson and the late Mrs. Irma Agnes Adams Robertson. Willard served his country in the United States Air Force. While stationed in Duluth, Minnesota, he met the love of his life, Diana Loucks, and they fell in love. After returning to Georgia, he joined the National Guard and began working for Lockheed Martin. He became a Flight Line Mechanic and Engineer. Willard was a woodworker and carved many walking sticks for his family and friends, and he also marveled at constructing model airplanes. They had...

SGT Forrest Wilson Allen, age 70, of Carrollton, Georgia, passed away on Tuesday, January 2, 2024. He was born April 17, 1953, the son of the late Mr. Forrest Wilson Allen, Sr. and Mrs. Lucy Preston Allen. Funeral Services will be conducted on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 11:00 AM from North Point Baptist Church, with Pastor Lee Wimberly and Pastor Doug Hodges officiating. Interment will follow in West Georgia Memorial Park, with the American Legion Post #143 rendering military honors. The family will receive friends at North Point Baptist Church from 10:00 AM until the hour of service. For those unable to attend, the service will be live-streamed on Mr. Allen's obituary page on the...

Mr. Garry D. Archer, age 81, of Carrollton, Georgia, passed away Wednesday, October 25, 2023. He was born January 20, 1942, in Cedartown, Georgia, the son of the late Charles Abner "Archie" Archer and the late Ina Faye Archer. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepfather, Lee Archer, and sister, Alecia Hardy. He leaves behind to cherish his children, Ginger and Chuck Harper, Lettie Connolly, Garry "Sonny" and Phyllis Archer, and Dana Strewn; grandchildren, Allan Bartee, Corey Morgan, Chelsea Warren, Lachele Floyd, Hayden Harper, Greer Harper, Greyson Harper and Rilyn Harper; and five great-grandchildren; sister, Melinda Thompson; and several nieces, nephews, and...

Christine Back Phillips, age 75, of Carrollton, Georgia, passed away Thursday, October 19, 2023. She was born November 21, 1947, in Middletown, Ohio, the daughter of the late Burnis Back and the late Rosa Dell Blair Back. She was very interested in genealogy, loved to read, and enjoyed coloring. She will be genuinely missed by all who knew and loved her. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Mervin Back, Ronald Back, and Donald Back, and sister, Janice Blair. Mrs. Christine leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving husband of 60 years, William "Bill" Phillips; sons & daughters-in-law, Ron & Kristy Phillips and Michael & Latishia...

Gerald James Farmer, age 78, of Villa Rica, Georgia, passed away on Friday, September 15, 2023, at his residence after an extended illness. He was born October 7, 1944, in Worcester, Massachusetts, the son of the late Albert Walter Farmer and the late Virginia Andrews Farmer. After receiving his master's and doctoral degrees at the University of Oregon in Eugene in 1977, he served as Professor of Music at the University of West Georgia, retiring in 2002. Active in the College Music Society and the Georgia Music Educators Association, Dr. Farmer served as a leader in developing professional music experiences for colleagues and students. At UWG, he was known for being a productive,...

Robert Scott Smith, 66, of Carrollton, Georgia, passed away on September 3, 2023. He was born March 27, 1957, the son of the late Gerald Robert Smith and Judy Smith. Scott enjoyed a Law Enforcement career that spanned 40 years. For the last 15 years, he served his community as a Deputy with the Carroll County Sheriff's Department. Previously, Scott served as an officer with the Marietta Police Department and the Villa Rica Police Department. He will be remembered as a caring son, a devoted father, and a loving grandfather. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his children, Brittany Leighana & Cole Ivey, Brandon Scott Smith,...

Carol Gladney, age 89, of Whitesburg, Georgia, passed away on Monday, August 14, 2023. She was born October 15, 1933, in Ritchie County, West Virginia, the daughter of the late Tracey Miller and the late Mabel Brissey Sprowls. Carol worked as secretary for many years at Lockheed Georgia, Hardee's Food Systems, and Lewis Advertising. She was a member of the Whitesburg Christian Church. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She will be truly missed by everyone who knew and loved her. In addition to her parents, Carol was welcomed into heaven by her husband of 48 years, Joseph Gladney, and her brother, Denny Miller. Carol leaves behind to cherish her memory her children, Steven...

Dawn Michel Hambrick Davison, age 54, of Carrollton, Georgia, passed away on Thursday, August 3, 2023. She is the daughter of David Wayne Hambrick, Captain USMC (Ret.) and Mrs. Gail Donald Hambrick of Marietta, GA. Dawn was a military brat and attended elementary school at Camp Pendleton, CA., middle school at Bartlett, TN. and graduated from Heritage High School in Conyers, GA. Later, she attended the West Georgia Technical College. For the past 17 years Dawn has worked as an insurance underwriter for Britt/Paulk Insurance Agency in the Safehold Special Risks Department. She was loved and well respected by her co-workers in Carrollton, Georgia, and across the country. She was known for...

Esther M. Brigman, age 83, of Villa Rica, Georgia, passed away on August 1, 2023. She was born November 25, 1939 in Roanoke, Virginia, the daughter of the late John Dexter Jones and the late Esther Nadine Ferguson. Esther was a faithful Midway Baptist Church member and a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. As an Air Force officer's wife, Esther dedicated countless hours to The American Red Cross and assistance to other military families while supporting her husband, Colonel James Brigman (ret.), in numerous military functions. She performed all roles and responsibilities with poise, eloquence and dedication. She followed James in all his overseas assignments and was integral to the...

Barbara Anne Cali, age 85, of Carrollton, Georgia, passed away Saturday, June 24, 2023. She was born August 24, 1937, in Hamilton, Illinois, the daughter of the late Kenneth Kiser and the late Blanche Kiser Castle. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, July 8, 2023, at 2:00 PM from Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel. Interment will follow in Carrollton City Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, July 8, 2023, from 12:00 PM until the hour of service. Messages of condolences can be sent to the family at www.martin-hightower.com. Martin and Hightower Heritage Chapel has charge of the arrangements.

Mr. Dewey Dayton Clark, 90, of Carrollton, Georgia, passed away on Monday, June 12th, 2023. He was born December 5th, 1932, in Clayton, Georgia, the son of the late Thomas Lester Clark and the late Norma Clyde Nichols. Dewey graduated from Rabun County High School (Clayton, GA), where he was the first football player to score a touchdown for their newly founded team in 1949. However, his happiest memory during his high school years was meeting his future wife, Marilyn White. Dewey and Marilyn, high school sweethearts, eloped shortly before graduating on May 28th, 1952, and were an example of true love and commitment to everyone that knew them as they built their lives, raised their family...

Michael Allen "Hillbilly" Farmer, age 64, of Whitesburg, Georgia, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at St. Francis Hospital following a long health battle. Hillbilly grew up in Newnan, Georgia, before settling down in Whitesburg over 45 years ago. He owned and operated Hillbilly Grease until retiring. He never met a stranger and became a PawPaw to every kid he met. Throughout the community, he was known for his generous heart and his volunteering, when he was in better health. Hillbilly was preceded in death by his parents, Alonzo & Marilyn Farmer; sister, Paula Farmer; and brother, Lonnie Farmer. He leaves behind to cherish his...

Elaine Blackwell Bland, 87, passed away on May 30, 2023. She was born March 23, 1936, in Meridian, Mississippi, the daughter of the late Rueben Blackwell and Louise Birdsong Blackwell. Elaine and her husband, Frank, were active members of Bremen First Baptist Church for over 50 years, where they served on the "Young at Hearts" club. After moving to Ellijay, Elaine taught Bible study at Manor Lake Assisted Living. Her desire in this life was to bring honor and glory to her Lord Jesus Christ and to lead others to Him. During her professional career, Elaine owned and operated Elaine's Hallmark, the Bremen Car Wash, and Misty Magic Car Wash. In addition to her parents, Elaine was preceded...