A. E. Carter Funeral Home

Curtis H. Baughcum, 87 of Madison, passed away on March 7, 2026 following a brief illness. Mr. Baughcum was born in Jackson County on November 11, 1938 to Walt and Estelle Baughcum. He worked as brick mason until retiring to his farm. He spent his retirement working with his cattle, baling hay, and gardening. Recently he had spent more time watching westerns on television. Curtis Baughcum was married to and survived by Kathleen Bumgarner. He was preceded in death by wife, Jerlean Roberts. He leaves children, Teresa Bivens, Tina Winn, Dwayne Baughcum and Jimmy Bumgarner. Grandchildren are Charles Page, Brandon Winn (Liz) and Conely Winn. He also leaves three great grandchildren,...

David "Dave" Nelson Christian born on June 29th, 1940, left his temporary home to be with the Lord on March 3rd, 2026. Dave was born in Jacksonville, Florida and was the son of Leland and Grace Christian. He served in the United States Navy, where he was a proud member serving his country, and four years later was honorably discharged. Dave retired from a career as an equipment mechanic and "could fix anything". He was always the first one who was called on to fix cars, tractors, and anything else for his friends and family. He was always willing to lend a hand in any situation. Above anything, he loved and served the Lord until the day he met Jesus' face to face. He took so much pride in...

Tommy Ray Craven was born July 21, 1938, to William and Rosa (Robinson) Craven of Anniston, Alabama. He joined the United States Navy in 1956 and concluded his active duty and reserve service in 1968. On June 3, 1961, he married Carolyn Rose Love. She was the light of his life and if you knew him, she was not just Carolyn, she was "Rosie". On June 8, 2025 his world was forever changed when she preceded him in death. Tommy is respected and loved dearly by his two daughters: Lea Anne (Clifton) Harwell and Tammy Shepherd. In 1975, he transferred from Oxford, Alabama to Madison, Georgia with Wellington Leisure Products. In his time there, he was very well respected as more than just a...

Larry Joe Taylor, 87, passed away peacefully at his home in Morgan County, GA on February 17, 2026. Larry was born March 27, 1938 in Ashboro, NC. He was brought home to the family farm in Denton, NC. where he spent his childhood raising chickens and cows and learning about tractors, steam engines, and helping run the family saw mill. Larry graduated as salutatorian of Denton High School's Class of '56 and went on to earn a BS in Mechanical Engineering from N.C. State in 1960. After graduation, he was commissioned as a 2nd LT in the Air Force via the ROTC program and upon earning his wings, selected C-130's as his primary platform. After 4 years of active duty he transitioned to F-102's...

James Donald Guinn, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by those who loved him. He was welcomed into eternal rest by his beloved parents, JD and Mary Guinn, who preceded him in death, along with his siblings Alvin Guinn, Audrey Pope, Jerry Guinn, and Roger Guinn. James was a man of strong character, steady faith, and unwavering dedication to his family. He shared a loving marriage with his wife, Evelyn Guinn, who stood by his side through life's many seasons. Together, they built a home filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories. He was a proud father to Michael Guinn and his wife Michelle, and Shawn Guinn and his wife...

Vonna Rue Meeks, the second child born to Dessie Mae and Fulton Meeks on September 16, 1935, passed in the loving embraces of family on the morning of January 20, 2026, at the age of 90. Rue, as she was known, was the beloved wife of William Carlton Player, Sr. ("Bill") who went before her in death on April 12, 2017. Rue is survived by her oldest daughter Mary Elizabeth Player-DiCicco ("Beth") (son-in-law Bruce M. DiCicco, Esq.) of New York, New York, daughter Amy Lanell Player O'Neal (son-in-law Michael O'Neal) of Canton, Georgia and son William Carlton Player, Jr. ("Carl") of Buckhead, Georgia. Rue took joy in her three grandchildren, Jason Player O'Neal, Erin Lindsay O'Neal, and Ira...

JoAnn Whitley Collins passed away on January 13, 2026. She was born on July 7, 1932 in Fitzgerald, Georgia, the daughter of LeRoy Whitley and Annabelle Stephenson Whitley. She was the granddaughter of Judge James Whitley and Mattie Rebecca Royal Whitley of Ocilla, Georgia. She attended public school in Fitzgerald. She graduated with a degree in Interior Design from the University of Florida School of Architecture. She also studied design at the E' Cole d' Art in the Palace of Fontainebleau, France. She was married for 50 years to the late Charles Joseph Collins, Jr., a seventh generation native Floridian and Orlando attorney. They made their home for 50 years in Winter Park, Florida. They...

Elizabeth Azalee Hester Ruark, 87, lived a life full of faith and love until the Lord peacefully called her home on January 10, 2026. Azalee was born on November 28, 1938, to George Robert Hester and Lucille Sorrells Hester in Monroe, Georgia. She moved to Bostwick, Georgia, in 1960 when she married her beloved husband, Eugene Ruark, on Christmas Day of that year, and she became a cherished part of that community ever since. Azalee's life was a true testament to her faith. She loved the Lord, her family, and her church with unfaltering devotion. She was primarily a homemaker, but prior to the birth of her first child, she worked in the office at Carwood in Monroe. She later worked part-time...

Ms. Mary Ellen Warren, of Maryville, TN, and Madison, GA, passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the age of 79. Ellen Warren lived a life that was as full, vibrant, and remarkable as she was. Beautiful, intelligent, hardworking, and endlessly funny, Ellen had a rare gift for doing everything with style, grace, and heart - even when she was mucking stalls or chucking hay. Ellen was the proud owner of Full Circle Farm, a place that reflected her generous spirit and deep love for animals. While she raised beef cows, the farm was also home to a joyful and ever-changing menagerie of rescued "misfits" she could not resist: emus, chickens, llamas, guinea fowl, peacocks, donkeys, horses,...

Carl Vester Mitcham, 71 of Buckhead, passed away on January 1, 2026. Carl was born in Swords on March 1, 1954 to Herman and Wenonah Martin Mitcham. A devote son and brother, Carl spent his adult life caring for his parents until their deaths. He was a graduate of Morgan County Schools. Carl enjoyed traveling and Nascar races. Carl was a long-time member of Swords Methodist Church and was a faithful friend. Carl Mitcham is survived by his sister Peggy Wood of Haddock and a brother, Felton Mitcham, also of Haddock. Carl was preceded in death by his parents as well as siblings, Virginia Harwood, Allone Mitcham, John Paul Mitcham and Charles Eugene Mitcham. A memorial service was held on...

Wanda Ruark Nance, age 74, of Bostwick, passed away on December 20, 2025. Wanda spent her career in public service, working in the Tax Assessor's office for Morgan County. She also worked with the Board of Education and in child care, roles that reflected her dedication to serving her community and caring for others. Wanda had a creative and inquisitive spirit and enjoyed many hobbies, including crafting, sewing, quilting, painting, 3-D printing, genealogy, and leatherwork. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Madison Chapter 335. Family was the center of Wanda's life. She was especially proud to be a grandmother and great-grandmother and cherished every moment spent...

Bobby Ray Crisp, 94, passed away on December 19, 2025. Bobby was born to William Troy Crisp and Stella Stiles Crisp in High Point, NC on November 16, 1931. Bobby served in the Marine Corp during the Korean War. Bobby was married to Huberta Alliston Crisp for 63 years. Bobby was a very talented builder and restorer of many homes and businesses in Putnam and Morgan County. Bobby Crisp is survived by his twin brother, Billy Crisp and along with his children, Cindy and Dennis Stewart, Mike and Lavan Crisp and Debbie and Patrick Watkins. His grandchildren are Derrick and Neepa Stewart, Anna and Randall Watkins, Troy and Lindsay Crisp, Ashley and Chris Ford, Stacey Watkins, Evan Watkins and...

Claude Eugene Peppers passed away peacefully on December 13, 2025 at his home in Toccoa, GA at the age of 81. He was born on October 3, 1944 in Madison, GA, the son of the late H.E. (Baby) Peppers and Grace Meadows Peppers. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Worley Peppers, a son, Darin Peppers (Amy) of Canton, GA and a daughter, DeeDee McIntyre (Shane) of Toccoa, GA. He also leaves six grandchildren: Cameron Peppers (Abigail), Carlee Peppers, Cory Byrd (Gina), Conner Byrd (Hunter), Austin McIntyre, and Lindsey McIntyre. Mr. Peppers also leaves three great-grandchildren, Hadley Peppers, Lily Peppers and Cayden Gomez. He is also survived by two sisters, Ruby Johnson of Good Hope, GA...

Denis Roy Stephens, 55 of Rutledge passed away suddenly on Friday, December 12, 2025. Denis was the son of the late, Frank and Bonnie Ballard Stephens. He was born in Red Bluff, CA on April 20, 1970. Later, he returned to Georgia and graduated from Morgan County High School in 1989. Following high school, Denis worked as an EMT and then went on to graduate from the Police Academy. He worked as an officer for several years before teaching himself to drive a tractor trailer. He earned his commercial driver's license and worked as an "over the road" driver until his health took him off the road. Denis was a volunteer firefighter for the Rutledge Fire Department. He enjoyed camping and...

Janice Marie Hinton Whitaker, 82 of Mansfield, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family. She was the daughter of the late, Otis and Wilbur Dial Hinton. She was married to Lee Whitaker. Mrs. Whitaker was retired from Pennington Seed, where she worked for over 30 years. She was a long time member of Sewell Methodist Church. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Mrs. Whitaker rarely missed a sporting event that involved her children and grandchildren. Janice Whitaker is survived by her husband, Lee and their children, Rodney Whitaker & Laura, Ryan Whitaker, Royce Whitaker & Sherry and Becky Almand & Bart. She also leaves grandchildren Wade...

Jean Bearden Long Grant, 85, passed away on Sunday, November 30, 2025. Jean was born February 11, 1940 at home in Buckhead, GA. Her parents were the late, Charles Samuel and Ola Cobb Bearden. She was a 1958 graduate of Morgan County High School. Jean spent her career with the Bank of Madison. She loved her family and time spent together. She enjoyed cooking and spent many hours on genealogy. Jean was first married to J.W. Long who preceded her in death. She later married Carl Grant, Sr who also passed away. She is survived by her daughter, Maria Shelby and a step-daughter, Linda Long. Mrs. Grant also leaves two grandsons, Daniel Shelby (Aston) and Andrew Shelby (Sabrina). The...

Richard Craig Hayes, 82 of Buckhead, passed away on November 22, 2025 at his home. He was the son of William John and Arlene Ziegler Hayes. Richard was born February 28, 1943 in Lansing, MI. Following high school, he served in the United States Air Force as a reconnaissance photographer. After his military service, he worked for National Business Systems. While there he worked with many different states, producing their driver's licenses. Richard enjoyed golfing and playing tennis. He also liked to play cards and watch sports on television. Richard was a talented wood worker and gardener. Richard Hayes is survived by his wife, Sandra Shover Hayes as well as his children, Joseph...

Bobby Beal, Sr., 90 of Bostwick, passed away on November 11, 2025. Mr. Beal was born April 8, 1935 in Apalachee to Prior and Frances Barnett Beal. He was married to the late, Tammy Patrick. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1954-1958. Mr. Beal worked for 35 years for Ford Motor Company. He enjoyed rabbit hunting and fishing and loved tending his garden. Mr. Beal is survived by two children, Becky Sims & Henry Lee and Bobby Beal, Jr. His grandchildren are Lee Sims, Hannah, Jeremy, and William Malloy, Trey Beal and Noah Powers. He is also survived by siblings, Charles Beal, Hazel Nicholson and Betty Jo Armour. He was preceded in death by his wife, Tammy as well as siblings,...

William Thomas Crew, 87 of Madison, passed away on November 2, 2025. Mr. Crew was a native of Morgan County. He was born at home on December 19, 1937 to Charlie Thomas Crew and Ivylyn Carter Crew. He was married to Gloria Herndon and worked for Sears for over twenty years. Later he went to work for Wal-Mart, where he worked for another twenty years. William always enjoyed cars and mechanic work. He enjoyed yard work and watching auto racing and football. He was a life-long member of Bethany Baptist Church and also served in the Army National Guard. William Crew is survived by his wife of 64 years, Gloria H. Crew and their children, Bill Crew (Shonda), Donna Crew Jones (Bryan) and...

Yvonne Edwards Whitten, 91, passed away on October 22, 2025 at Park Place Nursing Home in Monroe. A native of Jacksonville, FL, Mrs. Whitten was born Martha Yvonne Edwards on April 19, 1934 to James and Jewel Tyson Edwards. She was married to the late, Charles H. Robuck. Later, she was widowed again by Mr. James Whitten. She was retired from Godfrey's Warehouse where she worked in accounting. Mrs. Whitten was a member of Rutledge Baptist Church. She was very talented as a seamstress, making many clothes for her daughters. She enjoyed crocheting and loved to dance. Yvonne Whitten is survived by her daughters, Merridee "Dee" Hewatt, Charleen Clark and Barbara Lahey as well as a...

Shirley Anne O'Neal Terry, 75 of Madison, passed away on October 19, 2025 following a brief illness. She was the daughter of the late, William Albert O'Neal, Sr and Mary Lee Self O'Neal. She was married to the late, Chuck Terry. Mrs. Terry is survived by a son, Robert Armistead and one sister, Margaret Alliston. She was preceded in death by a son, Donnie Armistead. The family received friends on Sunday, October 26 from 2-3 PM at A.E. Carter Funeral Home. The funeral service was held at 3 PM in the chapel. Interment followed at the Madison City Cemetery.