Walker County Messenger

Rosie Gerren Smith, age 91, of LaFayette passed away Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at her home. Ms. Smith was preceded in death by her husband, Oscar "Surpy" Smith; daughter, Vickie Gilbert; granddaughter, Amy Osley; father, Thomas Jefferson Gerren; and mother, Mattie Bell Durham Gerren. She is survived by her son, David Smith of LaFayette; daughter, Cindy Osley of Lavonia, GA; grandchildren, Neil (Nichole) Gilbert, Nick (Joy) Gilbert, Misty (Lee) Moore, and John (Erica) Osley; great grandchildren, Rylee, Macey, and Eli Moore, Evan and Jacob Gilbert, Roe and Mattie Osley. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 22, in the Wilbanks Memorial Chapel, with Reverend Marvin Mealer...

James McLowery (Mac) Agnew passed away on July 4, 2022 at his home in Walker County, Georgia. He was born July 8, 1933, the only child of James David Agnew and Bertie Bohannon Agnew. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his wife, Grace McCauley Agnew on July 6, 2001. He was a graduate of LaFayette High School and served in the United States Air Force. He retired from Reichhold Chemical in Kensington, Georgia and was a member of Chattooga Baptist Church. He is survived by his children: Jim (Becky) Agnew of LaFayette, Georgia, Leslie (Jay) Holder of Ashburn, Georgia, and Polly (Malcolm) Pickard of LaFayette, Georgia and by grandchildren: Laura Beth (Drew) Gandy, Matt...

Marlin Preston Morgan, 94, of Rossville, GA joined his Lord and Savior on Monday, June 27, 2022. He was born in Walker County Georgia on July 31, 1927 where he was a lifelong resident. Preston was a Christian by faith and joined the First Methodist Church in Lafayette in his youth. At the age of 16 he and his grade school sweetheart married and were married for 42 years. He was the co-owner of Morgan Produce Company in Rossville for 40 years with his brother, Neal. The business sat on the property which was the former location of the John Ross House. It was turned over to the City of Rossville for historic preservation. He was a founding/charter member of Rossville Bank now Simply...

Mr. Teddy Ray Gilliland, age 67, of LaFayette, Georgia passed away on June 20, 2022. Teddy was born on June 2, 1955 in Columbus, Georgia the son of the late John Louis Gilliland and Sybil Jackson Gilliland. He grew up in a suburb of Columbus called the Nankipooh Community. He earned a certificate in Automotive Technology from Walker County Tech and worked as a mechanic. Survivors include his wife, Nadine Gaines Gilliland; son, Michael Shane Gilliland; grandchildren, Madison Cheyenne Gilliland, Mason Eli Gilliland; sister, Mary Lynn Gilliland Carlson; brother, Dannie M Gilliland; nephews, Jerald Gilliland, Chris Gilliland and niece, Stephanie Carlson Scoggins. Due to his wishes his body...

Catherine Williams Norman, 95, of LaFayette, passed away Saturday, June 11, 2022. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Thomas M. Norman, daughters, Carolyn Sue Norman and Glenda Hasty, son Marvin Shields Norman, granddaughter, Catrina Headrick, and grandson, Dylan Clark. She is survived by her daughters, Elise Norman and Lynn (Rich) Snyder, sons, Kenneth (Carolyn) Norman and Wayne Norman, 10 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, six great-great grandchildren, siblings, Harvey L. Williams, Syble Burnette, and Ann Swanson Truman, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be held 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, in the Wilbanks Memorial Chapel with Pastors Jim Powell, Carl...

Otis Elvin Thomas, "The Dirt Mover", 82, of LaFayette, passed away Thursday, June 9, 2022. He was born in LaFayette on September 5, 1939 and lived in the LaFayette and Rock Spring area all of his life. He was raised around his father's sawmill and spent more than 20 years working his own and also working construction. He had worked at E.T. Barwick for more than 7 years and then retired from Combustion in 1995 after more than 31 years of service. Otis was well known in the LaFayette area and Owned & Operated "Otis Thomas Dozer Work" in Noble. He loved going to yard sales and spending time with friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hershel Leonard Thomas Sr. and Seattle...

Ernestine Daisy Teem, 93, of LaFayette, passed away Monday, May 30, 2022. She was a stay-at-home mom. Ernestine professed her faith at Bethel Memorial Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, David Lester Teem. She is survived by her son, Herman Lee Teem, grandsons, Zack Teem and Chad Teem, four great grandchildren, sister, Estelle Adcock, and several nieces and nephews. Graveside service will be held 2:30 p.m. Sunday, June 5, in the Rock Spring Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home Sunday from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. Arrangements are by Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home, LaFayette.

Robert John Grigsby, age 88, was surrounded by loved ones when he passed away on May 30, 2022 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was married to Carolyn Grigsby for almost sixty-six years and was father to Ellen Grigsby, father-in-law to Tracie Bartlett, and uncle to Doug and Wanda Storey. John lived almost his entire life in northern Georgia. He loved fishing, hunting, farming, gardening, woodworking, and carpentry. With family, neighbors, and friends, he shared generously, whether it was vegetables from his garden, furniture he built in his workshop, or trailers and clothesline posts he welded in his garage. The love and skill he put into every object were treasured by many, including by...

Perry Allen Reece, 82, of LaFayette, passed away Saturday, May 28, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Edith Reece. Survivors include his loving wife of 63 years, Frances Morrison Reece, children Kim (Greg) Ramey and Keith (Traci) Reece, grandchildren, Jordan (Kyley) Ramey, Jared Ramey, and Peyton Reece, sister, Judy Smith, and many other loving family members. Graveside service will be held 1:30 p.m. Monday, May 30, 2022, at the LaFayette City Cemetery with Dr. Derrick Fielder officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home prior to the graveside from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the LaFayette First Baptist Church...

Leonard Clyde "Buddy" Rhodes, Jr. passed away peacefully on May 26, 2022. Buddy was born to Ruth and Clyde Rhodes on March 10, 1934, in Cleveland, Tennessee. He was a graduate of Bradley High School and Tennessee Wesleyan University. He served in the United States Armed Forces as a Personnel Specialist and decorated Sharpshooter from 1956 to 1958 and was stationed in Leipheim, Germany. Buddy was employed as a Field Representative for the Coca-Cola Bottling Company (Thomas), Inc. from 1958 to 1962. He was the General Manager for Lake Winnepesaukah from 1962 to 1969. Under his leadership, the construction of the Cannon Ball Roller Coaster and the acquisition of the 1916 Philadelphia...

Mary Louise Freeman Sauceman passed away on May 21, 2022, at Woodleaf Assisted Living in Thomasville, Georgia. She was born in Chickamauga Georgia on November 26, 1922, to the late Joseph Bryan Freeman and Minnie Lee Atkins Freeman. She married J.C. (Sauce) Sauceman on June 29, 1940, in LaFayette, Ga. Mary was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in LaFayette, Ga, where she lived most of her life. She was a graduate of LaFayette High School and attended Edmonson Junior College of Chattanooga, Tenn. She was a member of the LaFayette Crochet Club, former member of the LaFayette Womans Club and the LaFayette Golf Course. Mary served as a volunteer at Shepherd Hills Rest Home with the...

Betty Virginia Barrett Mann, 81, of LaFayette passed away Saturday, May 21, 2022. She was preceded in death by her sister, Nell Mullis; brothers, Buck, George, H.D. "Boss", Charlie, and Bobby Barrett. Survivors include her daughter, Cindy Keith, son, Jeff Mann, four grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, at LaFayette Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at the funeral home Monday from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. Arrangements are by Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home, LaFayette.

Renee Reece McWilliams, age 57, of West Armuchee passed away Thursday, May 19, 2022. She was preceded in death by her father, Billy Reece; and brother, Max Reece. Renee is survived by her loving husband, David L. McWilliams; mother, Mary Reece; daughters, Melissa (Brice) Sherfesee, and Rachel (Wes Crumpton) McWilliams; grandchildren, Hudson and Hensley Sherfesee; and brother, Danny Reece; several nieces and nephews also survive. Services will be private. Arrangements are by Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home, LaFayette.

Robert Earl "Rob" Coker, junior went home to be with his Lord April 26, 2022 after succumbing to kidney failure. He was born in 1956 to Judge Robert Earl Coker, senior and Willa Crawley Coker of LaFayette, Georgia. He attended school there and graduated LaFayette High School. He received his bachelor's degree with honors in Communications at University of Georgia. Rob was a founder of UCTV, where he hosted, directed and produced content for the cable television station for several years before divesting to marry the love of his life Linda Wilson and move to her native Texas along with stepson Jack. Though the marriage did not stand the test of time, Robert's relationship remained on good...

Norma Jean Woody, 78, of LaFayette, passed away Wednesday, April 20, 2022. She was an active member of Ridgeway Baptist Church for 49 years where she taught Sunday school and VBS. She also co-headed the food committee for 13 years with Nell Dover. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas William Jones and Nannie Lee Jones; and sisters, Martha Russell and Mary James. She is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Charles Leon Woody; daughter, Leondra A. (Steve) Woods; son, William Kenneth Harris Jr.; grandchildren, Taylor Harris, Blake Harris, Morgan Harris, Jared (Krista) Woods, and Sarah Woods; great grandchildren, Elena Harris, Nova Bowen, Carter Harris, Mila Harris, and...

Daniel Allen Jennings, "Dan" was born on June 14, 1939, and died on March 31, 2022. He was 82 years old at the time of his death. Dan was born and raised in LaFayette, GA. He attended Fortune Grammar School and LaFayette High School. After school, he entered the Air Force. He retired from the Air Force with 20 years of service. While in the military, Dan served in many areas, both state side and overseas, including in Vietnam. His most enjoyable location with the military was Alaska. In 1987, Dan returned to LaFayette and to the family farm. His interests included farming, singing, building, and remodeling homes, talking and joking with others and helping those in need. Dan is survived by...

Sybil Lee Bohorfoush, 93, of Rock Spring went to her heavenly home on Sunday, March 27, 2022. Her final days were spent surrounded by the family she adored and treasured. Sybil was born February 12, 1929 to parents Clarence F Edwards and Emma Perkins Edwards in the Trion Ga area. Sybil married Richard Stanfield Jr and had 3 beloved children. Tragically she was widowed at a young age. She later re-married Jack Stoker and had 2 cherished daughters. Sybil went to Cosmetology school and opened her own shop in Rock Spring, GA, Sybil's Beauty Shop. She made many friends over her 50 year career working alongside her daughter, Teresa. Mrs. Bohorfoush is survived by her daughters Teresa...

Andrew Edmondson Gilbert (29) of LaFayette, GA passed away on Wednesday, March 23rd, surrounded by his loving family. A devoted son, brother, uncle, and grandson, Andrew dedicated his life to helping others. He enjoyed the outdoors and had a love of history. Andrew is survived by his loving parents Wade Gilbert Sr and Lisa Denton Gilbert, his brothers Wade (Katie Beth) Gilbert Jr, William Gilbert, Britton Gilbert, and Christopher Silvers, and a grandfather, Hugh Denton. He is also survived by nieces and nephews; Lena, Caitlin, Presley, Jaxson, and Anderson. He will also be greatly mourned by his many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his grandmother...

Jimmy C. "Toby" Parker, passed peacefully surrounded by his family under the care of Compassus Hospice at Memorial Health University in Savannah, GA on March 23, 2022. Toby was born to George Wesley and Zella Cleghorn Parker on November 12, 1935 in Walker County, GA. Besides his parents, Toby was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Woody Parker, daughter, Angela Newkirk, grandson, Paul Barton, great-grandson, Hudson Warren Smith, and a brother, Marvin Parker. Toby is survived by his sons and daughters; Thomas (Nina) Barton of Gainesville, GA, Jerry Barton of Maggie Valley, NC, Darlene P. (Brent) Shields of Rock Spring, GA, Sherry P. Smith of Sylvania, GA, Karen (Robert) Creech of...

Nickey Joe Goodson, 85, of LaFayette, passed away Wednesday, March 23, 2022. In the 1960's, he was part of the LaFayette Police Department where he was chief of police, and later retired as a safety technician for the Army Ammunition Plant which is currently ICI Americas. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Sue Goodson. He is survived by his children, Suzan Goodson (Jim) Littlefield, Nickey Joe (Selena) Goodson Jr., Cindy (Scott) Morgan, and Brittney Goodson, grandchildren, James (Theresa) Littlefield, Kaitlyn (Adam) Johnston, Sarah (Josh) Land, Nickey Joe "Trey" (Alex) Goodson III, and Macey (Logan) Strong, and four great grandchildren. Funeral service will be held 4 p.m....

Judy Patterson Rogers 76 of Chickamauga, GA died Monday- March 21, 2022. Mrs. Rogers was born March 8, 1946 in Chattanooga, TN to the late Carl and Arrants Gallant Patterson. She was retired from Red Food Stores/Bi-lo where she was worked as Floral Manager. Judy was a talented crafter, seamstress, floral arranger, baker, and gardener. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Along with her parents she is preceded in death by her husband of over 53 years, Carmon Rogers, Sr. Survivors are her children, Chip (Kathy) Rogers, Carl (Alexis) Rogers, and Julie Rogers; grandchildren, Cannon, Mallory, and Ava; and siblings C.W. (Sylvia) Patterson, Carlinda (Jack) Townsend, and Ivana...