The McDuffie Progress

The family of Thomas Lee Williamson mourns the loss of their beloved husband, father, and grandfather to this world on Sunday, September 18, 2022, and we celebrate his arrival into the loving presence of our LORD and Savior. Tom was born in Thomson, Georgia on June 30, 1952. He was the son of the late Meryl and Woodrow Williamson. He graduated from Thomson High School in 1970 and from Newberry College in 1974. He enjoyed a career in the insurance business as he served his many clients in the Anderson area. Tom was a gifted athlete. He had a stellar football career in Thomson, Georgia as a high school quarterback and went on to become a Small College All-American. He was also inducted...

On Thursday, December 2, 2021, Neil Arrington, loving husband, beloved father and grandfather, and loyal friend, passed away at age 73. Neil was born in Thomson, GA to Earl and Maudie Arrington. He married his high school sweetheart, Anne Johnson Arrington, and had two children, Amy and Matthew. He graduated from Thomson High School in 1966. In service to his country, he became a member of the U.S. Army Reserves. Neil received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Georgia in 1971. Upon graduation, Neil accepted a position with Deering Milliken Textiles in Robbins, NC. Soon thereafter, he joined Burroughs Business Machines, Forms Division, as a salesman...

Mrs. Carolyn Gay, 75, of Dearing passed away Saturday, November 13, 2021. She was an avid reader and bird lover. She enjoyed feeding and watching the birds, admiring nature and God's splendor. Carolyn loved playing online BINGO. Her greatest joy was being Granny and Nanny to her precious grandchildren and spending time doting on them. Carolyn was recently preceded in death by her loving husband of 41 years, Ronnie Gay and their son in 1990, Shane Lamar Gay. She is survived by her two daughters, Shawana Blackstone and Kimberly (Jack) Melson; five grandchildren, Daniel (Sarah) Fayson, Jamie Smith, Grace Blackstone, Baileigh Smith and Carter Smith; and dear friend, Midge Gay. A...

Mrs. Rebekah S. Waylor, 80, passed away peacefully in her home on November 11, 2021. A life-long Georgia resident, Becky was born in Cedartown, lived in Decatur, Savannah, and Loganville before moving to Thomson. In each place, she focused on faith, family, and friends. Becky was also "Grandmommie" to the many children she nurtured in the home day care she started after the birth of her grandsons. She was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Alston Waylor, her parents, Hall and Lovella Shiflett, and her brother, Dwain Shiflett. Left to continue her love for others are daughters Toni (Rowe) Bowen and Jody (Jack) Boyd; grandchildren Joshua (Stephanie) Veiga, Jacob Veiga (Matthew),...

Mr. Billy Gene Goldman, age 87, of Fairmount, Georgia, passed away peacefully from this life to a better place while at his home on the afternoon of Thursday, October 21, 2021, after a long struggle with congestive heart failure. Billy was born January 20, 1934 in Amity, Georgia, a son of the late Alec S. and Sally Jones Goldman. He was the last of his generation of ten brothers and sisters. He is survived by his wife of sixty five years, Louise Rozier Goldman and many nephews and nieces in Georgia, and South Carolina. He was retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Carter's Dam and served as a deacon at First Baptist Church of Fairmount, Georgia. Billy was a Mason and a member of...

Statesboro, Georgia Mrs. Janie Mae Hobbs age 78 formerly of Thomson, GA. Passed away Tuesday September 21, 2021 at The Gardens at Southern Manor. She was the daughter of the late George and Mattie Zigrino. Janie retired after many years as owner operator of Wayne & Janie's Deer Processing Plant. She had also worked at Cato Department Store. She was an avid outdoors woman who loved to hunt, fish and be outside in her garden or caring for her children and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her Husband Wayne in August of 2020 and an infant daughter, Judith Ann Hixon. Survivors include her Sons; Timmy and Tommy Hixon, a Step Daughter Carol (Chess) McCorkle. Two sisters in...

Courtney Joy "CJ" Greene Courtney Joy Greene, age 32, passed away on May 19, 2021. Courtney was born on December 26, 1988 in Greenville, South Carolina to Rickey Ware Greene and Jeannie Overton Greene Smith. She graduated from Grayson High School, attended college at Gwinnett College, and was a beloved member of the downtown Lawrenceville community. Courtney was preceded in death by her father, Rickey Greene, grandparents, James E. Overton and W. Mae Weaver Overton of Pensacola, FL, grandfather, Wilburn W. (Billy) Greene of Thomson, GA, and step-grandparents Mandell and Emma Smith of Snellville, GA. She is survived by her children, Emerson John McKay and Margo Joy Greene, her partner...

Hollis Dean Bales, 73, of Thomson, GA, passed away on May 13, 2021 in Evans, GA. Dean was born in Louisville, GA to Frank and Lonnie Bales on September 15, 1947. He was married to Betty Ann Shirey for 54 years. He worked as a professional Meat Cutter and Supervisor for Town and Country Packing Company in Thomson, GA for over 55 years before retiring. Dean was dedicated to his family and was a loyal employee with an amazing work ethic. He was a loving husband, dad and grandpa. He was the most generous person - giving to everyone and wanted to help young people starting their adult lives. He was uplifting and encouraging - known for his hearty, unforgettable laugh. He is survived by his...

Susan Farr Stinchcomb, age 66, of the Greshamville Community, died on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at her residence. Born in Thomson, GA on October 19, 1954, she was the daughter of the late Milton and Margaret Smith Farr. Susan graduated from Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School and attended Piedmont College. She married Edwin "Eddie" Stinchcomb III on May 26, 1979. She worked as a secretary for Pennington Seed in Madison, GA and later for Stewart Finance Company in Union Point, GA. She was a member of Fork Chapel United Methodist Church. Susan was a great seamstress and was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother who enjoyed being with her family. In addition to her husband, Eddie Stinchcomb of...

Warren Blackmon Obituary March 21, 1948 - February 12, 2021 Joseph Warren Blackmon of Athens, Georgia died in Atlanta, February 12, 2021 from complications following heart surgery. Born March 21, 1948 in Washington, GA, Warren grew up in Thomson, GA. He was the son of the late William Fred Blackmon and Lucy Warren Marston Blackmon. Warren graduated from Thomson High School, where he was an Eagle Scout; earned varsity letters in football, basketball, and tennis; and was Senior class President. Upon completion of two years at Young Harris College he graduated from what is now Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville. After spending 20 years in banking, he moved to Athens, GA...

The memorial service for the late "Lallie" Benkoski of Albany, who departed this life on 16 January 2021 at Pruitt Healthcare, Sylvester, Georgia, will be held on 20 January 2021 at 2:00 P.M., with visitation beginning at 1:00 P.M. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, Albany, Rev. "Biff" Coker officiating. "Lallie" was born 24 January 1926 in Thomson, Georgia to the late Obedience "Obie" Rogers Dozier and Alice Louise Brinkley Dozier. Alice Elizabeth Dozier is her given name but has been called "Lallie" all her life by Friends and Family. She was preceded in death by husbands, Frank L. Jones, Jr. and Stanley J. Benkoski and daughter, Elizabeth Ledell Jones Murphy. Lallie graduated from...

William David "Bill" Ansley, 70, of Waynesboro went home to be with the Lord on Monday October 12, 2020. He was born on September 18, 1950 in Kissimmee, Florida, to the late Talmadge and Ouida Durrence Ansley. Bill loved the Lord Jesus Christ with all of his heart. He pastored the Wren's Church of the Nazarene for seven years and was a member of the Augusta First Church of the Nazarene. He was a very hardworking and industrious man, with a tremendous talent in woodworking. Bill was an employee of Temple Inland in Thomson for over 20 years. He was a wonderful and loving husband, father, and grandfather. Bill will be dearly missed by his family and friends. In addition to his parents, he was...

James Andrew Love Thomson, GA - James Andrew Love, 58, husband of 40 years to Bridget Love, entered into rest Friday, August 21, 2020, at University Hospital. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Mr. Love, son of the late Idether Vickery Love and Charles J. Love, was born in Macon, GA. He was self-employed as an auto mechanic and was a member of Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Thomson. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Ronnie Love, Terry Love, George Cooper, and Billy Love; and his sisters, Shirley Ellis and Virginia Love. In addition to his wife he is survived by his children, Gina Love, Jackie Ingram (Dion), Kristen Love, and Brooke...

Kerry Brooks "Bouke" Burnsed, Jr. Warrenton -Kerry Brooks "Bouke" Burnsed, Jr., 50, died Sunday, March 15, 2020. The Effingham County native was a forester with Hawkins Logging. He was a 1988 Effingham County High School graduate and an ABAC graduate. Kerry loved to hunt and fish and was a member of the Warren/McDuffie chapter of the NWTF. He is survived by his son, Andrew Price; parents, Kerry and Rose Burnsed; brothers, Timmy Burnsed (Marci) and Chris Burnsed (Shannon); nieces/nephews, Megan Hayes (Brandon), Timothy Burnsed, Haylee Burnsed, Caylee Burnsed, and Brooks Burnsed; great-nephew, Boone Hayes; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, and very special friends and coworkers who were...

H. Duggan (Dug) Grimes, age 82, was born August 27, 1937 in Baldwin County, Milledgeville, GA to Charlie Clark Grimes, Sr. and Nina Louise Taylor Grimes. He was the second of six children born in this union. Preceding him in death are his parents, his infant sister, Linda Fay Grimes, his brother, Charlie Clark Grimes, Jr. and his only child, Gregory Duggan Grimes. Dug is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jo Ann Williams Grimes of Milledgeville, formerly of Gibson, GA., a granddaughter, Tiffany Shannon Grimes of Easley, SC., two great-granddaughters, Savannah Thompson and Kiley Caldwell, three brothers, Richard (Sheila) of Riverton, Utah, Bo (Pam) of Redding, California, and Ben (Dottie)...

Herbert Purvis, Jr., 84, of Anderson, SC, passed away Tuesday, September 17, 2019 at his home. Born August 5, 1935 in Warren County, GA, he was a son of the late Herbert Purvis and Florence Hood Purvis. He was married to the late Vylene Day Purvis. Herb served his country as a captain in the US Army and was a graduate of Florida State University having earned a bachelor's degree in Finance. He worked for Milliken for over 48 years and was an active member of Grace Episcopal Church for the last 40 years. He is survived by his son, Bert Purvis his wife Laura and grandsons, Ben and Sam Purvis, all of Virginia Beach, VA. In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by his...

Nathaniel "Shag" Tyus (94), passed away on July 30, 2019. Shag was born to Ophelia T. Lowe on May 9, 1925 in Mayfield, GA. One of Shag's proudest moments was when he won the Congressional Gold Medal for his service with the Montford Point Marines. Shag is predeceased by his daughters, Linda Wagner and Teresa Wilson. He is survived by his children, Sherry, Nathaniel Jr., Diane, Tyrone, Carol, Jennifer, Marie (Warren), Antonio, Michele (Jason), Sonia and Carlos (Lyris); as well as 25 grandchildren and a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. A service for Shag will be held later in Georgia and further information will be available at baldwincremation.com when it is...

Laura Lee Parker, 90, passed away Tuesday July 23, 2019 at Oaks at Pooler Senior Living facility.She was raised in Savannah and graduated from Savannah High School in 1947. She spent a good portion of her life in Thomson, Georgia and was an active member of many organizations such as being on the Board of Habitat for Humanity and coordinating shelters in Thomson Georgia for the American Red Cross .She was currently a member of Dearing United Methodist Church in Dearing, Georgia. It did not matter what church she was a part of, she was always an active participant.Her life revolved around serving/helping others. She was first employed for the Chatham County Board of Education in Savannah,...

Mr. Henry Thomas entered into rest July 9, 2019. Henry was a long-time resident of Augusta and Thomson. He was the son of the late Robert Bernard Thomas, Sr and the late Blanche Tate Thomas. Henry was born in Augusta and attended the Academy of Richmond County. He retired from Augusta State University after a career managing the Maxwell Performing Arts Theater and acting as the Assistant Golf Coach for over thirty years. Survivors include his wife, Jody Harshman Thomas; son, Joshua Thomas (Dottie) of Thomson, GA; daughter, Corie Thomas Johnson (Aaron) of Thomson, GA; 3 beloved grandchildren, Ridge Thomas Johnson, Josey Tate Johnson, and Henry Austin Thomas; brother Robert Bernard Thomas,...