Obituaries published in The Randolph Leader during January 1995, Randolph, Alabama
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May 2002
The Randolph Leader
January 4, 1995
_________________
OBITUARIES:
John Dallas Boyd
(WEDOWEE) John Dallas Boyd, 76, of Route 1, Wedowee, died Friday, Dec. 23,
1994, at Traylor Nursing Home, Roanoke, after an extended illness.
Funeral services for Mr. Boyd were at 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 24, at Caver's Grove
Congregational Christian Church, the Rev. Bobby Kirby officiating. Burial was in the
church cemetery.
Survivors include four daughters, Mrs. Janice Bentley of Carrollton, Ga., Mrs. Linda
Kirby of Roanoke, and Mrs. Judy Smith and Mrs. Jane Whaley of Wedowee; two sons,
Elton Boyd of Roanoke and Daryl Boyd of Wedowee; four sisters, Mrs. Hattie Creed,
Mrs. Winnie Yates, Mrs. Sallie Boyd and Mrs. Ezelle Waldrop, all of LaGrange, Ga.;
three brothers, Robert Boyd of Anniston, Ralph Boyd of Wedowee and Harmon Boyd of
Columbus, Ga.; and 13 grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers for Mr. Boyd were Thad Boyd, Randall Boyd, Michael Whitley, Dudley
Reed Jr., Shane Strain and Jason Boyd.
Mr. Boyd was a native of Randolph County, a farmer and a member of Caver's Grove
Congregational Christian Church.
Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee, was in charge of arrangements.
__________
Maggie Thomas
(ROANOKE) Maggie Thomas, 85, of Roanoke died Saturday, Dec. 24, 1994, at
Randolph County Hospital.
Surviving Ms. Thomas are residents and staff of Traylor Nursing Home.
Services were Wednesday, Dec. 28, at 11 a.m. from the chapel of Silmon Mortuary,
the Rev. Lathonia J. Wright officiating. Interment was in East Roanoke Cemetery.
Arrangements were by Silmon Mortuary of Roanoke.
__________
Blondell Cook
(LAGRANGE, Ga.) Blondell Cook, 78, of LaGrange, Ga., died Sunday, Jan. 1, 1995,
at West Georgia Medical Center, LaGrange, after a lengthy illness.
A native of Wadley, Mrs. Cook was born March 26, 1916, daughter of the late William
R. and Camilla Langley Nunn. She was retired from the Kex Plant of Callaway Mills Co.,
LaGrange, and was a member of East Vernon Baptist Church, LaGrange.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. It is requested that flowers not be sent
but that any contribution be made to East Vernon Baptist Church in the memory of Mrs.
Cook.
Surviving are two sons, William L. Cook of Belton, S.C., and Danny Jerome Cook of
LaGrange; one daughter, Mrs. Lois Ann Bass of Belton; three sisters, Mrs. Sara Chase
and Mrs. Rae Moore of LaGrange and Mrs. Vera Stewart of Roanoke; seven
grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Hunter-Allen-Myhand Funeral Home of LaGrange was in charge of arrangements.
__________
Ruth Elizabeth Saxon
(GRAHAM) Ruth Elizabeth Saxon, 84, of Route 1, Graham, died Thursday, Dec. 29,
1994, in Bowdon Area Hospital following an extended illness.
Mrs. Saxon was born in Randolph County on March 31, 1910, daughter of the late
Willis and Eller Sewell Johnson. Mrs. Saxon was a lifelong resident of this area, a member
of Shiloh Baptist Church at Graham and a retired supervisor for Bremen-Bowdon
Investment Co.
Survivors include her husband, Curtis Emory Saxon of Graham; a son, Charles Saxon
of Graham; two daughters, Mrs. Wilma Lovvorn and Mrs. Lois Ward of Graham; seven
grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; a brother, Ernest Johnson of Graham; and a
sister, Mrs. Ethel Saxon of Woodland.
Funeral services were Friday, Dec. 30, at 2 p.m. EST from Shiloh Baptist Church, the
Rev. Ray Runyan officiating. Music was furnished by Mrs. Gita Spratlin. Interment was in
the church cemetery.
Pallbearers were Byron Lovvorn, Chris Messer, Wayne Ward, Tony Charles Saxon,
Samuel Saxon and Stuwart Prince.
Rainwater-West Funeral Home, Bowdon, was in charge of arrangements.
__________
Fred Jackson Yeats
(ROANOKE) Fred Jackson Yates, 69, of Roanoke died Friday, Dec. 30, 1994, at his
residence following a lengthy illness.
He was born in Carroll County, Ga., June 4, 1925, son of the late Fred and Bertie Lee
Jackson Yeats. Mr. Yeats was of Baptist faith.
Survivors include his sister, Billie Ann Hodges of Roanoke, and his brother, Bobby
Ray Yeats, of Temple, Ga.
Funeral services were Saturday, Dec. 31, at 4 p.m. at Rainwater-West Funeral Home
Chapel in Bowdon, Ga., with the Rev. Gary Baugh officiating. Interment services
followed in the Bowdon City Cemetery.
Rainwater-West Funeral Home of Bowdon was in charge of arrangements.
__________
Maude Lester Meacham
(LAGRANGE, Ga.) Maude Lester Meacham, 92, of LaGrange, Ga., died Friday,
Dec. 30, 1994, at Brian Center Nursing Care, LaGrange, after several months of declining
health.
Mrs. Meacham was born in Randolph County, Ala., on Oct. 30, 1902, daughter of the
late Marion Jackson and Ada Lavonia Littlefield Lester. She was a homemaker and lived
most of her life in LaGrange. She was a lifelong member of Park Avenue Church of
Christ, LaGrange, and a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).
She was the wife of the late Walter E. Meacham for 74 1/2 years until his death.
Funeral services were at Hunter-Allen-Myhand Chapel, LaGrange, on Sunday, Jan. 1,
1995, at 2 p.m. with Elmer M. McCoy Jr. officiating. Burial was in Shadowlawn
Cemetery, LaGrange.
Surviving family members include two daughters, Avanelle Prather of Decatur, Ga.,
and Lois Marlene Wall of Marietta, Ga.; one son, Buford B. Meacham of LaGrange;
one sister, Clara Lester of LaGrange; one brother, Howard L. Lester Sr. of LaGrange;
eight grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and several nieces
and nephews.
Hunter-Allen-Myhand Funeral Home of LaGrange was in charge of arrangements.
__________
Janie Pate Stevenson
(ROANOKE) Janie Pate Stevenson, 55, of Roanoke died Saturday, Dec. 31, 1994, at
East Alabama Medical Center, Opelika, after a brief illness and hospitalization.
Funeral services will be Thursday, Jan. 5, at 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Riley
Street, Roanoke, with the Rev. Lathonia J. Wright officiating. Burial will be in East
Roanoke Cemetery.
Mrs. Stevenson was a native and lifelong resident of Roanoke. She was employed by
Terry Manufacturing Company in Roanoke and was an active member of First Baptist
Church, Riley Street, where she served as a member of the choir, the Usher Board and the
Young Matrons and Missionary Society, and was very active in Sunday School.
Survivors include her mother, Mrs. Helen Brown Jelks of Roanoke; her father,
Frederick Douglas Pate of Norfolk, Va.; two brothers, Samuel Payne of Houston, Texas,
and Solomon Payne of Griffin, Ga.; an uncle, James L. Brown of Roanoke; and several
nieces and nephews.
Clark Memorial Funeral Service of Roanoke was [sic - is] in charge of arrangements.
__________
Rogers Boyd
(LAFAYETTE) Rogers Boyd, 87, of LaFayette died Tuesday, Dec. 27, 1994, at
George H. Lanier Hospital, Valley.
Mr. Boyd was a member of Pine Grove United Methodist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Lurline Boyd; three daughters, Velma McMillian of
Newark, Del., and Mamie Silmon and Joyce Carwell of LaFayette; six sons, David,
Lynwood, Rogers Jr., Calvin and Freddie Boyd, all of LaFayette, and Edward Boyd of
Montgomery; 18 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Josie
Chislom of Tuskegee; and a host of nieces and nephews and friends.
Services for Mr. Boyd were Saturday, Dec. 31, at 1 p.m. from Friendship Baptist
Church, with the Rev. R. J. Brown, pastor, and the Rev. James E. Gresham officiating.
Interment was in the cemetery of Friendship Baptist Church.
Arrangements were by Silmon Mortuary, Roanoke.
__________________________________________________
The Randolph Leader
January 11, 1995
_________________
OBITUARIES:
Margarett Virginia Waters
(WEDOWEE) Margarett Virginia Waters, 69, of Wedowee died Monday, Jan. 2,
1995, at University Hospital in Birmingham after a short illness.
Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, at Benefield Funeral Home Chapel,
the Rev. Julian Murphy officiating. Burial was at Wedowee Cemetery.
Ms. Waters is survived by a sister, Mrs. Mary Alice Knight of Oxford; two brothers,
Clyde Waters and Darson Waters, both of Newell; and several nieces and nephews.
She was a Randolph County native, daughter of the late Silvey and Alice Teague
Waters. She was retired from work as a beautician.
Pallbearers were Freddie Waters, Ricky Waters, Frankie Waters, Teddy Waters and
Mike Daniel.
Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee, was in charge of arrangements.
__________
Lewis Matthews Smith
(ANNISTON) Funeral services for the Rev. Lewis Matthews Smith, 75, of Anniston,
were held Saturday, Dec. 24, 1994, at First Baptist Church of Oxford, with Ron Ethridge
and Vince Whittington officiating. Entombment was in the mausoleum at Forestlawn
Gardens in Anniston.
Mr. Smith died Thursday, Dec. 22, at Stringfellow Hospital, Anniston.
Survivors include his wife, Evelyn Carpenter Smith of Anniston; a daughter, Mrs.
Rhonda Amelia (Millie) Morrison of Oxford; a son, Edward Ronald (Ronnie) Smith of
Talladega; five sisters, Caroline Wilkinson, Vernice Hammond, Nora Bell Smith, Jean
Smith and Tina Mae Smith of Roanoke; a brother, Earl Smith of Roanoke; and a
grandson, Derek Morrison of Oxford.
Mr. Smith was a native of Randolph County's Providence community. He was a
member of First Baptist Church of Oxford, Oxford Senior Citizens Center and the Triple L
Club, and was formerly president and song leader of Folson Senior Citizens Activity
Center. He was a composer of music.
Special singing at the funeral was by the quartet of Les and Faye Cotney and Melvin
and Doris Ford. Pallbearers were John Austin, Earl Sanders, George Jones, John Bobo,
V. F. Free and Aubrey Hicks. Honorary pallbearers were members of the Berean
Fellowship men's Sunday school class and deacons of First Baptist Church of Oxford.
Gray Brown Service Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.
__________
Manuel Dowdle, Jr.
(NEW SITE) Manuel Dowdle, Jr., 68, of New Site died Friday, Dec. 30, 1994, in
Russell Hospital, Alexander City, after a long illness.
Mr. Dowdle was a native of Clay County who grew up in Randolph County. He joined
Rocky Mount Methodist Church, Roanoke, at an early age and remained a member until
his death. He was employed with Ford Motor Company in Cleveland, Ohio, for 18 years,
and was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II.
Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Louise Godfrey Dowdle of New Site; two daughters,
Ms. Gladys Dowdle and Mrs. Gloria Burnett of Cleveland; two sons, Anthony Dowdle of
Alexander City and Angelo Dowdle of New Site; two brothers, Sgt. Herbert Dowdle of
Columbus, Ga., and Clinton Dowdle of Roanoke; two sisters, Mrs. Melinda Jones of
LaFayette and Mrs. Doris Elaine Wesley of Harvey, Ill.; and nine grandchildren.
Funeral services were Thursday, Jan. 5, at 11 a.m. at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church,
Roanoke, with the Rev. R. L. Heflin officiating. Burial was in Rocky Mount Methodist
Church Cemetery. Nephews and friends served as pallbearers.
House of Hutchinson, Alexander City, was in charge of arrangements.
__________
Millard Martin Mitchell
(BOWDON, Ga.) Millard Martin Mitchell, 75, of Bowdon, Ga., died Thursday,
Jan. 5, 1995, at Tanner Medical Center, Carrollton, Ga.
Mr. Mitchell was born in Randolph County, Ala., March 1, 1919, son of the late
Newman Grady and Addie Susie South Mitchell. He was a lifelong resident of the
Bowdon area, a member of Sardis Baptist Church, a truck driver, and an army veteran of
World War II.
Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Connie Hamilton Mitchell of Bowdon; two sons,
Milton Mitchell of Rex, Ga., and Terry Mitchell of Carrollton; four daughters, Mrs. Sue
Henderson of Woodland, Mrs. Martha Thornton of Doraville, Ga., and Mrs. Yvonne
Gentry and Mrs. Becky Watts of Carrollton; 10 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren;
three brothers, Cecil Mitchell and Junior Mitchell of Bowdon and Billy Mitchell of
LaGrange, Ga.; three sisters, Mrs. Alma Richardson and Mrs. Inez Hubbard of LaGrange
and Mrs. Jeanette Henderson of Bowdon; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were Saturday, Jan. 7, at 2 p.m. from Sardis Baptist Church, with the
Rev. Jimmy Palmer and the Rev. Roy Wysner officiating. Music was furnished by the
church choir under the direction of Mrs. Vera Laney. The Rev. Steve Dempsey was in
charge of graveside services in the church cemetery. V.F.W. Post 7404 of Carrollton
folder the flag and presented it to the family.
Rainwater-West Funeral Home of Bowdon was in charge of the arrangements.
__________
Ernie Thomas Johnson
(CARROLLTON, Ga.) Ernie Thomas Johnson, 82, of Carrollton, Ga., died Saturday,
Jan. 7, 1995, following a lengthy illness.
He was born in Randolph County, Ala., April 1, 1912, son of the late Jodie and Alice
Stewart Johnson. Mr. Johnson was a lifelong resident of this area, a member of Shiloh
Baptist Church, Graham, a retired employee of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co., an army
veteran of World War II, and a member of the Graham Masonic Lodge.
Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Belle Rooks Johnson of Carrollton; and two sisters,
Mrs. Curtis Carden of Akron, Ohio, and Mrs. Avis Smith of Cuyahoga [Falls or Heights],
Ohio.
Funeral services were Monday, Jan. 9, at 3 p.m. from Rainwater-West Funeral Home
Chapel in Bowdon, Ga., with the Rev. Gus Young and the Rev. Ray Runyan officiating.
Interment services followed in Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were members
of the Graham Lodge.
Rainwater-West Funeral Home of Bowdon was in charge of arrangements.
__________
Roy S. Daughtrey [sic - Daugherty misspelled throughout]
(ROANOKE) Funeral services for Roy D. [or S.?] Daughtrey, 78, of Roanoke were
Saturday, Jan. 7, 1995, at 2 p.m. from Levens Chapel Baptist Church, the Rev. Ralph
Worley officiating. Burial was at the church cemetery.
Mr. Daughtrey died Friday, Jan. 6, at his home.
A Randolph County native, Mr. Daughtrey was born Mar. 24, 1916, son of Jim and Ina
Weldon Daughtrey. He was a member of North Main Congregational Christian Church
and a retired textile worker.
Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Lillian N. Daughtrey of Roanoke; three daughters,
Mrs. Charlotte D. Pollard and Mrs. Deborah D. Loporto, both of Roanoke, and Mrs.
Wanda D. Jeffers of Montgomery; and seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Pallbearers were Mike Jeffers, Jeff Pollard, Jay Loporto, Jerry Pollard, Michael Jeffers
and Matthew Jeffers.
Quattlebaum Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
__________
Ruth Lamerle Grant
(ROANOKE) Funeral services for Ruth Lamerle Grant, 76, of Route 1, Roanoke, were
Monday, Jan. 9, 1995, at 2 p.m. from Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Cloyse
Johnson officiating. Burial was at Randolph Memory Gardens.
Mrs. Grant died Friday, Jan. 6, at Southern Regional Medical Center in Riverdale, Ga.
A Randolph County native, Mrs. Grant was born Jan. 11, 1918, daughter of Stephen
Allen and Elsie Blanch Dollar Osborne. She was a member of Rock Springs
Congregational Christian Church and had worked in the textile industry. Her husband, L.
B. Grant, Sr., preceded her in death.
Survivors include three sons, L. B. Grant, Jr. of Jonesboro, Ga., Donnie Grant of
Roanoke and Billy Grant of Hiram, Ga.; a sister, Frances Aline Cash of Evans, Wyoming;
a brother, A. J. Osborne of Tulsa, Oklahoma; ten grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren
and one great-great-grandchild.
Pallbearers were Greg Barrow, W. C. Pate, Don McManus, Charlie Harris, Phillip
Johnson and Frank Anderson.
Quattlebaum Funeral Home of Roanoke was in charge of arrangements.
__________________________________________________
The Randolph Leader
January 18, 1995
_________________
OBITUARIES:
Hattie Norred
(ROCK MILLS) Funeral services for Hattie Norred, 81, of Rock Mills were Sunday,
Jan. 15, 1995, at 3 p.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Gary Baugh
officiating. Burial was at Randolph Memory Gardens.
Mrs. Norred died Friday, Jan. 13, at Randolph County Hospital after a short illness.
A native and lifelong resident of Randolph County, she was born Nov. 6, 1913,
daughter of Will and Lucinda Hill Sheppard. She was a member of Handley Avenue
Church of God and had worked with Wehadkee Yarn Mills.
Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Christine Hodge; one son, Benford Norred; and
two step-sons, Lonnie B. Norred and Bonnell [Norred?] of Rock Mills; and one sister,
Mrs. Mozelle Burks, all of Rock Mills; 13 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren and
two great-great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Tim Moore, Ted Bennett, James Norred, Kenneth Kirby, Gene Burks
and Billy Ray Burks. Serving as honorary pallbearers were Shane Hodge and Scotty
Kirby.
Quattlebaum Funeral Home of Roanoke was in charge of arrangements.
__________
Annie Wilson Johnson
(FORT PIERCE, Fla.) Annie Wilson Johnson, 93, of Fort Pierce, died Jan. 1, 1995.
A resident of Fort Pierce since 1918, Mrs. Johnson was born in Wedowee, Ala., on
April 29, 1901, daughter of Bud and Josie Wilson, and had been a resident of Woodland,
Ala.
A member of Liberty Grove Congregational Methodist Church in Woodland and First
Baptist Church in Fort Pierce, where she attended Lydia Bible Class, Mrs. Johnson was a
member of Baldwin Rebekah Lodge No. 33 in Fort Pierce and the Veterans of Foreign
Wars Auxiliary. She was a homemaker.
Mrs. Johnson was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd Johnson, son, James
Johnson, and daughter, Dorothy Bateman.
She is survived by her daughters, Margaret Bearden of Fort Pierce and Mildred Burton
of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; one stepson and daughter-in-law, Sherwood and LaVonne
Johnson of Fort Pierce; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-
grandchildren.
Funeral services were at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4, at Yates Funeral Home, the Rev.
Hershal Adams, pastor of First Baptist Church, officiating. Burial was at Riverview
Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions to Hospice of the Treasure Coast Inc., P.O. Box 1748,
Fort Pierce, FL 34954-1748
__________
Susan Elizabeth Earnest Golden
(ROANOKE) Funeral services for Susan Elizabeth Earnest Golden, 47, of Roanoke
were Thursday, Jan. 12, 1995, at 2 p.m. from Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, with the Rev.
Ridley Herren, Deacon Bobby Perry and the Rev. Vernon Brown officiating. Burial was at
Five Points Cemetery.
Mrs. Golden died Wednesday, Jan. 11, at her home after an extended illness.
A Chambers County native, Mrs. Golden was born April 25, 1947, daughter of Horace
Herman and Annis Truma Allen Earnest. She was a member of Welcome Home Baptist
Church and had worked as a day care provider with Jane's Playhouse & Kindergarten. Her
husband, Clyde Randall Golden, preceded her in death.
Survivors include three sons, Chris Golden, Tony Golden and Charles (Brady) Golden,
all of Roanoke; a daughter-in-law, Rachel Golden of Roanoke; and one granddaughter,
Samantha Golden of Roanoke.
Pallbearers were Carey Keele, Bobby Ray Perry Jr., Bobby Perry, Denson Dunlap,
Harold Arrington, Jack Townley, Stephen Taylor, Christopher McCollough and Eddie
Akins.
Quattlebaum Funeral Home of Roanoke was in charge of arrangements.
__________
Thomas Daniel Spradlin
(WOODLAND) Thomas Daniel Spradlin, 23, of Woodland died Saturday,
Jan. 14, 1995, in Carrollton, Ga., as the result of an automobile accident.
Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, at Providence Baptist Church, with
the Revs. Elton Overton and Donald Spradlin officiating. Burial was in the adjoining
cemetery.
Mr. Spradlin is survived by his parents, Johnny and Shelia Spradlin of Woodland; two
sisters, Holly Dawn Scott of Woodland and Pamela Diane Spradlin of Talladega; three
brothers, Timothy Wayne Spradlin of Thomasville, Gregory Neal McCain of Woodland
and Scott William Spradlin of Talladega; his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Florence Spratlin
[as spelled in obit] of Woodland; his paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Spradlin
of Woodland; three nieces and one nephew.
Pallbearers were Jeffery Owens, Horace Ellis, Junior Holloway, Bobby Crenshaw,
Mike Spradlin, Chad Wysner and J. Denzil Crenshaw.
Mr. Spradlin was a native and lifelong resident of Randolph County. He was employed
with Southwire Company, Carrolton, in the sawmill section.
Honorary pallbearers were the sawmill employees of Southwire Company.
Benefield Funeral Home of Wedowee was in charge of arrangements.
__________
Lamar Rich Plunkett
(BOWDON, Ga.) Lamar Rich Plunkett, 83, well-known clothing manufacturer and
corporate executive, longtime Georgia state senator, former chairman of the State Board
of Regents and a past chairman of the Mercer University board of trustees, died early
Saturday morning, Jan. 15, 1995.
Mr. Plunkett served five terms in the Georgia Senate, and for six years was chairman of
the Senate Appropriations Committee. He was a member of the Southern Regional
Education Board for 28 years, the longest tenure of any board member. Prior to his
appointment to the State Board of Regents in 1974 by then-governor and longtime
colleague Jimmy Carter, he served on the State Board of Transportation.
Mr. Plunkett was founder and chairman of LaMar Manufacturing Co., with a plant in
Woodland, and Bowdon Manufacturing Co. in Bowdon. He also served as president of
Bremen-Bowdon Investment Co., and chairman of Warren Sewell Clothing Co. and was
chairman of the board of trustees of the Warren P. and Ava. F. Sewell Foundation.
At Mercer, he served six terms on the board of trustees, including four years as
chairman. Recognized as one of the university's most distinguished alumni, he was a
former president of the Mercer University National Alumni Association and served on
numerous university committees, including chairing the Select Commission on University
Priorities.
Mercer University last year published Mr. Plunkett's biography, The Gift of Giving, by
James C. Bryant.
He was a director of Commercial Bank of Bowdon and Trust Company Bank of
Georgia, Carroll County and was a longtime member of Bowdon Baptist Church, where
he had been a deacon for 45 years and taught Sunday School for 25 years. He formerly
served as chairman of the Georgia Baptist Hospital board of directors and was chairman
of the Georgia Baptist Foundation.
A 1932 graduate of Mercer, Mr. Plunkett played varsity football and basketball, and
was captain of the football team.
He was the recipient of honorary doctorates from several institutions, including
Mercer. In addition to attending Mercer, he attended the United States Military Academy
at West Point. During World War II, he served for three and a half years at West Point,
rising from second lieutenant to lieutenant colonel at the end of the war.
In 1971 the State Capitol press corps named him Outstanding Senator. He has been
listed in Who's Who of the South and Southeast, Who's Who in American Commerce,
Leading Men in the United States of America, Who's Who in American Politics, and
Who's Who in Finance and Industry.
Mr. Plunkett is survived by his wife, Shirley Ann Plunkett of Bowdon; a son,
L. Richard Plunkett of Carrollton; a daughter, Dr. Elizabeth Plunkett Buttimer of
Bowdon; four grandchildren; a sister, Mrs. Emmen T. Bragg of Gray, Ga.; and a brother,
Erle L. Plunkett of Fayetteville, N.C. He was preceded in death by his first wife,
Ava Frances Sewell Plunkett, and a son, Thomas Sewell Plunkett. He is also survived by
two step-sons, Robert Barrett of Bowdon, and John Barrett of New York City.
Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Bowdon Baptist Church, with interment at
Westview Cemetery in Atlanta. Officiating was Dr. Ron Huggins, pastor of Bowdon
Baptist Church.
The family has designated two memorial funds for gifts in lieu of flowers: the Lamar
Plunkett Fund of Mercer University and the Lamar Plunkett Scholarship Fund of Bowdon
Baptist Church.
__________
Clara Heflin Smith
(ROANOKE) Funeral services for Clara Heflin Smith, 84, of Roanoke were Sunday,
Jan. 15, 1995, at 2 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church, with the Revs. Tim Whaley and Bobby
Kirby officiating. Burial was at Randolph Memory Gardens.
Mrs. Smith died Friday, Jan. 13, at Randolph County Hospital after a short illness.
A native of Tallapoosa County, Mrs. Smith was born Jan. 20, 1910, daughter of
John Wyatt and Fannie Ella Hadley Heflin. She was a member of Trinity Baptist Church
and had worked with Handley Mills. Her husband, George Smith, preceded her in death.
Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Jane Norred and Mrs. Suellen Diamond of
Roanoke; three sisters, Mrs. Mattie Will Eiland of Wadley, Mrs. Hilma Belek of
Columbus, Ohio, and Mrs. Sue Denman of Titusville, Fla.; a brother, R. S. Heflin of
LaGrange, Ga.; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Bradley Diamond, George Diamond, Russell Norred, Mark Knight,
John Akridge and Hallman Bradshaw.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Trinity Baptist Church.
Quattlebaum Funeral Home of Roanoke was in charge of arrangements.
__________
Dorothy Terrell
(ROANOKE) Dorothy Terrell, 83, of Route 2, Roanoke, died Thursday,
Jan. 12, 1995, at Randolph County Hospital, Roanoke.
Funeral services were Monday, Jan. 16, at 11 a.m. at Macedonia Baptist Church,
Roanoke, with the Rev. R. L. Heflin officiating. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery.
Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Cynthia S. Bell of Roanoke; three sons, Rhemus L.
Holmes, James. A. Holmes and Carl Terrell Jr., all of Newark, N.J.; one brother, Sanford
Collins of Norfolk, Va.; 21 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-
grandchildren.
Mrs. Terrell was born in Fairfield, N.C., the second of three children. She is the widow
of the late Carl Terrell. For more than 20 years, she was a care-giver of homeless children
in North Carolina. She was a member of Star Zion Church, later uniting with Saint Luke
of East Orange, N.J. Because of ill health, she most recently received geriatric care at
Traylor Nursing Home in Roanoke.
Clark Memorial Funeral Service of Roanoke was in charge of arrangements.
__________
Jennifer Susan Davis, infant
(AUBURN) Graveside services for infant Jennifer Susan Davis of Auburn were at Pine
Hill Church of Christ on Jan. 14, 1995, at 10 a.m. Jennifer was born on Jan. 10 to Jody L.
Davis and Susan Davis of Auburn.
Her grandparents are Mrs. Dean Lovvorn of Newell and Mrs. Martha Lyons Davis of
Riverdale.
Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee, was in charge of arrangements.
__________
Gimmie Lee Rice
(CARROLLTON, Ga.) Gimmie Lee Rice, 90, of Carrollton, Ga., a former resident of
Graham, died Monday, Jan. 16, 1995, at Tanner Medical Center, Carrollton.
She was born in Randolph County on Jan. 13, 1905, the daughter of the late James and
Mary Ellen Austin Green. Mrs. Rice was a lifelong resident of this area, a member of Big
Springs Baptist Church in Randolph County, and a homemaker.
Survivors include two brothers, Rayford Green of Graham and T. Y. Green of Bremen,
Ga.; two sisters, Mrs. Wyommie Roberts of Graham and Mrs. Eula Webb of Columbus,
Ga.; and two step-sisters, Katie Green of LaGrange, Ga., and Louise Campbell of
Bessemer.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, Jan. 18, at 2 p.m. EST at Rainwater-West Funeral
Home Chapel in Bowdon, Ga., with the Rev. Wendell Brown officiating. Interment
services will be in the Providence Baptist Church Cemetery.
Rainwater-West Funeral Home of Bowdon is in charge of the arrangements.
__________________________________________________
The Randolph Leader
January 25, 1995
_________________
OBITUARIES:
Nannie Lou Prestridge
(FIVE POINTS) Funeral services for Nannie Lou Prestridge, 98, of Five Points were
Thursday, Jan. 19, 1995, at 2 p.m. from Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, the Rev. Cecil
Halsey officiating. Burial was at Big Springs Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mrs. Prestridge died Tuesday, Jan. 17, at her home in Chambers County.
A Randolph County native and former resident of Wadley, Mrs. Prestridge was born,
May 6, 1896, daughter of William and Frances Hester Shaw. She was a homemaker and a
member of Wadley First Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband,
John Henry Prestridge, and a son, James W. Prestridge.
Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Ona Russell of Franklin, Ga., and Mrs. Ann
Guy of Aiken, S.C.; a son, Artis H. Prestridge of Oxford; six grandchildren; 11 great-
grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were Chris McCarley, Bill Prestridge, Jim Thompson, David Nelson,
Bud Waldin and Tracy McCarley.
Quattlebaum Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
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James Barton
(ANNISTON) Anniston Rotary Club president and retired Air Force Col. James R.
Barton of Anniston died Wednesday, Jan. 19, 1995, at Regional Medical Center in
Anniston from complications after suffering a massive stroke. He was 74.
Services were Friday at 11 a.m. at Chapel HIll [sic] Funeral Home, the Rev. Earl Shaw
officiating. Burial was in Wadley Cemetery.
A Macon, Ga., native, Mr. Barton had lived in Anniston for the past 19 years. He was
a 27-year veteran of the Air Force, serving in World War II and the Korean War and
working in research and development. He later worked at Birmingham Electric Co. as an
electrical engineer.
In addition to presiding over the Rotary Club, he was president of the Retired Officers
Association of Anniston and the Retired Officers Association of Alabama, a 33rd Degree
Mason, a member of National Sojourners and a member of Scottish Rite Association of
East Alabama and Birmingham Lodge 700.
He earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Auburn University in
1947, received a master's degree from University of New Hampshire, pursued
post-graduate studies at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and attended Air War
College and Command and Staff College.
Survivors include his wife, Irma P. Barton of Anniston, formerly of Wadley; two
daughters, Gloria B. Brown of Birmingham and Vanessa K. Barton Clay of Hattiesburg,
Miss.; and three grandchildren, Bart Brown, Kimberly Brown and Valerie Brown.
Pallbearers were members of the Air Force. Honorary pallbearers were the men of the
Scottish Rite Association and East Alabama Lodge 700.
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Cynthia Ann Cindy Moore
(ROANOKE) Funeral services for Cynthia Ann Cindy Moore, 27, of Roanoke were
Saturday, Jan. 21, 1995, at 3 p.m. from Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel, the Revs. S. T.
Janney and O. J. Hodnett officiating. Burial was at Randolph Memory Gardens.
Mrs. Moore died Thursday, Jan. 19, at the emergency room of Randolph County
Hospital.
A former resident of Robbinsville, N.C., she was a Randolph County native, born
June 9, 1967, daughter of Boyd Sawyer Jr. and Frances Farr Sawyer. She was a member
of El Bethel Baptist Church and worked as a dispatcher with Better Vision Cable in
Roanoke.
Survivors include her husband, Randy Moore of Roanoke; a son, Randy Clayton
Moore of Roanoke; her parents, Boyd and Frances Sawyer; grandparents, Boyd Sawyer
Sr. and Bell Sawyer of Robbinsville; great-grandfather, G. R. Griggs of Robbinsville; and
a brother, Jeff Sawyer of Roanoke.
Quattlebaum Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
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George Mack Phillips
(FIVE POINTS) George Mack Phillips, 66, of Five Points died Sunday, Jan. 22, 1995,
at West Georgia Medical Center, LaGrange, after a short illness.
Mr. Phillips was born in Randolph County, June 21, 1928, son of Elmer Richard and
Camilla Sue Dodgen Phillips. He was a retired partner of Baker Brothers General Merchandise,
Standing Rock, and had lived in the Five Points are for the past 55 years. He was a member
of Standing Rock United Methodist Church and was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War.
Graveside services were in Standing Rock Cemetery on Monday, Jan. 23, at 3 p.m.
(EST), with the Rev. Lavelle Reynolds officiating.
Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Mary C. Phillips; one sister, Mrs. Fairy P. Hogg of
Mountville, Ga.; and several nieces and nephews.
Hunter-Allen-Myhand Funeral Home of LaGrange was in charge of arrangements.
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Bettie Sue Henry
(ROANOKE) Graveside services for Bettie Sue Henry, 85, of Roanoke were Tuesday,
Jan. 24, 1995, at 2 p.m. at Randolph Memory Gardens, with the Rev. Don Quick
officiating.
Mrs. Henry died Sunday, Jan. 22, at Golden Springs Health Care Center in Oxford.
A Randolph County native, Mrs. Henry was born Sept. 15, 1909, daughter of James
Willard and Iris Weathers Cunningham. She was a member of White's Chapel Methodist
Church and had worked as a retail sales clerk.
Survivors include a sister, Mrs. Zana Young of Oxford; a brother, J. W. Cunningham
of Wedowee; and several nieces and nephews.
Quattlebaum Funeral Home of Roanoke was in charge of arrangements.
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Carolyn Annette Freeman
(ROANOKE) Funeral services for Carolyn Annette Freeman, 54, of Roanoke were
Sunday, Jan.22, 1995, at 2 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church with the Revs. Tim Whaley and
Bobby Kirby officiating. Burial was at Big Springs Baptist Church cemetery.
Mrs. Freeman died Friday, Jan. 20, at her home.
A Randolph County native and lifelong resident, she was born Jan. 13, 1941, daughter
of Sanford E. and Murscal Henderson Johnson. She was a member of Trinity Baptist
Church and had worked as a seamstress.
Survivors include her husband, Charlie Freeman of Roanoke; a daughter, Mrs. Cheryl
Hipps of Moore, Okla.; a son, Charles Pete Freeman of Niceville, Fla.; her mother, Mrs.
Murscal Johnson of Stockbridge, Ga.; three sisters, Mrs. Carlene Reid of Lilburn, Ga.,
Mrs. Vicky J. Smith of Griffin, Ga., and Ms. Debbie L. Johnson of Stockbridge; a brother,
Glenn T. Johnson of Jonesboro, Ga.; and four grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Tim Whaley, Billy Freeman, Billy Ray Burks, Steve Young, Ricky
Cummings and David Smith.
Quattlebaum Funeral Home of Roanoke was in charge of arrangements.
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Geneva Minnix
(ROANOKE) Geneva Minnix, 76, of Roanoke died Saturday, Jan. 21, 1995 at
LaFayette Extended Care Facility, LaFayette.
Mrs. Minnix was born in Chambers County June 8, 1918. She was retired from Palm
Beach Company in Roanoke after 40 years of service.
Funeral services were at Sanders Funeral Home, LaFayette, on Sunday, Jan. 22, at
1 p.m. Interment was in Rock Springs Baptist Church Cemetery, LaFayette. The Rev.
Jerome King officiated.
Survivors include one son, Raymond Terry Minnix of Roanoke; two sister, Lillian
Mathews of Valley and Raidee Lee Smith of LaFayette; and two grandchildren.
Sanders Funeral Home of LaFayette was in charge of arrangements.
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Harvey Wilson Kemp
(OXFORD) Harvey Wilson Kemp, 98, of Oxford died Jan. 16, 1995, at Spring Manor
Nursing Home.
Mr. Kemp is survived by two daughters, Doris Laney of Roanoke and Billie Toth of
East Ridge, Tenn.; one step-daughter, Frankie McFalls of Anniston; 18 grandchildren and
12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Hugh Kemp, and a daughter,
Kathleen Bowie.
Graveside services were Wednesday, Jan. 18, at Anniston Memorial Gardens, with
arrangements by Miller Funeral Home.
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Jack F. Blount Sr.
(HOGANSVILLE, Ga.) Jack F. Blount Sr., 65, of 352 Grayson Trail, Hogansville,
Ga., died Monday, Jan. 23, 1995, at West Georgia Medical Center in LaGrange.
A native of Randolph County, Ala., he was born Aug. 22, 1929, son of the late James
Horace and Susie Mary White Blount. He grew up in Roanoke and graduated from
Handley High School. He was a member of First Baptist Church in LaGrange and a
member of East Point Lodge 288, F. & A. M. He was retired from serving as Southeast
regional credit manager for GTE.
Mr. Blount's survivors include his wife, Mrs. Betty Jo Blount of Hogansville; three
daughters, Mrs. Cindy Ray of Snellville, Ga., Mrs. Linda Postell of Woodstock, Ga., and
Mrs. Georganna Tibbetts of LaGrange; one son, Frank Blount Jr. of Opelika;
10 grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Susie Barichivich of New Orleans, La.; and one brother,
Jimmy Blount of Moultrie, Ga.
Funeral services for Mr. Blount will be at 2 p.m. EST Wednesday, Jan. 25, at First
Baptist Church in LaGrange, Dr. Paul R. Baxter officiating. Interment will be in Restlawn
Memory Gardens.
Arrangements were [sic - are] by Stribling-Lucas Funeral Services, Hogansville.
The body will be at the church one hour prior to the time of the funeral. Persons
desiring to do so may contribute to the Music Department of LaGrange Baptist Church.
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Jewell Whaley
(WEDOWEE) Jewell Whaley, 89, of Wedowee died Tuesday, Jan. 24, 1995, in
Randolph County Hospital, Roanoke, after an extended illness.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 26, at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church,
the Rev. Phillip Johnson officiating. Burial will be in the adjoining cemetery.
Mrs. Whaley was a native and lifelong resident of Randolph County. She was preceded
in death by her husband James Thomas Whaley. She was a homemaker and a member of
Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church.
Survivors include three daughters, Mrs. Lana Daniel of LaGrange, Ga., Mrs. Geraldine
Simpson of Newell and Mrs. Janie Bartlett of Opelika; four sons, Jackie Whaley of
Wedowee, Robert Whaley of Auburn, Bonnie Whaley of Lineville and Bennie Whaley of
Wadley; and 21 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Pete Whaley, H. S. Whaley, Roger Daniel, Buddy Holloway, Larry
Holloway and Walter Holloway.
Mrs. Whaley will lie in state at Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee, and the family will
receive friends after 2 p.m. Wednesday until one hour prior to funeral services. She will lie
in state at the church for one hour.
Benefield Funeral Home, Wedowee is in charge of arrangements.
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