Josh Riner
Jesup—Joshua Alan “Josh” Riner, 32, died Jan. 16, 2024, in Jesup.
Born in Bruns-wick, he lived in Wayne County all of his life and had worked at Wayne Service Center, KMart and KFC in Jesup. He was an avid University of Georgia Bulldog fan, even naming his dog Herschel Walker. He enjoyed time on his father’s boat at Shellman Bluff, country music (Cole Swindell and Toby Keith), and spending time on Jekyll Island.
He loved his family and was quick to use his phone for calling friends and for Facebook. He had a tremendous heart and “never met a stranger,” his family said. He attended House of Worship and Ministries.
He was preceded in death by his father, Barry Riner.
Survivors include his mother, Sue Muse Riner of Jesup; brothers, Jacob (Amanda) Riner of Jesup and Phillip Muse Riner of Huntington Beach, California; maternal grandmother, Betty Riner of Statesboro; a sister, Tabitha Dobi of Brunswick; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Jan. 19 at House of Worship and Ministries with the Rev. Mickey Tomberlin officiating. Burial was held in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Matthew Beard, Chase Donahue, Timothy Dean, Kasey Crawford, Harry Slone, Danny Rice, Terrence Ward and Jeremy Thornton.
Family and friends may sign the online register at www.howardfuneralga.com.
Arrangements were under the direction of Howard Funeral Home of Ludowici.
John A. Bryan
Jesup—Col. John A. Bryan, 95, died Jan. 19, 2024, at Cotton Grove Estates after a lengthy illness and under the care of Hospice of South Georgia.
He was born on Oct. 11, 1928, in Jesup to the late William Floey and Inez Elizabeth Morgan Bryan. He spent his early years in Jesup and was a member of the 1946 graduating class of Jesup High School, having served as class president before joining the United States Army.
He pursued higher education and was recipient in 1950 of a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Auburn University, where he was a member of Phi Kappa Phi Fraternity.
He received his Regular Army commission in the Chemical Corps and later attended the United States Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, California, where he earned a master’s degree in physics.
He attended the Royal Military College in Shriveham, England in 1957 and later the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, the Armed Forces Staff College and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. During his service to his beloved country, he served as a nuclear effects engineer and later, after several other assignments, served as commanding officer of the Rocky Mountain Arsenal in Denver, Colorado, and assistant commandant of the USA Ord and CML School. He retired as commanding officer of the Savanna Army Depot in Savanna, Illinois in 1980.
Throughout his career, he also worked at the Pentagon and was offered a job at the White House. His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Army of Occupation Medal (Japan) and Legion of Merit.
After retirement, he settled in Hinesville, where he began a second career as a horologist, repairing antique clocks for his customers. He operated his business, Antique Clocks Unlimited, for many years. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Hinesville and enjoyed golfing in his spare time.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Melba York Bryan, and his brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Jean Bryan.
Survivors include his son, Roger (Regina) Bryan of Lawrenceville; a daughter, Barbara Bryan of Hinesville; a grandson, Andrew Bryan of Texas; four nieces, Pat York of Jesup, Pamela (Russell) Finland of Savannah, Andrea York of Jesup and Ellen (Clyde) Wilkes of St. Simons Island; and numerous other extended-family members.
Funeral services will be held today (Thursday) at 11 a.m. at Howard & Jones Funeral Home in Jesup with the Rev. Dale Bange officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services at the funeral home.
Interment will follow in the Jesup City Cemetery with full military honors rendered by the United States Army.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Lora Lane Barwick
Jesup—Lora Lane Barwick, 84, of Jesup died Jan. 15, 2024, under the care of Georgia Hospice Care.
The Wayne County native was a member of Blanton Grove Church of God and a homemaker. She loved to cook, collecting many cookbooks, and loved looking for deals at the local thrift shops.
She was preceded in death by her former husband and father of her children, Lamar Barwick; a son, Michael Lloyd Barwick; a sister, Mildred Anderson; and three brothers, Carl, Elmer and George Lane.
Survivors include her husband, the Rev. Jimmy Dowdy of Jesup; a son, Gary Barwick of Jesup; a grandson, Blake; two sisters, Joan Kennedy of Screven and Janet Evors of Odum; two brothers, A.W. (Becky) Lane and Kenny (Brenda) Lane, all of Jesup; and several nieces and nephews.
A celebration-of-life service was held Jan. 18 at Remember the Cross Ministries with Pastor Elliott Aspinwall officiating. Private interment was in the Gardi Cemetery.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup was in charge of arrangements.
Howard A. Dukes
Odum—Howard A. Dukes, 95, of Odum died Jan. 16, 2024.
The Wayne County native was a member and deacon emeritus of Altamaha Baptist Church. He was a Jesup High School graduate. He served two years as a merchant mariner and spent two years in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, where he was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star awards.
After his military service, he worked for 38 years at Rayonier of Jesup in the electric shop and then became maintenance supervisor. He enjoyed gardening, camping and hunting.
He was preceded in death by his former wife, Mary Ruth Jones Dukes; his parents, John and Verona Dukes; and brothers, Carroll and Gene Dukes.
Survivors include two sons, Allen Dukes and Paul Dukes, both of Odum; grandchildren, Sarah, Mary Beth, Madeline, Maggie and Will Dukes; a great-grandson, Brody Stanley; sisters, Louise McDade of Savannah and Sharon (Robert) Jordan of Marietta; a brother, Ashley (Jill) Dukes of Odum; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services were held Jan. 19 at Altamaha Baptist Church with the Rev. Ryan Wilson and Pastor Bob Richardson officiating. Interment followed in the Altamaha Cemetery with full military honors. Active pallbearers were his family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Georgia Hospice Care, 141 S. Macon Street, Jesup, GA 31545.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Brandon Matthew McManus
Jesup—Brandon Matthew McManus, 30, of Long and Appling counties died Dec. 1, 2023, from injuries sustained in an accident.
The Wayne County native was a graduate of Long County High School and College of Coastal Georgia and was a Baptist. He was a former Long County recreation director and was presently enjoying farm work. He spent time with many young people and enjoyed umpiring, hunting and fishing.
He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Brantley and Melba McManus, and his maternal grandparents, Robert and Elizabeth “Tootsie” Mann.
Survivors include his mother, Robbie Mann McManus of Surrency; his father, Mark McManus of Ludowici; a brother, Casey McManus, and his mother, Carisa Drury of Woodbine; an aunt, Elaine (Barry) Thompson of Brunswick; and uncles, Brantley McManus Jr. of Jesup and Greg (Delores) Mann of Surrency.
Memorial services were held Jan. 20 at Surrency Baptist Church.
Rinehart and Sons funeral home was in charge of arrangements.
Frank Floyd Swain Jr.
Jesup—Frank Floyd Swain Jr., 78, of Jesup died on Jan. 17, 2024.
The Wayne County native served his country in the U.S. Army. He was a retired ambulance driver and former Ashley Manufacturing Company employee.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank F. Swain Sr. and Mary Alice Setney Swain; three brothers, Paul Swain, Gary Wayne “Gator” Swain and John James “Jimbo” Swain; and two sisters, Mandy Ellen Swain and Emma “Jean” Heath.
Survivors include siblings, Mary “Laverne” (Jack) Williams, Wilda Ann Melton, Margaret Harper, Patricia Earnhart, Phyllis McKinney, George “Cast” (Lynn) Swain and Harvey Moyo; a special nephew, David (Monica) McKinzie and their children, Krysie, Marissa and Tripp; and several other nieces and nephews.
Private memorial services will be held by the family.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Randy Willis
Screven—Randy Willis, 63, of Screven died Jan. 20, 2024.
The Ware County native and lifetime resident had lived in Wayne County the past nine years. He was a Baptist and retired postmaster with the Woodbine Post Office.
He had an antique Volkswagen and loved music.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Rufus and Carol Willis.
Survivors include two brothers, Freddy Willis of Athens and Waycross and Robin Willis of Waycross; a best friend, Tina Boyette of Screven; a niece, Cassidy Willis; four nephews, Dustin, Justin, Spenser and Corwin Willis; and a special dog, Baxter.
Funeral services were held Jan. 23 at Rinehart Chapel with David Simmons officiating. Interment followed in Mill Creek Cemetery in Patterson. Active pallbearers were his family and friends.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.