Howard-Jones
Kenneth Curtis Kelly
Jesup—Kenneth Curtis Kelly, 55, died Nov. 12, 2022.
He was born on June 25, 1967, in Ocala, Florida, to the late Frank and Janet Worley. In March of 2005, he married his soulmate, Brandi Elaine Hayes, and the couple settled in Jesup, where they have resided for the past 17 years.
He was a movie fanatic and always loved watching the newest movies. He enjoyed going out and shooting guns with his children and spent most of his days working at Mr. Cash Pawn Shop. He had a heart for the homeless community and was passionate about helping with that ministry. When he wasn’t at work, he enjoyed being at home in his recliner, spending time with his family.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Curtis and Kathleen Colton of Ocala, Florida; paternal grandparents, J. Frank Worley Sr.; and stepsister, Casselle LaPointe of Ocala, Florida.
Survivors include his wife of 17 years, Brandi Kelly of Jesup; his four children, Erin (Hunter) Greene of Monticello, Florida, and Cody, Hannah and Elijah Kelly of Jesup; his stepmother, Margie Worley of Bell-view, Florida; his sister, Suzanne Worley of Lacey’s Spring, Alabama; a stepbrother, Scott (Carol) Causseaux of Debary, Florida; a brother-in-law, Jason (Lena) Hayes of Jesup; a close cousin, Jennifer Kelly (Jeff) Sickels of Ocala, Florida; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Perry and Rita Hayes of Jesup; nieces and nephews, Katie (Noah) Keller of Ocklawaha, Florida, Steve Hall of Lacey’s Spring, Alabama, and Nick (Maegan) Hall of Athens, Alabama; and grandchildren, Emma and Jackson Greene of Monticello, Florida.
Visitation will be held today (Thursday) from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Howard & Jones Funeral Home in Jesup.
Funeral services will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at Howard & Jones Funeral Home with the Rev. Roger Mercer officiating.
Interment will follow in Old Bethel Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Hunter Greene, Cody Kelly, Elijah Kelly, Keith Morgan, Luke Moger and Jason Hayes.
Remembrances may be made to Saved By Grace, Southeast Georgia, 186 Cornerstone Dr., Brunswick, GA 31523 or Tabitha’s Place, 247 S. Second St. Jesup, GA 31545.
Howard-Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Cynthia Collett Denison
Jesup—Cynthia Collett Denison, 74, died peacefully on Nov. 13, 2022, at home under the care of Hospice of South Georgia.
A native and lifelong resident of Wayne County, she was born on Aug. 10, 1948, to the late Francis Loree Wilson and Juanita Grantham Wilson.
She worked several different places throughout her lifetime, including the Wayne County Board of Education and Walmart, from which she retired several years ago.
She was a longtime member of the Bethlehem Baptist Church, and she loved fishing and cooking for her family in her spare time.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Patricia Lairscy, and a daughter, Delinda Rolls.
Survivors include her husband, Ronald Denison of Jesup; two sons, Manuel Collett of Jesup and Ernest (Angela) Rolls of Jesup; a sister, Frances Cronan of Covington; grandchildren, Vanessa Wilder, Brandon Rolls, Manuel Collett Jr. and Dylan Collett; great-grandchildren, Raena Rolls, Ayden Meredith, Brenton Rolls, Isaac Meredith, Ryker Collett and Roman Collett; and numerous extended-family members.
Funeral services were held Nov. 16 at Bethlehem Baptist Church with Pastor Mike Wilder officiating.
Interment followed in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers were Manuel Collett Jr., Ayden Meredith, Dylan Collett, Alan Bagley, Isaac Meredith and Brenton Rolls.
Family and friends may sign the guestbook online at www.jesupfuneralhome.com.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Wilburn “Buck” Nall
Jesup—Wilburn “Buck” Nall, 83, died Nov. 11, 2022, at home under the care of Hospice of South Georgia Inc.
A resident of Jesup for the past 12 years, he was born on Sept. 26, 1939, in Bacon County to the late L.G. and Ethel Medders Nall.
He was a graduate of Bacon County High School, Class of 1958. During his lifetime, he worked several different jobs, including farming and equipment operating. He even owned a real estate company in Cocoa, Florida, for several years before returning “back home” to Bacon County, where he took a job working for the county until retirement. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing. He spent countless hours on the river throughout his life, and when he wasn’t fishing, he was engaged in woodworking. He had mastered the art of working with wood and was an expert with a lathe.
He was a lifelong member of Big Creek Baptist Church in Bacon County.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Wayman, Mason, John, Carey and Doc, and his stepson, Thomas Bradford III.
Survivors include his wife, Elaine Bradford Nall of Jesup; two stepsons, Steven Johnson of Alma and Lee Bradford of Jesup; a niece, Tanya Nall; two nephews, Wayne and Eric Nall; and several grandchildren.
Services will be private.
Family and friends may sign the guestbook online at www.jesupfuneralhome.com.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Sylvia Smith
Jesup—Sylvia Smith, 78, of Jesup, formerly of Posen, Illinois, died on Nov. 12, 2022 at home.
She was born on Sept. 26, 1944, in Harvey, Illinois, daughter of the late Stephen and Stephanie “Pat” Bielenin.
She was an avid animal lover. She has raised various animals throughout her career including pigeons, chickens and birds to rabbits and goats. She eventually followed her passion and founded Cherub Acres, where she raised Pomeranians and Chihuahuas until her final days. She was a member of the New Vision of New Life Church and truly loved dogs with all her heart.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Thomas Smith; and her sister, Shirley Scalia.
Survivors include her daughters, Laurie (Joe) Zawisza and Natasha (Daniel) Odom; her son, Robert Smith; 14 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one soon-to-be great-grandchild; and a host of extended- family members and friends.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 19, at 3 p.m. at Howard & Jones Funeral Home in Jesup with the Rev. Ryan Sweat officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services at the funeral home.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Rinehart & Sons
Ellen Rogers Tyre
Jesup—Ellen Rogers Tyre, 75, of Jesup died Nov. 8, 2022.
The Wayne County native was a member of Spring Grove Freewill Baptist Church and a retired customer service representative with Satilla REMC. She was an avid scrapbooker.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Grover and Lois Rogers, and a son, Chris McDuffie.
Survivors include her husband of 43 years, Kenzie Tyre of Jesup; a daughter, Kenza (Tony) Murray of Springfield; five grandchildren, Chandler, Audrey, Katie, Colton and Easton; a great-grandchild, Blakleigh Kate; a brother, Irvin (Rosemary) Rogers of Jesup; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Nov. 12 at Rinehart and Sons Chapel with Pastor Tim Brantley officiating. Interment was in Spring Grove Freewill Baptist Cemetery. Pallbearers were family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of South Georgia Building Fund, 1625 Sunset Blvd, Jesup, GA. 31545.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Byron “Buck” Patterson
Screven—Byron “Buck” Patterson, 75, of Screven died Nov. 9, 2022.
The Wayne County native was of the Baptist faith. The U.S. Army veteran was a retired ITT Rayonier employee and liked to plant a garden. For a hobby, he loved to work on lawn mowers for his friends. Playing solitaire on the computer also occupied his time. Ford trucks and his 1976 Harley- Davidson motorcycle were his choices of transportation.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Rudeen Patterson; a sister, Gail Arnold; a half-sister, Sybil Strickland; and a great-granddaughter, Averlee Kate Gill.
Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Ann Bass Patterson of Screven; two daughters, Kimberly (Chad) Scott of Jesup and Amber (Bryan) Gill of Screven; five grandsons, Jordan (Amber Jackson) Sullivan, Andy (Morgan Harrill) Sullivan, Avery (Dusti) Gill, Colby (Meagan) Gill and Bryce (Hannah Rish) Gill; several great-grandchildren; and a half-sister, Yvonne Butler of Belleview, Florida.
Funeral services were held Nov. 12 at Rinehart and Sons Chapel with the Rev. Gerald Greenlee officiating. Interment followed in the O’Quinn Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were family Jordan, Andy and Mark Sullivan and Avery, Colby and Bryce Gill. Honorary pallbearers were his fellow retired Rayonier employees.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of South Georgia, 1625 Sunset Blvd., Jesup, GA. 31545.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Dave Harrell
Jesup—Dave Harrell, 78, of Jesup died Nov. 10, 2022.
The Glynn County native and former resident of White Oak and Bruns-wick had lived in Wayne County the past 20 years. He was a member of Jesup First United Methodist Church.
The 38-year retired U.S. Army veteran served as second lieutenant of the 173rd Airborne Brigade in the Vietnam War. After the war, he served with the Green Beret Special Forces Unit in Savannah and then taught Army Command School in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Later, he was a reserve unit commander of engineering at King’s Bay facility when it transferred to the U.S. Navy. He retired honorably as a lieutenant colonel.
The 1962 Camden County High School graduate earned his bachelor’s degree at Georgia Southern College and continued to root for his beloved Eagles. Braves baseball was also a favorite pastime, along with the Georgia Bulldog football team.
The self-employed communications specialist owned Microtechnology Southeast.
He was an avid workout enthusiast. His office gym was affectionally known as the “Hidey-hole.” He also had a love for books, passed down from his mother, Lucille.
He was preceded in death by his parents, A.D. and Lucille Harrell; a sister, Marjorie Cauffiel; and a grandson, Greg “Bubba” Harrell Jr.
Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Kathy Harrell of Jesup; four sons, Greg (Tina) Harrell of Nichols, David (Stephanie) Harrell of Savannah, Kenneth Harrell of Sea Grit, New Jersey, and Bennett Harrell of Savannah; four grandchildren, Diona (Christopher) Williams, Andrew Harrell, Cory Harrell and Davey Harrell; a great-grandson, Gregory “G.G.” Williams; a sister, Patricia Bird of The Villages, Florida; a brother, Wendell (Ann) Harrell of Brunswick; several nieces and nephews; and his two “fur babies,” Redd Fox and Lamont.
A celebration-of-life service was held Nov. 14 at Jesup First United Methodist Church with Pastor Rebecca Duke-Barton officiating along with the presentation of the U.S. flag. Honorary pallbearers were members of the Drop-in Sunday School Class of Jesup FUMC and the Liar’s Club.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Jesup First United Methodist Church, 205 E. Cherry Street, Jesup, GA 31546 or the Harold M. and Catherine D. Sandiford Memorial Scholarship, Georgia Southern University Foundation, 1332 Southern Drive, Statesboro, GA 30458.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Brenda Sue Rice
Jesup—Brenda Sue Rice, 64, of Jesup died at her sister’s residence after a short illness.
The Wayne County native was a Christian and a retired manager with Gibbs Insurance Company. She was preceded in death by her parents, William Henry and Melvine Manning Rice, and her two sisters, Teresa Carter and Deborah Hadlock.
Survivors include a son, William Hadlock of Jesup; four grandchildren, Patience, Brice, Colin and Ian; two sisters, Marion Mowan of Kingsland and Lori Perry and Lockwood, New York; two brothers, William Rice of Nichols and Ward Rice of Jesup; and several nieces and nephews.
Graveside funeral services were held Nov. 15 in Screven City Cemetery with nephew, Josh Mowan, officiating.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Thomas A. “Tom” Blocker
Jesup—Thomas A. “Tom” Blocker, 83, of Jesup died Nov. 12, 2022, surrounded by family.
The Wayne County native was a member of Crossroads Church of God. He was known as a master builder who left his mark wherever he took on a job. His work was much appreciated by many customers as they would note that he was such a talented man and took great care of his family. He loved saltwater fishing and enjoyed visiting with friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 37 years, Melva Drawdy Blocker; a sister, Betty Jo Blocker; and his parents, Carroll and Willie Mae Blocker.
Survivors include daughters, Sonia Blanton, Lisa (Glenn) Miller and Deborah (Glynn) Goober, all of Jesup; sons, Mike (Kathy) Blocker of Jesup and Neal (Sherry) Brannen of Dalton; sisters, Carolyn Durden of Metter and Louise (Maurice) England of Waycross; eight grandchildren, Emma and Ellie Blanton, Chasity (Russell Drew) Landon and Chelsea (Erik) Mattingly, Michael Jr. (Heather) Blocker, Hunter Blocker and Brandon Goober; several great-grandchildren; a great-great granddaughter; several nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Harry (Anna) Lane of Jesup.
Celebration-of-life services were held Nov. 14 at Rinehart and Sons Chapel with the Rev. Dickie Waters and the Rev. Hulet Smith officiating. Interment followed in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery. Active pallbearers were his grandsons and great-grandsons.
In lieu of flowers, memorials should be made to Hospice of South Georgia, 1625 Sunset Blvd., Jesup, GA 31545.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup was in charge of arrangements.
Thelma Stephens
Jesup—Thelma Lee Watson O’Neal Steph-ens, 96, the family’s sweet Mama and Mema, died Nov. 12, 2022.
She was a longtime member of Jesup Christian Fellowship Church and, at the time of her death, a member of God’s Way Worship Center. She was well-loved by everyone who knew her and “never met a stranger”. She loved God, her family and friends and was known far and wide for her extraordinary sewing skills.
At 96 years old, she was the last of her siblings and all of her in-laws. She was predeceased by her husbands, Archie L. O’Neal Sr. and William T. “Bit” Stephens Sr.; a son, William T. Stephens Jr. (Tommy); and two daughters, Elanor Jane O’Neal and Nancy L. Stephens.
Survivors include her sons, Retired USMC Master Sgt. Archie L. (Debi) O’Neal Jr. of Lanette, Alabama, Jim O’Neal of Jesup, Retired USA Maj. Daniel L. (Mary) O’Neal of Jesup, and David (Denise) Stephens of Lavelle, Wisconsin; daughters, Shirley O’Quinn of Pendergrass, Anona Kay O’Neal, Linda O’Neal and Doreen O’Neal, all of Jesup; 25 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews, nieces and friends.
Celebration-of-life services were held Nov. 15 from Rinehart and Sons Chapel with the Rev. Harold Hand and the Rev. William Sloan officiating. Interment was in Flint Branch Cemetery. Active pallbearers were her grandsons.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Jenilyn “Jeni” Moody
Screven—Jenilyn “Jeni” Moody, 52, of the K’ville community died Nov. 9, 2022.
The Augusta native had lived in Wayne County most of her life, attended Jesup First Baptist Church when she was younger and was a member of New Bethel Baptist Church.
She was a former licensed practical nurse with Satilla Regional Medical Center after attending ABAC and Augusta University.
The animal lover enjoyed fishing and dove hunting and riding the country roads.
Her father, Wallace “Wally” Moody, preceded her in death.
Survivors include a lifelong companion, Todd Nash of the K’ville community; his daughters, Heidi Nash and Cinnamon Drawdy; their daughters, Addie and Aubrey; her mother, Pat Moody of Jesup; a sister, Julie (Doug) Bridger of Florida; a nephew, Miles (Heather) Moseley of Jesup; and several aunts and uncles.
Graveside service were held Nov. 12 in Odum City Cemetery with the Rev. Dennie Waters officiating. Active pallbearers were family and friends.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Robert “Bob” J. Waters III
Jesup—Robert “Bob” J. Waters III, 64, of Jesup died Nov. 9, 2022.
The Wayne County native was a 1976 graduate of Wayne County High School and Waycross Technical College.
The retired engineer with CSX Railroad also worked with Sears and Roebuck.
He was predeceased by his parents, Robert Jr. and Betty Waters.
Survivors include his wife of 10 years, Carol Waters of Jesup; two daughters, Mandee Waters and April Waters, both of Jesup; stepchildren, Amy (Gene) Ivey of Jesup and Michael (Melanie) Griffis of Brunswick; three sisters, Barbara (Dr. Mitchell) Reddish of DeLand, Florida, Anne (Larry) Thompson of Statesboro and Mary Waters of Jesup; grandchildren, Gavin Barnhart, Hunter (Caroline) Jernigan, Logan Jernigan, Aaron Ivey and Case Griffis; a great-grandchild, T.J. Jernigan; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Nov. 13 at Rinehart and Sons Chapel with Dr. Mitchell Reddish and Mike Deal officiating. Interment followed in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Hunter Jernigan, Rusty Thompson, Clay Thompson, Conner Thompson, Brennon Harter and Justin Harter. Honorary pallbearers were his CSX friends and co-workers, Adrian and Mitchell Brewer.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Judy Bennett
Jesup—Judy Bennett of Jesup died Nov. 12, 2022.
The Wayne County native was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and was a 15-year dental hygienist employed with several dentists.
She enjoyed shopping, cooking and playing the piano.
She was predeceased by her parents, Elmo and Bobbie Jones Bennett, and a brother, Mayo “M.L.” Bennett.
Survivors include several nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.
Graveside funeral services were held Nov. 16 in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery with the Rev. Vann Dempsey officiating.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Frye
Randy Ray Nabb
Hortense—Randy Ray Nabb, 48, of Hortense died Nov. 10, 2022, at HCA Florida Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville after an extended illness.
Born in Jesup, his parents are Bobby Ray Nabb of Waycross and the late Kathleen Roberson Nabb. He was also preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Emory and Corine Roberson; his paternal grandparents, Willie and Clarie Nabb; and his mother-in-law, Donna Burt.
He was a pipefitter for Local Union No. 188. He loved grilling, fishing, remodeling and was an avid University of Georgia Bulldog fan.
Survivors include his wife, Maya Nabb of Hortense; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Shaun (Madison) Fu of Jesup and Austin Pap of Alaska; three daughters, Corrine Nabb of Jesup, Colleen Nabb of Hortense and Alexis Dybe of Brunswick; his father and stepmother, Bobby Ray Nabb (Nancy Walker) of Waycross; a brother and sister-in-law, Billy Ray (Angela) Nabb of Hortense; his father-in-law, Monty Burt of Hortense; stepgrandmother, Novis Roberson of Hortense; three stepbrothers, Troy Walker of Waycross, Cannon Walker of Waycross and Brain Walker of Brunswick; and several other relatives and a host of friends.
Funeral services were held Nov. 15 at Satilla Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. Terry Jackson officiating.
Pallbearers were Shaun Fu, Alexis Dybe, Wade Townsend, Charlie Rewis, Kevin Davison and Kris Shead. Honorary pallbearers were Corrine Nabb, Madison Fu and Colleen Nabb.
Family and friends may sign the online registry at www.fryefh.com.
Frye Funeral Home of Nahunta was in charge of arrangements.
Out of Town
Robert Franklin Parks
Brunswick—Robert Franklin Parks, 86, died on Nov. 13, 2022.
He was born Nov. 6, 1936, in Jesup to Bernice and Kenneth Parks. He grew up on his family’s farm outside town. He met Yvonne Harmon, the love of his life, in junior high school, and they married in 1961. They moved to Brunswick, where they spent their married life.
He owned the Dairy Queen on Norwich Street in the 1970s and 1980s. Many people who came to work for him became like family. After selling the Dairy Queen, he worked for the former Captain’s Table Restaurant and then for Max Transport St. Simons. In all his work, he always enjoyed meeting everyone he came in contact with and made friends with many of them. He was always willing to help anyone in need and gave often his time, energy and resources. He had a “great heart,” his family said..
He was a member of First Baptist Church for as long as he lived in Brunswick. For about 25 years, the 9- and 10-year-olds who attended First Baptist had him as one of their Sunday school teachers. He enjoyed spending time with the kids as they began to learn about Jesus. He also enjoyed bowling, Nascar, University of Georgia football and traveling. He had a great ability to enjoy life, as well as a good afternoon nap, his family said.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 61 years, Yvonne Harmon Parks; two daughters, Wendy Steele and Julie Curtis; two granddaughters, Kylie and Maddie Curtis; two sisters, Ginger Lewis and Kay Fries; and a brother, Richard Parks. His family said he will be missed by many and remembered and loved always.
A memorial service will be held at Brunswick Memorial Park Funeral Home today (Thursday) at 2 p.m.
The family said it will be forever grateful to the “wonderful” staff at HomeLife on Glynco. They cared for him in his final months and provided far more than physical care—they gave him comfort, support and love, his family said. Brunswick Memorial Park Funeral Home/Golden Isles Cremation Center is in charge of arrangements.
Carole Virginia Woodward
Arlington, Virginia —Carole Virginia Woodward, 89, of Arlington, Virginia, died on July 28, 2021.
She was born in Jesup on Nov. 12, 1931. Her father was John Richard Woodward Jr.
The Jesup native graduated from Jesup High School in 1949 and worked in a series of Georgia state and federal government jobs before retiring in the 1990s.
During her career as a federal employee, she worked on the staffs of three U.S. congressmen and served in the foreign service in Greece and South Africa. Later, she joined the Congressional Liaison Staff of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and served in Myanmar. She also supported congressional delegations, traveling to Central and South America, Russia, China, Africa, and the Middle East.
In 1978 President Jimmy Carter wrote a Presidential Letter of Commendation to Woodward, noting her “Contribution to the improvement of government operations.”
She was a multimillionaire through her investments and was generous to family, friends and charities throughout the course of her life. Charities for children and battered women were especially valued.
She was preceded in death by her brother, John R. Woodward III, and her mother and father.
Survivors include her nephews, Timothy Wade Woodward and Michael Patrick Woodward, and grand-nephew, Raven Allen Woodward, all of Jesup.
Memorials may be made to Wayne County Protective Agency Inc., POB 1153, Jesup, GA 31598.
Interment was in Columbia Gardens in Arlington.