Sonny Garbutt
Jesup—Frank Randall Garbutt Jr., 81, affectionately known as “Sonny” to his family and friends, died peacefully on June 21, 2023, at home under the care of Hospice of South Georgia and his loving family.
A native and lifelong resident of Wayne County, he was born on Oct. 28, 1941, in Jesup to the late Frank Randall Garbutt Sr. and Anne Morris Garbutt. He graduated from Jesup High School in 1959 and served his country in the United States Marine Corps as a radio relay man in Okinawa, Japan and Puerto Rico before returning back to the States, where he attended the University of Georgia. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.
He worked in sales for most of his career. His quick wit and charming personality made him a natural, first with International Harvester and later with Foust Textiles, selling fabric, from which he retired in 2015.
After retirement, he stayed busy managing downtown rental property and managing multiple businesses in the country.
His love of God was strong. He was a lifelong communicant of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, where he served as acolyte warden for many years.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Eliza Kay; his brother-in-law, J. Alvin Leaphart Jr.; and his sister-in-law, Florence Leaphart Stanford.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Patricia Leaphart Garbutt of Jesup; two children, Randall Garbutt of Green Cove Springs, Florida, and Elizabeth Anne (Dan) Chappell of Montgomery, Alabama; a sister, Rebecca Garbutt Aiello of Cumming; grandchildren, Hillary Dent, Isabella Garbutt, Betty Chappell, Ella Geiger and Sophie Lewis; a great-grandson, Wesley Dent; a brother-in-law, Ben (Millie) Leaphart of Greenville, South Carolina; a sister-in-law, Beverly Leaphart of Jesup; and numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family members.
A memorial mass will be held July 22 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church with the Rev. Nathan Wilson, the Rev. Dee Shaffer and the Rev. Steve Larson officiating.
The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the parish hall.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
JoeAnn Strickland Poole
Jesup—JoeAnn Strickland Poole, 85, died June 21, 2023, at Harborview Health and Rehabilitation under the care of Hospice of South Georgia, surrounded by her loving family.
A resident of Wayne County her entire life, she was born on May 30, 1938, in Hortense to the late D.L. and Mary Roberson Strickland. She worked at BellSouth for several years when she was younger, before taking a position at Collins Fabrication, where she worked for many years as a seamstress.
She loved fishing, cooking and watching Wheel of Fortune on television. However, more than anything else, she loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Roger Poole; a son, Tony Poole; and two brothers, Elmore and Johnny Strickland.
Survivors include her three children, Lori Carter, Dale Poole and Eric Poole all of Jesup; three sisters, Sylvia Strickland of Screven, Eleanor Strickland of Jesup and Goldie Hodge of Macon; one brother, Dwight (Jan) Strickland of Macon; and six grandchildren, Jessica (Houston), Tina (Shawn), Nikki, April (John), Katie (Gamalier) and Josh (Emily); 13 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family members.
Funeral services were held June 24 at Howard & Jones Funeral Home in Jesup with the Rev. Calvin Anderson officiating. The family received friends one hour prior to the services at the funeral home.
Interment followed in Red Hill Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Nelson Wasdin, Hunter Harris, Shawn Herndon, Bob Hodge, Johnny Campbell and Dale Poole. Honorary pallbearers were the staffs of Hospice of South Georgia and Harborview Heath and Rehabilitation.
Howard-Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Randy Smith
Jesup—Randy Smith, 69, of Jesup died unexpectedly on June 22, 2023.
The Toombs County native had lived in Wayne County most of his adult life and was a retired heating and air conditioner instructor for Altamaha Technical College.
Fishing and camping were favorite pastimes for the outdoorsman. Jekyll Island was also a favorite spot to spend with family.
He was preceded in death by his son, Christopher Paul Smith, and his parents, Paul and Joeann Smith.
Survivors include his wife of 22 years, Sue Smith of Jesup; three daughters, Melinda Vonkurzbach, Britney (Cale) Bennett and Miranda Orvin, all of Jesup; a son, Nicholas Jordan of Jesup; 12 grandchildren; a brother, Stevie Smith of Jesup; and several nieces and nephews.
Private memorial services will be held by the family.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
James “Richard” Moore Sr.
Jesup—James “Richard” Moore Sr., 79, of Jesup died June 24, 2023.
The Wayne County native was owner and operator of A1 Upholstery in Jesup and loved fishing, dog hunting and family cookouts.
He was preceded in death by his parents, I.J. and Jewel Jackson Moore, and siblings, Daniel Moore, Avron “Chicken Box” Moore and Delores Goss.
Survivors include two daughters, Jennie (Daniel) Hopper of Jesup and Melinda (Steve) Bernard of Mount Dora, Florida; a son, James Richard “Shorty” Moore Jr. of Jesup; two sisters, Maurice Goss of Brunswick and Bernice Dixon of Waycross; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held June 26 at Rinehart Chapel with the Rev. Randall Outlaw officiating. Interment followed in Flint Branch Cemetery. Active pallbearers were his family.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Steve Eric Mallard
Griffin—Steve Eric Mallard, 59, of Griffin died June 24, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Jesup, where he attended Wayne County High School and met the love of his life, Sue. The couple built a life together and raised a family rooted in Christian values passed down from generations before them.
He served and retired as a building official for Spalding County after 20 years. He was skilled in many things but favored woodworking the most. Using his gift of craftsmanship, he worked in the mission field, enriched his community, and loved with all he had, in order to better the Kingdom of God.
He enjoyed life and would often spread joy to aid others in doing the same. Helpful in every way, he was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need, his family said, adding that, he leaves behind a legacy that will be difficult to replicate.
A devoted family man, he was a true husband, father, grandfather “Paw Paw,” brother, son, uncle and friend, according to his family. Family was the most important thing in his life, alongside his relationship with Jesus. Next to spending time with the family he seamlessly loved and provided for, fishing was his favorite hobby.
He was preceded in death by his father, Leonard Odis Mallard Jr.; father-in-law, Don Snyder; and brother-in-law, Howard Wasdin.
Survivors include his faithful and loving wife, Sue; mother, Opal; son, Stephen (Christy); daughter, Katie (Phillip); five grandchildren, Bryson, Dixie, Ryder, Samuel and Ruth; two sisters and sister-in-law Jane, Diane (Ollie) and Debbie; four nieces, Hannah, Eryn (Paul), Audrey and Mallary; great-nieces, Emma and Alevia; and great-nephew, Maverick.
A celebration-of-life service was held June 28 at Rinehart and Sons Chapel with the Rev. Stanley Todd officiating. Honorary pallbearers were Steve Strickland, Wally Bishop, Billy Cowart and the WCHS Senior Class of 1981.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Hospice of South Georgia, 1625 Sunset Blvd., Jesup, GA, 31545.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Shirley Brannon Evans
Jesup—Shirley Brannon Evans, 84, of Jesup passed died June 26, 2023, under the care of Georgia Hospice Care.
The Tennessee native had lived in various places, including Eatonton and Baxley. The homemaker enjoyed life using humor with her family and friends. She loved to sing and cook. Her Baptist church family was always important to her wherever she lived.
She was preceded in death by her son, Kevin, and her daughter, Kellie.
Survivors include her husband of 65 years, Bobby Evans of Jesup; a son, Kirk (Tori) Evans of Jesup; seven grandchildren, including caretakers, Russ and Amanda; several great-grandchildren; a daughter-in-love, Gail Evans; a son-in-law, Ben Deen; and a brother, Tommy Brannon.
Private memorial services are being held by the family.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.