Jerry Willis Keith
Jesup—Jerry Willis Keith (aka Pappaw), 86, of Jesup died peacefully on July 12, 2023, at home surrounded by his beloved family and under the care of Hospice of South Georgia.
He was born March 28, 1937, in Waycross to the late Warren Lott Keith and Mary Emma Corbett Keith. He was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Jesup and a member of the Golden Rulers Sunday School Class.
He was a 1955 graduate of Jesup High School and lettered in football, baseball and track. His greatest memory of his sports years was in his 1954-55 school year when the Jesup High Yellow Jacket football team won the first Georgia state championship in school history. The team was later named to the Wayne County Sports Hall of Fame. His loyalty and support for the Yellow Jackets never ceased.
He spent his adult life managing and operating retail grocery stores for several national food chains. In that position, he developed many loyal employees who always praised him as “the best boss they ever had.”
He was active in many community organizations and activities, including the Elks Club and Pine Forest Men’s Golf Association, and was an elite member of the Pond House Crew, and a past Jesup Jaycee member.
Golf was one of his true passions. The gentle swish of the club, the lush green fairways, and the camaraderie of fellow golfers brought him immeasurable joy. Whether on local courses or traveling to iconic golf destinations with his sons, he embraced the spirit of competition and fair play that defined him as “the man we all loved and cherished,” his family said. His love for golf was an inspiration to all who had the privilege of playing alongside of him. He loved the Atlanta Braves, the University of Georgia Bulldogs and the Wayne County Yellow Jackets. His sportsmanship, combined with an infectious enthusiasm, drew people together and fostered a sense of community.
He was a loving husband, caring father and doting grandfather and great-grandfather. He cherished the bonds he shared with his loved ones. His unwavering support and encouragement will forever be treasured by those who knew him best, his family said.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 49 years and the mother of his children, Kay Sherrod Keith.
Survivors include his committed and loving wife of 15 years, Ruby Jean Jones Keith; five devoted sons, Dell (Janet) Keith of Jesup, David Earl (Carol) Keith of Jesup, Tim (Jennifer) Keith of Ohio, Kevin (Mary Ann) Keith of Jesup, and Kenny (Kelly) Keith of Atlanta; a daughter, Patti Kay (Terry) Phillips of Florida; 11 grandchildren, Katie, Kerrie, Hanna, Sidney, Zachary, Harrison, Emily, Jessica, Jordan, Brooke and Kathryn; 11 great-grandchildren; two stepdaughters, Lucy Dart and Sarah Copeland of Jesup; four step-grandchildren, Carlie (Joey) Farmer of Blackshear, Cary (Brittany) Yarbrough of Odum, and Cale and Cole Copeland of Jesup; six step-great-grandchildren; sisters, Jean York and JoAnn Westberry, both of Jesup; a brother, Johnny (Patty) Keith of Savannah; a sister-in-law, Pat Keith of Jesup; many nieces and nephews; and a wide circle of friends and fellow sports enthusiasts.
The family asks that as we bid farewell to him, “let us remember him for his indomitable spirit, his unwavering love for his family and friends and the countless memories shared both on and off the golf course. May his soul find eternal rest forever playing his favorite game in the fairways of heaven.”
Funeral services were held July 14 at First Baptist Church with Dr. Felix Haynes officiating. Interment followed in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery. Active pallbearers were his sons and son-in-law. Honorary pallbearers were Chris Cowart, Marshall Rogne, Garrett Lewis, Zach and Harry Keith, Vince Jern, Kolby Brown, Joey Farmer, Cary Yarbrough, Cole and Cale Copeland, Keith Boatright, Donnie Keith, Mitch Westberry, The FBC Golden Rulers and the 12:30 PFCC golf crew.
In lieu of flowers, he requested remembrances be made to Jesup First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1115, Jesup, GA 31598 or to Hospice of South Georgia, 1625 Sunset Blvd, Jesup, GA 31545.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Dewayne Baker
Jesup—Dewayne Baker, 79, of Jesup died July 15, 2023.
The Tattnall County native had lived in Wayne County most of his life and was a 1963 graduate of Jesup High School.
He was a Baptist and a Rayonier retiree, and he loved carpentry and fishing of all kinds.
He was predeceased by his parents, Tillman and Ruby Thompson Baker. and stepsons, Jay Brinson and Jeremy Brinson.
Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Marie Bragg Brinson Baker of Jesup; a daughter, Marissa (Adam) Smith of Augusta; a son, Anthony Baker of Jesup; a stepson, Jason (Acela) Brinson of Jesup; grandchildren, Addison and Ruby Smith, Bryant and Jace Baker; step-grandchildren, Mallory Phillips, J.T. Brinson and Shelby, Lottie and Jacob Brinson; a step-great-grandchild, Cannon Phillips; and several cousins.
Memorial services were held July 18 at Rinehart and Sons Chapel with the Rev. Dennie Waters officiating.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Richard Ross Jr.
Jesup—Richard Ross Jr., 39, of Jesup died July 17, 2023.
The Jeff Davis County native had lived in Wayne County all of his life. He was a former manager for Mr. Cash Pawn Store in Glennville and lately worked in the water department for the city of Jesup.
The lifetime learner loved to study archeology, world issues and technology. He loved to tinker with almost anything. His sense of humor made him very popular with his friends and family.
He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Carl Ross Sr., and his grandparents, Otis and Meta Harter and Scott Ross.
Survivors include his mother, Lynn Ross of Jesup; three sisters, Christa (Aaron) Heffley of Ludowici, Shanda (Adam) Pastor of New Port Beach, California and Michelle (John) Stacy of Moncks Corner, South Carolina; four nieces and five nephews; and a very special friend and companion, Francesca Rao of Glenn-ville.
Private memorial services will be held by the family at a later date.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Anne Elrod Cothern
Jesup—Anne Elrod Cothern, 96, died on July 18, 2023, under the care of Hospice of South Georgia.
The North Carolina native had lived in Wayne County for most of her life. She was the owner and operator of Bibles & Things Bookstore and was sometimes referred to as the “Greeting Card Lady.” She was known locally for her love of people, books, flowers and cooking.
She so enjoyed sharing with anyone and everyone. Her motto was, “Lord let me live for others that I may live like Thee.”
She was predeceased by her husband, the Rev. William J. Cothern Jr.; her parents, Fred G. and Florence Burris Elrod; and a brother, Lewis Edward Elrod.
Survivors include a loving caretaker, Cindy Goneau of Jesup; a daughter, Cathy Goza of Fayetteville; and a granddaughter, Carrie Beth (Jeremiah) Hintz.
Visitation will be held today (Thursday) from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. from Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Phil Bunce speaking at 2 p.m. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, 4th Street, Northwest, Hickory, NC 28601.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home and Bass-Smith Funeral Home of Hickory, North Carolina, are in charge of arrangements.
Deacon James R. Williams
Jesup—Deacon James R. Williams died July 12, 2023, at his residence.
Community Chapel Funeral Home of Jesup is in charge of arrangements.
Frank Randall Garbutt Jr.
Jesup—Frank Randall Garbutt Jr., 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 and Puerto Rico. After returning home, he attended the University of Georgia, graduating 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 county.
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 Garbutt 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 extended family members.
A memorial mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 22, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church with the Rev. Nathan Wilson, the Rev. Dee Shaffer and the Rev. Steve Larson officiating. A reception will follow the service in the church parish hall.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Grace Missildine
Chesapeake, Virginia—Grace Missildine, 81, died July 4, 2023, at Cypress Point Nursing Home, Virginia Beach, Virginia.
She was born Dec. 23, 1941, in Jesup, the daughter of John Tillman and Maureen (Scott) Cunningham.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a brother, Harold, and a daughter, Melissa.
Survivors include her sons, Melvin (Beth) Phillips of Norfolk, Virginia, Michael Phillips of Jesup and Calvin (Jan) Missildine of Chesapeake; 16 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; one brother, Larry (Pat) Tillman of Jesup; and many nieces and nephews.
A service of remembrance to celebrate her life will will be held July 29 at 11 a.m. at Under the Chandelier Venue, 1205 S U.S. Hwy. 301, Jesup.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish to remember her in a special way may make donations in her memory to the Fair Haven domestic violence shelter. All proceeds may be mailed to P.O. Box 1143, Jesup, GA 31598 or go online to https://fairhavenjesup
.org/ and click on the donation button.