• Rinehart & Sons
Ruby Jean Jones Keith
Jesup—Ruby Jean Jones Keith, 87, of Jesup died Oct. 29, 2024 under the care of Hospice of South Georgia.
The Clinch County native was a member of First United Methodist Church of Jesup, where she taught Sunday school when her girls were young, and she also worked with the Methodist Youth Fellowship group and high school students and served on numerous other committees.
She was a 1955 graduate of Jesup High School ,where she was in the band, played basketball and was president of the Yellow Jackets Sports Club. This was the year Wayne County won its first-ever state championship, and she stated, “This was the best year ever.”
After graduation, she attended Valdosta State College and Georgia Southern College and earned advanced degrees in general education, special education for gifted students and remedial students, as well as technical and adult education. She was instrumental in implementing the program for gifted students at Odum Elementary and Jesup Elementary schools but later returned to teaching Georgia history at the junior high level.
She ended her education career at the college level with Altamaha Technical College, where she worked with the general education programs. Her career at the college was perhaps her favorite level of teaching. She was awarded “Master Teacher” and was the first professor of a technical college in Georgia to teach live on pubic television, teaching Psychology 101.
She became a member of many professional organizations at the state and national levels and was named vice president of instructional services at Coastal Pines Technical College, where she remained until she retired after 30 years of combined educational experience.
Regarding her career as a teacher, she said, “I always looked forward to going to work.”
She was very active in civic and community groups and also enjoyed supporting her grandchildren in sporting events. She was part of sewing and wedding planning for many years with her sisters at Pat’s Bridal Shop where they helped to execute many weddings in South Georgia.
She was predeceased by her husband, Jerry Willis Keith; her daughter, Melanie Dart; her parents, Charles Box Jones and Ruby Irene Thagard Jones; and siblings, Dr. Charles Thagard Jones, Bessie Patricia Jones (Stetson) Bennett, and Peggy Elizabeth Jones Payne.
Survivors include two daughters, Sarah Copeland and Lucy Dart of Jesup; four grandchildren, Carlie (Joey) Farmer of Blackshear, Cary (Brittney) Yarbrough of Odum, Cole Copeland of Jesup and Cale (Chelsea) Copeland of Jesup; six great-grandchildren, Caylee Copeland, Carson Yarbrough, Mac Farmer, Jolie Farmer, Jacie Farmer and J.T. Farmer; and numerous additional nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Nov. 1 at Jesup United Methodist Church with the Rev. Rebecca Duke-Barton officiating. Private family interment followed in Jesup City Cemetery. Active pallbearers were family.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of South Georgia, 1625 Sunset Blvd., Jesup, GA 31545 or to Jesup First United Methodist Church, 205 E. Cherry St., Jesup, GA 31546.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
• Out of town
Col. James E. McIntyre
Mobile, Alabama—Col. James E. McIntyre accepted his final duty assignment to heaven on Oct. 25, 2024.
He was born June 18, 1927, in Vidalia. He grew up during the Depression. He had three sisters and two brothers who all preceded him in passing.
At 17, he enlisted in the Navy during World War II and served aboard a minesweeper for three years in the South China Sea. After the war, he attended Florida State University on the GI Bill and met his true love, Rose, there. He was one of 500 males admitted to Florida State, as it had previously been an all-girls college. They were married for 73 years.
He then joined the Army, receiving a direct commission and a rank of first lieutenant. He served in the Medical Service Corps, where at one point in his career he went before Congress to secure appropriate funds for all the Army hospitals so its service members could have access to the best medical care. During his tenure in the Army, he was stationed in Germany for the Berlin Crisis and also volunteered for Vietnam.
Upon retirement, he was the senior ROTC instructor at Baker High School in Mobile, Alabama, where he aided many students in receiving appointments to West Point, the Air Force Academy and the Naval Academy. He also served as a respected male figure for some students who had no one in their lives to help them, his family said. His students adored him, and many kept up with him even after he retired from Baker High School.
Survivors include his wife, Rose; his children, James E. McIntyre Jr., and Brenda Elise Jolly; two grandchildren, Melissa Burgamy and Justin Amaro; and three great-grandchildren, Alexandra Burgamy, James Davis Amaro and Allison Amaro.
Graveside services and interment with full military honors were held in Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Florida, on Oct. 31.
Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com.
Radney Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Marcus Everett Waters
Warner Robins—Marcus Everett Waters, 76, died Nov. 5, 2024.
He was a beloved brother, husband, father, grandfather, teacher, coach and friend. He was born on Nov. 29, 1947, in Jesup to the late Everett and Julia Ann Waters. A proud graduate of Jesup High School, he was a standout football player, setting the stage for an impressive athletic career. He continued his football journey at East Tennessee State University, where he played for the undefeated 1969 National Championship team—a remarkable achievement that earned him induction into the Wayne County Sports Hall of Fame.
He carried his love for the game into his professional life as an educator and football coach, impacting countless young lives during his 30-year tenure in Houston County. His career spanned multiple roles, including athletic director at Tabor Junior High and Warner Robins Junior High, offensive coordinator at Houston County High School and golf coach. His dedication to teaching and mentoring shaped not only athletes but also the character of his students, leaving a lasting legacy in the community.
An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed many pursuits, from fishing and hunting to spending peaceful moments at his cabin. As an instrument-rated private pilot and member of EAA Chapter 38, he had a deep appreciation for adventure and exploration. He found great joy in supporting his grandchildren at their sporting events, always cheering them on with the same enthusiasm and love that defined his own athletic career.
His contributions extended beyond his family and career. He served as president of the Tifton Fishing Club and was an active member of Southern Landings Golf Club, where he enjoyed many rounds of golf with friends.
A man of integrity and generosity, he was known for his warmth, his sense of humor, and his unwavering loyalty to those he cared about. He will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, colleagues and all who were fortunate enough to know him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald Allen Waters; and grandson, Chandler Ray Waters.
Survivors include his loving wife of 50 years, Linda Waters; children, Jon (Cristy) Waters, Steve (Tracy) Waters, Andy Waters and Amelia (Kent) Burnham; grandchildren, Chase Waters, Ty Waters and Zadie Waters; brothers, Dwayne (Lisa) Waters and Edison (Pat) Waters; along with numerous nieces, nephews and many other loving family members and friends.
Visitation will be held Saturday, Nov. 9, from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A funeral service will immediately follow at 10 a.m. in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations be given in memory of Marcus Waters to Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 300 S Davis Drive, Warner Robins, GA 31088.
Family and friends may sign the online registry at www.mcculloughfh.com.
McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.