• Rinehart & Sons
Maxine Beck Barwick
Jesup—Maxine Beck Barwick, 85, of Jesup died Dec. 2, 2025.
The Appling County native had lived in Wayne County for most of her life and was a member of Jesup Church of God, where she provided piano and organ accompaniment for many years. She was a member of the Senior Sunday School Class.
She was a 30-year practicing dental hygienist and enjoyed everything about music. She assisted her husband in ministry, including sharing her talents with nursing home visits. She was predeceased by her husband, William Barwick.
Survivors include a daughter, Tamara Barwick (Douglas) Marshall of Cumming; two sons, Thomas Wade Barwick of Jesup and Andy William Barwick of Atlanta; five grandchildren, Connor, Graham, Reese, Lakin and Mia; a sister, Mattie Beck Westberry; two brothers, Howard Beck and Edsel Beck; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Dec. 5 at Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home. Interment followed in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery. Active pallbearers were her family.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Roger Wade Thompson
Jesup—Roger Wade Thompson, 76, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, died peacefully on Nov. 30, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.
Born in Jesup, he lived a life marked by kindness, integrity and a deep devotion to his family and community. He was a lifelong member of Calvary Baptist Church and served in many areas, including the building committee, operating the sound system and helping to keep the church grounds to “his liking.”
He grew up in Jesup, where he developed a lifelong love for coaching baseball, leading his teams to several state titles. He graduated from Wayne County High School and later worked for Rayonier for 43 years as a pipe fitter. Throughout his professional life, he was known for his dedication, work ethic and leadership. His colleagues remember him as a man of great character who always led by example.
After retiring, he spent many years enjoying coffee and conversation with friends at local establishments. Outside of his career at Rayonier, he spent many years working in irrigation installation and maintenance. In his free time, he could often be found watching Westerns or cheering for the University of Georgia Bulldogs. His warmth, generosity and sense of humor touched everyone he met, leaving behind countless memories and a legacy of love and compassion, his family said.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Lady Thompson; his brother, Terry Thompson; his granddaughter, Ericka Lynn Sikes; and the love of his life, Janice Mallard Thompson. Together, Roger and Janice built a home filled with laughter, faith and unconditional love, their family said.
Survivors include his daughters, Lynn Thompson Sikes and Laura Thompson (Michael) Westberry; his grandchildren, Anthony (Mikah) Yoder, Jack (Cassie) Sikes and Briley Westberry; his great-grandchildren, Parker Crew Sikes and Silva West Yoder; and his sister, Jackie Thompson (Jerry) Norris (Jerry).
His family was the center of his world, and he cherished every moment spent with them, his family said.
A celebration-of-life service was held Dec. 3 at Calvary Baptist Church with the Rev. Vann Dempsey and Pastor Pete Boyd officiating. Interment followed in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Ernie Bowen, Randall Aspinwall, Keith Cowart, Corky Sikes, Tally Ogden, Josh Thompson, Jake Norris, Shawn Tootle, Mickey Thompson and DeMont Rogers.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Sean Avery Vance
Jesup—Sean Avery Vance, a beloved son, father, brother and friend, died on Dec. 4, 2025.
He lived in Jesup and was born on Oct. 21, 2002, at Wayne Memorial Hospital to Abbie Jane Keene and Dustin Vance. He went to Wayne County High school and graduated in 2021. After high school, he went and worked at McLendon Enterprise as a piper layer and heavy equipment operator.
He was a father to a beautiful baby girl, Alayah Vance, and a great boyfriend to Janiya Ledesma. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boat riding, mud bogging, boxing and just living a true Southern country life, his family said. He was also an amazing big brother who loved spending time with his two brothers and sister. He was a true friend to anyone who had the opportunity to meet him and loved his daughter more than anything else, his family said.
He was preceded in death by Jesus Moscaida and Karen Vance.
Survivors include his parents, Dustin Vance and Abbie Keene; grandparents, Larry and Hazel Keene; and siblings, Christian Lorenzo Vance, Avery Vallin, Zane Vallin; and cousins.
Funeral services were held Dec. 8 at Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home Chapel with Brent Holcombe and Miles Cason officiating. Interment was held in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Sammy Wilkerson, Hunter Crosswhite, Brice Hadlock, Larry Keene Jr., CJay Keene and Jonathon Keene.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Andy Jack Brannen
Jesup—Andy Jack Brannen, 75, of Savannah died on Dec. 4, 2025, in Jesup.
He lived a life defined by service, fellowship, deep faith and unwavering loyalty to the things he loved most. He was a member of Jesup First United Methodist Church. A proud Mason and Shriner, he dedicated many years to supporting charitable work and building bonds within his fraternal community. He also served his country honorably in the U.S. National Guard during the Vietnam era, a commitment he carried with quiet pride throughout his life.
He was a man of wide-ranging interests and passions. He loved his church and found joy and purpose in his faith. A devoted student of music history, he had a lifelong fascination with the Civil War era, often sharing stories, songs and historical insights with those lucky enough to listen. But above all, he was a loyal University of Georgia Bulldogs fan—his first love and favorite topic of conversation during football season. He will be remembered for his generosity, his storytelling, his sense of humor, and the warmth he brought to every room. His presence will be deeply missed by family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him, his family said.
He is survived by his beloved son, Andrew “Drew” Justin (Kayla) Brannen of Tampa, Florida, who carries forward his father’s legacy of kindness, curiosity and devotion to family.
Memorial services were held Dec. 10 from Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home with his son speaking and presentation of Masonic Rites.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Phillip Lee Crosby
Jesup—Phillip Lee Crosby, 82, of Jesup died on Dec. 8, 2025.
The Ware County native was a retired power and recovery manager with Interstate Paper in Riceboro for nearly four decades and upon retirement became a consultant traveling internationally working on power plants.
He was a former member of Epworth United Methodist Church and currently a member of Akin Memorial Church. He loved being a mechanic, fishing, watching the University of Georgia Bulldog football team and especially any time spent with his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, A.D. and Pauline Lee Crosby, and two brothers, Fred and Hollon Crosby.
Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Mary B. Crosby of Jesup; two sons, Bill (Anna) Raulerson of Blackshear and Brantley (Emily) Crosby of Waycross; three grandchildren, Cameron (Tyler) Harrelson, Natalie Raulerson and Cole (Hannah) Crosby; six great-grandchildren; a sister, Paula (Robert) Cole of Waycross; a brother, Charles (Kathy) Crosby of Waycross; sisters-in-law, Betty Jo Crosby and Betty Jean Crosby; and several nieces and nephews.
Celebration-of-life services will be held Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. at Rinehart Chapel with the Rev. Rick Turner officiating.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to services at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the Methodist Children’s Home, 304 Pierce Ave., Macon, GA 31204.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.