• Howard & Jones
Rodney Alvin Tyre Sr.
Jesup—Rodney Alvin Tyre Sr., 68, affectionately known by his initials “RAT,” died peacefully on Dec. 13, 2025, at Altamaha Health and Rehabilitation after a lengthy illness.
He was born on Aug. 8, 1957, in Wayne County to the late John and Nell Harper Tyre. He spent his early years in Jesup, where he graduated from Wayne County High School. He worked with the Department of Defense as a civilian at Fort Stewart for several years before relocating to Kings Bay in 1993. He worked at Kings Bay for 27 years, until his retirement in 2020.
His work ethic was second to none, so he worked in the pest control business on the side to keep himself busy. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed watching the University of Georgia Bulldogs, the Atlanta Braves and old Westerns on television.
A longtime member of Gardi Baptist Church, he was generous, kind and funny. He loved to talk, and he cherished the time he spent with his beloved family, especially his grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, his brother-in-law, Robert Madray, preceded him in death.
Survivors include his son, Rodney (Mallary) Tyre Jr. of Odum; siblings, Nelda (Buck) Albert of Crestview, Florida, Edwin (Kay) Tyre of Hawthorne, Florida, David (Jane) Tyre of Gardi and Shirley Madray of Brunswick; five grandchildren, Maddux, Mosley, Gabriele, Avary and Camden Tyre; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended-family members.
Funeral services were held Dec. 15 at Gardi Baptist Church with the Rev. David Bohannon officiating. Interment followed in Gardi Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Gary Ray, David Tyre Jr., Darryl Murray, Jay Hill, Mike Woodard and Danny Howell.
Family and friends may sign the guestbook online at www.jesupfuneralhome.com.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
• Edo Miller
Robert McTyeire Madray
Brunswick—Robert McTyeire Madray, 72, of Brunswick died Dec. 12, 2025.
A native of Wayne County, he lived in Glynn County for the past 45 years. He was a graduate of Wayne County High School and attended Valdosta State University. He was the owner and operator of A-1 Economic Exterminators and A-1 Overhead Garage Doors, businesses he built through hard work, integrity, and a commitment to serving others.
He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Brunswick. Above all else, he loved the Lord Jesus Christ and was a champion of his faith, living it out daily through kindness, generosity and grace. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather (affectionately known as “Gramper”), uncle and brother-in-law. He chose to see the best in everyone he met and leaves behind a lasting legacy of generosity and compassion, his family said. He had friends from every walk of life.
An avid fisherman, he especially loved the Altamaha River. Over the years, he won numerous fishing tournaments and guarded his favorite fishing holes closely, sharing them with only a special few. He was also a devoted fan of the University of Georgia Bulldogs and greatly enjoyed watching them play, celebrating enthusiastically when they won the SEC championship this year.
Though known to many for his business acumen and love of fishing, fewer people knew of his deep love for writing, especially poetry. He was a master storyteller, and his stories and memories will be cherished by all who loved him, according to his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Peggy Madray.
Survivors include his loving wife, Shirley Tyre Madray of Brunswick; two daughters, Rachel Madray (Lamar III) Echols and their children, Elise, Nolan and David Echols, all of Arlington, VA, and Megan Madray (Kip) Taft and their children, Harper and Robert Taft, of St. Simons Island; two brothers, Greg Madray of Jesup and George Madray Jr. of Brunswick; along with many brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.
Funeral services were held Dec. 17 at Gardi Baptist Church, with burial to follow in Gardi Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Outdoors.
Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
• Rinehart & Sons
Geneva Flowers Matthews
Jesup—Geneva Flowers Matthews, 94, of Jesup died Dec. 14, 2025, under the care of Georgia Hospice Care.
The Wayne County native graduated from the University of Georgia’s Pharmacy School, was the first female pharmacist in Wayne County and owned Geneva’s Drugs. She also worked for several other pharmacies and retired from the Talmadge Hospital Pharmacy at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta.
The Proverbs 31 lady was the most caring and giving person who was very strong willed and determined to achieve her goals, her family said. She was a member of New Beginnings Community Church in Augusta and left her family with a legacy of faith.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Don Matthews; her brother, Daniel Flowers; and her sister, Lillian Davison.
Survivors include her two sons, Herman Douglas “Doug” (Amy) Morris of Germantown, Maryland and George Robert “Bob” (Jill) Morris of St. Johns, Florida; two granddaughters, Bailey Morris (Joe) Sera and Brooke Morris; three sisters, Virginia Floyd, Nelia Jeffords and Aletha (Edgar) Waters; other close relatives since her return to Wayne County, Ralph (Rindy) Trapnell, Clarissa (Keith) Morgan and Bill (Becky) Floyd; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Dec. 20, at 11 a.m. at Rinehart Chapel with Pastor Wayne Todd officiating. Interment will follow in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be her family and friends. Honorary pallbearers will be Jackie Dean, Teresa Harper, Sally Mosley and Gladys Lawson.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Augusta Care Pregnancy Center, 1298 Broad Street, Augusta, GA 30901 or Tunnels to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.