• Rinehart & Sons
Roland “Ron” Turner
Odum—Roland “Ron” Turner, 80, of Odum died April 23, 2026, under the care of Hospice of South Georgia.
The Ohio native had lived in Wayne County the past 32 years and was a member of his much-loved church, New Hope Freewill Baptist Church. He served his Lord by teaching Sunday school. He enjoyed his career of truck driving where he could travel the roads, mechanic and see new sights. Nature was a very important part of his life, especially fishing the local waters and watching the birds.
He served his country in the National Guard and could recall all the details of war and history of our great nation. His love for his family was immense, and he even played Santa Claus at the Wayne County Library.
He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Gene (Vivian) Turner and Willis Turner, and a son-in-love, Michael Harp.
Survivors include his loving and faithful wife of 63 years, Karen Turner of Odum; two daughters, Kellie Harp and Martyann (James) Grant; two sons, Kevin (Deborah) Turner and Grant Turner; nine grandchildren, Tessa (Brian), Steven (Lauren), Kayleigh, Jorden, Bryant, Hunter, Brent (Emilie), Tyler and Haley; 13 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Joann (Donn) Minter and Lois (Pete) Goodwin; two brothers, Rick Turner and Donnie (Lynn) Yoesting; and several nieces and nephews.
A celebration-of-life service will be held Saturday, May 2, 11 a.m. at New Hope Freewill Baptist Church with the Rev. Tim Horne officiating.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
• Howard & Jones
Sue Henderson Westberry Smith
Jesup—Sue Henderson Westberry Smith, 84, died peacefully on April 24, 2026, at Harborview Healthcare Systems in Jesup surrounded by her loving family.
A lifelong resident of Jesup, she was affectionately known as Mimi by her beloved grandchildren. She was born on April 7, 1942, in Alma to the late R.H. and Pearl Tanner Henderson. She graduated from Jesup High School in the class of 1960 and worked as a beautician for many years while she was younger. She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who gave herself unselfishly to those she loved the most, her family. She was a member of Jesup Church of God for 50-plus years, where she faithfully served in many different capacities including Sunday school teacher for elementary-aged students.
In her spare time, she enjoyed quilting, gardening, reading and cooking. She was known for baking the most delicious 10-layer chocolate cakes, and she was always proud of the divinity she made during the holiday season. She was generous and always compassionate towards others, putting their needs before her own, her family said.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Larry Henderson; first husband, David Westberry; sister-in-law, Daisy (Buck) Bishop; and brothers-in-law, David Gasque and Lindsay Jones.
Survivors include her husband of 26 years, Charles Bryan Smith; four daughters, Melissa (Lynn) Arnold, Cindy (Ricky) Blanton, Lori (Lee) Fowler and Vicki (Bill) Thompson; a sister, Melinda Crews; grandchildren, Lyndsey (Weston) Skinner, Jody (Haley) Arnold, Hamp (Page) Blanton, Tyler (Hannah) Blanton, Philip Talarino IV, Caleb (Noel) Fowler, Calyn (Bubba) Bishop, Caitlyn (Blake) Foster, Blake Thompson and Tori Thompson (Anthony) Sferra; sisters-in-law, Gertrude (Will) Collins, Annette (Wally) Smith, Janette Jones, Dianne Gasque and Dale (Ernie) Bowen; 12 great-grandchildren, including one on the way in July; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended-family members.
Funeral services were held April 26 at Jesup Church of God with Pastors Scott Hatten and Calvin Anderson officiating. Interment followed in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Jody Arnold, Hamp Blanton, Tyler Blanton, Caleb Fowler, Rowan Blanton and Brody Skinner.
Remembrances may be made to Hospice of South Georgia, 1625 Sunset Blvd., Jesup, GA 31545.
Family and friends may sign the guestbook online at www.jesupfuneralhome.com.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
• Out of town
Gregory Shane Buffkin
Baxley—Gregory Shane Buffkin, 50, of Baxley died April 25, 2026, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
He was born on Aug. 26, 1975, in Appling County. He was a skilled and competitive pool player who found joy in hunting, fishing and planting vegetables. He also loved playing his guitar and cherished the time he spent with his family. After years of dedicated work, he recently retired as an iron worker at Local No. 709.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Julie Buffkin; a brother, Jimmy Buffkin; and a grandmother, Willie Ina Carter Woods.
Survivors include his daughters, Kacey Buffkin and Lacey (Colby) Griffin both of Baxley; parents, Kathy (Dee) Rozier of Odum and James Earl Buffkin of Baxley; a niece, Whysper (Kelon) Keane; and three nephews also survive.
A celebration-of-life service was held April 27 at the Buffkin residence, 5993 Ten Mile Road, Baxley.
Swain Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.