• Rinehart & Sons
The Rev. Gerald Wayne “Rooster” Manning Jr.
Jesup—The Rev. Gerald Wayne “Rooster” Manning Jr., 53, of Jesup died July 22, 2025.
The Wayne County native was the pastor of Memorial Baptist Church and former owner of Manning Tire and Grocery in Gardi. He enjoyed his farm animals and ministering to not only his church family but many in the community. He especially loved taking care of his great niece, Stephanie Grace.
He was preceded in death by his father, the Rev. Wayne Manning Sr.; a sister, Stephanie Manning Wainright; a nephew, Roy Michael Sapp; a great-nephew, Bowen Wainwright; and his mother-in-law, Frances Lois Hall.
Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Debbie Manning of Jesup; two sons, Gerald Wayne “Trey” Manning III and Alexander “Alex” Manning; his mother, Dianne Manning of Jesup; two sisters, Sheila (Donald) Brockington of Jesup and Becky (Josh) Giddens of Folkston; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; and a father-in-law, Alex Hall.
Funeral services were held July 25 at Little Creek Baptist Church with the Rev. Kipp Manning and the Rev. Greg Carter officiating. Interment was in Little Creek Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Jake, Blake, Jon Dillon, Corbett and James Brockington, Kyle and Cole Giddens and Liston Wainwright. Honorary pallbearers were his Memorial Baptist Church family, Darwin Lewis and Robbie Drury.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Royal Franklin Mallard
Jesup—Royal Franklin Mallard, 88, of Jesup died July 26, 2025.
The Wayne County native was a member and former deacon of First Freewill Baptist Church and a 42-year retiree with ITT Rayonier employee.
He was born June 8, 1937, to the late Leonard Odis Sr. and Pauline Mallard. On April 4, 1957, he married the love of his life, Alice, and together they built a beautiful life filled with family and love. He was a farmer, fisherman and woodworker. He instilled the love of family and good work ethics into his family.
“Poppa” as he was affectionately called never missed an opportunity to support his grandchildren. He was always one of their biggest fans, always cheering them on the sidelines. He also enjoyed cheering on the University of Georgia Bulldog football team.
He enjoyed spending time in the country at “Poppa’s Pond House” that was built with love for friends and family to gather. Most mornings one could find him at the local Hardee’s sharing coffee and stories with his friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Alice Mallard; a son, Kim Mallard; and his brothers, Jack and Odis Mallard.
Survivors include a daughter, Rhonda (Wayne) Townsend of Jesup; grandchildren, Kimberly (Lee) Bradford of Jesup and Dane (Jamie) Townsend of Jesup; sisters, Gracie (Hinton) Johnson, Ivalene Miles, Pat Branch and Julia Webster; and a brother, Roger (Sharon) Mallard. He was also the best “Poppa” to nine great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held July 29 at Rinehart Chapel with the Rev. Terry Henneke officiating. Private family burial will follow in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery. Active pallbearers were his family.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
• Howard & Jones
Charles Eugene McCollum
Jesup—Charles Eugene McCollum, 69, died July 27, 2025, at home.
A resident of Wayne County and Glynn County for most of his life, he was born on Jan. 14, 1956, in Jesup to the late, Charles and Patty Boyett McCollum. He owned his own construction business, McCollum Enterprises, where he handled building projects of all kinds for many years until his retirement about seven years ago.
He was a hard worker and a man of few words. A self-professed “loner” by nature, he was known to be a little stubborn at times, and he enjoyed piddling in the yard and selling scrap metal in his spare time. His favorite times were spent with the ones he loved the most, his family.
Survivors include his four daughters, Amelia Wynn of Hazlehurst, Dedria (Freddie) Colter of Patterson, Ashley (Stephen) Lee of Jesup and Charli (Steven Stanley) McCollum of Jesup; 13 grandchildren, Harleigh (Jimmy) Colter, Ryleigh (Will) Colter, Tanner Wynn, Landon Westberry, Taylor Lee, Kirsten Lee, Merissa Lee, Trinity Bradley, Nicholas Lee, Lonnie Westberry, Charles Westberry, Melody Westberry and Ava Grace Wynn; and a host of extended-family members.
Memorial services were held July 30 at Howard & Jones Funeral Home in Jesup with the Rev. I.B. Boyette officiating.
Private interment services were held in Ritch Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.
Family and friends may sign the guestbook online at www.jesupfuneralhome.com.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.