• Rinehart & Sons
Robert J. “Bobby” Groover
Mount Pleasant—Robert J. “Bobby” Groover, 82, of the Mount Pleasant community died Sept. 10, 2026.
The Wayne County native was a member of Akin Memorial Church and a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather to all his family.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Grace H. Groover, and son, Robby “Redd” Groover.
Survivors include his daughters, Lisa (Keith) Sanders and Mary Ann Sawyer; grandchildren, Reed (Alison) Sanders, Hannah Lewis and Joshua Rooks; great-grandchildren, Tori Sanders, Morgan Lewis, Olivia Herman, and (twins) Lainey and Landry Owens; siblings, LeRoy (Diane) Groover, Estine Davis, Annette Eplin, Becky (Fred) Todd; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Graveside funeral services were held Sept. 14 at the Akin Memorial Church Cemetery with the Rev. Rick Turner officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Akin Memorial Church, c/o Donna Cannon, 835 Post Rd., Hortense, GA 31543.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Joe Anthony Sr.
Jesup—Joe Anthony Sr., 89, of Jesup died Sept. 10, 2026.
The Corpus Christi, Texas, native had lived in Wayne County the past 48 years and was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. He retired from the civil service in Fort Stewart after 30 years. He enjoyed “doing life” with his late wife, Ivey Dale Mobley Anthony. He will be remembered as the “perfect gentleman” in every aspect of his life. Courtesy and kindness were characteristics that marked his personality, his family said.
Survivors include his two sons, Joe Anthony Jr. of Jesup and Gilbert Anthony of Boerne, Texas; a daughter, Dora Anthony of Pleasanton, Texas; several grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews, including Rudy Reyes.
Graveside funeral services were held Sept. 15 in Odum City Cemetery with Father Modeste Seloukou officiating.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Dewitt C. Scarborough
Jesup—Dewitt C. Scarborough, 72, of Jesup died Sept. 14, 2026.
The Wayne County native was a Rayonier retiree and a full-time farmer. He was known for wearing many “hats,” including helping in his father’s construction business. His leisure years were spent fishing, hunting and watching NASCAR racing.
His parents, Jeff and Janice Scarborough, preceded him in death.
Survivors include his wife, Teresa Osborne Scarborough of Jesup; daughters, Sheree Scarborough and Emily Scarborough, both of Jesup; a son, Mike (Cristol) Scarborough of Jesup; a brother, Ray Scarborough of Jesup; a sister, Penny Scarborough of Jesup; grandchildren, Madison Byler, Callie Eason, Jada Parker and Logan Scarborough; a great-grandchild, Josie Parker; a nephew, Christopher (Britany) Berneche; and several other extended-family members.
Graveside funeral services will be held today (Thursday) at 11 a.m. in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery with the Rev. Mike Taylor and the Rev. Calvin Anderson officiating.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
• Out of town
Ronald Lee Thompson
Sand Creek, Wisconsin—Ronald Lee Thompson, 85, of Sand Creek, Wisconsin, died on Sept. 3, 2026, at the Mayo Clinic Health System Northland in Barron, Wisconsin.
He was born Ronald Lee Buckmaster on May 20, 1941, in Waterloo, Iowa, to Ronald Jeffers Buckmaster and Elizabeth L. Cotter. In 1950 he was officially adopted by his stepfather, Merland T. “Tommy” Thompson.
He spent much of his childhood in the care of his grandparents, Frank P. and Elizabeth F. Cotter, on their farm south of Waterloo, Iowa. There he developed a lifelong passion for the outdoors, especially hunting.
He graduated from Jesup High School in 1959 and Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1964. He was a stellar collegiate athlete and distinguished himself in 1962 by being the first wrestler from Coe to qualify for the NCAA Wrestling Championships. He was also a loyal Brother of Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) Fraternity, where he made many memories and life long friends.
He began his working life teaching high school in LaPorte City, Iowa, where he was their head wrestling coach for the 1969-70 season, going 12-1. Follow teaching, he worked for Black Hawk Broadcasting in radio time sales. Later in life, he substitute taught for many years and loved interacting with students.
His life was enriched by relationships across different chapters. In 1970 he married Martha Jo Anton (Muller) of La Porte City, Iowa, where they had his two children. They divorced in 1978. In 1984 he married the late Deborah “Debbie” Jean Hayes (Hurst) of Dysart, Iowa, spending 12 years with her. His last 25 years, through his passing, was spent with his partner, Irene Loftus of Sand Creek, Wisconsin.
He lived a full life. He was a good father and very proud of his children and grandchildren, his family said. He was a patriot and a staunch believer in conservative American values—especially the Second Amendment and veteran issues. He loved to travel and lived for good food. His passion for hunting defined and affected his life the most.
He was predeceased by his parents, Ron and Betty, and his stepfather, Tommy. He is survived by his partner, Irene Loftus; his children, Antony “Tony” (Michelle) Thompson and Amanda (Steve) Johnson; his six grandchildren, Tom, Nick, Anna, Martha, Maggie, and William; his sister, Linda Cocchi; and half-siblings, Barbara Rice, Bret Thompson and Bart Thompson.
There will be two celebrations-of-life services. The first will be held Sept. 26 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Old School in Sand Creek, Wisconsin. The second will be held Oct. 23 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Old Stone Bistro in La Porte City, Iowa.
Olson Funeral Home in Bloomer is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, go to www.olsonfuneralhomebloomer.com.