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Mickey Claxton of Uvalda, and the late Kimberly Daniels, announces the engagement and forthcoming marriage of his daughter, Brandy Nicole Claxton, to Ramon Eugene Glass of Baxley, son of Calvin and Deidre Brannon of Baxley. [Full Story »] 

To support or not to support…that is the question

There are varying opinions on the state’s attempt to let Regional Commission Districts across Georgia collect a regional Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (also known as The Transportation Act of 2010 or T-SPLOST) for transportation projects. Some support the measure and some oppose. Ultimately the voters in each region across the state will decide. [Full Story »] 

I grew up down in the boondocks of Toombs County, Georgia in the tradition of country and southern gospel music. When I was a youngster living in an old but sturdy wood house covered with wood shingles, we had the only radio in the community—a big battery-powered Philco. When you turned the volume up you could hear it loud and clear for a couple of miles around. [Full Story »] 

I was shelling pecans early one morning when there came a news flash special report. I listened intently because I figured something important had happened somewhere in the world that would merit my attention.
“Tiger Woods had been in a serious accident,” the broadcast said. [Full Story »] 

In this day of internet, phone service cheaper than yesteryear’s, and constant instant communication, the United States Postal Service has slipped from its former position of importance; some people think it cannot survive another decade’s constantly burgeoning technology. I hate to think of its disappearing, for its role is intertwined with the history of this country, with my history and with yours. Consider the songs written about letters—“Return to Sender,” “Letter Edged in Black” and “Dear John”—those are the ones that pop instantly into my mind, but many more exist. I remember waiting for the postman to bring a package, a French pen pal’s letter, and the Sears-Roebuck catalogue, especially at Christmas. Mama ordered books for me in stacks, and they arrived in the mail. The postman was an important man in my life. When I moved to the country, the nomenclature changed. [Full Story »] 

Marlene A. Buffkin, 75, of Pooler, died Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah. Marlene was born April 13, 1937 in Appling County to the late Ernest and Dicey Tillman Edwards. She was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church. Mrs. Buffkin was a retired secretary for Baxley Veneer and Cleat. [Full Story »] 

The funeral services for Evangelist Missionary, Imogene (Tina) S. Crayton, who died June 28, 2012, were held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 3 at New Jerusalem Church, with Overseer, Sarah R. Mims officiating. Interment followed in Old Field Memorial Gardens. [Full Story »] 

A.D. “Al” Garner, 92, passed away Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at Appling Healthcare System. Garner was born in Laurens County, and resided in Berrien County before entering school at Berry College in Rome, where he graduated in January, 1944. He completed officer’s training school at Columbia University in New York City and entered the U.S. Navy, serving in the South Pacific in World War II. He was employed as the Farm Superintendent at the Georgia Baptist Children’s Home Baxley Campus for thirty years, retiring in 1985. Garner was active in civic organizations over the years and was recognized and awarded for his agricultural and farming achievements, including being named Appling County Farmer of the Year. He was a member of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and taught Sunday School for sixty years, having retired from teaching the Joy Group Class. He sang in the choir, led singing, rendered many solos, served as church treasurer, chairman of the deacons and in numerous other church positions. [Full Story »] 

Charlotte M. Maley, died Wednesday, June 27, 2012 following an extended illness. She was a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church and sang in the choir. Mrs. Maley also served on the Coffee County Board of Health, Coffee Regional Hospital Auxiliary and was a devoted nurse for many years. [Full Story »] 

Nathaniel James Mikulecky was born July 2, 2012 and passed shortly following birth. [Full Story »] 

Rev. John W. “J. W.” Nail, 77, died July 2, 2012 at the Pavilion under the care of Hospice. J. W. was born June 19, 1935 in Appling County, the son of Don C. and Mildred Brown Nail. [Full Story »] 

Roger Timothy Nail, 53, died Thursday, July 5, 2012 at Memorial Medical Center following a long illness. Timothy was born Dec. 13, 1958, the son of J. W. Nail and Rita Nail Boyett. Until he became disabled Timothy was an employee of Nail Ag Enterprises and was especially skilled as a machinist and welder. He loved to design and build equipment and was an avid reader who could communicate on almost any subject. Timothy was preceded in death by is only son, Timmy Nail in 1998 a loss he mourned the remainder of his life; a brother, Ricky Nail, and the July 2 death of his father, J. W. Nail, that he never knew about. [Full Story »] 

Dennie Roy “Papa Dennie” Simmons, 67, died Friday, June 29, 2012 at Appling Healthcare System. Simmons was born July 29, 1944 to the late Linton Lee and Ora Lee Reeves Simmons. He was a member of Melton’s Chapel United Methodist Church. He was a member of Ironworkers Local 709 and Holmesville Masonic Lodge #195 F & AM. Dennie was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served in Vietnam. He was a loving husband, papa, father and friend. [Full Story »] 

Jewell Skinner, 86, of Richmond Hill, died Saturday, June 30, 2012. Mrs. Skinner was born May 30, 1926 in Appling County to the late Henry Chester Hardwick and the late Margaret Rebecca Willoughby Hardwick. She was the wife of the late John Brotus “J. B.” Skinner for 26 years. Jewell was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church. She will be remembered for her love of family and friends as well as many others who touched her life. Her daily prayers were lifted to heaven for others and will be remembered by many. Jewell was devoted to reading and studying God’s word and was always ready to share him and his love with His people. Mrs. Skinner’s home for the last five and half years was at Bryan County Health and Rehab Center in Richmond Hill, where she died at the age of 86. The first 80 years of her life was lived in Baxley, which she considered to still be her home. Mrs. Skinner was devoted to her entire family from the oldest to the youngest. She was an avid cook and was instrumental in writing a family cookbook to carry on her legacy of excellent cooking for family and friends. [Full Story »]