J. M. Vaughn

J. M. was born May 13, 1930 in Jeff Davis County. His parents were the late Frankie Miles Vaughn and the late Jettie Simmons Vaughn. He grew up in both Jeff Davis and Appling Counties, but eventually settled in Appling County, where he became a dedicated and active citizen. Mr. Vaughn attended South Georgia College, and then continued his education at Georgia Southern University, where he earned three masters’ degrees. While he was acquiring his graduate education, he taught at various Appling County schools, was principal of several and was eventually elected to the position of Appling County School Superintendent, which he held for over eight years. Mr. Vaughn spent a total of 41 years in the Appling County educational system. He attended Bethel Free Will Baptist Church, was a deacon for 50 years, and was named Bethel Free Will Baptist Church Layman of the Year for four years. Vaughn was also a member of Holmesville Masonic Lodge, a member of the Georgia Retired Educators’ Association, a former supervisor for the Altamaha Soil and Water Conservation Group, and a former 4-H Club advisor. He was also a former member of the Appling County and Okefenokee Regional Library Boards and an Appling County Certified Commissioner.

J. M. had a very active and productive life but, unfortunately, he contracted a recurrent illness in his latter years. He attempted to convalesce in his home, assisted by his wife, Edna, a team of home health nurses and Cindy Curtis, CNA. Despite the best efforts of his health team, however, Mr. Vaughn’s health declined. On March 27 he was taken to Satilla Hospital in Waycross. He was then transferred to Chandler Hospital in Savannah and finally to the Appling Healthcare System Hospice Suite.

Funeral services for Mr. Vaughn were held on Friday, July 1 at eleven o’clock a.m. at the chapel of Swain Funeral Home. He was subsequently buried at Bethel Free Will Baptist Church where he was an active and beloved member. The ministers were the Rev. Steve Dowless, pastor of Bethel Church and the Rev. Virgil Carter, who befriended Mr. Vaughn for many years.
Active pallbearers were, as listed in alphabetical order: nephews: Stanley Allen, Steven Allen, Keith McKinney, Leon McKinney, Robin Vaughn and Greg Williams; two nephews by marriage, Shannon Marchman and Scott Sapp, served too and Mr. Vaughn’s friend, Earl Beecher, was also an active pallbearer.

Honorary pallbearers were, as listed in alphabetical order: Tony Arnold, David and Carole Edgy, Sam Herndon, Art Letoha, Lewis Parker, B. W. Sapp, Mary Scott Vaughn, Duane Whitley and Theodore Wilkerson. Other honorary pallbearers were Mr. Vaughn’s Bethel Free Will Baptist Church Family and the Retired Teachers of Appling County.

Mr. Vaughn’s memorial was held, informally at 7770 County Farm Road in Baxley.

Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.