Obituaries

Mary Josephine Perry, 71, of Surrency, died Saturday, March 24, 2012 in Appling Healthcare System. Mrs. Perry was born Sept. 9, 1940 in Hazard, KY to the late Howard Bud and Flossie Oliver Combs. She was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Chad Perry, a son, James F. Perry and a host of brothers and sisters. [Full Story »] 

Beatrice Wallace-Vail, 74, passed away on Friday, March 23, 2012 at Appling County Healthcare System. She was born on September 20, 1937 to the late Roger P. and Rebecca Young Wallace in Springfield. Beatrice worked several years at Wayne County School system as a cook in the cafeteria and later did domestic work for P.D. Griffin, Stanley Stadnick and the Bennett families. She was a member of St. James Holiness Church in Screven. Beatrice was preceded in death by both parents, Roger and Rebecca Wallace; her loving husband, Leroy Vail; a daughter, JoAnn Ellis Jenkins; two sisters, Dorothy M. Dixon and Theresa Rawls; three brothers, Robert, Horace and Gary Wallace and a grandson, Jeffrey DeLoach. [Full Story »] 

Brandi Dixon Deal, 34, of Screven, died Monday, March 19, 2012 at her residence. The Chatham County native was a homemaker and a member of the Screven Church of God, where she was active with the youth and delivering meals to the shut-ins of Wayne and Appling Counties. She loved her Lord and was a great cook. She was predeceased by maternal grandparents, Hubert and Edith Tyre, and paternal grandparents, Wid and Tyrus Dixon. [Full Story »] 

Myrtice (Polly) Morris DeSmidt, 75, died Thursday, March 15, 2012 in the Specialty Hospital in Jacksonville, FL. Polly was born in Appling County and had resided in Jacksonville, FL for the last 35 years. She was retired and before her retirement she was employed with Moose Lodge #42 in Jacksonville, FL. She was the daughter of the late Charles Morris and the late Ellie Holland Morris. In addition to her parents, a son, Chuck Edenfield, also preceded her in death. [Full Story »] 

Lillie Mae Hatcher, 94, of Rochelle, passed away Friday, March 23, 2012 at her home. She was born on November 1, 1917 in Burke County. [Full Story »] 

Gary “Bubba” Herrington, 55, died Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at his residence. Bubba was born Oct. 6, 1956 in Appling County and had resided here all of his life. He was a retired saw operator and had been employed with Baxley Veneer and Cleat. Herrington was a member of Miles Chapel. He was the son of the late Jack D. Herrington and Wanell Meeks Herrington. In addition to his father, Bubba was also preceded in death by a son, Tony Herrington and two brothers, Dennis and Dale Herrington. [Full Story »] 

Joel R. Cray, Sr. died Thursday, March 1, 2012 at Memorial Hospital in Savannah. Cray was born on April 16, 1935 to the late Lesley Cray and the late Ruby Cromartie. He attended Appling County School System. Cray was a lifetime member of Rachel Baptist Church in Baxley. He won the senior citizen award in January of 2012. Joel became the devoted husband of Eva Jean Smith on Sept. 30, 1961. That love brought forth six children. He worked in the turpentine and pulpwood business for most of his public work service. After retiring from pulpwood business he worked in the Appling County School System. [Full Story »] 

The Rev. Arvin Arthur Ketterer died peacefully on Feb. 24, 2012 at the Pavilion Nursing Facility in Baxley. The Rev. Ketterer was born Oct. 10, 1924 to the late Rev. Fred Douglas Ketterer and the late Mary Adeline Kelley Ketterer. He attended school in the Pine View community and joined Pine View Baptist Church at an early age. Ketterer moved to Florida as young man and became a skilled tradesman building bridges throughout the southeastern region. He returned home to Baxley in 1968. The Rev. Ketterer was an amazing man who helped to mentor many young ministers to the ministry. He overcame the challenge of losing his eyesight at age 44 to become known throughout the community for his many concrete masterpieces, especially the picnic tables and benches that he produced in his home shop. Ketterer’s work was the subject of a 1988 Baxley News-Banner article. For many years, each summer, he produced a vegetable garden and often gardened in the early morning hours, long before sunrise to escape the daytime heat. For many years, he served as the Senior Pastor of Pine View Baptist Church in Baxley where many souls were saved and the gospel was preached to all. Not only was Ketterer a minister of the Gospel, but also a 32nd Degree mason and a member of Baxley Consistory #209 and Sumner Lodge #10. [Full Story »] 

Edon La-Zandra “Boo” Cray departed this life Feb. 25, 2012. God sent his angel to bring Edon to his resting place. Edon better known as “Boo” was born Dec. 13, 1979 in Baxley. He was the son of Orma Jean Cray and the late Edon Cray, Sr. Boo started his church dedication at Faith Temple C.O.G.I.C. He was educated in the Appling County School District. In addition to his father, Boo was also preceded in death by a brother, Gary Edon Cray. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. [Full Story »]