Area Obituaries

James Elmer Varnadore, 89, went to be with the Lord on June 29, 2026. Born on March 22, 1937, to William Henry Varnadore and Etta Mae Cain Varnadore, Elmer lived a life devoted to faith, family, and service. A faithful servant of Christ, he was ordained into the ministry on January 17, 1965, and faithfully…

Jason Randall Gruber, 52, of Baxley passed away Monday, June 29, 2026 at Bacon County Hospital. Jason was born on October 30, 1973, in Appling County. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps before building a career as a skilled welder, fabricator, and machinist. Blessed with a God-given talent for welding,…

Steven Wilton Spell, 52, of Baxley passed away Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at his residence. Steven was born on December 11, 1973 in Appling County to the late Wilton Spell and the late Gerri Revels Spell. He was a member of Big Oaks Church of God and a machinist and electrician. Steven was an avid…

Jeanelle Murphy Newkirk, 87, of Hilliard, FL passed away on Thursday, July 02, 2026. She was born in Surrency, Georgia on February 13, 1939, to the late Sue Nell Murphy. She was a devoted member of North Hilliard Baptist Church. A passionate sports enthusiast and loyal Hilliard Flashes fan, she attended every game for an…

Clifton L. “Coon” Griffin, 71, of Hazlehurst, passed away Monday, June 29, 2026, at his residence under the care of Comfort Hospice. Mr. Griffin was born January 8, 1955, to the late William Barney Griffin and the late Mancy Lou Carter Griffin Williamson. He worked for Claxton Poultry. Mr. Griffin was known for his quick…

Tammy Branch Youmans, 56, of Baxley passed away Thursday, June 25, 2026. Tammy was born on October 11, 1969 in Jeff Davis County and was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her mother, Jerry Dean Lawrence Simmons. Tammy had a great love for her pets but her greatest love in life was her…

We are saddened to announce the death of Mr. Kenneth Gary Gilbert, 79, who passed away on 4 July 2026 at the Appling Nursing and Rehabilitation Pavilion. Kenneth was born on July 22, 1946, in LaGrange, Georgia, to John William and Mildred Runels Gilbert. Kenneth’s family moved to Baxley when he was 14, after his…

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we announce the passing of James ‘Rodney’ Tillman, 71, of Brunswick. Rodney was born in Baxley and moved to Glynn County in 2000. He loved hunting and fishing and being outdoors, and spending time with his family. He is preceded in death by his father, Donald…

Richard Eddie Harris was born on February 21, 1944, in Polk County, Florida, to Rebecca Harris Arthur and John Harris, Jr. He grew up to graduate from high school in Miami, Florida, and went on to build a life defined by hard work, faith, and devotion to his family. A master of his crafts, Richard…

Lela Hunter Williams, 73, of Brunswick passed away peacefully surrounded by family Sunday, May 31, 2026 at Southeast Georgia Health System. Lela was born January 8, 1953 in Bacon County to the late William Henry “Doc” Hunter and the late Inez Carter Hunter. She was a lifetime member of Midway Baptist Church. Lela was a…