Area Obituaries

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Merita Beckworth Oswald, who passed away peacefully on the morning of Saturday, July 4, 2026, at the age of 77. Born on January 8, 1949, in Baxley, Merita was one of 13 children born to…

Mrs. Judy Harris passed away peacefully on July 25, surrounded by the love of her family at the Appling County Pavilion. Judy was one of the sweetest, kindest souls anyone could ever know. She had a heart devoted to caring for others and spent her life putting the needs of her family before her own.…

1934 – 2026 It is with sadness and gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the loss of Fey Carter Hardy 92, who passed away on July 4, 2026, in Augusta. Born on July 2, 1934, in Surrency, Fey was the only daughter of Langford Carter and Bessie Kennedy Carter both of whom preceded…

Christopher Michael Peck, 50, was welcomed into his Heavenly home on Saturday, July 11, 2026. He was born on May 30, 1976, in Zeeland, Michigan. His family later moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where he grew up. In 2001, he moved to Baxley, Georgia, where he worked as a beekeeper at Spell Bee Company, currently known…

Larry R. “Frog” Williams, 68, of Baxley passed away Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at Appling Healthcare. Larry was born April 10, 1958 in Appling County to the late Claude “Buck” Williams, Jr. and the late Mary Graham Williams. He was a farmer and member of Red Oak Baptist Church. Survivors include his children, Jamie (Cindy)…

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…