Dr. Harold Phillip “Phil” Williams age 58 of Summerville, Georgia passed away unexpectedly Friday, November 7, 2025.

Dr. Williams was born in Rome, Georgia on May 14, 1967, son of Harold McHugh “Cotton” Williams and Joyce Barker Williams. He was a member of the Summerville Rotary Club and the GSA, Georgia Superintendents Association. Dr. Williams loved his community and Trion Schools. He was an avid sports fan, and the ultimate Trion Bulldog, attending and supporting as many school sports and extra-curricular activities as possible. You could even catch him in the pick-up lines at the school. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, being on the lake behind the wheel of his boat and spending time with his family, especially his granddaughter, Millie. His career and accomplishments can be best summed up by what the Trion Board of Education released about him Saturday:

Dr. Williams dedicated his life to education and to the betterment of his hometown. A proud graduate of Trion High School, Class of 1985, he returned to his alma mater with a calling to serve and lead. After earning his teaching degree from the University of West Georgia in 1991, followed by advanced degrees in Administration from Jacksonville State University and Nova Southeastern University, Dr. Williams embodied lifelong learning and a deep commitment to excellence.

As Principal of Trion High School for 8 years and later as Superintendent of Trion City Schools for 16 years, Dr. Williams transformed our system through vision, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every student. Under his leadership, Trion City Schools flourished academically, athletically, and artistically—garnering numerous accolades, including National Blue Ribbon School awards and numerous statewide recognitions. The evidence of his dedication surrounds us: from the growth and modernization of our campus and facilities to the culture of pride, unity, and achievement that defines our district today.

Dr. Williams’ leadership was rooted in his love for people. He led with integrity, common sense, and compassion, inspiring those around him to always pursue excellence. His competitive spirit and high expectations for himself and others pushed our schools to new heights, while his care for students and staff made Trion City Schools a true family.

Though his passing leaves a tremendous void, his legacy of service, vision, and heart will continue to guide us. The Trion Board of Education extends our deepest condolences to Dr. Williams’ family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His life’s work has shaped not only our schools but the very fabric of our community.

Dr. Williams will forever be remembered as a Bulldog through and through – a leader whose dedication, love, and vision made Trion City Schools the exceptional system it is today.

Dr. Williams is survived by his wife, Rhonda Williams; daughter, Allie Williams(Jackson Denny); sons and daughters-in-law, Jarrod and Meghan Broome and Logan and Katya Broome; sister and brother-in-law, Connie and Terry Payne; parents, Harold “Cotton” and Joyce Williams; granddaughter, Millie Broome; nieces and nephews, Justin(Lauren) Gentry, Chase(Sarah) Gentry, Hunter Gentry, Laurie Gentry and Payton(Kaitlyn) Payne; and a special friend, Jeff “Fro” Wilson.

Trion High School will host a drop in time of remembrance for Dr. Williams on Sunday, November 16, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 P.M. in the Trion High School Gym.

The family respectfully asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Phil Williams Scholarship Fund at the United Community Bank.

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to be serving the family of Dr. Harold Phillip “Phil” Williams.

Please visit www.coffmanfh.net to sign our online guestbook and post condolences.

Mr. James Bowen “Fred” Sumner, age 81 of Summerville, passed away Thursday, November 6, 2025 at his residence.

Mr. Sumner was born in Rome, Georgia on July 11, 1944, son of the late James Homer Sumner and Marie Bryan Sumner. He was a member of the New Faith Tabernacle and was retired from Easter Electric and Triple S Wood Works. Mr. Sumner was a veteran of the United States Army, having served during the Korean War. He enjoyed fishing, traveling, singing gospel music and playing the guitar. In addition to his parents, Mr. Sumner was preceded in death by his wife, Brenda Sumner.

Mr. Sumner is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, James “Jimbo” and Sheila Sumner; daughters and son-in-law, Alesia Moses and Cynthia and Tracy Mitchell; sisters and brother-in-law, Betty Croy and Liz and Larry Jones; brother, Tommy Sumner; grandchildren, C.J. Sumner, Shantel Rice, Bradley Sumner, Chasity Wilbanks, Dylan Hayes, Sterlin Swords and Paul Swords; 14 great grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services for Mr. Sumner will be held Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of the Coffman Funeral Home with Rev. Ralph Sumner officiating. Interment will follow at 4:00 P.M. in the Rome Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be C.J. Sumner, Bradley Sumner, Dylan Hayes, Paul Swords, David Pittman and Tracy Mitchell. Honorary Pallbearers will be Sterlin Swords, Kenny Ash, Shantel Rice and Chasity Wilbanks.

Mr. Sumner’s family will receive friends Tuesday from 12:00 Noon until the funeral hour at the Coffman Funeral Home.

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to be serving the family of Mr. James Bowen “Fred” Sumner.

Please visit www.coffmanfh.net to sign our online guestbook and post condolences.

Mr. Fred Sterling Hall, age 85 of Menlo, Georgia passed away unexpectedly Sunday, November 9, 2025.

Mr. Hall was born in Lafayette, Georgia on March 23, 1940, son of the late Archie Lee Hall and Lois Mae Hamby Hall. He was a member of the North Summerville Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, and was retired from the State of Georgia Forestry Commission and was the Chief Sr. Ranger of Chattooga County. He was also a master carpenter and contractor. Mr. Hall enjoyed fishing, hunting, farming and traveling, but his favorite activity was spending time with his family, especially game night.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Hall was preceded in death by a sister, Ann Hobbs Hall; brother, Eugene Hall of Lafayette; and a granddaughter, Jessica Celeste Hall.

Mr. Hall is survived by his wife, Elsie Hall; daughter, Jamie Morris; sons and daughters-in-law, Lamar and Kaye Hall and Jason and Amy Hall; sister, Mattie Lee Collier; brother and sister-in-law, John Archie and Betty Hall; grandchildren, Kayla Hall and Josh Suggs, Amos Morris, Chelsea Morris Brown(Jake), Seth(Jessica) Hall, Cole Hall and McKenzie Hall; great granddaughter, Elsie Joanna Suggs; special nieces, Debbie Hall Allmon and Cindy Hartsfield; special nephew, David Floyd; and a number of additional nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services for Mr. Hall will be held Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. in the Chapel of the Coffman Funeral Home with Rev. Terry Hampton and Rev. Tom Russell officiating. Interment will follow in the Garrett Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Jason Hall, Cole Hall, Seth Hall, Justin Allmon, Patrick Wright and Josh Suggs. Honorary Pallbearers will be Roy Morris, Amos Morris and Jake Brown.

Mr. Hall’s family will receive friends Tuesday evening at the Coffman Funeral Home from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M.

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Fred Sterling Hall.

Please visit www.coffmanfh.net to sign our online guestbook and post condolences.