Mr. Johnny Warren Nelson, age 81 of Gaylesville, AL passed away Thursday, October 8, 2026 at a Rome, GA hospital.

Mr. Nelson was born June 8, 1945 in Brewton, AL to the late Andrew and Lona Jackson Nelson. He was retired from Mohawk Industries, enjoyed hunting and fishing, and was a member of Faith Baptist Church.

Along with his parents he is preceded in death by several siblings.

Survivors include his wife, Nancy Nelson; children, Michael (Jenny) Pike, Archie (Lynn) Nelson, and Karen (Stanley) Koonce; grandchildren, Jonathon Koonce, Justin (Brooke) Koonce, Jon Michael Pike, and Christian Nelson: great-grandchildren, Emily Koonce, Katelyn Koonce, Sydney Smith, Bradlee Smith, Alyssa Koonce, and Thorin Koonce; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A funeral service to celebrate the life of Mr. Nelson will take place at 3:00 EST, Monday, October 12 at Faith Baptist Church located at 7175 AL Highway 35, Gaylesville, AL with Bro. Stanley Koonce officiating. Interment will follow at the church cemetery with Jonathan Koonce, Justin Koonce, Christian Nelson, Jon Michael Pike, Bradlee Smith, and Jason Dilbeck serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Jerry Brown, Terry Derrick, Bill Derrick, Allen Nelson, Josh Brown, Doug Dilbeck, and Tommy McPhearson.

The family will receive friends Monday from 1:00 EST until the service hour at the church.

Arrangements are provided by Mason Funeral Home – Summerville, GA.

MR. JIM BAGLEY, age 75, of Summerville, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at His residence following health concerns.  Jim was born in Summerville, Georgia on April 16, 1951, to the late Claude and Frances Bagley.  Along with His father, he owned and operated Bagley Oil Company for many years.

In addition to Parents, He was preceded in death by a sister, the late Cynthia Stinson.

Surviving are daughter, Jessica Bagley; sister, Claudia Bagley; nieces and nephews, Ben Dotson, Anna (Dotson) and Buddy Henderson, (their children) Ryan Green, Aurora Henderson, Thomas Dotson, Jacob & Brittany Dotson, Bryan & Jeri Stinson, Marena Green, Nolan Stinson, & Logan Stinson; cousins, Lann & Jan Cordle, Spann Cordle, Sam Cordle, Josh & Carmen Cordle, Slater Cordle, Jackie & Frank Parham, & Brenda Adams.

Private Memorial service will be held Saturday. October 10, 2026.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

MR. JIM BAGLEY, age 75, of Summerville, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at His residence following health concerns. Jim was born in Summerville, Georgia on April 16, 1951, to the late Claude and Frances Bagley.

Along with His father, he owned and operated Bagley Oil Company for many years.

Funeral services are incomplete and will be announced by Earle Rainwater Funeral Home

Joel Niles Peterson, 80, of Summerville, Georgia, passed away peacefully at home on August 26, 2026, surrounded by love and under hospice care. His beloved wife and soulmate of 30 years, Summer, was at his side.

Joel was born March 4, 1946, in Provo, Utah, and grew up in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He lived a remarkable life devoted to family, faith, learning, health, music, and helping others. Joel married Summer on November 1, 1996, and together they shared three decades filled with love, laughter, music, faith, and companionship. Approximately five years ago, they moved from Idaho Falls to their country home in Summerville, Georgia, where they found a beautiful new chapter of life in the North Georgia mountains. They became part
of a loving church community and formed many meaningful friendships. Joel was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, husband, mentor, teacher, personal trainer, life coach, musician, and friend. He was the father of John and Tracy and lovingly embraced Summer’s daughters, Harmony, Hayley, and Tia, becoming their cherished Joeldad. He was also a proud grandfather and shared a special 78-year
bond with his sister, Polly. Joel had an extraordinary mind and was a lifelong learner, avid reader, researcher, gifted speaker, and teacher. He was passionate about sharing knowledge and helping others become stronger, healthier, and more confident. As a Level Six personal trainer and life coach, he transformed hundreds of lives through education, discipline, encouragement, and mentorship. He was meticulous about his profession and kept deeply detailed records of the workouts he developed throughout his career. An accomplished all-natural bodybuilder and competitive weightlifter, Joel also held a National record in the bench press in his age group. Joel was equally passionate about music. A talented singer and guitarist and devoted Elvis fan, he and Summer played and sang together for more than 20 years at family gatherings, celebrations, church events, worship services, and community occasions. Music was one of the ways they shared their love, joy, and faith with others. Faith became a profound part of Joel’s life. His devotion to Jesus shaped the way he lived and loved, and he openly shared his faith and the hope he had found with those closest to him, including Summer and Polly. His faith remained an important source of strength throughout his final years. Joel will be remembered for his brilliant mind, generous spirit, powerful voice, quick wit, wonderful sense of humor, love of music, and genuine desire to help others. He had a gift for believing in people and encouraging them to believe in themselves. His influence lives on through his family, friends, students, clients, church family, and all those whose lives he helped make stronger.

Joel is survived by his wife, Summer; his children, John, Tracy, Harmony, Hayley, and Tia; his grandchildren; his sister, Polly; and numerous extended family members, friends, students, clients, and loved ones.

A Celebration of Life Family and friends are warmly invited to join us in celebrating Joel’s life on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 171 Taylor Street
Summerville, GA, United States, Georgia. The service will be presided over by Pastor Danny Decker. We invite all who knew and loved Joel to come together to remember his extraordinary life, share stories and memories, and celebrate the love, faith, music, laughter, knowledge, and strength he gave so generously to others. Use the link below for livestream: https://youtube.com/@cbcsummerville?si=venNqbj7lpBeRP-d. Please feel free to post your stories, tributes and condolences here as the family will be able to see and enjoy them and respond in time for those who live too far to make it in person. He was deeply loved, deeply cherished, and will never be forgotten. Friends and Family, Thank you all for making our lives so much richer and fulfilling! You are all LOVED.

Mr. Cecil William Watkins, age 88, of Cedar Bluff, Alabama, passed away Wednesday morning, September 30, 2026, at his daughter’s residence in Waycross, GA.

Cecil was born July 4, 1938, in Trion, GA, to the late Ralph McKinley Watkins and Jewel Pack Watkins. He lived most of his life in the Trion and Summerville area. Cecil began his working career at Mt. Vernon Mills and was a truck driver for 55 years, working last with Phelps Transportation. He was a member of New Generation Church of God. Cecil Three years ago, he moved to Waycross to be with his daughter, where he attended Kettle Creek Church. Cecil enjoyed golfing in years past and eating at Waffle House, but most of all, he cherished visiting with others and witnessing for the Lord.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Patricia White Watkins; and his siblings, Maggie Tucker, Betty Tucker, Faye Williams, Buddy Watkins, and Frankie Watkins.

Survivors include two daughters, Cassandra White of Summerville, GA, and Candrice Hatcher (Tim) of Waycross, GA; his beloved dog, JJ; grandchildren, Randy Vaughn (Amanda), Angel Vaughn, Mitchell Hatcher (Nicole), and Austin Hatcher (Heather); great-grandchildren, Ella Vaughn, Israel Vaughn, Nathan Hatcher, McKinley Hatcher, Lincoln Hatcher, Charlotte Hatcher, and Henry Hatcher; siblings, David Watkins, Joyce Grogan, Sherman Watkins, Ray Watkins, Paul Watkins, and Shirley Ratliff; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, October 5, 2026, in the chapel of the Coffman Funeral Home, Summerville, Georgia with Rev. Danny Harkins and Rev. Jamie Godwin officiating. Interment will follow in the West Hill Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 12 until 2 p.m. Monday at Coffman Funeral Home.

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Cecil William Watkins.

Mrs. Eva Nell Winters, age 90 a resident of Summerville, Georgia passed away on September 30, 2026 at the Oak View Nursing and Rehab Center where she had been a resident for about 8 years. She was surrounded by a number of family members and friends as she passed.

Ms. Eva was born September 19, 1936 in Centre, Alabama daughter of the late John Henry Bradley and Nettie Elizabeth Kirby Bradley. She was of the Baptist faith where she attended Dry Valley Baptist Church. Ms. Eva had a love for sewing, quilting and cooking. It is said that she was an amazing cook.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her late husband, Grady E. Winters; brother, Virgil Bradley; sister, Leigh Dale Gerard; sister, Christine Johnson; sister, Edgil Sanford.

Surviving are daughter, Judy Tapp (Sammy); daughter, Patsy Hall; daughter, Wanda Elrod (Leonard); daughter Booger Hines. Ms. Eva is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, 7 great-great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews along with a number of very special friends.

The family extends a very special “thank-you” to the staff at the Oakview Nursing and Rehab as well as the staff of Affinis Hospice.

Services for Ms. Winters will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. in the chapel of the Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory where the family will receive friends from noon until the funeral hour with the Dr. Brannon Martin officiating. Pall bearers will be Russell Justice, Dusty Hines, Mark Smith, Kolby Smith, David Ray Cordell and Travis Cordell. Honorary pallbearers will be Great grandchildren, Great-great grandchildren, staff of the Oakview Nursing and Rehab, staff of Affinis Hospice. Interment will follow in the Oakhill Cemetery at the Lyerly Methodist Church.

The Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to be serving the family of Mrs. Eva Nell Winters.

Mr. David Wayne Guenther, age 82 of Lafayette, Georgia, formerly Ft. Myers, Florida, passed away Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at the local emergency department.

Mr. Guenther was born in Zumbroto, Minnesota on October 21, 1943, son of the late Bernhard Joseph Guenther and Dorothy Therese Laque Guenther. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving his country for over 27 years, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. Mr. Guenther was a good husband, father and master piddler. He enjoyed collecting Die Cast John Deere Tractors and going to swap meets. Mr. Guenther had attended the Lafayette First Baptist Church and was of the Catholic Faith.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Guenther was preceded in death by four brothers, Gerald Guenther, Robert Guenther, Bernie Guenther and Mike Guenther; and a grandson, Kenny Brown.

Mr. Guenther is survived by his wife of 46 years, Shirley Guenther; son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Peggy Hooper; daughters and son-in-law, Beverly Hooper and Linda and Mike McCrary; sisters, Marie Robinson, Eileen Bauers and Betty Miller; 8 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren; 7 great-great grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Memorial Services for Mr. Guenther will be held Sunday, October 4, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of the Coffman Funeral Home with his son-in-law, Mike McCrary officiating. Interment will be at a later date in the Tennessee-Georgia Memorial Park.

Mr. Guenther’s family will meet and receive friends following the memorial service Sunday.

Ms. Fredie Mae Elrod White, age 96, of Cartersville, GA, died Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Cartersville Crossing.

Ms. White was born January 2, 1930, in Summerville, GA, daughter of the late Fred B. Elrod and Teriah Bynum Elrod.  She was a member of the Tabernacle Baptist Church of Cartersville, and prior to her retirement, worked as a supervisor with Lawtex.  Ms. White loved her family who referred to her as “the best cook in the world.”

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by all of her siblings as well as a granddaughter, Toni White.

Survivors include her son, Gary White; daughters, Theresa Pinson and Elizabeth Ann White; 4 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside and interment services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, September 27, 2026, at the Summerville Cemetery with Mr. Jim Little officiating.

There will be no visitation and those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to gather at Summerville Cemetery prior to the time of service.

Mrs. Mary Lucille Mason Wood, age 90, of Summerville, GA, died Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at her residence.

Mrs. Wood was born December 17, 1935, in Jamestown, AL, daughter of the late William “Bill” Mason and Bessie Crane Mason.  She was a longtime member of the West Summerville Baptist Church, and prior to her retirement, was employed as a caregiver in the home healthcare industry.  Mrs. Wood loved roses and she enjoyed baking, with coconut cake being her specialty.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Ann Tucker, Cledia Wood, and Sue Phillips.

Survivors include her husband, Robert Wood; sisters, Joyce (Ray) Burke, Judy Tucker; and her special caregivers, Tammy Tucker and Carlton Jackson.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 P.M. Saturday, September 26, 2026, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Glenn Ezell officiating.  Interment will follow in Johnson Cemetery.  Active pallbearers will be Jamie Tucker, Shannon Tucker, John Tucker, Gilbert Laney, Casey Evans, and Chuck Wood.  Honorary pallbearers will be Joey Ezell, Carlton Jackson, Jimbo Burke, and Stacey and Bill Womack.

Mrs. Wood will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 2:00 P.M. until the hour of service on Saturday.