Mr. David Lavaughn “Jerk” Wooten, age 63 of Summerville passed away Sunday, July 19, 2026 at his residence.

David was born in Rome, Georgia on March 29, 1963, son of the late Jimmy Shropshire and Lucille Vineyard Shropshire.  He was a retired plumber and had attended the Pennville Church of Christ.  David was an avid music lover, enjoyed playing the acoustic guitar and was in the honor band in high school.  He also enjoyed fishing, camping and being outdoors.

In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by a brother, Clete Shropshire; nieces, Amanda Prestwood and Addie Shropshire and nephews, Corey Thompson and Jonathan Shrospshire.

David is survived by a sister, Angela Flegal; three brothers and sister-in-law, Victor Shropshire, Neil and Hope Shropshire and Tory Shropshire; and a number of aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

In accordance with his wishes, David will be cremated and there are no formal plans for a memorial service at this time.

Mr. Benjamin Franklin “Ben” Dunaway, Sr., age 81 of Armuchee, Georgia joined his beloved wife and his Savior on Saturday, July 18, 2026.

A native of Armuchee, Mr. Dunaway was born on February 25, 1945, son of the late Richard Willis “Bill” Dunaway, Sr. and Eddie Mae Rosson Dunaway. He was a member of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and was retired from the Floyd County Board of Education. Mr. Dunaway was a devoted husband and caretaker to his wife, and was a devoted father and grandfather to his family. He had a great sense of humor; enjoyed working, was a state licensed plumber, great electrician and avid gardener, but there was nothing better than spending time with his family. Mr. Dunaway’s love, dedication and care for Becky was a true inspiration to others and a testament to the love and sacrifice of a religion based marriage.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Dunaway was preceded in death by his wife, Becky Holcomb Dunaway on July 1, 2026; son, Willis Eugene Dunaway; twin granddaughters, Madeline Grace and Kateline Belle Dunaway; sisters, Ida Lee Dunaway Montgomery and Sara Ann Dunaway Terry; brothers, John Dunaway, Walton “Dugan” Dunaway, Richard Dunaway and Henry Dunaway.

Mr. Dunaway is survived by a son and daughter-n-law, Benji and Shelly Dunaway; grandsons, Mason Dunaway and Benjamin Franklin Dunaway, III; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, William Joe and Judy Holcomb; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services for Mr. Dunaway will be held Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. in the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with Pastor James Baird and Rev. Greg Montgomery officiating. Interment will follow in the New Armuchee Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Greg Montgomery, Scott Montgomery, Dewey Dunaway, Walton Dunaway, Wayne Dunaway, Kenny Kendall and Dalton Kendall. Honorary Pallbearers will be Keith “Doodie” Brownlow, Tommy Shaw, Farrel Bray, P.D. Wheeler, Mike Huckabee, Doyle Jackson, Mark “Ralph” Purser, Bryan Tate and Chad Braden.

Mr. Dunaway will lie-in-state at the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church where the family will receive friends Wednesday from 12:00 Noon until the funeral hour.

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Benjamin Franklin “Ben” Dunaway, Sr.

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

Mr. Daniel Richard “Danny” Eldredge, age 79, of Cloudland, GA, died Friday, July 17, 2026, at Atrium Health Floyd.

Mr. Eldredge was born September 16, 1946, in Atlanta, GA, son of the late Lemuel and Anabelle Lee Eldredge.  He was a member of the Fort Payne Church of God, and prior to his retirement, was employed as a railroad engineer with Norfolk Southern.  He loved his family and enjoyed fishing and hunting.  Mr. Eldredge was also an airplane pilot and skydiver, and was an avid gun collector.

Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Kate Eldredge; children, Jeremy Shayne Harrington, Jody (Melody) Harrington, and Jamie (Ken) Rettie; a brother, Marty (Terri) Eldredge; grandchildren, Shayne Harrington, Cody Harrington, Kortney Harrington, Andrew Yennie, Isaiah Yennie, Delaney Harrington, Matthew Goodwin, Jordan (Samantha) Clay, Luke Rettie, and Heather Rettie; and a great-grandson, Grayson Clay.

Memorial services for Mr. Eldredge will be held at 4:00 P.M. Monday, July 20, 2026, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jim Colley officiating.

There will be a gathering of family and friends at Mason Funeral Home from 3:00 P.M. until the hour of service on Monday.

Henry F. Crowe Jr., known to everyone as Buddy or Bud, was born on November 21, 1946, in Summerville, GA, and he passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on July 15, 2026. He lived the majority of his life on Cloudland Mountain, right past the state line into Alabama.   People who knew him referred to him as one-of-a-kind. A legend.  On most days, neighbors would see Bud driving to town with the dogs.  He was a friend of all animals, especially dogs and cats.

Early in life he was employed by the Summerville Cotton Mill where he met Dianne, who later became his wife.  Bud and Dianne spent 55 years of his life together.  Bud also worked as a dozer driver in the coal mines and a carpenter for a few years.  Later, he and Dianne operated a body shop and clean-up shop for cars in an old block building beside their home.  When he retired, they started reading water meters for Cloudland Water (later it was bought out by Fort Payne Water), and they operated a small mowing business on the side. There isn’t much in this life that Buddy couldn’t do or didn’t know how to do.  He and his wife even cut wood in the wintertime for heating.  At the age of 79, Bud could run a chainsaw and cut up a tree faster than a young man.

Bud was an icon around his community. Even though he had what some might consider a rough exterior, he had a kind heart and would do anything to help someone in need.  The neighbors often called on him for help.  Long ago, some people gave him the nickname Ponytail because he has had long hair and a ponytail since the early 70s.   One very well known fact about Bud is that he wore blue jeans in the winter and cut off blue jean shorts in the summer.  If he had on socks with his shoes, he would wear long tube socks.  If it was summertime, he pushed the socks down to the top of his shoes.  One of the most unique characteristics about Bud is that he went around without a shirt most of the time.  He would often (even at 79) drive down the road shirtless, but he always had a shirt in the car or truck ready to throw on when needed.  It was his style.  It was his preference.  It helped make him unique.  Bud lived life like he wanted.

In Bud’s younger years, he bought and learned how to fly a Cessna plane.  He enjoyed playing the guitar and singing at the Menlo Barn Dance, an establishment he and his wife operated for years before it closed in 2025.   Throughout most of his life, he enjoyed gardening; he was so very proud of his tomatoes and hot peppers.  He liked his pepper so hot that it’d set his mouth on fire and make his eyes run.  Bud was known as an excellent cook.  Family and friends often asked him to cook Brunswick stew, barbecue, hamburgers, fried cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, and beans with cornbread.

Bud also was known for telling a tale or two, usually with some extra details added in. If he were to give us any life advice right now, he’d probably say, “duct tape can fix anything” and “drive it till it quits.”

Buddy loved his family, his dogs, and his community.  He is survived by his wife, Dianne Crowe; his daughters, Karen Pullam and Christy (Stacy) Burns; his grandson, Lee (Constance) Pullam; his granddaughter, Nicole (Chris) Pierce; his great grandsons, Landon Pullam and Atlas Pullam; his great granddaughter, Aleviea Pierce; his sister, Peggy Biddy; his brothers-in-law, Danny (Doris) Deering and Artie (Mary Jane) Steele; and several nieces and nephews.    Bud is preceded in death by his dad, Henry Crowe Sr., and his mom, Beulah Viona Clark Crowe, known as Pat.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Eastern time on Monday, July 20, 2026, with Reverend Steve Burns and Reverend Jeff Shaver officiating.  Interment will follow at Mount Union Cemetery, locally known as Magnuson Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Tad Allen, Scott Howard, Taylor Steele, Nathan Hegwood, Yogi Hegwood, and Randy Rush.  Honorary pallbearers will be the long-time patrons and friends of the Menlo Barn Dance.

Mr. Crowe will be in state at Mason Funeral Home, and the family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Eastern time on Sunday, July 19, 2026.

Goodbye to a husband, a daddy, a paw paw, and a friend.  Goodbye to the legend of Cloudland Mountain.  Forever in our hearts and always remembered as the one and only, Bud Crowe.

MR. PAUL ALEXANDER NANCE, age 58, of Martin Street, Summerville, Georgia, passed away unexpectedly July 6, 2026 in Richmond, Virginia. A native of Kansas City, Mo., He was born on March 26, 1968, a son of James Arthur Nance and Donna Inlow Nance. Mr. Nance served in the U. S. Army National Guard in Indiana and was a Truck Driver for Western Express.

Surviving are His wife, Debbie Edgeworth Nance; daughters, Tomi (Joie) Nance, Terri Raison, Jessie (Chris) Secrest, Bobbie Savory, and Heather Carmicheal; mother, Donna Jackson; sister, Mecinda (Jason) Baker and Becca (Earnie) Nichols; brothers, Chris (Amber) Horn and Daryle Jackson; several Grandchildren, Nieces, and Nephews also survive.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, July 18th, at 2:00 P.M. from ther J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home, with Paul Bice officiating. Honorary Pallbearers Memphis Marmet, Dakota Lively, Jace Goodson, Michael Blackmon, and Kenny Edgeworth. The Family will receive friends Saturday from 1 until 2 P.M. at the Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Paul Alexander Nance.

Mr. Luther David Carroll, known to many as David Carroll, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at the age of 85 in Lafayette Healthcare Center. Born in Summerville, Georgia, on January 20, 1941, David was the cherished son of the late Elzie Carroll and Reva Lingerfelt Hunter.

David’s life was marked by a strong dedication to his community and his country. He served honorably as a veteran of the United States Army, answering the call to duty with courage and integrity. Upon returning home, he continued his service to others through a long and rewarding career at the City of Summerville, where he retired as Superintendent of the Gas Department. David’s entrepreneurial spirit also shone through his many years as the owner and operator of the TV Man, where he was known for his work ethic and his friendly, helpful manner.

An active and devoted member of his community, David held a lifelong commitment to the values and fellowship of the Masonic fraternity. He was a proud member of Alpine Masonic Lodge #211 in Menlo, as well as the Yaarab Shrine Temple in Atlanta. David advanced to the prestigious rank of 32nd Degree Mason in the Scottish Rite, a testament to his dedication and service.

Beyond his professional and community endeavors, David was a man of many passions. He found peace and joy in the outdoors, especially when fishing or deer hunting, and took solace in reading his Bible. These simple pleasures enriched his life and brought him closer to those he loved.

David was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Dorothy Pauline “Dot” Carroll, and his son Phillip Anthony “Tony” Carroll.

He is lovingly remembered and survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Adam and Dasha Carroll; his half-brother, Tim Hunter; his daughter-in-law, Lynda Carroll; grandchildren Taylor (Landon) Barrett and Gabbi (Daniel) Gray; great-grandchildren Collins Barrett and Colbie Gray; as well as a number of nieces, nephews, and additional family members who will hold his memory dearly.

The impact of David’s steadfast spirit, generosity, and devotion to family and community will be felt for generations. His legacy lives on in the values he imparted to his children and grandchildren, in the friendships he fostered, and in the lives he touched.

Funeral Services will be held in honor of Mr. Carroll on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at 2:00 P.M. in the chapel of Coffman Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the West Hill Cemetery with Military Honors.

Pallbearers will be Daniel Gray, Chris Carmon, Clint Dillard, Landon Barrett, Austin Lee, and Dalton Carmon.

Family and friends are invited to gather and pay their respects from 12:00 Noon until the hour of service at the funeral home.

Rev. Marvin Hugh Copeland, 93, of the Broomtown Community in Gaylesville, AL, passed away Thursday, July 9, 2026, in Virginia Beach, VA.

He was an army veteran and a 30 plus year member of the Teamsters Union Local 515.  He was also a Baptist Minister for many years and pastored several churches.  Hugh was a man known and loved by many.

Rev. Copeland was born March 4, 1933, in Jamestown, AL, son of the late Elijah Copeland and Minnie Belle Reynolds Copeland.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Geraldine Norton Copeland; great-grandson, Elijah “Eli” Sauls; step-grandson, Derek Duncan; brothers, Homer (Jewel) Copeland, Gene (Virginia) Copeland, John (Helen) Copeland, Ralph Copeland, and twin brothers, Roy and Loy Copeland; sisters, Tennie (Elgin) Anderson, Ruth (Dan) Stanley, Dorothy “Dot” Jones, Etta Mae Copeland, and Evelyn Copeland.

Survivors include his sons, Pete (Jane) Copeland, Sam (Dena) Copeland; a daughter, Anita Pendergrass; 8 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 P.M. Saturday, July 18, 2026, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Paul Martin and Rev. Danny Stewart officiating.  Interment will follow in Moseley Cemetery with military honors provided by the American Legion.  Active pallbearers will be Pete Copeland, Davin Roberts, Michael Dilbeck, Phil Crane, Jimmy Leffler, James Sutherland, Ryan Sauls, and Drew Duncan.  Honorary pallbearers will be Isaac Roberts, Tim Railey, Jesse James Brooks, Chris Railey, and Lewis Railey.

Rev. Copeland 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.

Joshua Jones, 39, passed away unexpectedly on July 4th, 2026, leaving behind family, friends, colleagues, and a community who will forever miss his larger-than-life presence.

Josh began his career with the Georgia Department of Corrections in 2007 as a Correctional Officer at Walker State Prison. He rose through the ranks, serving as Sergeant, Tier II Lieutenant, Tier II Unit Manager, and Deputy Warden of Security before being appointed Warden of Hays State Prison in July 2023.  His career in corrections was a responsibility he always took seriously. He cared deeply about protecting the staff he served alongside, the community at large, the individuals in his care, and advancing a mission he believed in wholeheartedly. He led with conviction, integrity, and a genuine desire to leave things better than he found them.  He often joked that he started his career “with five years of high school.”  Although said with self-deprecation, it was a reminder of a life he built out of hard work, determination, and grit.

Anyone who knew Josh knew his sense of humor was one of a kind. He had a gift for reading a room and knowing exactly what was needed-whether that was a serious conversation, encouragement, a sarcastic comment, or a little playful instigation to get a reaction and make people laugh. His humor was one of the many ways he built connections and made people feel like they belonged.

Outside of work, Josh knew how to enjoy life and never needed much convincing to have a good time. He loved fishing, great food, good bourbon, traveling, poker, spending time with family, telling stories, and cheering on the Tennessee Volunteers-even when it was at his own emotional detriment.  One of Josh’s greatest joys was coaching little league football. He poured his passion, competitive spirit, and desire to help others into young athletes, building confidence, encouraging teamwork, and sharing the experience with his son and daughter. He loved the opportunity to positively influence the lives of those in his community.

Above every title he held and every accomplishment he achieved, Josh loved his wife, Haley, fiercely and was deeply devoted to his family. He believed one of his greatest responsibilities was preparing his children for life. He sought to instill in them the values of hard work, personal responsibility, integrity, respect for others, and perseverance, hoping to help them grow into kind, capable, and honorable adults.

Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing that Josh’s legacy of laughter, service, sacrifice, leadership, and love will continue through his children, family, friends, colleagues, and the countless lives he influenced.

He leaves behind his wife, Haley; his children, Jack, Ava, and Piper; his mother, Josie Nichols (William Layfield); his father, Jeff (Rhonda) Langley; grandparents, Janet Goins, Virginia Langley, and Ron and Glenda Turner; his sister Jessica (Emily) Cartwright; siblings Ethan and Jessica Tripp; along with several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins; GDC family and colleagues, friends, and a community who will miss him dearly.  He was preceded in death by grandparents John Jones, Jr Langley and great grandparents William and Josephine Jones and Lelion and Frances Lizana.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Warden Jones will take place at 4:00 PM Saturday, July 18 at Crosspointe City Church located at 325 Old Mill Rd. Cartersville, GA 30120.

The family will receive friends Saturday (July 18) from 1:30 PM until the service hour at the church.

MRS. CRISTEL LOUISE BROWN BONDS- Age 74, – of Cartersville, Georgia formerly of Menlo, Georgia passed away Saturday, July 11, 2026. Mrs. Bonds was born September 27, 1951.

Celebration of Life Service will be Sunday, July 19, 2026, at 2:00 P. M. at Mountain Ridge Baptist Church, 1401 Martin L. King, Jr. Blvd., Dalton, Georgia 30721 with Dr. Jerry D. Jones as Eulogist. Interment, West Hill Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Willis Funeral Home, Inc., Dalton, Georgia.

Mrs. Cathy Colbert Brown, age 64 of the Harrisburg Community in Trion, passed away Friday, July 10, 2026 at her residence.

Mrs. Brown was born in Trion, Georgia on August 11, 1961, daughter of the late D.F. Colbert and Ruth Mae Brimer Crider.  She was on the board of Tax Assessors in Chattooga County and had been employed with Baker Realty.  Cathy loved her family and was always looking for ways to make memories for the future and tell stories from her past.  She would reach out her hand to lift others up with kindness and empathy.  Her dedication to her community was built on trust and compassion.  Her love will be truly missed.

Mrs. Brown is survived by her husband, Joseph Brown; sons and daughters-in-law, Jesse and Cynthia Jennings and Brandon and Cari Crider; brother, Gary Colbert; Sister, Delores Ringer; grandchildren, Chris Jennings, Justin Jennings, Madysin Crider and Jazmyne Crider; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Gathering of Friends will be held Thursday, July 16, 2026 from 1:00 P.M. until 3:00 P.M. at the Coffman Funeral Home.