Mrs. Regenia L. Willingham, Obit. (C)

Mrs. Regenia L. Willingham, age 62 of Trion. Georgia passed away Saturday, May 30, 2026 in an Atlanta hospital.

Regenia was born in Lafayette, Georgia on August 23, 1963, daughter of the late Johnny Clayton Ezell and Ella Rose Jane Courtney Bartlett.  She had attended the Mountain View Baptist Church and was employed with Hays State Prison.  She was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother and sister and there was nothing better to her than spending time with family.

In addition to her parents, Regenia was preceded in death by a brother, Lane Ezell and a brother-in-law, Randall Young.

Regenia is survived by her husband of over 35 years, Steve Willingham; son, Richard Barrett(Becca Gause); sister, Judy Young; brothers and sisters-in-law, Steve and Paula Ezell and Terry and Connie Ezell; grandchildren, Haley Barrett and Paige Barrett; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Regenia will be held Tuesday, June 2, 2026 from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the Coffman Funeral Home.

Mrs. Deborah L. “Debbie” Huff, Obit. (C)

Mrs. Deborah L. “Debbie” Huff, age 69 of Summerville, Georgia passed away Monday, May 18, 2026 in a Rome hospital.

Debbie was born in Ft. Hood, Texas on April 9, 1957, daughter of the late Alvin Leroy Prince and Glenda Ann Brown Huff.  She was retired from Great Clips, had played Professional Tennis and won many dance contests.  Debbie’s life revolved around her children, her grandchildren, her great grandchildren and family.

In addition to her parents, Debbie was preceded in death by her grandparents, Judd and Hester Brown; a nephew, Alexander Huff and several aunts and uncles.

Debbie is survived by her five children, Kristopher(Joy) King, Brandi(Zack) Brown, Lindsey(Jason) Steward, Amber Huff, and Emily(TJ) Gibson. She leaves behind her former spouse and life-long friend, Chuck Huff and Rebecca Huff and their family; grandchildren, Branden(Raven) Thompson, Kelsey(Chadd) Hutto, Savanna(Logan) Batchelor, Treniti(Gabe) Roe, Andrew Steward, Landen Huff, Dalton Johnson, Kaci Steward, Jacy Brown, Lucas Huff, Azaleigh Johnson, Halynn Huff, Zack Brown, and Dakota “Coco” Johnson; six great grandchildren; two brothers, Mike(Debbie) Prince and Deryl(Paulette) Prince; two sisters, Tonya and Sonya; her closest cousin, Allen Brown and her best friend, Paulette Prince.

Debbie’s family was everything to her.

In accordance with Debbie’s wishes, she will be cremated and the family will have a celebration of life service a the Fairway Recreational Center on Saturday, May 30, 2026 from 1:00 P.M. until 3:00 P.M.

Mrs. Nellie Hendrix Wilbanks, Obit. (C)

Mrs. Nellie Hendrix Wilbanks, age 88 of Trion, Georgia passed away Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at her residence.

Mrs. Wilbanks was born in Trion, Georgia on July 15, 1937, daughter of the late William Raymond Hendrix and Edith Chastain Hendrix.  She was a member of the Waterville Baptist Church and had also attended the Spring Creek Baptist Church and New Bethel Baptist Church.  Mrs. Wilbanks was retired from Mars Glove Mill in Lafayette and had previously worked in the Weave Room at Mt. Vernon Mills.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Wilbanks was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Gene “Pop” Wilbanks; a sister, Shelby Ramey and two brothers, James “Tid” Hendrix and David Hendrix.

Mrs. Wilbanks is survived by her daughter, Dawn Wilbanks; sisters, Martha Oliver and Pam Powell; grandchildren, Sean Claire and Seth Claire; special nephew, Charles “Chuck” Oliver; and a number of additional nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

Graveside and Interment Services for Mrs. Wilbanks will be held Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 2:30 P.M. in the Howell Cemetery with Mr. Keith Thompson officiating.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Larry Wilbanks and D.L. Powell.

Mrs. Willbanks’ family will receive friends Thursday from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 P.M. at the Coffman Funeral Home.

Anthony Augustus Gilleland, Jr., Obit (C)

Sgt. Anthony Augustus Gilleland, Jr. age 59 of Trion, Georgia passed away Monday, May 25, 2026 at his residence.

Anthony was born in Rome, Georgia on August 19, 1966, son of the late Anthony A. Gilleland, Sr. and Linda Brown Proctor.  He was a Sergeant with the Walker County Sheriff’s office and was of the Christian Faith.  Anthony was an avid Alabama Football Fan, “Roll Tide” and loved spending time with his family.

In addition to his parents, Anthony was preceded in death by his step-father, John Proctor; sister, Carrie Colbert; brother, Stacy Colbert; mother-in-law, Ann Devine and a great-grandson, Everett Carmody.

Anthony is survived by his wife of 32 years, Carrie Gilleland; Sons, James Gilleland, Trevor Flannigan and Lee Hudson; daughters, Jennifer Gilleland and Jessica Stricklin; brothers, David Gilleland and Chris Proctor; grandchildren, Briar, Roone, Grace, Jack, Joanne, Karolyne, Dillard, Lily and Dean; one great-grandson, Daniel; and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and special family and friends.

Funeral Service for Anthony will be held Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 1:00 P.M. in the Chapel of the Coffman Funeral Home with Rev. Neil Brown officiating.  Honorary Pallbearers will be J.J., Trevor, Lee, David, Chris and all of his law enforcement brothers and sisters.

Anthony’s family will receive friends Saturday morning from 11:00 A.M. until the service hour.

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to be serving the family of Sgt. Anthony A. Gilleland, Jr.

Mr. Rickey Allen David Bryant, Obit. (C)

Mr. Rickey Allen David Bryant, age 43 of Adairsville, Georgia passed away Saturday, May 16, 2026 at his residence.

Rickey was born in Rome, Georgia on March 5, 1983 son of Ricky Allen Bryant and the late Mary Ruth Lowe Bryant.  He was employed in the Construction industry, working with the Resting Rooster Company.  Rickey enjoyed hunting and fishing prior to taking up racing motorcycles and drag racing.

In addition to his mother, Rickey was preceded in death by a nephew, Austin Lee Jarrell and a brother-in-law, Terry Jacobs.

Rickey is survived by his wife, Heather Jacobs; children, Mackenzie Bryant, Caleb Bryant and Cadin Sanchez; sisters, Mary Ann Jacobs, Misty Bryant and Kayle Bryant; brother and sister-in-law, Wesley and Holly Bryant; nieces and nephews, Jessica Jacobs, Beth Jacobs, Christopher Jacobs, Terri Jacobs, Alexis Jacobs, Avery Filler, Ashley Jarrell, Zachary King, Nicholas Jacobs, Wesley Bryant, Jr, and Tristian Bryant; and 8 great nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services for Rickey will be held Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of the Coffman Funeral Home with Rev. Steve Collins officiating.  Interment will be at 4:00 P.M. in the Deliverance Chapel in Jesus’ Name Church Cemetery in Kingtson, GA.

Pallbearers will be Christopher Jacobs, Zachary King, Jacob Nelson, Avery Fillers, Christian Galloway and Steven Hamby.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Lawton Lewis and Johnathan Hines.

Rickey’s family will receive friends Friday evening from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the Coffman Funeral Home.

Mr. Huston “Don” Palmer, Obit. (M)

Mr. Huston “Don” Palmer age 83 of Dalton, GA passed away Tuesday May 12, 2026

Mr. Palmer was born January 19, 1943 in Round Mountain, AL to the late Huston and Carolyn Stancell Palmer. He was a retired truck driver and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and bee keeping. He treasured spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren.

Along with his parents he is preceded in death by his son, SSG David Palmer; granddaughter, Ansley Palmer; grandson, Tyler Palmer; siblings, Bobby Palmer, Marilyn Palmer, Jimmie Sweat, Phyllis Padgett, Becky Schilling, and Kim Blackmon; and the mother of his children, Ann Palmer.

Survivors include his wife, Peggy Gulledge Palmer; children, Ricky (LeAnne) Palmer, Scott (Jennifer) Palmer, Rox Ann Palmer (Benny Humpherys), and Wendy Wofford; step-daughters, Jeletta (Kenny) Pinion, and Tressia (David) Arnold; siblings, Mike (Susan) Palmer, Patsy Elsberry, Martha (Duck) Reynolds, Linda (Raymond) Orr, Kathy (Bucky) Brown, and Marsha Uptain; 9 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral services to celebrate the life of Mr. Palmer will take place at 11:00 AM Monday, May 18, 2026 at the chapel of Mason Funeral Home with Rev. Dan Palmer officiating. Interment will follow at United Memory Gardens in Dalton, GA with Ross Palmer, Gavin Palmer, Ricky Palmer, Scott Palmer, Benny Humphreys, and Adam Nelson serving as pall bearers. Honorary pallbearers will be the grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nurses Shelia Ault, Rose & Derrick Floyd, and Channel Salazar.

The family will receive friends Monday from 9:00 AM until the service hour at the funeral home.

Rev. Ray Lue Teems, Obit. (M)

Rev. Ray Lue Teems, age 84, of Summerville, GA, died Monday, May 11, 2026, at Atrium Health Floyd.

Rev. Teems was born May 5, 1942, in Summerville, GA son of the late Arthur and Mary Etta Elam Teems.  He was a member of Fisher’s Chapel Church and prior to his retirement, was employed with the Chattooga County School System.

Known as “Preacher” to many, Rev. Teems preached at many churches and at many funerals over the years.  He loved preaching the Word of God and singing.  He also had a passion for the outdoors and loved gardening and riding on his golf cart.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Martha Kinsey Teems; siblings, Arthur Teems, Jr., Mildred Nichols, Margaret Corbin, Jewel Hall, Carolyn Evett, Leon Teems, Frances Brooks, Richard Teems, and Betty Ramey.

Survivors include his son, Jason (Dena) Teems; daughter, Emily (Michael) Gaddis; brothers, Ralph (Brenda) Teems, Jerry (Lisa) Teems, and Ricky (Sheri) Teems; sisters, Peggy Money and Susie Dawson; 6 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

Memorial services for Rev. Teems will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Fisher’s Chapel Church with Pastor Mike White, Brian Kittle, and Christopher “Topher” Byrnes officiating.

Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to the Fisher’s Chapel  Church Cemetery Fund in Rev. Teems’ honor.

Mrs. Annie Ruth Starr, Obit. (W)

MRS. ANNIE RUTH STARR – Age 94, of Summerville, Georgia passed away Thursday, May 7, 2026. Mrs. Starr was born August 10, 1931. Viewing will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026 at New Hope Methodist Church 241 Martin Street, Summerville, Georgia from 5:00 P. M. Until 8:00 P. M. Funeral Service will be held Saturday , May 16, 2026 at Connect City Church, 83 GA-48, Summerville, Georgia at 11:00 A. M. Mrs. Starr will lie in state from 10:00 A. M. until the funeral hour. Everyone who is attending Mrs. Starr’s Celebration of Life, is encouraged to wear purple. The repast will be at 4:00 P. M. at Mrs. Ruth Starr’s residence following the interment at Summerville Cemetery. Arrangements by Willis Funeral Home, Inc.

Mrs. Edna Mae Hudgins, Obit. (W)

MRS. EDNA MAE HUDGINS- Age 87, Of Summerville, Georgia passed away Friday, May 8, 2026. She was born November 3, 1938. Funeral Service will be held Friday May 15, 2026 at 1:00 P. M. at West Fifth Church Of Christ with Brother John Lewis as Eulogist. Mrs. Hudgins remains will lie in state at the church from 11:00 A.M. until the funeral hour. Interment will be at Allgood Cemetery in Trion, Georgia. Arrangements by Willis Funeral Home, Inc.

Mr. Thomas Robert Helton, Obit. (M)

Mr. Thomas Robert Helton, age 84, of Summerville, GA, died Monday, May 11, 2026, at his residence.

Mr. Helton was born September 26, 1941, in Trion, GA, son of the late Thomas Lee Helton and Nellie Jane Craig Helton.  He was a member and past councilman of Wayside Baptist Church.  He was a veteran of the United States Army where he served in Germany as a Sergeant First Class from 1960-1963.  Mr. Helton was also a past officer of the Friends of the Park at Sloppy Floyd State Park where he had also previously served as a board member.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Helton was preceded in death by his wife, Louise Brown Helton; several siblings and nephews.

Survivors include his sons, Steven Thomas Helton and Dayle Helton; daughter, Amy Michelle (Chris) McCleskey; a brother, Gary Hinton; sister, Margaret (Howard) Dillard; several step-sisters, nieces, and nephews.

Memorial services will be held at 12:00 Noon Saturday, May 16, 2026, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Gary Howell and Rev. Chris Gibson officiating.

There will be a gathering of family and friends at Mason Funeral Home from 11:00 A.M. until the hour of service on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made to the Wayside Baptist Church Youth Fund or to the Sloppy Floyd State Parks, Friends of the Park program.