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.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Earle Rainwater Funeral Home.

MRS. GAIL ALLEN, age 88, of Unity Church Road, Summerville, Georgia, passed away Sunday morning, July 12, 2026, in a Rome hospital. A native of Sylva, N. C. , She was born to the late Willie E. and Bertha Cline Painter on May 31, 1938. Mrs. Allen was a member of the Summerville First United Methodist Church, was a RNFMP-Nurse Practitioner for over 50 years, was the first Nurse Practitioner in the State of Georgia, and for many years worked in health care in Chattooga County and surrounding area. In addition to Parents, She was preceded in death by husband, the late Jack Bryant Allen, Sr., granddaughter, the late Jacklyn Allen, and brother, the late Eldridge Painter.

Surviving are sons, Jack Bryant Allen, Jr. (Martha Prince Allen) and William Michael Allen (Johnna Allen); sister, Margaret Clark; grandchildren, Elizabeth Allen, Krista Joyner (Blake Joyner), and John Allen; great grandchildren, Madeline and Remington Joyner; Nieces and Nephews.

Memorial service will be held Thursday, July 16th, at 2:00 P.M. from the Summerville First United Methodist Church with Rev. John Wesley Privett officiating, Interment in Bethel Cemetery. The Family will receive friends at Earle Rainwater Funeral Home Wednesday from 6 until 8 P.M. and Thursday at the Church from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers the Family suggest contributions to the Summerville First United Methodist Church.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Gail Allen who passed away Sunday.

Mrs. Rebecca Eugenia “Becky” Holcomb Dunaway, age 76 of Armuchee, passed from this life to her heavenly reward on July 1, 2026.

Mrs. Dunaway was born in Summerville, Georgia on July 22, 2026, daughter of the late William Eugene Holcomb and Jewell Inez Arthur Holcomb.  She was a member of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and had served her family as a homemaker.  Mrs. Dunaway was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, and enjoyed nothing more than spending time with her family and friends.  She loved to cook and enjoyed teaching others her skills, and enjoyed collecting anything that had to do with butterflies. Mrs. Dunaway’s life was an inspiration to other because of her mental, physical and emotional strength provided by her Faith and relationship with the Lord.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Dunaway was preceded in death by a son, Willis Eugene Dunaway; twin granddaughters, Madeline Grace and Kateline Belle Dunaway; a sister, Linda Terry and a brother, Jimmy Ray Hickman.

Mrs. Dunaway is survived by her husband, Benjamin Franklin Dunaway, Sr.; son and daughter-in-law, Benji and Shelly Dunaway; brother and sister-in-law, William Joe and Judy Holcomb; grandchildren, Mason T. Dunaway and Benjamin Franklin “Ben” Dunaway, III; and a number of niece, nephews and extended family members.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Dunaway will be held Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 4:00 P.M. in the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with Pastor James Baird and Rev. Greg Montgomery officiating.  Interment will follow in the New Armuchee Baptist Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers will include her nephews:  Greg Montgomery, Wayne Dunaway, Dewey Dunaway, Kenny Kendall, Scott Montgomery, Walter Montgomery, Johnny Dunaway and Dalton Kendall.

Mrs. Dunaway will lie-in-state at the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church on Tuesday, July 14, 2024, where the family will receive friends from 2:00 P.M. until the funeral hour.

Mr. Hugh Jack Carr, age 85 of Menlo, Georgia passed away Saturday, July 11, 2026 at his residence.

Mr. Carr was born in Rome, Georgia on August 24, 1940, son of the late Joe Carr and Daisy Smith Carr.  He was retired from the Spears Mattress Factory in Rome.  Mr. Carr enjoyed fishing, working on lawnmowers and visiting Trade Day, where he added to his collection of Albums and VHS Movies.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Carr was preceded in death by his wife, Annie Ruth Bailey Carr; sisters, Ruby, Grace, Edna and Adalena Beatrice; and brothers, Henry Ford Carr, and Virgil Eugene Carr.

Mr. Carr is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Brian and Sharon Payne and Terry and Connie Payne; daughters and sons-in-law, Pam and Mike McGraw and Ange and Dustin Hogan, Linda Reque and Georgeanne Daniels; grandchildren, Cameron Payne(Samantha), Payton Payne(Kaitlin), Annie Morgan McGraw(Austin), Chase Ewing(Sarah), Hunter Gentry(Hope), Laurie Gentry(Kyle), Tiffany Roach(Ryan), Phillip Daniels(Peyton), Meredith Caldwell, Megan Dye(Willie) and Evan Cave(Ellie); great grandchildren, Levi, Rowan, Heidie, Elowyn, Callen, Emma Claire, Anthony, Hadji, Moe, Lucas, Seraji, Valerie and Harper; and a number of nieces, nephews and other family members.

Graveside and Interment Services for Mr. Carr will be held Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 1:00 P.M. in the New Hope South Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the residence, 92 Franklin St., Menlo, Georgia Tuesday from 12:00 Noon until 4:00 P.M.

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.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Earle Rainwater Funeral Home.

Janet Lee Elrod Wills, born February 9, 1965, entered her heavenly home, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, kindness, and unwavering dedication to others.
For 40 years, Janet served as a nurse, dedicating most of her career to hospice care. Nursing was more than a profession to her—it was her calling. She had a compassionate heart, a gentle spirit, and a remarkable ability to comfort patients and families during life’s most difficult moments. Her kindness, empathy, and unwavering dedication touched countless lives.
Janet also had a love for travel and enjoyed exploring new places, creating memories that reflected her adventurous spirit and appreciation for life’s experiences.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Stewart Wills; her father, Milton Elrod; and her mother, Amalene Elrod.
She leaves behind her loving sister, Renae Elrod (David) Franklin; her brother, Michael (Jolynn) Elrod; and a family who cherished her deeply. Although Janet never had children of her own, she was a devoted and loving presence in the lives of her nephews, Bryan Gilmore, William Elrod, Jackie Carter III, and Scott Seaman. She also treasured her great-nephews and great-niece, Connor Hardegree, Aria Hardegree, Ezra Gilmore, and the joy they brought to her life.
Janet will be remembered for her generous heart, her quiet strength, her dedication to serving others, and the love she freely shared with family, friends, patients, and everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy of compassion will continue to live on in the many lives she touched.
The family finds comfort in the countless lives Janet impacted and the love she shared so freely. Though her passing was sudden, her memory will remain a source of strength and inspiration. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered with so much love.
Funeral services to celebrate the life of Ms. Willis will take place at 2:00 PM at the Chapel of Mason Funeral Home with Rev. Joel Smith officiating. Interment will follow at Johnson Cemetery with William Elrod, Ethan Ray, Darrell McComas, Michael Elrod, Jerry cook, Scott Seamen, and Dirk McComas serving as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends Sunday from 12:00 until the service hour at the funeral home.

George Millard Smith, 85, of Teloga, Georgia, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 9^th, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering faith, humble service, and steadfast love for his family and community.

George was born on May 31, 1941, to the late Albert and Maggie Smith. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, brother David Smith, and sisters, Lula Mae Gentry, Leona Prince, Inez Brown,  Shirl Rabdeau, Janice Smith, and his son, Greg Smith.

For 63 years, George shared a faithful and devoted marriage with the love of his life, Mary Sue Smith. Together, they built a home centered on faith, hard work, and family, creating a legacy that will continue for generations to come.

George is survived by his loving wife, Mary Sue; his brothers Wiley Smith (Marsha), Junior Smith (Shirley), and sisters Carolyn Hanks, Minnie Smith, Betty Wentz (Kelly), Beth Wentz (Jack); his children Angie Wade (Tony), Missy Hunnicutt, Kevin Smith, Chris Smith (Julie), Keith Smith (Katie); grandchildren Joseph Culbert (Angie), Jennifer Collins (Chris), Jamie Culbert (Kesha), Ashley Thompson, Jordan Smith (Ollie), Ryan Thompson (Jannah), Joshua Wade, Sara Winn (Jesse), Alica Morton (Casey), Taylor Woods (Collin), Taylor Morton (Chris), Hannah Thompson (Matthew), James Wade, Bailey McKinney, Ian Morton; numerous great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren and many extended family members and dear friends who will forever treasure his memory.

A hardworking man, George spent much of his life sawmilling and cutting pulpwood. He understood the value of honest labor and taught those around him that a day’s work should be done with integrity and excellence. He never sought recognition, only the satisfaction of providing for his family and serving others.

More importantly, George was a simple yet profound man of God. His faith was not merely spoken; it was lived. As a beloved member of Chelsea Baptist Church, he faithfully served the Lord and His people with humility, wisdom, and quiet strength. His life reflected the words of Micah 6:8: He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

George had a special heart for people who were often overlooked or forgotten. He saw value where others sometimes failed to look and extended kindness to those whom society had cast aside. Whether through a helping hand, a listening ear, or simple acts of generosity, he demonstrated the love of Christ in practical ways.

Those who knew George knew he was a remarkable blend of qualities that often seem to conflict. He was firm in his convictions, yet gentle in his spirit. Strong in character, yet humble in heart. Blunt and direct when truth needed to be spoken, yet always gracious and compassionate. He believed that love and truth belonged together, and his life reflected both.

His greatest legacy is not found in the timber he cut or the work of his hands, but in the lives he influenced through his faith, his example, and his love for God and others. His family, church, and community are better because he faithfully lived the life God called him to live.

Though he will be deeply missed, those who know Christ find comfort in the promise that George has heard the words every faithful servant longs to hear: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” His race is finished, his labor is complete, and he now rests in the presence of the Savior he faithfully served.

The family asks that you remember George not only for the life he lived but also for the faith he shared, striving to love God, love others, work hard, and walk humbly as he did. The service celebrating George’s life will be at Chelsea Baptist Church in Menlo, Sunday, July 12^th at 4:00 PM EST. The family will receive guests from 2:00-3:45 before the service. George will be buried at Chelsea Cemetery following the service. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Morgan, Lisa, Cassie, Matt, and David of the Adoration Hospice Group in Gadsden, Alabama, for the compassionate care they provided to George during his final days on Earth.

Mr. Dennis Ray Morgan, age 66, of Summerville, Georgia, passed away Tuesday morning, July 7, 2026, at His residence. Mr. Morgan was born in Summerville, Georgia on May 16, 1960, to the late Harvey B. and Boneida Peterson Morgan. He was a Veteran of the U. S. Air Force and a truck driver for Swift Transportation. In addition to Parents, He was preceded in death by a son, the late Daniel Morgan and grandson, the late Nick Litchfield.

Surviving are daughters, Amanda Driver and Jessica Miller; son, Matthew (Matt) Morgan; sister, Kathy Morgan; brothers, Harvey (Butch) Morgan, Bill Morgan, and David Morgan; grandchildren, Gavin Morgan, Brodie Morgan, D.J. Litchfield, Alexis Morgan, Megan Driver, Alyssa Katelyn Phillips, Sara Driver, and Nikki Litchfield; great grandchildren, Ke’ziah Balao and Maverick Phillips; several Nieces and Nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 11th, at 11:00 A.M. from the United Christian Fellowship, with Rev. Gary Howell officiating, interment in Summerville Cemetery. Active Pallbearers Charles Miller, Joseph Litchfield, Gavin Morgan, Jacob Phillips, Nathan Green, and James Dover. The Family will receive friends Saturday from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. at the Church.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for Mr. Dennis Ray Morgan, who passed away Tuesday.

Mrs. Annie Sue Mathews, age 82, of Gaylesville, AL, died Monday, July 6, 2026, at the residence of her daughter.

Mrs. Mathews was born September 13, 1943, in Rome, GA, daughter of the late Benjamin and Thelma Wimpy Touchstone.  She was of the Baptist faith, and prior to her retirement, was employed with Riegel Textiles.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Arlie Cornelius Mathews; a son, Ricky Maton; a daughter, Deborah Bryant; brother, J.B. Touchstone; sisters, Kathleen Pruitt, Pauline Smith, and Neva Hulsey; and a brother-in-law, Earl Jacobs.

Survivors include her daughters, Diane (Edwin “Kebo”) Smith, Darlene Jordan, and Marie (David) Long; brothers, Kenneth Touchstone and James Touchstone; a sister, Glenda Jacobs; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Friday, July 10, 2026, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Terry Hawkins officiating.  Interment will follow in Johnson Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Leroy Newsome, Javin Newsome, Casey Jennings, Ricky Newsome, Bryson Carroll, and Michael Williams.

Mrs. Mathews will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 1:00 P.M. until the hour of service on Friday.

Ms. Tammy Doreene Hightower, age 61,  a resident of a Summerville, Georgia address passed away unexpectedly at her residence on Saturday, July 4, 2026. 

Ms. Hightower was born the daughter of the late Joseph H. Lee and the late Joyce Wilson Lee born May 25, 1965 in Summerville, Georgia.

Tammy had been a lifelong resident of the area and was described by her family as “loving really hard”, “working hard for her babies and grandbabies”, “had a bleeding heart for the homeless” and while it was said that she was a redneck woman, the family stated, “she broke the mold”.

In addition to her parents, Tammy was preceded in death by a son, Doug Talley.

She is survived by sons, Christopher Lee (Tina Johnson), Eric (Sabrina) Talley; brothers, Michael Lee (& family), Steven (Theresa) Lee; sister, Deborah Wiggins (& family); grandchildren, Kadian Lee, Jonas Lee, Lynnica Talley, Leslie Talley, Bo Sweeny.

In accordance with Ms. Hightower’s wishes, she will be cremated and a memorial service may be held at a later date.