Mr. George Edward “Big E” Lee, Obit (C)

Mr. George Edward “Big E” Lee, age 78 of the Teloga Community, Summerville, passed away Saturday, May 30, 2026 at his residence.

Mr. Lee was born in Knoxville, Tennessee on August 29, 1947, son of the late George B. Lee and Etta Lucille Adams Lee.  He was a veteran of the United State Marine Corps., serving during the Vietnam War.  Mr. Lee was employed in the maintenance department with Shaw Industries and was the owner and operator of Big E’s Pawn Shop.  He was a member of the Chattooga Lodge #704 F&AM, the Yaarab Shrine Temple in Atlanta and the Chattooga Shrine Club. He was also a member of the Local VFW, American Legion and the Sons of Confederate Veterans.  He was an avid hunter, loved watching NASCAR and enjoyed all fundraising efforts of his fraternal organizations.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Lee was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Lee and a daughter, Wendy Strickland.

Mr. Lee is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Kathleen Lee; step son, Allen Brown and his companion, Teresa Maroney; sister, Jean Parris and her friend, James Wooten; brother and sister-in-law, Sammy and Lynn Lee; four grandchildren, Nichole(Chang) Stewart, Dakota Lee, Abigail Lee and Amelia Lee; two great-grandchildren, Brandon Stewart and Anisten Stewart; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Memorial Services for Mr. Lee will be held Friday, June 5, 2026 at 4:00 P.M. in the chapel of the Coffman Funeral Home with Rev. Sammy Barrett officiating.  A reception will follow at his residence, where there will be military honors and Chattooga Lodge #704 will conduct Masonic Rites.

The family will receive friends at Coffman Funeral Home Friday afternoon from 2:00 P.M. until the service hour.

The family respectfully asks that in lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the Yaarab Temple, 400 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta, Georgia 30308, or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas PlaceMemphis, TN 38105.

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to be serving the family of Mr. George Edward “Big E” Lee.

Mrs. Brenda Faye Kell, Obit. (C)

Mrs. Brenda Faye Kell, age 78 of Trion, Georgia passed away Saturday, May 30, 2026 at her residence.

Mrs. Kell was born in Trion, Georgia on July 23, 1947, daughter of the late Fay Herman Owens and Cloe Lee Everett Owens.  She was member of the Pennville Community Church, where she had served as the Awana Secretary and was retired from the Lab at Mt. Vernon Mills. Mrs. Kell was also a member of Silver Sneakers and was on the board of directors for the Trion Combined Charities Fund, but above all, she was a dedicated Mother, Nanny and Aunt.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Kell was preceded in death by a son, John Maurice Collette, Jr. and a grandson, Jordan Reynolds.

Mrs. Kell is survived by her husband, Dennis “Denny” Kell; sons and daughters-in-law, Brian and Savannah Collette and Kerry and Melanie Kell; daughter, Tina Collette; brothers and sisters-in-law, David Owens(Cheryl McClellan), Gordon Owens(Kathy Gorham), Roger and Debbie Owens and Frankie Owens; grandchildren, Tabitha(Kyle) Lutz, Emilie Collette and Kollin Kell; great-grandson, Dex Cargle and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Kell will be held Monday, June 1, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. in the chapel of the Coffman Funeral Home with Pastor Jon Davis and Ricky Harris officiating.  Interment will follow in the Green Hills Memory Gardens.

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.