Mr. Billy Ray Nelson age 88 of Gaylesville, AL passed away Friday, May 16, 2025 at a Rome, GA hospital.

Mr. Nelson was born September 29, 1936 to the Late William Belton and Jessmer Nelson. He served his country in the Army National Guard and was a faithful member of Faith Baptist Church for 22 years. He enjoyed fishing and Alabama Football.

Along with his parents he is preceded in death by his wife of 20 years, Mary Ann McGinnis Nelson; and sister, Ruby Nell Scrivner.

Survivors include his brothers, Lawrence (Cheryl) Nelson, William A. Nelson, James R. (Kim) Nelson; step-son Bobby Joe (Marquetta) McGinnis, Jr; granddaughter, Laci (Nate) Smitherman, Mahayla (Austin) McGraw; great-grandchildren, Regan, Zack, and McKenna Jo; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services to celebrate the life of Mr. Nelson will take place at 1:00 PM EST (12:00 AM CST) Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at Faith Baptist Church in Gaylesville, AL with Rev. Clay Mooreland officiating. Interment will follow at Moseley Cemetery with nephews and friends serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends Tuesday at the church from 12:00 EST (11:00 CST) until the service time.

To share your condolences with the family, please visit www.MasonFuneralHome.com.

Arrangements are provided by Mason Funeral home, Summerville, GA.

Mr. Kenneth Lee “Kenny” King, Jr. age 52 of Summerville, GA passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at a local hospital.

Mr. King was born June 29, 1972 in Camp Le Juene, NC to Kenneth L. King Sr. and Dinah McGraw Campbell. He was an auto mechanic and enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his father, Kenneth L. King, Sr.; grandson, Isaiah Hazel; brother, Joe Clark; grandparents, Fay & Betty Sue McGraw; and niece, Alexis Evans.

Survivors include his loving wife, Amie Williamson King; children, Thiamine (Celeste) Weaver, Kiersten Becker, Hannahstaysia Weaver, and Jesse King; 8 grandchildren; mother, Dinah (Steve) Campbell; siblings, Timmy (Jessica) Caldwell, Amanda Coley, and Amy (Jeremy) Treadaway; business partner/best friend, Roger Williamson; and good friend, Pee Wee Keef.

In accordance with Mr. King’s wishes he will be cremated and the family will plan a memorial service to celebrate his life at a later date.

To share your condolences with the family online, please visit www.MasonFuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are provided by Mason funeral home, Summerville, GA.

Mr. Charles Junior “Rosie” Millican age 96 of Lyerly, GA, passed away Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at his residence.

Mr. Millican was born February 15, 1929, in Lupton City, TN son of the late Charlie Duke Millican and Alie Ann Robertson Millican. He was retired from Bigelow-Sanford/Mohawk Industries and was a member of Chelsea Baptist Church. He enjoyed working on cars and doing paint and body work in his shop, building trikes, and riding his four-wheeler on Bogan Mountain in Ferrell, AL where he grew up on a peach orchard.

Along with his parents he is preceded in death by his siblings, Lee Millican, Helen Kilgo, Roy Millican, and Vivian Millican.

Survivors include his loving wife, Penny Fowler Millican; sons, Derrell (Beckie) Millican and Chris Millican; siblings, James Comer and Pam (Larry) Pope; 3 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Mr. Millican will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, May 16, 2025, from the chapel of Mason Funeral Home with Rev. John Mann and
Mr. Frank Chambliss officiating. Interment will follow in Lyerly Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Dalton Colbert, Jeff Dotson, David Bias, Chad Millican, Jacob Anglin, and Rickey Millican. Honorary pallbearers will be Paul Marks, Joseph Jackson, Jim Wright, Charles Hunter, Chuck Marks, Rodney Anglin, and the Staff of Tapestry Hospice.

Mr. Millican will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends Friday from 11:00 A.M. until the service hour on Friday.

To share your condolences with the family online, please visit www.MasonFuneralHome.com.

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

Mr. Wallace Edward Howell, age 95, of Summerville, GA, died Sunday, May 11, 2025, at Atrium Health Floyd-Chattooga.

Mr. Howell was born October 22, 1929, in Hamilton, AL, son of the late James Monroe Howell and Nicie Sumner Howell. He was a member of Welcome Hill Baptist Church, and prior to his retirement, was employed with Roper. Mr. Howell loved hunting and fishing and also enjoyed woodworking.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ressie Thomas Howell; brothers, Wilburn Howell, Cleveland Howell, Max Howell, and Dennis Howell; sisters, Ethel Brown, Stella Beard, Jessie Bethune, Lura Bell Precise, Dorothy Byrd, Dorris Nixon, and Dean Page; and a granddaughter, Pamela Jaysie Parris.

Survivors include his daughters, Tammy (David) Cooper, Pam Murphy (Randy Swafford), and Angie (Kenny) Koonce; sisters, Verlene Pope and Kathy Howell; 4 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.

To share your condolences with the family online, please visit our website at www.masonfuneralhome.com.

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

Mrs. Sara Belcher passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Hospice Care Center in Chattanooga, TN, with loved ones by her side.

Sara was born January 30, 1950, in Trion, GA, the youngest of six children of the late Tom and Bertie Barrett. Sara was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Prior to her retirement, she was an assistant district manager for Dollar General Corporation. She was of the Baptist faith.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Jim Colbert; second husband, Ed Belcher; a son, Kelly Colbert; brothers, Gene Barrett, Randy Barrett, and Johnny Barrett; sisters, Pat Keith and Wanda Hames.

Survivors include her daughter, Sonya Mann; son, Jamie (Tamula) Colbert; grandchildren, Brooke Mann, Noah Mann, Katie (Jacob) Hughes, Daniel (Rachel) Cordell, Kellen (Tim) Sobschak, Easton (Allison) Colbert; great-grandchildren, Brayden Cordell, Aurora Hughes, Mia Hughes, and Jace Hughes.

Funeral services for Mrs. Belcher will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, May 10, 2025, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with her son, Jamie Colbert, and grandson, Easton Colbert officiating. Interment will follow in the Ridgeway Baptist Church Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Noah Mann, Daniel Cordell, Tim Sobschak, Jacob Hughes, Easton Colbert, and Bryan Keith. Honorary pallbearers are extended family members and friends.

Mrs. Belcher will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 12:00 Noon until the hour of service on Saturday.

To share your condolences with the family online, please visit our website at www.masonfuneralhome.com.

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

Mrs. Barbara Sue Watkins, age 83, of LaFayette, GA, died Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at the Center for Advanced Rehab at Parkside.

Mrs. Watkins was born April 1, 1942, in Jamestown, AL, daughter of the late Jack Starling Thomas and Maggie Tankersly Thomas. Prior to her retirement, she was employed with Massey Grocery.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew Watkins; and several brothers and sisters.

Survivors include her son, Doyle Thomas (Lori Painter); grandchildren, Dylan Thomas, Ashleigh Thomas, and Logan Thomas; and 3 great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Watkins will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 3:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. on Saturday, May 10, 2025.

There will be no formal funeral services.

To share your condolences with the family online, please visit our website at www.masonfuneralhome.com.

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

Mr. Billy Robert “Gear Jammer” Hughes, age 84, of Summerville, GA, died Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at Oakview Health and Rehabilitation.

Mr. Hughes was born December 6, 1940, to Jack and Lula Mann Hughes. He was retired from Thompson Enterprise in Kennesaw, GA, and was a part-time employed for Chattooga County for several years after his retirement.

Mr. Hughes enjoyed studying the Bible and deer hunting with his brother, Rayburn. He took pride in teaching his grandson, Blaze “Tator Chip” how to take a diesel engine apart then put it back together, and also teaching him how to weld.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Matt “Jammer Jr.” Hughes; his daughter, Billie Hughes; and a grandson, Josh Elrod.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Marietta Rutledge Hughes; daughter, Janie Robin (Timmy) Prince; grandchildren, Blaze and Jordan Hughes, Kelly Gill, Amy and Andy Stivers, Anna Elrod, Allie and Chuck Barksdale, Jordanne and Joesph McGinnis; great-grandchildren, Dixie Hughes, Hyde McGinnis, Rosie and Chance Elrod, Gavin, Finley, and Tylee Stivers, Ava, Cora, Cross, and Devan Barksdale; a brother, Rayburn and Shirley Hughes; uncle, John Mann; and several nieces and nephews.

There are no formal services planned at this time.

To share your condolences with the family online, please visit our website at www.masonfuneralhome.com.

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

Mrs. Judy Gail McNair, age 80, of Deatsville, AL, died Sunday, May 4, 2025, at her residence.

Mrs. McNair was born October 7, 1944, in Summerville, GA, daughter of the late Johnny Clements and Geneva Rucks Clements. She was Baptist by faith, and prior to her retirement, was employed with Roper. Mrs. McNair loved listening to Gospel and country music. She also enjoyed watching golf, crime dramas, and cowboy and western movies.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ricky McNair; a son, James Harold Ward, Jr.; and a brother, Fred Lewis.

Survivors include her son, Jerry Wayne McNair; brother, Marshall (Nancy) Lewis; and a sister, Wanda McNair.

Graveside and interment services for Mrs. McNair will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the Summerville Cemetery with Rev. Kevin Norton officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Roach, Stephen Smith, Tim DeBerry, Roger Keith, Ronnie McNair, Mark Lewis, Jason Lewis, and Dale Lewis.

Mrs. McNair will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 9:30 until 10:30 A.M. on Thursday.

To share your condolences with the family online, please visit our website at www.masonfuneralhome.com.

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

MR. SAMUEL WAYNE MOSLEY- It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Samuel Wayne Mosley, who left this world on May 5, 2025, at the age of 75. Born on April 4, 1950, he was a beacon of love, strength, and faith for all who knew him.
A proud veteran, Samuel served his country honorably in the Army, stationed in Korea during the Vietnam War. After the draft, he returned home and worked as a manager at Mount Vernon, followed by a managerial role at Galey & Lord. He then became a janitor at Pennville Elementary and Leroy Massey, where all the children came to know him as “Uncle Wayne.” Samuel eventually fulfilled his passion for serving the community as a bus driver for the Chattooga County School District, a role he cherished until his retirement in 2013. He also operated a family business called Rising Star, where he showcased his talent creating beautiful frames for works of art.

Born to Hamp Sr. and Jessie Mosley, Samuel was a cherished member of a large family, being the 5th of 14 children and the 7th of 47 grandchildren. He now joins his sisters: Evelyn, Elaine, and Darlene, and his brothers: Benjamin, Herbert, and Jerry in heaven, while the others remain to carry on his legacy. He was a devoted family man who leaves behind his beautiful wife, Annie Mosley, and two children: his late daughter Preeya, who is survived by her husband John Fain Jr. and their two beautiful daughters, Desiree and Jania, and his son Alex, who is married to Erica, have two beautiful children, Zander and Rachel. In addition to his dedication to family, Samuel was a faithful member of Oak Hill Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon. Beyond his service to the church, Samuel had a passion for gardening, fishing, and hunting.

A patient and God-fearing man, Samuel touched the lives of many with his kindness and unwavering faith. He taught us the importance of hard work, love, and devotion, leaving a legacy that will forever resonate in our hearts.

Funeral Service will be held Thursday, May 8, 2025 at Oak Hill Baptist Church at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor George Beavers and other Ministers Officiating. Family will receive friends one hour before the service. Interment will be at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Willis Funeral Home.

Mrs. Linda Blanton Sheppard Leslie, age 75, of Summerville, GA, passed away on Sunday, May 4, 2025.

Linda was born on May 30, 1949, in Andalusia, AL, to the late Catherine Elizabeth Hart Sheppard and Milton Perry Sheppard. She was a member of Menlo Presbyterian Church, worked part-time at the Chattooga County Public Library, and volunteered at the local chapter of the Georgia Farm Bureau. Prior to her retirement, she worked as a special education teacher in the Bartow County School System and Cherokee County School System. She also served in the U.S. Marine Corps, achieving the rank of Captain in 1978.

A lifelong learner, Linda earned an Associate’s degree from Young Harris College, a B.S. in Textiles and a Master’s degree in Home Economics from Auburn University, and studied in the Military Overseas Education Program at the University of Southern California. She also earned a B.S. in Special Education from Brenau University, an Education Specialist degree in Elementary Education from Jacksonville State University, a Master’s degree in Special Education from the University of North Georgia, and other accolades.

Linda enjoyed gardening, knitting hats for premature newborns, volunteering, and proudly bragging about her granddaughters.

In addition to her parents, Linda was preceded in death by her sister, Cathy Sheppard Olinger; brother-in-law, Ralph Olinger; and niece, Rebecca “Becky” Olinger.

Linda is survived by her husband, John M. Leslie; brother, Milton “Pete” Sheppard Jr.; children, Samuel, Elizabeth, and Robert; and grandchildren, Laurel and Lillia.

Visitation will be held at Menlo Presbyterian Church in Menlo, GA, from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. followed immediately by the service at 1:00 P.M. (ET) on Thursday, May 8, 2025. A graveside service will be held at Bradford’s Chapel UMC in Tuskegee, AL, on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. Central Time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the Chattooga County Farm Bureau, Chattooga County Chapter of the Georgia Young Farmers Association, Chattooga County 4-H, FFA, or other youth-supporting organizations.

The pallbearers are Jayne Short, Sandy Wheat, Donna Sausville, Christy Brannon, Garrett Hurley, Greg Hurley, Bill Bryan, Cliff Hunter, Stan Reynolds, Steve Scoggins, and Eddie Massey.

To share your condolences with the family online, please visit our website at www.masonfuneralhome.com.

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