Coach “Buddy” Roy Knapp Jr. age 81 of Centre, passed away Saturday, January 03, 2026 at his home.

Buddy Knapp leaves behind a legacy of leadership, dedication, and service that spanned more than five decades in education and athletics.

Beginning his coaching career in Notasulga High School in 1969, Buddy Knapp devoted his life to mentoring young athletes through both football and basketball, believing that sports provided a foundation for discipline, integrity, and lifelong values. His coaching journey continued at Carrollton High School from 1976 to 1987, Mount Zion High School from 1987 to 1996, Coosa High School from 1996 to 2001, and concluded with a return to Mount Zion High School from 2001 to 2003.

To his players, Buddy was more than a coach—he was a mentor, teacher, and steady influence during some of the most formative years of their lives. Whether on the football field or the basketball court, he emphasized effort, accountability, and respect. One of his most enduring lessons was his belief that athletes should always carry themselves with “class, character, and clout,” a phrase that became a cornerstone of his coaching philosophy and a standard his teams were proud to uphold.

Among his fellow coaches and coworkers, Buddy was known for his integrity, loyalty, and tireless work ethic. He led by example and earned the respect of colleagues through fairness, consistency, and an unwavering commitment to his athletes. He never asked more of others than he was willing to give himself.

He often reminded his teams to “do things the right way, even when no one is watching,” a principle that guided both his coaching and his life. His influence reached far beyond seasons and scoreboards, shaping young men and women long after their playing days had ended.

Buddy Knapp leaves behind a lasting legacy in the countless athletes he coached, the colleagues he supported, and the communities he faithfully served. Built over five decades of dedication, his impact will continue to live on through the lives he touched and the values he instilled—forever defined by class, character, and clout.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Thursday, January 08, 2026 at 12:00PM in the chapel of Perry Funeral Home, the family will receive friends from 11:00AM till the hour of service at the funeral home.

He is survived by his wife; Rita Ann Cothran Knapp, sons: Brian Scott (Tashia) Knapp, Brady Keith Knapp, stepson; Jonathan Allen Roberts, step-daughter; Aimee Nicole Macmahon, grandchildren; Gracie Allen (Cash), Bristol Knapp, Emerson Knapp, Theodore Knapp, special friends; The Mighty Ballers, John Hill, Larry Bing, Knowlin Wood, George Scroggins, Ricky Tollison. The family request no flowers and donations be made to Centre First Baptist Church Building Fund or The Gaylesville High School Booster Club.

Perry Funeral Home of Centre, AL is in charge of arrangements for Coach “Buddy” Roy Knapp Jr.

Mr. Terry Lewis Teems, age 68, of Dry Creek Road, Summerville, Georgia, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, January 7, 2026, in a Rome hospital. He was born in Gainesville, Georgia on January 26, 1957 to the late Lewis Irvin and Mary Irene Dyer Teems. He was Baptist by Faith, retired Lab Tech for Mohawk Mill, and an accomlished musician. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, the late Waelynn Teems.

Surviving are his wife, Melanie Teems; son, Taeler Teems; grandson, Warren Teems; sisters, Carol Rhinehart and Kathy Gentry; several Nieces and Nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 10th, at 11:00 a.m. from the North Summerville Baptist Church with Pastor Malcolm Harris and Pastor Sammy Barrett officiating, interment in Summerville Cemetery. Active Pallbearers, Jayce Harris, Kamdyn Harris, Zach Hughes, Tony Hughes, Blake Gentry and Austyn Gentry.

The family will receive friends Saturday from 10 until 11 a.m. at the Church.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Terry Lewis Teems.

Rev. John Mann, age 98, of Lyerly, GA, passed away Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Advent Health Redmond.

Rev. Mann was born January 20, 1927, in Guntersville, AL, son of the late James Arthur Mann and Argie Leona Davis Mann.  He was the pastor of the West Berryton Faith Temple Holiness Church for many years and had previously pastored other churches including Barrett’s Chapel in Gaylesville, AL, Big Rock Church in Sand Rock, AL, Fort Payne Holiness Church of Fort Payne, AL, and Cunningham Bridge Church in Sylvania, AL.  Rev. Mann was also retired from Riegel Textiles.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Bessie Anderson Mann; siblings, Gracie Adams, Margaret Hughes, William A. “Dock” Mann, Floye Rice, James Oscar Mann, Lula Hughes, Ray Mann, Essie Lou Lively, Fay Mann, Katherine Sims, and Viver Mann; and his son-in-law, Danny Morgan.

Survivors include his daughter, Glenda Mann Morgan; grandson, Billy John (Tabatha) Lewis; great-grandchildren, Maranda (Jason) Phillips, Levi Lewis; great-great-grandson, Jaxon Phillips; special friends, Barbara Dickens and Tina Maynard.

Funeral services for Rev. Mann will be held at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, January 6, 2026, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jason Boyd officiating.  Interment will follow in Lyerly Cemetery.  Active pallbearers will be Jason Phillips, Matt Boyd, Billy Lewis, Teddy Williams, Chad Miller, Bobby Sizemore, Junior Boyd, and Jaren Boyd.  Honorary pallbearers will be Levi Lewis, Jaxon Phillips, and the members of West Berryton Faith Temple Holiness Church.

Rev. Mann will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. Monday, January 5, 2026.

Mrs. Jennett Fraiser Hammonds, age 103, of Summerville, GA, died Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Oakview Health and Rehabilitation.

Mrs. Hammonds was born May 1, 1922, in Dawson, AL, daughter of the late John Marion Fraiser and Lizar Leuvenda Stephenson Fraiser. She had attended the West Summerville Baptist Church and prior to her retirement, was employed with Bigelow-Sanford.

Mrs. Hammonds was known to her grandchildren as “Nana” and “Mamanett,” and was known for her gardening skills in growing beautiful flowers. She loved the outdoors and enjoyed her visits from family and friends. She was also an avid fan of the Atlanta Braves.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Fletcher Charles Hammonds; son, Mickey Hammonds; brothers, Henry Fraiser and Rassie Fraiser; sisters, Marie Cofield and Odell Smith; and a grandson, Chuck Hammonds.

Survivors include her sons, Ricky (Pam) Hammonds, Jerry (Anita) Hammonds; a daughter, Jackie Grimes; grandchildren, Chris Hammonds, Megan Hunter, Clancey Cooper, Macy Hammonds Wilson, Casey Broyles, Aaron Broyles, Brooke Whaley, Cody Grimes, and Robin Grimes Womack; 14 great-grandchildren; and nieces, Brenda Cooper and Janet Colbert.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, January 3, 2026, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. James Baird officiating. Interment will follow in Summerville Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Chris Hammonds, Will Hammonds, Trent Wilson, Calen Cooper, Kaden Stover, Cody Grimes, and Steve McGill.

Mrs. Hammonds 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.

MR. VIRGIL S. MARTIN – Age 62, of Calhoun, GA, formerly of Lyerly, GA passed away Monday December 29, 2025. Virgil was born October 13, 1963 to his late parents, Lovett Martin, Sr. and Cavalier E. Hudgins Martin. Virgil was a graduate of Chattooga High School and was retired from Mohawk Industries. He enjoyed watching NASCAR and supporting University of Georgia Football. Most of all he enjoyed his family gatherings. He is preceded in death by his brother, Robert Martin.

Those left to cherish Virgil’s memories are his wife, Phyllis Lewis Martin; son, Morgan “Brandon” Watters; stepdaughters, LaSonya Watters and Benita (Kin) Strawder; grandchildren, Taurus Carson, Ava Shelton, and Khyzan Watters; siblings, Vivian Prince, Vickie (Clifton “C.J.”, Sr.) Gooch, Lovett Martin, Jr., Vaddie (Herbert) Harlan, Brenda (Leon) Hall, Deborah (Steve) Hudson, Larry Martin, Richard (Joyce) Martin, Vincent Martin, and Tammy Martin; sisters-in-law, Rhonda Cheever, Wanda (Daryl) Harvey, Bridget (Lamar) Stephens, Danielle (Tyrone) Grant, Stephanie Copeland, and LaQuinta Lewis; aunt, Daphne Morrison; uncles, Timothy Finley and Sanford Finley; special niece, Regina “Batmite” Herring; a host of nieces, nephews, cousin, and other relatives; special friends, George Adams, Tim Adams , Anthony Adams, Jerry Newport, Kerry Newport, Blake Newport, and Monnie Loveless; neighbors, Allen, Cindy, Jason; and other friends.

Homegoing Celebration will be Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 12:00 Noon at Pond Spring A.M.E. Zion Church, Taliaferro Springs Rd, Lyerly, GA 30730, with Bishop V.T. Harden, Eulogist. The family will receive extended family and friends on Saturday a hour before the service at the church. Interment; Pond Spring Church Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Willis Funeral Home, Inc., Dalton, GA.

Mrs. Azilee Mathis Edwards, age 94, of Summerville, GA, passed away Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Oakview Health and Rehabilitation.

Mrs. Edwards was born June 24, 1931, in Lafayette, GA, daughter of the late Ethel Woodall Mathis and Vandell Mathis. She graduated from Summerville High School in 1948. She was an employee of the Farmer Montgomery Knitting Mill, working under Mr. J.R. Burgess, and later retired from the needling department of the Lyerly Rug Mill. She was a member of Four Mile Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Edwards was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Lee Edwards; son, Jerry Wayne Edwards; sister, Audrey Faye Christol; brothers, Monroe Mathis and Herbert Mathis; a special aunt and uncle, Paul and Bobbie Woodall; and daughter-in-law, Barbara Jean Edwards.

Survivors include her daughter, Elizabeth Hughes of Trion; sons, Ricky Edwards, Steven (Dale) Edwards, Tim (Pam) Edwards, Andrew Edwards, Mike Edwards, and James (Holly) Edwards; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; and daughter-in-law, Melody Edwards.

Graveside and interment services will be held at 3:30 Friday, January 2, 2026, at Summerville Cemetery with Rev. Joel Smith and Rev. Doyle Kelley officiating. Active pallbearers will be Avery Edwards, Austin Edwards, Gunnar Gable, Tom Edwards, Don Edwards, and Mick Allen. Honorary pallbearers will be Robbie Turner, Rodney Edwards, Jeff Edwards, and Danny Callaway.

Mrs. Edwards will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 1:00 until 3:00 P.M. on Friday.

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. Pauline Estelle Hines, age 94, of Summerville, GA died Monday, December 29, 2025, at Atrium Health Floyd-Chattooga.

Mrs. Hines was born February 16, 1931, in Gaylesville, AL, daughter of the late Milton and Lena Bagley Elliott. She was Baptist by faith and had previously attended the Spring Creek Baptist Church. Prior to her retirement, she was employed with Reigel Textiles.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Mitchell Hines; daughter, Joyce Deborah Hines Battles; brothers, J.D. Elliott, Donald Elliott; and a sister, Gurtrel Elliott Burge.

Survivors include her son, Randall (Tina) Hines; daughter, Peggy Hines; grandchildren, Charity Hines (Joshua) Jolly, Joshua (Melissa) Hines, Timothy Battles, Michael Battles, and Randy Battles; and several great-grandchildren.

Graveside and interment services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at West Hill Cemetery with Rev. Matthew Willingham officiating.

Mrs. Hines will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:30 P.M. Wednesday.

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. Charles Franklin Jenkins, age 72 of Summerville, Georgia passed away unexpectedly Sunday, December 28, 2025.

Mr. Jenkins was born in Lafayette, Georgia on July 2, 1953, son of the late Robert H. Jenkins and Margarett Wilson Millican. He was retired from Roper Corporation, where he was a press operator. Mr. Jenkins was an avid hunter and fisherman, enjoyed working on the farm and with his tractor, but his favorite activity was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Jenkins was preceded in death by a grandson, Alex Jenkins; great granddaughter, Natalie Jenkins; a sister, Elizabeth Stinnett and a brother, Robert Grady Jenkins.

Mr. Jenkins is survived by his wife, Doris Burrage Jenkins; daughter, Angela Avalos; sons and daughters-in-law, Franklin and Angela Jenkins, Billy and Ashley Jenkins and Chris and Dana Jenkins; sisters and brothers-in-law, Margie and Tom Lawton and Stella and Bobby Kilgore; brothers and sister-in-law, John Jenkins and David and Susie Jenkins; 14 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services for Mr. Jenkins will be held Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of the Coffman Funeral Home with Rev. Randall Hardin officiating. Interment will follow in the Green Hills Memory Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Jason Jenkins, Charlie Jenkins, Isaac Jenkins Jeffery Cameron, Terry Helton, Jr. and Kenneth Taylor.

Mr. Jenkins’ family will receive friends at the Coffman Funeral Home on Wednesday from 12:00 Noon until the service hour.

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Charles Franklin Jenkins.

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

Micheal “Pops” Pegg, age 64, of LaFayette, passed away Saturday, December 27, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his father, Frank “Pig” Pegg; brother, Tony Pegg; and grandparents, Richard and Lucy Pegg and Claude and Lora Pettyjohn.

Micheal is survived by his children, Dustin Hughes, Jonathan Hughes, RosAnna (Matthew) Faulkner, Frankie Pegg, and Dillon Pegg; grandchildren, Avery Oliver, Jason Pegg, and Jaxson Faulkner; mother, Genevelyn Pettyjohn Pegg; sisters, Candy Craig and Penny Amanda (Bill) Pegg Hitchcock; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, December 29, in the Wilbanks Memorial Chapel with Pastor Mickey Skates officiating.

Visitation will be held on Monday from 5 p.m. to the hour of service at the funeral home.

Arrangements are by Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home, LaFayette.