MR. JIM BAGLEY, age 75, of Summerville, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at His residence following health concerns. Jim was born in Summerville, Georgia on April 16, 1951, to the late Claude and Frances Bagley.
Along with His father, he owned and operated Bagley Oil Company for many years.
Funeral services are incomplete and will be announced by Earle Rainwater Funeral Home
Joel Niles Peterson, 80, of Summerville, Georgia, passed away peacefully at home on August 26, 2026, surrounded by love and under hospice care. His beloved wife and soulmate of 30 years, Summer, was at his side.
Joel was born March 4, 1946, in Provo, Utah, and grew up in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He lived a remarkable life devoted to family, faith, learning, health, music, and helping others. Joel married Summer on November 1, 1996, and together they shared three decades filled with love, laughter, music, faith, and companionship. Approximately five years ago, they moved from Idaho Falls to their country home in Summerville, Georgia, where they found a beautiful new chapter of life in the North Georgia mountains. They became part
of a loving church community and formed many meaningful friendships. Joel was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, husband, mentor, teacher, personal trainer, life coach, musician, and friend. He was the father of John and Tracy and lovingly embraced Summer’s daughters, Harmony, Hayley, and Tia, becoming their cherished Joeldad. He was also a proud grandfather and shared a special 78-year
bond with his sister, Polly. Joel had an extraordinary mind and was a lifelong learner, avid reader, researcher, gifted speaker, and teacher. He was passionate about sharing knowledge and helping others become stronger, healthier, and more confident. As a Level Six personal trainer and life coach, he transformed hundreds of lives through education, discipline, encouragement, and mentorship. He was meticulous about his profession and kept deeply detailed records of the workouts he developed throughout his career. An accomplished all-natural bodybuilder and competitive weightlifter, Joel also held a National record in the bench press in his age group. Joel was equally passionate about music. A talented singer and guitarist and devoted Elvis fan, he and Summer played and sang together for more than 20 years at family gatherings, celebrations, church events, worship services, and community occasions. Music was one of the ways they shared their love, joy, and faith with others. Faith became a profound part of Joel’s life. His devotion to Jesus shaped the way he lived and loved, and he openly shared his faith and the hope he had found with those closest to him, including Summer and Polly. His faith remained an important source of strength throughout his final years. Joel will be remembered for his brilliant mind, generous spirit, powerful voice, quick wit, wonderful sense of humor, love of music, and genuine desire to help others. He had a gift for believing in people and encouraging them to believe in themselves. His influence lives on through his family, friends, students, clients, church family, and all those whose lives he helped make stronger.
Joel is survived by his wife, Summer; his children, John, Tracy, Harmony, Hayley, and Tia; his grandchildren; his sister, Polly; and numerous extended family members, friends, students, clients, and loved ones.
A Celebration of Life Family and friends are warmly invited to join us in celebrating Joel’s life on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 171 Taylor Street
Summerville, GA, United States, Georgia. The service will be presided over by Pastor Danny Decker. We invite all who knew and loved Joel to come together to remember his extraordinary life, share stories and memories, and celebrate the love, faith, music, laughter, knowledge, and strength he gave so generously to others. Use the link below for livestream: https://youtube.com/@cbcsummerville?si=venNqbj7lpBeRP-d. Please feel free to post your stories, tributes and condolences here as the family will be able to see and enjoy them and respond in time for those who live too far to make it in person. He was deeply loved, deeply cherished, and will never be forgotten. Friends and Family, Thank you all for making our lives so much richer and fulfilling! You are all LOVED.
Mr. Cecil William Watkins, age 88, of Cedar Bluff, Alabama, passed away Wednesday morning, September 30, 2026, at his daughter’s residence in Waycross, GA.
Cecil was born July 4, 1938, in Trion, GA, to the late Ralph McKinley Watkins and Jewel Pack Watkins. He lived most of his life in the Trion and Summerville area. Cecil began his working career at Mt. Vernon Mills and was a truck driver for 55 years, working last with Phelps Transportation. He was a member of New Generation Church of God. Cecil Three years ago, he moved to Waycross to be with his daughter, where he attended Kettle Creek Church. Cecil enjoyed golfing in years past and eating at Waffle House, but most of all, he cherished visiting with others and witnessing for the Lord.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Patricia White Watkins; and his siblings, Maggie Tucker, Betty Tucker, Faye Williams, Buddy Watkins, and Frankie Watkins.
Survivors include two daughters, Cassandra White of Summerville, GA, and Candrice Hatcher (Tim) of Waycross, GA; his beloved dog, JJ; grandchildren, Randy Vaughn (Amanda), Angel Vaughn, Mitchell Hatcher (Nicole), and Austin Hatcher (Heather); great-grandchildren, Ella Vaughn, Israel Vaughn, Nathan Hatcher, McKinley Hatcher, Lincoln Hatcher, Charlotte Hatcher, and Henry Hatcher; siblings, David Watkins, Joyce Grogan, Sherman Watkins, Ray Watkins, Paul Watkins, and Shirley Ratliff; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, October 5, 2026, in the chapel of the Coffman Funeral Home, Summerville, Georgia with Rev. Danny Harkins and Rev. Jamie Godwin officiating. Interment will follow in the West Hill Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 12 until 2 p.m. Monday at Coffman Funeral Home.
Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Cecil William Watkins.
Mrs. Eva Nell Winters, age 90 a resident of Summerville, Georgia passed away on September 30, 2026 at the Oak View Nursing and Rehab Center where she had been a resident for about 8 years. She was surrounded by a number of family members and friends as she passed.
Ms. Eva was born September 19, 1936 in Centre, Alabama daughter of the late John Henry Bradley and Nettie Elizabeth Kirby Bradley. She was of the Baptist faith where she attended Dry Valley Baptist Church. Ms. Eva had a love for sewing, quilting and cooking. It is said that she was an amazing cook.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her late husband, Grady E. Winters; brother, Virgil Bradley; sister, Leigh Dale Gerard; sister, Christine Johnson; sister, Edgil Sanford.
Surviving are daughter, Judy Tapp (Sammy); daughter, Patsy Hall; daughter, Wanda Elrod (Leonard); daughter Booger Hines. Ms. Eva is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, 7 great-great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews along with a number of very special friends.
The family extends a very special “thank-you” to the staff at the Oakview Nursing and Rehab as well as the staff of Affinis Hospice.
Services for Ms. Winters will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. in the chapel of the Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory where the family will receive friends from noon until the funeral hour with the Dr. Brannon Martin officiating. Pall bearers will be Russell Justice, Dusty Hines, Mark Smith, Kolby Smith, David Ray Cordell and Travis Cordell. Honorary pallbearers will be Great grandchildren, Great-great grandchildren, staff of the Oakview Nursing and Rehab, staff of Affinis Hospice. Interment will follow in the Oakhill Cemetery at the Lyerly Methodist Church.
The Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to be serving the family of Mrs. Eva Nell Winters.
Mr. David Wayne Guenther, age 82 of Lafayette, Georgia, formerly Ft. Myers, Florida, passed away Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at the local emergency department.
Mr. Guenther was born in Zumbroto, Minnesota on October 21, 1943, son of the late Bernhard Joseph Guenther and Dorothy Therese Laque Guenther. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving his country for over 27 years, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. Mr. Guenther was a good husband, father and master piddler. He enjoyed collecting Die Cast John Deere Tractors and going to swap meets. Mr. Guenther had attended the Lafayette First Baptist Church and was of the Catholic Faith.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Guenther was preceded in death by four brothers, Gerald Guenther, Robert Guenther, Bernie Guenther and Mike Guenther; and a grandson, Kenny Brown.
Mr. Guenther is survived by his wife of 46 years, Shirley Guenther; son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Peggy Hooper; daughters and son-in-law, Beverly Hooper and Linda and Mike McCrary; sisters, Marie Robinson, Eileen Bauers and Betty Miller; 8 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren; 7 great-great grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Memorial Services for Mr. Guenther will be held Sunday, October 4, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of the Coffman Funeral Home with his son-in-law, Mike McCrary officiating. Interment will be at a later date in the Tennessee-Georgia Memorial Park.
Mr. Guenther’s family will meet and receive friends following the memorial service Sunday.
Ms. Fredie Mae Elrod White, age 96, of Cartersville, GA, died Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Cartersville Crossing.
Ms. White was born January 2, 1930, in Summerville, GA, daughter of the late Fred B. Elrod and Teriah Bynum Elrod. She was a member of the Tabernacle Baptist Church of Cartersville, and prior to her retirement, worked as a supervisor with Lawtex. Ms. White loved her family who referred to her as “the best cook in the world.”
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by all of her siblings as well as a granddaughter, Toni White.
Survivors include her son, Gary White; daughters, Theresa Pinson and Elizabeth Ann White; 4 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Graveside and interment services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, September 27, 2026, at the Summerville Cemetery with Mr. Jim Little officiating.
There will be no visitation and those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to gather at Summerville Cemetery prior to the time of service.
Mrs. Mary Lucille Mason Wood, age 90, of Summerville, GA, died Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at her residence.
Mrs. Wood was born December 17, 1935, in Jamestown, AL, daughter of the late William “Bill” Mason and Bessie Crane Mason. She was a longtime member of the West Summerville Baptist Church, and prior to her retirement, was employed as a caregiver in the home healthcare industry. Mrs. Wood loved roses and she enjoyed baking, with coconut cake being her specialty.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Ann Tucker, Cledia Wood, and Sue Phillips.
Survivors include her husband, Robert Wood; sisters, Joyce (Ray) Burke, Judy Tucker; and her special caregivers, Tammy Tucker and Carlton Jackson.
Funeral services will be held at 4:00 P.M. Saturday, September 26, 2026, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Glenn Ezell officiating. Interment will follow in Johnson Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Jamie Tucker, Shannon Tucker, John Tucker, Gilbert Laney, Casey Evans, and Chuck Wood. Honorary pallbearers will be Joey Ezell, Carlton Jackson, Jimbo Burke, and Stacey and Bill Womack.
Mrs. Wood will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 2:00 P.M. until the hour of service on Saturday.
Mr. Donald Stephenson Groce, “Steve”, aged 83, of Summerville, Georgia, passed away early Sunday morning, September 20, 2026, at his residence surrounded by his family. Steve was born in Summerville on September 6, 1943. He was a devoted husband for 54 years, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Steve was a kind and generous man who treated everyone with warmth and respect. His kindness touched not only those he worked alongside, but also his friends and neighbors. He will be remembered for the compassion shown to others and the lasting impression left on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Family was the heart of his life. He cherished every moment spent with his loved ones and took great pride in watching his children and grandchildren grow, cheering them on in their sports, celebrating their academic achievements, and supporting them in all they pursued. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Vera Groce, and his brother, Wayne Groce.
He is survived by his wife, Rebecca “Becky” Lindsay Groce; son and daughter-in-law, Ben and Laura Groce; daughter and son-in-law, Kelley and Tod Crane; grandchildren Emma Crane, Will Groce, Lila Groce, and Michael Crane; sister Joyce Parker; several nieces and nephews; and special family friends, Kelli Veatch, Sonya Ledford, Betty Corbin, and Mollie Corbin.
Steve was a member of the last class of Summerville High School in 1961. He went on to graduate with a degree in Risk Management from the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia. Steve began his professional career as a business educator and baseball coach at Chattooga High School in Summerville. Following a move to Lake City, Florida, he continued to teach business education and served as head baseball coach and an assistant football coach for the offensive line and quarterbacks. He was especially proud to have been part of the coaching staff of the Columbia High School Fighting Tigers when they won the Florida Class A State Football Championship in 1967. After returning to Summerville, he began working at Georgia Rug Mill where he later became Plant Manager. In 1979, he served as Vice President of Bigelow Canada in Saint-Agathe-des-Monts, Quebec Province. The family returned to Georgia for him to serve as Plant Manager of the Lyerly Bigelow-Sanford Plant. In 1986, he was presented with the Beacon of Quality Award for his work in the carpet industry. Following this honor, he was recruited by Allied Signal Fibers in Dalton to serve as a Technical and Textile Engineer where he remained until his retirement in 1999. While at Bigelow, he enjoyed playing softball with the Georgia Rug Mill team. He was also an avid golfer who spent many happy hours on the golf course with friends. He was especially proud of his remarkable seven holes-in-one throughout the years.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, September 27, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Casey Bramlett officiating. Interment will be at the Summerville Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Will Groce, Michael Crane, Rick Chesley, Wes Maddux, Dee Windle, Jack Ledford, and Andy Stivers. Honorary pallbearers, Donnie Baker, Rusty Dooley, “Lefty” Norton, Jerry “Dink” Willingham, Mike Wilson, Everett “Porky” James, Ronnie Land, Bud Reynolds, Harry Barnes, and “Monk” Grover. Mr. Groce will be in state at Earle Rainwater Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 12:00 PM until the service hour on Sunday.
Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements
Mr. Howard Leon “Tooster” Ward, age 75, of Cedar Bluff, AL, died Monday, September 21, 2026, at his residence.
Mr. Ward was born February 7, 1951, in Trion, GA, son of the late Sandy Howard Ward and Margaret Montrey Lea Ward. He was Baptist by faith, and prior to his retirement, was self-employed in the heating and air industry. Mr. Ward cherished his family and loved music and gardening. He also enjoyed mechanic work, fishing, and rabbit hunting. Mr. Ward was also a veteran of the United States Army.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Bernice Uvon “Bonnie” Ward.
Survivors include his wife, Linda Ward; sons, Brian (Jennifer) Ward, Arnold (Sylvia) Ward; a daughter, Angela (Lee) Dobyns; brothers, Ray Ward, Sam Ward, Rick Ward; sisters, Annette (Ron) Steward, Terry Easton, and Mary Dillard; grandchildren, Gabrielle White, Cassandra White, and Jaxon Ward; and 4 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, September 26, 2026, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Larry Reynolds officiating.
Mr. Ward will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 12:00 P.M. until the hour of service on Saturday.
