Mr. William Thomas “Tom” Chapman, Jr., age 70, of Uvalda, GA (formerly of Summerville), died suddenly Friday, November 08, 2024, at Atrium Health Floyd-Chattooga.

Mr. Chapman was born March 29, 1954 in Metter, Georgia, son of the late William Thomas Chapman, Sr. and Berta Mae Brown Chapman.

As told to his daughter, Lauren, he lost his high school class ring when he flung a beer bottle out of a moving car. Afraid of his parents’ response to that and myriad of infractions, he signed up to serve his country in the Army. He was a paratrooper and joked they had to push him out of the plane for his first jump, but he loved every jump thereafter.

Later, Mr. Chapman was a member of the Old Guard serving in the Caisson barn, 1975-77 on wheel, as a section SGT and Cap Horse Walker. He was described as hard working, loyal, and fun to be around by his fellow service men. Mr. Chapman was Blackjack’s, the Riderless horse’s, last handler and was involved in numerous military funerals as well as President Jimmy Carter’s inauguration. This was one of his proudest services.

Mr. Chapman was also a member of the Metter Lodge # 435, F&AM and was a Shriner. He served as Worshipful Master of his lodge in 1982.

Mr. Chapman served the State of Georgia as an employee of the Department of Corrections until his retirement after 30 years. One of his most rewarding accomplishments was during his tenure as the Warden at Pulaski State Prison, Hawkinsville, GA. In 2008, by working with Middle Georgia Technical College and Mr. Tommy Irvin, former Georgia Agricultural Commissioner, he implemented Georgia’s first prison horse-rescue farm. This project was and still is beneficial for horses and inmates alike. Emaciated, abused horses often have nowhere to go. By coming to Pulaski State Prison, horses are nurtured and inmates report feeling they are “…doing something worthwhile [that] is actually good…” Because of the partnership with the technical college system of Georgia, some inmates are able to earn a certificate as a veterinary technician through Middle Georgia Technical College.

This is just one example of Mr. Chapman’s foresight, dedication to his role as Warden, and his ability to build friendships lasting long after his time with the Department of Corrections.

While in Hawkinsville, Mr. Chapman was heavily involved with the Chamber of Commerce, many community projects, served as the Grand Marshall in the Harness Festival Parade, named Citizen of the Year, and was an avid connoisseur of M&T’s Meat Market.

This list does not begin to encompass all of his accomplishments, however, one of his most recent was his sobriety, which he committed to one month after his grandson, Will, was born in 2017. Will was his absolute best friend whom he loved more than anyone else on this Earth (it’s true, and the rest of the family all know it and happily and heartily accept it).

Following his sobriety and giving his life over to the Lord, Mr. Chapman devoted many hours to sharing his testimony with anyone who would listen. He hoped his story would inspire others. The AA group in Summerville, GA was a major contributor to his ability to maintain his sobriety.
We would be remiss to leave out Mr. Chapman’s one-time obsession with Harley Davidson. He enjoyed the camaraderie and riding; especially with his friends, Huey and Sharp. He was always one of the first to help with charity rides, Toys for Tots, and other community events. Mr. Chapman also enjoyed being outside; particularly magnet fishing and metal detecting with his best buddy, Will.

Mr. Chapman’s survivors include his wife, Jan Wilson Chapman; children Lauren (Blake) Elsberry; William Thomas “Trey” Chapman, III, Brandy Love James, and Cindy Chapman; sister, Tammy (David) Chapman Hart; grandchildren, William Ashworth Elsberry and Sarah Katherine Elsberry, and many precious nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Friday, November 15th, 2024, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel.

Mr. Chapman 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 Friday.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please make donations to:

The Foundation of the Old Guard, online: https://donorbox.org/caisson-buckle-fund
Click on “leave us a comment” to mention Tom or mail a check to:
The Foundation of the Old Guard
P.O. Box 1010
Ft. Myer, VA 22211
Note “Tom” on the check
The foundation will use all funds received to support the Caisson platoon.
or
Heartbound Ministries, online: www.heartboundministries.com or mail a check to:
Heartbound Ministries
P.O. Box 191703
Atlanta, Georgia 31119-0703

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. Raymond Lee Hurley, age 72 of Gaylesville, AL passed away Friday, November 8, 2024 at his residence.

Mr. Hurley was born December 9, 1951 in Trion, GA to the late Raymond H. and Bonnie Wade Hurley. He was a retired machine mechanic from Sew So Styles and enjoyed gardening, whittling, and woodworking. He was a member of Freedom Baptist Church.

Along with his parents he is preceded in death by his son, Raymond Nathaniel Hurley, and sister, Glenda Henderson.

Survivors include his loving wife of 49 years, Rita Garlin Hurley; grandchild, Garrett Hurley; and special friend, Dr. April Connell.

Funeral services to celebrate the life of Mr. Hurley will take place at 12:00 Noon (GA Time)Tuesday, November 12, 2024, from the Chapel of Mason Funeral Home with Rev. Terry Hawkins officiating. Interment will follow at Oaknoll Memorial Gardens in Rome, GA with Jimmy Scott, Colby Scott, Logan Blalock, Steven Blalock, Michael Tucker, and Charles Tallent serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of Freedom Baptist Church.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday from 11:00 AM (GA Time) until the service hour.

MRS. JEWEL CAROL TOWNSEND HALL, age 92, of Menlo, Georgia, passed away Thursday morning, November 7, 2024, in a Rossville, Georgia, Nursing Facility, following an illness. She was born in Rome, Georgia on April 4, 1932 to the late George E. and Eunice Jones Townsend. Jewel was a member of the Menlo Methodist Church and was retired from Best Manufacturing Company after many years of service. In addition to Parents, Mrs. Hall was preceded in death by her husband, the late Dewey Jennings Hall on October 27, 1999, siblings, Mozell Stanfield and (Her twin) Sewell Townsend, half sisters, Beulah Freeman, Jackie Moore, and Ruth Barker, half brothers, Darrell Townsend and Buddy Townsend.

Surviving are sister, Nila Carmon; nieces and nephews, Joan Hunter, Tommy Carmon, Dan Carmon, Patrick Stanfield, Mark Stanfield, Allen Townsend, Mike Townsend, Kim Brown, Kris Caldwell and special friend, Donna Sentell.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, November 10, 2024 at 2 P.M. from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Rev. Jody Brock officiating; Interment in Alpine Cemetery. Active Pallbearers Casey Christol, Gary Vaughn, Patrick Stanfield, Allen Townsend, Sidney Swords and Jody Brock; Honorary Pallbearers all Friends. Visitation will be held Sunday from 12:30 P.M. until 2 P.M. at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Menlo Methodist Church, #266 Virginia Drive, Summerville, Georgia-30747.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Jewel Carol Townsend Hall.

Mrs. Susan Rebecca Kirk Middleton, age 68, of LaFayette, GA, died Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at Atrium Health Floyd-Chattooga.

Mrs. Middleton was born April 3, 1956, in Fort Oglethorpe, GA, daughter of the late C.B. Kirk and Carmon Margaree Blaylock Kirk. She was a homemaker and enjoyed gardening and wildlife. Mrs. Middleton loved spending time with her husband, her children, her grandchildren and her dogs, Lacy and Daisey.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Middleton was preceded in death by her sisters, Eula Mae Hawkins and Sandra Kirk.
Survivors include her husband, Carl Middleton; son, Heath (Daniela) Mann; daughter, Ashley (Michael) Coker; a brother, Randall Coy Kirk (Shelia
Zoe); 9 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Friday, November 8, 2024, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Matthew Willingham officiating. Interment will follow in New Home Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Coy Pendergrass, Dex Cargel, Michael Coker, Caleb Welch, Preston Putnam, and Ricky Ball.

Mrs. Middleton will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, November 7, 2024.

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. Elizabeth Nadine “Libby” Blackmon Frazier, age 82 of Summerville, passed away Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at the Oakview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Libby was born in Trion, Georgia on December 18, 1941, daughter of the late Grady Blackmon and Helen Pierce Blackmon. She was retired from Roper Industries and was of the Baptist Faith. In addition to her parents, Libby was preceded in death by her husband, James Tullon Frazier; sons, Charles “Bit” Turner and Troy “Monk” Turner; and brothers, Jerry “Curly” Blackmon and Richard “Bear” Blackmon.

Libby is survived by a brother, Tony Blackmon; nieces, Kaci(Leng) Gnov and Mandie Hunseder; nephews, Chris Blackmon and Greg Blackmon; and 2 grandchildren.

Graveside and Interment services will be held Sunday, November 10, 2024 at 2:30 P.M. in the West Hill Cemetery with Rev. Sammy Barrett officiating.

The family will receive friends at the Coffman Funeral Home Sunday afternoon from 1:00 P.M. until 2:00 P.M.

Coffman Funeral Home, Petitt Chapel is honored to be serving the family of Mrs. Elizabeth Nadine “Libby” Frazier. Please visit www.coffmanfh.net to sign our online guestbook and post condolences.

Mrs. Robbie Reese Kopacka, age 84, of Centre, AL, passed away Monday, November 4, 2024, at Cherokee Village Specialty Care Assisted Living.

Mrs. Kopacka was born February 19, 1940, in Menlo, GA, daughter of the late R.M. “Bob” and Mattie Lawson Reese. She was a member of the Church of Saint Andrew Presbyterian in Atlanta, GA, and later attended the First United Methodist Church in Centre. Mrs. Kopacka retired as an administrative staff manager with AT&T after 45 years of service.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Kopacka was preceded in death by her husband, Peter Alan “Al” Kopacka; sisters and brothers-in-law, Mae (Mack) Purcell, Ruth (Glenn) Griffith; brothers and sisters-in-law, John Reese, Lee Roy Reese, Bill (Iva) Reese, and David Reese; and a great-niece, Karen Newton.

Survivors include her nieces, JoAnn (Jerry) Newton, Joyce (Johnny) Pledger, Pat (Andy) Tudor, Cindy (Spunky) Mitchell, Darlene (Max) Treadaway, Tammy Reese (Adrian Nichols); nephews, Jerry Reese (Lisa Lowdon), Chamie Willingham; nephew by choice, Carl Griffith; sister-in-law, Carolyn Reese Tanner; neighbor and best friend, Margie Marona; as well as several cousins, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Funeral services for Mrs. Kopacka will be held at 2:00 P.M. (GA Time) Thursday, November 7, 2024, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. Tim Day officiating. Interment will follow in AMI Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jerry Reese, Jerry Newton, Max Treadaway, Spunky Mitchell, Johnny Pledger, Carl Griffith, and Chamie Willingham.

Mrs. Kopacka will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 1:00 P.M. (GA Time) until the hour of service on Thursday.

The family would like to offer a special “Thanks” to all the Staff at Cherokee Village, Jennifer Reynolds, Marley at Pro Health Hospice, and Carolyn McCullough.

Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to the Menlo Presbyterian Church in memory of the R.M. “Bob” Reese Family.

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.

EDITH JACQUELINE (JACQUE) NEWSOME, age 71, of Lyerly, Georgia, passed away Saturday, November 2, 2024, at her residence following an accident two weeks ago. Born in Summerville, Georgia on June 14, 1953, She was a daughter of the late Gene Allen and Mary Sue Hix Newsome. Jacque was retired CNA for Oak View Nursing and Rehab. Center. In addition to Parents, was preceded in death by Her companion Gary Eugene Battles, a son Brad Markham, and siblings Celeste Maddux and David Maddux.

Surviving are daughter, Shelley Maxey; sister, Rita Tanner, brother, Mike Newsome; several Nieces and Nephews also survive.

The Family will receive visitors Thursday, November 7th, from 1 until 2 P.M. at Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Memorial service to follow in the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel, at 2:00 P.M. with Rev. Harold Helton officiating.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Edith Jacqueline (Jacque) Newsome.

Mr. Larry Clayton Veatch age 75 of Subligna, GA passed away Friday, November 1, 2024 at his residence after an extended illness.

Mr. Veatch was born August 11, 1949 in Summerville, GA to the late Russell and Nola Dover Veatch. He was a retired carpenter at Plant Bowen, a veteran of the United States Army and a member of Subligna Baptist Church where he served a choir director. He loved to sing, spend time with his friends and family, and to travel.

Along with his parents he is preceded in death by his brother, Hershel Veatch.

Survivors include his loving wife of 47 years, Diane Bullard Veatch; children, Stacy (Jennifer) Mitchell, Dustin (Brooke) Veatch, and Ashley (Jason) Whitfield; brother, Ricky (Beverly) Veatch; sister in law, Brenda Veatch; 7 grandchildren; and  2 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services to celebrate the life of Mr. Veatch will be held at 3:30 PM Sunday, November 3 at Subligna Baptist Church with Pastor, Dr. Charles Bishop, Bro. Jason Whitfield, and Bro. Todd Smith officiating. Interment will follow at Subligna Cemetery with Jimmy Pinion, Tommy Dover, Jeff Dover, LeRoy Sweatman, Casey Veatch, and Brandon Veatch serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be the men of the Abundant Life Sunday School class.

The family will receive friends Sunday at the church from 1:30 until the service hour.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial contributions be made to the Subligna Babtist Church building fund in honor of Mr. Larry Veatch.

Mason Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

The Family of Mrs. Eva Ernestine Wofford Scoggins, announced her entrance into the portals of Glory, Sunday morning, October 27, 2024.  She was the elder daughter of Ruby Lee Nation and Ernest Wofford, born in LaFayette, Georgia, April 13, 1931.  She and husband Billy Scoggins, were married December 26, 1948 and were blessed with sixty-five years together.  She retired from thirty years of service with Memorial Hospital, Chattanooga, Tennessee.  Ernestine possessed a beautiful soprano voice and a great love for gospel music.  She enjoyed creating unique flower beds and was always known to have a favorite pet at her side.  Mrs. Scoggins was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Scoggins, mother, Ruby Wofford, and father, Ernest Wofford.; two daughters, Mary Kathryn Ingram and Karen Lee Shipp, and an only sister, Shirley Hutchins, have previously passed.

Lovingly known as “MaMaw Teenie”, she will be missed by her children; son, David Scoggins and daughter, Ava Paulette (and Hank), Jordan; also a great host of Grandchildren.

A Celebration of Her life and her Faith, in word and song, will be held Saturday, November 2024, at the Summerville Pentecostal Worship Center, with Brothers Carl Jackson, Kevin Woods, and Andy Hutchins officiating.  Grandsons will serve as their grandmother Pallbearers.  Visitation beginning at 12 noon will prelude service.

Mrs. Eva Ernestine Scoggins, absent from the body, forever present with the Lord.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Jack Roscoe Rogers, age 90, of Summerville, GA, died Monday, October 28, 2024, at Atrium Health Floyd.

Mr. Rogers was born July 28, 1934, in Knoxville, TN. He was Baptist by faith and prior to his retirement, was employed with Dixie Savings Company with 30 years of service. He had also previously been employed with Elm Hill and Winter Garden companies. Mr. Rogers was a veteran of the United States Army where he served 3 years at Fort Benning and he was a lifelong Tennessee Vols fan.

He was preceded in death by his parents and several brothers and sisters.

Survivors include his wife, Charlotte Barnes Rogers; sons, Bill Rogers, Ron Rogers, Jeff (Wendy) Rogers; daughter, Melissa (Wayne) Hickman; step-son, Tracy Barnes; 7 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.

There will be no formal funeral services and no visitation. Interment will be held privately in Greenhills Memory Gardens.

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.