Obituaries can be submitted to the editor at editor@oglethorpeecho.com

Obituaries

Francis Lee Byce Jr., affectionately known as “Big Lee,” passed away on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Athens at the age of 71.

Francis Lee Byce Jr., affectionately known as “Big Lee,” passed away on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Athens at the age of 71.

Obituary: Francis Lee Byce Jr.

Francis Lee Byce Jr., affectionately known as “Big Lee,” passed away on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Athens at the age of 71.

Obituary: Mable Wall West

Mable Wall West of Arnoldsville passed away peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, at the age of 86 due to complications from pneumonia.    As a mother and provider, Mable had many different jobs through the years.
Robert Jesse Drew, born March 31, 1964, in Augusta, Georgia, passed away on Oct. 10, 2025.

Robert Jesse Drew, born March 31, 1964, in Augusta, Georgia, passed away on Oct. 10, 2025.

Obituary: Robert Jesse Drew

Robert Jesse Drew, born March 31, 1964, in Augusta, Georgia, passed away on Oct. 10, 2025. Robert lived a life defined by service, honor, and integrity. He proudly served his country for more than 35 years in the U.S. Army, retiring with the distinguished rank of Sergeant First Class.

Obituary: Bobby Lee “Domino” Pittman

Bobby L. Pittman, 72, of Athens, died Sept. 29, 2025.  The funeral service was held 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6, 2025 at Living Waters Christian Fellowship Church in Athens, with Pastor William Bland, eulogist.  Interment was in Athens Memory Gardens.
Phillip Lamar Mixon, 40, passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 16, 2025, in Vienna, Virginia. He was born on June 10, 1985, in Athens.

Phillip Lamar Mixon, 40, passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 16, 2025, in Vienna, Virginia. He was born on June 10, 1985, in Athens.

Obituary: Phillip Lamar Mixon

Phillip Lamar Mixon, 40, passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 16, 2025, in Vienna, Virginia. He was born on June 10, 1985, in Athens. Phillip graduated from East Hall High School, Gainesville in 2003.
Barbara Kitchens Bell, 75, passed away on Oct. 4, 2025.

Barbara Kitchens Bell, 75, passed away on Oct. 4, 2025.

Obituary: Barbara Kitchens Bell

Barbara Kitchens Bell, 75, passed away on Oct. 4, 2025. Born Nov. 24, 1949, in Clarke County, Barbara was the daughter of the late Carl A. Kitchens and Sarah L. Patton Kitchens.

Obituary: Richard P. Anderson

Richard P. Anderson, 69, of Hull, passed away Sept. 26, 2025. He was the son of the late David and Daisy Anderson. Mr. Anderson was a carpenter. A visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6 at the funeral home.

Obituary: Richard L. Kelley

Richard L. Kelley, 68, of Winterville, died Sept. 22, 2025. A memorial service was held at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26 at Jones Funeral Chapel in Crawford, with Pastor Christopher Watson, eulogist.
Maurice Daniel Mathews, 88, passed away on Sept. 26, 2025.

Maurice Daniel Mathews, 88, passed away on Sept. 26, 2025.

Obituary: Maurice Daniel Mathews

Maurice Daniel Mathews, 88, passed away on Sept. 26, 2025. Born April 4, 1937 and raised in Oglethorpe County, he was a long-time and well-respected leader from the Enterprise community. Maurice graduated from Oglethorpe County High School in 1956.
Berdine Huff Wray, 74, of Lexington, passed away on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025.

Berdine Huff Wray, 74, of Lexington, passed away on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025.

Obituary: Berdine Huff Wray

Berdine Huff Wray, 74, of Lexington, passed away peacefully on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025. Born in Athens, she was a daughter of the late Ralph and Dorothy Huff.  Mrs. Wray attended Cornerstone Church of Athens and served in many capacities at the Winterville Retirement Home.