Obituaries

Obituary: Willie Frank Hitchcock

Willie F. Hitchcock of Winterville died July 11, 2025. A graveside service and interment were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 19, 2025 at East Lawn Memorial Cemetery, with Pastor Ronald Gantt, eulogist.

Obituary: George John Faz

George John Faz of Crawford passed away peacefully at his home at 4:43 a.m. Thursday, July 17, surrounded by his loved ones. A devoted husband, father, friend and professional, John leaves behind a legacy of excellence and integrity. John was born in San Antonio, Texas on Jan.

Obituary: Sandra Grant Hubbard

Sandra G. Hubbard, of Hull, died July 7, 2025. The funeral service was 1 p.m. Saturday, July 12, 2025 at Gholston Missionary Baptist Church, with Pastor Walter McGuire Jr., eulogist.

Obituary: James Edward ‘Jim’ Gabriel

James Edward “Jim” Gabriel, cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother and son, passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025 at the age of 67.  Born in Athens, he was the oldest son of Doris Busbin Gabriel and the late Garnett Gabriel.

Obituary: Doris Graham Callaway

Doris Graham Callaway, 91, of Crawford, died July 8 at Piedmont Athens Regional, surrounded by her adoring family. The daughter of Lillian Chastain Pitts and William Cary Pitts, she was born in Point Peter in Oglethorpe County.

Obituary: Sallyanne Busbee Crawford Barrow

Sallyanne Busbee Crawford Barrow, 70, passed away on July 5, 2025 from complications of glioblastoma.  She is predeceased by her mother Winifred Hazel Outzs Crawford, infant half-brother, father Harold Thomas Crawford, stepmother Dorothy Ruth Lindley Crawford and husband James Barrow Jr.

Obituary: George C. Cooper Sr.

George C. Cooper Sr. of Hull died June 27, 2025.  The funeral service was at 1 p.m. July 2 at Springfield Baptist Church in Comer, with Pastor Theodis Johnson, eulogist. Interment was in the Moon Cemetery.  Survivors include sons George C. (Jessica) Cooper Jr.

Obituary: Jimmy Wayne Pledger

Jimmy Wayne Pledger, born on March 30, 1945, in Athens, peacefully departed this life on June 18, 2025.  He leaves behind a legacy of dedication, love for his family and service to his community.  Wayne worked for the Athens Clarke County Road Department, where he worked as a truck driver.

Obituary: Peggy ‘Peg’ Smith Galloway

Peggy “Peg” June Smith Galloway, 91, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Athens, after a short illness.

Obituary: Vinettia Crowley Barnes

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service was held for Vinettia "Nita" Crowley Barnes of Athens at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 28, 2025 at New Season Transformation Ministry in Hull, with Pastor Maurice G. Walker, eulogist. Survivors include her sons Joseph Crowley, Odell Barnes, Jr.