Obituaries

Obituary: Clarence J. Turenne

Clarence J. Turenne, 89, of Athens passed away on Friday, July 26, 2024, under the care of The Oaks hospice. He was born on Oct. 29, 1934 in Reseburg Township, Wisconsin, to the late Albert and Mildred (Lockbaum) Turenne.

Obituary: Willie Lee Nation

Willie Lee Nation, 94, of Oglethorpe County passed away on July 30, 2024. Born on May 4, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Lula Mae Thomas and Hyartt Thomas Wheless. Willie could often be found cutting her grass, shelling pecans or cooking meals for her family.

Obituary: James Melton

James Alton "Dub" Melton, 88 of Winterville, died July 29, 2024. A lifelong resident of Oglethorpe County, he was a son of the late William James and Mary Elizabeth Hardeman Melton. Dub served in the U.S. Air Force for four years and was a retired mail carrier with the U.S. Postal Service.

Obituary: John Edgar Caldwell

John Edgar Caldwell, affectionately known as “Johnny,” 78, of Bridges Road, Carlton, husband of 55 years to the late Martha Anne Mathews Caldwell, passed away at his residence on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

Obituary: Walter Keith Sanders

Walter Keith Sanders, 66, of Crawford, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, July 27, 2024. Born in Athens, he was a son of Mary Nell Cowart Sanders and the late Benjamin Tillman Sanders.  Keith loved his country and was proud of his service in the U.S. Air Force.

Obituary: Jane B. Ridgeway

Jane B. Ridgeway passed away on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at her home on Salem Church Road.  She was born in Ocilla, Ga on Feb. 6, 1938. She was the first child of Zelda Tucker Buckman and John Hamilton Buckman, Jr. The family moved to Oglethorpe County when Jane was 2. Jane married Charles E.

Obituary: Deborah Gene Crowe (Coulson)

Deborah Gene Crowe (Coulson) rose into the arms of Jesus on July 13, 2024.  She was the loving wife of Dr. Dennis Tim Crowe Jr., Mother of Mike (Stephanie) Crowe and Kristin (Eric) Johnson and Gram to Makayla, Anna and Ella Crowe and Luke, Zach and Eliza Johnson. Deb was born on Sept.

Obituary: Jerome (Jerry) Alexander

Jerome (Jerry) Alexander III passed away peacefully on July 18, 2024, after a long battle with cancer. His strength and resilience through such a difficult journey was inspiring. A lifelong Athens native, he was born on Jan.

Andrew J. Laubert

In loving memory of Andrew J. Laubert Sr. born Sept. 19, 1930, in Egg Harbor City, New Jersey to Rose Beck Laubert and Joseph Laubert. After many years of heart issues, Andy passed away peacefully at home, with his loving and devoted wife Barbara and son Douglas by his side, at 2 p.m.

Obituary: Larry Gene Watkins

Larry Gene Watkins, 60, of Athens, died June 24, 2024. The funeral service was held at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 6 at Jones Funeral Chapel in Crawford, with Bishop Anthony Turner, eulogist.  Interment was in Athens Memory Gardens.