Obituaries

Obituary: Gloria Faust

Gloria Faust of Athens died Dec. 26, 2025. The funeral service was noon Saturday, Jan. 3 at Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, with Pastor Ricky Howard, eulogist. Interment was in the church cemetery. Survivors include her children, Demetrius Faust (Lauren), Rogie Lane Jr.

Obituary: Mary Easter Craig

Mrs. Mary Easter Craig of Rayle died Dec. 28, 2025. The funeral service was 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4 at New Springhill Baptist Church, with the Rev. Dr. Reginald Hunter, eulogist. Interment was in the church cemetery.

Obituary: Stuart Bridges

Mr. Stuart Bridges, 76, of Elberton Road, Carlton, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. Affectionately known as Butch, he was born in Elberton on June 10, 1949, and lived in the Enterprise Community of Oglethorpe County all of his life.

Obituary: Benjamin Thomas Wheless

Benjamin Thomas Wheless, age 83, passed away peacefully on Dec. 26, 2025. Thomas, of Sandy Cross, was born on Feb. 6, 1942 to Joseph H. Wheless and Lula Catherine Thomas Wheless. He was raised in Oglethorpe County and developed a strong work ethic, which he carried throughout his whole life.

Obituary: Wade Patterson

Wade Patterson, 62, of Comer, passed away on Dec. 22, 2025. Born in Athens, he was the son of William Telvie Patterson and Runita Jane Butler Patterson. Wade dedicated many years to his career with McKenny’s, and was a proud member of the local 72.

Obituary: Ora David Nation

Ora David Nation was born Jan. 9, 1939 to Fred and Bertha Nation, one of a large family. He grew up on a beloved family farm in Oglethorpe County, with an upbringing that shaped his strong work ethic and steady character throughout his life.

Obituary: James "Jim" H. Bradberry

James (Jim) H. Bradberry, 84, of Arnoldsville, died on Dec. 20, 2025. The son of the late James and Virginia Bradberry, Jim graduated from Oglethorpe County High School in 1959 and served in the U.S. Navy after graduation.

Obituary: Arthur "Leon" Saxon

Mr. Arthur “Leon” Saxon, 88, of Lexington Highway, Elberton, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, at his residence. Leon was born in the Goose Pond Community of Oglethorpe County on March 21, 1937, son of the late J.C. Saxon and Blanche Ophelia Smith Saxon.

Obituary: Junior Fowler

Junior Fowler, age 80, passed away peacefully on Dec. 14, 2025. Junior was a devoted brother, uncle and friend who treasured time spent with family and loved ones.

Obituary: Carrie Lou Grizzle Robinson

Carrie Lou Grizzle Robinson, 99, passed away on Dec. 12, 2025. She was born to the late Raleigh and Annie Moose Grizzle on June 7, 1926. She was preceded in death by her siblings Edgar Grizzle, Charlie Grizzle, Paul Grizzle, Larry Grizzle, Ella Mae (Ellie) Calhoun and Bertha Gooch.