Obituaries

Obituary: William 'Douglas' Mathews

Mr. William “Douglas” Mathews, affectionately known as “Peckerwood”, 83, of Bridges Road, Carlton, husband of 46 years to Patricia Ann Cofer Mathews, entered into rest on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, at his residence. Doug was born in Oglethorpe County on July 23, 1942, son of the late Richmond Butler “R.

Obituary: Sharon Brown Hodges

Sharon Brown Hodges, 80, of Winterville, passed away on Dec. 14, 2025. Sharon was born on May 29, 1945, in Comer to Albert Mercier “Sport” Brown and Ella Kate Brown. She was known throughout her life for her deep love of horses, especially her beloved Flash.

Obituary: Isiah Charlie Barnett

Mr. Charlie Barnett, 75, of Carlton, died Dec. 6, 2025. The funeral service was noon Saturday, Dec. 13 at Gholston Baptist Church in Comer, with Pastor Walter McGuire, eulogist.

Obituary: Kenneth Wayne Woodley

Mr. Kenneth Wayne Woodley, 76, was born on Jan. 29, 1949 in Macon, Georgia, and passed away peacefully on Dec. 7 at his residence in Oglethorpe County. He served as a U.S. Marine and was a Vietnam veteran.

Obituary: Bernard Johannes Sylvester Thiel

Written by John B. Thiel.  Bernard Johannes Sylvester Thiel of Breslau, Silesia, Miami Beach, Florida, and Oglethorpe County died on Dec. 2, 2025, age 94. He was born of Oscar Zumft and Maria F. Thiel, in Breslau, Silesia, Germany, along the Oder river, on Jan. 1, 1931.

Obituary: Doris Brooks Sanborn

Doris Brooks Sanborn, lovingly known as “Mema” by so many, walked through the gates of heaven on Dec. 7, 2025. She was welcomed by her beloved parents, Sam and Sarah Brooks; her cherished son, Steve Cook; her sisters Polly, Louise and Wilma; and her brother John.

Obituary: Kenneth Leon Huffer

Kenneth Leon Huffer, 71, died at his home in Stephens on Nov. 27, 2025. Born on Aug. 8, 1954, in Rocky Mount, Virginia, Kenneth grew up with his family in Madison County. He worked in production with Reliance and Noramco before entering private contracting, where he enjoyed building.

Obituary: Leon Russell Craig

Leon Russell Craig, 64, of Arnoldsville, passed away on Dec. 3, 2025. Born in Hall County, he was the son of the late Leon Walker Craig and Margaret “Doodie” Craig. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Melissa Dockery Craig.

Obituary: Michael "Bird" Burden

Michael Burden, 64, of Athens, died Nov. 25, 2025. The funeral service was held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Cedar Shoals High School, with Pastor Arthur Hubbard serving as eulogist. Interment followed in the Burden Family Cemetery.

Obituary: Jeannie P. Fincher

Jeannie P. Fincher, 85, passed away peacefully at home in Crawford, on Nov. 24, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Jeannie was a remarkable woman whose unwavering love and selfless spirit touched the lives of all who knew her.