Obituaries

Obituary: Fred Bell

Fred Russell Bell, age 83, of Athens, passed peacefully Jan. 12, 2026, at his residence. He was born in Athens on Dec. 16, 1942, son of the late George Hubert and Wynona Tindall Bell.

Obituary: Wade Patterson

Wade Patterson, 62, of Comer, born on Dec. 10, 1963, 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: Larry Woodrow Williamson

Mr. Larry Woodrow Williamson, 88, of Lillian Strong Road, Carlton, husband of 68 years to Vonyce “Jean” Hickox Williamson, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, at Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center. Mr. Williamson was born in Jefferson on Sept.

Obituary: Harriett Y. Walton

Harriett Y. Walton of Carlton died Dec. 29, 2025. The funeral service was 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3 at Thankful Grove Baptist Church, with Pastor Clarence Burgess, eulogist. Interment was in the church cemetery. Survivors include her sisters, Frances (Rodney) Riddle, Beverly Taylor.

Obituary: Geraldine McElroy

Geraldine McElroy, of Athens died Dec. 26, 2025. The funeral service was 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 2 at Shiloh Baptist Church, Carlton, with Pastor Arthur Hubbard, eulogist. Interment was in the Fork Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery.

Obituary: Sarah Johnson

Sarah Johnson of Athens died Dec. 30, 2025. The funeral service was 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4 at Fork Bethel Baptist Church, with Pastor Michael Gresham, eulogist, and Pastor Christopher Watson, officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery.

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.