Obituaries can be submitted to the editor at editor@oglethorpeecho.com

Obituaries

Claude Neil Grimes, age 88, of Crawford, entered his heavenly home on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2025.

Obituary: Claude Neil Grimes

News Staff

Friday, October 24, 2025

Claude Neil Grimes, age 88, of Crawford, entered his heavenly home on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2025. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Bernice P. Grimes, his parents Paul and Lila Grimes, and brother Paul A. Grimes. Mr. Grimes is survived by his son Stanley N.

Francis Lee Byce Jr., affectionately known as “Big Lee,” passed away on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Athens at the age of 71.

Obituary: Francis Lee Byce Jr.

News Staff

Friday, October 24, 2025

Francis Lee Byce Jr., affectionately known as “Big Lee,” passed away on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Athens at the age of 71. A lifelong resident of Greensboro, Lee was born on June 7, 1954, to Frances Christine Cook Byce and the late Francis Lee Byce Sr.

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Obituary: Mable Wall West

News Staff

Friday, October 24, 2025

Mable Wall West of Arnoldsville passed away peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, at the age of 86 due to complications from pneumonia. As a mother and provider, Mable had many different jobs through the years.

Robert Jesse Drew, born March 31, 1964, in Augusta, Georgia, passed away on Oct. 10, 2025.

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Obituary: Robert Jesse Drew

News Staff

Sunday, October 19, 2025

Robert Jesse Drew, born March 31, 1964, in Augusta, Georgia, passed away on Oct. 10, 2025. Robert lived a life defined by service, honor, and integrity. He proudly served his country for more than 35 years in the U.S. Army, retiring with the distinguished rank of Sergeant First Class.

Obituary: Bobby Lee “Domino” Pittman

News Staff

Friday, October 10, 2025

Bobby L. Pittman, 72, of Athens, died Sept. 29, 2025. The funeral service was held 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6, 2025 at Living Waters Christian Fellowship Church in Athens, with Pastor William Bland, eulogist. Interment was in Athens Memory Gardens.

Phillip Lamar Mixon, 40, passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 16, 2025, in Vienna, Virginia. He was born on June 10, 1985, in Athens.

Obituary: Phillip Lamar Mixon

News Staff

Friday, October 10, 2025

Phillip Lamar Mixon, 40, passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 16, 2025, in Vienna, Virginia. He was born on June 10, 1985, in Athens. Phillip graduated from East Hall High School, Gainesville in 2003.

Barbara Kitchens Bell, 75, passed away on Oct. 4, 2025.

Obituary: Barbara Kitchens Bell

News Staff

Friday, October 10, 2025

Barbara Kitchens Bell, 75, passed away on Oct. 4, 2025. Born Nov. 24, 1949, in Clarke County, Barbara was the daughter of the late Carl A. Kitchens and Sarah L. Patton Kitchens. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her second husband, James Neal Bell, her third husband, James M.

Obituary: Richard P. Anderson

News Staff

Friday, October 10, 2025

Richard P. Anderson, 69, of Hull, passed away Sept. 26, 2025. He was the son of the late David and Daisy Anderson. Mr. Anderson was a carpenter. A visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6 at the funeral home.

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Obituary: Richard L. Kelley

News Staff

Thursday, October 2, 2025

Richard L. Kelley, 68, of Winterville, died Sept. 22, 2025. A memorial service was held at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26 at Jones Funeral Chapel in Crawford, with Pastor Christopher Watson, eulogist. Survivors include his son, Jason (Nichole R.

Maurice Daniel Mathews, 88, passed away on Sept. 26, 2025.

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Obituary: Maurice Daniel Mathews

News Staff

Thursday, October 2, 2025

Maurice Daniel Mathews, 88, passed away on Sept. 26, 2025. Born April 4, 1937 and raised in Oglethorpe County, he was a long-time and well-respected leader from the Enterprise community. Maurice graduated from Oglethorpe County High School in 1956.