obituary

Obituary: Jimmy Wayne Pledger

Jimmy Wayne Pledger, born on March 30, 1945, in Athens, peacefully departed this life on June 18, 2025.  He leaves behind a legacy of dedication, love for his family and service to his community.  Wayne worked for the Athens Clarke County Road Department, where he worked as a truck driver.

Obituary: Peggy ‘Peg’ Smith Galloway

Peggy “Peg” June Smith Galloway, 91, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Athens, after a short illness.

Obituary: Vinettia Crowley Barnes

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service was held for Vinettia "Nita" Crowley Barnes of Athens at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 28, 2025 at New Season Transformation Ministry in Hull, with Pastor Maurice G. Walker, eulogist.

Obituary: Johnny Mack ‘Gip’ Echols

Deacon Johnny Mack Echols, 95, of Lexington, died June 17, 2025.  The funeral service with Military Honors was noon Saturday, June 21 at New Bethlehem Baptist Church, with Pastor James Wymbs, eulogist.  Interment was in the church cemetery.

Obituary: Doris “Dee” Lamey

Doris “Dee” Lamey, 83, of Winterville, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2025. Born on April 13, 1942, in Dekalb County, Georgia, she was the daughter of the late Charlie and Nora Lee Calloway.

Obituary: Paul “David” Edmondson

Paul “David” Edmondson passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at the age of 69. He was born on Aug. 18, 1955, in Atlanta, Georgia. His childhood and young adult life were spent mostly in Crawford, Georgia, though he lived in Atlanta for nearly 10 years.

Obituary: Willie David Bolton

Willie D. Bolton of Athens died June 1, 2025. The funeral service was at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 5 at Thankful Grove Baptist Church with Pastor Michael Gresham, eulogist.  Interment was in Athens Memory Gardens.

Obituary: Melissa “Lisa” Haynes

Melissa Haynes of Athens died May 26, 2025.  The funeral service was at 1 p.m. Friday, May 30 at Cornerstone Church. Bishop David McNease was the eulogist.  Interment was in East Lawn Memorial Cemetery.

Obituary: Robert Barnett “Bob” Cunningham

Robert Barnett “Bob” Cunningham, 73, passed away peacefully at his home in Athens on Monday, May 12, 2025. He was born on Dec. 6, 1951, in Athens, to the late WT and Mary Cunningham.   Bob grew up in Lexington on his family farm.

Obituary: Linda Diane Slay Collins

Linda Diane Slay Collins, 79, a sweet and beautiful soul, went home to be with the Lord on May 30, 2025, after battling ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). She was born in Jacksonville, Florida, to James Carl and Marion Slay on Sept. 18, 1945.