Entries by Staff Writer

Ernest Dale Meeler of Griffin, Georgia passed away on Friday, May 5 at Piedmont Hospital in Newnan, Georgia after a lengthy illness.

Dale was born in Soperton, Georgia to the late John William (J.W.) and Jeanette Proctor Meeler on November 15, 1953. He attended Truetlen County High School where he played football for the Panthers. He then attended the University of Georgia, majoring in Industrial Arts. Dale was always an avid Georgia Bulldog fan. He retired in 2012 after many years in the textile and insurance businesses.

Dale is survived by his partner of 11 years, Julie Caldwell Sykes, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He always remained close to his family, who gathers twice each year for reunions in Soperton. One brother, William Edwain Meeler, predeceased him.

Growing up, Dale was always a shadow behind his father and grandfather, Lewis Proctor, helping them with whatever they were doing. Starting in his early teenage years and continuing through college, Dale was very self-sufficient by having numerous part time and summer jobs. These included morning milk deliveries before school, mowing lawns, movie projectionist on the weekends, grocery store bag boy, road and bridge construction worker, telephone company technician installing and repairing home phones, working for the Oxford Manufacturing Company, and as an assistant at the University of Georgia Veterinary School.

Throughout his later life, Dale enjoyed playing golf and was a past member of the Spalding County Kiwanis Club. He also loved attending his and Julie’s Friday Night Supper Club with close friends, beach vacations, tours of homes and the Georgia Trust Historic Rambles. One of the most rewarding aspects of Dale’s life was helping his friends with their home, mechanical, electrical, and electronic projects.

A visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, May 21 at Haisten McCollough Funeral Home in Griffin, Georgia with a brief memorial service in between at 3 p.m. Dispersal of ashes will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Salvation Army, Saint Jude’s Hospital, Shriners Hospitals for Children, or the Wounded Warrior Project.

Mr. Richard Wayne English, age 76 of Milner, Georgia passed away on Monday, May 1, 2017 at his residence.
Visitation for Richard Wayne English will be on Thursday, May 4, 2017 from 2:00 pm until 3:00 pm at Rock Springs Church. Following the visitation, a service will be held in the church at 3:00 pm. Dr. Benny Tate will officiate. Interment will follow in Rock Springs Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Rock Springs Church.
[Full Story »] 

Jessie Mae Blackmon Wilson went to be with the lord on April 24, 2017. She was born to the late B. J. and Jessie Pearl Blackmon on December 25, 1925 in Milner. She was affectionately known as Granny.
At an early age, Jessie Mae found the Lord. She was dedicated to her church and faithfully served as a member of the Mother's Board.
Jessie Mae was united in holy matrimony to Woodrow Wilson. Their union was blessed with five children. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, siblings and a son, Willie James Blackmon. Jessie Mae loved fishing, watching wrestling on television, working in her yard and completing crossword puzzles. She enjoyed life and enjoyed her children and grandchildren.
Jessie Mae leaves to cherish her wonderful memories four children: Geneva Lawrence of Milner, Robert Wilson of Marietta, Virginia Wilson of Barnesville and Kenneth Wilson, Sr. (Ladeidre), of Griffin; eleven grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; five great, great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins who will all miss her dearly.

Robert James Wallace “Bull”

Robert James Wallace “Bull,” age 60, of Barnesville passed away Saturday, April 29, 2017. The family will receive friends at the home of his sister, Dorothy K. Wallace at 219 Warner Road. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 3 at the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Rev. David Black is pastor and Rev. Curtis Taylor will officiate. Bentley and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of all professional services.

Mr. Wallace is survived by six children: Derrico Gooden (Valencia) of Jonesboro; April Johnson (James) of Stone Mountain; Lakeitha Tumipseed (Robert) of Griffin; Shinica Wallace (Kenyetta) of Union City,; Telynica McCullum (Devin) of Marietta; Justin Wallace (Amber) of Bamesville; 13 grandchildren; four sisters: Dorothy K Wallace (Anderson) of Bamesville; Annie Ruth Wallace of Griffin; Mattie G Drake (John) and Daisy Barkley (Jesse) all of Bamesville; sisters and brothers-in-law; Alice Hickmon, Michael Gooden, Lisa Gooden and Carol Colquitt (Keith) all of Bamesville; aunts; Maggie P. Barron and Annie A. Warner of Bamesville; Jeanette White of Griffin; uncle, J. C. Wallace of Bamesville; a host of other relatives and friends that will miss him dearly.

Mr. Albert “Papa” Leon Chapman, age 70, of Barnesville, passed away Monday, April 24, 2017 in a Bibb County Healthcare Facility. A native of Dalton Ga., Mr. Chapman is survived by his wife, Mrs. Judith “Judy” Chapman and was the Son of the late Mr. William Albert Chapman and the late Mrs. Willie Lou Conley Chapman. Mr. Chapman is also preceded in death by two Brothers, Randy Chapman and Bud Chapman. He was a Maintenance Foreman with Perdue, and was a member of the Baptist faith. 

Mr. Chapman is survived by:  His Wife – Judith “Judy” Chapman of Barnesville; 2 Children – Wanda Jean Tompkins of Barnesville and Terry Lee Chapman (and Tammy) of Barnesville; 3 Grandchildren - Britney Dollar (and Simon), Cody Chapman and Abby Chapman; 2 Brothers - Donnie Chapman (and Libby) and Wayne Chapman; 2 Sisters - Jewel Bloodworth and Lori Hunley (and Hugh) 

Funeral Services for Mr. Albert “Papa” Leon Chapman will be conducted Thursday, April 27, 2017 at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of Williams Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Lamar Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends at the Williams Funeral Home in Barnesville on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 from 6- 8 p.m.

Those who wish may view the Memorial Page and sign the Guestbook online at williamsfh.net

. Williams Funeral Home of Barnesville is in charge of arrangements. 
(770) 358-1678.