Swain Funeral Home

11/21/2025

Jimmy B. Strickland

James Birbidge Strickland (Jimmy B. Strickland) June 26, 1940 – November 19, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of James (Jimmy) Birbidge Strickland on November 19, 2025.

Jimmy was born at home in Brantley County, Georgia, with a Patterson address. He graduated from Patterson High School in 1957, served in the Army National Guard, and spent his career with BellSouth (formerly Southern Bell) in Waycross, Georgia, retiring as a supervisor in 1991.

He lived most of his life in Blackshear, Georgia, where he and his wife, Carol, raised their family. Later, they enjoyed 25 wonderful years in Cobb, Georgia, on the banks of Lake Blackshear before moving to Baxley in June of this year to be closer to their son & daughter.

Jimmy loved fishing, sharing stories from his years at the phone company, spending time with family and serving others. He enjoyed staying busy and was a natural problem solver, rarely encountering a project or challenge he wasn’t willing to tackle.

Known affectionately as “Papa” by his grandchildren, extended family, and many friends, Jimmy had a quick wit and a teasing nature, always accompanied by his signature sideways grin.

He was preceded in death by his father, Birbidge Dillworth Strickland (B.D. Strickland); mother, Florene Echols Strickland; stepmother, Fannie Aldrich Strickland; sister, Glenda Strickland Guest; two stepsisters, Clara Guest Howard and Alice Guest Hand; and one stepbrother, Kenny Guest.

Jimmy is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Carol Walker Strickland; his children, Jeannie Strickland Morris (Calvin) and James “Eric” Strickland (Lisa); seven grandchildren—Morgan Strickland, Allena Thomas, Carrie Morris Hunter (Joshua), Brittany Strickland, Caroline Morris Mallow (Jacob), Sydney Strickland, and Jake Strickland; and two great-grandchildren, Xavi Thomas and Jesse Hunter. He is also survived by his sister, Ilene Strickland; one stepsister, Grace Guest Douglas; one stepbrother, Harry Guest; and many nieces and nephews, of whom he was very proud.

Jimmy was a loving husband, a hardworking father who instilled strong values, and a loyal friend who found joy in helping others. His legacy of service, humor, and love will live on through all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Alma Christian Fellowship, 602 North Dixon Street, Alma, Georgia. Please come as you are for this casual, non-traditional service and fellowship, just as Jimmy would have wanted.

An open microphone will be available for anyone wishing to share stories, memories, or ways Jimmy touched their life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jimmy’s memory to Alma Christian Fellowship Church.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

View Jimmy B. Strickland's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/20/2025

Gary Stephen Knoy

Gary S. Knoy passed away in Jacksonville, Florida, after a brief illness. He was born on August 7, 1944 in Paragon, Indiana. He is preceded in death by his father, Paul P. Knoy and his mother, Frances B. Knoy. He is survived by special friends, Linda Carter and Jeff Hutcheson.

His friends and community remember him with deep appreciation for the life he lived and the sincerity with which he approached the world around him.

Gary was a straightforward and genuine man who cared deeply about his community. He believed strongly in speaking up for what he felt was right and worked to ensure that the community he loved received the attention and care it deserved.

Gary carried a good heart. Those who knew him understood his sincerity, his concern for others, and the quiet kindness that underscored his actions. He valued connection, honesty, and the simple act of showing up for the people and places he cared about.

Gary was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his faith provided him guidance and strength throughout his life.

He will be remembered with respect and gratitude for his authenticity, his dedication to his community, and the impact he made in his own distinctive way. His presence will be missed by all who knew him.

Arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

View Gary Stephen Knoy's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/19/2025

Robert D. "Bobby" Whitaker

Robert D. “Bobby” Whitaker 60, of Dickinson, Texas passed away Friday, November 14, 2025 after a brief illness. He was born November 23, 1964 in Charleston, West Virginia. Bobby moved with his family at a young age to Baxley, Georgia which he proudly called home. After graduating from Appling County Comprehensive High School in 1982, he used his foundation in welding to begin his career in the paper mill and construction industry. Over the span of 40 years he succeeded in his career, holding a number of state contractor licenses, traveling internationally as a Quality Control consultant, and becoming the Senior Director of Project Quality at Worley International. He also owned and operated Fi****ms Instruction Security Training. Bobby was actively involved in his church, Touched by Faith Ministries International serving as treasurer and director.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Warren & Judy Whitaker and his father in law Mac Cravey.

Survivors include his wife, Sherri Whitaker, a son Joshua Whitaker, and mother in law Joyce Cravey all of Texas. Also surviving is his sister Cindy (Jerry) Tomberlin, nieces Jerrianne Ware and Marianne (Tate) Carter and a great nephew M. Walker Ware all of Baxley, Ga.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

View Robert D. "Bobby" Whitaker's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/19/2025

George E. Watts

George E. Watts, age 84, of Rincon passed away Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at Pruitt Health in Savannah.

Mr. Watts was born November 30, 1940 in Cayce, South Carolina but lived most of his life in Effingham County. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy Watts, Zinnie Bell Jumper Watts, and Ellemena L. Watts, and siblings, Henrietta Watts, Roy Watts, Faye Lancaster, and Paul Watts.

Mr. Watts was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Springfield, where he has served as a deacon and in many other capacities. He was a former member of the Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief and participated in many recovery missions. He enjoyed visiting and witnessing; He was always ready to speak of His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was a lifetime student of God’s Word and spent countless hours studying his Bible. Mr. Watts also enjoyed visiting those in the nursing homes and entertaining them with his harmonica and humor. Mr. Watts served in the United States National Guard and was the retired owner of Watts Welding & Plumbing.

Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Betty Watts of Rincon; daughter, Glenda (David) Kersey of Baxley; son, John Mitchum (Pam) of Brooklet; sister, Eva Poole; grandchildren, Joey (Amy) Mitchum, Jessica (Justin) McLellan, Kasi (Bo) Meeks, and Sheena (Brent) Miller; eight great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews also survive.

A memorial service will be held Friday, November 21, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Springfield (1435 GA-119 Springfield, Georgia 31329) with Rev. Justin McLellan and Rev. Eric Green officiating.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

View George E. Watts's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/12/2025

Patsy Griffin

Patsy Griffin, age 88, of Hazlehurst, passed away Thursday, November 11, 2025 at Jeff Davis Hospital.

Mrs. Griffin was born May 27, 1937 in Ludowici, Georgia to the late Roy Gaston Jacobs, Sr. and the late Julia Belle Strickland Jacobs. She was a faithful member of Oakland Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir. Mrs. Griffin was known as the best cook in Jeff Davis County, and she loved gospel music. She was a devoted mother and was especially proud of her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and her great-great grandchildren. Mrs. Griffin was a retired lunchroom worker with the Jeff Davis County Board of Education She was preceded in death by her husband, D. L. Griffin; sister, Katha Lou Hughes; brothers, J F Jacobs and Roy Jacobs, Jr; and grandchildren, Shawn Bohannon, Cory Bohannon, and Josh Bohannon.

Survivors include her daughters, Sonya (Kevin) Cheek of Lumber City and Cindy Crawford of Hazlehurst; sons, Eric (Phyllis) Griffin of Hazlehurst and Kevin (Renee’) Griffin of Valdosta. Eleven grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren, and three great- great grandchildren also survive.

Funeral services will be held Friday, November 14, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Oakland Baptist Church with Rev. Royce Hulett and Dr. Dustin Hutto officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Grant Griffin, Mason Griffin, Justin Griffin, Austin Griffin, Johnny Bohannon, and Brian Fleming.

Honorary pallbearers will be the Senior Adult Sunday School Class of Oakland Baptist Church.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

View Patsy Griffin's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/11/2025

JoAnn Presley Hunter

JoAnn Presley Hunter, age 88, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2025 at Appling Healthcare System under the care of Comfort Care Hospice, surrounded by her family.

Mrs. Hunter was born May 1, 1937 in Baxley to the late Joe and Mattie Music Presley. She was a native and lifelong resident of Appling County, graduating from Appling County High School in 1955 and was employed by Miller Western Wear for 37 years. She also attended Midway Baptist Church. Mrs. Hunter was a devoted wife to the late Milton Hunter for 70 years and loving mother to Randy (Linda) Hunter and Tanya (Jeff) Williams of Baxley and Ramey (Jennifer) Hunter of Forsyth.

Throughout her life, Mrs. Hunter offered love and support to her children, grandchildren, family, and friends. She was a hard worker and a skilled seamstress who was always willing to help others. She was there for her family as a steady source of strength, kindness, and unconditional love.

Mrs. Hunter’s dedication, generosity, and gentle spirit touched those who knew her. She took great pride in her work and caring for those around her. Her legacy of love and compassion will continue to live on through her family and the countless lives she touched.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Hunter was preceded in death by her two brothers, Jaunice Presley and Dwight Presley and two sisters, Janet Orvin and Wanda Altman.

Along with her three children, survivors include her sister, Janice (Randall) Sellers, and six grandchildren: Crystal (Dallas) LeDuff, Landry (Celine) Hunter, Mackenzie (Kristi) Williams, Matt (Hannah) Hunter, Hunter (Ashley) Williams, Chelsea (Kevin) Powell; and fourteen great grandchildren, Avery LeDuff, Davis LeDuff, Carter Hunter, Walker Hunter, John Thomas Kile, Will Bennett, Hudson Hunter, Hollis Hunter, Hartlie Hunter, Adaline Williams, Owen Williams, Benson Powell, Lawson Powell and Eason Powell.

Active pallbearers include Hunter Williams, Matt Hunter, James Henry Hunter, Jimmy Hunter, Dallas LeDuff and Landry Hunter.

Honorary pallbearers include the staff of Comfort Care Hospice.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Midway Baptist Church with Rev. Wayne Williamson and Rev. Brannon Pate officiating.

Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery.

Visitation will be one hour prior to at Midway Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to Midway Baptist Church 174 Midway Church Road, Baxley, GA 31513 or The Gideons International Appling Camp, P.O. Box 403, Baxley, GA 31515-0403.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

View JoAnn Presley Hunter's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/11/2025

Stanley Green "S.G." Austin, Jr.

Stanley Green “S. G.” Austin, Jr., age 93, of Denton passed away Monday, November 10, 2025 at his residence.

Mr. Austin was born on June 15, 1932 in Jeff Davis County to the late Stanley Green Austin, Sr. and the late Lena Clifton Austin. He was a member of Union Springs Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and was the Adult Sunday School teacher for many years. Mr. Austin was the founding owner of Austin Home Health, a former bus driver for Jeff Davis County School System, and a retired farmer.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded death by his wife, Ila Park Austin; daughter-in-law, Gwenell Austin; grandson, Luke Austin; great grandchildren, Lauren and Lindsey Austin; brothers, William Austin and Dewey Austin; and sisters, Evelyn Austin and Bessie Lee Austin.

Survivors include his son, John Austin of Denton; grandson, Matt (Cindy) Austin of Broxton; and great grandchildren, Hannah Austin and Kaci Austin both of Broxton.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Union Springs Baptist Church with Rev. Merle Webster officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Active pallbearers are George Boyd, Roy Colson, Ronnie Hayes, Dane Ussery, David Foskey, Phillip Knowles, David Cowart, Glen Brown and Bennett Hatcher.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

View Stanley Green "S.G." Austin, Jr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/09/2025

Hilda Thomas

Hilda Carter Thomas, age 90, of Jesup passed away Saturday, November 8, 2025 at Hospice of South Georgia.

Mrs. Thomas was born on May 12, 1935 in Baxley to the late Gerald Foster Carter and the late Naomi Carter. She worked for many years in the restaurant industry and enjoyed playing bingo and doing arts and crafts. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leroy Curtis, and two sons, Mike Tippins and Steve Curtis.

Survivors include her children, Robert D. “Rusty” (Lita) Williams, Jr., Wendell D. Williams, Wanda Sue (Rob) Gould, William Howell, Allen Curtis, and Cindy Curtis. Several grandchildren and great grandchildren also survive.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.at Midway Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Wayne Williamson officiating.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Swain Funeral Home.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

View Hilda Thomas's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/08/2025

Peggy Ann Carter

Peggy Ann Carter, age 72, of Hazlehurst passed away Saturday, November 8, 2025 at Community Hospice in Vidalia.

Peggy was born on August 24,1953 in Jeff Davis County to the late William Elzie Lytle and the late Otera Powell Lytle. She was a loving home maker who especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and even her two grand dogs. She was a member of the Moose Lodge of Vidalia.

Survivors include her daughters, Dawn (Shane) McCullar of Lumber City and Nashae (Matt) Hand of Hazlehurst; son, Lucas Carter of Hazlehurst; sister, Sue (Gary) Newman of Hazlehurst, and brother, Randall (Tamra) Lytle. Eight grandchildren, Cade McCullar, Cayla (Chase) Cabaniss, Shelby McCullar, Sydney Hand, Conner Hand, Seth Carter, Riley Carter, and Cailee Carter and three great grandchildren, Carter Cabaniss, Rhett Cabaniss, and Hamp Cabaniss also survive.

Funeral services will be held Monday, November 10, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Eureka Baptist Church with Rev. Jeffrey Spell and Rev. Michael Creamer officiating. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery in Lumber City.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the time of service.

Active pallbearers will be Jake Lytle, Seth Carter, Tyler Steverson, Jimmy Kerns, Chase Cabaniss, and Shane McCullar.

In Lieu of flowers please make donations to Community Hospice in Vidalia. The address is 904 Mount Vernon Rd. Vidalia, GA 30474

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

View Peggy Ann Carter's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/08/2025

Lynne Hyers

Lynne Hyers, age 53, of Hazlehurst passed away Friday, November 7, 2025 at her residence.

Lynne was born on December 28, 1971 in Jeff Davis County. She was a very loving, giving, selfless and devoted wife, daughter, mother, and her grandchildren were the light of her life. She had a giving heart and loved children. As a babysitter, Lynne has touched the lives of many families, some even into the third generation. She was a member of Philadelphia Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her father, Leland Albert Bohannon.

Survivors include her husband, Gregg Hyers of Hazlehurst; sons, Dustin “Duck” (Amanda) Hyers of Hazlehurst and Matt Hyers of Hazlehurst; mother, Faye (Stephen) Crews of Hortense; sisters, Sharon (Pat) Nelson of Maldrove, OK, Lesley (Brett) Sell of San Antonio, TX, and step sister, Stephanie Crews of Kingsland; brothers Jeff Bohannon and Steve Bohannon both of Hazlehurst and step-brother, Spencer (Michelle) Crews of Kingsland; brother in laws Jerry (Kathy) Hyers and Mike Hyers, and sister in law, Pat Thigpen. Three grandchildren, Kyleigh, Emilee and Anslee; several cousins, nieces, nephews and special friends, Sherry and Joe Miller also survive.

Funeral services will be held Monday, November 10, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at Philadelphia Baptist Church with Rev. Glenn Bohannon and Rev. Roger Daniels officiating. Interment will follow in Zoar Cemetery.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the time of service.

Active pallbearers will be Jeremy Hyers, Sam Hyers, Stevie Davis, Shawn Killi, Andy Edge, and Will Thigpen.

Honorary pallbearers will be Robert Edwards and members of the Hazlehurst – Jeff Davis County Fire Department.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

View Lynne Hyers's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/07/2025

Julious Alexander Howard, Jr.

Julious Alexander “Buddy” Howard, Jr. age 57, of Baxley passed away Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at his residence under the care of Hospice of South Georgia.

Buddy was born on May 14, 1968. He was a devoted husband and family man. He loved watching football and wrestling when he wasn’t spending his time with the true loves of his life, his grandkids. He was a driver for Woody Folsom Automotive and a member of In the Word of God Ministry. Buddy was preceded in death by his parents, Julious Alexander Howard, Sr. and Beritha Howard, uncle, Naymond Soloman, and aunt, Lenda Butler.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Howard; daughters, Britney (Chrislon) Solomon and Sandra (Michael) Britt; sons, Marcus (Andi) Drake and Venis Mims, Jr.; godsons, Franklin (Trinity) Bell, Christopher Bell, and Rashard Hall; brother, Bryant (DeeDee) Howard; grandmother, Susan Buston Powell; aunts, Elaine Solomon, Glenda Burse, and Vanessa Gibbs; and a special uncle, Dale Butler.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Swain Funeral Home with Pastor Robbie Tomberlin, Pastor Pete Aycock, Bishop Sherwood Gibbs, and Minister Glenda Burse officiating. Interment will follow in Old Field Memorial Gardens.

Active pallbearers will be Chrislon Solomon, Mike Britt, Marcus Drake, Franklin Bell, Christopher Bell, and Rashard Hall.

Honorary pallbearers are his caregivers, Yazmine Solomon, Saleena Solomon, and Evangelist Alma Haynes.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral service.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

View Julious Alexander Howard, Jr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/07/2025

Celebration of life for Grady Earl Yawn 1940 - 2025