Pearson-Dial Funeral Home, 659 Main Street/PO Box 375, Blackshear, GA (2025)

11/21/2025

Please join us in lifting up the Heideman family in prayer as they cope with the loss of their mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and sister. Our deepest condolences to the family during this time.

Mrs. Glenda Sue Ivey Heideman, 75, of Blackshear, passed away Thursday afternoon, November 20, 2025, at the Hospice Satilla Hospice House in Waycross.

Born in Blackshear, GA on November 15, 1950, she lived in Albany, GA for several years before returning to Blackshear in the 90’s. Mrs. Heideman worked at the Dietary Department at the MR Center for many years. She loved to spend time with her children, grandchildren, and sisters and especially loved to spend time with her twin sister, Linda. Mrs. Heideman also loved to dance and go shopping with her sisters. Her church, New Life Apostolic Church Pentecostal Holiness of Blackshear, and church family were very special to her and she was grateful for them.

She was a daughter of the late James Alvin & Hester Inez Walker Ivey. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Clifford Heideman; a daughter, Stephanie Harrell; a grandson, Tyler Harrell; three sisters, Mildred Hatcher, Mary Hodge, and Dorothy Brooker; and all five of her brothers, Robert, Cecil, J. L., Vernon, and Glenn Ivey.

Survivors include her twin daughters, Joyce (Chuckie) Perigo and Loyce Odenthal all of Blackshear; her twin sister, Linda Frasier (Wayne Davis) of Blackshear, and Debra Norton of Patterson; 7 grandchildren, Christian Harrell, Ashley (Allen) Lott, Josh Perigo, Raven Perigo (Bryce Boatright), Ciera Odenthal, Taylor Odenthal, and Leah Odenthal; several great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services for Mrs. Heideman will be held Monday afternoon, November 24, 2025, at 2:00 o’clock from the Pearson-Dial Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor David Harrell officiating.

The family will be receiving friends at the chapel one hour prior to the service.

Interment will be in the Blackshear Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Zack Ortiz, Charles Perigo, Allen Lott, Bryce Boatright, Joe Davis, and Steve Larson.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online register at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is honored to serve the Heideman family during this time.

11/21/2025

Please join us in lifting up the Gilbert family in prayer as they cope with the loss of their father, father-in-law, grandfather, son, brother, and friend. Our deepest condolences to the family during this time.

Mr. Jerry Virgil Gilbert, Jr., 65, of Blackshear, passed away Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at his residence.

Born in Flint, Michigan on August 14, 1960, he lived in Clio, MI prior to moving to Pierce County in the 90’s. Mr. Gilbert was a 1978 graduate of Clarkston High School. He went on to become a master mechanic and worked for Mobley’s Auto Center the last ten years. A big Syfy fan, he loved to watch Star Wars and Star Trek on tv but also enjoyed being outdoors and staying busy. Mr. Gilbert had a jolly disposition, always put God first in his life, and tried to help people in need. He was a member of Hacklebarney Baptist Church where he served as an usher.

He was a son of the late Jerry Virgil Gilbert, Sr. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Joyce Gilbert; and a brother-in-law, Carl Lindsey.

Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, April (David) Boyl of Clarkston, MI; his son, Jerry Virgil Gilbert, III of Akron, MI; his daughter-in-law, Aliceia Gilbert of Fostoria, MI; his mother, Joyce Henderson Gilbert of Fernandina Beach, FL; four sisters, Pam (Doug) Brown of Pontiac, MI, Cindy Lindsey of Fernandina Beach, Deborah Leavitt of Fernandina Beach, Heidi (John) Colson of Franklin, NC; two brothers, Ben (Olga) Gilbert of Fernandina Beach, and Bert Gilbert of Ohio; 8 grandchildren, Jason (Taylor) Cooper, Jerry Virgil Gilbert, IV, Steven Gilbert, Jordan Brown, William Gilbert, Bradley Short, Kayanna Short, and Arealya Gilbert; a great grandchild on the way; his good friend, Willie Williams of Blackshear; his two fur babies, Snoop and Sissy; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services for Mr. Gilbert will be held Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 11 o’clock from the Hacklebarney Baptist Church with Rev. Monroe Gill officiating.

The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service.

Interment will be in the Gilbert Family Cemetery in Pierce County.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online guestbook at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is honored to serve the Gilbert family during this time.

11/20/2025

It's that time of year again when we miss our loved ones even more. The holidays are such a special time but when you are grieving, they can be a time of sadness.

11/19/2025

Please join us in lifting up the Farley family in prayer as they cope with the loss of their husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and brother. Our deepest condolences to the family during this time.

Mr. Reams Owen Farley, 65, of Waycross, passed away Monday, November 17, 2025, at Memorial Satilla Health.

Born in Waycross, GA on January 31, 1960, he lived in Ware County most of his life. Mr. Farley worked for General Housing prior to going into the trucking industry where he had been the owner/operator of his own truck before his health began to fail. An avid outdoorsman, Mr. Farley enjoyed hunting and fishing and especially enjoyed mud bogging, having owned several monster trucks over the years. A typical man, he was stubborn to a fault and never missed a chance to aggravate the women in his life, mainly his sisters.

He was a son of the late Reams Iverson & Yvonne Strickland Farley. He was also preceded in death by a grandchild, Addiston Stone.

Survivors include his wife, Donna Dixon Farley of St. Marys; his daughter, Harley (David) Stone of St. Marys; three sisters, Vonnie Wilson of Salisbury, NC, and Debra (Donald) Sloan and Michelle (Roger) Daniels all of Blackshear; a brother, Rory Farley of California; 9 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 4 until 5 pm.

Memorialization will be by cremation.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online guestbook at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is honored to serve the Farley family during this time.

11/17/2025

Please join us in lifting up the Hale family in prayer as they cope with the loss of their father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and uncle. Our deepest condolences to the family during this time.

Mr. Kevin James Hale, 63, of Blackshear, passed away Friday, November 14, 2025, at his residence.

Born in Jacksonville, FL on June 6, 1962, he lived in Ware and Pierce Counties most of his adult life. Mr. Hale worked in construction for Thornton Brothers Construction and was a very talented builder. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Mr. Hale was a very personable man with an infectious laugh and a true heart for people.
He was of the Christian faith.

He was a son of the late James Walter Hale, Jr. and Alma Jean Jones Pittman. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Randy Keith Hale.

Survivors include his daughter, Miracle Taylor of Blackshear; his son, Justin Hale (Joanne Brady) of Blackshear; his sister, Denise Spivey of Callahan, FL; 4 grandchildren, Justin Hale, Jr., Sophia Hale, Megan Brady, and Nathan Brady; a great grandson, Beau Brady; nieces and nephews, Matthew (Miranda) Spivey, Steven Spivey, Nathan Spivey, Gage Spivey, Daniel Spivey, and Triana Spivey; and several other relatives and friends.

Memorialization is by cremation.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online guestbook at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is honored to serve the Hale family during this time.

11/15/2025

Please join us in lifting up the Tuten family in prayer as they cope with the loss of their father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, & uncle. Our deepest condolences to the family during this time.

Leon James Tuten Jr. (Buddy) of Blackshear, lost a short but courageous battle to cancer on November, 14 at the age of 77 (a young 77). He passed away peacefully at Memorial Health Hospital in Savannah, Georgia, surrounded by his loving family, including his two devoted daughters who remained by his side every single day for six weeks.

He was born June 20, 1948, and was a native and lifelong resident of Blackshear, Georgia, specifically “Tutenville” where his family has lived for generations. His parents were the late Leon James Tuten and Mary Kate Fulford Tuten. He was a member of the 1966 graduating class of Blackshear High School. Following high school, he attended ABAC in Tifton, Georgia. Buddy worked for his dad at Tuten Trim Shop during summers and holidays throughout his youth. He later became a partner at Tuten & Son Trim Shop, and the sole owner in 1982. His dad and brother often helped him on a part time basis. Tuten & Son became a favorite “hangout spot” for his closest friends for many years to follow.

Buddy was an avid deer and turkey hunter introduced to the sport in his early years by his dad and Dr. Bill Brown at Turkey Corner Hunting Club. He belonged to Turkey Corner Hunting Club, Briar Island Hunting Club, and Half Moon Hunting Club. He later enjoyed many annual hunting trips to Illinois with his brother Terry and lifelong friends. Later in life, his greatest joy was hunting in Tutenville with his brother Terry, daughter Anna and grandson Blaine. He took great pride in guiding many hunters to their most successful turkey hunt.

Hunting had always been important to him, but nothing mattered more when he met and married the love of his life, Linda Pearson Tuten. Together they built a beautiful family and were blessed with two daughters Dena Tuten Paul and Anna Tuten.

Buddy was preceded in death by his parents and wife. Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Dena and Steven Paul, his daughter Anna Tuten, Blackshear, Georgia; Grandson Blaine Paul and wife Carson, great-grandson, Baylor Paul, Statesboro, Georgia; Sister Linda Sloan and husband Wayne, Jacksonville, Florida; Brother Terry Tuten and wife Carla, Hahira, Georgia; Nieces, Kate Cline and husband Craig, Leigh Ann Tuten, Sheridan Tuten, and great nieces Addison Aycock and Maggie Cline, Jacksonville, Florida. He leaves behind many extended family members who were always an important part of his life as well as a couple of close friends who became family: Tim Dixon of Blackshear and Robbie Metelits of Waycross.
A celebration of life with family and friends will be held at a later date.

Sympathy can be expressed by signing the online registry at www.pearsondial.com

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home,Inc. of Blackshear is in charge of the arrangements.

11/11/2025

Thankful for our veterans today and every day. God Bless You All!

11/09/2025

Please join us in lifting up the Aldrich family in prayer as they cope with the loss of their father, father-in-law, grandfather, great grandfather, and brother-in-law. Our deepest condolences to the family during this time.

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of David Zadok Aldrich, of Patterson on Friday, November 7, at the age of 85 years. Zadok was born at home to Floyd and Arabel (Howard) Aldrich on August 12, 1940.

He grew up in Pierce County and made Patterson his home. He graduated from Patterson High School and attended South Georgia College in Douglas, Georgia. He was a regional manager for several companies including W.T Grants, TG&Y, and he was also an Independent Life Insurance agent. His duties as a manager often included opening new stores all around the south.

Zadok was a happy guy and loved life and all that it included. He was a believer and often shared the origins of his biblical name. He loved to go fishing and was willing to go at the drop of a hat. All that knew him knew that he loved to eat, especially pound cake. Zadok was famous for frying turkeys and giving them away at holiday time. He was skilled at dancing and excelled at ballroom dancing. His many hobbies included genealogy, crossword puzzles, watching the Georgia Bulldogs play, reading the newspaper, and watching and playing Jeopardy in his living room. He was a lifelong learner and kept his mind sharp with his many interests.

He was preceded by his parents, Floyd and Arabell Howard Aldrich; sisters Janette Aldrich, Ouida Henderson, and Janice Young; son, Charles King; the mother his children, Doris Griffin Aldrich; and his sister and brothers-in-law, Wanda Steedley and Winton, Franklin, Talmadge, Dave, and Justin Griffin.

He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Jeff Aldrich (Michelle) of Blackshear and Joe King of Statesboro; Daughter-in-law, Theresa King of Baxley; Grandchildren, Cami Aldrich Herrington (Alex), Califf Aldrich (Carlie Wilson), Joanna King, Brianna King Lang, Wayne Strickland, Jason King, and Brian King; a Great Grandchild, Cathryn Elizabeth Herrington; three sisters-in-law, Becky Bolden of Blackshear, and Sharon Bateson and Mary Griffin both of Waycross; and a brother-in-law, Ben (Robin) Griffin of Waycross. Zadok loved his family. He will be missed by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchild, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews and his many friends.

Funeral services for Zadok will be held Thursday afternoon, November 13, 2025, at 3:00 o’clock from the Pearson-Dial Funeral Home Chapel.

The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home, Wednesday evening from 5 until 7.

Interment will be in the Laura Chapel Cemetery.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff of Memorial Satilla Health’s PCU and ICU departments for their care and compassion shown to Zadok.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online guestbook at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is honored to serve the Aldrich family during this time.

11/09/2025

Please join us in lifting up the Allen family in prayer as they cope with the loss of their wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Our deepest condolences to the family during this time.

Mrs. Delane Mincey Allen, 76, of Patterson, formerly of Baxley, passed away early Saturday morning, November 8, 2025, at Harborview Pierce County Nursing Home.

Born in Baxley, GA on March 22, 1949, she lived in Appling County all her life before moving to Pierce County in September of this year. Mrs. Allen was a graduate of Appling County High School. She was a former manager for Shop-N-Go Convenience store in Baxley and retired as the manager of Kentucky Fried Chicken also in Baxley. Mrs. Allen loved to fish, crochet, and play bingo. She also loved to cook and bake cakes and feed people. Mrs. Allen dearly loved her family and treasured her time with them. She was of the Church of God faith.

She was a daughter of the late Zack Roston & Alice Wilma Mincey. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Dena Hall.

Survivors include her beloved husband of 43 years, Quincey Allen of Patterson; two daughters and sons-in-law, Selena & Keith Sobolewski of Jasper and DeAnna & Kelby Yon of Baxley; a son and daughter-in-law, Quincey & Tanya Allen of Patterson; 7 grandchildren, Samantha Sobolewski, Mila Sobolewski, BriAnna Sharpe, Taylor Sharpe, Tia Allen, Brittany (Jared) Haywood, and Marie Allen; 14 great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Mrs. Allen’s wishes were to be cremated and for her family to honor her at time of their choosing.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online guestbook at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is honored to serve the Allen family during this time.

11/04/2025

Please join us in lifting up the Atkins family in prayer as they cope with the loss of their mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and sister. Our deepest condolences to the family during this time.

Mrs. Mary Aliece Jones Atkins, 86, of Blackshear, passed away Tuesday morning, November 4, 2025, at the Hospice Satilla Hospice House.

Born in Baxley, GA on August 20, 1939, she lived in Appling County for many years before moving to Pierce County in 1981. Mrs. Atkins worked at Miller Western Wear in Baxley prior to devoting her time to raising her children as a stay-at-home mom. Once her children were older, she went to work for and retired from Belk in Waycross as a sales associate. Mrs. Atkins loved to cook, read, and sew. She was a proud grandmother who was always available to help with her grandchildren. Mrs. Atkins was a member of Blackshear First Baptist Church.

She was a daughter of the late Robert Matthew & Lois Bullard Jones. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Henry “Jake” Atkins; a sister, Patricia Rouse; and all three of her brothers, Ernest Jones, Kenneth Jones, and Randy Jones.

Survivors include her children, Becky (Tim) King of Hoboken, Melanie (Loran) Tuten of Bristol; Donna (Keith) Ayers of Mobile, AL, Dale (Cathy) Atkins of Baxley, and David (Debi) Atkins of Springfield; a sister, Bobbie Jo McNeely of Swainsboro; 11 grandchildren, Maggie (Harold) Arnold, Joseph (Billie Ann) King, Ben Tuten, Brett Tuten, Alan (Kendra) Atkins, Andy Atkins, Ashley (Claire) Atkins, Michael (Christina) Atkins, Laura Griffin, Meighan (Micaiah) Masterson, and Audra (Myles) Minton; 18 great grandchildren with #19 on the way; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services for Mrs. Atkins will be held Thursday afternoon, November 6, 2025, at 2:00 o’clock from the Pearson-Dial Funeral Home Chapel with her son-in-law, Pastor Tim King officiating.

The family will be receiving friends in the funeral home chapel one hour prior to the service.

Interment will be in the Blackshear City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorials be made to the Hospice Satilla Hospice House, 811 Beacon St., Waycross, GA 31501.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online guestbook at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is honored to serve the Atkins family during this time.

11/03/2025

Please join us in lifting up the Scotti family in prayers as they cope with the loss of their stepfather, step-grandfather, and friend. Our deepest condolences to the family during this time.

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Carlo Scotti, 88, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and the sweetest soul to ever walk this earth. Carlo went home to be with Jesus on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Born in Naples, Italy, on March 14, 1937, to Giuseppe and Rosalda Scotti, Carlo lived through the tumult of war. His early memories were marked by the challenges of war and scarcity. In the 1950s, he left Italy with some of his siblings, embarking on a journey that would lead him to America – a place where he would realize the American dream.

Settling in South Florida, Carlo began his culinary journey as an executive chef at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach. He humorously referred to being “on call” for Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack as “job security”, as Sinatra was a fan of Carlo’s Italian flair, especially his specialty dish of chicken livers.

As he established himself in South Florida, Carlo became a renowned restauranteur, with his restaurants, Lastrada and The Haystack, becoming famous for his garlic knots. Carlo embraced life with passion, creating vibrant dining experiences that reflected his love for food and community.

He loved spending time with family, traveling, coffee, waterskiing, riding his motorcycles, collecting trinkets, but most of all, he loved his wife, Sandra. His favorite song, “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood, reflected his love for his adopted country. Carlo always made those around him laugh and feel loved.

While Carlo never had biological children of his own, he embraced Joey, Chanel, Mike, Linda, and their children as if they were his own. He took immense joy in celebrating special moments, from calling each family member on their birthday and singing “Happy Birthday” in Italian.

Your kindness, generosity, and love will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

Rest in peace, dear Carlo. You will remain in our hearts always.

Memorialization will be by cremation.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life for Carlo at a later date.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online guestbook at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is honored to serve the Scotti family during this time.

11/03/2025

Please join us in lifting up the Chadwick family in prayers as they cope with the loss of their father, grandfather, and brother. Our deepest condolences to the family during this time.

Mr. Earl Jason Chadwick, 48, of Blackshear, passed away early Friday morning, October 31, 2025, at Memorial Satilla Health in Waycross.

Born in Jesup, Ga on August 27, 1977, he had lived in Georgia most of his life, moving to Blackshear in 2013 from Plant City, FL. Mr. Chadwick had been self-employed in the construction business as a roofer.

He was a son of the late Carroll Steve and Emily Dale Ammons Chadwick.

Survivors include two daughters, Aiyana Figueroa of Jacksonville and Destiny Chadwick; three sons, Phoenix Chadwick and Malachi Chadwick, both of Blackshear, and Christian Wain Wolfe of Brantley Co.; a granddaughter, Emily Seraphina Chadwick; one brother, Charlie Chadwick of Blackshear; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Memorialization will be by cremation.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online guestbook at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is honored to serve the Chadwick family during this time.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home

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