Baker Funeral Home, 2222 GA Highway 37 East, Moultrie, GA (2025)

09/14/2025

Ray Nicholson

Ray Nicholson, 76, of Norman Park, passed away on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at his home.

Arrangements are pending at this time.

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09/13/2025

Iverson Powell

Iverson Leonard Powell, 98, of Doerun, passed away on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church with Brother Jeff Apperson officiating. David Powell, Jody Powell, Jason Bullard, Clint Thaggard, Blake Powell, Blaine Powell, Denver Powell and Gary Johnson will serve as pallbearers. Doyle Grantham, Russ Smith, and Jessie Pitts will be honorary pallbearers. Interment will follow at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church Cemetery.

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

Born February 1, 1927, in Worth County, Georgia, to the late John Henry Powell and Icelene Sally Beasley Powell. He retired from Coats and Clark, where he worked with dedication until his retirement in 1977. After retiring, Iverson continued to stay active in the community through his work at the House of Parts, where he was known for his warm smile and helpful nature.

A proud veteran of World War II, who served his country with honor, Iverson carried his sense of duty and integrity into every aspect of his life. He was a man of quiet strength, generosity, and unwavering character.

Iverson had a deep love for the outdoors—fishing was one of his greatest joys. He spent countless peaceful hours by the water, often sharing stories and laughter with family and friends. He also had a passion for racing, enjoying the thrill and camaraderie that came with it.

He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, love of family, and the simple pleasures he cherished most. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Mr. Powell was a member of Mt. Sinai Baptist Church where he served as a deacon for many years.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Jacky Powell; brothers, Roston Powell, Leon Powell, and Gene Powell; and his sister, Rilla Harwood.

Mr. Powell survived by his loving wife of 80 years, Marjorie Jones Powell; sons, Lenny Powell and wife Rita and Donnie Powell and wife Kathy all of Doerun; daughter, Jayne Bullard and husband Bennie Ray of Moultrie; daughter-in-law, Peggy Powell of Doerun; grandchildren, David Powell, Kristie Tucker and husband Craig, Sherri Dunlap and husband Zeke, Darrell Sammons and wife Lauri, Lisa Crosby, Jason Bullard, Julie Courtney and husband Wes, and Jody Powell; 18 great grandchildren; 16 great-great grandchildren; sisters Peggy Smith of Tallahassee, Florida and Margaret Livingston of Thomasville; brother, Dale Powell and wife Rosemary of Thomasville; and several nieces and nephews.

Arrangements entrusted to Baker Funeral Home.

View Iverson Powell's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/12/2025

Veda Sue Russo

Veda Sue Stripling Russo, 75, of Moultrie, died Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at her home.

Arrangements entrusted to Baker Funeral Home & Crematory.

View Veda Sue Russo's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/10/2025

Tracy Dale Wilson

Tracy Dale Wilson, 47, of Ellenton, died Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at his residence.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Crestwood Baptist Church in Moultrie with Reverend Randall Kennedy officiating.

Tracy was born on June 18, 1978, to Ruby Carolyn Johnson Wilson and the late Curtis Allen Wilson in Moultrie. He loved to golf and fish and was an avid fan of Florida Gators football. Tracy was of the Christian faith.

He is survived by his mother, Ruby Carolyn Johnson Wilson of Ellenton; brothers, Randy Allen Wilson of Cecil and Terry Dewayne Wilson and wife, Amanda of Moultrie; sister, Trendin Tillman of Ellenton; and several nieces and nephews.

Arrangements entrusted to Baker Funeral Home and Crematory.

View Tracy Dale Wilson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/08/2025

Richard Lee Illian

Richard Lee Illian, 61, of Moultrie, Georgia passed away Monday, September 8, 2025 at his residence.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements entrusted to Baker Funeral Home and Crematory.

View Richard Lee Illian's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/05/2025

Shirley Anne Galphin

Shirley Anne Jones Galphin, 89, of Norman Park, died Friday, September 5, 2025, at Legacy Village at Park Regency in Moultrie.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, September 8, 2025, at First Baptist Church Norman Park with the Reverend Jim Horne officiating. Interment will follow at Deep Bottom Cemetery in Norman Park. Deacons of First Baptist Church will serve as pallbearers.

Visitation will be held one hour before the service at First Baptist Church Norman Park.

Born in Callahan, Florida, on November 4, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Allen L. Jones and Vera C. Jones. Shirley Anne devoted her life to caring for others both professionally and personally. She began her career as a Registered Nurse with Georgia Baptist, later serving the Colquitt County School District from 1972 until 1978. She was also a spokesperson for the Hospice group in Colquitt County, lending her voice and compassion to those facing life’s most difficult seasons.

Alongside her late husband, Shirley Anne co-founded Carriage Cleaners, where she faithfully served as CEO. For more than 35 years, she worked hand in hand with her devoted employee and dear friend, Jolene Alexander, building not just a business but lasting relationships in the community.

Shirley Anne was a faithful member of First Baptist Church Norman Park, where her love for the Lord was evident. She served as church secretary and Sunday School clerk, sang joyfully as a dedicated choir member, and was active in nearly every aspect of church life.

Above all, Shirley Anne cherished her family. She found her greatest joy in spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loved and cherished husband, F.W. “Tuck” Galphin; and brother, Lamar Jones.

She is survived by her children, Angie Galphin Avery of Norman Park, Michael Galphin of Tifton, and Mark Galphin and wife Mandy of Moultrie; grandchildren, Robby Avery, Abbie Galphin and Katie Galphin and fiancé Tucker, all of Moultrie; great grandchildren, Rob Avery Crew Pitts and Palmer Pitts; and extended family, Bobby and Tammy Perryman and their children, Caitlin and Chance Pitts and Grayson and Daylon Connell.

Arrangements entrusted to Baker Funeral Home and Crematory.

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09/05/2025

Jimmy Frank Thompson

Jimmy Frank Thompson, 69, of Moultrie, passed away at his residence on Friday, September 5, 2025.

No formal services will be held at this time.

Born December 1, 1955, in Moultrie, Georgia, he was the son of the late J.L. Campbell and Susie White Campbell. Mr. Thompson was a cabinet maker for Ray Hall Cabinets.

He is survived by his sister, Patricia Wilson, and brother, James Franklin Thompson, both from Moultrie.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Baker Funeral Home.

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09/04/2025

Frances Beard

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Frances Gay Beard, who left this world peacefully on September 3, 2025, at the age of 79.

Frances was born in Moultrie, Georgia to Dr. Francis and Mrs. Marion Gay on July 28, 1946. She was raised in Moultrie, and carried with her the grace, charm, and strength of a true Southern woman. Frances was a proud graduate of Moultrie High School, where she was captain of the cheerleading team for the 1963 1-AAA Region Champions Packers Football team and sweetheart of the Key Club. It was in Moultrie in kindergarten where she first met the love of her life who became her high school sweetheart and husband of 57 years, Thomas Valentine Beard, III. Together, Frances and Tom built a marriage grounded in love and trust that formed the foundation of their family.

After high school, Frances briefly attended Auburn University before transferring to the University of Georgia, where she was reunited with Tom. At UGA, she became a sister of the Phi Mu sorority and a sweetheart to Tom’s Phi Delta Theta fraternity.

Upon graduating from the University of Georgia, Frances taught elementary school in Athens, Georgia alongside Barbara Dooley, the wife of legendary Georgia football coach Vince Dooley. When Tom was stationed in Germany during his service in the U.S. Army, Frances joined him. They spent several years abroad before returning to South Carolina, where they welcomed twin sons, Brooks and Hayes.

Tom then joined the successful 1976 Presidential Campaign of Jimmy Carter. Frances was always by Tom’s side as he went on to serve throughout President Carter’s term as Senior Deputy to the Chief of Staff. Alongside diplomats and world leaders, Frances was the epitome of Southern elegance and class. It was during this time that she gave birth to their youngest son, Casey.

After the Carter years, Frances and Tom settled in Atlanta, Georgia where Tom worked as an investment banker and wealth manager. Frances poured herself into all things motherhood. She embodied patience, devotion, and warmth. Her home was a haven of family, laughter, and her unparalleled cooking. Frances was a gifted home chef who catered daily to the whims and particularities of her family.

Frances' love for her three sons and six grandchildren was immeasurable. She attended countless school and sporting events. Frances was known for selecting just the right celebratory or holiday card for her family and friends, always filling them with heartfelt, humorous messages written in her immaculate cursive.

Beyond her family, Frances also shared her love with a collection of pets that she adamantly refused, initially hated, and subsequently came to love deeply (none more so than Frank “the hunting dog” and Lucius “the genius" bulldog).

Frances had a lifelong passion for bridge. With a sharp mind and competitive (read “killer”) edge, she achieved the honor and recognition of being named Life Master in 2002 by The American Contract Bridge League. It should be noted, that shortly after college when Frances’ bridge skill inevitably surpassed Tom’s, he stubbornly refused to play with her again!!

Frances is survived by her husband, Tom; her sons, Brooks (Alissa Portman), Hayes (Kelley Norris), and Casey (Elisha Wood); her grandchildren, Emery, Holden, Bryer, Frances (“F2”), Amelia, and Carter; and a wide circle of family and friends who loved her deeply and will miss her daily.

Though she is no longer with us, her legacy of love, grace, and hospitality will live on through her family and all who were blessed to share her life. She lived her life with dignity, humor, and a generosity of spirit and kindness that touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.

A service celebrating her life will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 2:00pm at the First Presbyterian Church of Moultrie in Moultrie, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to The Arts Center of Moultrie, 401 7th Avenue SW, Moultrie, Georgia 31768. https://moultriearts.org

Arrangements entrusted to Baker Funeral Home and Crematory.

View Frances Beard's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/04/2025

Ronald Franklin Cook

Ronald Franklin Cook, 76, of Doerun, died Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at First Baptist Church Doerun, with the Reverend Dr. David Benton officiating. Interment will follow at Cobb/Suncrest Memorial Gardens. Matt Tillery, Drew Tillery, Josh Saunders, Zack Saunders, Shane Saunders, Christian Bostick, and Jack Tillery will all serve as pallbearers.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. prior to the service at First Baptist Church Doerun.

Born in Moultrie, Georgia, on February 2, 1949, he was the son of the late James Fredrick Cook, Sr. and Doris Price Cook. Ron grew up in Key West, Florida, where he enjoyed the ocean—diving, surfing, and spending time on the sand and sea. After graduating high school, Ron answered the call to serve his country, joining the United States Army. He served with courage and distinction in combat during the Vietnam War, where he was awarded multiple honors for his bravery, including the Bronze Star Medal with letter “V” device, the Purple Heart, the Air Medal with Numeral 3, the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with four bronze service stars, the Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with Device (1960), and the Sharpshooter Badge with Auto Rifle Bar.

Following his military service, Ron returned home and began a long career at Riverside Manufacturing Company, where he retired after more than thirty years of dedicated service. Known for his selflessness, Ron always placed the needs of others before his own. He was a man of faith and a member of First Baptist Church Doerun.

Ron loved the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting. He also enjoyed the art of handcrafting fishing lures, a hobby that brought him joy and connection with nature.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, David Cook; and stepson, Stephen Johnson.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 41 years, Jeannie McCarty Cook; children, Chad Cook (Jennifer); stepchildren, Melonie Johnson Tillery (Greg) and Todd Johnson (Dara); cherished papa to his grandchildren, Kendall Cook, Matt Tillery (Brittnee), Drew Tillery (Merrick), Kate Johnson Bostick (Christian); great-grandchildren, Rhylee Tillery, Jack Tillery, and James Stephen Bostick; brother, James Cook (Nancy); sister, Patricia Cook Saunders; and several nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Arrangements entrusted to Baker Funeral Home and Crematory.

View Ronald Franklin Cook's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/03/2025

Maria Diane Chitty Warnell

Maria Diane Chitty Warnell, 37, of Moultrie, died Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at her home.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Baker Funeral Home with Mrs. Montana Connell providing the eulogy. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

Born on June 5, 1988 in Bartow, Florida, Maria was the daughter of Teresa Diane Thompson Chitty and the late Glenn Keith Chitty. Maria had a joyful spirit and a kind heart. She loved playing cards with her grandmother, Darlene, creating special moments that became treasured traditions. Music was also a constant part of her life, bringing her peace and happiness. Above all, her greatest love was for her two sons, Ryan and Aiden, who were the light of her life and her proudest joy. She was of the Baptist faith.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her grandparents, Martina Paulk, Carl Thompson, Melba Barnes, and Jessie Chitty; her husband, Nicholas Ryan Warnell; and her brother, Jesse Glenn Chitty.

In addition to her mother, Teresa Thompson Chitty of Moultrie, she is survived by her sons, Ryan Keith Warnell and Aiden Riley Warnell, both of Moultrie; sister, Paula Guger of Alabama; grandmother, Darlene Thompson of Florida; nephew, Devin Partain; mother-in-law, Janice Warnell of Moultrie; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Arrangements entrusted to Baker Funeral Home and Crematory.

View Maria Diane Chitty Warnell's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/02/2025

Robert Simmons "Bobby" Avery, Jr.

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven…a time to be born and a time to die…”

Robert Simmons Avery Jr (Bobby) was born August 29, 1957. He was the beloved son of Robert Simmons Avery Sr and Annie Lois Elizabeth Smith Avery. Both parents are deceased.

Bobby has one beloved son and grandson, Robert Simmons Avery III (Robby) of Moultrie, GA and Robert Simmons Avery IV (Rob) of Cedartown, GA. ‘Ba’ will be greatly missed. It was a joy to watch ‘Ba’ and Rob together; the teasing, the love.

Bobby was the fifth child, and only son, in a family of six siblings. His sisters include; Donna Avery Allegood (Travis) of Sautee Nacoochee, GA, Susan Avery McCranie (Marshall) of Moultrie, GA, Annette Avery Clark (Leslie) of Suwannee, GA, Joy Avery Webb (Gerald) of Moultrie, GA, and Angela Avery Castellow (Lester) of Moultrie, GA. Uncle Bobby was a favorite with all his nieces and nephews for his sense of humor and the stories he told. That is also true with countless cousins and extended family.

Bobby was formerly married to Carol Gray of Moultrie, GA. Earlier he was married to Angie Galphin of Norman Park, GA, the mother of his son.

Bobby left this earth on September 1, 2025 following a lengthy illness, only three days after his 68th birthday. More than anything else, before his death, he knew he was well loved by family, friends, and neighbors. He was a favorite with the hospital staff of Valdosta ICU and Tallahassee Select Specialty Hospital Acute Rehab.

Bobby was accomplished in all the ways that count. For work, he was a successful farmer in his youth, receiving recognition for Soil Conservation as his father did before him, and crop production. In later life, Bobby, with friend and neighbor Michael Lardy, grew a beautiful and bounteous organic garden every year. Bobby grew the best tomatoes ever! If he and Michael ever differed in opinion, Bobby simply said in his slow, deep voice, “Now I don’t mean to be argumentative.”

Bobby was also a self taught ‘chef’. He followed Justin Wilson on ‘Louisiana Cookin’, who was a humorist and storyteller. It was a beautiful thing to listen to Bobby talk about gardening or share a recipe. Anytime he cooked, he shared with whoever stopped by to visit.

An accomplished builder and woodworker; Bobby built, repaired, or fixed anything anyone needed, though he called himself a ‘piddler’. Like his garden, he shared that knowledge and expertise teaching others.

Bobby loved music. One day in the hospital he jammed out with his nurses and family listening to all his favorites…Joe Bonamasso, ZZ Top, Greg Allman, and others. A favorite song was ‘The Sweetest Gift’ by Linda Ronstadt.

A storyteller, humorist, fount of knowledge, Bobby was the keeper of family stories and memories. A character, a true original, an ‘old hippy’ as one neighbor called him. He was called a ‘Great American’ by others.

Bobby cared for those around him; elderly neighbors and family members, their pets, animals, his own chickens (who sometimes rode around with him in his truck). His care and love for others was reflected back to him in his last days as they all cared for him, showing him the love he always showed others. All our hearts ache over the loss of Bobby.

In the words of Randy Newman, another of Bobby’s favorites…

“You’ve got a friend in me

You’ve got a friend in me

When the road looks rough ahead

And you’re miles and miles from your nice warm bed

You just remember what your old pal said

Boy, you’ve got a friend in me

Yeah, you’ve got a friend in me.”

Rest well now dear brother, peace be with you.

“And now abides faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

A celebration of Bobby’s life will be held at the Avery family farm, 1097 Cook Rd, Moultrie, GA, on October 18 at 2:00 pm.

Arrangements entrusted to Baker Funeral Home & Crematory.

View Robert Simmons "Bobby" Avery, Jr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/30/2025

Faye Sellers Walker Eason

Faye Sellers Walker Eason, 91, of Doerun, died Saturday, August 30, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 1, 2025, in the chapel of Baker Funeral Home with Reverends Brad Ruis, Vic Ruis, Dallon Walker, Landon Walker, and Andrew Parker officiating. Her grandsons will be pallbearers.

The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 PM on Sunday, August 31, 2025, in the chapel of Baker Funeral Home.

Born on March 18, 1934, in Worth County, Georgia. She was the daughter of the late Samuel Senous Sellers and Mary Blalock Sellers. Mrs. Eason retired from Doerun Sportswear and was a member of Providence Holiness Church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her spouses, Neal Walker and Robert Eason; grandsons, Andy Neal Walker, Jr., Scott Bishop, and Kyle Walker; and granddaughter, Linsey Mock.

She is survived by her children, Phyllis Carr, Andy Walker (Rita), Sherry Ruis (Roger), Dan Walker (Regina), Sam Walker (Ginger), Patty Mock (Tim), and Tony Walker (Annie), grandchildren, Jennifer Owens, Debbie Weaver, Jeff Carr (Jessica), Dusty Carr (Amanda), Heather Dortch (Jeremy), Buster Walker, Vic Ruis (Ashley), Brad Ruis (Hannah), Angie Ruis, Christina Hoffman (Jarod, Sr.), David Walker (Jessica), Daryl Walker (Angela), Desiree Spires (Jamie), Keith Walker (Kimberly), April Gay (Justin), Anna Walker, Joseph Mock (Sarah), Dallon Walker (Stephanie), and Landon Walker (Mary); great grandchildren, Zack Owens, Haley Stephens (Wade II), Irie Stegall, Addy Carr, Jack Carr, Seth Dortch (Jenny), Alyssa Dortch, Garrett Dortch, Emmett Dortch, Reilly Ruis, Chloe Ruis, Amalie Ruis, Marlee Ruis, Sawyer Ruis, Brayden Ruis, Jarod Hoffman, Jr., Jenna Martin (Brandon), Jayden Hoffman, Abi Chavis (Landon), Madi Vining (Gant), Mari Hodges (Lucas), Stormy Walker, Dalton Walker, Gabe Barineau, James Spires, Joshua Spires, Kayson Walker, Kolten Walker, McKenzie Gay, Kyleigh Gay, Hayden Gay, Hollyn Gay, Riley Walker, Mabry Walker, and Larkin Walker; great great grandchildren, Wade Stephens, III, Reid Dortch, Hinson Chavis, Ellie Kate Chavis, Adalee Vining, August Martin, Hunter Hodges, Hayden Hodges, Kaylee Hodges, Kinley Hodges, and Jayden Hodges; and her siblings, Leon Sellers (Vicki) and Ouida Milam.

Arrangements entrusted to Baker Funeral Home & Crematory.

View Faye Sellers Walker Eason's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

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