Swain Funeral Home

11/29/2025

Tina Pearce Hendricks

Tina Pearce Hendricks, age 62, of Surrency passed away on November 28, 2025 at Appling Healthcare.

Mrs. Hendricks was born on April 20, 1963 in Appling County to the late Gilford David Pearce and the late Joyce Carter Pearce. She was a devoted homemaker and loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

She is survived by her husband, Carl Hendricks of Surrency; daughters, Myra Hendricks of Surrency, Renee (Bradley) Vaughn of Sylvester, and Mandy (Trent) Davis of Sylvester; sister, Rina (Michael) Beecher of Baxley; brother, Jeff (Mary) Pearce of Surrency, grandchildren, Bo Bartley, Ansley Bartley, Sawyer Davis, and Sumner Davis, and sister-in-law, Barbara Dempsy of Patterson. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Graveside services will be held on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. David Barber and Rev. Michael Beecher officiating.

Active pallbearers will be Jeff Pearce, Dylan Pearce, Scottie Tanner, Jason Padgett, Jonathan Graham, and Cole Beckworth.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

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11/28/2025

Richard Nix Funeral Service
1942 - 2025

11/27/2025

11/26/2025

Richard T. Nix, Sr.

Richard Thomas Nix, Sr., age 83, passed away peacefully on November 25, 2025, in Baxley, Georgia. Born on November 6, 1942, in Columbus, Georgia, Richard lived a life marked by devotion to his faith and a deep love for his family.

Richard was the beloved husband of Linda Pritchett Nix. Together they shared 49 years of marriage filled with love and unwavering support. He was a devoted father to five children: Richard “Tommy” Nix, Jr. (Karen), William “Bill” Nix (Tammy), Henry “Allen” Nix (Alicia), Valerie Ammons (Shane), and Michelle McNeal (Anthony). His legacy continues through his grandchildren, Meagan Cavanaugh (Brian), Kathryn French (Shane), Bryan Nix, Hank Allen, Rachel Nix, Chris Nix (Brittney), Brett Ammons, Hope Ammons, Brady Ammons, Jake Carter, and Jenna Carter, and great-grandchildren, Julian Cavanaugh, Owen Cavanaugh, C**t Nix, and Sadie Mae Nix.

He is also remembered fondly by his sisters, Nancy Bartlett, Martha Beckum, and Carolyn Wright (Mike), as well as his sister-in-law, Madeline Nix. Richard’s extended family includes numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who were touched by his warmth and generosity.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Preston Nix, Sr. and Eunice Thomas Nix; his brother, Preston Nix, Jr., his sister, Mary Francis Nix; and great-grandson, Riley French.

The family would also like to thank his personal caregivers (Star, Tina, Rhonda, Sharon, Brittany and Nancy) along with Hospice of South Georgia who were angels to him and the family throughout his illness.

A proud veteran of the National Guard, Richard served four years with dedication to his country. His faith was central to his life; he was a faithful member of Woodlawn Baptist Church where he found strength and community.

Richard retired from Plant Hatch in Baxley Georgia after forty-five years of service to Georgia Power Company and Southern Nuclear Company.

Outside of family and faith, Richard had a deep love for bluegrass gospel music. He found great joy in attending bluegrass festivals connecting with people and sharing this passion with others. He also enjoyed fishing and spending time with friends and family at Lake Sinclair.

Those who knew Richard remember him as a kind and generous man who loved the Lord deeply and cherished every moment spent with family. His presence brought comfort and strength to those around him.

Funeral services will be held in Baxley, Georgia at Swain Funeral Home on Friday, November 28th at 1:00pm. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service.

Active Pallbearers will be Bryan Nix, Chris Nix, Brett Ammons, Brady Ammons, Jake Carter, and Brian Cavanaugh.

Honorary pallbearers will be current and former employees of Georgia Power and Southern Nuclear.

May the memory of Richard Thomas Nix, Sr. bring peace to all who knew him and continue to inspire love and kindness in the lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers donations would be appreciated to the Rodeheaver Boys Ranch, 380 Boys Ranch Road Palatka, FL 32177 or Woodlawn Baptist Church, 218 Woodlawn Church Road, Baxley, Ga 31513.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

View Richard T. Nix, Sr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/24/2025

Rev. Stacy Lamar Bourquine

Stacy Lamar Bourquine, age 48 of Baxley passed away Thursday, November 20, 2025.

Bro. Stacy was born January 17, 1977 to the late Hardy Franklin Bourquine and the late Edna Faye Davis Bourquine. He was employed as an electrical drafter with Southeastern System Technology. Bro. Stacy was ordained into the ministry on November 17, 2019 and served as Pastor of Miles Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. He was involved in the leadership of the Consolation Baptist Association and was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening.

In addition to his parents, Bro. Stacy was preceded in death by a brother, Glenn Bourquine.

Survivors include his wife, Rebecca Strickland Bourquine of Baxley; daughters, Emma Marie Bourquine, Lily Abigail Bourquine and Edith Ann Bourquine all of Baxley; brothers, Kevin (Michelle) Bourquine of Atlanta and Michael (Tammy) Bourquine of Barney; parents-in-law, Jerry & Catherine Strickland of Baxley; sister-in-law, Poppy (Mike) Kroese; niece, Alexis Bourquine; and nephews, Ben Kroese and Sammy Kroese.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at Miles Chapel with Rev. Doug Weisel, Rev. Bryant Bishop and Rev. Eddis Kirkland officiating. Interment will follow in Omega Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Kevin Bourquine, Michael Bourquine, Mason Medders, Cleo Hughes, Ben Kroese and Dr. Joe McGee.

Honorary pallbearers will be Hoyt Beckworth, Conner Brown, Bryant Bishop, Eddis Kirkland, Norman Strickland, Rev. Don Patterson and Lee Fowler.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family through, Cord of Three Christian Counseling, https://cordofthreecounseling.networkforgood.com/projects/238640-support-sharing-truth-with-families-copy.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

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11/24/2025

Taveah Lael Kelly

Taveah Lael Kelly was born Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 4:42 p.m. in Coffee Regional Medical Center. She weighed 1 pound, 3.7 ounces and was 11 ½ inches long. She passed away Friday, November 21, 2025 at Memorial Health in Savannah.

Taveah is survived by her parents, Tavosia Mashad Kelly, Jr. and Kylee Renee Ryals both of Hazlehurst; maternal grandmother, Renee Ryals of Hazlehurst; brother, Tavosia Mashad Kelly, III; paternal grandparents, Tavosia Mashad Kelly, Sr. and Gasha Johnson both of Florida; aunt, Kassidy Ryals of Baxley and Lele McClary of Florida; uncles, Norris Johnson, Travon McClary and Trasean McClary all of Florida; several great aunts, uncles, and cousins also survive.

Taveah was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Gary Ryals, Sr. and uncle, Gary “Bubba” Ryals, Jr.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at Hazlehurst Memorial Cemetery with Rev. Nathan Dyal officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

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11/24/2025

Jeffrey Lane Lovett

Jeffrey Lane Lovett, age 64, of Hazlehurst passed away Saturday, November 22, 2025 at Jeff Davis Hospital.

Mr. Lovett was born September 23, 1961 in Savannah, Georgia and was a member of Grace Community Church of God. He enjoyed gospel singing, was a self-taught pianist, and sang with various Southern Gospel Quartets. He was a maintenance foreman for Georgia Department of Transportation and was preceded in death by his father, J. L. Lovett, and a brother-in-law, Lyndon Brantley.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley Lovett of Hazlehurst; sons, Jeffrey Reid (Jena) Lovett, Rusty (Tiffany) Lovett and Ridge (Jenna) Lovett all of Baxley and Ira (Peggy) Medders of Hazlehurst; daughters, Felicia (Dustin) Atkinson and Donna Medders both of Hazlehurst; mother, Reathel Beck Lovett of Hazlehurst; sister, Pam Brantley of Barnesville; brothers, Greg (Cheryl) Lovett and Dr. Neal Lovett both of Hazlehurst. Eighteen grandchildren also survive.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Community Church of God with Rev. Rick Brown and Sister Deirdre Greer officiating. Interment will follow in Hazlehurst City Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Dustin Atkinson, Bryce Medders, Brandon Lovett, Jason Parlor, Carter Parlor and Asher Parlor.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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