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Swain Funeral Home, 1632 Hatch Pkwy N, Baxley, GA (2026)

01/16/2026

Barry David Smith

Barry David Smith, age 36, of Hazlehurst passed away Saturday, January 10, 2026 at his residence.

Barry was born March 15, 1989 in Vidalia but was a lifelong resident of Jeff Davis County. He was known for his intelligence and computer skills. But his greatest joy in life came from spending time with his family and friends. He was especially devoted to his mother, Marion Marshall McLoon Smith, and he cared for her until she passed away. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Stanley Bohannon and Andy Bohannon.

Survivors include his father, Donnie Smith of Hazlehurst; sister, Monica (John) Clements of Denton; brother, Ray Cook of Waycross; aunt, Diane Gillis of Hazlehurst; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Swain Funeral Home with Pastor Randy Manning officiation.

Arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

View Barry David Smith's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/15/2026

Lucille Buckins Aldridge

Lucille Buckins Aldridge, 91, passed away peacefully on January 6th, 2026 and was called home to be with her Lord and Savior.

She lived a full and meaningful life, touching the hearts of those who knew her. Throughout her 91 years, she exemplified grace, kindness, and strength, meeting life's challenges with dignity and resilience. She was born on April 9th, 1934 to the late Andrew Duncan Buckins and Elizabeth “Lizzie” Henderson Buckins. Lucille was preceded in death by her wonderful husband Eugene “PeeWee” Aldridge. They were married for 46 years.

She is survived by her two daughters, Donna Jean Neeley (David Neeley) and Dawnn Jamee Martin (Edward Martin), three grandsons; Shawn Neeley (Jessica Neeley), Chad Martin (Erin Martin), and Joshua Martin, two great-granddaughters Raelyn and Re*****on Neeley, and sister, Ineva Tanner.

Her family was her greatest treasure, and she created countless cherished memories with them through her wisdom, generous spirit, and unwavering support. While her family mourns her passing, they take comfort in knowing she is now in the presence of God, reunited with loved ones who have gone before her, and free from all earthly pain and sorrow. Her warm smile, kind heart, and the love she shared will be forever remembered.

A graveside service will be held at the Miles Family Cemetery, 1744 Miles Chapel Church Rd, Baxley, GA 31513 on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Todd Crosby officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

View Lucille Buckins Aldridge's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/12/2026

William Joe Lairmore

William Joe Lairmore, Jr., age 70, passed away Monday, January 5, 2026 at Candler Hospital in Savannah.

Mr. Lairmore was born September 22, 1955 in Virginia to the late William Joe Lairmore, Sr. and the late Patricia Ann Lairmore. He was a retired cook at B & F Restaurant, where he was affectionately known as “Pops” by friends and co‑workers who became his extended family. Though he carried a tough exterior, Mr. Lairmore was a hippie at heart—humble, compassionate, and deeply connected to the simple joys of life. He loved quiet sunsets, watching squirrels, and finding peace in the everyday moments that others might overlook.

While he was a talented cook, his true passion and purpose were always his family. He often said that his greatest achievement in life was his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. Through every challenge he faced, it was his family who gave him strength, inspired him to persevere, and encouraged him to live life fully. Speaking of them would bring him to tears—tears of pride, gratitude, and love.

He played a profound role in the lives of his grandchildren, helping raise them and cherishing the chance to live nearby. He delighted in watching them play outside, picking them up from school, and being present for the small, everyday moments that meant everything to him.

Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Denna Lairmore of Baxley; daughters, Ariel (Jacob) Land of Baxley and Maureen Metcalfe of Valdosta; son, Adam Rowland of Baxley; and eight grandchildren also survive. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Dominick Lairmore.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

View William Joe Lairmore's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/10/2026

Jo Lasseter Vickers

Ms. Jo Lasseter Vickers, age 94, of Spring City, TN passed away Thursday, January 8, 2026.

Ms. Jo was born November 6, 1931 in Dothan, Alabama to the late William Dewey Cobb and the late Minnie Atkinson Cobb. She was a retired barber and a member of Frostbite Baptist Church. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society and enjoyed attending the Bledsoe County Senior Center’s arts & crafts.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Euden Brown, Zoolene Renau, and Mary Cook and brothers, Edward Lee Cobb, William Lamar Cobb, James Clayton Cobb, and John Lewis Cobb.

Survivors include her daughter, Tami (Dalton) Brand of Hickox, GA; sons, David (Libby) Lasseter of Alma, GA, Ricky (Juanita) Lasseter of Spring City, TN, Donnie (Amy) Lasseter of Hazlehurst, GA, and Guy Lasseter of Spring City, TN; a sister, Merle King of Winterhaven, FL; ten grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren also survive.

Funeral services will be held Monday, January 12, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Swain Funeral Home with Rev. Mitch Jones and Rev. Justin McLellan officiating. Interment will follow in Beckworth-Swinson Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Brent Lasseter, Reedie Lasseter, Reggie Lasseter, Derrick Lasseter, Jonathan Wilkinson, Michael Byrd, and Larry Wedincamp.

Honorary pallbearers will be Cassie Hudson, Deloria L. Browning, Shirley, Cindy & Tammy Scruggs, and members of Redeemer’s Christian Fellowship Church.

Visitation will be Sunday evening, 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Swain Funeral Home.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

View Jo Lasseter Vickers's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/09/2026

Vinney Lee Lynch

Vinney Lee Lynch, 91, passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Appling Healthcare.

Mrs. Lynch was born on April 27, 1934 in Appling County to the late Dan Lester Smith and the late Minnie Lou Crosby Smith. She attended Southside Church of God and was a retired seamstress and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbert F. Lynch.

Survivors include her daughter, Pam (David) Deen of Alma; son, Glynn Lynch of Baxley; sisters, Lourine Dudley of Baxley, Martha (Buddy) Courson and Betty (Carroll) Turner all of Baxley; grandchildren, Cole (Kim) Deen and Cammie (Kyle) Boatright; granddaughter-in-law, Macy Deen; great grandchildren, Cameron Deen, Aubree Wales, Brenlee Boatright, Chanlee Boatright, Kylee Boatright, Kale Boatright, Katie Eason, and Cody Roberts; great great grandchildren, Maddox Eason and Hayden Roberts. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Swain Funeral Home with Rev. Justin McLellan, Rev. Rick Brown, Rev. R. M. Warren, and Angie Sears officiating. Interment will follow in Omega cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Cameron Deen, Lloyd Beecher, Lonnie Weaver, Wayne Crosby, Aaron Weaver, and Lee Carter.

Honorary pallbearers will be the Staff of the Pavilion and Appling Healthcare.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

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

01/08/2026

Edward Ellis "Eddie" Cleland

Edward Ellis “Eddie” Cleland, age 66, of Baxley passed away Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Appling Healthcare.

Eddie was born November 9, 1959, in Appling County and was the son of the late Mike Dencil Cleland and the late Malzie Ellis Cleland. A devoted member of Friendship Congregational Christian Church, Eddie served his church family in many roles over the years, including chairman of the cemetery and grounds committee, member of the building committee, church trustee, and former choir member.Eddie retired from Georgia Power Company after 32 years of dedicated service. He continued to serve his community as a member of the Appling County Tax Assessor Board and was proud to be a mason.Above all, Eddie cherished his family. His grandchildren were the light of his life, and he found great joy in spending time with them. He also loved the outdoors, especially camping and fishing

He is survived by his wife, Shea Cleland of Baxley; sons, Michael (Jason) Cleland of Columbia, MD; Chad (Amanda) Cleland, Layne (Falone) Parker both of Baxley and Cody (Maci) Parker of Ball Ground; sister, Debbie (Wendell) Bullard of McRae. Grandchildren, Cara Bryant, Kate Hunter, Ellie Hunter, Cade Cleland, Logan Parker, Braden Parker, Liam Parker, Malley Grace Parker, Mason Carter, Jackson Carter and Madi Parker; and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held Monday, January 12, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Friendship Congregational Christian Church with Rev. Barry Teutsch and Rev. C. J. Keister officiating.

Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Michael Cleland, Chad Cleland, Layne Parker, Cody Parker, Braden Parker, Hollis Bullard, Jason Kepp and Mike McDaniel.

Honorary pallbearers will be his former co-workers with Georgia Power Company and all family and friends in attendance

Visitation will be held on Sunday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Friendship Congregational Christian Church.

Remembrances may be made to Friendship Congregational Christian Church Cemetery Fund, 900 Friendship Church Rd., Baxley, GA 31513.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

View Edward Ellis "Eddie" Cleland's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/04/2026

George D. "James" Herrin

George D. “James” Herrin, 86, of Baxley entered into the presence of His Lord and Savior on January 3rd, 2026 surrounded by family and covered in prayer.

There’s no doubt that this faithful warrior heard the words, “Well done, thy good and faithful servant” as he was welcomed into his Heavenly home. A devoted man of God, a faithful husband, loving father and treasured “Papa”, he will be missed by those who know and love him. He was a man who delighted in using his talents and gifts to bless others through sharing the good news of the gospel, especially through song.

George (son of Arthia Warnick and George Dewey Herrin Sr) is preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Frances Herrin.

George is survived by his wife Myrna Herrin, sons Jeff (Jennifer) Herrin, Greg (Georgetta) Herrin, and daughter Tammy (Brett) Howell. He had three stepsons: Jimmy, Joel, and Neal White. George was also a proud grandfather to Kaitlyn (Caleb) Myers, Caleb (Sara) Howell, Carter Howell, Joel (Cynthia) Herrin, Julia (Brendon) Block, and Jenna Joy Herrin. The honor to know their great grandfather belonged to Millie Jane Myers, Beckett James Myers, and Mateo Duran as well as several step grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Active pallbearers will be Ernesto Baustia, Neal White, Carter Howell, Caleb Howell, Caleb Myers, Joel White and Lee Fowler.

The Fellowship Sunday School class of Woodlawn Baptist Church will serve as honorary pall bearers, along with the dedicated nurses and staff of Regency SouthernCare Hospice of Vidalia.

The service to honor George will be held at 11:00AM on Tuesday, January 6th at Woodlawn Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Zion Church of God Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6:00-8:00PM at Swain Funeral Home.

Arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

View George D. "James" Herrin's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/04/2026

Virginia Nichols Sanders

Virginia Nichols Sanders, age 87, of St. Simons Island passed away on January 3, 2026.

Mrs. Sanders was born October 30, 1938 in Atlanta, Georgia to the late Frank Nichols and the late Elise McCrary Nichols. She married James Lewis Sanders in 1961 and graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. While at UGA, she was an officer of Chi Omega Sorority and the Atlanta Debutant Club. She went on to teach school in both the Atlanta and Fulton County School Systems. Mrs. Sanders and her husband moved to St. Simons Island in 1978 but continued to be avid and lifelong Georgia Bulldawg fans. She was first employed by Frederica Academy and from 1980 until her retirement, she was the Executive Secretary at Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce. She was a member of First Baptist Church of St. Simons.

After suffering a decline in health, Mrs. Sanders moved to Lakeside Senior Living in Douglas to be closer to her family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Lewis Sanders, nephew, David Nichols, great niece, Caroline Smith, and brother-in-law, Jimmy Ney.

She is survived by her daughters, Shannon (Jay) McPherson of Hazlehurst and Meredith (Vince) Hereld of Edna, Texas; son, Jay (Tonya) Sanders of Brunswick; sister, Carol N. Ney of Charlotte, NC; brother, Frank D. (Tommie) Nichols of Atlanta. Seven grandchildren, Ashley (Jeffery) Googe, Mallory (Ross) Powell, Jaymie Beth (Thomas) Perry-Parker, Brittany Thompson, Haley (Matt) Hines, Grady Sanders, and Anderson Sanders; thirteen great grandchildren; and several nieces also survive.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, Georgia.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Lakeside Senior Living for the care they provided during the past eight years.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

View Virginia Nichols Sanders's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/01/2026

James Lamar "Jimmy" Allen

James Lamar “Jimmy” Allen, 84, passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at his residence under the care of Comfort Care Hospice.

Mr. Allen was born on May 30, 1941 in Walthourville, Georgia to the late Eulie Lee Allen and the late Blanche Boyd Allen Stewart. He came to Appling County in 1968 as a football coach and began a lifelong relationship with the Appling County Pirates, one that he cherished and faithfully supported throughout the years. In addition to football, he coached tennis and track and field. He served as assistant principal and then principal of Appling County Junior High and Middle School, a position he held until his retirement in 2000.

Mr. Allen was honored as Grand Marshal of the Homecoming Parade on two occasions and received several awards, including Boss of the Year and Outstanding Young Religious Leader from Jaycees. He was named Coach of the Year for Boys’ and Girls’ Tennis in 1984 and received the Distinguished Volunteer Leadership Award from the March of Dimes.

Mr. Allen was a member of Baxley First Church, where he served as a Sunday School teacher. He was involved in numerous community organizations, including the Gideons and its Jail Ministry, Lions Club, Retired Teachers Association, Christmas in Action, United Way of Appling Co., and the Touchdown Club. He also served as President of the Lions Club.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Charlene W. Allen of Baxley; daughter, Michelle L. Allen of Baxley; and a sister, Barbara A. Johnson of Baxley.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Baxley First Church with Rev. Adam Thomas, Rev. Lamar Lee, Rev. David Deen and Rev. Ronnie Rentz officiating. Interment will follow in Shiloh Cemetery in Lumber City, Georgia.

Active pallbearers will be Kelvin Skinner, Larry Cooper, Mike Carter, Eddie Miles, Bill Tharpe and Gene Mann.

Visitation will be held at the church, from 9:00 a.m. until the funeral hour.

Remembrances may be made to Baxley First Church, The Gideons, 24/7 House, or the Lions Club.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

View James Lamar "Jimmy" Allen's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/31/2025

Donald Ray "Donnie" Smith

Donald Ray “Donnie” Smith, age 75, of Baxley passed away Wednesday, December 31, 2025 under the care of Hospice of South Georgia.

Mr. Smith was born October 22, 1950 in Alma to the late Clifford Lamar “C. L.” Smith and the late Alma Laverne Yawn Smith. He was a member of Baxley Church of God. He owned and operated S & W Enterprises, Inc. from 1986-2002. Mr. Smith went to college at the age of 50 and received his master’s degree. He spent 20 years helping others recover from addiction. He was preceded in death by a brothers-in-law, Timothy Jordan and Edward Walls.

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Helen Smith of Baxley; daughter, Daphne “Dee Dee” Brannen of Odum; sisters, Ella Frances of Las Vegas, NV and Cathy Jordan of Baker, FL; mother-in-law, Bobbie Walls of Baxley; godson, J. J. Mincey of Gainesville, FL; and future son-in-law, Jon Priest of Alma.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, January 4, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Swain Funeral Home with Pastor Lamar Lee and Jon Priest officiating. Interment will follow in Omega Cemetery.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

Remembrances may be made to Hospice of South Georgia 1625 Sunset Boulevard Jesup, GA 31545.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

View Donald Ray "Donnie" Smith's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/29/2025

Janice Marie Jeffords

Janice Marie Jeffords, age 55, of Baxley passed away Monday, December 29, 2025 at Appling Healthcare.

Janice was born July 7, 1970 and was a native and lifelong resident of Appling County. She was a seamstress and especially enjoyed crocheting. She was preceded in death by her mother, Wilda Ann Gaskins.

Survivors include her son, Reuben Lee Miles, of Baxley and a special cousin and caretaker, Janice (Tony) Davis of Baxley.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

View Janice Marie Jeffords's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/28/2025

Deborah Ann Hanson

Deborah Ann Hanson, age 78, of Baxley passed away on December 27, 2025 at her residence under the care of Community Hospice.

Mrs. Hanson was born on August 10, 1947 in Jacksonville, Florida to the late William T. Pendarvis and the late Shirley Natarus Pendarvis. She was a founding member of Christ Community Church, was involved in the LACE women’s ministry, and served with Light for the Nations. Her passion in life was doing mission work around the world.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandparents, Robert Dewey & Cammie Pendarvis and Abraham & Sadie Natarus.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Gary Hanson of Baxley; sons, Randy (Angie) Hanson of Baxley, Danny (Heather) Hanson of Alexandria, VA, and Gregory Hanson of Baxley; and brother Billy (Carolyn) Pendarvis of Mississippi. Three grandchildren, Brittani (Matt) Dooley, Christina (Truss) Beasley and Annalise Hanson (fiancé, Colin Brown) and four great-grandchildren also survive.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at Christ Community Church with Rev. Mike Ricker, Rev. Brad Park, and Rev. Tim Carlson officiating. Interment will follow in Omega Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 29, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Swain Funeral Home.

Active pallbearers will be Randy Hanson, Danny Hanson, Greg Hanson, Matt Dooley, Truss Beasley, Colin Brown and Corran Johnson.

Honorary pallbearers will be all family and friends in attendance

In lieu of flowers the family request that memorial contributions be made to Light for the Nations (www.lftn.org/154 Palmetto Dr. Rincon, GA 31426) or to Christ Community Church (1585 Hatch Pkwy. N Baxley, GA 31513).

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

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

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