Pearson-Dial Funeral Home, 659 Main Street/PO Box 375, Blackshear, GA (2026)

04/20/2026

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

Mr. Jerry Clyde Watkins, 77, of Mershon, passed away early Sunday morning, April 19, 2026, at his residence.

Born in Alma, GA on January 30, 1949, he had lived in Pierce County all of his life. He had been employed by Pierce Timber Company for over 30 years until his health began to decline. Jerry enjoyed hunting and fishing when he wasn’t working, but mostly he loved spending time with his family, whether it be by blood or work, there was no separation. A simple man of few words who worked hard and played hard, you never had to guess where you stood with him. He was of the Baptist faith.

He was a son of the late Eulus and Mildred Julia Wilkins Watkins. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Linda Faye Sapp Watkins, his daughter, April Hernandez, 2 brothers, Ronnie Watkins and Ricky Watkins, and 2 sisters, Joyce Watkins and Kathy Watkins.

Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Christel Watkins (Mark Johnson) of Mershon; his son and daughter-in-law, Jeremy “PeeWee” (Sherry) Watkins of Patterson; 3 brothers, Donnie (Carol) Watkins of Mershon, David (Doodle) Watkins of Blackshear, and Randy (Donna) Watkins of Mershon; his son-in-law, Angel Hernandez of Mershon; 11 grandchildren, Tyler Watkins (Jeannine Paterek), Elyssa (Jacob) Woodard, Emily Hernandez (Jorge Perez), Jonah Hernandez (Tori), Caleb (Jessica) Watkins, Jamee (Pam) St. Thomas, Shannon (Meghan) St. Thomas, Kala St. Thomas (Jessie), Jadan (Hannah) Johnson, Bryce (Molly) Johnson, and Kacee (Paige) Johnson; 25 great-grandchildren, Eli, Anna Jade, Brayden, Bailey, Ella Mae, Sophie June, Lane, Kandice, Aleigha, Jessie, Maddy, Summerlyn, Paisley, Addie, Paisley, Jade, Kelly Grace, Saylor, Hazleigh, Zane, Sylvie Joe, Bentlee, Beau, Brody, and Kolter; 1 great-great-grandchild, Kolton; several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

A memorial service will be held Thursday evening, April 23, 2026, at 7:00 o’clock from the Pearson-Dial Funeral Home Chapel.

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

The family requests that employees of Pierce Timber serve as honorary pallbearers.

Memorialization will be by cremation.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Comfort Care Hospice, 88 Heritage Street, Baxley, GA, 31513.

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

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

04/19/2026

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

Mr. Hershel Lee Stacy, 80, of Blackshear, passed away Friday, April 17, 2026, at Hospice Satilla Hospice House in Waycross.

Born in Prentiss, MS on April 14, 1946, he had lived in Pierce County for most of his life. He chose to drive a semi-truck as a profession, working for many years and eventually retiring from Thom’s Transport, but also found the time to own and operate The Sugar Shack food truck for several years. Spring and Summer was for watching the Atlanta Braves and Saturdays in the Fall were for watching the Georgia Bulldogs. Mr. Stacy also enjoyed tending his mules and going on trail rides. Free time the rest of the year was spent fishing, camping, and fox hunting, but most importantly spending quality time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was of the Baptist faith.

He was the only son of the late Elton Lee and Ether Lorene Smith Stacy. He was also preceded in death by his only sister, Willie Mae Joyner, and a great-grandson, Emory Norman.

Survivors include his wife, Delia Ann “DeAnn” Stacy, of Blackshear; 5 daughters and sons-in-law, Kem (Hiram) Strickland, Shannon (Randy) Strickland, and Paula (Gary) Norman, all of Blackshear, and Nina (Kevin) Scott and Michelle (Jody) Holton, all of Alma; 2 step-sons, Ken Mullis and Richard Riddle, both of Blackshear; 9 grandchildren, Misty Strickland, Hanna (Eddie) Taylor, Brent (Courtney) Strickland, Dusty (Raina) Rowland, Jessica (Cory) Harrelson, Hank (Hannah) Norman, Hunter (Tiffany) Norman, Joshua (Sarah) Holton, and Kristin Holton; 23 great-grandchildren; his faithful canine companion, Ringo; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services for Mr. Stacy will be held Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 2:00 o’clock from the Pearson-Dial Funeral Home Chapel.

The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home Tuesday evening, April 21, 2026, from 6 until 8 o’clock.

Interment will be in the Waters Cemetery.

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

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

04/15/2026

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

Mr. Glenn Langford Bruton, 74, of Patterson, passed away early Sunday morning, April 12, 2026, at his residence.

Born in Oceanport, NJ on October 7, 1951, he lived in Lake Worth, FL for many years prior to moving to Pierce County in 2004. Mr. Bruton worked in construction for most of his life. He loved Harley-Davidson Motorcycles, watching Duck Dynasty, and was an avid Wheel of Fortune fan. He was of the Baptist faith.

He was a son of the late Roy Langford & Marion Elizabeth Rugg Bruton. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Diane Bor; and by his brother, David Roy Bruton.

Survivors include his wife, Jody Smith Bruton of Patterson; his son, Glenn Tracy Bruton of Montana; 3 grandchildren; 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 Bruton family during this time.

04/14/2026

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

Mr. Ervin Newt Hodge, 58, of Hortense, passed away Saturday evening, April 11, 2026, at Southeast Georgia Health System – Brunswick Campus.

Born in Jesup, GA on November 5, 1967, he lived in Brantley County most of his life. Mr. Hodge was a self-employed truck driver (Hodge Trucking) and always enjoyed driving his truck. He loved to hunt, fish, and raise cows. Always a people-person, he never met a stranger and loved to help anyone in need. Spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchild, made him the happiest. Mr. Hodge was a proud son and brother and just an all-around family man.

He was a son of the late John Henry & Eva Kate Oliver Hodge, Sr. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Braylon Hodge; and his sister, Theresa Mauncy.

Survivors include his three daughters, Alesiha Teringer of Jesup and Katlynn Hodge and Jaylen Hodge both of Hortense; four sons, Kenneth Kelly Hodge of Jesup and Anthony Scoggins, Kaden Hodge, and Waylon Ervin Hodge; four brothers, Jack Hodge of Poppell, Earl (Terri) Hodge of Blackshear, John (Raye) Hodge of Hortense, and Ronald Hodge of Brunswick; a grandchild, Brianna Teringer; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral Services for Mr. Hodge will be held Friday afternoon, April 17, 2026, at 2:00 o’clock from the Pearson-Dial Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Keith Brown officiating.

The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home Thursday evening from 6 until 8.

Interment will be in the Hortense Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be John Hodge, Jack Hodge, Mark Manning, Tyler Manning, Jeremiah Spradly, Kelly Byrd, Chris Byrd, and Kaden Hodge.

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

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

04/12/2026

*** Please note the change in location for Mrs. Burkhalter's service.

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

Mrs. Colleen Sophronia Crawford Burkhalter, 89, of Patterson, passed away Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Hospice Satilla Hospice House in Waycross.

Born in Bristol, GA on November 7, 1936, she lived in Pierce County most of her life. Mrs. Burkhalter worked as a secretary in the insurance business and later at the Pierce County Tax office before working and later retiring from Mama Grace’s Playhouse. Her love for children was evident in the fact that they all called her Gramma and most didn’t know if she was really their biological or adopted grandmother. To them she was just all that a gramma was supposed to be. Mrs. Burkhalter was a charter member of Faith Baptist Church and she loved Jesus and her church family. She was always there to help anyone in need and in her spare time she enjoyed sewing, crafting, and baking.

She was a daughter of the late Alexander Oden & Flora Elizabeth Aldridge Crawford. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Robert Cecil Burkhalter; a daughter, Patsy Denise Burkhalter; both of her sons, Gary Robert Burkhalter and James Cody Burkhalter; a son-in-law, Lyndell Davis; a grandchild, Shundra Vickery; a sister, Geraldine Young; and her brother, Alvin Oden Crawford.

Survivors include her daughter, Shane Vickery of Patterson; three sisters, Shirley Williams of Jacksonville, Maxine (Burdette) Ross of Ocean Way, FL, and Pauline (Terry) Rix of Blackshear; 10 grandchildren, James Cothern (Shammra Carter), Stacy (Kevin) Lewis, Travis Cothern (Linsey Sauls), Michael Vickery, Robbie Vickery (Taylor Carter), Jamie (Lynda) Cothern, Hannah (Eric) Duncan, Josh (Haley) Bryant, Alana Burkhalter, and Kyle (Diamond) Close; 16 great grandchildren, Dayton D***s (Gracie Ammons), Cali Sellers, Briar Cothern, Kelsi Davis, Trenton Vickery, Kaiden Meeks, Paisley Lewis, Lainey Owens, Landry Owens, Zeke Close, Zoey Close, Zane Close, Mason Vickery, Mallory Vickery, Terry Bryant, and Lilly Burkhalter; 2 great, great grandchildren, Wyatt Anderson and Raelyn D***s; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Burkhalter will be held Wednesday afternoon, April 15, 2026, at 3:00 o’clock from the Pearson-Dial Funreal Home Chapel with Rev. Mark Summers and Pastor Steve Dees officiating.

The family will be receiving friends at the chapel from 1 until 3 o’clock.

Interment will be in the Beulah Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Josh Bryant, James Cothern, Kyle Close, Michael Vickery, Travis Cothern, Kevin Lewis, and Robbie Vickery.

Memorials may 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 Burkhalter family during this time.

04/09/2026

Please join us in lifting up the Braddy family in prayer as they cope with the loss of their mother, stepmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and niece. Our deepest condolences to the family during this time.

Ms. Amelia Danlyn Braddy, 44, of Waycross, passed away Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at her residence.

Born in Douglas, GA on November 17, 1981, she lived in Pierce & Ware Counties all her life. Danlyn was a homemaker. She was a free spirit and a hippie at heart. Danlyn loved music and going to concerts – the Allman Brothers Band was her favorite. She also loved going to the beach and making people laugh.

She was a daughter of the late Daniel George Braddy. She was also preceded in death by a stepson, Dalton Mulkey; her maternal grandparents, Edgar & Elvera Carter; her paternal grandparents, Wendell & Helen Braddy; and her beloved dog, Boone.

Survivors include her daughter, Mia Roberts of Blackshear; her stepson, Dylan (Katie) Mulkey of Folkston; her mother, Lynette Carter Harrell and husband, Al; a sister, Celeste (Anthony) Sallet of Waycross; three aunts, Beth Smith of Douglas, and Cheryl Barnard & Janice (Buddy) Boatright both of Blackshear; her niece, Kelaysia; special cousins, Saranan Mitchell, Amanda Coffee, and Crytal Barber; her pet dog, Ringo; and several other relatives and friends.

The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home on Monday evening, April 13, 2026, from 5 to 7 pm.

Memorialization will be by cremation.

Memorials may be made to Miracle League of the Okefenokee, C/O Melissa Todd, 5760 Billy Road, Patterson, GA 31557.

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

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

04/09/2026

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

Mr. William Roger “Billy” Merchant, 65, of Waycross, passed away Friday evening, April 3, 2026, at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah.

Born in Byrd Drop, England on March 31, 1961, he lived in Farmington, Maine prior to moving
to Waycross in the mid-1990s. He had worked as a saw man/interior wall builder for Fleetwood
Homes. In his spare time, he could be found dropping a hook at his favorite fishing hole. He
loved to cook, and he loved his dogs, but most importantly, he loved his family.

Along with his parents, William James Merchant and Annie Mae Hickox Scott, he was preceded in death by a brother, Jimmy Merchant.

Survivors include his sister and brother-in-law, Deborah and Ralph Barnard of Blackshear; a brother, Charles Scott of Waycross; nieces and nephews, Carrie Mullis (Justin) Mclees, J.R. Mullis, Patrick (Missy) Mullis, David (Asami) Mullis, Raymond (Melissa) Merchant, Shelley Merchant, and Josh (Katelynn) Scott; great-nieces and nephews, Abby Mclees, Joe Mclees, Kimberly Mullis, Allie Mullis, and Kellan Mullis; and several other relatives and friends.

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 Merchant family during this time.

04/03/2026

Congratulations to Pierce County's 2025 Community Stars recipients! Thank you for all you do for our community!

03/30/2026

Private Bennett Hubert Waters, a native of Blackshear, Georgia, was born on October 17, 1917, the son of James Lester Waters and Minnie L. Bennett Waters (later Kelly). He was raised alongside his siblings, James Woodrow Waters, Jewel Eliza Waters Futch, and Geneva Waters Lamb.

Prior to Private Waters remains being located, his nephews Bobby Hugh Futch, Al Lamb, and Wendell Waters, and his niece Sheila Lamb have also passed. Living relatives are his nieces Laura Waters Anderson of Blackshear, Matilda Waters Dukes of Quitman, GA, Nell Waters Clanton of Jesup, GA, Joann Futch Smith of Blackshear, GA, Pam Lamb Solt of Springfield, GA and numerous great nieces and nephews, great, great nieces and nephews, and great, great, great nieces and nephews.

During World War II, Bennett Hubert Waters served in the United States Army Air Forces as a Private assigned to the 17th Bombardment Squadron, 27th Bombardment Group. His unit arrived in the Philippines in October 1941, shortly before the Japanese attack on Clark Field and the subsequent invasion of Luzon.

Following the fall of the Philippines, Private Waters was captured and taken as a prisoner of war on April 9, 1942, after the surrender of U.S. forces on the Bataan Peninsula. He was initially held at the Cabanatuan Prisoner of War Camp, where he remained during the summer of 1942. In 1943, he was assigned to a labor detail to assist in rebuilding Nichols Airfield under harsh conditions.

In the summer of 1944, as Japanese forces began evacuating prisoners of war from the Philippines, Private Waters was among those transported aboard Japanese vessels as part of this effort. He ultimately died while still a prisoner of war on January 9, 1945, in Takao, Formosa (present-day Taiwan), at the age of 26.

For decades, Bennett Hubert Waters was listed as missing in action. In a significant development, his remains were officially accounted for and identified by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency on June 18, 2025, bringing long-awaited closure to his family after nearly eighty years. His service and sacrifice have since been recognized through official records and memorials honoring his dedication and loss.

Bennett Hubert Waters is remembered for his service to his country and the endurance he demonstrated under the most difficult circumstances. His story stands as a testament to the sacrifices made by members of the Greatest Generation during World War II.

Funeral service is Saturday morning, April 4, 2026, at 11 o’clock at First Baptist Church in Blackshear, GA.

Interment will be in the City of Blackshear Cemetery with full military honors provided by the Honor Guard from Ft. Stewart.

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

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

03/29/2026

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

Mr. Michael Anthony Alderman, 62, of Blackshear, passed away Monday morning, March 23, 2026, at Memorial Satilla Health in Waycross.

Born in Savannah, GA on April 4, 1963, he lived in Pierce County most of his life. Michael was a 1981 graduate of Blackshear High School and went on to graduate from South Georgia College. He was a salesman for Southern Outdoor Sports in Waycross. Michael was a huge sports enthusiast with playing golf and watching the Georgia Bulldogs being pretty high on his list. He was of the Baptist faith.

He was the son of the late William M. & Barbara Jean Brown Alderman.

He is survived by his companion, Shirley Cauthen of Blackshear; his sister and brother-in-law, Angie & Thomas DuBose of Iron Mountain, MI; his children Jenny (Justin) Strickland of Blackshear and David (Marti) Cauthen of Patterson; grandchildren, Raechel Cauthen, Raegen Cauthen, Jon Strickland, Thomas Cauthen, Julian Strickland, and Oliver Strickland; a great grandchild, Oaklynn Cauthen; nephews, two nephews, Benji and Buck; and several other relatives and friends.

The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home on Tuesday afternoon, March 31, 2026, from 2 to 4 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 Alderman family during this time.

03/28/2026

I would like to thank everyone that helped make Pvt. Waters's homecoming memorable. The Duval County Sheriff's Office & Sgt. Wise & Sgt. Howell, the Nassau County Sheriff's Office, the Georgia State Patrol - Post Commander Miles Cooper, the Charlton County Sheriff's Office, the Brantley County Sheriff's Office, the City of Hoboken, the Pierce County Sheriff's Office, the Blackshear Fire Department & the Blackshear Police Department did an amazing job. Thank you to the Patriot Riders for all you did. We, the staff of Pearson-Dial Funeral Home, wish to thank Pvt. Waters's family for allowing us this huge honor of not only getting him home but laying him to rest next to his family. Pvt. Waters - thank you for your sacrifice. Rest well now soldier. You're home. 🇺🇸🙏🏻

03/28/2026

Please join us in lifting up the Davis & Carter families in prayer as they cope with the loss of their son, grandson, great grandson, nephew, and cousin. Our deepest condolences to the family during this time.

Mr. William Kyle Davis, 22, of Blackshear, passed away Thursday morning, March 26, 2026, at Memorial Satilla Health in Waycross. Kyle passed away on the one-year anniversary of his brother, Connor’s, passing.

Born in Waycross, GA on September 25, 2003, he lived in Pierce County all his life. Kyle was a 2022 graduate of Pierce County High School. He enjoyed several hobbies including collecting Hot Wheels cars, putting puzzles together, drawing, and playing on his PlayStation. Kyle also enjoyed going to the movies and the beach. He loved spending time with his family and playing ball for the Miracle League. He attended New Life Assembly of God.

In addition to his brother, Connor, Kyle was also preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Ava Mathis; his maternal great grandfather, Mackie Turner; his aunt, Christina Turner; and two cousins, Baby Brixton Beau Ogden and Kimberly Warren Guess.

He is survived by his parents, William “Bill” Davis and April Michelle Carter both of Blackshear; his maternal grandmother and caretaker, Linda Turner Carter of Blackshear; his maternal grandfather, Roger Carter of Waycross; his great grandmother (Mema) Janice Melton Turner of Blackshear; his aunts, Melinda (Jason) Long of Waycross and Scarlett (Bud) Walker of Florida; his uncle, Roger Lee Carter of Blackshear; his cousins, Alissa Carter, Caleb Alexander, Trent Roberson, Dennis Duncan, Dakota Davis, and Alex Mcghin; and several other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Kyle will be Friday, April 3, 2026, at 3:00 o'clock from the Pearson-Dial Funeral Home Chapel.

Visitation will be held Thursday evening from 6 until 8 at the funeral home.

Interment will be in the Waters Cemetery.

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

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

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