Pearson-Dial Funeral Home

11/30/2025

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

Mr. James Sylvanus Roberson, 88, of Blackshear, passed away Saturday, November 29, 2025, at his home.

He was born at home on October 19, 1937, and lived all his life on the same farm in Pierce County, where he and his wife, Alyce, raised their family. They enjoyed over 66 years of living and working together.

He graduated from Blackshear High School in 1956. He was called for Reserve Duty in the USAR in 1957.

Known as a hardworking man, he began working at the age of seven, by driving a horse and wagon in the to***co fields for 25 cents a day. He sold produce and fish, worked at Pierce Trading Company and Wall’s Grocery before opening Roberson Abattoir in the 1960s, which he ran for over 40 years. He was one of the founders of Southside Volunteer Fire Department where he served as fire chief. Other business adventures included Sunshine Foods and Roberson Hay Farm. He also farmed for many years and loved growing a vegetable garden every year. He loved sharing his vegetables with friends and family and giving a daily update on their growth.

He also loved hunting and fishing and was one of the founders and presidents of Blue Lake Hunting Club. He and his family also spent many weekends fishing at his get-aways on both the Satilla and St. Mary’s rivers over the years. He loved sharing hunting and fishing stories and may have embellished his stories a little.

Most importantly, he loved the Lord and never missed church or prayer meeting until his health started failing. He attended St. John’s UMC and served as a Trustee for many years until moving his membership to South Gate Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon and Deacon Chairman. He loved attending Brotherhood dinners, and he and his wife spent many days visiting the sick and elderly.

He was a loving husband and father that instilled strong values into his children and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Jane Herrin Roberson and Joseph Edwin “Ed” Roberson. He is also preceded in death by his daughter, Mary Georgette Roberson and his brother, WA “Bill” Stewart.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Alyce King Roberson; his children, E.L. Roberson (Sheila Rowell), Jimmie Rae (Robbie) Roberts, and Danny (Karen) Roberson; grandchildren, Philip (Tanya) Roberson, Payton Roberson, Drew Thigpen, Justin (Jamie) Roberts, Raymond Roberts, and Ansleigh (Dusty) Godwin; great-grandchildren, Mason, Madox, and Maylee Roberson, Mia, Leila Ruth, and Liza Rae Roberts, and Dawson Godwin; sister and brother-in-law, Sonja and Dewayne Tuten, Wanda Peacock, Geraldine Walley, and Gloria King; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services for Mr. Roberson will be held Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 1 o’clock from the Pearson-Dial Funeral Home Chapel.

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

Interment will be in Enon Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Miracle League of the Okefenokee, 6705 Southside Drive, Blackshear, GA, 31516.

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

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

11/30/2025

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

Mr. Walter Ander Aldridge, 84, of Blackshear, passed away Thursday, November 27, 2025, at East Georgia Regional Medical Center in Statesboro.

Born in Blackshear, GA on September 28, 1941, he had lived most of his life in Pierce County, graduating from Blackshear High School in 1960. Mr. Aldridge went on to work for Scapa Dryer Industries, Babcock and Wilcox (B & W), B & K Danco, where he became a boilermaker, and finally retiring with The Southern Company as a boilermaker. He enjoyed farming and taking care of his pecan orchard. He also enjoyed traveling and fishing. He spent many years enjoying hunting, especially c**n hunting, and showing his bluetick hounds. He was a member of St. Johns Community Church.

He was a son of the late Isham and America Gill Aldridge, Jr.. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Joyce Blackshear; a son, Walter Lamar Aldridge; all three of his sisters, Kathlene Page, Ruthie Sapp and Doris Rountree; five brothers, Buddy, Grady, Clarence, Leroy, and Allen Aldridge; and a grandson, Major Blackshear.

Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Charles and Jennie Aldridge of Homerville; a brother and sister-in-law, Lonnie and Vera Aldridge of Jacksonville; granddaughters, Ashlee Nicole Aldridge, Alana Danielle Aldridge, and Mindie Blackshear (Ryan) Turner; step-grandsons, Jason York and Aaron (Erin) York; great-grandchildren, Aric Bo Norris, Amy Protonentis, and Leanna Blackshear; step-great-grandchildren, Isaiah, Westin, Mackenzie, Mahaila, Kinley, Jayden, Joanna, and Daisy York; numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives; and caregiver and special friend, Debra Harris of Statesboro.

Funeral services for Mr. Aldridge will be held Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 2 o’clock from the Pearson-Dial Funeral Home Chapel.

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

Interment will be in the St. Johns Cemetery.

The family requests members of the Blackshear High School Class of 1960 serve as honorary pallbearers. Please meet at the funeral home by 1:30 Tuesday afternoon.

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

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

11/29/2025

This time of year is difficult for people for a number of reasons but especially for those who are grieving. To know that your loved one is not forgotten means a lot.
Be sure to join us this coming Tuesday evening for a time to remember those who are no longer with us and to honor their legacy.

11/27/2025

11/24/2025

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

Mr. Dennis Hugh Strickland, 76, of Waycross, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at the Hospice Satilla Hospice House in Waycross.

Born in Waycross, GA on December 7, 1948, Dennis was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, whose life was marked by a deep love for his family. Dennis retired from CSX Railroad in January 2009 after 39 years of dedication to the railroad. He also served for several years with the National Guard. He enjoyed being outdoors, whether it be fishing, golfing, or playing softball and baseball, of which he was a gifted pitcher during his Little League career, and always kept a deep love for the game. Dennis had served as a volunteer firefighter for many years with the Pebble Hill Volunteer Fire Department. He was a member of Jamestown Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roscoe Strickland and Pearl Corbitt, whom he has now joined in eternal rest. He is also preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Roger Moody.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Gail Wilkinson Strickland; his children, Bren Hugh (Katie) Strickland and Heather Denise (Lloyd) Dumas; his grandchildren, Colby Dumas, Tanner Dumas, Axl Strickland, Wyatt Strickland, and Ella Strickland, each of whom brought immense joy and pride in his life; his brother, Ronnie (Mary Ann) Strickland; his sister, Gail Moody; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

An informal Celebration of Life and visitation time with the family will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, from 4 P.M. to 6 P.M., at Jamestown Baptist Church.

Gail, Heather, and Bren deeply appreciate your prayers and support during this time.

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

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

11/24/2025

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

Mr. Kenneth Allen “Kenny” Moody, 68, of Blackshear, passed away Thursday, November 20, 2025, at HCA Florida Memorial Hospital.

Born in Waycross, GA on November 11, 1957, he lived in Pierce County all his life. Kenny was a 1975 graduate of Blackshear High School. He was a truck driver, known by the call sign “Lightnin’” and retired from Trucks, Inc.. His trucking career took him all over the country and he was therefore a Multi Million Miles Truck Driver. He was awarded 1st place in 2004 and 2005 in the GA Truck Driving Championship in the Straight Truck Division. Kenny could fix just about anything and would do anything he could for people. His greatest love was for his grandkids and he was very proud to be their Papa. He was of the Baptist faith.

He was a son of the late Cleon Browning “Nappy” & Miley Laura Hall Moody. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Ronnie Moody.

Survivors include his wife, Debra Ann Hodges Moody of Blackshear; his daughter, Addie (Sam) Ogden of Wesley Chapel, FL; three sons, David (Allyson) Moody of St. Cloud, and Eric (Belinda) Moody and J. T. Moody (Stefanie Santos) all of Blackshear; two sisters, Cathy Moody and Lisa (Wade) Johnson all of Folkston; a brother, Rusty (Jackie) Moody of Hoboken; 5 grandchildren, Ben Moody, Sarah (Brandon) Cerna, Alley Ogden, Conner Moody, and Leeria Moody; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services for Kenny will be held Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 12:00 o’clock from the Pearson-Dial Funeral Home Chapel.

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

Interment will be in the Byrd Cemetery in Bristol, GA.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pearson-Dial Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses.

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

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

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.