Pearson-Dial Funeral Home, 659 Main Street/PO Box 375, Blackshear, GA (2025)

11/09/2025

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

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of David Zadok Aldrich, of Patterson on Friday, November 7, at the age of 85 years. Zadok was born at home to Floyd and Arabel (Howard) Aldrich on August 12, 1940.

He grew up in Pierce County and made Patterson his home. He graduated from Patterson High School and attended South Georgia College in Douglas, Georgia. He was a regional manager for several companies including W.T Grants, TG&Y, and he was also an Independent Life Insurance agent. His duties as a manager often included opening new stores all around the south.

Zadok was a happy guy and loved life and all that it included. He was a believer and often shared the origins of his biblical name. He loved to go fishing and was willing to go at the drop of a hat. All that knew him knew that he loved to eat, especially pound cake. Zadok was famous for frying turkeys and giving them away at holiday time. He was skilled at dancing and excelled at ballroom dancing. His many hobbies included genealogy, crossword puzzles, watching the Georgia Bulldogs play, reading the newspaper, and watching and playing Jeopardy in his living room. He was a lifelong learner and kept his mind sharp with his many interests.

He was preceded by his parents, Floyd and Arabell Howard Aldrich; sisters Janette Aldrich, Ouida Henderson, and Janice Young; son, Charles King; the mother his children, Doris Griffin Aldrich; and his sister and brothers-in-law, Wanda Steedley and Winton, Franklin, Talmadge, Dave, and Justin Griffin.

He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Jeff Aldrich (Michelle) of Blackshear and Joe King of Statesboro; Daughter-in-law, Theresa King of Baxley; Grandchildren, Cami Aldrich Herrington (Alex), Califf Aldrich (Carlie), Joanna King, Brianna King Lang, and Brian King; a Great Grandchild, Katherine Elizabeth Herrington; three sisters-in-law, Becky Bolden of Blackshear, and Sharon Bateson and Mary Griffin both of Waycross; and a brother-in-law, Ben (Robin) Griffin of Waycross. Zadok loved his family. He will be missed by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchild, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews and his many friends.

Funeral services for Zadok will be held Thursday afternoon, November 13, 2025, at 3:00 o’clock from the Pearson-Dial Funeral Home Chapel.

The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home, Wednesday evening from 5 until 7.

Interment will be in the Laura Chapel Cemetery.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff of Memorial Satilla Health’s PCU and ICU departments for their care and compassion shown to Zadok.

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

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

11/09/2025

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

Mrs. Delane Mincey Allen, 76, of Patterson, formerly of Baxley, passed away early Saturday morning, November 8, 2025, at Harborview Pierce County Nursing Home.

Born in Baxley, GA on March 22, 1949, she lived in Appling County all her life before moving to Pierce County in September of this year. Mrs. Allen was a graduate of Appling County High School. She was a former manager for Shop-N-Go Convenience store in Baxley and retired as the manager of Kentucky Fried Chicken also in Baxley. Mrs. Allen loved to fish, crochet, and play bingo. She also loved to cook and bake cakes and feed people. Mrs. Allen dearly loved her family and treasured her time with them. She was of the Church of God faith.

She was a daughter of the late Zack Roston & Alice Wilma Mincey. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Dena Hall.

Survivors include her beloved husband of 43 years, Quincey Allen of Patterson; two daughters and sons-in-law, Selena & Keith Sobolewski of Jasper and DeAnna & Kelby Yon of Baxley; a son and daughter-in-law, Quincey & Tanya Allen of Patterson; 7 grandchildren, Samantha Sobolewski, Mila Sobolewski, BriAnna Sharpe, Taylor Sharpe, Tia Allen, Brittany (Jared) Haywood, and Marie Allen; 14 great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Mrs. Allen’s wishes were to be cremated and for her family to honor her at time of their choosing.

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

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

11/04/2025

Please join us in lifting up the Atkins 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. Mary Aliece Jones Atkins, 86, of Blackshear, passed away Tuesday morning, November 4, 2025, at the Hospice Satilla Hospice House.

Born in Baxley, GA on August 20, 1939, she lived in Appling County for many years before moving to Pierce County in 1981. Mrs. Atkins worked at Miller Western Wear in Baxley prior to devoting her time to raising her children as a stay-at-home mom. Once her children were older, she went to work for and retired from Belk in Waycross as a sales associate. Mrs. Atkins loved to cook, read, and sew. She was a proud grandmother who was always available to help with her grandchildren. Mrs. Atkins was a member of Blackshear First Baptist Church.

She was a daughter of the late Robert Matthew & Lois Bullard Jones. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Henry “Jake” Atkins; a sister, Patricia Rouse; and all three of her brothers, Ernest Jones, Kenneth Jones, and Randy Jones.

Survivors include her children, Becky (Tim) King of Hoboken, Melanie (Loran) Tuten of Bristol; Donna (Keith) Ayers of Mobile, AL, Dale (Cathy) Atkins of Baxley, and David (Debi) Atkins of Springfield; a sister, Bobbie Jo McNeely of Swainsboro; 11 grandchildren, Maggie (Harold) Arnold, Joseph (Billie Ann) King, Ben Tuten, Brett Tuten, Alan (Kendra) Atkins, Andy Atkins, Ashley (Claire) Atkins, Michael (Christina) Atkins, Laura Griffin, Meighan (Micaiah) Masterson, and Audra (Myles) Minton; 18 great grandchildren with #19 on the way; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services for Mrs. Atkins will be held Thursday afternoon, November 6, 2025, at 2:00 o’clock from the Pearson-Dial Funeral Home Chapel with her son-in-law, Pastor Tim King officiating.

The family will be receiving friends in the funeral home chapel one hour prior to the service.

Interment will be in the Blackshear City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorials 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 Atkins family during this time.

11/03/2025

Please join us in lifting up the Scotti family in prayers as they cope with the loss of their stepfather, step-grandfather, and friend. Our deepest condolences to the family during this time.

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Carlo Scotti, 88, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and the sweetest soul to ever walk this earth. Carlo went home to be with Jesus on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Born in Naples, Italy, on March 14, 1937, to Giuseppe and Rosalda Scotti, Carlo lived through the tumult of war. His early memories were marked by the challenges of war and scarcity. In the 1950s, he left Italy with some of his siblings, embarking on a journey that would lead him to America – a place where he would realize the American dream.

Settling in South Florida, Carlo began his culinary journey as an executive chef at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach. He humorously referred to being “on call” for Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack as “job security”, as Sinatra was a fan of Carlo’s Italian flair, especially his specialty dish of chicken livers.

As he established himself in South Florida, Carlo became a renowned restauranteur, with his restaurants, Lastrada and The Haystack, becoming famous for his garlic knots. Carlo embraced life with passion, creating vibrant dining experiences that reflected his love for food and community.

He loved spending time with family, traveling, coffee, waterskiing, riding his motorcycles, collecting trinkets, but most of all, he loved his wife, Sandra. His favorite song, “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood, reflected his love for his adopted country. Carlo always made those around him laugh and feel loved.

While Carlo never had biological children of his own, he embraced Joey, Chanel, Mike, Linda, and their children as if they were his own. He took immense joy in celebrating special moments, from calling each family member on their birthday and singing “Happy Birthday” in Italian.

Your kindness, generosity, and love will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

Rest in peace, dear Carlo. You will remain in our hearts always.

Memorialization will be by cremation.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life for Carlo at a later date.

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

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

11/03/2025

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

Mr. Earl Jason Chadwick, 48, of Blackshear, passed away early Friday morning, October 31, 2025, at Memorial Satilla Health in Waycross.

Born in Jesup, Ga on August 27, 1977, he had lived in Georgia most of his life, moving to Blackshear in 2013 from Plant City, FL. Mr. Chadwick had been self-employed in the construction business as a roofer.

He was a son of the late Carroll Steve and Emily Dale Ammons Chadwick.

Survivors include two daughters, Aiyana Figueroa of Jacksonville and Destiny Chadwick; three sons, Phoenix Chadwick and Malachi Chadwick, both of Blackshear, and Christian Wain Wolfe of Brantley Co.; a granddaughter, Emily Seraphina Chadwick; one brother, Charlie Chadwick of Blackshear; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

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 Chadwick family during this time.

10/29/2025

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

Mrs. Linda Faye O’Berry Cason, 76, of Patterson, passed away Tuesday evening, October 28, 2025, at her residence.

Born in Screven, GA on September 6, 1949, she lived in Pierce County most of her life. Mrs. Linda worked in the medical field for many years having been a CNA for several health care companies. She most recently worked with Amedisys Health Care before retiring due to her health. She was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.

She was the daughter of the late Ida Mae (O’Berry) & Luther Clark. She was also preceded in death by her husband, C. Ray Cason; a son, John M. Cason; and two grandsons, Allen Cason and Tristin Aspinwall.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Michael & Julie Cason of Patterson; 6 grandchildren; Earl & Cat Sapp, Dalton Cason, Garrett Cason, Weston & Alexis Cason, Brayden Cason, and Mylie Cason; 6 great grandchildren, Katie Dell Keene, Dutton Sapp, Haislyn Grace Cason, Hance Aspinwall, Jaxson Cason, and Tate Cason; a sister, Betty Gill of Offerman; her in laws, Oliver & Gail Cason of Patterson, Betty Jo Smith of Screven, Peggy Mansfield of Kville, and Sam Cason of Patterson; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services for Mrs. Linda will be held Friday afternoon, October 31, 2025, at 2:00 o’clock from the Pearson-Dial Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. I. B. Boyette and Bro. Steve Boyette officiating.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home chapel one hour prior to the service.

Interment will be in the Mill Creek Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Hospice Satilla, 808 Evergreen Way, 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 Cason family during this time.

10/26/2025

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

Mr. William Keith Miller, 59, of Waycross, passed away Saturday afternoon, October 25, 2025, at Memorial Satilla Health in Waycross.

Born in Blackshear, GA on December 11, 1965, Keith grew up in Jacksonville, FL but spent most of his adult years in Pierce County before moving to Ware County four years ago. He was a 1983 graduate of Fletcher High School in Jacksonville and immediately enlisted in the US Marine Corps where he served for four years. Keith worked in construction prior to going to work in the pipefitting business (local 177 in Brunswick). He was currently the head of maintenance for WW Gay Mechanical Contractors. In his free time, Keith had enjoyed playing pool and golfing. He was a big Georgia Bulldog fan and also loved to watch the Atlanta Falcons. Keith enjoyed going on cruises with his wife, Donna, and their best friends, Al & Bevan Dixon and making some wonderful memories. He was of the Baptist faith.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Joan Blalock Miller.

Survivors include his wife of almost 11 years, Donna Strickland Miller of Waycross; his daughter, Amber Brown of St. Johns, FL; his son, William Chase Miller of Blackshear; his bonus daughter, Tanya (Dane) Lloyd of Hortense; his father, Ralph Miller of Blackshear; two brothers, Chuck (Shannon) Miller and Wade (Dawn) Miller all of Blackshear; his granddaughter, Lacy Brown; nieces, Kyler (Matt) Miller, Claire Miller, and Amanda (Ryan) Rowland; a great niece whom he adored, Maggie Lynn Rowland; two great nephews, Carter Knowell and Gauge Rumfelt; his mother-in-law, Oveta Martin of Fernandina Beach; his brother-in-law, Andy Strickland of Fernandina Beach; and several other relatives and friends.

The family will be receiving friends, sharing memories, and celebrating Keith’s life on Wednesday morning, October 29, 2025, from 10 until 12 o’clock at the funeral home and kindly request that everyone dress in Georgia Bulldog attire.

Military honors will be conducted by the US Marines Honors Detail.

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 Miller family during this time.

10/23/2025

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

Maxine Blount Carter, age 94, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2025.
Born in Hortense, Georgia, in 1931, Maxine was the beloved daughter of David F. Blount and Kathleen Sloan Blount. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Theron C. Carter, Sr., her sister Myrtle Thomas, and her brothers Elbert Blount and
Clarence Blount.

Maxine and Theron were lifelong residents of St. Marys, Georgia, having moved there from Blackshear in 1956 when Theron began working for Gilman Paper Company. In 1967, they opened St. Marys Jewelers, where they proudly served the community for many years as the town’s only jewelry store. Their dedication to their business and neighbors left a lasting mark on the community they loved.

After retirement, Maxine and Theron found joy in traveling and serving others through the Georgia Baptist Campers on Mission, journeying across North America—from the far northeast of Prince Edward Island to the far northwest of Alaska. They also loved
volunteering at Baptist Village in Waycross, Georgia, and were delighted when full RV hookups were added, allowing campers to stay close while serving.

Maxine’s greatest joy was sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. She was deeply committed to Bible study, worship, and living out her faith. When she moved from the Village Lake Suites to the J. Olan Jones Center, she was delighted to be able to attend worship services again—something that brought her immense comfort and fulfillment.

She is survived by her son Theron (T.C.) Carter, Jr. (Beth), grandsons Patrick Carter (Courtney) and Christopher Carter (Nicole), great grandsons Miles Carter, Gavin Carter, Hudson Carter and great granddaughters Anna Beth Carter and Rosi Carter; her daughter Luegina (Gina) Carter Mounfield (Pratt), grandson William P. Mounfield III (Deborah Steinberg); her son David F. Carter (Hope), grandsons Zachary Carter (Alley), Hunter Carter, and great grandsons Copeland Carter, Colsen Carter; her sister-in-law Sue Carter Wainwright; and nieces Susanne Wainwright, Donna Everett, and Rebecca Snow; and nephews Rex Carter, Jason Carter, and Judson Carter; and several other relatives.

Maxine will be remembered for her warm heart, enduring faith, and the joy she brought to those around her. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the memories she leaves behind.

Funeral services for Maxine will be held Monday morning, October 27, 2025, at 11:00 o’clock from the Pearson-Dial Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Mark Williams officiating.

The family will receive friends in the chapel from 10:30 until 11 Monday morning.

Interment will be in the Shiloh Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Georgia Baptist Children’s Home, www.georgiachildren.org.

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

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

10/22/2025

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

Mr. Michael Keven Strickland, 57, of Blackshear, passed away Tuesday morning, October 21, 2025, at Memorial Satilla Health in Waycross.

Born in Waycross, GA on October 23, 1967, he lived in Pierce County all his life. Keven was a 1986 graduate of Pierce County High School and went on to graduate from Okefenokee Technical College in 1988 with a degree in computers. He worked for Progress Rail in Waycross and later went into the lawn care business working for Mr. Bill Cantrell. Anyone that knew Keven knew he was a larger-than-life person. He had a cheery disposition, always looked for the good in people and tried to be a friend to everyone. Keven was affectionately known by his family and friends as “The Ninja Hunter”, “Mikey”, and “Miguel Stricklano” along with a slew of other nicknames. An avid outdoorsman, nothing made him happier than to be in the woods hunting deer or on the water fishing. Going to the Florida Keys to fish for lobster was also a big thrill for him. Keven attended Grace Community Church of God in Hoboken. Over the last few years, he renewed his faith in God and rarely missed an opportunity to share God’s word with people.

He was a son of the late Cecil Thomas “Tommy” Strickland. He was also preceded in death by his nephew, Gary Thomas Strickland, Jr.; and his aunt and uncles, Joyce & Jurell Ruis and John Allan “Shorty” Howard.

Survivors include his mother, Mary Clark Strickland of Blackshear; two brothers, Gary Strickland and Craig Strickland both of Blackshear; a great niece, Kurstin Strickland; his aunt, Jeannette Howard of Blackshear; cousins, Darlene (Gene) Clark of Nicholson, Lynn (Paul) Shirley of Clarksville, Mark (Amy) Howard of Blackshear, Susan Hansird of Athens, Daniel (Samantha) Howard of Tifton, Eric Ruis of Jefferson, Dawn (Ashley) Fullard of Blackshear, and Chris (Cassie) Ruis of Jefferson; and numerous friends and other relatives.

Funeral services for Keven will be held Friday morning, October 24, 2025, at 11:00 o’clock from the Pearson-Dial Funeral Home Chapel.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home chapel one hour prior to the service.

Interment will be in the Blackshear Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Chris Ruis, Paul Shirley, Daniel Howard, Mark Howard, Will Howard, Ashley Fullard, and David Dickson.

The family kindly requests members of the Pierce County High School Class of 1986 to serve as honorary pallbearers. Please meet at the funeral home by 10:30 Friday morning.

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.

10/17/2025

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

Ms. Elizabeth Langford Kinsman, 88, of Blackshear, passed away peacefully Wednesday morning, October 15, 2025, at her daughter’s home in Blackshear.

Born in Miami, FL on November 29, 1936, she lived in Pembroke Pines, FL for many years prior to moving to Pierce County in 2003. Ms. Kinsman was a graduate of Coral Gables High School in Coral Gables, Florida. Following her graduation, she went to work for AT & T where she would eventually retire after 30 years. Ms. Kinsman had been a ballroom dancer in her younger years and sang in the Billy Graham Crusade Choir. She enjoyed reading and was an avid pet lover. She was a member of First Baptist Church.

She was a daughter of the late Luther Walter & Elizabeth Agnes Osborne Langford. She was also preceded in death by her son, James Woods; a grandson-in-law, Glenn Russell; her sister, Chrystal Freeman; and all three of her brothers, Luther W. Langford, Floyd E. Langford, and James R. Langford.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Eve & Dan Hazen of Blackshear; 3 grandchildren, Yvonne Russell, Dan (Holly) Hazen, and Sharon Elizabeth Hazen; 4 great grandchildren, Kayli Russell, Kelsey Russell, Elizabeth “Lizzy” Hazen, and Careyana Hazen; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Memorialization is by cremation.

Memorials may be made to Hospice Satilla, 808 Evergreen Way, Waycross, GA 31501 or to Allmons All About Animals, 2988 Midway Church Road, 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 Kinsman family during this time.

10/13/2025

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

Mr. Joe Bernice Boatright, Jr., 89, of Blackshear, passed away peacefully Saturday afternoon, October 11, 2025, at the Hospice Satilla Hospice House.

Born in Mershon, Georgia, on March 6, 1936, Mr. Boatright was a lifelong resident of Pierce County. He was a graduate of Patterson High School and proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserves. Following his service, he attended South Georgia College before beginning a long and dedicated career with Rayonier in Jesup, where he retired as Superintendent after 35 years of service. A true outdoorsman, Mr. Boatright was an avid gun collector who enjoyed skeet shooting as well as quail and dove hunting. He also loved cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs and the Atlanta Braves. Known for his love of fellowship, he especially enjoyed hosting fish fries for family and friends. In his younger years, he found joy in riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Mr. Boatright was a member of First Baptist Church in Blackshear.

He was the son of the late Joe Bernice and Gertie Irene White Boatright. He was also preceded in death by two daughters, Rose Ann Thornton and Shari Henderson.

Survivors include his daughter, Abby Boatright Walker of Blackshear; four grandchildren, James Allen “Skipper” Davis III, Jody (DeAnna) Thornton, Hannah (Doug) Boatright, and Payton Walker; four great-grandchildren, Jecht, Freya, and Jax Thornton, and Kaley Brooke Boatright; special friends, Allen, Amber, Harley, and Avery Turner of Baxley; along with several other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday afternoon, October 15, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. in the Pearson-Dial Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Steve Boatright officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.

Interment will follow in Wesley Chapel Cemetery in Bacon County.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org), as Mr. Boatright was a devoted supporter of their work, particularly their care for children in our community, including Miss Amris Bedford.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Brent Waters and the staff of Hospice Satilla and Hospice Satilla Hospice House for their exceptional care and compassion.

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

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

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