Stokes-Southerland Funeral Home

Stokes-Southerland Funeral Home A family owned funeral home in Eastman, GA operating to meet the needs of the citizens in our commun

MR. LAWTON TOMMY SMITH, age 65, of Eastman, GA, passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Dodge County Hospital. A gra...
03/16/2026

MR. LAWTON TOMMY SMITH, age 65, of Eastman, GA, passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Dodge County Hospital.

A graveside celebration of life service will be held at a later date.

Tommy was born in Eastman, GA, on December 15, 1960, to the late Bessie Elon Fordham Smith and Lawton Jurelle Smith. He was a lifelong resident of Dodge County, attended Dodge County High School, and worked at Eastman Cotton Mill for a few years after leaving high school. He later worked in construction for several years before earning his CNA certification. He worked for Middle Georgia Nursing Home, under Butch Milner, for many years before working for Heart of Georgia Nursing Home. He retired after more than 30 years in the healthcare field.

Tommy was a happy-go-lucky kind of person who loved having a good time, socializing, dancing, working outdoors, and helping others. He was preceded death by his Mother and Father, Bessie Elon Fordham Smith and Lawton Jurelle Smith, and his Brothers, Joey Smith and Gregory Keith Smith.

He is survived by his Daughters – Samantha Dennis (Ronnie) of Eastman and Sandy Smith of Dexter; Grandchildren – Jacob Dennis, Ashley Dennis, Selena Dennis, Austin Smith, Brooklyn Smith, Cameron Smith, and Elizabeth “Izzy” Smith; Sisters – Sarah Jones (Jimmy) of Chester and Venise S. Howell of Eastman; Sister-in-law – Glenda “Skeeter” Smith of Calhoun; Aunts – Margie S. May and Dorothy Smith, both of Eastman; Numerous Nieces and Nephews.

The family may be contacted at the residence of Samantha and Ronnie Dennis, 861 Soperton Hwy., Eastman, GA. www.stoke-southerland.com

MRS. ELEANOR FINCHER PICKETT, age 87, of Eastman, GA, passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Dogwood Gardens Senior...
03/16/2026

MRS. ELEANOR FINCHER PICKETT, age 87, of Eastman, GA, passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Dogwood Gardens Senior Living.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00PM Thursday, March 19, at Woodlawn Cemetery, with Dr. Jerry Peele and Rev. Clay Layfield officiating.

Eleanor was born on August 22, 1938, in Eastman, GA, and was a twin to her brother, Delano, and a sister to Cordell, her younger brother. She was a graduate of Dodge High where she excelled at basketball. She studied cosmetology and was a beautician briefly before working as a telephone operator for Southern Bell, first in Eastman and later in Atlanta, GA. Eleanor married Daniel Pickett in December 1961 and was mother to two children, Carol Pickett and Dan Pickett, Jr. She was a dedicated member of Eastman First Baptist Church and was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was affectionately known as “Nana” to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mrs. Pickett enjoyed playing tennis, cooking for her family, walking with friends, and was a gifted decorator on many projects. She was loved by all who knew her and will be greatly missed. Eleanor was daughter of the late Nannie Johnson Fincher and Obie Fincher and was preceded in death by her Husband of 62 years, Daniel Bowen “Danny” Pickett, Sr, Siblings, Delano Fincher and Cordell Fincher, Sister-in-law, Patricia “Patty” Pickett Sparrow, and Brother-in-law, John Sparrow.

She is survived by her Daughter – Carol P. Aguero (Alfred) of Moultrie, GA; Son – Daniel Bowen “Dan” Pickett, Jr of Eastman; Grandchildren – Anna A. Davis (Franky) of Moultrie, GA, and Bowen Aguero (Ash) of Acworth, GA; Great-Grandchildren – Trey Davis and Ellie Davis of Moultrie; Niece and Nephew – Lynn Lancaster and David Lancaster, both of Hawkinsville, GA; and Special Extended family – Kay Graham, Sue Taylor, and Carol Healy, all of Eastman.

The family will visit with friends 30 minutes before services Thursday, March 19 in Woodlawn Cemetery. In addition to flowers, the family request contributions to Eastman FBC, 5107 Oak Street, Eastman, GA, 31023. www.stokes-southerland.com

MRS. JENNIFER HAYES WRIGHT, age 74, of Eastman, GA, passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at McRae Manor Nursing Home i...
03/15/2026

MRS. JENNIFER HAYES WRIGHT, age 74, of Eastman, GA, passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at McRae Manor Nursing Home in McRae, GA.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00PM Tuesday, March 17, at Southerland Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Daniel Cook officiating, with interment in Orphans Cemetery.

Jennifer was born in Eastman, GA, on July 1, 1951, to the late Mazzie D***s Hayes and George Hayes. She attended Dodge County High School and graduated with her CNA certification. She worked as a CNA for Dodge County Hospital for several years before working for Shorty’s Quick Stop as a salesclerk for over ten years. She was a long-time member of Cottondale Baptist Church and enjoyed listening to gospel and country music, along with traveling to the North Georgia Mountains. She was preceded in death by her Mother and Father, Mazzie D***s Hayes and George Hayes, her Husbands, Dessau Spires, Jr. and Joseph Robert Wright, Son, Shad E. Spires, and Siblings, Jimmy Hayes, Gabby Hayes, Elise Upshaw, and Annette Wright.

She is survived by her Daughter – Emily Sharna Dorris of Eastman; Grandchildren – Tyler Dorris, Alex Dorris, Caitlyn Spires, Haley Spires, and Caden Spires; Nieces and Nephews – Terri Hayes, Angie Upshaw, Burt Hayes, Paul Hayes, and Shannon Dukes; Numerous Great-Nieces, Great-Nephews, and Cousins.

The family may be contacted at the residence of Sharna Dorris, 65 William Way, Eastman, and will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 1:00PM-2:00PM Tuesday, March 17. www.stokes-southerland.com

MRS. BRENDA LEE HEATH JONES, age 58, of Eastman, GA, passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026, at her residence. Funeral se...
03/13/2026

MRS. BRENDA LEE HEATH JONES, age 58, of Eastman, GA, passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026, at her residence.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00PM Monday, March 16, at Southerland Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Chad Hendley and Rev. Arnold Rye officiating, with interment in Giddens Harrell Cemetery.

Brenda was born on October 1, 1967, in Dublin, GA, and was a member of Hillside Baptist Church. She was raised in Hawkinsville, GA, and was a 1985 graduate of Hawkinsville High School. During these years, she worked at Lithonia Lighting in Cochran and Pineview Nursing Home in Finleyson, GA. While working at Flash Foods in Eastman, she met her future husband Mike and on September 21, 2001, they married and began their life together, enjoying 24 years together. She was a corrections officer at Eastman Youth Development Center affectionately known as “Grandma” to the youth of the center. She loved fishing, going to church, gospel music, going out to eat with family and friends, and taking care of others. She helped many people over the years as the owner of “Amazing Grace Cleaning Service”. She loved her blue and gold McCall “Harvey”, her cat “Tiger”, and her canine friends “Stray” and “Snowball”. Brenda was the daughter of the late Grace Holland Heath and Stephen J. Heath and was preceded in death by her Mother-In-Law, Maggie Garrett Pruett, Sister-In-Law, Tammy R. Jones, Brother-In-Law, Rodney Laidler, and Nephew, Rory James Wood Jr.

She is survived by her Husband of 24 years – Michael “Mike” Jones; Sisters – Patricia Laidler and Teresa Sheffield both of Eastman; Brothers – Fred Heath of Eastman and David Heath (Karmen) of Gresston; Father-In-Law – Wayne Pruett of Eastman; Brothers and Sisters-In-Law – Ken Jones (Gail), Jeff Jones, Chris Jones (Tina), Michelle P. Bryan (Brad), and Randy Pruett; Aunts – Emma Carey and Nell Heath; and Numerous Nieces and Nephews.

In addition to flowers, contributions can be made to Hillside Baptist Church, 1100 Chester Hwy, Eastman, GA, 31023. The family may be contacted at the residence of Brenda Jones, 1533 Chester Hwy, Eastman, GA, and will receive friends at Southerland Funeral Chapel from 1:00PM-2:00PM, Monday, March 16.
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MR. WILLIAM BRADLEY “BRAD” CAMPBELL, age 75, of Toomsboro, GA, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at City of Hope ...
03/13/2026

MR. WILLIAM BRADLEY “BRAD” CAMPBELL, age 75, of Toomsboro, GA, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at City of Hope Cancer Center in Newnan, GA.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00PM Sunday, March 15, at Sweet Home Baptist Church, with Dr. Donnie Sutton and Mr. Bobby Ryals officiating, with interment in Sweet Home Baptist Church Cemetery.

Brad was born in Atlanta, GA, on April 20, 1950. He was raised by his late father, Abraham Samuel “Sam” Campbell and his beloved grandmother, Jeanette Campbell. The family moved for a while to Tucson, AZ before making their way back to Georgia. He spent his younger years working on several cattle farms before enlisting in the U.S. Army, where he served his country faithfully during the Vietnam Conflict. After leaving the military, Brad worked as a police officer for the Zebulon Police Department. He later worked as wildlife manager for Kim King Associates in Atlanta for many years, before retiring and becoming a wildlife consultant for several years.

Brad was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing and hunting, especially turkey hunting. He was a master craftsman and specialized in making turkey calls and was renowned for the quality of his calls. He was also an excellent guide, a master at calling turkeys in for his clients, and he enjoyed the thrill of the hunt.

In addition to his parents, Brad was preceded in death by his Mother and Father-in-law, Louise Graham and Cleon “Newt” Graham, and his Sister-in-law, Lisa Spires Graham.

He is survived by his Loving and Dedicated Wife of 29 years – Barbara Graham Campbell of Toomsboro; Son – Bill Campbell (Fonda) of Gay, GA; Stepson – Daniel Evans (Melissa) of Milan; Bonus Grandchildren – Laura Roades of Galveston, TX and Danielle Southwell (Jeremy) of Greensboro, NC; Bonus Great-Grandchildren – Finn Roades, Asher Roades, and Zoey Roades; Brothers – Ronnie Campbell (Becky), Stanley Campbell, and Bobby Campbell; Brother-in-law – Tony Graham (Beverly) of Milan; Several Nieces and Nephews including – Jenna G. Watkins (Bart) and Matthew Graham; Several Great-Nieces and Nephews including – Alissa Watkins, Jada Watkins, Leena Watkins, Mia Watkins, and Luke Watkins.

The family will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 5:00PM-7:00PM Saturday, March 14. www.stokes-southerland.com

MR. JONATHAN LEE “JON” GROVES, age 48, of Eastman, GA, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Funeral services will be ...
03/13/2026

MR. JONATHAN LEE “JON” GROVES, age 48, of Eastman, GA, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00PM Wednesday, March 18, at Southerland Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Joey Bohannon and Rev. Jack Lee officiating, with interment in Plainfield Baptist Church Cemetery.

Jon was born in Austin, TX on August 4, 1977, to Patty Higingbotham Smith and the late William Anthony “Pops” Groves. He was of the Baptist Faith, attended Dodge County High School, and moved to Ashland, AL after high school to be closer to his father. His world changed forever when his son, Chase, was born in December of 1997. His life further changed when his daughter was born in 2012.

Over the years, Jon broke and trained horses, transported racehorses until 2004, and later worked as a truck driver hauling cattle and freight for many years. He was a true cowboy through and through and loved the cowboy life, but he also had a love and passion for farming life. He later moved back to Eastman, to be closer with his family and grandkids. Jon later met his beloved companion, Kat, and they were an inseparable team who did everything together, including working for Walker & Watkins Farms, who loved and treated Jon and Kat like an extension of the family. He loved his mother dearly and made sure to call her daily. He enjoyed tractors, riding horses, and spending time and taking care of his favorite horse, Mo, who traveled all through Texas to Georgia with Jon by his side. He and Kat recently acquired a new horse, Doc, who he loved riding to work cows.

Jon was preceded in death by his Father, William Anthony “Pops” Groves and Beloved Uncle, Lewis Higingbotham.

He is survived by his Companion – Kathleen “Kat” Brown of Eastman; Son – Chase Groves (Makayla Faulk) of Eastman; Daughter – Allie Groves of Jasper; Step Children – Sawyer Brown and Dalton Brown of Eastman; Grandchildren – Braxton Groves and Brantley Groves; Mother – Patty Higingbotham Smith of Eastman; Sister – Angela Groves Martin (Brian) of Cusseta, GA; Brother – Chris Groves of Eastman; Nieces and Nephews – Alex Groves, Kevin Groves, Issac Martin, Ruby Martin, and Georgia Martin; Several Aunts, Uncles, and Numerous Cousins and Friends; His Extended Family – The Watkins Family.

The family may be contacted at the residence of Chase Groves, 73 William Way, Eastman, GA, and will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 1:00PM-2:00PM Wednesday, March 18. www.stokes-southerland.com

MR. JAMES DAVID ODOM, age 87, of Eastman, GA, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at his residence. Funeral services...
03/10/2026

MR. JAMES DAVID ODOM, age 87, of Eastman, GA, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at his residence.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM Friday, March 13, in Southerland Funeral Chapel, with Dr. Jim Rahn officiating, with interment in Giddens Harrell Cemetery.

James was born in Eastman, GA, on April 19, 1938, to the late Dovie Alligood Odom and Eugene Douglas Odom. He was of the Baptist faith, was a lifelong resident of Dodge County, and worked as a baker for Colonial Baking Company in Macon, GA, for over 30 years He enjoyed hunting in his earlier years, fishing, and was a wrestling fanatic. He was an avid animal lover and rescued many dogs over the years. In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his Siblings, Dallas Odom, Henry Odom, Nancy Odom Howell, and three infant siblings.

He is survived by his Wife of 50 years – Judy Ann Schreiber Odom of Eastman; Daughter – Patricia Elaine Reyes of Converse, TX; Sons – Doug Odom of Adrian and David Odom of Eastman; 7 Grandchildren, several Great-Grandchildren, and 1 Great-Grandchild due in September; Several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and numerous friends.

The family will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 10:00AM-11:00AM Friday, March 13. www.stokes-southerland.com

Samantha Marie Burkes, age 38, formerly of Eastman, GA, passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2026.A celebration of life hon...
03/09/2026

Samantha Marie Burkes, age 38, formerly of Eastman, GA, passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

A celebration of life honoring Samantha will be held Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 5:00PM-7:00PM at FairHaven Funeral Home, in Macon, GA.

A celebration of life service will also be held at 11:00AM Saturday, March 14, for all of Samantha’s family and friends in and around the Dodge County area, at Southerland Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Ricky Gilmore officiating. A memorial visitation will be held from 10:00AM-11:00AM Saturday, March 14, in Southerland Funeral Chapel.

Samantha was born January 12, 1988, in Jacksonville, Florida, to Mr. Louie Keith “Bubba” Burkes and Ms. Pamela Ann Bowen. She lived life on her own terms, a true free spirit with a vibrant personality and a heart full of creativity. Samantha loved crafting, singing, and acting, and she could often be found browsing thrift stores or making a fun stop at Dollar Tree. She adored the beach, cherished the colorful nostalgia of Lisa Frank, and never tired of watching her favorite movie, Fried Green Tomatoes. Known for her spirited nature and persuasive charm, Samantha was a bit of a spitfire who loved deeply, even while keeping much of her life private. Above all, she loved her family and friends and chose to live life freely and authentically.

She was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Louie C. Burkes, Arthur Campbell, James Marshall, and Ronnie Peacock; and by her cousins, Candi Jones and Rachel Pittman.

Left to cherish her memory are her mother, Pam Bowen; her father, Louie Keith “Bubba” Burkes and his wife, Shirley (Bonus Mom); her brothers, Levi (TiffyJo) Burkes, Justin Burkes, Ben (Amanda) Butterworth, and Brandon Butterworth; her bonus brother, Keaton Pittman; her sister, Becky (Heather) McKeon; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

Samantha’s free spirit, creativity, and love for life will be remembered always by those who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Samantha’s name to any animal charity of your choice. www.stokes-southerland.com

MRS. MARJORIE BECK SHEFFIELD, age 97, of Eastman, GA, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, March 6, 2026, at D...
03/07/2026

MRS. MARJORIE BECK SHEFFIELD, age 97, of Eastman, GA, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Dogwood Gardens Senior Living in Eastman, GA.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM Tuesday, March 10, at Vilula Baptist Church, with Rev. Tim Brown and Mr. Jim Sheffield officiating, with interment in Vilula Baptist Church Cemetery.

Marjorie was born in Cadwell, Georgia, on December 18, 1928, and passed from this world to heaven on March 6, 2026. She was a faithful and the oldest member of Vilula Baptist Church. She was a homemaker, a farm wife, and a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother who loved her family and extended family unconditionally, and loved her friends dearly, especially her extended family at Dogwood Gardens, where she resided for the last six and a half years. She was well known by her family and others for her sharp mental ability, as she remembered all birthdays, anniversaries, and special dates of her loved ones.

Mrs. Sheffield enjoyed tending her flowers and decorating her home and spending time with her family. She liked reading and working crossword puzzles. She was affectionately known as “Grandma Margie”, Grandma, and J.P.G. aka “Just Plain Grandma”. She was dearly loved by all who knew her. In addition to her parents, Maggie McCullars Beck and Oscar D. Beck, Marjorie was preceded in death by her Husband of 68 years, Needham “N.L.” Sheffield, Siblings, Grace Peacock, Cliff Beck, Josephine Kirkley, Bill Beck, Ralph Beck, and Kennon Beck, and Grandson-In-Law, Chris Clifton.

She is survived by her Daughters – Shann Wahl (Jerry), Pam Yawn (Donnie), and Joy Stanley (Alvin); Sons – David Sheffield (Becky) and Reggie Sheffield (Ellen); Grandchildren – Dena Mullis (Michael), Candace Long (Chris), Joni Braden (Jason), Donnie Yawn, Jr., Lewis Sheffield (Summer), Philip Sheffield (Rachel), Carrie Ryals (Barry), Andrew Sheffield (Kimberly), Diana Jones (Chris), Marshall Yawn, and Ben Stanley (Brooke); Great-Grandchildren – Abby, Allie, Gavin, Annabelle, Olivia, Ella, Seth, Jake, Felicity, Owen, Lily, Sadie, Henry, Blake, Laney, Brent, Brodie, Brenlee, and Brice; Great-Great-Grandson – Weston; Sister – Mary Ann Deal (James) of Dublin; Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

In addition to flowers, the family requests contributions to Vilula Baptist Church in care of Mrs. Ann McCranie, 2662 Chauncey Rhine Hwy., Eastman, GA 31023 or Gideon International Bible Fund. The family may be contacted at the Sheffield Home Place, 3056 Friendship Baptist Road, Eastman, GA, 31023, and will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 6:00PM-8:00PM Monday, March 9.
www.stokes-southerland.com

MR. RAYMOND WESLEY WIDENER, SR., age 80, of Eastman, GA, died on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at Fairview Park Hospital...
03/04/2026

MR. RAYMOND WESLEY WIDENER, SR., age 80, of Eastman, GA, died on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at Fairview Park Hospital.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00PM Sunday, March 8, at Southerland Funeral Chapel, with Rev Ricky Anderson officiating.

Raymond was born in Eastman, GA, on January 27, 1946, to the late Louella Allen Widener and George Washington “G.W.” Widener. He was of the Christian Faith, attended Dodge County High School, served in the Army Reserves for four years, and worked as a truck driver for over 30 years. He was leased to DD&J Trucking in Rhine for several years. He enjoyed fishing, cooking, and spending time with his canine companion “Queen”. He also enjoyed classic vehicles and was affectionately called “Papa Raymond” by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Raymond was preceded in death by his Wife, Patsy Drexler Widener, Son, William Allan Widener, Grandson, Patrick Mallard, and Sisters, Linda Smith, Kathleen Harrell, Dolly Jones, Mae Melton, and Peggy Burke.

He is survived by his Daughters – Arhonda Kay Mallard (Greg) of Sylvania and Lyndsey Michelle Catoe of Dublin; Son – Raymond “Ray” Widener, Jr. of Macon; Grandchildren – Brandon McDonald (Lauren), Cody Widener, Taylor Widener, Shelby Widener, Buzzy Mallard, and Dustin Dole; Several Great-Grandchildren; Brothers – Ray Widener (Dorothy) of Arkansas, Bennett Widener, Larry Widener (Brenda), Jerry Widener (Florence), Gary Widener (Jane), and Allen Widener (Burdette), all of Eastman; Friend – Amy Jones of Dublin; Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 1:00PM-2:00PM Sunday, March 8. In addition to flowers, the family requests contributions to the American Cancer Society, www.donate.cancer.org/.

MRS. GERALDINE BLACK BRYANT, age 71, of Eastman, GA, passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at her residence. Funeral ser...
03/02/2026

MRS. GERALDINE BLACK BRYANT, age 71, of Eastman, GA, passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at her residence.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM Wednesday, March 4, at Southerland Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Myron Parkerson officiating, with interment in Parkerson Cemetery.

Geraldine was born in McRae, GA on June 28, 1954, to the late Rachel Hulett Black and Robert Black. She attended school in Telfair County and married the love of her life, Willie Bryant, on December 25, 1971. She was blessed with two children, Robin and Willie Jr., and raised her family in Eastman, where she resided for the rest of her life. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who was affectionately called “Granny” by her grandchildren. Geraldine worked at several places throughout her life including, Chic King, Shorty’s Quick Stop, as a store manager for many years, and for Bearden Oil Company, as a secretary. In all, she worked for Shorty Bearden for over 32 years. She was of the Christian Faith and attended Freedom Worship Center in Eastman, and enjoyed spending time with her family and grandchildren, working puzzle books, cooking for her family, tending to her flowers, and watching game shows on TV was her favorite pastime. In addition to her parents, Geraldine was preceded in death by her Husband of 43 years, Willie Frank “Bo” Bryant, Sr., Son-in-law, Jonathan Long, and Siblings, Betty J. Brannan, Patricia Whitehead, and Sammy Peacock.

She is survived by her Daughter – Robin Long of Eastman; Son – Willie Bryant, Jr. (Judy) of Eastman; Grandchildren – Josh Bryant (Jade), Kimberly Bryant, Andrew Bryant, Kayci Joiner, Cami Long, Diamond Long, Kaleb Leverett; 6 Great-Grandchildren – Kyleigh, Kaeson, Ella Rae, Kyla, Maverick, and Gatlin; Sister – Dorothy L. Sheffield of Nicholls, GA; Brothers – James F. Black of Eastman and Randall Black of Hawkinsville; Best Friend – Sheila Woodard of Eastman; Numerous Nieces and Nephews.

The family may be contacted at the Bryant residence, 711 Jordan Brown Rd., Eastman, GA and will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 6:00PM-8:00PM Tuesday, March 3. www.stokes-southerland.com

MR. WILLIAM “BILL” MURPHY, age 80, of Eastman, GA, died Friday, February 27, 2026, at Wellstar MCG in Augusta, GA. A fam...
02/28/2026

MR. WILLIAM “BILL” MURPHY, age 80, of Eastman, GA, died Friday, February 27, 2026, at Wellstar MCG in Augusta, GA.

A family and friends memorial service will be held at 2:00PM Saturday, March 7, 2026, at his niece, Carla Johnson’s pond, 466 Bedsole Road, Eastman, GA 31023.

Bill was born on October 14, 1945, in Claxton, GA and was of the Christian faith. He attended trade school in Cave Springs, GA where he studied small engine repair. He worked for over 30 years at Wheeler Manufacturing in Macon, GA and later worked for over 6 years at Warner Robins Supply Co. He loved his career as a repairman and putting things together. He was talented at both tasks and took pride in his work as a valuable team member. Mr. Murphy was a loving father, grandfather, and uncle and was affectionately known to his family as “Uncle Bill”. He enjoyed thrift store shopping and fishing. He also loved spending time on Shorty’s Busy Corner in Eastman with his nieces. Bill was loved by everyone and will be forever missed. He was son of the late William John “Willie” Murphy and Essie Lee Holland Murphy, and was preceded in death by 5 Siblings, Wilma Murphy, Ethel Smith, Betty Johnson, Leola Flint, and John David “J.D.” Murphy.

He is survived by his Daughter – Susan Ellis (Justin) of Pineview; 2 Grandsons – Luke Ellis and Layton Ellis, both of Pineview; Several Nieces and Nephews including - Lisa Johnson (Lynn Bowen) of Rhine, Ginger J. Moody (Morris) of Perry, Carla Johnson and Deedee Tindall (Mike), both of Eastman; Several Great Nieces and Great Nephews including – Stephen Johnson, Kelleye Gamble, Ashley Moody Hughes (Billy), Alex Moody, Caitlyn Johnson, Anthony Johnson (Libby Jones), Casey Brooks, and Brianna Brooks; Numerous Friends.

The family may be contacted at the residence of Carla Johnson, 466 Bedsole Rd., Eastman, GA 31023.
www.stokes-southerland.com

Address

206 5th Avenue
Eastman, GA
31023

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