Strickland Funeral Home - Hartwell Chapel, 305 Cleveland Avenue, Hartwell, GA (2026)

02/07/2026

Irene Ethridge

It is with deep sadness to announce the passing of Doris Irene Dunn Ethridge, of Hartwell, on February 7, 2026 at 92 after a brief stay at the Rainey Hospice House.

Born on December 17, 1933, she was the daughter of the late W.C. Dunn Sr. and Leo Lee Dunn. Irene was known locally as an excellent pianist and played for churches in the Hartwell area beginning in her childhood years. She and her sisters, Robby & Dorothy, sang live on WKLY radio during the 1940’s. Irene has received a Doctorate degree in Church Ministry and Christian Education, a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, and a Master of Arts degree in Psychology. She also organized and pastored two churches in Mississippi.

Irene was the beloved wife of James Loyde Ethridge for 73 years. They met and went to school together in Hartwell. She was the mother of two children: Loyde Timothy Ethridge (Martha) and Steven Cromer Ethridge (Kathy). She also had four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She is survived by her husband, James Loyde Ethridge, and her sister: Robby Dunn Ethridge.

Mrs. Ethridge is preceded in death by her parents and siblings: W.C. Dunn Jr, Jimmy Ray Dunn, Dorothy Dunn Baker, and Sarah Dunn Collins.

Irene was a very generous person and always remembered her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren’s birthdays and the holidays. She will be greatly missed by her family and by her husband, Loyde.

The family will receive friends Saturday, February 14, 2026 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell. Other times the family will be at the home.

Funeral services for Mrs. Irene Ethridge will be held Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell. Burial will be at the Reed Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

Flowers are optional, and memorials may be made to the Mt. Olivet Church of God, 2088 Beacon Light Rd, Hartwell GA 30643.

The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is assisting the family with all of the arrangements.

View Irene Ethridge's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/05/2026

Ed Smith

Mr. William Edward Smith, 90, of Hartwell, passed away Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at Manor Lake Independent Living, Athens.

Born of November 19, 1935 in Toccoa GA, he was the son of the late Carl William Smith and Jeanette Purcell Smith. Mr. Smith graduated The University of Georgia with a degree in Landscape Architecture and was retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Lake Hartwell Project, where was a Resource Manager.

Mr. Smith loved and restored classic cars, especially Model A Ford’s. He also worked and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity across the United States and Canada and was a member of the Hartwell First Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife: Carol Hill Smith; two sons: Bill Smith (Amy) of Hartwell and Bob Smith (Robin) of Watkinsville; a sister: Janice Sanders of Athens; six grandchildren: Will Smith, Ben Smith, Jacob Smith, Aaron Smith, Kaitlyn Smith and Josh Hermann; nine great-greatgrandchildren also survive.

Funeral services for Mr. Ed Smith will Monday, February 9, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the Hartwell First Methodist Church with Dr. R. Allen Stewart and Rev. Matt Parker officiating. Burial will be in the Nancy Hart Memorial Park. A reception will follow the service in the church fellowship hall

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hartwell First Methodist Church, 200 E. Howell Street, Hartwell GA 30643.

The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is assisting the family with all of the arrangements.

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

02/03/2026

Melissa Harris Oyler

Mrs. Melissa Ann Harris Oyler, 57, of Hartwell, passed away Friday, January 30, 2026 at her home.

Born on December 8, 1968 in Hartwell GA, she was the daughter of Loretta Aldrich Harris Fuller and the late Joe Bill Harris. Melissa was of the Baptist Faith.

Survivors include her mother; Loretta Fuller of Hartwell; her husband: Kenny Oyler; two sons: Joe Harris and Michael Oyler both of Hartwell; her sister: Sherry Carter of Hartwell and three grandchildren also survive.

Melessa was preceded in death by her father and a brother: Richard Cromer Harris.

A graveside memorial service for Mrs. Melissa Oyler will be Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery, Lavonia with Rev. Terry James and Rev. Vernon Whiddon officiating.

The Strickland Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hartwell is assisting the family with all of the arrangements.

View Melissa Harris Oyler's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/02/2026

Stephen Giddings

Stephen James Giddings passed from this realm into the heart of his beloved God on Saturday, January 31, 2026. He was born on May 26, 1958 in Tampa FL to parents Sarah Ward Gill Giddings and Charles Winter Giddings. He lived in Decatur GA and Athens GA as a young man, and later moved to Hartwell to live at the lake and care for his aging mother.

Stephen loved music, and music defined his entire life, beginning at age 8 with his big brother Paul in their basement band, The Illustration. After his graduation from Clarke Central High in 1976, he joined the local music scene in Athens, and created the rock group, Azrock, where he became an accomplished guitarist. At age 29, Stephen had a dramatic and life changing spiritual experience which defined the rest of his life, personally and musically. Stephen began writing Christian music. He played at many different churches in the upstate of GA, and was the music minister at more than one. Playing Christmas music for his family was a particular joy for Stephen, and all who sang along loved his talent. Later, he added songs from the 1970's and built a large repertoire of music; originals, Christian tunes and popular hits and he could play for hours at a time.

Stephen loved performing and singing in restaurants in Helen and Dillard - The Dillard House - and in Hartwell at The Boat House Grill and Casa Grande, where he made many friends who encouraged him and gave him great joy. When he wasn't writing or performing, he loved swimming in the lake, boat rides, jogging outdoors and watching old movies.

He leaves behind an older brother, Paul (Doc) Giddings (Robin), three nieces, Allie, Sarah (Nick) and Mary (Ivan), as well as one grandniece and five grand nephews, all in and around Greenville, SC. He was also blessed with several aunts, Uncles, and cousins which he enjoyed sharing life with.

The family will receive friends Saturday, February 7, 2026 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell.

Funeral services for Mr. Stephen Giddings will be Saturday, February 7. 2026 at 11:00 p.m. in the Chapel of the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell with Rev. Clarence Pope and Mr. Slate Bauknight officiating. Burial will be in the Nancy Hart Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to New Freedom Christian Overcomers Recovery Fellowship, 695 Vine Street, Athens GA 30601 or SoZo Life Ministries of Hartwell, (also a recovery ministry), PO Box 822, Hartwell, GA 30643

The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is assisting the family with all of the arrangements.

View Stephen Giddings's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/02/2026

Dr. John L. LeRoy Jr.

Dr. John Levis LeRoy Jr. of Atlanta, a distinguished, widely honored and accomplished cosmetic and plastic surgeon, passed away on Saturday, January 31st, 2026. He died peacefully at his home after a courageous battle with cancer.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years Nanci Smith LeRoy of Elberton, GA and his daughter Taylor LeRoy Mills (Joe) of Atlanta, GA. Preceded in death by his parents John Levis LeRoy Sr and Floride Partlow Hester LeRoy, and his brother Phillip. He is also survived by his sisters Georgia Seabrook (Cordes) of Iva and Troy, SC and Flo Hudson (Ken) of Greenwood, SC as well as brothers Sam LeRoy (Kay) and Louis LeRoy (Robin) of Spartanburg, SC. Nieces and nephews include L’Angel Seabrook-Friel (Blake), Ruskin Seabrook (Moriah), Thayer Seabrook, Elyse South (Mac), Philip LeRoy (Erin), Abbey Kennedy (Walker), Amanda LeRoy, and Connor LeRoy (Tori) along with many grand nieces and nephews.

Dr. LeRoy was born on March 13, 1955 in Walterboro, SC to the late John Levis LeRoy Sr and Floride Partlow Hester LeRoy and raised in Hartwell, GA. He is a graduate of Hart County High School where he lettered in football. He earned his undergraduate degree from Clemson University in 1977 and obtained his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in 1984. This was followed by an internship at the University of Medicine and Dentistry in Camden, NJ, a surgery internship at Cooper Hospital, and a residency program at the Medical College of Georgia. As a formative step in his training, Dr. LeRoy was awarded an Aesthetic Fellowship at the renowned Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital in New York, NY under the mentorship of some of the world’s leading plastic surgeons. Among his many professional affiliations, Dr. LeRoy was double board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American College of Surgeons. He was also a diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

Dr. LeRoy was well respected by his peers which was one of the many things that earned him the Castle Connolly Top Doctor recognition since 2015. He was well known for developing his signature procedure “The Band Aid Mini Facelift”, followed later by his line of other face and body procedures. Notable among his philanthropic activities was a two-week tour of duty as a volunteer surgeon in war-torn Croatia where he treated civilians in the Bosnian conflict.

Throughout his successful career, Dr. LeRoy will be remembered for the love and care of his patients. He was always a gentleman to each person he met. He was quite philosophical and had a sharp wit about him. For those closest to him, he had a quiet generosity to family and friends, as well as a devotion to his wife, daughter, and son-in-law, who gave him the nickname “coach” as he was always full of advice and life lesson stories for anyone who would listen. He was full of curiosity and constantly reaching for answers to life. He strove to learn something new every day, whether from books, family, friends or patients. He had a deep love of reading and for time spent on his boat on Lake Hartwell, creating cherished memories with family and friends. He touched the lives of many and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

An open visitation will be held on Saturday, February 7th, 2026 from 1:00 - 2:30 pm at Strickland Funeral Home in Hartwell, GA. A private funeral service and burial to follow.

Pallbearers are Vlamir Abbud, Joe Arcuragi, Craig Coleman, Carlos Ostrej, Fanor Rivas, Ruskin Seabrook, Jim Welch, and Stroud Williams. Honorary pallbearers are Tom Arcuragi, Warren Ginn, Jonathan Krieg, and David Saliba.

In lieu of flowers, and to honor Dr. LeRoy's love of reading, the family requests that donations be made to the Georgia Public Library Service at https://giving.classy.org/campaign/567123/donate or to purchase a book for yourself or a loved one.

The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is assisting the family with all of the arrangements.

View Dr. John L. LeRoy Jr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/02/2026

Larry McCurley

Mr. Larry Ernest McCurley, 77, of Hartwell, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 1, 2026 at Highlands Senior Living of Norcross.

Born on December 4, 1948, in Royston, GA, he was the son of the late A. Roy McCurley and Ernestine Holloway McCurley. Mr. McCurley was a Builders Representative for Adams Building Supply, and the owner & operator of Country Cars. He was an auto rebuilder and loved classic cars and restoring them, as well as going to car shows. Larry attended Liberty Hill Methodist Church. He was also US Army veteran serving during the Vietnam War.

Survivors include his brother: Jerry McCurley of Hartwell; two sisters: Ann Guill (Ray) of Moorland, GA, and Janice Lee of Hartwell; two nephews: Marc Johnson and Tim Guill; one niece: Amy McBreath; and several great-nieces and nephews also survive. Mr. McCurley was preceded in death by his parents and one nephew: Curt Johnson.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell. Other times the family will be at their respective homes.

Funeral services for Mr. Larry McCurley will be held Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell with Rev. Michelle May officiating. Burial will be in the Nancy Hart Memorial Park.

Flowers are optional, and memorials may be made to the Liberty Hill Methodist Church, PO Box 754, Hartwell, GA 30643 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is assisting the family with all of the arrangements.

View Larry McCurley's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/31/2026

Jackie Haines

Mrs. Jacqueline Reineke “Jackie” Haines, 77, of Hartwell, passed from this life on Friday, January 30, 2026 to be united with Jesus and her family, who has prepared a place for her in her new life.

Born on January 27, 1949, in Wheeling, WV, she was the daughter of the late Harry “Peck” Reineke and Julia Dzingleski Reineke of Benwood, WV. Mrs. Haines worked in the Histology department of both the Wheeling and Belaire Hospital Lab, and she also worked with Family and Children Services in Wheeling, WV. Jackie was active with the Cub Scouts of America, as well as helped plan outings for the Boy Scouts of America, and the Mt. Olivet youth baseball teams. She was an avid cook, but her heart was in camping and outings with her husband and grandchildren. She was also an active member of the Faith Lutheran Church.

Survivors include her husband of 53 years: Larry E. Haines of Hartwell; step-daughter: Tamara Haines Friedline (John) of Hartwell; step-son: Larry Michael Haines (Maureen) of South Mills, NC; granddaughters: Quinn M. Haines of Duluth, GA, Devin A. Haines of Cedar Keys, FL,and Erica Friedline Huffman (Jesse) of Hartwell, GA; grandson: Ryan Friedline of Duluth, GA; and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Mrs. Haines was preceded in death by her parents; son: Walter “Chip” Haines; brothers: Harry “Sonny” Reineke, Daniel Reineke, Conrad Reineke, Richard Reineke; and her sister: Nancy Reineke Black.

A Memorial Service for Mrs. Jacqueline “Jackie” Haines will be held on February 28, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the Faith Lutheran Church in Hartwell. Interment will be in the Halcyon Hills Memorial Gardens in Sherrard, WV, at a date to be announced.

The Strickland Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hartwell is assisting the family with all of the arrangements.

View Jackie Haines's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/30/2026

Donald Vickery

Mr. Donald Vickery, 84, of Hartwell, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at his home.

Born on November 29, 1941 in Hartwell, GA, he was the son of the late Ira C. Vickery and Lillie Mae Adams Vickery. Mr. Vickery was a data processing manager for Springs Industries in Lyman, SC, with 37 years of service. He was born & raised in the Sardis Church Community where he served on the Disaster Relief for Sardis Baptist Church. Donald was then a member of the Canon Baptist Church where he was a deacon & Sunday School teacher for 47 years, and he most recently attended Christ Church. Donald served his community by delivering Meals on Wheels, and was a member of the Optimist Club.

Survivors include his wife: Dolores Vickery of the home; two sons: Jeff Vickery of Flowery Branch, GA, and Reggie Vickery (Kim) of Hartwell; one daughter: Shana Alexander (John) of Salem, SC; five grandchildren: Nolan Alexander (Laura), Amanda Pilace (Steven), Mackenzie Traver (Reece), Maggie Vickery, and Zack Vickery; three great-grandchildren: Autumn Alexander, Quinn Traver, and Jonah Alexander; twin brother: Ronald Vickery (Trudy) of Anderson, SC; two sisters: Amanda Cantrell of Demorest, GA, and Joyce Dickerson of Hartwell; and a special brother-in-law: Eldon Massey.

Mr. Vickery was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Jerry, Ralph, and Eugene Vickery; and seven sisters: Inez Rice, Louise Donaldson, Sara Spears, Dot Smith, Eleanor Sanders, Carol Moon, and Betty Crump.

The family will receive friends Thursday, February 5, 2026 from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell. Other times the family will be at the home.

Funeral services for Mr. Donald Vickery will be Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell with Rev. Michael Kimberly officiating. Burial will be at the Sardis Baptist Church Cemetery.

Flowers are optional, and memorials may be made to the Christ Church, 1318 Reed Creek Hwy, Hartwell, GA 30643, Sardis Baptist Church, 4359 Anderson Hwy, Hartwell, GA 30643, or Canon Baptist Church, P.O. Box 306, Canon, GA 30520.

The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is assisting the family with all of the arrangements.

View Donald Vickery's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/26/2026

"Dot" Rice Howell

Mrs. Dorothy Elizabeth Rice “Dot” Howell, 85, of Hartwell, passed away Sunday, January 25, 2026 at St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital, Lavonia.

Born on October 9, 1940 in Hartwell GA, she was the daughter of the late Darwin Mack Rice and Nancy Elizabeth Rowland Rice. Mrs. Howell was a retired assembly line worker at Monroe/Tenneco and a member of the Cross Roads Baptist Church. She enjoyed taking care of and spending time with her grandchildren.

Survivors include a son: Derrell M. Howell (Crystal Thompson) of Bowersville; a daughter: Karen Howell Glennon (Craig) of Hartwell; three grandchildren: Jason Howell, Laura Cash and Maxwell Moss; four great-grandchildren: Jared Howell, Landon Howell, Madison Howell and Hailey Lunsford also survive.

Mrs. Howell was preceded in death by her parents; her husband: Chandler Willis Howell; her son: Chad Howell; five brothers: Joe Frank Rice, James Rice, Lester Rice, Leland “Duck” Rice and Carey Rice; four sisters: Edith McCurley, Ruth Smith, Susie Yearwood and Sally Cleveland.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Mrs. Dorothy Howell will be Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.in the Chapel of the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell.

The Strickland Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hartwell is assisting the family with all of the arrangements.

View "Dot" Rice Howell's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/26/2026

Donnie Robertson

Mr. William Donald “Donnie” Robertson, 78, of Hartwell, passed away Sunday, January 25, 2026 at Lexington Medical Center, West Columbia SC.

Born on November 13, 1947 in Royston GA, he was the son of the late William Eural Robertson and Avis O’Barr Robertson. Mr. Robertson was retired from Pharma Tech of Royston as a forklift operator. He also attended Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Bowman GA and U.S. Army Veteran of the Vietnam War.

Survivors include one son: Aaron Robertson (Savannah) of Hartwell; one daughter: Tiffany Holland (Adam Baker) of Hartwell; one brother: Rev. Wayne Robertson (Beth) of Valdosta GA: four grandchildren: Austin Reed, Avery Hudson (Gabe), Carter Reed, Caleb Reed; two step-grandchildren: Vincent Baker and Andrew Baker.

Mr. Robertson was preceded in death by his wife: Debra Lynn Bruce Robertson.

The family will receive friends Thursday, January 29, 2026 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell. Other times the family will be at their respective homes.

Funeral services for Mr. Donnie Robertson will be Friday, January 30, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell with Rev. Dan Bailey and Rev. Wayne Robertson officiating. Burial will be in the Bowers Memorial Park, Canon GA.

The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is assisting the family with all of the arrangements.

View Donnie Robertson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/26/2026

Ray Lewis

Ray Howard Lewis, 90, of Hartwell, passed away Monday, January 26, 2026 at AnMed Medical Center, Anderson SC.

Born on November 1, 1935 in Hartwell GA, Ray was Hart County native, who grew up on what is now Old 29, helping his father and mother run a country store and the family farm. He was in the car business for a number of years, manager of Kidd Motors, and a salesman for Tri County Chevrolet. Ray also owed his own used car dealership, RH Lewis Used Cars.

Ray served his community and was a member of several civic organizations, various boards and committees, including the Hart Co. Jaycees, where was a former State Director, the Heart Fund Chairman, former Hart Co. Chamber of Commerce President, Hart Co. Hospital Board, Masons and Yaarab Shrine, serving on the Parade Scooter committee. He served on the three-man Hart Co. Board of Finance, as chairman. The Board of Finance preceded our current County Commission.

Ray has resided as a resident of Brookdale for 18 years and was known as the “Mayor” of Brookdale. He retained a good memory of Hartwell and Hart County until his death and was a fount of knowledge about the history of Hart County. He was a faithful member of Oak Bower Baptist Church, where was a Deacon, Trustee, and served and chaired several committees over the years.

He is the last in his immediate family being pre-deceased by his father Jake B. Lewis, his mother Mattie Adams Lewis, his sister Marion Grace Lewis, and his brother James Alton “Pete” Lewis. He is survived by extended family and many good friends.

The family will receive friends Friday, January 30, 2026 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell.

Funeral services for Mr. Ray Lewis will be Friday, January 30 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell with Rev. Randy Perry officiating. Burial will be in the Sardis Baptist Church Cemetery.

Flowers are optional, and memorials may be made to the Oak Bower Baptist Church, 1589 Old 29 Hwy, Hartwell, GA 30643 or Shriners Hospital for Children, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394.

The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is assisting the family with all of the arrangements

View Ray Lewis's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/24/2026

Janie McKern Byrum

Mrs. Janie Mae McKern Byrum, 92, of Hartwell, passed away peacefully Saturday, January 24, 2026 at Hart Care Center.

Born on August 2, 1933 in Bowersville GA, she was the daughter of the late Loyd McKern Sr and Jonnie Mae Clark McKern. Mrs. Byrum was a retired assembly line worker from Monroe/Tenneco, member of the First Baptist Church of Hartwell and attended the Hartwell Church of God. She also loved working outside in her flower beds.

Survivors include her two sons: Randy Byrum (Debra) of Elberton and Tony Byrum (Elaine) of Hartwell; two sisters: Bobbie Gaines of Hartwell and Polly Shirley of Piedmont AL; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren also survive.

Mrs. Byrum was preceded in death by her parents; her husband: Edward “Edd” Byrum; three brothers: Loyd McKern Jr, Robert McKern and Dewey McKern and a sister: Louise Jones.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, January 28, 2026 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell. Other times the family will be at their respective homes.

Funeral services for Mrs. Janie Byrum will be Thursday, January 29 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell with Rev. Lonnie Bennett and Mr. Fred Greenway officiating. Entombment will be in the Nancy Hart Memorial Park.

Flowers are optional, and memorials may be made to the Hartwell Church of God, PO Box 890, Hartwell GA 30643.

The family would like to extend their thanks to the loving staff of Hart Care Center for their excellent care, knowledge, and company during her stay.

The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is assisting the family with all of the arrangements.

View Janie McKern Byrum's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Strickland Funeral Home - Hartwell Chapel

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