The Obituary Section

Jr. Edward Watford

, Georgia

August 14, 2026

Edward Allen Ed Watford Jr. 63 passed away on August 15 2026 just days after celebrating his 63rd birthday. Ed was born on August 12 1963 to Clara Elizabeth Rogers and Edward Allen Watford Sr. Throughout his life Ed was a man who valued family the outdoors and the simple pleasures that brought him happiness. He especially loved fishing hunting and golfing. Whether spending a quiet day on the water enjoying time in the woods or playing a round of golf Ed found joy in being outdoors and sharing those moments with the people closest to him. Above all Eds greatest legacy is the family he leaves behind. He will be remembered as a husband brother father stepfather grandfather and friend whose life touched generations of those who loved him. Ed is survived by his loving spouse Denise his brothers Gary Lee Watford and Richard Steven Watford and his six…

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Rita Phelps

, Georgia

Rita Ann Wedincamp Phelps 71 passed away suddenly on Monday August 17 2026 at Wayne Memorial Hospital. Rita was born on September 14 1954 in Brunswick Georgia. A resident of Wayne County for most of her life Rita graduated from Wayne County High School in 1972. She continued her education at Valdosta State College where she pledged Phi Mu. After college Rita relocated to Tifton Georgia for a few years where she worked for Dixie Oil Company. Shortly after she moved back home to Jesup where she worked for the Wayne County Department of Family and Children Services for nearly thirty years until retirement. She was never one to be idle so Rita went back to work immediately after retirement for the State of Georgia where she worked as a trainer until her second retirement in 2018. She loved children and devoted her life to the care of children in…

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Danny Simmons

, Georgia

September 18, 1974

Danny Lee Simmons 51 passed away peacefully on Saturday August 8 2026 at home under the care of GHC Hospice. A resident of Jesup for the past two years and former resident of Charlotte North Carolina and Dylan South Carolina Danny was born on September 19 1974 in Charlotte. He worked several different jobs throughout his lifetime including a position at Walmart in Jesup. In his spare time Danny enjoyed fishing trips to the beach and playing video games. He was a great person and a joy to be around. He was awarded the title funcle which stands for fun uncle which he wore with pride. His mother Carolyn Jean Miller father Danny Lee Simmons grandparents and several aunts and uncles all preceded him in death. Survivors include his sister Paula Christian and husband Scott and her daughter Jessica Griffis and husband Drew along with two great nephews Jedidiah and…

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Bruce Hughes

, Georgia

James Bruce Hughes 78 passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday August 8 2026 surrounded by his loving family. Bruce was born on April 20 1948 in Spartanburg South Carolina to the late Ruby and James Hughes. He made Wayne County his home for more than thirty years. A graduate of the University of Georgia Bruce dedicated many years of his life to education as both a teacher and coach. His students will always remember him as the teacher who made learning come aliveespecially when he would dramatically fly off his desk to capture their attention. Bruces impact expanded far beyond the classroom. Throughout his career he coached football track baseball and basketball using athletics as another opportunity to teach and mentor young people. To Bruce coaching was about more than just wins and losses it was about teaching discipline hard work teamwork and character. Just as he had…

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Crystal Mezzle

, Georgia

August 7, 2026

Crystal Mezzle a beloved daughter mother sister aunt and friend passed away on August 8 2026 at the age of 47. Born in Jacksonville Florida Crystal spent the majority of her life in Jesup Georgia where she was a valued member of the community. Crystal was a creative spirit and a true jack of all trades with a particular passion for art and gardening. She was consistently willing to assist others and demonstrated profound compassion for both people and animals especially her beloved dogs. She was preceded in death by her mother Nancy Welch Carol stepfather Cleveland Carol brother James F. Welch II and other cherished family members. She is survived by her father James Welch of Hardeeville South Carolina her daughter Shakira Paz and soninlaw Matthew Wells of Jesup Georgia sisters Sheree Welch of Little Rock Arkansas Chanel Thompson of Jesup Georgia and Carisa Welch Ray of Jesup Georgia…

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Alan "Poogie" Carter

, Georgia

June 8, 1970

Alan Craig Carter 56 passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday August 11 2026 under the compassionate care of SunCare Hospice surrounded by the people who meant the most to him his family. Alans life can be summed up in a single word others. He served his country. He served his community. He served the people he loved. Alan loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and set out to live a life that made a difference. Born June 9 1970 in Brunswick Georgia Alan came up in the community that would stay close to his heart for the rest of his life. After graduating from Brunswick High School he answered the call to serve his country and joined the United States Marine Corps. For eight years he wore that uniform proudly and it marked him for good courage commitment loyalty and sacrifice. A man does not stop being a…

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