Honoring Our Alumni Angels

Suzzanne Carswell Rodgers
Augusta, GA—Entered into rest on Friday, August 14, 2020, Mrs. Suzzanne Carswell Rodgers, 85.
Mrs. Rodgers was born in Athens, Ga. She was a 1953 graduate of the Academy of Richmond County. She later attended the Junior College of Augusta. She retired after 20 years secretarial work at both Tutt Junior High and Westside High School. Mrs. Rodgers was a member of the First Baptist Church and a former member of The Hill Baptist Church.
Family members include her children: Roxane Rodgers Beaird (Wes), Laurelyn Rodgers Taylor (Chris), Rev. William Scott Rodgers (Jacki Lee); grandchildren: Lyndsay Nicole Taylor, Cole Rodgers Taylor, Suzzanne Evangeline Hope Rodgers, and Rebekah Grace Rodgers; her brother: John H. Carswell Jr. She was preceded in death by her husband, William “Billy” R. Rodgers and her parents: John H. “Jack” and Ruby Usry Carswell.

Jean Porter

Greer – Jean Porter, 71, wife of Ralph Porter of Greer, died Sunday, August 16, 2020 at her home.

Born in Augusta, GA, she was the daughter of the late Hugh and Ruby Collins McRae.

Mrs. Porter was a member of Brushy Creek Baptist Church. Jean was a guidance counselor and taught biology for the Greenville County School System.

She was preceded in death by sons, Bradford Porter and Jonathan Porter.

Edward Charles Jones, Jr.
Augusta, Georgia—Edward Charles “Charlie” Jones, Jr. went to see his mom and the Lord on Wednesday, August 26, 2020. His smile has returned and there is a twinkle in his eye.
Charlie was a native Augustan, born on November 17, 1946, the only child of Edward C. Jones, Sr. and Loretta Edmunds Jones. He attended Monte Sano Elementary, Murphy Middle, Richmond Academy and Augusta College earning a BS in Business Administration and a Masters in Psychology. Charlie spent two years in the Navy in the Great Lakes and in Charleston, SC. He worked in the accounting department at the Medical College before going into the liquor business. He also worked for several years at Hill Drug. One of his favorite “jobs” was working as a bartender at private clubs, parties, and receptions. Charlie loved golf and anything that had to do with it. As he said, sometimes he even played. He traveled to Europe every summer for many years. “Just get there, eat a lot, drink a lot, look around, see a golf tournament and think about where to go the next year”. Charlie never married, “dating pretty women is always more fun than marrying them”. He was a devoted son – he took wonderful care of his mom until her passing in 2012. Charlie had many friends and loved to talk sports, especially golf and basketball, especially Augusta College Basketball. It was always “Augusta College” to him. He seldom missed a game or Thirsty Thursday at the Green Jackets. He was devoted member of his church, Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church, serving as an usher for many years and working in the church Library. He wasn’t a “health nut”, he but ran 6 days a week for many years. He kept an eye on the neighborhood and was always there to help if he could. Charlie was a very generous man.

Lloyd Mays
Augusta, GA—Lloyd H. Mays, 75, of Augusta, Georgia went home to be with his Lord on Friday, August 28, 2020. He was the Founder and Lead Singer of multiple Gospel groups. He enjoyed coordinating a variety of local gospel sings in the area as well. Lloyd was well known for his beautiful, distinguished voice. He owned and operated Lloyd’s Florist and Nursery in Augusta for numerous years and had a unique talent as a Landscape Designer and Lighting Expert. In his younger years, Lloyd loved drag racing, Harley Davidson Motorcycles, football, and baseball. Mr. Mays loved gospel sings, ice cream, playing golf, attending church and spending time with his family and friends. Lloyd was a loving, generous man who will be deeply missed.
Mr. Mays was married to Natalin Wallens Dean for 40 years and they had two daughters together, Sharon (Allen) Dukes and Tracie (Frank) Richardson. Lloyd also had a daughter, Carmen Elliott; brother, Tommy Mays; sister, Linda (Pat) Stewart; five grandchildren, Emily and Joshua Dukes, Mackenzie Richardson, Matthew Williams, and Carlee Waters; and one great-grandson. He is preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Grace Mays and one sister-in-law, Peggy Mays.

Samuel Eugene Tyson, Jr.
Augusta, GA—Entered into rest on Sunday, September 13, 2020, Mr. Samuel Eugene Tyson, Jr.
Sam was born on October 4, 1950 in Augusta, Georgia where he spent the majority of his life. An ROTC scholarship from the Academy of Richmond County allowed him to attend the Georgia Institute of Technology. He was President of his freshman, sophomore and junior classes. He was a very proud member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, where he maintained lifelong friends. Upon graduating with a degree in industrial management, Sam was commissioned as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army. The majority of his six years active duty was spent in Germany. He remained in the U.S. Army Reserves and retired in 2000 as a lieutenant colonel. The majority of Sam’s professional career was spent in finance.
Sam was an avid golf fan. The Masters Golf tournament was an important part of his life. While in high school and in college, he worked at the tournament beginning as a runner aiding Mr. Cliff Roberts and later managing the score board at 7 and 17. He retired his position after 25 years. Many people will remember Sam for his charitable work. He never considered any of his time spent doing things for others as an imposition. Instead, he always welcomed the task and sought out and solved many issues through his skills, kind heart, and generous ear. He always remained active with the Boy Scouts, the United Way of the CSRA, and Forces United (formerly known as the Augusta Warrior Project). He served their Boards as Director and also in many other capacities. Sam was adored by his family for his graciousness, kind heart, generosity, loving spirit and strength.
Sam, a lifelong Methodist, was a member of Trinity on the Hill United Methodist Church. He was very involved with the Boy Scouts of the CSRA, the United Way of the CSRA, Forces United, Kiwanis, and Historic Augusta. He was past board chair of the Red Cross, St. Joseph Hospital Foundation.
He is survived by, his wife, Cheryl Cheek Tyson, his daughter Elizabeth Tyson Josey (Steven), his son, Carl Allen Tyson (Rebecca), his sister: Beryl Tyson Usry (Ronald Usry), his stepchildren: Karen Cheek Gallup, Christopher Michael Cheek, and seven lovely grandchildren, Carly Margaret Tyson, Lucy Camille Tyson, Ryan Cheek, Lucas Cheek, Emerson Gallup, Hayden Gallup, Cameron Gallup, and many other loving family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Eugene Tyson and Elizabeth Moran Tyson, and by his first wife, Margaret Allen Tyson.

Nikki Gavalas Nance

North Augusta, SC – Funeral Services for Mrs. Nikki Gavalas Nance, 75, who entered into rest September 12, 2020, will be conducted Saturday afternoon at 4 o’clock from Grace United Methodist Church with Rev. Thomas B. Wilkes III, Rev. Randall Haase and Rev. Dr. Anthony N. Gavalas officiating. Interment will follow in Magnolia Cemetery. For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed on the Posey Funeral Directors Facebook page. Those in attendance are encouraged to wear a mask and social distancing will be practiced.
Mrs. Nance was a native of Augusta, GA, having made North Augusta, SC her home for the past 20 years. She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, where she was also a member of the Stillwell Sunday School Class and the Knox-Wilhelm Circle. Mrs. Nance retired form Thermal Ceramics, formerly known Babcock and Wilcox, with 42 years of service. During her career, she provided immense leadership as the first female to serve on the Board of Directors and as the first female Vice President of Human Resources. She enjoyed her time at the beach and volunteering with the United Way. Mrs. Nance will be fondly remembered for her love of family and for having a servant’s heart. She was preceded in death by her parents, Nickolas and Louise Gavalas.
Survivors include her husband of 55 years, Lester Alan Nance; two daughters, Rebecca Nance (Doug) Carroll, Brooklet, GA, Deborah Nance (Wayne) Kunze, North Augusta, SC; two brothers, Rev. Dr. Anthony N. Gavalas, Athens, GA, Joseph L. (Donnis) Gavalas, Canton, GA; a sister, Vikena Gavalas (Milton) Thigpen, Philomath, GA; five grandchildren, Stephen Carroll, Nicole (Joe) Snoad, Meagan Owen, Michael Kunze and Mitchell Kunze.

Jack David Bennett

Jack David Bennett, Jr., 70, of Hanahan, SC, a retired electronics mechanic for SPAWAR and husband of Susan H. Bennett, passed away on Thursday, September 17, 2020. David was born on May 19, 1950 in Columbia, SC to the late Jack D. Bennett, Sr. and Cornelia Blanton Bennett. David served in the US Navy, with the Augusta Georgia Police Department, Traffic Division, worked for the Charleston Naval Shipyard and retired in from SPAWAR after 36 years working for the Federal Government. After retirement, David earned his Associate’s Degree in Horticulture and was the best yardman ever. He loved his Georgia BullDawgs and Atlanta Braves, working in the yard, boating, golf, and decorating our house for the holidays for the grandkids. He was kind, loving, and low key. David will be missed and loved by all. In addition to Susan, his loving wife of 23 years, David is survived by daughter, Carly Bennett Thomas (Brett); stepdaughters, Brittany Tevere (Pete) and Tara Rock (John); his 4 beautiful grandchildren, Sophia Bennett, Kinley Crayne and Mila and Nora Rock and brother, Michael Bennett (Janice) of Augusta, GA. David is loved by his aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and cousins.

Charles F. Byrd, Jr.

Charles F. Byrd, Jr., 84, of Hendersonville passed away Saturday, September 26, 2020 at Carolina Village Medical Center.
Born in Augusta, GA, he was the son of the late Charles F. Byrd, Sr. and Ruth Jackson Byrd.  He was also preceded in death by his in-laws, Porter and Bertha Simpson, and his daughter-in-law, Robin Byrd.
Charles and Barbara were married in 1957.  He graduated from Mercer in 1958 and received his Master’s in Education and Education Specialist degrees from Georgia Southern University.  He proudly served in the US Army from 1958 to 1963.
Charles was employed by the Richmond County Board of Education as a teacher, assistant principal and principal, retiring in 1988.  During his retirement, he was a substitute teacher for Henderson County.  Because he loved working with kids, he volunteered at Black Mountain Children’s Home and taught Sunday School at Crawford Avenue Baptist Church in Augusta, GA and at Hendersonville Presbyterian Church.
Charles is survived by his wife, Barbara Simpson Byrd; children, Laura Byrd Musgrove (Dan), and Steve Byrd; grandchildren, Meghan Cano (Sergio), Kristen Anderson, Brandy Powell, and Amanda Powell (Tony); and great-grandchildren, Alexia, Porter, Parker, Sofia and Sergio.

Harry A. Jacobs

Augusta, Georgia—Harry Anthony Jacobs, (73), died peacefully in his home on October 3rd, 2020. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Augusta College, and a master’s degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. Harry had a wide variety of interests. He earned a private pilot license from Augusta Aviation while still in college, he was an avid reader and audiophile, and a skilled self-taught carpenter. Harry deeply loved his family, had a great sense of humor, and was a dear friend to many. He was preceded in death by his father, Harry M. Jacobs, and his mother, Vola O’Connor Jacobs. He is survived by his daughters Erin Dennis (Gary) and Kelly Cashin (John), three grandchildren, William, Tyler and Erin Cashin, two brothers Milton (Beverly) and James (Polly) Jacobs, two sisters, Marlie Grilli (Enzo, deceased), Julie Blalock (Clarence), eight nieces, four nephews, and a large extended family.
A private memorial for family will be held graveside. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jessye Norman School of The Arts, or a charity of your choice.

John Barinowski, 1941-2020

Atlanta, Georgia—On Sunday, October 4th, 2020, John Magruder Barinowski, loving husband and father, passed away at age 79 in Atlanta, GA.

John was born in 1941 in Augusta, GA, to Robert and Harriet Barinowski. He received his Business Administration degree from University of North Alabama and had a successful career as an accountant, working for Georgia-Pacific, Evergreen Timberlands, and U.S. Kids Golf. Married for 48 years to Deborah Pitman Barinowski, who passed away in 2014, they raised two children, Wendy Barinowski Lynch and David Barinowski of Atlanta, GA.
John was well loved by his children and grandchildren and was affectionately known as Papa Bear. A very supportive father and grandfather, he attended almost all the children’s games, recitals, and other events. He enjoyed gardening and being outdoors. He loved his pets. He and Deborah having rescued many boxers during their marriage. At social gatherings, the children and dogs would always gravitate to him.
John was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and sister Frances Barinowski O’Neill. He is survived by his children, Wendy Barinowski Lynch (Robert) and David Barinowski (Kristen), four grandchildren, Peyton and Beckett Lynch and Averi and Josh Barinowski, his brothers, Robert Emil Barinowski (Martha), Clarence Barinowski (Sylvia), and Gene Barinowski (Joyce), and many nieces and nephews. A family celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Carl Menger

Carl Menger, age 74, of Augusta entered into rest on Thursday, October 22, 2020. Carl was born in Augusta to the late Virgil D. Menger and Mary Ellen Murphy Menger. He proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam war and was a member of Trinity on the Hill United Methodist Church. Carl was full of life and will be remembered for his love of golf, his phenomenal personality, and his love for his family.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jimmy Menger.
He is survived by his best friend and wife of thirty years, Dianne W. Menger of Augusta; three children, Richard Menger (Julie) of Augusta, Michael Menger (Betty) of Martinez, and Ginger Menger of Aiken, South Carolina; seven grandchildren, Brandon Menger, Austin Zepp, Amber Menger, Kaylie Zepp, Jackson Menger, Nate Menger, and Milo Menger.
A celebration of Carl’s life will take place at 11:00 A.M. Monday, October 26, 2020 in Platt’s Chapel Crawford Avenue. Reverend Scott Hearn and Reverend Greg Hatfield will officiate. The family will receive friends following the service at Platt’s. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Forces United, 701 Greene Street, Augusta, Georgia 30901; or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.

Nathan B. Brown, Jr

Nathan B. Brown, Jr., age 71, passed away on Oct. 30, 2020 at his home after a valiant fight against cancer. Nathan was born in Augusta, on June 2, 1949 to the late Nathan Baskin Brown, Sr. and Sara Reeves Brown. He graduated from Richmond Academy in 1967 and then Augusta College in 1971 with a BA in English. Nathan continued his studies at Clemson University while contributing to the Atlanta Journal Constitution and writing for the Anderson Independent newspaper. He moved to Valdosta in 1973 to write for the Valdosta Daily Times. His affection for foreign cars and entrepreneurial spirit inspired him to open a store specializing in foreign car parts in 1979- Motorsports South. After selling the store in 2001, he became a certified financial planner with Edward Jones. Nathan enjoyed interacting with people and gained numerous devoted friends through his work.
He was an active Rotarian until his health prevented his regular involvement, and he provided mentorship for lagging readers at a local elementary school. Nathan’s church home is Park Avenue United Methodist where he served frequently. In his efforts to stay fit and strong, Nathan was a daily figure at the YMCA until the last few months of his life. He enjoyed debating regional barbeque and college sports with his closest friends. Nathan’s possessed a fervent interest in history, especially WWI and WWII.
Nathan is survived by his wife of 47 years, Jeanne Healey Brown, of Valdosta, as well as a son, Baskin Brown, of Newnan, a daughter, Adrienne Woske, of Valdosta and four grandchildren, Belle Broadfoot, Parks Broadfoot, Willow Woske, and Gabby Woske. Nathan was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is also survived by his sister, Susan (& Doug) Moore and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A memorial service will be held for Nathan at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020 at Park Avenue United Methodist Church. Rev. Jimmy Towson and Rev. Craig Rikard will officiate. The family will receive friends at Carson McLane Funeral Home on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020 from 3:30 pm-5:30 p.m.

Pam Coakley Baldwin

Mrs. Pamela Coakley Baldwin, beloved wife of Phil Baldwin, entered rest on Wednesday, November 11, 2020.
The family will welcome friends at a memorial gathering from 4:00 until 6:00 on Saturday, November 14, 2020 at Platt’s Funeral Home, Belair Road Chapel.
Pam was loved by many, and never met a stranger. She graduated from the Academy of Richmond County in 1964. She worked in and around the medical field most of her life and was a successful business for over 40 years with her husband.
Although small in stature, she was larger than life. She had no greater love than that of her best friend and husband of over 50 years, Phil Baldwin, and her daughter Joanna Baldwin. Anyone who knew Pam would tell you Phil and Joanna were her whole world, and she continues to be theirs. Pam is survived by Phil and Joanna, and her sister Gejuan Waters (Ben) who took such good care of her, and a sister-in-law, Mary Coakley. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Meda Coakley and a brother, Jimmy Coakley.

Alfred ‘PopPop’ Brown

Encinitas – Born in Augusta, GA, graduate of the Academy of Richmond County class of 1958, where he played football and ran track. Al enjoyed staying in touch with his former classmates. After graduating he served in the Marine Corps, stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA. He met the love of his life, Petrea, in 1959 at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, CA. He married Petrea, raised his children in Encinitas, where he resided the rest of his life. He worked as a chemical operator and retired at age 55 from Unocal and built a vacation home in Golden Valley, AZ, where he enjoyed spending time. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Petrea, his children Phil Brown (Cheryl) and Krissy Brown, his grandchildren Claire Gresham (Justin), Brent Baughman, Madison and Mackinzie Berman, who reside in North San Diego county, and his brothers Phil Brown, Paul Greenway (Corinthia), Glenn Greenway residing in Augusta, GA. Al was predeceased by his mother Eleanor Greenway and brother Wayne Greenway of Augusta, GA. Al loved helping everyone and was a friend and father figure to so many. From being a great neighbor, assisting with coaching his granddaughters in softball, to being the person to call when you needed anything, he was always there for us. Al will be missed and will always be in our hearts. We

George A. Hensley, Sr.

North Augusta, SC—Private Graveside Services for Mr. George A. Hensley, Sr., 85, who entered into rest December 14, 2020, will be conducted in Pineview Memorial Gardens with Veterans Honors. Rev. Thomas B. Wilkes, III and Dr. T. Joseph Lusk officiating.
Mr. Hensley was a native of Augusta, having made North Augusta his home for the past 61 years. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, the Jesse C. Lynch Memorial American Legion Post #71 and the Forty & Eight. Mr. Hensley retired from E.I. DuPont Company and Westinghouse at the Savannah River Site and the Georgia National Guard.
Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Wandra Jowers Hensley; a daughter, Guwan (Danny) Creeden, North Augusta; two sons, George A. (Renea) Hensley, Jr., North Augusta, and Brian P. (Paulette) Hensley, Hephzibah; five grandchildren, Jessica (TJ) Roland, Brandon (Danielle) Hensley, Laken (Steve) Rodriguez, Preston Hensley and Avery (Chase) Carter; five great grandchildren; a brother, Vernon Johnny Hensley, Augusta.

Dr. John Overton “Jack” Bowcock

Forsyth, GA—Dr. John “Jack” Overton Bowcock passed away Tuesday, December 29, 2020 after a lengthy illness. Visitation will be January 2nd, 2021, 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. with services immediately following at Rock Springs Church, 219 Rock Springs Road, Milner, GA. Dr. Benny Tate will be officiating.
He was a graduate of Richmond Academy, attended the University of Georgia, and graduated from Emory University Dental School with a Doctorate of Dental Surgery. He served in the US Air Force during the Vietnam War. Jack was passionate about his dentistry, community and family, and had a great sense of patriotism for his country.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, John Overton Bowcock and Martha Gainer Bowcock; survived by his loving wife Ann Rose Bowcock; three children and their families: Clark Overton Bowcock (Jennifer), of Los Gatos, CA.; Blair Bowcock Hickman (Stan) of Forsyth, GA.; Rosemary Lizabeth Corbett (Shawn) of Statesboro, GA; and grandchildren: Alexis Leigh Bowcock, Lyndsey Claire Bowcock, Stanley Jason Hickman, Jr and Logan Parker Hickman, McKenney Anna Corbett, Michael Dexter Corbett and Grace Ann Corbett.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Rock Springs Church, 219 Rock Springs Road, Milner, GA 30257.

Betty Balk

Elizabeth Fleming “Betty” Balk, 97, of Elko, SC, died Wednesday, December 30, succumbing to a heart defect. Mrs. Balk was born in Augusta, Georgia, to Frank E. Fleming, Jr and Fanny Pittman Fleming. She was the granddaughter of Frank E. Fleming Sr. and Lila Erwin Fleming of Augusta and of John Flemon Pittman and Ellen Louvinia Greer, both of Greenville, SC. Mrs. Balk was born September 3, 1923, spending her early years in Augusta. She was a member of Resurrection Lutheran Church of Augusta, where the Balk family have been members since 1859. She graduated from the Richmond Academy, marrying in 1943 her first husband, Theodore Florenz Balk, Jr, who was killed in action months later in the invasion of Sicily. Betty trained as a pilot with the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots, preparing to ferry aircraft to the war effort in Europe and North Africa. At the war’s end, she married Theodore’s brother Bill, a torpedo pilot at the Battle of Pelelieu. Living in Blackville, SC, Bill and Betty raised five children, and she began substitute teaching as the children got older. She returned to college for her teaching degree at the same time that her husband Bill returned to college for his advanced degree, and as all of her children were enrolled in college or preparing to do so. Mrs. Balk’s husband of 65 years, Bill, died in 2010. She is survived by her sons, William A. “Will” Balk, Jr of Beaufort, SC; Theodore Florenz ”Ted” Balk of Pendleton, SC; daughters Margaret Balk “Peggy” Zeigler of Elko; and Elizabeth “Libby” Gainey Roberson of Lexington, SC. Her son Frank Erwin “Boomer” Balk died in 2015. She is also survived by grandchildren Calvin “Cal” Gainey and his wife Madeline of Gilbert, SC; William Nolan Gainey and his wife Mandy of Charleston, SC; and William Bryan Zeigler and his fiancée Erica Scott of Norfolk, VA; five great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren; sisters-in-law Jane Balk Miller of Charlotte and Carole Balk Dahlheimer of Martinez, GA; her sister Ann Fleming Levy of Clearwater, FL, predeceased her. Betty is also survived by her two very dear family friends, Rita Williams and Jannie White, whose loving attention in her last years made her remarkable life even more so. A private family burial service will be in the family plot at Westover Cemetery in Augusta, on the site which once held her great grandfather’s home place.

Becky Matthews

Anna Rebecca “Becky” Matthews, age 69, entered into rest on Friday, January 1, 2021 due to complications from COVID-19 that she and her mother both contracted. Becky and her mother Jeannine, who passed away less than a week apart from each other, were truly best friends and companions. Becky was born in Augusta. In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her father, Hugh E. Scott; and brother, Ronald Scott.

She is survived by her three daughters, Ashlyn Fox (Jon) of Williamson, Amy Parker (Chris) of Martinez, and Lori Fox (Justin) of Concord; eight grandchildren, Camrie Powell (J.T.), Kayleigh Hodges, Connor Parker, Caleb Parker, Makenzie Fox, Hagen Fox, Madilyn Fox, and Carson Fox; two brothers, Stephen Scott and Michael Scott, both of Augusta; best friend Shirley Boulineau (Roy) of Swainsboro; and several loving nieces and nephews.

Becky will be laid to rest along with her mother, Jeannine B. Cadle at Hillcrest Memorial Park in a private service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.

Our Meme & Gamma were two peas in a pod more like sisters than mother/daughter. If you knew one you knew them both. There was never a dull moment when we were all together. The loud laughter & shenanigans could be heard for miles. We love them more than any words can express. May the love & laughter continue until we meet again.

Barbara Ann Hasty

Barbara Ann Hasty of Gibson, Georgia, died January 2, 2021