Honoring Our Alumni Angels

Ken Merry

Kenneth (Ken) Holmes Merry, Jr.
Augusta, GA—Kenneth (Ken) Holmes Merry, Jr., age 84, passed away on Friday, January 8, 2021, three weeks before his 85th birthday. He was a devoted follower of Christ, husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend, and is deeply loved and missed by his family and friends.
Ken was born on January 27, 1936 in Augusta, Georgia to the late Kenneth Holmes Merry, Sr. and Gena Callaway Merry. He attended William Robinson Grammar School and Richmond Academy. At Richmond Academy, he played on the baseball, basketball, and tennis teams, and served as cadet commander of the ROTC before graduating in 1954.
He attended the Georgia Institute of Technology, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, and Emory University, earning a Master’s degree in Business Administration. He served in the U.S. Army — for a short time on active duty and then in the Reserves, attaining the rank of Captain. After graduation and his time in active military service, he worked for a number of years with Merry Brothers Brick and Tile Company in Augusta, and in later years was self-employed.
Ken grew up in the church but came into a personal relationship with Christ as a sophomore at Georgia Tech, and continued deepening his faith throughout his life. He met his wife, Charlotte, while on a weekend retreat through the ministry of Young Life.
Ken served his family, friends and church family in countless different ways that were often practical and understated. 
Ken is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Charlotte Bohler Merry; children Ellen A. Merry and Kenneth D. Merry (Elizabeth); grandsons Mark Merry and Luke Merry; sisters Ellen C. Merry and May Merry McDonald; and several loving nieces and nephews.

Jack Storey

Augusta, GA—Forrest Jackson (Jack) Storey, Jr. died peacefully in his sleep at his residence January 12, 2021.
He was the only son of the late Forrest Jackson Storey, Sr. and the late Iris Whitman Storey. His paternal grandparents were the late Forrest Cluese Storey and Margaret Jackson Storey and his maternal grandparents were the late James Lambert Whitman and Lucille Malone Whitman. Jack is survived by his wife of 42 years, Harriette Clark Storey, his son Mark Jackson Storey, his grandson Chase Jackson Storey, his sister Jeanne S. Gropp (Billy), his niece Raven E. Gropp and his faithful dog Chance.
Jack was a life-long resident of the Augusta area and a graduate of Richmond Academy. He always had a deep love for fishing and cars. In 1967, he began Dixie Auto Parts, an Augusta landmark on Jackson Rd for many years. In 1993, he became co-owner of Martinez Auto Parts with his sister Jeanne. In 1995, he founded Pro Coatings Supply, Inc. which included Evans Machine Shop and J&M Golf Carts.
A graveside service will be held on Friday January 15, 2021 at 11:30 AM at Westover Memorial Park with Rev. Dewain French officiating. Family and friends will meet at the graveside there will be no visitation at the funeral home.

Leonard Palmer Wheatley, Jr.
January 15, 1946 – January 13, 2021

Chapin, South Carolina – Leonard Palmer Wheatley, Jr., of Chapin, passed away on January 13, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loving wife of 37 years, Vicki Derrick Wheatley and his son, Craig Derek Wheatley, Ed.D. Born in Augusta, Georgia on January 15, 1946 he was the son of the late Leonard Palmer Wheatley, Sr. and Elise Newsome Wheatley. Palmer was a Vietnam Veteran who served with the United States Navy Seabees of the Amphibious Construction Battalion Two. As a former Boy Scout leader, Palmer had served as the second Scoutmaster of Troop 870 and received the Vigil Honor rank in the Order of the Arrow. He retired from the Lexington Richland School District Five Transportation Department. Palmer was a member of Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church where he was active with the Lutheran Men in Mission, Social Ministry and Building and Maintenance Committees.
Graveside services will be held at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church Cemetery on January 18 at 3:00 pm. Friends and family are invited to attend, but will be asked to abide by the state’s recommendations of wearing a mask and social distancing to provide a safe environment for all. Services will be viewable via livestream on Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Chapin Chapel’s Facebook page.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church Building Fund, 11733 Broad River Road, Chapin, SC 29036 or to a charity of one’s choice.

Sandra Lee Glosser

Augusta, GA – Entered into rest on Friday, January 29, 2021, Sandra Lee Glosser, 69, daughter of the late Richard and Elizabeth Glosser.

Sandra was a lifelong resident of Augusta, and a sweet loving mother and grandmother. She worked as a Loan Officer for over 20 years with Queensborough National Bank. Sandra enjoyed shopping and traveling with her friends and spending time with her family. She will be remembered as always having a smile on her face.

Family members include her daughter: Jennifer Nail (Michael); grandchildren: Ashley and Sterling Nail; brother: Ricky Glosser and niece: Jordan Glosser.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. at Hillcrest Memorial Park with Rev. Tom Kalliokoski officiating.

Mr. Billy Weathers

Harlem, GA—Mr. Billy Weathers, 77, of Harlem, passed away Thursday, January 21, 2021. He retired after 28 years of dedicated service with Augusta – Richmond County Fire Department. Known as “Sweet”, he worked at Station #2 & 6 and Station #4. He loved his family dearly and lived life to the fullest each and every day. Billy loved fishing and baseball. He was an avid coin collector and painted as a side job while he worked as a firefighter. Billy will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Mr. Weathers was preceded in death by his wife, Rita Weathers and son-in-law, Ben Ivey. He is survived by his son, Jake (Kaye) Weathers; daughter, Tammie Ivey; great friend, Linda Hill; six grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren.
The family will receive guests from 1-3 PM, Saturday, January 30, 2021 at Starling Funeral Home.
Due to the current COVID-19 regulations, our staff is committed to taking care of our guests and families that we serve. We ask all guests and family members attending the services to practice social distancing and if medically able, wear a mask.

Howard Matthew Bowers

Howard Matthew Bowers was born on June 3, 1948 and passed away on January 29, 2021 and is under the care of McLaurin Funeral Home in Clayton, NC.

Mrs. Linda Sue Gaskins Anglin

Linda Sue Gaskins Anglin died February 9, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. An obituary is not available at this time. May she rest in peace.

Joyce Sommers Varn

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Joyce Varn of Buford, Georgia, born in Augusta, Georgia, who passed away on February 12, 2021, leaving to mourn family and friends. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Joyce Varn to pay them a last tribute. You may also light a candle in honor of Joyce Varn. https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/19969865/Joyce-Varn

She was loved and cherished by many people including : her children, Tara Mason (Stacy), Jennifer Trudeau (Scott), Buford and Cliff Varn (Katie); her grandchildren, Blake Lanier, Garrett Crane, Maxwell Mason, Jacob Trudeau, Brooklyn Trudeau, Ethan Varn and Hudson Varn; and her great grandchildren, Karson Lanier, Maci Lanier, Riley Crane and Harper Crane.

John Aloysius Rox, III

Evans, GA – John Aloysius Rox, III, aged 73, passed away Saturday, February 27, 2021. John was a native of Augusta, the son of John A. Rox, Jr. and Ida Hall White Rox Atkinson. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister Carolyn Rox and one brother Frank T. Rox. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Linda Clements Rox, his brother and sister-in-law, Bobby and Mary Rox of Conyers, Georgia, his son John A. Rox, IV, his daughter and son-in-law, Catherine and David Shepherd, his grandchildren Madeline (fiancé Spencer Neeley) and Lydia Shepherd and Samantha and Claire Rox, and his niece Erin Rox and her son Owen.

John graduated from the Academy of Richmond County and the University of Georgia. He was employed for many years in the banking industry, beginning with the Georgia Railroad Bank and Trust Co. and eventually becoming a Mortgage Loan Officer with Georgia Bank and Trust from which he retired.

John and Linda spent many years traveling all over the world, including Africa, Antarctica, South America, the Galapagos Islands, and many other exotic places. He and Linda were also Certified BBQ judges and spent many years traveling the country judging BBQ contests.

John will be missed by his loving family and devoted friends.

Charles Pitts Moody

Augusta, GA— Charles Pitts Moody, 83, of Augusta, Georgia, passed away on Monday, March 1, 2021 at Augusta University.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Barbara Best Moody, whom he married on Valentine’s Day, 1960. He is also survived by his children: Leigh McCormack (Mike), Mark Moody (Mandy), Mary Moody, and Beth Watkins (Brent); nine grandchildren: Caitlin Phibbs (Harrison), Cameron McCormack, Michael McCormack, Ryan McCormack, Josh Cathey (Heather), Chandler Moody, Coleman Moody, Carson Moody, and Colby Watkins, and five great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Julian and Elizabeth Pitts Moody and his brother, Julian (Skippy) Moody.
Charles graduated from the Academy of Richmond County in 1957 where he helped the Musketeers win the 1956 football state championship. He retired from WRDW-TV, Channel 12 in 2011 after 54 years with the station. In 2007, he was honored with the Masters Major Achievement Award for 47 years of covering the Masters Golf Tournament. In 2014, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Southeast Chapter, awarded him an Emmy for 54 years in broadcast journalism. Charles directed the televised Sunday church services for First Baptist of Augusta for over 50 years and produced the local version of the MCG Children’s Miracle Network telethon for decades.

Dr. Paulette Proctor Harris, PhD

Augusta, GA – A pioneer for the advocacy of literacy, Dr. Paulette Proctor Harris, entered into rest peacefully on Thursday, March 11, 2021. Paulette was born October 5, 1949 in Augusta, GA to Paul E. Proctor and Ilma Hankinson Cason Proctor. Paulette graduated from the Academy of Richmond County in 1967. After high school, she continued her education at Augusta College, where she graduated in 1971 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and French. She went on to receive a master’s degree from Augusta College and earned her Doctorate with Honors from the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC in 1983. Paulette also held numerous post-doctoral and education certifications including several in the special education, gifted, and reading concentrations.

Dr. Harris was passionate about education. After college graduation, she began teaching in Richmond County and spent seven years in the school system serving as a Title 1 reading specialist, lead teacher, and assistant principal. Dr. Harris began her career at Augusta College in 1978, moving through the ranks in the College of Education including instructor, assistant professor, associate professor, coordinator, director, interim dean, and professor of education. Since 1991, Dr. Harris served as the Cree-Walker Endowed Chair and Professor in Education.

Dr. Harris served as the longest tenured professor on the Summerville campus of Augusta University with over 42 years of service.

Roy  V. Harris, Jr.

Roy Vincent Harris, Jr., 85, of Williamsburg, Virginia, passed away on March 18, 2021, at Patriots Colony Williamsburg. He was born November 10, 1935, in Augusta, Georgia, to the late Roy Vincent Harris, Sr. and Mary Lewis Harris. On June 14, 1958, Roy married the love of his life, Mary Susan (“Mary Sue”) Hill, also of Augusta, who predeceased him.
In 1958, Roy graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in aeronautical engineering and immediately joined the staff of the NASA (then, National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics) Langley Research Center as a research engineer. In 1959, he was called to active duty in the Air Force and assigned to NASA Langley. His first 15 years at NASA were spent conducting research in supersonic aerodynamics. He was an early pioneer in the use of digital computers to solve practical aerodynamics problems. In 1964, he published the first computer code for calculating the supersonic wave drag of complete aircraft configurations. This code enabled, for the first time, the development of practical civil and military supersonic cruise aircraft. Advanced versions of this code are still in use today by aircraft designers. He also produced the first computer-generated drawings of complex three-dimensional aircraft configurations. Roy retired from NASA in 1998, after nearly 40 years of service, as the Director of Aeronautics. After retirement, Roy worked as a consultant to industry and government and devoted much volunteer time as a technical advisor and Board member of the NASA Aeronautics Support Team.
Roy is survived by his two daughters, Mary Catherine (“Cathy”) Harris Helms (husband, Jeff) of Homerville, Georgia, and Susan Harris Gill (husband, John) of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and four grandchildren, Ainsley Gill, Jack Helms, III, Halle Gill, and Greer Gill.

Marley Silverstein Rogers

Marley S. Rogers, 71, of Marietta, GA, formerly of Augusta, GA, died Saturday April 3, 2021 at Kennestone Hospital in Marietta. She was born on May 17, 1949 in Los Angeles, CA, the daughter of the late, Martin and Gertrude Edell Silverstein. Marley was a graduate of the Richmond Academy and Augusta State University. She managed commercial lines of insurance and was a member of Congregation Etz Chaim in Marietta. She is survived by her daughter, Stephanie Matheny and her husband, Tim of Marietta; granddaughter, Lena Matheny; brother, Howard Silverstein. A graveside service will be held at 1:00pm, Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at Westover Memorial Park in the family lot.

Angeline Kay Prince Raney

Augusta, GA – Entered into rest on Monday, March 22, 2021, Angeline Kay Prince Raney, 77.

Kay is a native of Augusta, Ga and was a retired dental hygienist at Fort Gordon, where she also served as the AFGE Union President.

Kay was the loving mother of, Dana Tuten (Mike); grandchildren: Alexander Raney, Seth Raney, Shad Tuten; many close friends and extended family members. Kay loved her family very much and she will be greatly missed.

Your presence is requested at a Celebration of Life that will be held on April 17th at 1:00pm. For information or to RSVP please call (706) 564-1630 or (706) 910-9883

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com

Frederick G. “Freddie” Mertins, III

Augusta, GA – Frederick Gustave Mertins, III, 78, entered into rest on Thursday, April 8, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick Gustave Mertins, Jr. and Eleanor Binns Mertins.
Freddie grew up in Augusta, GA, graduated from Richmond Academy in 1960, and earned a degree in Finance from the University of Georgia. He was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection. Freddie was retired from the banking industry, but also helped manage his parents’ business, Mertins Fur Company. He held numerous positions during his career, including working for Augusta Planning and Zoning Commission and First Federal Savings. He also served his country in the Army Reserve. Freddie enjoyed hunting, fishing, college football and watching the stock market. His friends knew Freddie as a “true friend,” always having a positive attitude, and he was willing to go the extra mile to help others.
Family members include his cousins: Carroll Binns (Brenda), Louis Mertins, Jr., Anne M. Goddard and John Louis Goddard.
A graveside service will be held Monday, April 12, 2021, at 11:00 A.M. at Westover Memorial Park with Rev. David Hunter and Rev. Paul Volpitto officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be Buck Tinley, Clarence Cliett, David Volpitto, Rev. Paul Volpitto and Dayton Sherrouse.

Lawson Templeton

Augusta, GA-Entered into rest Saturday, April 17, 2021, Lawson E. Templeton, Jr. Lawson was born and raised in Augusta, GA. He attended Richmond Academy, lettering in football and basketball. He further went on to join The Augusta Eagles semi-pro football team. Lawson proudly served in the GA Army Reserves, earning the title of Expert Marksman. He worked for Life of Georgia Insurance Co. for over 30 years, serving as a district manager in West Palm Beach, FL, Chattanooga, TN, and Panama City, FL. During his time at Life of Georgia, Lawson earned six President’s Clubs, four Honor/Pacesetters Clubs, and four NSAAs, awarding him several trips to beautiful Hawaii. After retiring, he became involved with Bridges of Hope Addiction Recovery Center. He is remembered as a wonderful leader and mentor by many. Lawson was an avid golfer who loved The Augusta National, stating it was one of the most beautiful places he’d ever seen. He was also a garden enthusiast, growing award-winning daylilies. Lawson was also a devoted GA Bulldog fan who fondly remembered his trips to Athens, GA for game days.
Lawson is preceded in death by his parents, Lawson E. Templeton, Sr, and the former Katherine “Kitty” Keenan; a sister, Ann Rhodes Templeton Underwood, a brother, Warren Keenan Templeton, and his beloved wife of over 50 years, Deronda “Ronnie” Sherrill Templeton.
Survivors include his daughters Kim Templeton Humphrey, and Ashley Keenan Kirkland (Jesse), and son, Lawson “Trey” Templeton, III, sister Katherine Templeton Harkness, brother Brian Samuel Templeton, 3 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Marie Brennecke Rogers

Marie Brennecke Rogers was born January 6, 1942 in Augusta GA and died April 17, 2021 at age 79 as loving family members surrounded her at Presbyterian Village in Austell GA where she had been a resident for 6 years. Marie, along with her sister and brother, were raised by their grandparents, Lillian and John Smith, in Augusta after their parents, Richard and Etta Brennecke, were killed in a tragic automobile accident Christmas Eve, 1952 when Marie was 10 years old. Marie was a 1959 graduate of Richmond Academy and a 1964 graduate of Georgia Southern College which led to her career in Education. She taught elementary school in Augusta, and Casa Grande, Arizona while living on an Indian reservation.  She then returned to work with Civil Service as an Education Services Specialist for Department of The Army in Germany at 4 different locations. At Bremerhaven, Buren, and Butzbach, Germany Marie received for her excellent service Certificates for Achievement. She also received In Giessen, Germany a scroll of appreciation for her dedication to duty and the concern for the personal and professional development of many soldiers and their family members…Twice while stationed at Ft. Gordon she also received Certificate of Achievement service awards. Her time in Germany allowed her family to form some of their favorite life memories as they toured all over Europe especially on weekends. She returned to Fort Gordon Education Division in 1989 where she worked till suffering a massive stroke on her 49th birthday that left her unable to talk and paralyzed on her right side, resulting in her early retirement. However, this just set her up for the next 30 years as she traveled alone back to Germany and throughout the US to visit friends and relatives. All of this was possible because of the love and support of her family and the loyal, loving and faithful friends at Lakemont Presbyterian Church where her parents were part of the founding families and she was a lifetime member. This loving group made sure Marie was always able to attend all church and affiliated functions and to have any assistance, transportation, or other needs met, regardless of the time or day. The family wants to express deepest appreciation to the Lakemont family for their love and assistance given to Marie for so many years. Marie is survived by her son Damon (Rebecca) Rogers; daughters Jennifer Playfair and Christy Windham; sister Barbara (Dr. Paul) Crank; brothers John Irvine (Bloss) Brennecke and Richard (Jane) Brennecke; grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held May 22 at 1100 with visitation before the service at Redeemer Church 2540 William Few Pkwy Evans, GA. Mask and distancing appreciated. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lakemont Presbyterian Church Building Fund-3111 West Road Augusta GA 30907

Marie’s life has been a wild crazy ride, but we are glad that you have been a part of it. She will see you in heaven when she can tell you all she has wanted to tell you after 30 years of silence.

Ronald Curtis Janelle Sr.

Grovetown, GA—Ronald Curtis Janelle Sr., 69, entered into rest on May 23, 2021.
Mr. Janelle was born to the late Romeo and Tena Pearre Janelle in Augusta, GA. Mr. Janelle retired from AT&T. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, collecting antiques, working on his truck and cooking. Mr. Janelle adored his family, especially his five grandchildren.
Mr. Janelle is preceded in death by his parents, Romeo and Tena Pearre Janelle. Survivors include his loving wife of 51 years, Marsha Janelle; children, Ron Janelle (Tina) and Amy Robinette (Larry); brother, Larry Janelle; five grandchildren, Dillon Janelle, Dawson Janelle, Callie Mae Robinette, Maggie Leigh Robinette and Hawke Robinette.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 from 6-8pm at Elliott Sons Funeral Home, 4255 Columbia Road Martinez, GA 30907. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at 2pm at the Columbia Road Chapel of Elliott Sons Funeral Home with Rev. Sonny Serigney officiating. Pallbearers who will honor Mr. Janelle are Kenneth White, Stephen Rickerson, Ricky Rickerson, Keith White, Dennis Morris and James Morris. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Fellowship Baptist Church, 670 E. Robinson Ave., Grovetown, GA 30813.

James Edward Pyle

Alexandria, AL—James Edward Pyle, 88, of Alexandria, Alabama, passed away Monday, May 24, 2021. James, called Jimmy by family and friends, grew up in Augusta, GA. He graduated from Richmond Academy in 1950 and went on to graduate from UGA in 1954. In 2016 Jim was honored to be inducted into the Richmond Academy Hall of Fame. He and his wife June spent the next 30 years traveling the world with the United States Army. He retired in 1986 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Jimmy is survived by his wife of 67 years, June Norris Pyle; children Ellen Fritts, Kelly Owen, Jaye Russell, Tracie Pyle, COL Jason Pyle, and Philip Pyle; grandchildren Alison Owen, Heath Owen, Randa Starnes, Olivia Pyle, Jayce Pyle, Sadie Pyle, Kyle Simmons, Lindsey Darby and CPT Ryan Byars; great-grandchildren Asher and Kelson Owen, Harper and John Owen Starnes, Stella and Hudson Owen and Ava Greder.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents Henry Grady and Jessie Brewer Pyle and brothers Marvin, Jack, and Pat Pyle and sister Judy Conner.
A memorial service with military honors was held 4 p.m. Sunday, May 30th at Wilson Funeral Home.
Wilson Funeral Home and Crematory of Fort Payne is in charge of arrangements.

Thomas H. Herndon

Augusta, GA—Thomas Hugh Herndon, born September 11, 1933, passed away in his Augusta home on Thursday, June 3, 2021.
Tommy was a graduate of Richmond Academy and the University of Georgia, where he earned a degree in finance. He is survived by his wife, Connie Tabb Herndon, who he was devoted to for 66 years. Tommy was a strong, yet gentle-hearted father to two daughters, Virginia Stutsman, husband, Nick, and Eleanor VanLandingham, husband Billy. He was known simply as O’Dad to his five grandchildren Doug Stutsman, David Stutsman, Katie Yarber (husband Matthew and great-grandchildren Colvin Thomas and Abigail Corinne Yarber), Will VanLandingham (wife Leah), and Ashley Platzer, (husband Patrick). Tommy was voted most athletic in his 1951 class at ARC for his play as halfback and point guard.

“He had the best legs you’d ever seen,” says an unbiased Connie. Tommy was an avid golfer and remains the only man to capture the Club Championship and senior Club Championship in the same year at his beloved Capital City Club in Brookhaven, where Tom and Connie lived for 45 years before retiring to the Sea Island Club in St. Simons Island.
A graveside service will be held Monday, June 7, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. in Westover Memorial Park, 2601 Wheeler Rd., Augusta, GA 30904 with Rev. Nadine Ellsworth-Moran officiating.
Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com

Kathleen Andregg McLean

Kathleen Andregg McLean, 75, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2021.  Kathy was born in Montgomery, Alabama to Neal B. Andregg and Vera Maddox Andregg on December 2, 1945.  She attended high school at Richmond Academy in Augusta, where she was president of the student body as a senior.  She earned a B.A. from Mercer University where she was a member of the Phi Mu sorority, attended the University of Michigan as a National Science Foundation Fellow and received a Masters degree in history from Georgia State University.  Kathy taught at The Lovett School, serving as chair of the history department and alumni director.  She was associated with Harry Norman and Dorsey Alston Realtors where she earned numerous awards for residential sales, including the Gold Phoenix Award for 30 years in the Atlanta Board of Realtors Million Dollar Club.  Kathy was a past president of the Chastain Park Civic Association and a member of the Cathedral of St. Philip.  She is survived by her sister, Hope Andregg Bjerke of Palo Cedro, Ca., her niece, Andrea P. Jones of Fairfield, Va. and her nephew, James T. Jones, III of West Chester, Pa.  A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 6 at 2:00 pm at the Cathedral of St. Philip.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Friends of Cathedral Music at the Cathedral of St. Philip; 2744 Peachtree Rd, NW, Atlanta, Ga. 30305.

Dr. Edward F. Durst

Dr. Edward F. Durst passed away on August 14, 2021 after a hard fought, six year battle with Alzheimer’s and Vascular Dementia. He took his last breath surrounded by family and staring into the eyes of his true love just as “Amen” was spoken at the conclusion of the Lord’s prayer.
He was born in Augusta, GA. on February 7, 1942 to Dr. Frank M. Durst, Jr. and Betty C. Durst. He graduated from the Academy of Richmond County High School in 1960, and subsequently attended Augusta College and the University of Georgia. He graduated from the Medical College of Georgia in 1967 and finished his surgical training at the University of Tennessee, Memphis, in 1972. From 1972-1974 he served as a major in the US Army Medical Corps and earned an Army Commendation Medal.
Ed practiced general surgery in both Mississippi and Missouri prior to settling in Owatonna in 1984. He established a thriving practice at the Owatonna Clinic, from which he retired in July of 2012. He was married in 1996 to his wife, Anna, and took on 3 young step-children after raising 3 of his own. Children include Elizabeth Brown of Brentwood, TN., Patricia Durst of St.Paul, MN., Jennifer Durst, of Gainesville, FL., Myranda (Cody) Shaw of Elko, MN., Mason Lohberger of Elko, MN., and McKinzy (Parker) Butler of Shoreview, MN. He has 6 grandchildren: Emily, Soié, Rex, Huxley, Hendrix, and a baby girl due in January. Sisters Caroline and Margaret Durst, both in Evans, GA. and sister-in-law Gayle Durst of Augusta, GA. also survive him. His parents and brother Dr. Marion F Durst preceded him in death.
Throughout his life, Ed made (little) time for hobbies including singing, fishing, golfing, target shooting, and restoring classic cars. He especially enjoyed spending time at his lake cabin after retirement. It was clear that Ed’s true calling and passion in life was doing surgery, through which he was able to impact the lives of so many. Even though the ravages of dementia stole so much from him, he was known for his gift of humor and continued to share this to the end.

Hoover Lacy Lanier

Columbia, SC—A funeral service for Hoover Lacy Lanier, 88, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 21, 2021 at Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel, with burial in Westover Memorial Park in Augusta, GA at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 20, 2021, at the funeral home. Mr. Lanier died Wednesday, August 18, 2021. Born in Metter, GA, he was the son of the late John Mitchell Lanier and Ollie Mae Lacy Cunningham. He was an active member of Riverland Hills Baptist Church and volunteered for Gideons International. Hoover was an avid Golfer and Gamecocks fan. Surviving are his wife of 66 years, Laura G. Lanier; sons, Greg Lanier (Kim) of Chesterfield, VA, Lance Lanier and Tim Lanier (Beth), both of Columbia, SC, and Brent Lanier (Kim) of Irmo, SC; grandchildren, Michael Lanier (Virginia), Brandon Lanier, Lacey Lanier, Jamie Lanier, Andrew Lanier, Zach Lanier, and Copeland Lanier; great­ grandchildren, Grayson Lanier and Maybree Lanier; and his three sisters, Violet Howell (Larry) of Hayesville, NC, Willene Colvin of Augusta, GA, and Lorraine Kaliher (Bill) of Swainsboro, GA. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Attn: SC Gift Processing, 4600 Park Rd, Ste 250, Charlotte, NC 28209.

Donna Jean Shauck Trainor

Grovetown, GA — Mrs. Donna Jean Trainor, beloved wife of Thomas Matthew Trainor, entered into rest on Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at her residence in Grovetown, Georgia.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at Bellevue Memorial Gardens with Chaplain Rick Boland officiating.

Mrs. Trainor was a proud American and an Army brat that traveled the world before settling in Augusta. She graduated from the Academy of Richmond County, Augusta College, and earned a Masters degree in Library Science from the University of South Carolina. A longtime librarian, she was the Special Collections Librarian at the Greenblatt Library and retired from the Medical College of Georgia. She was a member and past president of the Georgia Health Sciences Library Association. She was a member and past president of the MCG Faculty and Spouse Club, and a member of their book club. She was passionate about books and reading and loved old movies, cooking, gardening, and fishing.

In addition to her husband, Tom, she is survived by her son, Matt Trainor (Lynette), her grandchildren; Tommy Trainor (Maggie) and Spencer Johnson (Lindsey) and her great grandchildren; Maebel Trainor and Evan Johnson. She was preceded in death by her parents; Charles and Evelyn Shauck, a brother, Jack Shauck and a granddaughter, Virginia Trainor.

Patricia Bone Denny

North Augusta, SC—Graveside Services for Mrs. Patricia Bone Denny, 76, who entered into rest September 6, 2021, will be conducted Thursday morning at 10 o’clock in Pineview Memorial Gardens. Rev. Boyd Lien officiating.

Mrs. Denny was a native of Sebring, Florida, a former resident of Atlanta and Augusta, having made North Augusta her home for the past 53 years. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Jefferson Bone and Kathleen Graham Bone. Mrs. Denny was a member and former Deacon at Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church. She was a 1963 graduate of the Academy of Richmond County and a 1967 graduate of Augusta College where she received a bachelor’s degree in Education and a minor in Biology. In 1987, she earned her master’s degree in education from the University of South Carolina.

Mrs. Denny retired as a fourth-grade teacher at Hammond Hill Elementary where she loved working with children. During her teaching years, she was always known for her kindness but toughness in the classroom; always being fair but expecting students to meet their potential and strive for excellence. She was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa for women educators, Daughters of the American Revolution, The Junior League of Augusta and the North Augusta Garden Club.

Survivors include her husband of 55 years, Bill Lee Denny; two daughters and a son-in-law, Michele Denny and Jordan Russell Flanders, Jr., and Karen Leigh Denny, all of North Augusta, SC; two grandchildren, Grace Kathleen Flanders and Jordan Lee Flanders, both of North Augusta, SC; a brother Thomas (Teresa) J. Bone, Jr., Augusta, GA; a sister, Kathleen (Donnie) Burden, Augusta, GA; numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the Jud C. Hickey Center for Alzheimer’s Care t www.judchickeycenter.org or to the Hammond Hill Elementary School, Attn: Teachers Fund, 901 W. Woodlawn Ave, North Augusta, SC 29841.

Jerry Porter, 1963

Jerry Edward Porter, 76, of DeLand, died on August 29 at the Emory L. Bennett Veterans Nursing Home in Daytona Beach, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Jerry was born on January 14, 1945 in Bennington, VT to Pauline Chase Porter and Bernard Untiedt Porter. His family lived in Hoosick, New York, and then moved several times until his father retired from the Army to Augusta, GA. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from North Georgia College in 1967. He was commissioned a 2LT in the US Army and served for a year in the Signal Corps, 4th Infantry Division, Pleiku, Vietnam. After his honorable discharge from the military, he moved to Florida where he had a successful career in the golf industry, beginning as a sales rep for Dunlop Sports. In 1983 he became the Executive Director of the North Florida Section of the PGA, from which he retired in 2009.

He was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church in DeLand where he volunteered each week in the adoration chapel and belonged to the Knights of Columbus. He also volunteered at Advent Health in DeLand and was the past president of the Victoria Gardens Advisory Committee.

Although golf was his passion, his true and deepest love was his family. He is survived by his wife Peggy, daughters Beth (Jay) Nelson and Melody Porter, stepson Chris (Tracy) Weeks, grandchildren Jud Nelson, River Porter, and Forest Porter, along with Nick and Maddy Weeks, his sister Pat Porter Gold, and his beloved niece and nephew. 

A big man with an even bigger heart, he was well known and loved by many for his warmth, easy smile, sense of humor, and willingness to help and support others.