They died in 2021. How these notable people made an impact on Columbus area
In ways as varied as their names, these folks with Columbus area connections lived notable lives before they died in 2021:
January
Virgellen Burnham Lovitt, 93, Jan. 4: Taught typing, bookkeeping, shorthand and business math for 34 years at Harris County High School, from its inception in 1955 until retiring in 1989. Planted magnolias and oaks at Pine Ridge Elementary School’s entrance. Volunteered as cashier in refreshment stand at fall festivals. Brought new socks to school for children who arrived without them and brought jars of jelly to staff at school district’s central office. Set a Waverly Hall Baptist Church record of 54 straight years with perfect Sunday school attendance.
Eddie B. Ezell, 88, Jan. 5: Cofounder of Glenwood School. Served on its board as well as Phenix City-Russell County Chamber of Commerce, Phenix 2000, Phenix City Boys Club, Cobb Memorial Hospital and local chapters of United Way and Association of the United States Army. Former president of local University of Alabama alumni chapter. Sunday school teacher for 55 years and served First Baptist Church of Columbus as a deacon and Sunday school superintendent. Worked at First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Russell County for 36 years, including 19 as president. Past president of Alabama Savings and Loan League and former board member for U.S. Savings and Loan League. Retired from Phenix-Girard Bank.
Margaret Rosalee Ritch Angell, 78, Jan. 13: Registered nurse at each hospital in Columbus. Taught first LPN class at Columbus Tech in 1970. Became first infection control nurse at The Medical Center in 1974 and nursing supervisor at Doctors Hospital in 1975. Helped establish what developed into Columbus Hospice House in 1978 and continuously served on its board. Received 1995 National Service to Mankind Award for hospice volunteering. Worked for husband’s Art Angell Advertising Associates from 1981-87. They operated WAGH Magic 98.3 FM and sold it in 1998. Helped form Blended Bluegrass band. Played regionally, including at Georgia Capitol, and even opened for Grand Ole Opry’s Jim & Jesse and the Virginia Boys. Acted in local productions at Columbus College and Springer Opera House.
Kelly C. Malone, 47, Jan. 15: Founder of KTM Home Health Services. Assisted son Thomas Michael Malone II in launching Chattahoochee Valley Sibling Support Group for teens with a disabled sibling. Member of Delta Sigma Theta, The Links, Jack and Jill of America, Columbus/Fort Benning Medical Society Auxiliary and National Medical Association Auxiliary.
Donald Joseph DeRoche, 82, Jan. 17: Retired major served for 22 years in U.S. Army and 10 years in civil service. Volunteered for Suicide Prevention Hotline and American Red Cross, where he served as disaster chairman. Received the Clara Barton Award for Meritorious Volunteer Leadership, the Volunteer of the Year Award and the Dan Reed Rotary Award for Service Above Self. Served on building committee for St. Anne Catholic Church and its Outreach Center. Received the Garland Service Award from Diocese of Savannah.
Kelly Dewayne Bowen, 50, Jan. 18: Harris County School District finance director for eight years. Before joining HCSD, worked for Winn Dixie and First Peoples Bank.
Sandra Sieg Hansen, 83, Jan. 18: Airline hostess for Capital Airlines. Committee chairwoman for more than 40 years at Boy Scouts Troop 2 in Columbus. Helped 86 boys earn Eagle Scout rank. Received local Boy Scouts council’s Silver Beaver Award. Cook and chaplain at Women’s Auxiliary Post 665 for the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Café manager and memorial committee chairwoman at St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church. Volunteer for St. Anne Catholic Church food bank.
Wayne Trawick, 82, Jan. 26: Inducted into Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame and Chattahoochee Valley Sports Hall of Fame. During 25 seasons (1973-97) as head football coach at Central High School, led Red Devils to 185-85-2 record, including 13 playoff years, with seven region titles and 1993 Class 6A state championship. In five seasons (1999-2004) as head football coach at Glenwood School, led Gators to 35-20 record, including four playoff years. Overall, including stints at Cottonwood, Dale County and Andalusia, finished 41-year coaching career with 285-139-11 record, ninth-highest win total in Alabama high school football history. Al.com reported that 54 of his players competed at the collegiate level with seven reaching professional football. Twice accepted head football coaching jobs in Georgia but changed mind before the season, first going to Shaw High School after 1992 season but returning to Central, then going to Harris County after 1997 season but going to Glenwood instead. Head coach in 1994 Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game and twice coached in North-South All-Star Game twice. Honored by Alabama Football Coaches Association with Lifetime Achievement Award.
February
David Earl Smart, 85, Feb. 2: Retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel, served as secretary of Columbus Exchange Club. Drove golf cart to help Martin Army Hospital patients get to and from their cars. Brookstone Homeowners Association board member. Usher at St. Paul and St. Luke churches. Founding member of Chattahoochee Valley Clemson Club. Worked as procurement manager for Morton Machine Works and business manager at St. Paul.
Sarah Jane Beasley Garrett, 86, Feb. 6: Retired in 1995 as principal of Forrest Road Elementary School. Began career in 1965 as secretary at Midland Elementary School then Waddell Elementary School. Earning college degrees along the way, rose up education ranks to become second-grade teacher at Beallwood Elementary School and seventh-grade counselor at Eddy Junior High School. Served as chapter, district and state president, as well as regional vice president, of Alpha Delta Kappa sorority for educators.
Walter F. Chambers, 46, Feb. 8: Columbus birder was considered so prominent in the field, the New York Times reported his death. Worked night shifts as pharmacist at CVS to devote daylight hours to photographing wildlife, which he shared online with other nature lovers. Known for documenting rare sightings, such as the southernmost Ivory Gull and the easternmost Red-faced Warbler.
Tina Marie Richards Jones, 64, Feb. 9: Inducted into Columbus State University Education Hall of Fame after mentoring students and teachers during more than 30 years as an educator for Muscogee County School District and CSU.
Michael H. Edmondson, 66, Feb. 10: District 2 representative on Muscogee County School Board, winning 2018 runoff. Taught chemistry and physics in MCSD for 33 years, with stints at Spencer, Hardaway and Northside high schools. Awards include 1990 Muscogee County Teacher of the Year, Georgia Secondary Schools Science Teacher of the Year and Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Mathematics.
Sarah Hardaway Hughston, 98, Feb. 14: Wife of late renowned orthopedic surgeon Jack Hughston played instrumental role in founding Hughston Clinic in 1949 and Hughston Sports Medicine Hospital in 1984. Mentored and hosted doctors and their families who came to Columbus to train with Dr. Hughston. Selected as an Honored Lady at Historic Columbus Foundation Heritage Ball.
Carl Anthony “Brother Love” Hardmon, 62, Feb. 15: Contributing writer for The Courier/Eco Latino newspaper. Former U.S. Army sergeant. Volunteered in community to improve race relations and civil rights. Served on Columbus Public Safety Advisory Commission.
March
Steve Hale, 64, March 4: Served for nearly 20 years as president and CEO of Senior Bowl all-star college football game in Mobile, Alabama. Standout athlete at Columbus High School. Recruited as option quarterback but played as starting defensive back at East Carolina University. Assistant coach under Pat Dye at East Carolina, Danny Ford at Clemson (helped win 1981 national championship) and Bear Bryant and Ray Perkins at Alabama.
Susan Squiers, 74, March 10: Directed gifted education program in Muscogee County School District from 1997-2007. Taught science at Kendrick and Shaw high schools. Selected as MCSD’s 1985 Teacher of the Year. Also that year, won Ledger-Enquirer’s inaugural Page One Award for top high school teacher in Chattahoochee Valley.
Carl David “Dave” Watson, 80, March 13: Pine Mountain resident was among Eufaula High School’s greatest athletes as football and basketball star (1954-58). Two-way lineman and three-time All-SEC selection at Georgia Tech (1959-63). Most Valuable Lineman in 1963 Hula Bowl college all-star game. Member of All-Time Gator Bowl team. Inducted into George Tech Hall of Fame (1980). Played professionally for Boston Patriots in American Football League (1963-64) and Edmonton Eskimos in Canadian Football League (1965).
Sammy Howard, 81, March 14: Mayor of Phenix City from 1995-98. In 1980, became president of F&M Bank, which merged with Synovus. Central High School football star was selected as All-American halfback in 1958 while playing for Southwest Mississippi Junior College. Injuries limited playing career at Alabama after Bear Bryant signed him, but he remained involved in the game as a high school coach. After going 18-3 in two seasons (1968-69) with Yazoo City, Miss., returned to Chattahoochee Valley to coach Hardaway High School from 1970-72. Crossed back over Chattahoochee River in 1973 to become coach at Glenwood School, where he also served as principal. In five seasons, led Gators to 113 wins in 140 games and a state championship.
William Dewey Reaves, 103, March 16: As owner of Reaves Wrecking Company, made living destroying major parts of Columbus to clear room for progress that comes from redevelopment. Helped prominent development projects in downtown Columbus that involved the W.C. Bradley Company, Synovus and Columbus State University. Active in Elks Club and Exchange Club. Known for giving folks vegetables he grew and furniture he made — as well as wisdom and witticisms he learned.
Eugene “Coon” Wilson, 86, March 22: Served for 15 years on Chattahoochee County School Board and for seven years in Georgia National Guard. Deacon at First Baptist Church in Cusseta. Achieved rank of 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason. Owned the 76 Gas station in Cusseta for 25 years. Founded the Magic Circle Trampoline company.
April
Edward Warner Neal, 93, April 17: Architect designed homes and prominent buildings in Columbus, including Columbus Government Center. Founding member of Historic Columbus Foundation. Helped preserve historic properties such as Springer Opera House, Rankin House, Walker-Peters-Langdon House, Pemberton House, Goetchius House and 700 Broadway at Heritage Corner. Rotary Club of Columbus president (1979-80). Founding member of Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, serving two terms as president. Charter member of Coweta Falls Chapter of Sons of the American Revolution. Former chairman of Columbus Consolidated Government’s Historic and Architectural Review Board. Deacon and Sunday school teacher at First Baptist Church for more than 20 years.
Ruth Ann Heisey, 81, April 18: Founded the Columbus family diner Ruth Ann’s in 1959.
Catherine “Cat” Brundidge, 61, April 21: Owner of Phenix City soul food restaurant Lily B. Rose.
May
Carter Berry, 71, May 7: Retired lieutenant colonel served for 22 years in U.S. Army, moving from Infantry to Special Forces, where he was a Green Beret. Worked for 18 years as civilian contractor at Fort Benning, teaching combat simulation. Avid collector of pig figurines and Pez candy dispensers. Neighbors and friends received pickles and jams canned by his wife, Susan, from produce grown in his Columbus Historic District garden. Volunteered for Exchange Club hot dog sales and pancake breakfasts, timekeeping at Columbus Cottonmouths hockey games and hosting with Columbus Sports Council.
Terryl Roger Morris, 76, May 11: Retired U.S. Army major served for 20 years as Phenix City’s assistant chief of police. During decorated 25-year military career, including two tours in Vietnam War as helicopter pilot with more than 1,800 combat hours, awarded Silver Star, Bronze Star, four Distinguished Flying Crosses with valor, four Purple Hearts and 53 Air Medals (three with V Device).
Eleanor L. White, 92, May 22: Served for 30 years on Muscogee County Board of Elections and Registration, part of 65 years in public service. Retired in 1990 as Columbus Consolidated Government’s administrative assistant for internal affairs. As member of First African Baptist Church, served as treasurer for 50 years, as well as trustee, deaconess and Sunday school teacher.
Jeanette James, 72, May 25: Worked for 11 years (2010-21) as qualifying officer for Muscogee County Board of Elections and Registration and seven years (2003-10) as secretary to president and CEO of Urban League of Greater Columbus. Served for three years (2010-13) on United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley allocation committee.
Nemia Briones Melgarejo Chai, 87, May 26: Taught linguistics and English composition at Columbus State University. CSU Professor of the Year finalist in 1997. Retired as professor emerita after 34 years. Served in leadership roles with local American Association of University Women chapter, including two terms as president. Served on national AAUW Legal Advocacy Fund Development Committee (1998-2002). Received 1997 AAUW Georgia Achievement Award. Board member for Girls Inc., Columbus Alliance for Battered Women, Columbus Mayor’s Commission for Diversity, One Columbus, local Altrusa chapter and local Filipino American Association chapter, where she served a term as president and led scholarship program. Founding member of local Asian Pacific Alliance. Served outreach program and was group leader of prayer ministry for St. Anne’s Catholic Church.
Carl Slater Porter, 91, May 29: Since 1961, served local chapter of American Red Cross in various capacities, including board member (chairman 1970-73), Southeastern Advisory Council (chairman 1973-74), Presidents Blood Advisory Committee, Executive Committee of Atlanta Regional Blood Committee and charter member of Georgia State Service Council (chairman 1994-96). Helped establish first local Blood Program in Columbus (1973). Clara Barton Award recipient (1997), highest honor given by local chapter. Board member for Southeastern Music Center and Columbus Symphony Orchestra. Past president of Green Island Country Club. Past member of Muscogee Lions Club. Past president of Sunday school class at St. Luke United Methodist Church, where he co-led telephone ministry and served on administrative board and finance committee. Financial consultant with Merrill Lynch for 40 years.
June
John Patterson, 99, June 4: Graduate of Central-Phenix City High School was governor of Alabama from 1959-63 and attorney general of the state from 1955-59. Served as a judge on Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals from 1984-97.
Annette Bender Less, 94, June 26: Along with husband, George, founded Green Acres Cemetery in 1953 as region’s first perpetual care cemetery for African Americans.
Rufus Marcel Riggs, 78, June 28: Served in U.S. Army for 28 years. Retired in 1989 as post command sergeant major at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. Worked as chief of various divisions in Public Services Department of Columbus Consolidated Government. Retired after 17 years as public services director. Served on advisory boards for FOCUS (Fellowship of Christians United in Service) in Harris County and Brown Bag of Columbus. Delivered meals for Brown Bag, even during his cancer treatments.
Dr. Franklin Julian Star, 87, June 28: After serving for two years as a surgeon and captain in U.S. Army, started Surgical Associates of Columbus in 1965. Worked for 37 years as a general surgeon and breast cancer specialist. American College of Surgeons fellow and diplomat for American Board of Surgery and National Board of Medical Examiners. Past chief of staff at The Medical Center and Doctors Hospital. Served on multiple committees there and at St. Francis Hospital. Past president and board member at Temple Israel. Known for precise weighing of corned beef to help prepare sandwiches for Deli Day. Past member of Muscogee County Library Board.
July
Miller Peterson “Pete” Robinson, 66, July 1: In 1984, elected to start serving Columbus in Georgia House of Representatives. Part of delegation that persuaded legislature to pass law allowing 1% sales tax option for consolidated governments. In 1990, elected to Georgia Senate and became Gov. Zell Miller’s floor leader. Helped pass historic legislation in 1992 to establish Georgia Lottery, which funds the state’s prekindergarten program and was expanded in 1993 to fund HOPE Scholarship for college. Became senate majority leader and the only senate president pro-tem nominated by leaders in both parties. In 1994, bill he sponsored on behalf of Miller to change state flag failed but laid groundwork for Confederate battle emblem’s eventual removal. After not seeking re-election in 1994, became successful lobbyist and governmental affairs attorney for Atlanta law firms Troutman Sanders and King & Spalding. Played key role in public-private partnerships that helped produce signature facilities in Columbus, including RiverCenter for the Performing Arts (2002), Columbus Public Library (2005) and Columbus campus for Mercer University School of Medicine (2021).
Evelyn Turner Pugh, 71, July 10: First Black woman elected to Columbus Council and Mayor Pro Tem. Served as District 4 representative on council for more than three decades, first winning election in 1988. Resigned in 2019 due to health conditions. Worked for 20 years at Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Georgia and 15 years at SunTrust Bank. In 2007, named one of Georgia’s top public servants by Georgia Trend magazine. Appointed to Georgia Policy Council on Children and Families in 1995, University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute of Government Advisory Committee in 1995, and Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Funding Study Committee in 1998. Also appointed chairwoman of National League of Cities’ Public Safety & Crime Prevention Steering Committee in 1996, when she worked with former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno and U.S. Department of Justice to increase flexibility in use of grants from Community-Oriented Policing Services. Elected as Georgia Chair of Women in Municipal Government in 1995 and president of Georgia Municipal Association in 1999. Also served on National League of Cities board and advisory council. Locally, served on boards for Girls Inc., St. Francis Hospital, Columbus Technical College, Columbus Housing Initiative, Liberty Theatre and Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation. Member of Columbus chapter of The Links. In 2012, Columbus chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity presented her with Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Award.
John Thomas “Tom” Helton, 72, July 18: Executive director of CSU Foundation Properties. Retired from Columbus State University in 2019 as vice president for business and finance. Helped CSU expand and spark other downtown development. Served on several task forces and committees for University System of Georgia. Board member for RiverCenter for the Performing Arts and Uptown Columbus. Deacon at Bethesda Baptist Church, taught in Sunday school, sang in choir and played in praise band.
Frances Castleberry Williamson Keightley, 92, July 18: First female real estate broker in Columbus. Owner of Frances Williamson Realty. Founding member and past president of Columbus Soroptimist Club.
Jacqualyn W. “Jacki” Lowe, 67, July 18: First female officer at Southern Company, which owns Georgia Power and Alabama Power. Retired in 2015 as region vice president for Georgia Power. Voluntarily filled CEO vacancy at Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers, whose board she chaired, until full-time CEO could be hired. Community involvement also included chairing Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce board and serving as board member for National Infantry Museum Foundation, Columbus 2025, Columbus Development Authority (secretary), Kinetic Credit Union Supervisor Committee, United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley, Georgia Power Ambassadors (first vice president), Rotary Club of Columbus (past officer), Regional Prosperity Initiative (tri-chair), Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley, Columbus State University Business Advisory Council, Columbus Regional Health Foundation, Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation, Columbus Technical College Foundation, Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia and Valley Partnership Joint Development Authority (past chair).
Helen Langley Calhoun, 88, July 26: Past president of St. Francis Hospital Auxiliary. Served as Pink Lady for more than 20 years. Sunday school volunteer for 35 years at First Baptist Church. Junior League member.
Glen “Ford” Rutherford, 71, July 28: Spent part of childhood in Columbus. After serving as paratrooper during Vietnam War, started broadcast news career in 1970 at James Brown’s radio station, WRDW, in Augusta, Ga., where “The Godfather of Soul” shortened Glen’s surname to Ford. Also worked at radio stations in Columbus, Atlanta, Baltimore and Washington. Created syndicated, half-hour, weekly news magazine called “Black World Report.” In 1974, joined Mutual Black Network (88 stations), where he was correspondent at Capitol Hill, State Department and White House and Washington Bureau Chief while producing daily radio commentary. In 1977, co-launched, produced and hosted “America’s Black Forum,” the first nationally syndicated Black news interview program on commercial TV. In 1987, launched “Rap It Up,” the first nationally syndicated hip-hop music show, aired on 65 radio stations. Organized three national rap music conventions and wrote hip-hop column for Jack the Rapper’s Black radio trade magazine. Became national political columnist for Encore American & Worldwide News magazine. In 2002, co-founded BlackCommentator.com. In 2006, helped launch Black Agenda Report, which he published weekly until his death.
August
Benjamin “Dayton” Preston, 90, Aug. 5: Organized ownership group that bought Columbus Astros minor league baseball team in 1978 and operated it for 10 years. Worked as senior vice president at Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce. Also worked as bailiff in Muscogee County courts. Served as greeter at First Baptist Church and marshal at Bull Creek Golf Course.
Myrtis “Luke” Roach Jr., 86, Aug. 5: Retired U.S. Army major was past president of Valley Rescue Mission and Carver Heights Presbyterian Church board of trustees, where he also served as an elder. Owner of Red Racer Courier.
Dr. George Epps Lipscomb, 85, Aug. 11: Earned a Bronze Star for medical service to U.S. Army during Vietnam War. As diagnostician for Radiology Associates, where he became president, brought angioplasty and other special procedures to Columbus. Honored in 2005 by American Heart Association and in 2012 by Charles E. Butler Service and Leadership Award. Chaired boards at St. Paul United Methodist Church and Brookstone School. Served as Little League coach.
Murray Daniel “Dan” Gray Jr., 87, Aug. 12: Served on Muscogee County School Board for five years, 1975-79, when members were appointed by grand jury. Business career included leading trust department at Columbus Bank and Trust, owning Georgia Printing Company, working as executive vice president of United Oil Corporation and co-founding Child Care Network. Served on boards for Troy State University, University of West Georgia, Columbus Museum, South Trust Bank and Colony Bank. Help fund restoration of Pittsview Baptist Church.
Chris Losonsky, 71, Aug. 14: In 1976, along with partners, opened Speakeasy restaurant. Part IV ownership group also ran Twelfth Street Deli and Tavern Off Broadway. Served on several community boards. Helped bring Arts in the Park to Lakebottom.
Sarah Wright Simpson, 89, Aug. 15: Past chairwoman of Georgia Daughters of the American Revolution and regent for Oglethorpe chapter. Past president of Columbus Students Club.
Dr. Martha Downs Clements, 80, Aug. 28: Along with her husband, Mack, operated the only medical clinics in Pine Mountain and Greenville for 48 years, until 2015. Worked for five years at West Georgia Medical Center in LaGrange before retiring in 2020. Chaired boards for Harris County Board of Health and First Methodist Church of Pine Mountain, where she also taught Sunday school and played handbells in the choir.
September
Donald Campbell Bowman, 86, Sept. 4: Retired lieutenant colonel inducted into Ranger Hall of Fame in 2011 after decorated 20-year U.S. Army career. Served as treasurer of National Ranger Memorial Foundation for 18 years. Worked as certified public accountant for 30 years. Founding member and past president of Rotary Club of Muscogee-Columbus.
Judge Mary A. Buckner, 73, Sept. 10: First Black woman to graduate from Mercer University’s law school (1973) and first Black woman to be appointed Recorder’s Court judge in Columbus (1984). Served on bench until retiring in 2019. The Black Law Students Association Alumni Council at Mercer honored her with its Trailblazer Award in 2020. Community involvement included serving as president of Columbus Technical College board and president of Georgia Legal Services Program. Partner in Bishop & Buckner law firm, practicing with Sanford Bishop from 1978-92, before he was elected to Congress.
Ellis Warren Pope, 87, Sept. 10: Served as board chairman for Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce, Muscogee Lions Club, Columbus Toastmasters, Columbus Jaycees and Columbus Life Insurance Underwriters Association. Started business career at Columbus Bank and Trust, then opened local Franklin Life Insurance Company office. Served as deacon and Sunday school teacher at Lakewood Baptist Church.
Melvin Gordon Satlof, 94, Sept. 16: Served in South Pacific during World War II. Left U.S. Navy as a lieutenant. Established CPA firm that became Satloff, Hirsch and Fingerhut in Columbus. Founding board member for Pine Manor and Oak Manor nursing homes and Doctors Hospital. Active in Lions Club, Kiwanis Club and SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives). Board member at Temple Israel and Shearith Israel. Led local branch of Jewish Welfare Federation. Helped find jobs for Jewish immigrants in Columbus. Organized consortium that bought Victory Lanes bowling alley adjacent to Fort Benning to provide integrated recreation in 1960s, when many places still were racially segregated.
Patricia Leah Bassett Chitwood, 65, Sept. 26: First female business editor at Ledger-Enquirer. During 29-year career, helped lead Beyond 2000 civic journalism project, chaired Newspapers in Education program and served on editorial board. Retired as L-E’s circulation director. Servant leader for St. Luke United Methodist Church, Kiwanis Club, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Council for Child Abuse Prevention, Carson McCullers Center for Writers & Musicians and Muscogee County Library Book Sale.
October
Thomas Stephens Snyder, 75, Oct. 1: Helped establish House of Mercy. Active in prison ministry. Served on local Boys & Girls Clubs board. Owner of Tom’s Lawn and Garden Center.
Dennis W. Calhoun, 89, Oct. 2: Banking career included stints as president of Home Federal Savings & Loan, founding president of First Columbus Community Bank and interim president of Regions Bank. Retired as executive vice president of Columbus Community Bank. Served on grand-jury appointed Muscogee County School Board (1973-83) including final two years as vice president. Also served as deacon for First Baptist Church, campaign chairman and president for United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley and president of Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce.
Tommy Bassett, 75, Oct. 5: Educator in Muscogee County School District for 32 years, including principal of Eastway Elementary School (now called Lonnie Jackson Academy) and assistant principal of River Road Elementary School.
Barschall Andrews II, 85, Oct. 22: Elected judge of Muscogee County Probate Court in 1992. Served until retirement in 1997. Practiced law with Tom Buck and Harry Dicus.
Joseph Levi “Joe Lee” Dunn Sr., 75, Oct. 26: Undersized but overachieving dual-threat quarterback at Columbus High School in early 1960s. Set school records with 1,596 total yards and 23 touchdowns in 1963 and named to Southern and Georgia Class AAA all-star teams. After playing for Tennessee-Chattanooga, worked as assistant coach at his alma mater (1971-79) and New Mexico (1980-82), then was head coach at New Mexico for four seasons (1983-86), compiling a 17-30 record. Defensive coordinator at South Carolina (1987-88) when Gamecocks were an independent program before playing their first SEC season in 1992. After stint at Memphis State (1989-91), where he is credited with inventing 3-3-5 defensive scheme, got his first SEC job as defensive coordinator at Mississippi (1992-93) and head coach in 1994, when Rebels went 4-7. Returned to being defensive coordinator with stints at Arkansas (1995), Mississippi State (1996-2002), back to Memphis (2003-05), New Mexico State (2008) and McMurry (2009-12). In between, coached Ridgeway High School in Tennessee (2006-07). Inducted into the Chattahoochee Valley Sports Hall of Fame in 2013.
Rick Cates Gordon, 68, Oct. 29: Columbus Parks and Recreation Department director from 1988-97. Helped prepare city to host 1996 Olympic softball competition and upgrade facilities to attract other events and teams. Executive director of Greater Columbus Sports and Events Council for a year before becoming successful real estate agent with Bowden Brokers of Phenix City then Century 21 Premier Real Estate of Columbus.
November
Geraldine “Geri” Davis, 82, Nov. 4: Columbus artist’s paintings hang on walls around the world. Also known as excellent art teacher. Amy Sherald, the nationally acclaimed artist who painted the official portrait of former first lady Michelle Obama, credits Davis for recognizing her potential and nurturing her talent at St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School. Developed scholarship fundraiser for College of Liberal Arts at her alma mater, Auburn University. In 2000, won Georgia Watercolor Society’s Membership Award, and GWS selected her artwork to tour the state. Won first place in 2005 Watercolor Society of Alabama Member Show. Chaired art show at Riverfest in Columbus. Served in leadership positions as state and local president of National League of American Pen Women, president of Southern Watercolor Society and chairwoman of Joseph House Art Gallery in Columbus, which became Gallery on Tenth and where she most recently served on board as vice president. Also served on Dean’s Advisory Council for College of Liberal Arts and Board of the Women’s Leadership Institute at Auburn University. Founding member and board adviser for Bo Bartlett Center and Columbus State University’s Friends of Art. Named a Gracious Lady of Georgia in 2005 and Girl Scouts of America Woman of Distinction in 2008.
William Wayne Whatley, 82, Nov. 11: Owner/pharmacist at Whatley’s Pharmacy in Columbus and retired as chief pharmacist at CVS Pharmacy on Hilton Avenue. Past president of Georgia District 3 Pharmacy Association. Received association’s Most Outstanding President Award in 1985 and Merck Sharp & Dohme Award for outstanding achievement in the profession of pharmacy in 1992. Appointed by Gov. Zell Miller to serve on Georgia State Board of Pharmacy from 1992-97. Samford Society member for donations to Auburn University Foundation. Served as officer for Coweta Falls Chapter of Sons of the American Revolution.
Richard Grifenhagen, 89, Nov. 12: Past president of Peachtree Mall and Columbus Square Mall merchant associations while operating Katz Home Fashions. Past president of Shearith Israel and past board member at Temple Israel. Helped serve food to soldiers after Jewish prayer services at Fort Benning. Former marshal at Bull Creek Golf Course. Graduated from U.S. Military Academy in 1954. Commissioned as a first lieutenant. Deployed to Korea. Served as national guardsman. Member of Jewish War Veterans and Service Corps of Retired Executives.
Joe Slade Johnson Jr., 82, Nov. 15: Retired U.S. Army colonel served as Talbot County probate judge for 15 years. Chairman of Talbot County Development Authority. Founding member of Talbot County Chamber of Commerce. Board member for Family Connection, Columbus Technical College and People’s Bank of Georgia.
Mary Kirkpatrick Reed, 100, Nov. 18: Retired executive secretary for Rotary Club of Columbus. Club named its annual “Service Above Self” award after her. Served at St. Luke United Methodist Church as travel coordinator for older adults, youth director and lay leader. Church created garden in her honor. Delivered for Meals on Wheels. Selected as a Gracious Lady of Georgia. Known for displaying Christmas decorations all year.
December
Dewilda Dixon “Dillie” Elliott, 71, Dec. 7: Served for 19 years on Russell County Board of Education. Worked as secretary in school system for Ladonia and Dixie elementary schools and superintendent. Also served as secretary for Russell County Commission for 2½ years.
Burton Arnold Lesh, 87, Dec. 7: Past president of Reese Road Elementary School PTA, Columbus chapter of Sertoma (Service to Mankind) and Columbus Aquatic Club. Retired as lieutenant colonel after 21 years of active duty in U.S. Army. Worked second career for 25 years in financial services.
William C. “Chris” Jiles, 72, Dec. 14: Served as president of Georgia Association of Realtors in 2019, preceded by five years as vice president. President of Columbus Board of Realtors in 2017 and twice named as board’s Realtor of the Year. At time of death, was a National Association of Realtors committee vice chairman, Georgia Multiple Listing Service Board member and co-owner of RE/MAX Champions Realty.
Gerald Kent, 95, Dec. 22: After serving in U.S. Navy during World War II, helped establish Fort Benning’s human resources research office in 1952. Worked at Kiralfy’s department store in Columbus and became its president and CEO. Past president of Columbus Symphony Orchestra, Jewish Federation of Columbus and Valley Senior Golf Association. Past board member for Temple Israel and Wynnton Neighborhood Network.
Clifford Jewett Swift III, 83, Dec. 31: After serving two years in U.S. Navy as a corpsman and working for two years at accounting firm Arthur Andersen, worked for 30 years at Columbus Bank and Trust, including as comptroller, and retired as vice president of the trust department. Involved in Junior Achievement, Kiwanis Club, St. Thomas Episcopal Church and Historic Columbus Foundation. Supporter of Columbus State University Schwob School of Music, Columbus Museum and Chattahoochee Valley Episcopal Ministries.
This story was originally published December 30, 2021 at 6:00 AM.
