They died in 2022. How these notable folks connected to the Columbus area made an impact
In ways as varied as their names, these folks connected to Columbus and the Chattahoochee Valley lived notable lives before they died in 2022:
January
Retired Maj. Charlie Lee Golden Jr., 78, Jan. 10: Served public safety for 34 years, rising to major in Columbus Police Department, then senior warden of Muscogee County Prison. Involved in Leadership Columbus Alumni and Crime Stoppers.
Harold Whitman, 91, Jan. 14: As an education professor, helped Columbus College receive accreditation to become Columbus State University. Directed master’s and specialist’s degree programs for reading education. Founded and directed CSU clinic to help children and adults become better readers. Served on Columbus Literacy Council board.
Sam Sumner Singer, 93, Jan. 15: Instrumental in state’s decision to buy Providence Canyon and preserve it as state park. Along with mother and sister, donated land to establish Historic Westville. Served on Westville’s board for 54 years. President of Singer Company, working in real estate development, home building, farming and peanut processing.
Effie Campbell Siegling Bowers, 100, Jan. 19: Along with husband, Lloyd Guyton Bowers Jr., restored historic Columbus house called Dinglewood. Surprised many when they had it painted pink. Volunteered at Columbus Boys Club. Member of St. Francis Hospital Guild, Columbus Junior League, Colonial Dames and Trinity Church Altar Guild. Supported Columbus State University Schwob School of Music, Historic Columbus Foundation, National Civil War Naval Museum and Trinity Church. Honored Lady by HCF for supporting historic preservation. Gunby Jordan Award recipient for supporting Columbus Symphony Orchestra. Received 2007 Congressional recognition for community service.
Judge Sherrell Terry, 45, Jan. 19: Talbot County judge presided over probate and magistrate courts. Elected in 2020 after father, John Terry, retired from position he served for 12 years. Served on New Horizons Behavioral Health board since 2017, arranging events to educate residents about mental health, substance abuse and housing.
Dr. William David Varner Jr., 70, Jan. 21: Along with Dr. Chuck Scarborough, Dr. Luther Wolff and Dr. William Wolff, formed Columbus Surgical Associates. Served on boards for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Chattahoochee Valley, Springer Opera House, Columbus Symphony Orchestra, Leadership Georgia, Chattahoochee Valley Community Foundation, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, Synovus, St. Paul United Methodist Church and St. Francis Hospital. Past president of Muscogee County Medical Society and Columbus Ballet. After 2000 accident left him quadriplegic, became consultant for St. Francis and Aflac and focused on community philanthropy. Chaired six-year capital campaign for Easter Seals of West Georgia.
Lt. Gen. (retired) Robert L. “Sam” Wetzel, 91, Jan. 20: Commander of Fort Benning from 1981-83 among many posts in 34-year U.S. Army career. National Infantry Association awarded him 2018 Doughboy Award, its highest honor. One of only three Spirit of the Infantry Award recipients, given by Chief of Infantry for lifetime of service.
Carlos Wayne “Sonny” Galbreath, 85, Jan. 24: Co-owner of Class AA minor baseball team Columbus Astros from 1979-89. Former U.S. Army captain practiced dentistry from 1965-92. Served as officer on boards for Sertoma Club and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Also served on Evangel Temple board and involved in church’s men’s ministries, homebound visitation and 15 mission trips. Coached team in Little League for 14 years.
Carol Hutcheson, 74, Jan. 24: Retired as principal of East Columbus Magnet Academy in 2007 after working for 38 years in Muscogee County School District. Also was principal of Georgetown and Key elementary schools, assistant principal of Carver and Waddell elementary schools, taught reading in Title I programs at Wood, Georgetown, Rigdon, St. Elmo and Johnson elementary schools and third grade at Wesley Heights Elementary School. Served on local boards for American Red Cross, Alpha Chi Omega and Georgia Elementary Principals Association. Helped youth program at First Presbyterian Church. Served as elder at Grace Presbyterian Church.
Russell “Russ” Carreker, 57, Jan. 25: President of C3 Property Investments. Chairman of Columbus Development Authority since 2016. Third Congressional District representative on Georgia Department of Transportation board since February 2021. Chairman of Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce 2008-09. Involved in Columbus 2025 Implementation Committee, StartUp Columbus, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Chattahoochee Valley, Columbus State University Foundation, National Infantry Museum, Magnolia Manor, Fellowship of Christian Athletes of West Georgia, Brookstone School (volunteer football coach) and Auburn Football Lettermen’s Club (chairman). Former vice president at Columbus Bank and Trust. Played linebacker at Auburn from 1983-86. Named team’s most improved linebacker in spring of 1985 and 1986.
February
Robena Gaines Flakes, 86, Feb. 5: As wife of the late Rev. Johnny Flakes Jr., served as first lady of Fourth Street Missionary Baptist Church and Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church simultaneously for more than 50 years. Cofounder of Fourth Street Daycare Academy. Past women’s president of East Alabama Progressive Association. Honored as Rose Parks Woman of Courage by Sisters Inc., in collaboration with local chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. Worked as teacher’s aide at Reese Road Elementary School.
William Patrick Webb, 73, Feb. 11: Served on Columbus Urban League board. Member of Muscogee County Rotary Club, Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Columbus Alumni Association, Sons of Confederate Veterans and Striplin Terrace United Methodist Church. Owned chain of Precision Tune Auto Repair franchises. Concluded service in U.S. Navy as personnelman first class.
Anthony Joseph Allen, 100, Feb. 14: Former chairman of Pacelli High School Board and Holy Family Catholic Church Parish Council and former secretary and treasurer of St. Anne School Board. Past president of Mr. and Mrs. Club and Columbus Cruising Club. Served in U.S. Army from 1943-46 during World War II at Gen. MacArthur’s headquarters in Philippines. After returning to Columbus, continued working for City Mills as freight and billing clerk. In 1956, began 33-year career with Jordan Company, including stints as vice president, secretary and treasurer, as well as general manager of Green Island Country Club and real estate broker. During 100th birthday celebration, received proclamation from Mayor Skip Henderson, Quilt of Valor from Steve Scott and Order of St. Maurice Medal from retired Lt. Col. Michael Denehy on behalf of National Infantry Association.
Isla Hunter Hamburger, 94, Feb. 21: Served as treasurer of Heritage Tours and Heritage Ball of Historic Columbus Foundation. Past treasurer of Columbus Chapter of Colonial Dames. Past secretary of Ivy Garden Club. Sustaining member of Columbus Junior League. Supporter of Columbus Symphony Orchestra and Columbus State University.
Charleen Brown Robinson, 58, Feb. 24: Principal of Rigdon Road Elementary School for 14 years, part of 26 1/2 years working in Muscogee County School District. Started as teacher at Eastway Elementary School (now named Lonnie Jackson Academy). Became academic coach before promotion to assistant principal, shared between Martin Luther King Jr. and South Columbus elementary schools.
William Franklin “Frank” Roberts, 92, Feb. 26: First publicly elected mayor of Phenix City (1972-76). Elected in 1970 as Phenix City Commissioner. Member of Kiwanis, Jaycees, Crawford Masonic Lodge and Phenix City Shrine Club. Played on Silver Bullets softball team that won senior national championship. Owned and operated Red Dot Motors for more than 60 years.
March
Beverly Ann Wright Mobley, 88, March 3: Taught fourth grade at Gentian Elementary School (1955-57) and Double Churches Elementary School (1963-68) then as a substitute. Served two terms as president of Azalea Garden Club as well as district director and state board member. Also served as member of Brookstone School board, Springer Opera House guild, Green Island Garden Club, Mount Zion Baptist Church and charter member of Anne Elizabeth Shepherd Home auxiliary.
J. William “Bill” Hortman, 72, March 4: Retired as deputy superintendent of Muscogee County School District. Worked in MCSD for 20 years. Previous positions included research and evaluation director and assistant superintendent for personnel. Taught at Columbus State University and Troy University. Served on St. Luke United Methodist Church administrative board and participated in Sunday school and Bible study.
Theola Barrow, March 8: Director of House of Mercy homeless shelter from 1994-2006, succeeding her mother, Ocie Harris, who founded the faith-based organization in 1977.
Ruby Mixon, 93, March 9: Past president of Georgia Society of Nursing Home Activities Directors. Worked at Pine and Oak Manor Nursing Homes for more than 40 years. Also worked for 30 years at Waddell Elementary School and Crystal Valley Recreation Center. Awarded lifetime membership in Waddell PTA. Supervised children during after-school and summer activities in Midland and Crystal Valley. Taught arts and crafts to students whose projects won ribbons at Chattahoochee Valley Fair. Member of St. Francis Hospital Auxiliary and Midland Methodist Church.
Edward F. Robinson, 95, March 12: Retired assistant superintendent of Harris County School District. Also worked as principal of former Harris County Carver High School and director of HCSD’s Title I and Title II federal programs during 42-year career. Served as deacon, trustee and member of finance committee and choir at First African Baptist Church.
Jeremy Williams, 50, March 13: Standout undersized but overachieving football player at Kendrick High School and University of Memphis. Coached Greenville High School to undefeated 2009 regular season after being diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehirig’s disease) the previous year. Served as father figure for underprivileged players. Named 2009 National High School Football Coach of the Year by National High School Coaches Association. Inducted into Chattahoochee Valley Sports Hall of Fame in 2014. Overall record of 55-40 and one region championship in nine seasons as Greenville’s head football coach (2002-10).
Alan Knight “Al” Fleming, 91, March 13: Worked in TV news at all three Columbus stations during broadcasting career from 1966-2015. Won several Emmy Awards for controversial commentaries. Owned popular nightclub Al Who’s Place, which opened on Buena Vista Road in 1975 and moved to Sidney Simons Boulevard in 1988 before selling it in 2003. Also owned Dipper Dan’s ice cream shop, the Bronze Boot bar and Fleming’s Prime Time Restaurant.
Dr. Champ Baker Jr., 75, March 18: Renowned orthopedic surgeon retired from Hughston Clinic, where he served as president from 1994-2000, and was chairman of the Hughston Foundation. Served as president of Southern Orthopaedic Association, Georgia Orthopaedic Society, Georgia Shoulder and Elbow Society and American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. Team physician for local and regional athletic teams, including University of Alabama and Columbus State University, where he was past president of CSU Board of Trustees and served on board of Bo Bartlett Center. Served on U.S. Olympic Committee as volunteer physician. Authored “Hughston Clinic Sports Medicine Field Manual.” Inducted in 2011 into Chattahoochee Valley Sports of Hall of Fame, where he served on board. Helped bring MercyMed in Columbus to provide indigent healthcare and volunteered his medical services there.
Darius S. Slusher, 92, March 19: After 30-year U.S. Army career, including two tours in Vietnam, worked for 16 years at Columbus Technical College. Retired as vice president for student services. Served as voter registrar in Lee County, president of Bleeker Ruritan Club and volunteer for Juvenile Conference Committee.
Willie Maude Jones, 97, March 27: Worked for 36 years in Muscogee County schools, including Manly Taylor, Davis, Marshall and Forrest Road, before retiring in 2000. Began as cook and advanced to cafeteria manager. Served as president, secretary and treasurer of cafeteria workers organization. Served as youth and young adults director at Galilee Baptist Church from 1963-2009. Helped establish church’s book scholarship fund for students pursuing postsecondary education. Also served as secretary for church and Sunday school, teacher of adult and primary classes, president of senior choir, mission, beautification and deaconess, youth adviser, leader of vacation Bible school, Christmas and Easter programs. Served as youth adviser and treasurer for Mount Carmel Women’s Convention.
Mary Alice “Judy” Williams Butts, 89, March 28: Served as Emergency Medical Service director for Stewart County. Original owner of Kissin’ 99.3 FM radio station. Member of Historic Columbus Foundation, Stewart County Historical Commission, Anne Elizabeth Shepherd Home for Girls and Lumpkin United Methodist Church.
F. Edward Lummus II, 84, March 30: As board member for Historic Linwood Association, donated and arranged for transportation of family’s chapel from Juniper to Linwood Cemetery, where it was renovated to become special-events facility. Served in multiple positions for Georgia Mortgage Bankers Association. Twice elected outstanding member. Also member of Kiwanis Club and played Santa Claus for Salvation Army.
April
John Paul Illges III, 87, April 3: Elected to Columbus Council in 1968, serving for four years. Served on boards for Columbus Bank and Trust, Synovus, TSYS, Brookstone School, LaGrange College and St. Francis Hospital. Served as elder at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. Worked at family business Lummus Industries, then as stockbroker at Johnson Lane Space & Smith and financial adviser at Robinson-Humphrey before retiring in 2001.
Robert N. “Bob” Kidd Sr., 62, April 24: As architect with Hecht Burdeshaw, buildings he helped design include Feeding the Valley, Mercer University School of Medicine’s Columbus campus, Dorothy Height Elementary School, Easter Seals of West Georgia, Valley Healthcare System’s south Columbus facility, Columbus Hospice House addition, Northside High School auditorium and Columbus Public Library. Served on boards for Historic Columbus Foundation, United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley, Columbus Board of Historic and Architectural Review and Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation (2009-10 chairman). Member of Rotary Club of Columbus, Kiwanis Club and Leadership Columbus Alumni. At Northside Baptist Church, served as deacon, Sunday school teacher and member of finance and usher committees.
Earle Lasseter, 88, April 29: Decorated career in U.S. Army included wartime service in Vietnam. Achieved rank of colonel. Served for 21 years in Army JAG Corps, including 17 years as Staff Judge Advocate at 82nd Airborne Division, U.S. Army Forces Command and Fort Benning. After military retirement, joined law firm Pope McGlamry Kilpatrick Morrison & Norwood. Served as national treasurer of American Bar Association for five years.
May
William “Mizell” Alexander, 76, May 6: Retired after 33-year banking career that included working as first vice president at SunTrust (now Truist) and vice president/marketing director at First National (now Wells Fargo). Volunteered for 20 years with Meals on Wheels through St. Luke United Methodist Church. Supporter of Historic Columbus Foundation, Historic Linwood Foundation, Riverdale Cemetery Foundation, Friday Friars and Columbus Museum. Former board member for Columbus Botanical Garden.
Russell Wayne Andrews, 83, May 14: Retired as lieutenant colonel after 23 years in U.S. Army. As vice president for military banking at Columbus Bank and Trust, helped open CB&T branch at Fort Benning. Past board chairman for Military Banks of America, Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce Civilian-Military Council and Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers. Past president of Association of the United States Army Fort Benning Chapter and member of advisory board at Army level. Served as ruling elder and treasurer at First Presbyterian Church. Rotary Club of Columbus member.
Jimmie Habersham, 90, May 23: Became first Black administrator at Columbus High School when transferred from Carver High School during integration in 1971. Served as assistant principal at Columbus High for 24 years until retirement. Taught math for three years and worked as dean of boys for four years at Carver. At M.L. Harris United Methodist Church, chaired trustee board for more than 40 years and volunteered in food pantry to help families in need.
Bob Durrett Hydrick, 83, May 28: After serving on commission that wrote charter consolidating Columbus with Muscogee County in 1971 — first consolidated city/county government in Georgia history — elected as mayor in 1973 and served until 1975, filling unexpired term left by J.R. Allen, who died in plane crash. Executive with RC Cola. Part of grassroots group that kept historic Springer Opera House from being demolished to make room for parking garage in 1963. Worked on 1964 campaign that helped Bo Callaway become first Republican elected to Congress from Georgia since Reconstruction. Honored as Columbus Jaycees Man of the Year and one of five Outstanding Young Men of Georgia in 1970. Past chairman of Muscogee County Republican Party. Credited for having conversation with President Richard Nixon in 1972 that led to Columbus, which was largest U.S. city not on interstate highway system, becoming connected via I-185 in 1979. His mayoral administration laid foundation for hospital authority that issued bonds without need for public referendum to build new city hospital. Planning for new convention center also started during his administration, as did downtown revitalization. After term as mayor ended, started marketing and management company, working with local businesses such as First National Bank, Southern Foods, Hughston Sports Medicine Hospital, Kirven’s Department Store and Kinnett Dairies, for whom he secured Atlanta Braves star Dale Murphy as spokesman. Past president of Columbus Kiwanis, Clubview Elementary School PTA, Hardaway High School PTA, Peach Little League, Iron Works Convention and Trade Center. Deacon and Sunday school teacher at First Baptist Church. Taught at St. Luke United Methodist Church. Served as board member for Boys & Girls Club of the Chattahoochee Valley and Trees Columbus. Political consultant for election campaigns. Contributed opinion columns to Ledger-Enquirer.
Albert “Al” Pellegrino Jr., 56, May 30: Head football coach and athletics director at Shaw High School since being promoted from defensive coordinator before 2017 season. Volunteer for Fellowship of Christian Athletes and other community organizations. Known for motto, “No challenge, no change.”
June
Willis Eugene “Gene” Bunn, 87, June 11: Owned and operated Holiday House furniture story for 47 years. With wife, Sharon, gave Christmas presents to pediatric patients at Piedmont Columbus Regional hospital. Served as helper to Easter Bunny (Sharon) at St. Paul United Methodist Church. For 15 years, played trumpet in Bob Barr Community Band. Oldest member of local Mount Hermon Lodge. Also member of local Rotary and Exchange clubs.
Dr. George William Shannon Jr., 76, June 11: Worked as education director at The Medical Center and associate dean at Emory University and Medical College of Georgia from 1982-88. Entered private practice as founding member of Horizons Physician Network/Horizons Diagnostics Group. Associate and assistant clinical professor at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Gwinnett Georgia campus, and University of Tennessee. Retired in 2015. Served as chairman for Georgia Academy of Family Physicians and board member for American Academy of Family Physicians. Two-time recipient of Georgia academy’s President’s Award. Named as 1988 Family Physician of the Year by Georgia academy and Medical Association of Georgia.
Dean Martin Haulton, 87, June 21: Past president of Bridge of Columbus, nonprofit organization helping high school dropouts earn GED. Retired executive worked for Endicott Johnson Shoe Company, Ward White U.S. Holdings and W.C. Bradley Company. Supporter of Columbus Symphony, Springer Opera House and Atlanta Opera. Volunteered for Habitat for Humanity.
Brandon “Brad” Scott Griffith, 43, June 24: Clement Arts founder, using art to help adoptive and foster families through gospel-centered support and creative experiences. Served as youth pastor at Crawford Road Baptist Church, then as worship leader at Westminster Presbyterian Church, then as member of Christ Community Church. Writer and musician, worked majority of career at TSYS/Global Payments.
Fred Thomas Chamberlain, 77, June 25: Retired as vice president at Columbus Technical College after 30 years of employment. Served as president of Columbus Quarterback Club.
Allen W. Parham, 75, June 26: Past president of Columbus Board of Realtors, which named him Realtor of the Year in 2004. Life member of board’s Circle of Excellence since 1983. Managing director and co-owner of Bickerstaff Parham Real Estate. Served on American Cancer Society Leadership Council.
William Stephen “Bill” Harris III, 67, June 29: Served as Lee County’s coroner and East Alabama Medical Center’s EMS supervisor for 24 years. Received national attention for handling the 23 deaths from 2019 tornado in Beauregard. Past president of Alabama Coroners Association. First coroner in state to be certified as Diplomate by American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators. Served as president of Alabama Coroners Training Commission and board member for Alabama Organ Center Advisory Board, State Fatality Management Group, Lee County Child Death Review Team and Alabama Violent Death Reporting System.
July
Michael Donald Collins, 70, July 4: Columbus Jaycees 1977 Outstanding Young Man of the Year. Active in Georgia Republican Party for more than 40 years, leading campaigns and named 1984 Third District Grassroots Volunteer of the Year. Entrepreneur’s ventures included opening first ice skating rink in Columbus and successfully trading gold and silver.
Sanford Morgan Hussey, 82, July 13: Owner of Hussey’s Tire Jungle, in business for more than 35 years and famous on local TV for provocative late-night commercial that debuted in 1972. L-E columnist Richard Hyatt described it like this: “... with girls standing behind a fence that coyly hides their feminine attributes, the one that asks, ‘Gotta minute? I wanna show you somethin’ reeeealy fantastic.’”
William Bryan Hardegree, 89, July 18: Practiced law for 61 years with Hatcher Stubbs Land Hollis and Rothschild, then Hall Booth Smith. Served in U.S. Army Judge Advocate General Corps at Fort Benning. Past president of Columbus Bar Association and Muscogee County Law Library. Board member with Pickett and Hatcher Educational Fund, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, YMCA, Columbus Country Club, Columbus Legal Aid Society and a founding director of House of TIME, a residential treatment center for homeless women with addiction.
Henry E. Cullifer, 87, July 28: Worked as manager of former Kirven’s department store and Chancellor’s men’s store. Along with his wife, Jo, owned Famous Brand Uniforms. Past president of Columbus Exchange Club and Downtown Merchants Association. Member of Masonic Lodge, Order of Eastern Star, Jaycees and Midland United Methodist Church. Coached his sons’ youth sports teams.
Dr. Mary Wheatland Schley, 95, July 29: Played first violin for Columbus Symphony Orchestra. Also served CSO as board member and donor. Cofounded and conducted health centers, clinics and programs for disabled and indigent citizens. Chaired board of The Medical Center Hospital Authority and committee that led construction of replacement facility. Honored as recipient of Columbus Business and Professional Women’s Club 1979 Woman of the Year, Georgia Hospital Association 1980 Distinguished Service Award, Medical Association of Georgia 1991 Civic Endeavor Award and Rotary Club of Columbus 2002 Dan Reed Service Above Self Award. Cofounded and helped sustain Brookstone School, including as board chairwoman. Regional representative for Alumni Council of Yale University. Also served Springer Opera House, Columbus Museum and Junior League of Columbus. Columbus State University awarded her honorary doctorate in 2006 and named Schley Medical Sciences Suite in 2018 to recognize her contributions.
Charles Derrell Pattillo, 81, July 31: Retired in 2006 as vice president for business and finance after 22 years at Columbus State University. Previously worked for Aflac, Royal Crown Cola and General Cinemas. Active in Exchange Club of Columbus and Special Olympics. Volunteered for crisis hotlines.
August
Arthur B. “Skin” Edge III, 90, Aug. 9: Retired in 1996 as president of Columbus Mills. Served on boards for St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Trinity Episcopal Church, Twin Cedars Youth and Family Services, LaGrange and Columbus Rotary Clubs, Highland Country Club (president and six-time golf club champion), Green Island Country Club, Big Eddy Club and several textile-related organizations. Served two years in U.S. Navy. Played on Georgia Tech’s 1952 national championship football team.
Charles “Neal” Pope, 83, Aug. 11: Columbus lawyer served his clients by winning multimillion-dollar verdicts and served his country by leading platoon of Marines during Cuban Missile Crisis. As lieutenant participated in October 1962 blockade of Cuba. Commanded platoon on USS Thuben, part of landing force in Bay of Pigs. Highlights of law career include $50 million verdict in 1982 wrongful death case and $31 million verdict in 2018 case about botched circumcision. Also known for organic tomato and hemp farm in Salem, Alabama, which is self-sustaining, powered by geothermal and solar energy, uses reservoir water, and has hosted Auburn University and Alabama State University for research.
Gary Mason Stickles, 80, Aug. 21: Awarded key to city upon retiring in 2011 as Columbus Consolidated Government public services director. Twenty-year career with CCG also included positions as public services deputy director and manager of street maintenance and landfill divisions. Worked in civil service for U.S. Department of Defense 1985-1991. Served in U.S. Army for 23 years with deployments in Vietnam, Korea and Germany. Awarded a Silver Star by Gen Westmoreland and a Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. Achieved rank of sergeant major. Member of National Infantry Foundation 1775 Society, Veterans of Foreign Wars, National Infantry Association, Military Order of the Purple Heart and past member of Columbus Exchange Club.
Emma Jo Jones Ploeger, 80, Aug. 26: Girls Club teacher, eventually becoming president of local chapter’s board and receiving 1968 Distinguished Service Award from Girls Club International. Also served on boards for St. Francis Hospital and its foundation, Hospital Authority of Columbus, Columbus State University Schwob School of Music Patrons, Boy Scouts of America, Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce Medical Affairs, Springer Opera House, Historic Columbus Foundation and St. Paul United Methodist Church, where she taught at Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. Worked as fashion director at Kirven’s Department Store and in corporate relocation at Dan Parker Realty.
John “Johnny” M. Dudley, 85, Aug. 28: Instrumental in formation of Glenwood School. Past chairman of Phenix-Girard Bank board. At 23, bought Calhoun Lumber, changed name to Phenix Lumber and moved it to Cutrate Road, where it still operates 62 years later. Notasulga High School named its athletics complex after him.
George Emmett “Tripp” Wade III, 62, Aug. 30: Owner of Wade Companies, established by his grandfather in 1939. Through four generations, family business has operated Wade Cleaners, Wade Linen, ColorMac2 screen printing and embroidery, Henri’s Formal Wear and HooahWear military apparel. Board member for CSC Network, representing independent rental laundries in United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Past president and 32-year member at Rotary Club of Columbus. Three-year chairman and seven-year member of board for MidTown Inc., which works to sustain and enhance the city’s geographic center. Served as board member for Columbus Sports Council (2007-17) and Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce (1994-2000).
September
Robert Lamar Anderson, 79, Sept. 1: Retired in 2011 after two years as president of local division at Citizens Trust Bank. Worked for 36 years at Synovus/Columbus Bank and Trust. Became company’s first Black executive as vice president for governmental banking after growing up in public housing. Began career as science teacher in Muscogee County School District (two years at Baker Middle School) and ended it as MCSD substitute teacher. Served on MCSD board from 1979-88 when grand jury appointed members. Served for more than 30 years as chairman of Omega Psi Phi fraternity’s Purple and Gold Golf Tournament, which raises money for college scholarships. Tournament now named in his honor. Served for 12 years as board chairman for Liberty Theatre, where Robert Lamar Anderson Academy of Excellence arts program was established to help male students at Baker Middle School.
LTG (R) David E. Grange Jr., 97, Sept. 11: U.S. Army’s Best Ranger Competition at Fort Benning named in his honor. Served as paratrooper in Europe in WWII, Airborne Infantryman in Korea, Airborne Ranger and Paratrooper in multiple tours in Vietnam, Director of Ranger Department, commanded 2nd Infantry Division, U.S. Army Infantry Center and 6th U.S. Army. Retired in 1984 as lieutenant general after 41 highly decorated years of service.
Edwin “Ed” S. Poole Jr., 87, Sept. 12: President of Casual Corner in Columbus 1978-82. Returned to Columbus in 1988 as president of Sports Fantasy and The Game merchandising companies of W.C. Bradley. Organized merchandising and retail for 1996 Olympic Torch Relay. Served as Green Island Country Club board member. Active in Sunday school at St. Paul United Methodist Church.
Jean Newsome Berry, 98, Sept. 13: Columbus Symphony Orchestra board president 1972-74. Among driving forces behind renovation of Olmsted Garden at Columbus Museum. Began career teaching at Columbus Industrial High School, managed Casual Corner in Peachtree Mall, then sold real estate. Charter member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Served as vestry secretary at Trinity Episcopal Church. Volunteered at Callaway Gardens and as Pink Lady at St. Francis Hospital. Member of Ivy Garden Club, Phalo Study Club and Museum Guild Gardeners.
Kathryn “Kay” Hafner Agnew, 76, Sept. 23: High school English teacher at Spencer, Pacelli and Shaw. Honored as Ledger-Enquirer Page One Sara Spano Teacher of the Year in 1990 and three times as a STAR Teacher, given to the most influential teacher of the student with the highest SAT score at each Georgia high school. Coached four cross country teams to state championship.
October
George Michael “Mike” Dillon, 83, Oct. 8: Former president of two prominent Columbus companies, Tom’s Foods and Kinnett Dairies. Also served as president of National Snack Good and Potato Chip Association as well as board member for First National Bank and St. Francis Bradley Center. Volunteered for Service Corps of Retired Executives to help startups and small businesses.
Bruce King, 67, Oct. 12: Former human resources manager at Ledger-Enquirer and human resources director at Macon Telegraph. Served as president of Phenix City Lions Club. Reached rank of captain in U.S. Army.
Craig Lloyd, 82, Oct. 16: Retired professor of American history and archivist at Columbus State University. Author of “Eugene Bullard: Black Expatriate in Jazz-age Paris.”
William “Bill” Madison, 82, Oct. 23: President of NAACP Columbus chapter 2003-09. Retired from 20 years in U.S. Army. Worked as real estate broker and business owner with wife, Shirley.
The Rev. Col. Roy George Plummer, 84, Oct. 23: Retired U.S. Army colonel. Founder and senior pastor for 28 years at Faith Tabernacle Community Church. From 1998-2014, director of Army instruction for JROTC program in Muscogee County School District, which grew from 400 to 1,200 cadets and won state championships in rifle shooting, drill team and raider competitions. Founder of Plummer Home for homeless military veterans in 2010. Served as first president of SafeHouse Ministries and board member for St. Francis Hospital Foundation, Columbus Hospice, United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley, Boy Scouts of America Chattahoochee Council and Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce. Finished active-duty Army career as chief of chaplains at Fort Benning. Also served as Rotary International chaplain. Taught counseling as assistant professor at Columbus State University.
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Spencer Franklin “Spence” Sealy, 58, Oct. 24: Vice President of Advancement for Andrew College since 2018. Previously worked as senior associate vice president for development at Columbus State University, in addition to several other fundraising positions, including Florida State University Foundation. Active member of Rotary Club of Columbus and usher at St. Thomas Episcopal Church.
Gary Dewey Goodman, 76, Oct. 26: Entertained fans of Columbus Astros minor league baseball team while wearing WDAK “K Country Duck” mascot costume. Served on House of Heroes board and as Boy Scouts troop leader. Played in Bob Barr Community Band. Worked more than 40 years for Liberty Gas Company as service technician.
November
Sara “Lynne” Duke (Hamilton) Taylor, 75, Nov. 1: Career in social work included Bradley Center children’s services director and Anne Elizabeth Shepherd Home director. Raised money for Twin Cedars Youth & Family Services. Helped other breast cancer survivors. Active in Rotary Club.
Richard C. Hagler, 70, Nov. 10: Started law career in 1977 as assistant district attorney in Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit. Opened private practice in 1983. Provided legal defense for indigent criminal defendants. Past chairman of Columbus Golf Authority. Helped establish Oxbow Meadows Golf Course, bringing golf closer to underserved community in south Columbus. Past president of Columbus Historic District Preservation Society. Served as board member for Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Federal Defenders of the Middle District of Georgia, Boy Scouts of America Chattahoochee Council and Historic Columbus Foundation.
Louise “Biddy” Hammett, 93, Nov. 25: Selected as one of 1993 Gracious Ladies of Georgia, founded by former Columbus TV personality Rozell Fair Fabiani to honor women who help improve their community and show concern for other people. Initiator of Troup County Archive. Past chairwoman of Columbus Board of Historical and Architectural Review. Author and artist, with oil paintings hanging throughout United States and in Japan and Republic of Georgia. Cofounder of Chattahoochee Valley Art Association and Museum. Received national Daughters of the American Revolution medal for historic preservation and national Sons of the American Revolution Mollie Pitcher medal for research and contributions to preserving Kettle Creek Battle history. Taught approximately 30 years Sunday school at First Baptist Church in LaGrange. Led missionary circles and prayer groups.
December
Dorothy Pitman Hughes, 84, Dec. 1: Pioneering feminist, born in Lumpkin, dedicated herself to civil rights activism at age 10, when father was beaten and left at family’s doorstep by men believed to be Ku Klux Klan members. Worked with civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Opened West 80th Community Childcare Center in New York City. Was photographed with Gloria Steinem in iconic raised-fist image of feminist movement. Cofounded Women’s Action Alliance with Steinem and encouraged her to establish Ms. Magazine. Signed 1972 “We Have Had Abortions” campaign to promote pro-choice movement. Founder of New York City’s first shelter for battered women. Founder of Harlem Office Supply and sold stock in company for $1 per share so lower-income folks could invest in it. Portrayed by Janelle Monae in 2020 movie about Steinem, “The Glorias.”
James Kenneth Motley, 81, Dec. 10: Head coach of Jordan Vocational High School baseball team that 1971 won state championship, highlighting 30-year career as physical education teacher. Also coached football and golf at Jordan and Shaw.
Michael Neil Herndon, 83, Dec. 22: Former president for Rotary Club of Columbus (1989-90) and Big Eddy Club. Worked as human resources director for North American Denim Division of Dominion Textile, including Swift Textiles. Later worked in benefits management with Flowers & Herndon. While practicing law in Thomasville, served as state senator (1972-75). Served in U.S. Army, including deployment to Korea.
This story was originally published December 29, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
