In ways as varied as their names, these folks connected to Columbus and the Chattahoochee Valley lived notable lives and made a significant impact before they died in 2025:

January

Jim Wetherington, 87, Jan. 6: Mayor of Columbus 2007-11. Chief of Columbus Police Department 1981-95. Appointed by Gov. Zell Miller to Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles in 1995 (served three years). Appointed by Gov. Roy Barnes as Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner in 1999 (served four year). Became headmaster of Calvary Christian School in 2004. As mayor, credited with leading campaign that won approval by voters for 1% sales tax funding positions for 100 new police officers, and led efforts to settle $100 million wrongful death lawsuit filed in wake of Muscogee County Deputy David Glisson fatally shooting unarmed Kenneth Walker during a roadside stop. Georgia Police Chiefs Association named him 1994 Police Chief of the Year. Columbus and the Valley Magazine readers named him 1995 Columbusite of the Year. Columbus chapter of American Legion named him 1986 Outstanding Man of the Year.

Etta Branham Perry, 95, Jan. 7: Former Waverly Hall councilor oversaw city’s water works and maintenance department. Teaching career of 37 years included stints in Muscogee County School District and at Waverly Hall Elementary School. Served as Sunday school superintendent at Waverly Hall Methodist Church for more than 30 years and former trustee, administrative board and choir member at UMW. Member of Fountain City Twirlers and East Alabama-West Georgia Square Dance Federation.

Thomas S. “Tom” Gates, 80, Jan. 8: President of Port Columbus National Civil War Naval Museum (1983-2001). Helped lead 1986 fundraiser to build new facility for museum. Former board member for Columbus Rotary Club and Historic Columbus Foundation. Renovated four houses in Columbus Historic District. Received 2001 Sarah Turner Butler Heritage Award, HCF’s highest honor. In charge of housing teams for 1996 Olympics softball competition in Columbus and started Gates House Bed & Breakfast. Successful real estate developer, served as president of Institute of Real Estate Management’s South Georgia Chapter. Taught real estate classes at Columbus College in 1960s.

Eleanor Page Strickland, 88, Jan. 14: Past chairwoman of United Methodist Women Circle 9. Served on St. Luke Church administrative board and active in Sunday school. Volunteered with respite care and food pantry.

Faith Angevine Curran, 90, Jan. 17: Special-education teacher for 31 years (1971-2002) in Muscogee County School District. Taught at Allen, South Columbus, Edgewood and St. Marys Road elementary schools and at Northside High School. Meals on Wheels coordinator at St. Paul United Methodist Church. Community service also included Wesley Glen Ministries, Wynnton Neighborhood Network and Columbus Hospice.

Edward Eugene Hightower, 72, Jan. 22: Former head baseball coach at Central High School. Also taught at Phenix Christian School. Coached 13-year-old Phenix City Dixie Youth baseball team to 1997 World Series in Bossier City, Louisiana.

J. Edward “Ed” Wilson, 94, Jan. 28: Known for hard-hitting radio editorials on WDAK-540 AM’s What’s Your Answer program in 1960s. Hosted talk show Talkline on WRCG-1420 AM in 1980s. Publisher and editor of weekly Columbus newspaper called Thursday, funded by Aflac co-founder John Amos, 1973-74. Assistant on staff for Columbus mayors Bobby Peters (1995-2002) and Bob Poydasheff (2003-07). Adjunct minister for the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Columbus.

William Richard “Dick” McMichael, 94, Jan. 31: His 52-year broadcasting career, mostly in Columbus, included stints in radio at WDAK and in TV at WRBL and WTVM. Retired in 2000. Inducted into Georgia Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2020.

February

Sandra Davis, Feb. 1: Clerk of Columbus Council for six years, part of 38-year career in Columbus Consolidated Government, including 18 years as deputy clerk of council.

Robert Henley “Bob” Carpenter Sr., 95, Feb. 6: Served on Muscogee County School Board (1971-75). As an OB/GYN, delivered more than 6,000 babies in Columbus area from 1962-83.

Hugh Leonard “Lynn” Page, 84, Feb. 11: Considered to be the father of Total System Services (TSYS), the man behind the legendary dinner in 1974, when he made a deal for Columbus Bank and Trust to process credit cards for another bank. That deal led to the formation of TSYS, now part of Global Payments. Also among executives who grew CB&T into Synovus Financial. Retired in 1991 as Synovus vice chairman. With his wife, Ida, founded Columbus’ first contemporary Christian radio station, now 107.7 The Truth. They also helped found Grace Presbyterian Church ECO.

John D. Allen, 82, Feb. 16: Presided as State Court and Superior Court judge in Muscogee County combined 26 years before retiring in 2013. Inducted into for Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame in 2020 after decorated service (1966-73) in U.S. Air Force. Completed 284 combat missions during two tours in Southeast Asia. Awarded six Distinguished Flying Crosses and 23 Air Medals. Honorably discharged as a captain. Formed first integrated law firm in Columbus during 1970s with Bobby Peters, who became mayor and judge. Served as city attorney for Geneva, Georgia. Selected by Institute for Continuing Judicial Education of Georgia as mentor for newly appointed or elected judges. Selected by Georgia Supreme Court for Court Futures Vanguard, drafting proposals to improve state’s courts. Community service included membership on Columbus Airport Commission, Columbus High School Vocational Education Advisory Board, Urban League Board of Directors, Area 10 Special Olympics Advisory Board and African American Historic Preservation Society. In 2012, resigned as chairman of Georgia Judicial Qualifications Commission, which investigates and prosecutes judicial misconduct, and became first Black president of Rotary Club of Columbus.

Clifford Odell “Cliff” Rutledge, 92, Feb. 16: Radio broadcasting career spanned seven decades. Began with gospel show on WCLS in 1950s. Moved to WOKS in 1964 to start announcing sports. Honored by Samarc Foundation as “Community Legend” in 2012. Inducted into Chattahoochee Valley Sports Hall of Fame in 2014. Worked for 40 years in Phenix City Schools, including as principal of Susie E. Allen Elementary School and director of city’s Head Start and adult education programs.

Holly Beasley Wait, 64, Feb. 19: National Civil War Naval Museum director in Columbus for past 10 years. Helped museum recover after losing 30% of its budget when city withdrew funding.

March

Michael “Mike” Lee Regnier, 74, March 11: Among original faculty members as social studies teacher at Shaw High School when it opened in 1978. At various points in career there, served as athletics director, social studies department head and coach for wrestling, football and baseball. Previously taught at Kendrick High School. After retiring from Muscogee County School District, worked at Columbus State University College of Education and Health Professions as first-year teacher mentor.

John Richard “Dick” Stephenson, 82, March 14: During 44-year career (1976-2020) as orthopedic surgeon in Columbus, served multiple terms as chief of orthopedic surgery at St. Francis Hospital. Former president of Georgia Orthopaedic Society. Published author in several peer-reviewed journals. Bench in his honor placed on Columbus Country Club golf course.

Howell Anderson “Andy” Wasden III, 80, March 17: Family practice doctor in Warm Springs for 32 years (1978-2010). Community service included citizens advisory council and camp physician at Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, and team doctor and JV football coach at Flint River Academy. Board member at F&M Bank.

John “Bart” Herbert Steed, 66, March 18: Owner, CEO and founder of Kar-Tunes automobile electronics company. Ran three times as candidate for Muscogee County School District Board. Appointed to MCSD citizen advisory committees for school closings, alternative education, facilities management and ESPLOST. Member of automotive program advisory boards for Carver, Jordan and Spencer high schools. Helped establish Steed Foundation, which awards scholarships to students in honor of his mother, Frances Steed, namesake of city’s animal control center.

George Harold Casion, 83, March 21: Principal of four Muscogee County schools (Rothschild Junior High, alternative school, Daniel Junior High and Rose Hill Center) during 30-year MCSD career (1967-97). Coached at Columbus High and was assistant principal at Hardaway High. Played baseball at Columbus College and Troy State. Excelled in recreational fastpitch softball to be inducted into Blue-Gray Hall of Fame in Montgomery in 2000. Spearheaded establishment of Jordan Vocational High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

Carlton Garner, 89, March 21: Captain of Baker High School’s 1954 state championship basketball team while ranking second on state scoring list that season and wowing crowds with acclaimed hook shot. Averaged 18 points per game (fifth in SEC that season) and earned All-SEC senior year at University of Mississippi. Taught history and physical education and was assistant coach in basketball and football at Baker. Served in U.S. Army Reserve. Worked nearly 30 years for Pfizer Pharmaceuticals in various cities. Set several sales records, became national manager for special sales and inducted in U.S. Pharmaceuticals Hall of Fame. Retired in Gulf Shores.

James Harvey Chappel, 89, March 24: Before retiring in 1997 as professor of English at Columbus State University (and continuing to teach part-time until 2011) honored with CSU’s Distinguished Professor, Outstanding Advisor and Faculty Service awards. Helped increase number of international students at CSU and served on numerous campus committees.

April

Lila Mae Star, 93, April 2: Owner and head cook at now-closed Royal Café, where she served her Southern cooking for 55 years after opening in 1964. Grandmother of model Kim Porter.

Judy Williams Thomas, 79, April 19: Served four terms (2011-25) on Columbus Council in District 9 citywide seat. Chaired council’s budget committee for several years. Resigned from council in March due to failing health. As chief of staff for Mayor Jim Wetherington (2007-11), she was among leaders who convinced Muscogee County voters to approve 2008 referendum for a 1% local option sales tax that funded 100 new police officer positions, increasing size of force by 26%, continuing to generate revenue for public safety salary supplements. Taught fifth grade and sixth grade at Bibb Elementary School. Honored as 1973 Muscogee County Teacher of the Year. President of Muscogee Association of Education (1972-73). Worked for Georgia Association of Educators and California Teachers Association. Served on numerous community boards, including National Infantry Museum, Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation, Open Door Community House, St. Luke Church, Girls in the Game, Chattahoochee Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Jordan Vocational High School College and Career Academy, RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Columbus State University Military Affiliated Student Support Fund, CSU Center for Quality Teaching and Learning, Rotary Club of Columbus and Miracle Riders. Honored by MEEF in 2021 with Jim Buntin Leadership Award for Excellence in Education.

Robert Campbell Meadows Sr., 100, April 26: For more than 40 years, owned and operated Palace Billiards and Chili Bar. Widely credited with perfecting the scrambled dog, which was called the Georgia Dog on his menu.

Thomas James “Tommy” Prescott, 70, April 29: Retired in 2016 as executive vice president and chief financial officer at Synovus. Served on boards or committees for Family Life Center, Columbus Country Club, Tower Society of Columbus State University, Huntington College, St. Luke United Methodist Church and United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley.

May

Stephen Kyle “Steve” Scott, 82, May 12: Created and coordinated annual Uptown Columbus Strut the Hooch parade. Former president of Columbus Artists Guild. Authored five children’s books and a collection of poetry. Donated scores of books to elementary schools, where he spoke to motivate them to read. Started and conducted quarterly graduation ceremonies for Muscogee County Mental Health Court. Read and told stories at Open Door Community House. Coordinated annual Tuba Christmas concert at Springer Opera House. Served as president of Columbus Jazz Society and Auburn Alumni Band. Helped organize St. Luke Orchestra, where he played percussion for 20 years. Played drums for Columbus Cavaliers big band for five years. Founded student aid program Fred Young Fund at Jordan Vocational High School. Presented quilts to military veterans for Quilts of Valor Foundation. Retired educator and Vietnam War veteran served 28 years in U.S. Navy/Naval Reserve, retiring as a captain. Wrote blog called Chattin’ the Hooch for Columbus and the Valley Magazine.

Charlie L. Roberts, 86, May 21: Worked for 30 years as educator in Muscogee County School District, including as principal of Northside Elementary School (now Allen Elementary School) and Arnold Junior High School (now Arnold Magnet Academy) before retiring in 1992. Professional Association of Georgia Educators president 1990-91. Joined PAGE legislative team to lobby state leaders about education issues. Honored with 2015 Friend of Georgia Retired Educators Association award.

James “Nathan” Smith, 49, May 21: Local political activist who frequently spoke during the public agenda at Columbus Council and Muscogee County School District Board meetings.

John A. Phillips Jr., 79, May 27: Muscogee County School District superintendent 2003-08 and interim superintendent 2012-13. Served on Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation board.

June

David Brice Carson, 63, June 7: Along with wife, Vickie, published from 1994-2014 Playgrounds Magazine, which promoted local art, music and theater. Owned and managed Soho Bar & Grill from 2002-24, providing a venue for live music.

Nathan Suber III, 74, June 16: District 1 representative on Columbus Council for 12 years (1994-2006). Salesman for Aflac.

July

Larry Kurlaireski Florence, 49, July 5: Considered among best high school basketball players in Chattahoochee Valley history. Averaged 19 points and 13 rebounds per game in 1995 as senior at Central. Four-year starter at Nebraska. Finished 14th on program’s all-time scoring list. Named team captain and honorable-mention All-Big 12 in 2000. Played professionally for eight years in seven foreign countries before returning home to Phenix City as a youth coach in Columbus area. In 2024, became first basketball player inducted into Central High School Sports Hall of Fame.

August

James “Jim” Arthur Gill, 87, Aug. 26: President and CEO of Citizens Bank and Trust for more than 20 years, part of more than five decades working for Synovus. Community service included Sertoma International (president), University of West Georgia, Boy Scouts of America, Advancement for Remarkable Citizens and perfect attendance at Rotary for 41 years.

Bill Ploeger, 85, Aug. 27: Among nation’s top amateur and senior amateur golfers for decades. Captained 1963 Georgia Tech golf team. Named honorable-mention NCAA All-American. Won Georgia Senior Championship four times and captured 1999 USGA Senior Amateur. Ranked in 1999 by Golf Digest as No. 1 senior amateur. In 2000, participated in U.S. Senior Open and British Senior Open. Finished as runner-up in 2001 U.S. Senior Amateur. Ranked in 2002 by Golfweek as No. 1 senior amateur. Qualified for U.S. Amateur six times, U.S. Mid-Amateur five times and U.S. Senior Amateur 10 times. Won Future Masters in Dothan, Alabama, and Senior Masters in Palm Springs, California. Won Golden Isles Invitational championship in Brunswick, Georgia, record 11 times. Inducted into Glynn County Sports Hall of Fame, Georgia Tech Sports Hall of Fame, Georgia Golf Hall of Fame, Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, Senior Amateur Hall of Fame and Chattahoochee Valley Sports Hall of Fame. Insurance executive for The Jordan Agency from 1963-99. Worked part-time for Oakbridge Insurance Company and Striffler-Hamby Mortuary. Past chairman for United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley and Boys Club of Columbus.

September

Juanita Carson Booker, 95, Sept. 5: First coordinator of guidance services in Muscogee County School District. After 20 years in position, MCSD Counseling and Social Work Department named in her honor. Previously worked as guidance director for seven years each at Talbotton Road Junior High School and Daniel Junior High School. Served as deaconess and finance committee trustee at First African Baptist Church. Involvement in civic organizations included Partners in Education, Department of Family and Children’s Services, Columbus Community Center, Student Assistant Professional Association, Rape Crisis Center, Women Wanting Justice, Jack and Jill of America, Jack and Jill Foundation, Historic Columbus Foundation, Columbus State University Teen Achievers, Girls Inc., Orchettes Civic and Social Club, Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc. and S.I.S.T.E.R.S. Inc.

Jonnie Clasen, 79, Sept. 7: With father, Vincent Melillo, presented living history programs throughout U.S., including FDR’s Little White House, National Infantry Museum and Atlanta History Center. Melillo was an original Merrill’s Marauder, a Korean War, 5th Regimental Combat Team veteran, and a member of the Army Ranger Hall of Fame and Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame. Jonnie was an honorary inductee in the Ranger Hall of Fame for her work and military support. She was liaison officer for Merrill’s Marauders and director of Rosie the Riveter organization. Involved with Columbus Artists Guild, Frank Chester Senior Center and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.

Edith Helen Satterwhite, 94, Sept. 10: Totaled 30,122 volunteer service hours from 1965-2017 with Piedmont Columbus Regional Medical Center Auxiliary. Volunteered with Columbus chapter of American Heart Association. Retired administrator and co-owner of Satterwhite Food Service. Accomplished artist, especially oil painting, exhibited locally.

Thomas Laurence French Jr., 97, Sept. 21: Considered foremost authority on covered bridges in Georgia. Authored books including “Covered Bridges of Georgia,” co-authored with son, Larry, and “Bridging Deep South Rivers: The Life and Legend of Horace King,” co-authored with John Lupold. Founded surveying and landscape architecture company, Thomas L. French Jr. and Associates, in 1959 and completed numerous projects in Southeast.

October

William D. “Bill” Langley, 86, Oct. 11: In 1972, with best friend, Cecil Hand, and two other RC Cola colleagues, formed Party Line Inc., which operated Wild Bill’s and Crazy Cecil’s Party Shops. With wife, Sharon, opened Will Bill’s Jewelry and Pawn in 1991. Worked for 15 years at RC Cola, including as national syrup sales director, and 15 years for Tom’s Foods as marketing services director. Columbus High School graduate played baseball at South Georgia College for coach Bobby Bowden, who became Florida State’s legendary football coach. Chaired external relations committee for Auburn University College of Education National Advisory Council. Served as board member for American Red Cross West Central Georgia Chapter.

Willard “Craig” Miller, 69, Oct. 12: Hardaway High School graduate became one of Georgia film industry’s most influential executives, including eight years as co-president of Georgia Production Partnership, responsible for establishing and maintaining Georgia Film Incentive to attract productions. Founded in 1985 Craig Miller Productions. Produced feature films, TV pilots, documentaries and award-winning presentations for Fortune 500 companies. Clients included Coca-Cola, UPS, U.S. Army, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Georgia Tourism, CNN, Georgia Department of Economic Development, McDonald’s, The Weather Channel and World Wildlife Fund. Served on Georgia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

Helmut Gertjegerdes, 90, Oct. 23: With wife, Carol, co-published The Columbus Times.

John William Walden Jr., 83, Oct. 24: Years of donations to Columbus State University resulted in Walden Soccer Complex and John W. Walden Tennis Center (in memory of his father). Recipient of numerous CSU honors, including Herbert Greene Golden Cougar Award, Charles B. Morrow Award, Honorary Alumnus Award and Frank D. Brown Excellence and Achievement Award. Inducted into the CSU Athletic Hall of Fame and the Chattahoochee Valley Sports Hall of Fame. Created endowments to support students pursuing excellence in athletics and arts, including scholarships for students in CSU Schwob School of Music. Worked as senior vice president at Synovus Securities and Stifel. Served on boards of Historic Linwood Foundation, Girls Inc., Historic Columbus Foundation and Pastoral Institute. Served in leadership positions at Trinity Episcopal Church.

November

Woodrow Lowe, 71, Nov. 6: Former Central-Phenix City star linebacker was second player in Alabama history to be a three-time first-team All-America (1973-75). In 1973, set Alabama single-season record with 134 tackles and left Crimson Tide ranked as program’s all-time leader in tackles with 315. Named to Alabama’s First-Team All-Decade Team and Second-Team All-Century Team. Selected by San Diego Chargers in fifth round of 1976 NFL Draft. Missed only one game in 11 seasons. Made 21 interceptions and returned four for touchdowns. Team captain and All-AFC by UPI and Pro Bowl selection in 1981. Named to Chargers’ 40th Anniversary All-Time Team in 2000. Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and Chattahoochee Valley Sports Hall of Fame, Sugar Bowl Hall of Fame and Senior Bowl Hall of Fame. Coached six years in NFL as defensive assistant for Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs. Also an assistant coach at UAB. Returned to Central as assistant under head coach Wayne Trawick and helped Red Devils win 1993 state title. Head coach for nine years (55-42) at Alabama high schools (Selma, Smiths Station and Central), including 11-3 in 2011 as Red Devils reached state semifinals.

Kenneth LeRoy Funderburk, 89, Nov. 8: Practiced law in Phenix City for over 60 years, including 15 years (part-time) as Russell County’s attorney. Resigned in 2012 from Phenix City Board of Education less than eight months after city council appointment to spend more time as lawyer. Author of self-published novel “The Fish House Gang,” inspired by group led by then-Muscogee County Superior Court Judge John Land, who served circuit for 24 years (1964-88), and met mostly at Pritchett’s on Hamilton Road in Columbus. Honors include Paul Harris Fellowship from Rotary International and award from Fraternal Order of Police.

Marquay Elsie Collins, 24, Nov. 26: Columbus native and Shaw High School graduate became popular social media influencer. Known as marquaythegoat. Had more than 7 million followers on TikTok.

December

Joyce Weaver Fingerhut, 95, Dec. 5: Former director and first female president for Muscogee County Division of American Heart Association. First female honoree (1993) at division’s annual Heart Ball. Served on steering committee that organized Columbus Hospice. Helped establish Alzheimer’s Association local chapter and Oak and Pine Manor Auxiliary. Former president of Soroptimist International Club of Columbus. Received its Woman of Distinction Award in 1992. Chaired for two years Orpheus Ball to benefit Columbus State University Schwob School of Music. Honored with Ruth Schwob Service-to-Mankind Award from Gracious Ladies of Georgia in 1999. Former president of Columbus Jewish Ladies Aid Society. Former member of Temple Israel Board of Trustees. Organizer of Literary Women of Columbus Book Club. Taught at Baker High School. Worked as assistant administrator at Oak and Pine Manor Health Care Facilities.

Chuck Leonard, 71, Dec. 19: WTVM news anchor and reporter for 38 years (1981-2019), including host of “Head to Head” quiz show for high school students. Legal name Charles “Charlie” Mashburn.

Lorraine Farino Brewer, 81, Dec. 28: Registered nurse was director of critical care at St. Francis Hospital. In retirement, served as board president for Stewart Community Home and was heavily involved at Columbus Museum.

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