Richard “Big Rich” McWilliams, Sr.

Richard "Big Rich" McWilliams, Sr., of Tucker, passed away Tuesday, January 26, 2021, at the age of 74.  

 

Richard was born to the late Anor and Mamie McWilliams on June 15, 1946 in Laurens, SC. He was an outgoing young man who grew up attending the segregated schools of Laurens, SC graduating from Sanders High School in 1964.  A proud alumnus of Sanders High, Richard attended his high school reunions in Laurens as often as he was physically able.  After graduation, Richard moved to New Jersey joining his family that already lived in NJ, including his maternal uncle, Richard "Smitty" Smith, and his brother, Willie Joe McWilliams.  Richard lived in Jersey City, NJ and East Rutherford, NJ before finally settling in Passaic, NJ where he met the love of his life, Diane A. McWilliams (Young). 

 

Richard and Diane McWilliams were married on June 28, 1969 at St. Paul's Baptist Church in Passaic, NJ.  Richard and Diane raised four children as their own in Passaic, NJ, including Richard H. McWilliams, Jr., Rasheed M. McWilliams, Daniele Dooley and Derrick Young.

Richard was affectionately known as "Daddy" or "Turk" by his children.  

 

Richard was a dental technician at Madison Fields Lincoln Labs of Passaic, NJ for over 25 years, a security guard at Becton Dickinson of Oakland, NJ and a security guard at The General Hospital Center at Passaic for over 10 years.

 

He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Imani McWilliams; parents, Anor and Mamie McWilliams; and sisters, Anna Fuller and Betty Jean Lee.

 

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Diane A.McWilliams; daughter and son-in-law, Daniele and CraigDooley; sons and daughters-in-law, Richard Howard, Jr., and Corleone McWilliams, Rasheed and Sasha McWilliams, Derrick Young; grandchildren, Alan Dixon and wife, Rosa, Toshiba Dixon, Veronica Dixon, Adrian Dooley-McWilliams, Kimani McWilliams, Collin Dooley; great-grandchildren, Aaliyah Smaw, Aziah Dixon, Amani Dixon, Zayin Dixon; brother, Willie Joe and Josephine McWilliams; as well as several nieces and nephews.

 

A Funeral Service for Mr. McWilliams will be held Saturday, February 6, 2021, 1:00 P.M., at the Chapel of Caldwell & Cowan, 1215 Access Road, in Covington, with Rev. Kamau Welcher officiating and interment following in Lawnwood Memorial Park. Friends are invited to visit with the family at the funeral home, two hours prior to his service, from 11:00 A.M. –1:00 P.M.

 

CDC guidelines recommend social distancing (6 feet apart) and wearing of masks while in public.  Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home requests that you observe these recommendations while in our funeral home attending visitations and/or services.  In addition, gatherings are limited to 50 persons or less in our facility at one time.  Please honor these restrictions for the safety of the family, yourself, and our staff.

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Thanks,

Lori Smith

Case Processor

Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home

1215 Access Road, Covington, GA 30014

(770) 786-7062 | (770) 786-7067 

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Billy Guy Ellis

Billy Guy Ellis, of Social Circle, passed away Thursday, January 28, 2021, at the age of 78. Mr. Ellis was of the Apostolic faith. He was Baptized at the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Milstead and was currently attending Restoration Apostolic Church in Winterville. Mr. Ellis was a 1961 graduate of Newton County High School and for many years he was a dedicated Insurance Agent for National Life and American Century. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing and gardening, but above all, he loved spending time with his sons and grandchildren. Mr. Ellis was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie Guy and Inez (Cartledge) Ellis.

 

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Evelyn Oglesby Ellis; sons and daughter-in-law, Kevin Ellis, Kyle and Jennifer Ellis; grandchildren, Kayla Ellis, Haley Ellis, Brandon Ellis, Brea Ellis; sister and brother-in-law, Beverly and Doug Cochran; Numerous nieces and nephews; as well as his friend, Mary Jean Ellis.

 

A Funeral Service for Mr. Ellis will be held Monday, February 1, 2021, 11:00 A.M. at the Chapel of Caldwell & Cowan, 1215 Access Road, in Covington, with pastor Ed Walden officiating and interment following in Covington Mill Cemetery, in Covington. Friends are invited to visit with the family at the funeral home, Sunday, January 31, from 4:00 – 6:00 P.M. Flowers are accepted, or donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html.  

 

CDC guidelines recommend social distancing (6 feet apart) and wearing of masks while in public.  Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home requests that you observe these recommendations while in our funeral home attending visitations and/or services.  In addition, gatherings are limited to 50 persons or less in our facility at one time.  Please honor these restrictions for the safety of the family, yourself, and our staff.

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Thanks,

Lori Smith

Case Processor

Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home

1215 Access Road, Covington, GA 30014

(770) 786-7062 | (770) 786-7067 

Diana Beard

Diana Beard, of Covington, passed away Tuesday, January 26, 2021, at the age of 62. Mrs. Beard was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She worked as a waitress at Waffle-House for many years. She will be missed by all that knew and loved her. Mrs. Beard was preceded in death by her grandson, Braden Stevenson; and father, Jerome Ledford.

 

Those left to cherish her memory are her daughters and sons-in-law, Amber and Derrick Lewright, Jessica and Matthew Beard-Hughes; sons and daughters-in-law, Danny and Sarahbeth Whitmer, Justin and Tiffany Whitmer, Scooter and Nicole Beard, Zeb Beard; grandchildren, Hayden Lewright, Samuel Lewright, Emilia Lewright, Zoe Lewis, Preslee Whitmer, Aiden Whitmer, Cody Whitmer, Triston Stevenson, Dylan Stevenson, Amberly Beard, Annie Beard, Skylynn Beard, Isabelle Beard-Hughes; mother, Betty Ledford; sisters and brothers-in-law, Tammy and Anthony Littleton, Pam and Bob Gilbert; brothers and sister-in-law, Allen Wilson, Oscar and Dana Ledford.

 

A Memorial Service for Mrs. Beard will be held Sunday, January 31, 2021, 4:00 P.M., at Higher Praise Tabernacle, 3915 SR-162, Covington, GA 30016, with Derrick Lewright officiating. 

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Thanks,

Lori Smith

Case Processor

Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home

1215 Access Road, Covington, GA 30014

(770) 786-7062 | (770) 786-7067 

Henry Laudwick "Buddy" Taylor, III

Henry Laudwick "Buddy" Taylor, III, of Covington, passed away Tuesday, January 26, 2021, at the age of 78. He was born on December 28, 1942, in Ridgeland, South Carolina. Buddy was a member of Eastridge Church of Covington, Georgia, where he especially enjoyed his Bible study class and Joyful Noise group. He graduated from Beaufort High School in Beaufort, South Carolina in 1961. Buddy was retired from the Department of Defense as a pipefitter. He was a sports enthusiast and was a huge fan of the Atlanta Braves. Buddy was preceded in death by his parents, Henry L. Taylor, Jr., and Martha Crews Taylor.

 

 He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Beth Kaney Taylor; his brother, Ronald Taylor (Claire) of Cottageville, South Carolina; step-daughters, Terry Moore Craft (Kevin) of Goose Creek, South Carolina, and Debra Ann Moore, of Summerville, South Carolina; step-sons, E. Scott Moore (Tracy) of Covington, Georgia, and Stuart S. Moore (Heather) of Summerville, South Carolina; ten grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a special nephew and niece; and two great-nephews.

 

A Memorial Service for Buddy will be held Saturday, February 6, 2021, 3:00 PM, at the Chapel of Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home, 1215 Access Road, in Covington, with the Honorable Judge Samuel D. Ozburn and Rev. Scott Moore officiating. Those who are unable to be present, are invited to view the service live at www.caldwellandcowan.com.

 

CDC guidelines recommend social distancing (6 feet apart) and wearing of masks while in public.  Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home requests that you observe these recommendations while in our funeral home attending visitations and/or services.  In addition, gatherings are limited to 50 persons or less in our facility at one time. Please honor these restrictions for the safety of the family, yourself, and our staff.  

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Thanks,

Lori Smith

Case Processor

Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home

1215 Access Road, Covington, GA 30014

(770) 786-7062 | (770) 786-7067 

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Martha Sumner Engle

Martha Sumner Engle, of Covington, passed away Friday, January 22, 2021, at the age of 82. Being one of the first female business owners in Newton County, Mrs. Engle owned and operated Family Health Food Store for 35 years and started the American Business Woman's Association where she served as President. Mrs. Engle enjoyed studying and educating not only herself, but her community as well. She loved her community and her community loved her! Mrs. Engle loved the Salvation Army and was incredibly involved there. She was raised in Glynn County where she attended Glynn Academy, and was able to attend her last high school reunion in October of 2016. Being the "backbone" of her family, Mrs. Engle loved them profoundly and enjoyed making all holidays unique – especially Easter. Family reunions every year on Memorial Day was also a favorite time of hers. Mrs. Engle liked traveling to Jekyll Island and fishing on the pier, or any stream in Georgia, and gardening.

 

Survivors include her daughters and their spouses, Helen Louise Diller, Wendy Gilsten, Denise Nay and Becki Jayne Harrelson, Lynn Alexander and Bill Jenkins; grandchildren and their spouses, Simon Diller, Elizabeth Martha Diller, Natalie Gilsten and Derrick Simonton; Michael and Lauren Gilsten, Kyle and Stacey Alexander, Ryan and Jayme Alexander; great-grandchildren, Whitley Daniel, Charleigh Gilsten, Samantha Simonton; siblings and their spouses, Ray Sumner, Carlis Sumner, Bill and Debra Sumner, Jean Vann Sumner; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

 

A Memorial Service for Mrs. Engle will be held at a later date. 

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Regards,

Chris Socha, Case Processor

Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home

1215 Access Road

Covington, GA 30014

770-786-7062 (O)    

770-786-7067 (F)

Virus-free. www.avg.com

Kelley Denise Carter Thomason Harris

Kelley Denise Carter Thomason Harris, of Covington, passed away Thursday, January 21, 2021, at the age of 46. Kelley learned to work hard from her father, Terry. She was a friend to many and would lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Kelley was always laughing and loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed fishing, making arts and crafts, and in her younger years, she enjoyed dance classes and gymnastics. Kelley was preceded in death by her mother, Sue Ann (Kelley) Carter; first husband, Michael Thomason, Sr.

 

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Howard G. Harris; daughter, Hannah Grace Harris; sons and daughters-in-law, Mikey Eugene, Jr., and Marissa Thomason, Mark Evan Thomason and partner, Yazmin De La Torre, Mitchell Edward and Syeanne Thomason, Haelyn Glen Harris; father, Terry Carter and wife, Marsha; grandchildren, Malaylah, Mia, Oaklynn, Carter; Sister, Kerri Carter; brothers, Dilmus "Thumper" Pippin, Jr., Brian Bennett; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

 

A Memorial Service for Kelley will be held Saturday, January 30, 2021, 2:00 P.M., at Gaither's Church, 1375 Newton Factory Bridge Road, in Covington, with Evangelist Terry Carter officiating.

 

Covid-19 protocols will be observed. 

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Thanks,

Lori Smith

Case Processor

Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home

1215 Access Road, Covington, GA 30014

(770) 786-7062 | (770) 786-7067 

Virus-free. www.avast.com

Roy Lee Townley

Roy Lee Townley, of Oxford, passed away Sunday, January 24, 2021, at the age of 87. Mr. Townley was a dedicated employee at General Motors for 31 years. He was a hard worker who provided enormously for his family. Mr. Townley never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a helping hand. In his spare time, he enjoyed working in his garden and was always picky about who he let help toil in it. Mr. Townley will be remembered as a wonderful husband, daddy, and Papa. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford Benjamin and Annie Robbie Townley, sister, Betty Townley; brothers, Bobby Gene Townley, and Benny Townley

 

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 62 years, Jo Townley; Daughters and son-in-law, Vickie and Benny Hardy, Tina Suggs; son and daughter-in-law, Tim and Kris Townley; grandchildren and their spouses, Brandon and Lesli Hardy, Kasey Hardy, Chad and Kaitlyn Suggs, Cameron and Rhiannon Townley, Kelli and Nathan McMillin, Colton Townley, Anna Suggs; great-grandchildren, Skylar English, Karli Hardy, Lylah Hardy, Nora Jo Hardy, Georgia Allgood, Raleigh Townley, Saylor-Elizabeth Suggs; sisters and brother-in-law, Linda and Douglas New, Shirley Wilson, Dot Stone; brother, Hubert L. Townley, Sr.; as well as several nieces and nephews.

 

A Funeral Service for Mr. Townley will be held Saturday, January 30, 2021, 1:00 P.M., at the Chapel of Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home, 1215 Access Road, in Covington, with Rev. Hulon Knight officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family at the funeral home, two hours prior to his service, from 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.

 

CDC guidelines recommend social distancing (6 feet apart) and wearing of masks while in public.  Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home requests that you observe these recommendations while in our funeral home attending visitations and/or services.  In addition, gatherings are limited to 50 persons or less in our facility at one time.  Please honor these restrictions for the safety of the family, yourself, and our staff.

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Thanks,

Lori Smith

Case Processor

Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home

1215 Access Road, Covington, GA 30014

(770) 786-7062 | (770) 786-7067 

Virus-free. www.avast.com

Ricky Knight

Ricky Knight, of Covington, passed away Saturday, January 23, 2021, at the age of 70. Mr. Knight sold firewood and was a roofer for many years. A one-of-a-kind man, he liked collecting guns and cars and was a typical "country man". Whether he was hunting, fishing, or gardening, Mr. Knight enjoyed his days being outdoors. He had a special place in his heart for his pets, but above all, he loved his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his mother unconditionally. Mr. Knight was preceded in death by his daughter, Sally Ann Knight; son, Scotty Knight; first wife, Pat Knight; second wife, Debbie Durden; father, Truman Knight.

 

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Tanya Lynn Birkhead, Stephanie Floyd, Angie Moss; mother, Helen Wilkerson; sister, Peggy Suttles; as well as other loving family members.

 

A Memorial Service for Mr. Knight will be held at a later date.

 

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Thanks,

Lori Smith

Case Processor

Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home

1215 Access Road, Covington, GA 30014

(770) 786-7062 | (770) 786-7067 

Virus-free. www.avast.com

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Susan Kathleen Brooks

Susan Kathleen Brooks passed away Thursday morning. Susan was beloved by many none more than her 2 children Kelley Colburn and Jason Brooks, her son and daughter in-laws Matthew Colburn and Michelle Brooks, and her 4 grandchildren Matthew, Jacob, Karla, and Karina. Susan was as loving as she was hardworking.  She was strong willed, determined, but she was compassionate, empathic, and generous.  She gave much of herself to the March of Dimes, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, as well as other charitable organizations. She was loved by many, and missed by all. The world is a darker place without her light.

 

A Memorial Service for Mrs. Brooks will be held at a later date.

 

 

This obituary was prepared with love and affection by Mrs. Brooks family

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Thanks,

Lori Smith

Case Processor

Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home

1215 Access Road, Covington, GA 30014

(770) 786-7062 | (770) 786-7067 

Virus-free. www.avast.com

Cleo Fuller

Cleo Fuller of Covington, passed away Thursday, January 21, 2021, at the age of 87. Mrs. Cleo loved attending services at East Newton Baptist Church. In her spare time, she enjoyed helping people at the library and going out on Sunday nights with the ladies from church. Mrs. Fuller loved her son and caregiver dearly and will be missed by all. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 34 years, George Broadnax Fuller; parents, Elisha Travis and Annie Cleo Allen; sister, Mabel Bone; and brother, Rev. Bob Allen.

 

Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Allen Fuller; niece, Judi Oliver and husband, Tom; Nephews, John Allen, Jr., and wife, Jennifer, Jim Allen and wife, Sharon, Joel Bone and wife, Cindy, Clayton Bone and wife, Karen; as well as her caregiver, Juanita Glover.

 

A Graveside Service for Mrs. Fuller will be held Sunday, January 24, 2021, 3:00 P.M. at Lawnwood Memorial Park, 1111 Access Road, in Covington, with Pastor Danny Sorrells officiating.

 

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Thanks,

Lori Smith

Case Processor

Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home

1215 Access Road, Covington, GA 30014

(770) 786-7062 | (770) 786-7067 

Virus-free. www.avast.com

Thomas Chiles Crenshaw

Thomas Chiles Crenshaw, of Covington passed away on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at the age of 95. The much-loved father, grandfather, and friend was born in Atlanta on October 1925 to Thomas C. Crenshaw and Mary Rollins Crenshaw.

 

He served as an Aviation Cadet for the U.S. Naval Reserve in World War II from 1943-47, and as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force Reserve until his honorable discharge in 1955. Tom graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Georgia in 1949, and had a long career in sales, most notably for Faultless Starch where he worked for 21 years before retiring in 1997. A long-standing member of several organizations, he had been a proud member of the Freemasons since 1951, Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity since 1946, and Kiwanis Club since the 2000s. Throughout his life, he loved reminiscing, eating good

meals, traveling the world and dancing the jitterbug, especially with his late wife of 60 years, Charlen Miles Crenshaw.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and his sister, Julianna Crenshaw Burt. He is survived by his daughter, Cathy Crenshaw Laseter of Covington; son, Rick Deemer and his wife Mary; son, Rob Deemer and his wife, Nancy; son, David Deemer and his wife, Patti; 9 Grandchildren, Michele Deemer, Paige Deemer Caras and her husband, Mike, Gray Deemer and his wife, Amberly, Barclay Deemer Allen, Kelly Davidson, Waites Laseter, Helen Laseter Smith, Julianna Laseter and her fiance, Sigmund Lilian, Catherine Laseter; and 8 great-

grandchildren.

 

Plans for a memorial service will be postponed until a later time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Arts Association of Newton County.

                 

This obituary was prepared with love and affection by Mr. Crenshaw's family.

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Thanks,

Lori Smith

Case Processor

Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home

1215 Access Road, Covington, GA 30014

(770) 786-7062 | (770) 786-7067 

Virus-free. www.avast.com