Fredrick Smith, age 67, passed on May 23, 2023.
 
The graveside service will be held at 12:00 P.M., Friday, June 30, 2023, at Andersonville National Cemetery, 496 Cemetery Road, Andersonville, Georgia. The procession will leave at 11:30 A.M. from St. Paul AME Church, 114 Johnson Street, Oglethorpe, Georgia.

Fredrick Marcellas Smith, lovingly known as (“Rick”) had a village of guardians who loved and adored him since his birth on April 7, 1956, in Oglethorpe, GA, to delighted parents Evelyn English and Johnny C. Smith.

At seven years old, Rick’s belief in God led him to be baptized at St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Oglethorpe, GA, spiritually leading him until he was called home.

His abundance of support as well as his resolve to uphold his family traditions and hard work were catalysts for his personal and career achievements. In 1974, He graduated from Macon County High School, Montezuma, GA.

In August of 1977, Rick welcomed his first child, Ellen “Montez”. He then continued his education at Miami Dade Junior College in Miami, FL. During this time, Rick met his first wife, Cynthia and they welcomed two boys, Fred and Sherard.

Shortly after, Rick took an oath of commitment to join the United States Air Force on July 18, 1979, dedicating 20 years of service. He was specially trained as an aircraft maintenance craftsman for the F-16 Viper, one of the world’s most dominant fighter planes. Deployed overseas, he was stationed in Manila, Philippines, where he met his 2nd wife of 12 years Ellen Abana, August of 1987. They were blessed with two children, Erica and Ryan. His essential skills supported Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm missions during the Gulf War, he was justly awarded the Kuwait Liberation Medal. Rick was more than a maintainer; he was a man whose unwavering faith and family support sustained him as he traveled the world during his military service. Rick experienced a sundry of cultures and befriending countless people who embodied different beliefs and ethnicities. On September 30, 1999, he honorably retired from the Air Force at Hill Air Force Base, Utah.

Post-military life for Rick was quite satisfying. Eventually settling in lively, Las Vegas, Nevada. He attended the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology. And married his wife, Ofira Samir. Rick’s cheerfulness, easy demeanor, effortless smile and kindness never diminished over the years as he fathered and loved his children and family.

Preceded in death by his father and older brother, Johnny Smith Sr. and Jr. ("June").

He leaves behind, to forever cherish his memory his wife, Ofira Shamir-Smith; a loving mother, Evelyn Smith Bailey; brother, Terry Wayne Smith; step-brothers and sister, Cedric, Kendrick and Zorana, Miami, Fl; and children, Ellen “Montez” Smith (husband Alex), Atlanta, GA; Fredrick Smith, Jr. and Sherard Smith, Kentucky; Erica Smith-Thomas (husband Stephen), Texas; and Ryan Smith, Utah; step-children, Ron and Gilly Shamir; nine grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors.

Debretta Hinton Middlebrooks passed on June 15, 2023.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, June 24, 2023, at the Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, 607 Kaigler Street, Oglethorpe, Georgia.

Committal services with military honors will be held at 12:00 P.M., Monday, July 3, 2023, at Andersonville National Cemetery, 496 Cemetery Road, Andersonville, Georgia.   The procession will leave from the funeral home at 11:30 A.M.

Debretta Lashawn Hinton Middlebrooks was born on December 10, 1969, in Montezuma, Georgia to Gregory Kaigler and Bobette Hinton. She was preceded in death by her mother Bobette Hinton-Shields and son Vintavious Tra'bobbi Sanders. She was educated in the public school system of Macon County where she graduated from Macon County High School.

She soon after enlisted in the United States Army. Debretta also worked as a teacher's assistant and a CNA. Debretta was full of life and loved to be around family and friends.

She leaves to cherish her memory a loving and devoted husband, Bobby Middlebrooks; three children, Nina Tierra McCrary, Morris McCrary Jr., and DeVinci Sanders; four grandchildren, Amya Elijah Leia and Karter; siblings, Leon Thomas Jr., Brandon Thomas, Jermaine Thomas, and Christopher Thomas; aunts and uncles, Vurla Mae Terry (Atlanta Ga), Herbert Turner (Albany Georgia), and Shari Turner (Gainesville FL) Doris (Dee) Powell, Carl Hinton (Natalie) College Park Ga, Ruby Hinton Patrick (Freddie); other relatives and friends including her kids' devoted father, Vincent Leon Sanders.​

​Ronald Earl Breland, age 63, passed on June 7, 2023.
 
**PLEASE NOTE: LOCATION CHANGE**
The funeral service will be held at 12:00 P.M., Thursday, June 15, 2023, at the Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc., 607 Kaigler Street, Oglethorpe, Georgia.
 
I was born into this world through the parentage of Veteran RL Breland and Mrs. Susan Breland in Verdun, France. My birth was uneventful and my childhood has some interesting stories and being the oldest of three, I had my responsibilities. Football was my first love and very few people knew that I played the violin and was very good at it. I have had a passion for cooking since I was able to hold a spoon. Gran would be cooking and I would be right beside her. It would follow suit that I would go in the Army and be a cook on the front line and train with the Rangers. I only know how to work hard and I have done so from soup kitchens to restaurants. My calm nature has kept me grounded (even though my wife says I don’t keep myself focused on the right things) and that would get me through my bad days. Life can take us on a path that we may not want to take, but that is part of the journey. To my family I leave behind --- I am only asleep for a new day to dawn where all pain will be gone and new mercies I will see. No tears Mama, your son is at peace; Be strong my wife, Sis; Rayford, take care of your Mama; Monica, raise Jarrell my grandson to the best of your ability, live life to the fullest my sister Sharon, my friend Bobbie throw a great party and lift a glass for me, to my coworkers, doctors, and nurse that cared for me-it’s been a pleasure. To my remaining family… See you on the other shore.

Mary Nell Tookes, age 83, formerly of the Payne Bottom Community, passed on June 6, 2023.

A wake will be held from on Saturday, June 10, 2023, from 4:30-6:00 P.M. at the Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc., 607 Kaigler Street, Oglethorpe, Georgia.

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 P.M., Sunday, June 11, 2023, at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, Ga Hwy 26 West, Oglethorpe, Georgia. Burial will follow at Taylor Cemetery in Payne Bottom Community.

Graveside services, including burials, are likely to be held on ground that is uneven, which is out of the control of Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc. We ask that you take this into consideration when choosing footwear, such as shoes with high, thin heels. Please be advised that Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc. will not be held responsible for injuries at a grave site because of this.

Mary Nell Tookes, age 83, formerly of the Payne Bottom Community, was born August 16, 1940, to the late Charlie Lee Howard, Sr. and Thelma Tookes. She was educated in the public school system of Macon County. She accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and joined the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Napoleon Prince. During her sojourn here, she served faithfully on the Usher Ministry Board and supported every facet of the church. She was a retired Homemaker. 

She was preceded in death by siblings, Eddie James Tookes, Mary Alice Howard and Laura Ann Howard.

She leaves to cherish her memories to her three children, Linda Tookes Aldridge (Reginald), Ellaville, GA, Phyllis Martin (David Brad), Loganville, GA and Eddie Tyrone Tookes Sr., Riverdale, GA; siblings, Joyce T. Raines, Oglethorpe, GA, Ernest Howard(Polly), Denver, CO, Pearlie Mae Williams, Oglethorpe, GA, Tina Howard Marshall (Charlie) and Charlie Howard, Jr.; grandchildren, Derrick Taylor (Sandy), Atlanta, GA, Waddell Aldridge (Veronica), Warner Robins, GA, Elisha Jackson (Rodney), Bonaire, GA, Chloe Martin and Eddie Tyrone Tookes, Jr.; three great-grand children, Jayden Jackson, Kameron Jackson, and Parker Marie Taylor and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Willie Frank Thompson, age 70, passed. 

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 P.M., Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Piney Grove Baptist Church #3, Piney Grove Road off of Mays Road, Smithville, Lee County, Georgia. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. 

Graveside services, including burials, are likely to be held on ground that is uneven, which is out of the control of Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc. We ask that you take this into consideration when choosing footwear, such as shoes with high, thin heels. Please be advised that Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc. will not be held responsible for injuries at a grave site because of this.

Roderick Lenard McGhee, age 54 passed on June 2, 2023. 
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The funeral service will be held at 1:00 P.M., Saturday, June 10, 2023, at St. James C.M.E. Church, 215 Railroad Street, Marshallville, Georgia. Burial with military honors will be held at Colonel Felton Cemetery, Marshallville, Georgia. ​

Graveside services, including burials, are likely to be held on ground that is uneven, which is out of the control of Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc. We ask that you take this into consideration when choosing footwear, such as shoes with high, thin heels. Please be advised that Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc. will not be held responsible for injuries at a grave site because of this.

Roderick Lenard McGhee was born in Fort Valley, Georgia to Brenda Winston and Eugene McGhee on December 13, 1968. He was affectionately known as Bleed, Pig, and Government. Roderick was educated in the public school system of Macon County and was a 1986 graduate of Macon County High School. He received his barber certificate from Central Georgia Technical College in 2022. Roderick served in the US States Army proudly and received an honorable discharge. He was employed with various companies including Blue Bird, First Quality, and Robins Air Force Base. Roderick joined St. James C.M.E. Church at an early age; he was baptized under the leadership of Rev. R.D. Ford. He served on the Usher Board and Men Ministry. He was devoted to his work. Two hearts became one on September 24, 2013, when Roderick was joined in holy matrimony to Catara Harris.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories to his beloved wife Catara McGhee; seven children Xavier McGhee, Marquis McGhee, Kendra McGhee, Jakerria Harris, Rodquerrius McGhee, Prentice McGhee, Rodrenique McGhee; parents, Brenda Edwards (Bobby), Eugene McGhee; one brother, Jawaski Everett; mother-in-law, Mary C. Harris (Fred Lee Harris); sister in law, Melanna Harris; uncles and aunts, Carlton A Winston (Joyce), Annette Simmons, Sandra Griffin (Ivey), Juanita Triplett (Tony), Ronald Winston, Dorothy McGhee, Constance McGhee, Liza McGhee, Issac McGhee, Irene Tyler, Edith M. Howell, Christine Lewis (Green III), Barbara Gene McGhee, Mary McGhee, Johnny McGhee (Shirley), Kenneth (Vivian), Renee Mccord (Howard), Ernestine McGhee, Oscar Paster (Jessie Mae),  Mary A. Bonner, and Betty Paster; a devoted cousin Shirley Rice; a host of loving family and friends.

Mayor Eddie Dean Hill, age 53, passed on June 3, 2023.
 
The funeral service will be held at 1:00 P.M., Friday, June 9, 2023, at St. Paul A.M.E. Church, 540 Winder Street, Andersonville, Ga. Burial will follow in the Freeman Hill Cemetery, Andersonville, Georgia.

Graveside services, including burials, are likely to be held on ground that is uneven, which is out of the control of Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc. We ask that you take this into consideration when choosing footwear, such as shoes with high, thin heels. Please be advised that Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc. will not be held responsible for injuries at a grave site because of this.

Mayor Eddie Dean Hill was elected as the first African American Mayor of Andersonville, Georgia in 2019 until of his death. He and his late brother Leonard Hill moved to Andersonville, Georgia at a very young age to live with their grandparents the late Flynn and Willie Ruth Hill. Mayor Eddie Hill graduated from Sumter County Comprehensive High School in 1988. He continued his education at Devry Technical College in Atlanta, Georgia. He was employed by Rogers Construction Company in Atlanta, Georgia, Austin Urethane Inc. in Americus, Georgia and Sumter County Youth Detention Center in Americus, Georgia.

Having been elected as the First African American Mayor was his greatest accomplishment. He worked hard to get things done in the city of Andersonville. He added a computer center for kids and seniors at the Sheppard Pride Community Center. He implemented transportation for citizens to get COVID vaccines during the COVID Pandemic. He was the process of updating the city park and city sidewalks. He was working on many other projects until his recent hospitalizations and death. He started the first successful Car Show in the city. They have continued since then. He was a mentor to the youth and started the SOS Mentoring Program. He cared deeply about our youth and wanted to make an impact on their lives by giving them direction and guidance. He also was one of the few men who started the Blackfoot Hunting Club to teach young kids not only about gun safety but also about life and life skills.

Mayor Eddie Hill is preceded in death by his mother Ruby Dean Thomas and a brother Leonard Hill. Eddie leaves to cherish his memories his father Turner Rogers (Sandra), of Hamilton, GA, a brother Kevin Rogers, and two sisters, Tina Aldridge of Atlanta, GA and Tiya Harper (John) of Stonecrest, GA. devoted aunt Irene Reddick (Willie) of Blakely, GA, Catherine Hill of Decatur, GA, Edna Hayes (Jessie) of Lithonia GA, Barbara Haynes of Ellaville, GA, Stella Taylor of Rupert, GA, Vivian Lawson (Emmett), Janie Cottle (Donald), all of Ellaville, GA, Elaine Fudge (Tracy) of Acworth GA, Mary Rogers of Douglasville, GA, Delois Rogers of Marietta, GA, Virginia Rogers of Riverdale GA, Bernadine Gibbons (Pastor Perry) of Andersonville, GA; uncles Steve Rogers of Atlanta, GA, Micheal Rogers of Ellaville, GA, Willie Rogers of Athens GA, Lewis Rogers (Tania) of Atlanta, GA, Charlie Hill of Andersonville GA, Bernard Hill and Augusta Hill of Americus GA; devoted friends and caretakers, Keffery McCuller, William “Crow” Clemons, Bobbie English, Brandon Hill, and Samuel Porter and a host of cousins and friends.