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Obituaries 09-11-25
September 09, 2025
![facebook](https://www.facebook.com/dialog/share?app_id=398014612333688&href=https://thewaynecountynews.com/articles/7075/view/obituaries-09-11-25&name=Obituaries 09-11-25&title=Obituaries 09-11-25&description=PAYTON BRANT "COON" SMITHMarch 14, 2002-Sept. 6, 2025Funeral services for Payton Brant "Coon" Smith, 23, of Waynesboro, will be at 3 p.m. on...&picture=https://s3.amazonaws.com/lewiscountypress-pictures-production/wcn/production/pdfs/5093/a1_wcn_09_11_25_sq_thumb.jpg){kind=link}
PAYTON BRANT "COON" SMITH
March 14, 2002-Sept. 6, 2025
Funeral services for Payton Brant "Coon" Smith, 23, of Waynesboro, will
be at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025 from the Chapel of Freeman
Funeral Home, with Rev. Clay Conner officiating. Visitation will be from
12-2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025 from the Parlor of Freeman Funeral
Home.
be at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025 from the Chapel of Freeman
Funeral Home, with Rev. Clay Conner officiating. Visitation will be from
12-2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025 from the Parlor of Freeman Funeral
Home.
Following the funeral service, interment will take place at Freeman
Cemetery in Richton.
Cemetery in Richton.
Born in Laurel on Thursday, May 14, 2002 to Aubrey Lee Smith III and
Alysia C. Merritt, he worked as a Mechanic and Welder at Cason's.
Alysia C. Merritt, he worked as a Mechanic and Welder at Cason's.
He will be remembered as a kindhearted and extremely funny man with many
talents. He loved to entertain family and friends with his goofy sense
of humor.
talents. He loved to entertain family and friends with his goofy sense
of humor.
His biggest passion was singing songs and playing one of the many
guitars he had on stage, and with his musical talents his dream was to
one day make it on the big screen.
guitars he had on stage, and with his musical talents his dream was to
one day make it on the big screen.
His other passion was duck hunting and fishing with his friends and just
living life to the fullest. He was and still is loved deeply by the many
lives he touched. If you had the pleasure of knowing Payton, you are
truly blessed.
living life to the fullest. He was and still is loved deeply by the many
lives he touched. If you had the pleasure of knowing Payton, you are
truly blessed.
He died on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025 at his residence.
He is survived by his parents and their respective spouses, Aubrey Lee
"Trey" and Caressa Smith III of Waynesboro, Alysica C. and Kenneth
Merritt of Richton; his sister, Shelby Smith of Richton; two
stepbrothers, Braxton Crager of State Line and Weston Garland of Yellow
Pine, Ala.; his stepsister, Kendall Merritt of Richton; his
grandmothers, Mary E. Vines of Waynesboro and Kathy Smith of Waynesboro;
three aunts and their spouses, Keri Smith, Tisha and Ken Schneider and
Lila and Chris Kelley; and a host of cousins and friends.
"Trey" and Caressa Smith III of Waynesboro, Alysica C. and Kenneth
Merritt of Richton; his sister, Shelby Smith of Richton; two
stepbrothers, Braxton Crager of State Line and Weston Garland of Yellow
Pine, Ala.; his stepsister, Kendall Merritt of Richton; his
grandmothers, Mary E. Vines of Waynesboro and Kathy Smith of Waynesboro;
three aunts and their spouses, Keri Smith, Tisha and Ken Schneider and
Lila and Chris Kelley; and a host of cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lee Smith, Jr., Curtis
Porter and Joe Vines.
Porter and Joe Vines.
An online guestbook can be signed at www.freemanfh.com.
Freeman Funeral Home of Waynesboro is in charge of arrangements.
JACK V. "PETE" REYNOLDS
Jan. 30, 1931-Sept. 8, 2025
Jack V. "Pete" Reynods, 94, of Waynesboro, died on Monday, Sept. 8, 2025
at Wayne General Hospital.
at Wayne General Hospital.
Born on Jan. 30, 1931 in Rose Hill, he was the son of the late Earl and
Willa Reynolds. He pursued higher education at the University of
Southern Mississippi, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Business
Administration. It was during his time at USM that he met the love of
his life, Marie Lighty.
Willa Reynolds. He pursued higher education at the University of
Southern Mississippi, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Business
Administration. It was during his time at USM that he met the love of
his life, Marie Lighty.
Following their marriage, Pete served his country honorably as a member
of the United States Army and was a proud Veteran of the Korean War.
After completing his military service, he returned home and became the
Owner and Operator of Waynesboro Hardware & Furniture, where he worked
faithfully until his retirement.
of the United States Army and was a proud Veteran of the Korean War.
After completing his military service, he returned home and became the
Owner and Operator of Waynesboro Hardware & Furniture, where he worked
faithfully until his retirement.
In retirement, Pete and Marie enjoyed traveling and antique shopping
together. He also developed a passion for golf and spent many happy days
on the course.
together. He also developed a passion for golf and spent many happy days
on the course.
He is survived by his son, Cliff C. Reynolds of Waynesboro.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marie L. Reynolds, on Jan.
30, 2025; his parents, Earl and Willa Reynolds; his brother, William
Reynolds; and two sisters, Betty May and Elaine Green.
30, 2025; his parents, Earl and Willa Reynolds; his brother, William
Reynolds; and two sisters, Betty May and Elaine Green.
An online guestbook can be signed at www.freemanfh.com.
Freeman Funeral Home of Waynesboro is in charge of arrangements.
NORMA LEE SHOCKLEY
Oct. 7, 1946-Sept. 4, 2025
A memorial service for Norma Lee Shockley, 78, of Sandersville, will be
conducted at a later date in Mineral Wells, Texas.
conducted at a later date in Mineral Wells, Texas.
Born in Mineral Wells on Monday, Oct. 7, 1946 to William Snell and Dovie
Warton Snell, she was a member of Palo Pinto County Cowboy Church. She
worked as a Home Health Nurse for many years.
Warton Snell, she was a member of Palo Pinto County Cowboy Church. She
worked as a Home Health Nurse for many years.
She loved to cook for her family and was especially known for her
homemade biscuits and tomato gravy. No one ever left her table hungry.
She was a mother not only to her own children but a mom to many kids.
homemade biscuits and tomato gravy. No one ever left her table hungry.
She was a mother not only to her own children but a mom to many kids.
She died on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025 at her residence in Sandersville.
She is surveyed by two sons and a daughter-in-law, Bob Shockley of
Sandersville and Jimmy and Connie Shockley of Quitman; her daughter and
son-in-law, Billie and David Blue of Mineral Wells; her sister, Carol
Gill of Mineral Wells; 14 grandchildren and their respective spouses,
Niki and Morgan Barret, Ashley and Daniel Beckman, Jeff Shockley,
Brandon Shockley, Dylan and Hannah Shockley, Amber and Skylar Anderson,
Cassie and Derrik Hayes, Amanda Blue and Blake Blue; and 18
great-grandchildren.
Sandersville and Jimmy and Connie Shockley of Quitman; her daughter and
son-in-law, Billie and David Blue of Mineral Wells; her sister, Carol
Gill of Mineral Wells; 14 grandchildren and their respective spouses,
Niki and Morgan Barret, Ashley and Daniel Beckman, Jeff Shockley,
Brandon Shockley, Dylan and Hannah Shockley, Amber and Skylar Anderson,
Cassie and Derrik Hayes, Amanda Blue and Blake Blue; and 18
great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ray Jr. Shockley; her
father and mother, William and Dovie Snell; four brothers, two sisters
and three great-granddaughters.
father and mother, William and Dovie Snell; four brothers, two sisters
and three great-granddaughters.
An online guestbook can be signed at www.freemanfh.com.
Freeman Funeral Home of Waynesboro is in charge of arrangements.
DAVID ELLIS LEE
Feb. 2, 1961-Aug. 15, 2025
Funeral services for David Ellis Lee, 64, of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.,
were conducted on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025 from the Chapel of Freeman
Funeral Home, with Father Tomas Z. Powroznik officiating.
were conducted on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025 from the Chapel of Freeman
Funeral Home, with Father Tomas Z. Powroznik officiating.
Interment followed at Lee's Chapel Cemetery in Waynesboro.
He died on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025 at his residence.
He was a leading high-tech consultant whose passion for life was matched
only by his loyalty to his family and friends died suddenly on August 15
at his home.
only by his loyalty to his family and friends died suddenly on August 15
at his home.
At TechCaliber Consulting — a premier technology partner to Fortune
500 companies — David served as technology director. By virtue of his
technical aptitude in an ever-changing industry, commitment to client
satisfaction and near-photographic memory, he forged a reputation as an
international leader in his field. Large IT suppliers grew to fear his
product know-how and relentlessness when he intervened on behalf of
clients to ensure adherence to service-level agreements.
500 companies — David served as technology director. By virtue of his
technical aptitude in an ever-changing industry, commitment to client
satisfaction and near-photographic memory, he forged a reputation as an
international leader in his field. Large IT suppliers grew to fear his
product know-how and relentlessness when he intervened on behalf of
clients to ensure adherence to service-level agreements.
David met the love of his life, Janine Francolini, on a plane flying
from Frankfurt, Germany, to New York. He arranged a beach picnic for
their first date. They were married on April 13, 1996, in Westhampton,
N.Y., with longtime college friend Janet Riley serving as best man.
David and Janine's son, Ellis, was born in 2000 and named for
David's father, Ellis Gaines Lee.
from Frankfurt, Germany, to New York. He arranged a beach picnic for
their first date. They were married on April 13, 1996, in Westhampton,
N.Y., with longtime college friend Janet Riley serving as best man.
David and Janine's son, Ellis, was born in 2000 and named for
David's father, Ellis Gaines Lee.
David built and maintained a wide circle of friends dating from his
childhood and college days. Those close to him deeply appreciated his
zest for life, sincerity, sense of humor, humility, spontaneity and
big-hearted and caring manner. David was always up for a good time or
adventure, and he grew to love many of the finer things in life,
including international travel, thick steaks and expensive wine.
childhood and college days. Those close to him deeply appreciated his
zest for life, sincerity, sense of humor, humility, spontaneity and
big-hearted and caring manner. David was always up for a good time or
adventure, and he grew to love many of the finer things in life,
including international travel, thick steaks and expensive wine.
In addition to Janine and Ellis, David is survived by his sister, Gina,
and her husband, Kevin King; in-laws Rick and Joan Francolini and Karen
Connell; and eight nieces and nephews: Adam, Anna, Claire, Matthew,
Nolan, Quinn, Rene, and Tara.
and her husband, Kevin King; in-laws Rick and Joan Francolini and Karen
Connell; and eight nieces and nephews: Adam, Anna, Claire, Matthew,
Nolan, Quinn, Rene, and Tara.
David was born on Feb. 2, 1961, to the late Ellis and Florence (Schena)
Lee. "When David was about 18 months old, our maternal grandfather
told our mother, 'He's really going to be something,'" Gina
recalled. "Our Nono was prescient, but he did not yet know that David
would also be a wonderful brother and a good son."
Lee. "When David was about 18 months old, our maternal grandfather
told our mother, 'He's really going to be something,'" Gina
recalled. "Our Nono was prescient, but he did not yet know that David
would also be a wonderful brother and a good son."
He grew up in Rhode Island and enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating and
playing pranks on unsuspecting friends. David graduated from Tabor
Academy in Marion, Mass., where he excelled academically and was a
member of the crew team.
playing pranks on unsuspecting friends. David graduated from Tabor
Academy in Marion, Mass., where he excelled academically and was a
member of the crew team.
He truly blossomed at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. David
enrolled with the intent of pursuing premed studies but switched to
electrical and electronics engineering (computer science), a discipline
where he distinguished himself and was inducted into the Eta Kappa Nu
honor society. He worked as an intern with IBM in Vermont. David was a
popular member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity and earned the nickname
"Grubber" for his fierce determination to succeed in everything he
did.
enrolled with the intent of pursuing premed studies but switched to
electrical and electronics engineering (computer science), a discipline
where he distinguished himself and was inducted into the Eta Kappa Nu
honor society. He worked as an intern with IBM in Vermont. David was a
popular member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity and earned the nickname
"Grubber" for his fierce determination to succeed in everything he
did.
He ranked first in his Naval Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC)
class and was named a Distinguished Midshipman in each of the six
academic quarters that he was part of the program.
class and was named a Distinguished Midshipman in each of the six
academic quarters that he was part of the program.
Upon graduation from Northwestern in 1984, he was recruited to join Booz
Allen Hamilton as an associate in Washington, D.C. He later worked as
International Marketing Manager at California Microwave and Senior
Manager at Deloitte Consulting before finding his longtime professional
home at TechCaliber. He worked there for nearly 23 years.
Allen Hamilton as an associate in Washington, D.C. He later worked as
International Marketing Manager at California Microwave and Senior
Manager at Deloitte Consulting before finding his longtime professional
home at TechCaliber. He worked there for nearly 23 years.
"He's not replaceable," said colleague and friend Larry York, a
managing director at TechCaliber. "At some point, we'll have another
technical director, but there is not another David Lee out there."
managing director at TechCaliber. "At some point, we'll have another
technical director, but there is not another David Lee out there."
At Ellis' urging, David re-embraced his Catholic roots in recent
years. Although he had already been confirmed himself, Ellis attended
classes with David and served as his father's confirmation sponsor at
Mary, Mother of Light Maronite Catholic Church last year. David was
active with the Knights of Columbus Santa Maria Council in Palm Beach
Gardens, serving as secretary and was deeply involved with the Kairos
Prison Ministry. His work with the men who were incarcerated was one of
the most meaningful experiences of his life. Providing spiritual support
to individuals and their families was life-changing for him.
years. Although he had already been confirmed himself, Ellis attended
classes with David and served as his father's confirmation sponsor at
Mary, Mother of Light Maronite Catholic Church last year. David was
active with the Knights of Columbus Santa Maria Council in Palm Beach
Gardens, serving as secretary and was deeply involved with the Kairos
Prison Ministry. His work with the men who were incarcerated was one of
the most meaningful experiences of his life. Providing spiritual support
to individuals and their families was life-changing for him.
"David was a very gentle person," said David Tabony, a fellow member
of the Knights of Columbus. "He was very loving and very caring."
of the Knights of Columbus. "He was very loving and very caring."
In lieu of flowers, David's family asks that donations be made to
Catholic Charities of Palm Beach County's "Prison Ministry."
Catholic Charities of Palm Beach County's "Prison Ministry."
An online guestbook can be signed at www.freemanfh.com.
Freeman Funeral Home of Waynesboro was in charge of arrangements.
JIMMY G. "JIM" WHATLEY
April 4, 1950-Sept. 2, 2025
A graveside service for Jimmy G. "Jim" Whatley, 75, of Laurel, was
conducted on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025 from Evergreen Cemetery in Shubuta,
with Rev. Robby Johnson officiating.
conducted on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025 from Evergreen Cemetery in Shubuta,
with Rev. Robby Johnson officiating.
Born in Waynesboro on Tuesday, April 4, 1950 to the late George A. and
June Reynolds Whatley, he was a founding member of Pineview Baptist
Church. He retired as Owner of Ranger Wireline Service.
June Reynolds Whatley, he was a founding member of Pineview Baptist
Church. He retired as Owner of Ranger Wireline Service.
He died on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025 at his residence.
He is survived by his daughter, Maria Whatley Tidwell of Laurel; his
son, James Clint Whatley of Laurel; his brother and sister-in-law, Bill
and Connie Whatley of Buckatunna; four grandchildren and their
respective spouses, Brennan Whatley, Mollie and Garrett Moore, Jackson
Whatley and Maggie Sue and Brice Jones; four great-grandchildren and the
mother of his children, Sue Miller.
son, James Clint Whatley of Laurel; his brother and sister-in-law, Bill
and Connie Whatley of Buckatunna; four grandchildren and their
respective spouses, Brennan Whatley, Mollie and Garrett Moore, Jackson
Whatley and Maggie Sue and Brice Jones; four great-grandchildren and the
mother of his children, Sue Miller.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George A. and June Reynolds
Whatley; his daughter-in-law, Heather Ford Whatley; and his brother,
Jack Milton Whatley.
Whatley; his daughter-in-law, Heather Ford Whatley; and his brother,
Jack Milton Whatley.
Pallbearers were Brennan Whatley, Garrett Moore, Jackson Whatley, Brice
Jones, Austin Brown and Chaise Whatley.
Jones, Austin Brown and Chaise Whatley.
An online guestbook can be signed at www.freemanfh.com.
Freeman Funeral Home of Waynesboro was in charge of arrangements.
JAN ELIZABETH (FRASIER) COLEMAN
Oct. 21, 1951-Aug. 31, 2025
Jan Elizabeth (Frasier) Coleman, 73, died on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025 in
the Hospice Unit of West Florida Hospital in Pensacola, Fla.
the Hospice Unit of West Florida Hospital in Pensacola, Fla.
She was born on Oct. 21, 1951 in Gulfport.
She is survived by two sisters and brothers-in-law, Mona Shea and Larry
Givens of Laton Hill, Ala., and Denise and Paul Brown of Fruitdale,
Ala.; her brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Vicki Frasier of Shubuta;
two daughters, Sylvia Hoy of Century, Fla., and Nancy Hudson of
Cantonment, Fla.; two sons, David Alan Coleman of Century and Jeremy
Coleman of Cantonment; Nick Fowler of Lyman, S.C., who was just like a
son to her; 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Givens of Laton Hill, Ala., and Denise and Paul Brown of Fruitdale,
Ala.; her brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Vicki Frasier of Shubuta;
two daughters, Sylvia Hoy of Century, Fla., and Nancy Hudson of
Cantonment, Fla.; two sons, David Alan Coleman of Century and Jeremy
Coleman of Cantonment; Nick Fowler of Lyman, S.C., who was just like a
son to her; 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Gary Wayne
Coleman; her parents, Paul and Mary (Harvey) Frasier, Sr.; and her
sister, Andreae (Frasier) Odom Busby.
Coleman; her parents, Paul and Mary (Harvey) Frasier, Sr.; and her
sister, Andreae (Frasier) Odom Busby.
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