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Obituaries 03-05-26
March 03, 2026
![facebook](https://www.facebook.com/dialog/share?app_id=398014612333688&href=https://www.thewaynecountynews.com/articles/7887/view/obituaries-03-05-26&name=Obituaries 03-05-26&title=Obituaries 03-05-26&description=DAVID PAUL "CANDY CANE" BROWNLEENov. 25, 1974-March 1, 2026Graveside services for David Paul "Candy Cane" Brownell, 51, of Vossburg, will be at 2...&picture=https://s3.amazonaws.com/lewiscountypress-pictures-production/wcn/production/pdfs/5425/a1_wcn_02_26_2026_sq_thumb.jpg){kind=link}
DAVID PAUL "CANDY CANE" BROWNLEE
Nov. 25, 1974-March 1, 2026
Graveside services for David Paul "Candy Cane" Brownell, 51, of
Vossburg, will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026 from Goowater
Cemetery in Clarke County, with Rev. Pat Patterson officiating.
Vossburg, will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026 from Goowater
Cemetery in Clarke County, with Rev. Pat Patterson officiating.
Born in Laurel on Monday, Nov. 25, 1974 to the late Arvel and Alma
Brownlee, he was a member of Eucutta Independent Church. He retired as a
Self-Employed Logger.
Brownlee, he was a member of Eucutta Independent Church. He retired as a
Self-Employed Logger.
He died on Sunday, March 1, 2026 at Diversiare of Quitman in Quitman.
He is surveyed by two sisters and a brother-in-law, Mary and David
Boleware of Vossburg and Tonya Brownlee of Eucutta; his nieces and
nephews and their respective spouses, Delia and James Walker, Zelda and
Terry Boleware, Isaiah Brownlee and Samuel Boleware; his great-nieces
and great-nephews, Denee, Caleb, Trisha, Lily, Jace, Adam, Izabela,
Emily, Amir and Kristina; and a host of aunts and uncles.
Boleware of Vossburg and Tonya Brownlee of Eucutta; his nieces and
nephews and their respective spouses, Delia and James Walker, Zelda and
Terry Boleware, Isaiah Brownlee and Samuel Boleware; his great-nieces
and great-nephews, Denee, Caleb, Trisha, Lily, Jace, Adam, Izabela,
Emily, Amir and Kristina; and a host of aunts and uncles.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Arvel and Alma Brownlee; and
his grandparents, Jeff and Orlee Brownlee and Paul and Mildred Huffman.
his grandparents, Jeff and Orlee Brownlee and Paul and Mildred Huffman.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lake Bogue Homa or Archusa
Creek Park.
Creek Park.
An online guestbook can be signed at www.freemanfh.com.
Freeman Funeral Home of Waynesboro is in charge of arrangements.
FRANKLIN DONALD HEMETER, SR.
Oct. 1, 1937-Feb. 24, 2026
Funeral services for Franklin Donald Hemeter, Sr., 88, of Waynesboro,
were conducted on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026 from the Chapel of Freeman
Funeral Home, with Dr. Steve Smith and Rev. Chuck Frankenfeld
officiating.
were conducted on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026 from the Chapel of Freeman
Funeral Home, with Dr. Steve Smith and Rev. Chuck Frankenfeld
officiating.
Interment followed at Waynesboro Cemetery.
Born in Beaumont on Friday, Oct. 1, 1937 to the late Paul and Bessie
Hemeter, he was a member of Waynesboro United Methodist Church.
Hemeter, he was a member of Waynesboro United Methodist Church.
On Feb. 25, 2015, he was recognized by Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves,
President of the Mississippi Senate at the time, with Senate Concurrent
Resolution No. 579. It was a concurrent resolution paying tribute to the
leadership, longevity and legacy of Hemeter in his role as Administrator
at Wayne General Hospital on the occasion of his retirement. The
resolution stated:
President of the Mississippi Senate at the time, with Senate Concurrent
Resolution No. 579. It was a concurrent resolution paying tribute to the
leadership, longevity and legacy of Hemeter in his role as Administrator
at Wayne General Hospital on the occasion of his retirement. The
resolution stated:
Whereas, Franklin Donald Hemeter, Sr., has served as Administrator of
Wayne General Hospital from March 1, 1967 through Feb. 28, 2014. His
peers and the citizens of Wayne County are honoring the service of this
wonderful example for public servants with an outstanding record of
achievement and legacy of leadership and dedication to the health care
of all citizens in Mississippi;
Wayne General Hospital from March 1, 1967 through Feb. 28, 2014. His
peers and the citizens of Wayne County are honoring the service of this
wonderful example for public servants with an outstanding record of
achievement and legacy of leadership and dedication to the health care
of all citizens in Mississippi;
Whereas, Mr. Hemeter's career includes the following: 1959 Graduate of
University of Southern Mississippi with a BS degree in Accounting and
Business Administration; Certificate in Healthcare Administration from
the University of Alabama in Birmingham; has served at least three times
on the Board of Governors of the Mississippi Hospital Association;
Member of the East Central Hospital Council for many years; has served
on the Board of Directors of the Southeast Mississippi Trauma
Association; has served on the Mississippi Trauma Advisory Committee;
Past President of the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce, 1983 to 1985;
Honorary Member of the Waynesboro Rotary Club; Lifetime Member of the
University of Southern Mississippi Alumni Association; Member of the
University of Southern Mississippi Eagle Club; inducted into the
University of Southern Mississippi Alumni Hall of Fame, 1996; received
the 2014 Distinguished Service Award from the Wayne County Chamber of
Commerce; received the DAR Certificate of Award for Excellence in
Community Service, 1996; served in the United States Army and the
Mississippi National Guard; and member of First United Methodist Church.
University of Southern Mississippi with a BS degree in Accounting and
Business Administration; Certificate in Healthcare Administration from
the University of Alabama in Birmingham; has served at least three times
on the Board of Governors of the Mississippi Hospital Association;
Member of the East Central Hospital Council for many years; has served
on the Board of Directors of the Southeast Mississippi Trauma
Association; has served on the Mississippi Trauma Advisory Committee;
Past President of the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce, 1983 to 1985;
Honorary Member of the Waynesboro Rotary Club; Lifetime Member of the
University of Southern Mississippi Alumni Association; Member of the
University of Southern Mississippi Eagle Club; inducted into the
University of Southern Mississippi Alumni Hall of Fame, 1996; received
the 2014 Distinguished Service Award from the Wayne County Chamber of
Commerce; received the DAR Certificate of Award for Excellence in
Community Service, 1996; served in the United States Army and the
Mississippi National Guard; and member of First United Methodist Church.
Whereas, while Administrator at Wayne General Hospital, Mr. Hemeter was
responsible for construction of Wayne General Hospital, 1977; expansion
of Waynesboro General Hospital Emergency Department, Laboratory, X-Ray
and waiting areas, areas for dialysis and Wellness Center; construction
of Medical Arts Building to house eight physicians, home health and
hospice; construction of a Wellness Center/Education Center, 2013;
construction of a dialysis facility, 2014.
responsible for construction of Wayne General Hospital, 1977; expansion
of Waynesboro General Hospital Emergency Department, Laboratory, X-Ray
and waiting areas, areas for dialysis and Wellness Center; construction
of Medical Arts Building to house eight physicians, home health and
hospice; construction of a Wellness Center/Education Center, 2013;
construction of a dialysis facility, 2014.
Whereas, expanded services at the hospital during his administration
included: two rural health clinics, Home Health Agency; Hospice; Swing
Bed; Ambulance Service; Rehabilitation Department (Physical Therapy,
Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy); Wellness Center; Intensive Care
Unit; expanded ancillary departments.
included: two rural health clinics, Home Health Agency; Hospice; Swing
Bed; Ambulance Service; Rehabilitation Department (Physical Therapy,
Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy); Wellness Center; Intensive Care
Unit; expanded ancillary departments.
Whereas, Wayne General Hospital first became accredited by the Joint
Commission in 2003; and it is the great pride that we recognize and
cherish fondly the career and service of this most public-spirited
citizen of Wayne County, Mississippi.
Commission in 2003; and it is the great pride that we recognize and
cherish fondly the career and service of this most public-spirited
citizen of Wayne County, Mississippi.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Senate of the State of
Mississippi, the House of Representatives concurring,
Mississippi, the House of Representatives concurring,
Therein, that we do hereby pay tribute to the leadership, longevity and
legacy of Wayne General Hospital Administrator Franklin Donald Hemeter,
Sr., on the occasion of his retirement, and extend the best wishes of
the Legislature to Mr. Hemeter and his family on this auspicious
occasion.
legacy of Wayne General Hospital Administrator Franklin Donald Hemeter,
Sr., on the occasion of his retirement, and extend the best wishes of
the Legislature to Mr. Hemeter and his family on this auspicious
occasion.
Be it further resolved that this resolution be presented to Mr. Hemeter,
forwarded to the Board of Supervisors of Wayne County and made available
to the Capitol Press Corps. (A resolution that was adopted by the Senate
on Feb. 24, 2015.)
forwarded to the Board of Supervisors of Wayne County and made available
to the Capitol Press Corps. (A resolution that was adopted by the Senate
on Feb. 24, 2015.)
He died on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026 at USA Health Providence Hospital in
Mobile, Ala.
Mobile, Ala.
He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, James Scott and Dana
Hemeter of Waynesboro; his daughter, Stephanie Hemeter of Waynesboro;
his grandson, Braxton Hemeter of Waynesboro; two sisters and a
brother-in-law Joan Freeman and Barbara and Ray Matthews, all of
Beaumont; three sisters-in-law and their respective spouses, Ginger and
Jimmy Gardner and Sherry Hamilton, all of Waynesboro, and Tena and
Michelle Clark of Atlanta, Ga.; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and
other family members; special family and devoted friends, Javier Diaz
and Alishia and Michael Teasley and family; and devoted caregivers.
Hemeter of Waynesboro; his daughter, Stephanie Hemeter of Waynesboro;
his grandson, Braxton Hemeter of Waynesboro; two sisters and a
brother-in-law Joan Freeman and Barbara and Ray Matthews, all of
Beaumont; three sisters-in-law and their respective spouses, Ginger and
Jimmy Gardner and Sherry Hamilton, all of Waynesboro, and Tena and
Michelle Clark of Atlanta, Ga.; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and
other family members; special family and devoted friends, Javier Diaz
and Alishia and Michael Teasley and family; and devoted caregivers.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Florence A. "Toni"
Hemeter; his parents, Paul and Bessie Hemeter; and a son, Franklin
Donald Hemeter, Jr.
Hemeter; his parents, Paul and Bessie Hemeter; and a son, Franklin
Donald Hemeter, Jr.
Pallbearers were Greg Freeman, Gary Freeman, Jamie Heathcock, Willie
Taylor, Lee Applewhite, Braxton Hemeter, Javier Davis and Michael
Teasley. Honorary pallbearers were Ray Matthews, Jimmy Gardner, Billy
Bynum, Thomas Malone, Bill Baker, Marty Stadalis, James Odom, Dr. Wulf
Hirshfield and Ray Pipkin.
Taylor, Lee Applewhite, Braxton Hemeter, Javier Davis and Michael
Teasley. Honorary pallbearers were Ray Matthews, Jimmy Gardner, Billy
Bynum, Thomas Malone, Bill Baker, Marty Stadalis, James Odom, Dr. Wulf
Hirshfield and Ray Pipkin.
An online guestbook can be signed at www.freemanfh.com.
Freeman Funeral Home of Waynesboro was in charge of arrangements.
TED M. PINKERTON
May 30, 1943-March 1, 2026
Graveside services for Ted M. Pinkerton, 82, of Butler, Ala., were
conducted on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 from Waynesboro Cemetery, with
Sister Peggy Tyson officiating.
conducted on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 from Waynesboro Cemetery, with
Sister Peggy Tyson officiating.
Born on May 30, 1943 in Waynesboro to Joe and Clem M. Pinkerton, he
graduated from Waynesboro High School in 1961, then furthered his
education at Jones County College in Ellisville. He loved the outdoors
and spending time with family and friends.
graduated from Waynesboro High School in 1961, then furthered his
education at Jones County College in Ellisville. He loved the outdoors
and spending time with family and friends.
He grew up in the First United Methodist Church of Waynesboro but,
during his marriage, he attended County Line Baptist Church in State
Line.
during his marriage, he attended County Line Baptist Church in State
Line.
He retired from Northen Elecrtric Company in Waynesboro, working as a
Mapping Supervisor. His longtime dream was to own and operate a
restaurant, which was fulfilled as Southern Style Steak and Seafood.
Mapping Supervisor. His longtime dream was to own and operate a
restaurant, which was fulfilled as Southern Style Steak and Seafood.
Retiring for the second time, he spent a few years in Waynesboro before
moving to Butler to be near his family.
moving to Butler to be near his family.
He died on March 1, 2026 at Arabella Health & Wellness of Butler.
He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Shelly and Danny Geurreo
of Mississippi; his son, Barry Pinkerton of Mississippi; his sister and
brother-in-law, Toni P. and Eugene Griffith of Butler; his nephews and
their respective spouses, Matt and Kellee Griffith of Butler and
Mitchell and Brittney Griffith of Gulf Breeze, Fla.; his grandchildren,
Noah Guerreo, Elijah Guerreo and Asher Guerreo; his great-nieces, Ellis
Griffith and Kennedy Griffith; his great-nephews, Wiley Griffith and
Briggs Griffith; and very special loved ones, Jamey, Amanda and Layne
Roberts of Northport, Ala.
of Mississippi; his son, Barry Pinkerton of Mississippi; his sister and
brother-in-law, Toni P. and Eugene Griffith of Butler; his nephews and
their respective spouses, Matt and Kellee Griffith of Butler and
Mitchell and Brittney Griffith of Gulf Breeze, Fla.; his grandchildren,
Noah Guerreo, Elijah Guerreo and Asher Guerreo; his great-nieces, Ellis
Griffith and Kennedy Griffith; his great-nephews, Wiley Griffith and
Briggs Griffith; and very special loved ones, Jamey, Amanda and Layne
Roberts of Northport, Ala.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Clem M. Pinkerton.
Pallbearers were Barry Pinkerton, Matt Griffith, Mitchell Griffith,
Steve Odom, William Richardson and Adam Roberts. Honorary pallbearers
were Eugene M. Griffith and Jamey Roberts.
Steve Odom, William Richardson and Adam Roberts. Honorary pallbearers
were Eugene M. Griffith and Jamey Roberts.
To sign the online register and post condolences to the family, visit
bumpersfundalehome.com.
bumpersfundalehome.com.
Bumpers Funeral Home of Butler was in charge of arrangements.
ROBERT LEE "BOBBY" WATKINS, JR.
April 28, 1943-Feb. 16 2026
Funeral services for Robert Lee "Bobby" Watkins, Jr., 82, of
Waynesboro, were conducted on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026 from First Baptist
Church of Waynesboro, with Dr. Steve Smith officiating.
Waynesboro, were conducted on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026 from First Baptist
Church of Waynesboro, with Dr. Steve Smith officiating.
Interment followed at Waynesboro Cemetery.
Born in Laurel on Wednesday, April 28, 1943, he was the son of Robert
Lee Watkins, Sr., and Vernon Lee Watkins. He was a devoted lifelong
member of First Baptist Church of Waynesboro and loved his church
family.
Lee Watkins, Sr., and Vernon Lee Watkins. He was a devoted lifelong
member of First Baptist Church of Waynesboro and loved his church
family.
A 1961 graduate of Waynesboro High School, Bobby played football,
baseball and basketball. His favorite pastimes were hunting deer and
turkey, fishing with his buddies and watching Ole Miss football. He
graduated from the University of Mississippi with a bachelor's degree
in business administration in 1965. If you spent much time with him, you
would know of his love for the Ole Miss Rebels and "Hotty Totty."
baseball and basketball. His favorite pastimes were hunting deer and
turkey, fishing with his buddies and watching Ole Miss football. He
graduated from the University of Mississippi with a bachelor's degree
in business administration in 1965. If you spent much time with him, you
would know of his love for the Ole Miss Rebels and "Hotty Totty."
He was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity and served in the United States
Army during the Vietnam Era. His priorities in life were God, family and
country.
Army during the Vietnam Era. His priorities in life were God, family and
country.
In 1964, Bobby married the love of his life, Elaine Clanton, and they
were blessed with 62 years of marriage. They became high school
sweethearts when she was in the eighth grade and the rest is history.
They have two children, Shara and Brent.
were blessed with 62 years of marriage. They became high school
sweethearts when she was in the eighth grade and the rest is history.
They have two children, Shara and Brent.
After Bobby graduated from Ole Miss in 1965, they moved to Gulfport,
where he was employed with Mississippi Power Company as Dealer
Coordinator.
where he was employed with Mississippi Power Company as Dealer
Coordinator.
A longtime businessman in Waynesboro, Bobby began his career in the
clothing business in 1968 when he and Elaine moved bsack home and opened
Watkins Heritage Shop on the second flood of Watkins Department Store,
which had been established in 1949 by his parents. Ten years later, the
business was expanded with the new Men & Boys Store. The clothing stores
were closed in the 1990s.
clothing business in 1968 when he and Elaine moved bsack home and opened
Watkins Heritage Shop on the second flood of Watkins Department Store,
which had been established in 1949 by his parents. Ten years later, the
business was expanded with the new Men & Boys Store. The clothing stores
were closed in the 1990s.
Bobby then entered a new era in business by opening Watkins Ad Products
in 1997, specializing in promotional advertising products with
embroidery and screen printing plus tuxedo rentals. It is still in
operation today.
in 1997, specializing in promotional advertising products with
embroidery and screen printing plus tuxedo rentals. It is still in
operation today.
He achieved his dream and was successful with a total of 58 years in
business on Station Street in Waynesboro. He loved and appreciated all
his customers who came through the doors, and he made so many friends
over those years.
business on Station Street in Waynesboro. He loved and appreciated all
his customers who came through the doors, and he made so many friends
over those years.
He never met a stranger, and he could talk to anyone about anything.
He died on Monday, Feb 16, 2026 at Wayne General Hospital in Waynesboro.
He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Laura Elaine Watkins of
Waynesboro; his son and daughter-in-law, Robert Brent and Kriss Watkins
of Nashville, Tenn.; his daughter, Shara Watkins-Bowdoin of Waynesboro;
his sister, Mary Kay Watkins Souther of Waynesboro; five grandchildren
who he dearly loved and enjoyed spending time with and was proud of each
one, Caleb and Charley Bowdoin, Caroline Watkins and Bobby Caudell,
Lauren Watkins and Will Bundy, Anna Watkins and Lilly Watkins; his
great-grandson, James Robert Caudell; his sister-in-law, Betty Clanton;
his nephew, Trevor Clanton; two nieces and their spouses, Melanie West
and Reed Harman and Chandler and Kevin Chance; four great-nieces, Kate
Harman, Courtlyn Clanton, Blakely Chance and Brenleigh Chance; and two
great-nephews, David Harman and Brantley Chance.
Waynesboro; his son and daughter-in-law, Robert Brent and Kriss Watkins
of Nashville, Tenn.; his daughter, Shara Watkins-Bowdoin of Waynesboro;
his sister, Mary Kay Watkins Souther of Waynesboro; five grandchildren
who he dearly loved and enjoyed spending time with and was proud of each
one, Caleb and Charley Bowdoin, Caroline Watkins and Bobby Caudell,
Lauren Watkins and Will Bundy, Anna Watkins and Lilly Watkins; his
great-grandson, James Robert Caudell; his sister-in-law, Betty Clanton;
his nephew, Trevor Clanton; two nieces and their spouses, Melanie West
and Reed Harman and Chandler and Kevin Chance; four great-nieces, Kate
Harman, Courtlyn Clanton, Blakely Chance and Brenleigh Chance; and two
great-nephews, David Harman and Brantley Chance.
He also loved the four family fur babies, Rebel, Maxx, Dixie Belle and
George. He will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him.
George. He will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Lee Watkins, Sr., and
Vernone Lee Watkins; his grandson, Cameron Thomas Stewart; his
father-in-law, Roy Clanton; his mother-in-law, Maggie Laura Clanton; and
two brothers-in-law, Terry Clanton and Charles "Chuck" Souther.
Vernone Lee Watkins; his grandson, Cameron Thomas Stewart; his
father-in-law, Roy Clanton; his mother-in-law, Maggie Laura Clanton; and
two brothers-in-law, Terry Clanton and Charles "Chuck" Souther.
An online guestbook can be signed at www.freemanfh.com.
Freeman Funeral Home of Waynesboro was in charge of arrangements.
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