Wilson Funeral Homes

07/29/2026

Keree Lucile Leamons
September 10, 1955 – July 27, 2026

Keree Lucile Leamons, 70, of LaFayette, Georgia, passed away on Monday, July 27, 2026. Keree was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on September 10, 1955, to Stanley and Doris Esbenshade. She was born and reared in Pennsylvania had spent most of her life there. She moved to LaFayette, Georgia at the end of 2023 and she loved living in this community. Keree loved anything to do with “Big Foot.” She enjoyed “Big Foot” stories, hunting and sightings and could talk about it for hours. She was a big Jeff Gordon fan, enjoyed collecting Gnomes, watching TV and spending time with her dogs and horses. Keree was always ready to travel and she loved a good road trip and enjoyed a good cup of coffee that was always “a little coffee with her cream.” More than anything, Keree loved her family, and had spent her life taking care of her daughter, Jennifer. Keree’s family extended far beyond her blood relatives. She had many people that she “adopted” and loved them as her own. Keree was a wonderful, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She had an engaging, loving adventurous spirit and she was loved by everyone who knew her and she will be greatly missed.

Keree is preceded in death by her husband, Dale Eugene Leamons, and her parents, Stanley Bair and Doris Jane Esbenshade.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Mike (Dallas Parsons) Leamons of Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania and Jennifer Leamons...

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07/29/2026

Joan Diane Huggins McGill, age 76, of Fort Oglethorpe, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
Born in Chickamauga, Georgia, Joan was the daughter of the late Lloyd Huggins and Mildred Hargrave Huggins. She was a lifelong resident of Fort Oglethorpe and a faithful member of Pathway Baptist Church. Joan lived a life marked by compassion, service, and unwavering faith, leaving a legacy of love that will continue through the many lives she touched.
A dedicated registered nurse, Joan devoted more than 30 years to the healthcare profession. She faithfully cared for countless patients throughout her career, serving as a travel nurse for many years before concluding her nursing ministry with Amedisys Hospice. Her caring heart, gentle spirit, and commitment to serving others reflected her Christian faith in every aspect of her work.
Joan was known by those who loved her for her steadfast loyalty to family and friends and for her adventurous spirit that led her to enjoy traveling and exploring new places. She was also a gifted porcelain doll maker, creating beautiful keepsakes with her artistic talents.
Perhaps Joan's greatest ministry was opening her heart and home as a foster mother to 72 children. She treasured every child entrusted to her care, providing love, encouragement, and hope that made an eternal difference in their lives.
In addition to her parents, Joan was preceded in death by her sister, Wanda Helton.
Those left to...

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07/27/2026

ONE OF THESE DAYS

I spent my whole life farming this land.

You learn a few things after eighty years. Rain always comes... eventually. Crops don't always grow the way you planned. And tomorrow isn't promised to any of us.

At the beginning of this year, I lost my wife.

It happened so fast.

We'd talked about pre-planning our funeral arrangements more than once. We'd always say, "We'll do it one of these days."

Funny how we all think we've got one more season.

But sometimes... we don't.

I watched my children trying to grieve while making decisions we'd never made. They wondered what songs she'd have wanted... what Scriptures... what kind of service. Every answer seemed to bring another question.

I don't want my children carrying that burden again.

So I stopped by Wilson Funeral Home and sat down with Mike Miller. Before long, Leroy wandered in, we drank some coffee, shared a few stories, and took care of everything.

It wasn't hard.

Truth is... it brought me a little peace.

Whenever the Lord calls me home, I want my children standing together in comfort... not sitting around a table wondering what Daddy would've wanted.

I've carried a lot for my family over the years.

This is one more load I can carry.

And to me... that's just what a husband, a father, and an old farmer ought to do.

**********************************************************

Pre-planning your arrangements doesn't take long, and we make it very easy for you.

Just click the link to get started.

https://wilson.yourfuneralquote.com/

Or, call Mike Miller at 706-889-8794.

Let us help you!

07/27/2026

Judy Faye Arrington “Memaw” Mason age 83, of Rock Spring, Georgia went home to be with The Lord on Thursday – July 23, 2026 at her home. She was born in Tallassee, Alabama to the late Ellis and Mildred Louise Gregory Arrington. Judy has resided in northwest Georgia for the past forty-eight years and a member of Lake Howard Baptist Church. She was a Gold Star Wife and enjoyed quilting. She and her late husband: Jerry had a passion for mules, covered wagons and enjoyed spending time with their family & friends going on rides. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother that will be truly missed by all who knew her. Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband: Jerry “PePaw” Mason, and her parents.
Judy is survived by her daughter: Tawana Waters sons: James & (Renee) Baker of and Terry Baker of ; four grandchildren: Amanda (Mark) Mitchell, Corey Waters, Lindsey Baker and Lisa Baker, great grandchildren Seth Baker, Neveah Cauthen,
Hayden Waters, Jaxon Mitchell, Jocelyn Waters; one great great grandson Weston Ballew and numerous extended family & friends. A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, July 30, 2026 in the chapel with Bro. Benny Roberts officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. on day at the funeral home, until time of the service. Arrangements by Wilson Funeral Homes - LaFayette Chapel. Online register book at www.wilsonfuneralhome.com

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07/27/2026

Joe Edward Roach, age 85, resident of Ringgold, Georgia, passed away on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at his residence.
Mr. Roach, son of the late James Arthur Roach, Sr. and Marion Lovida Norman Roach, was born March 24, 1941 in Catoosa County, Georgia. He attended New Life Baptist Church. Mr. Roach began working as a bus driver for the Catoosa County School System, later worked as a machinist for over 20 years with Sweetwater; worked for Galaxy Carpets for over 10 years; and then finished his working career with Hutchinson Medical Center where he faithfully worked in Environmental Services until he retired.
Mr. Roach enjoyed hunting deer; fishing; and hiking. He also enjoyed taking trips with the family to Gatlinburg. While at home, many would see him outside gardening and keeping up his yard; watching classic western and game shows; and listening to classic country music. He was known to be an avid Georgia Bulldog football fan and also Atlanta Braves fan. Most of all, he looked forward to spending quality time with his family, particularly his grandchildren. The family remembers him as a true family man – one who always provided for everyone’s needs.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Lily Mae Wilson; brother, James Andrew Roach, and step-son, Edward Eugene Plott.
Mr. Roach is survived by his wife of over 51 years, Wanda Roach; five daughters, Lori (Kenny) Parker, Vickie (Todd) Friddell, Renee (James) Garner, Marvilla...

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07/27/2026

Clifford Earl Hyde, Jr., 62, of Pikeville, Tennessee, passed away on Sunday, July 19, 2026. Clifford was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on September 12, 1963, to Clifford Earl and Gladys B. Hyde. He was a lifelong resident of the Chattanooga area. Clifford was a wonderful history buff who could spend hours reading history books. He especially enjoyed Civil War history and reenactments, and he also enjoyed reading and studying military planes. He loved his family and especially enjoyed visiting with his niece, Crystal, and his great-niece and nephew, Jenna and Parker.

Clifford is preceded in death by his parents, Clifford Earl and Gladys B. Hyde, and his sister, Rhonda Russell.

Those left to cherish his memory include his brother, Allen W. Hyde of Georgetown, Tennessee; his sister, Sandra Bass of Canton, Georgia; his brother-in-law, Al & Linda Russell of Harrison, Tennessee; his niece, Crystal Lively of Ringgold, Georgia; and his great-niece, Jenna, and great-nephew, Parker.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at Lakewood Memorial Gardens – South, 325 Greens Lake Road, Rossville, Georgia, with Pastor Tim Owens officiating.

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers for our family during this difficult time.

W. L. Wilson and Son’s Funeral Home, Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, is honored to handle funeral arrangements. An online guest book is available at www.wilsonfuneralhome.com.

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07/26/2026

Shirley Ann White Johnston Wrape, 91, of Rossville, GA, went to be with her Lord and Savior on July 26, 2026.

She was born on November 29, 1934, in Cartersville, GA, to Albert Newton White and Annie Lou York White.

She was of the Baptist faith and was baptized at 12 years old. Shirley was an avid Atlanta Braves and Georgia Bulldogs fan. She retired from Synthetic Industries in December 1999 and fully enjoyed her retirement.

She attended Summerville High School and married Gene Johnston on October 2, 1953. She lived the majority of her life in Rossville, GA, since 1964.

She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Gene Johnston; son, Greg Johnston; special granddaughter, Andrea Haynes Kimbrel; second husband, Parks Wrape; three sisters, Aileen Cupp Zephiel, June Reynolds, and Hazel Roach; and one brother, Ray White.

She is survived by one daughter, Mary Angela (“Angie”) Haynes (Steve) of Flintstone, GA; one son, Tracey Gerald Johnston (Vickie) of LaFayette, GA; grandchildren, Brandon Johnston, Lindsay Downey, Whitnie (Wade) Lipham, Jackson (Emily) Hughes, Kristen (Mikey Trull) and Shelley; two brothers, J.C. White (Sheila) and Larry White (Janet); several great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Private services are being held.

Arrangements by W.L. Wilson & Sons Funeral Home, 555 West Cloud Springs Road, Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia 30742.

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07/26/2026

Mark Alan LaPine, 65, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2026, surrounded by family.

Mark was born in North Adams, MA, on January 16, 1961, a son of Karl Edward LaPine and Theresa Helen (Chenail) LaPine. He graduated from McCann Technical High School in 1979.

He was last employed by Williams College, Steinerfilm and BerkMatics, Inc., where he made numerous lifelong friends.

Above all else, Mark was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He recently celebrated 42 years of marriage with his wife, Deb. His greatest joys in life were his granddaughters, Ava and Isabella. The bond he shared with them was extraordinary, and his absence will leave a void that will never truly be filled.

Mark also had a deep love and appreciation for the outdoors. He was an avid hunter, hiker, and fisherman and loved adventuring with his wife, family, and friends right up until his final days. He and Deb had many memorable hikes in the White Mountains of NH, around Mt. Greylock, and throughout the Northeast. Once he moved to Georgia, he loved exploring the trails and fishing Chickamauga Lake with Michelle, Izzy and Ava. He instilled his passions for hunting and fishing in many family members and friends over the years.

He lived a life of faith, but did so quietly and often sought solace in nature. Mark always believed in quality over quantity and he proved that by building strong relationships with his granddaughters long before he made the move south. He was...

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07/24/2026

Jack Hudgins, age 77, resident of Rossville, Georgia, passed away in his sleep on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at his residence.
Mr. Hudgins, son of the late Jack Hudgins and Leebeth Brasher Hudgins, was born December 10,1948 in Centre, Alabama. He began working hanging and finishing sheetrock, drove a truck for Freightliner for a short period of time, and then began a career spanning over 25 years with the Hamilton County Board of Education until his retirement. Mr. Hudgins is a member of Victory Baptist Church as well as the American Legion Post #40; Masonic Lodge #190, Rossville, Georgia; Alhambra Shriners; Eastern Star of Chickamauga; and Sons of the Confederacy. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army where he served his country honorably during the Vietnam Era Conflict. Mr. Hudgins enjoyed working in his yard; going to flea markets; and taking trips with his family to Myrtle Beach. While at home, many would find him watching Georgia football; reading his bible; sitting on his back porch; listening to Southern Gospel music; and watching classic westerns. The family remembers him as a giving man who loved his family immensely, and a man who led several people to the Lord from his ministry. His name meant a lot . He was a man of his word. If he said he would do it, better believe he would. His wife and daughters never worried about anything. He would always take care of it.
Along with his parents Jack and Leebeth Brasher Hudgins, he was preceded in...

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07/23/2026

Mary Ann Cordell Key
November 10, 1940 – July 20, 2026

Mary Ann Cordell Key, 85, of Rossville, Georgia, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories and a family who loved her dearly. She was born on November 10, 1940, in Rising Fawn, Georgia, to the late Charles William and Ruth Walen Cordell, both of Rising Fawn, Georgia.

Mary Ann retired from Shaw Industries after twenty-five years of dedicated service. She was a hardworking woman whose greatest joy in life was spending time with her family. She loved gathering with those she loved, searching for hidden treasures at yard sales and thrift stores, and never passed up the opportunity to find a good bargain. Mary Ann was a faithful member of Heritage Pointe Baptist Church in Ringgold, Georgia, where she found strength in her faith and enjoyed the fellowship of her church family.

Mary Ann is preceded in death by parents, Charles and Ruth Cordell; her first husband of twenty-six years, James Mincey of Ringgold, Georgia; her brothers, Charles Cordell of Haines City, Florida, Dennis Cordell of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, and Kenneth Cordell of Geneva, Alabama; her sisters, Marie Cordell of Rising Fawn, Georgia, and Marlene Cordell Miles of Ringgold, Georgia; and her children, Larry Mincey of Rossville, Georgia, Alvin Key of Florida, and Martha Mincey Key of Rossville, Georgia.

Those left to cherish her memory include her devoted husband of thirty-seven years, Larry Key of...

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