Obituaries from the Weekend, July 4, 2026 E-Edition

Little Ronald ‘Ronny’ Bentley IV

In Loving Memory of Ronald Borders Bentley IV. “Ronny” • “PeePaw” • “Buddy Bear”

On a day that forever changed our hearts, our precious son, Ronald Borders Bentley IV, lovingly known as Ronny, PeePaw, and Buddy Bear, was called home to be with Jesus. Though his time on this earth was only ten short months, the love, joy, and light he brought into this world will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him for a lifetime.

Ronny had a smile that could brighten the darkest day and eyes that seemed to hold wisdom far beyond his years. He was the sweetest little soul, a precious gift from God whose life, though brief, carried immeasurable purpose. In ten months, he taught us more about unconditional love, gratitude, and the beauty of every moment than many learn in a lifetime.

He loved to be held close, to hear the voices of those who adored him, and to fill every room with warmth and happiness. He was our little Buddy Bear, our precious boy, and the center of so many cherished memories that we will hold tightly until we see him again.

Ronny is survived by his loving parents, Ronald Borders Bentley III (“Trey”) and Jessie Elizabeth Bentley of Calhoun, Georgia; his adoring sisters, Jadelyn, Audrey, Lyla, and Eleanor Bentley, who loved their baby brother with all their hearts; his grandparents, Ron “Poppy” and Faye “Mama Faye” Bentley of Calhoun, Georgia, and Vincent and Deborah Wright of Calhoun, Georgia; his aunt and uncle, Andrew and Miranda Bentley of Calhoun, Georgia; his cousins, Josephine and James Bentley; and his great-grandmother, Linda “Nana” Bentley of Calhoun, Georgia.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Ronald B. Bentley Sr., Annie Mae Pierce, Homer Pierce, Herbert and Eleanor Wright, and Patricia Faller and Gene Autry Peebles.

While our hearts ache with a pain that words cannot express, we cling to the promises of God and the hope of Heaven. Jesus said:
“Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”— Matthew 19:14

And we find comfort knowing that our sweet boy is safe in the arms of Jesus, whole and joyful, waiting for the day we are reunited.
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”
— Revelation 21:4

Though we cannot understand why his time with us was so short, we trust in the goodness of God and His promise that this goodbye is not forever.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
— Psalm 34:18

And in our grief, we hold tightly to this blessed assurance:
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life… nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
— Romans 8:38-39

Our precious Ronny, you were deeply loved before we ever held you, and you will be deeply loved until the day we hold you again. You were our sunshine, our laughter, our sweet Buddy Bear. You changed us forever. Though our arms are empty, our hearts are full of the love you gave us.
There will always be a place at our table, a space in our family photos, and a longing in our hearts for you. Until Heaven, we will speak your name, share your story, and remember the incredible gift of your ten beautiful months.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
— 2 Timothy 4:7

Sleep peacefully, our sweet little boy. Run and play in the presence of Jesus, and know that Mommy, Daddy, your sisters, Your Poppy Bear and Mama Faye “Your PataCake Buddy” and all who love you will carry you in our hearts every day until we meet again.

Forever our PeePaw. Forever our Glow Worm Forever our Brother Bear, our Buddy Bear. Forever our Ronny Boy.

Larry Bowen

Larry Joseph Bowen, 79, of Calhoun, Georgia, passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. He was born on May 29, 1947, to the late L.J. and Murrell Bowen. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his nephew, Timothy Silvers.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Alice Bowen; sons, Chris (Shelly) Bowen and Frank (Terri) Bowen; sister, Glenda (David) Silvers; grandchildren, Ella Bowen, Jacob (CK Williams) Bowen, Landon (Kayla) Bowen; great-granddaughter, Landree Bowen; nieces, Kimberly Casey, Vivian (Danny) McClure, Beth (Steve) Layne; great-nephew, Brayden Casey.

Larry retired from the City of Calhoun Police Department after serving for 46 years. He enjoyed golfing and fishing and being outdoors. He and Alice loved to get in the car and go for a ride together. He loved spending time with his kids, grand kids, and great-granddaughter. Larry was a faithful member of Damascus Baptist Church.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 5, 2026, from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM at Damascus Baptist Church.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at 3:00 PM from Damascus Baptist Church with Rev. Terry Trivette officiating. Burial will follow in Chandler Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jacob Bowen, Landon Bowen, Jeff Henderson, Larry Gilbert, Neal Russell, and Thomas Worsham. Honorary pallbearers are Clifton Smith, Johnny Perry, Roy McBrayer, Larry Defoor, Brian Defoor, Wayne Brown, and Stanley Simpson.

The Brannon family and staff are honored to serve the family of Larry Joseph Bowen.

Ray Boynton, Sr.

Ray Maxwell Boynton Sr., 82, of Calhoun, Georgia, passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. He was born on September 28, 1943, to the late Cornelius Franklin Boynton and Anneal Vickers Boynton Greene. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Jerry Vickers, Frank Boynton, Michael Greene, Robin Faircloth, and Larry Boynton; and sister, Cynthia Price.

Ray dearly loved his friends and classmates from Leavelle McCampbell High School in Graniteville, South Carolina, where he was a tri-athlete in track, baseball, and football. His friends were like family and he always cherished his memories with them. Ray served his country in the United States Air Force. He was a member of Plainville Fellowship Baptist Church.

Ray is survived by his loving wife, Mary Boynton; sons, Robert Ratzmann (Jeanette) and Ray Boynton Jr. (Tina); daughters, Paula Boynton and Lisa Harris (Ritchie); brothers, Charles Vickers and Johnnie Greene; sister, Libby DeRamus; grandchildren, Robert Jr., Stephen, Hannah, Hollis, Presley, Trey, Emily, and Rebekah; and great-grandchildren, Harper, Hazel, Ryker, and Hattie. Several nieces, nephews, and other relatives also survive.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 12:00 Noon until 1:00 PM at Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home.

A memorial service will follow on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 1:00 PM from the Chapel of Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home with Rev. Doug Maddox officiating.

The Brannon family and staff are honored to serve the family of Ray Maxwell Boynton Sr.

Susan Callahan

Susan Michelle Smith Callahan, age 71 of Sugar Valley, GA and formerly of Dalton, GA, passed away on Thursday, July 2, 2026.

Susan was born on July 24, 1954 in Atlanta, GA, daughter of the late Claude H. Smith and Esther Leah Bruce Smith. She was retired from Shaw Industries, where she worked in cost accounting for over 40 years. Susan was an avid bowler, enjoyed playing BINGO, and most of all, she loved spending time with her family and friends.

Susan is survived by: her husband of 39 years, Dwight Ellis Callahan; two step-sons, Kevin Callahan and his wife Stacie, and Joseph “Joey” Callahan and his wife Shanea; one step-daughter, Emily Yarbrough and her husband Tim; and nine grandchildren.

You may leave the family online condolences at www.thomasfuneralhomecalhoun.com

The family will receive friends on Monday, July 6, 2026 from 5 PM until 8 PM at Thomas Funeral Home.
Funeral Services will be conducted on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 3 PM from the Chapel of Thomas Funeral Home with Reverend George Gray officiating. Burial will follow in Tilton Baptist Church Cemetery in Dalton.

Thomas Funeral Home has proudly been entrusted with the care of Susan Michelle Smith Callahan.

Cathy Collins

Cathy Louise Collins, age 66, of Cohutta, Georgia, formerly of Calhoun, Georgia, and Mount Airy, North Carolina, passed away unexpectedly at her home on June 29, 2026.

Born on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1960, Cathy was the second oldest daughter of Duke and Ima Jean Bowman Collins. She was immensely proud of being born and raised in “Mayberry,” as she affectionately referred to her hometown of Mount Airy, North Carolina.

Cathy built a career around her sewing machine and was an exceptionally talented seamstress whose craftsmanship blessed countless family members, friends, and customers over the years. She was always up for an adventure and she was fearless in her pursuit. Cathy was naturally classy, vivacious and full of life and determination. Crafty is an understatement as she could create anything she set her mind to. She loved to host and be around the people that she loved. She was a devoted red hymnal, King James Version Baptist and a faithful follower of Jesus Christ.

Cathy’s final years were spent in Cohutta, Georgia, living next door to her son, Bradley, and his family. There, she found immense joy in the peaceful oasis she created for herself and her dogs. She truly loved her home in Cohutta and treasured the friendships she formed with her friends and neighbors there. She was preceded in death by her parents, Duke and Jean Collins; her brothers, Junior, Randall, and Chris Collins; and her sisters, Cynthia Jenkins and Teresa Collins. Cathy is survived by her sons, Brandon Brown of Calhoun, Georgia, and Bradley Brown and his wife, Traci, of Cohutta, Georgia. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Charlie Brown, Kyler Bass, Carley Johnston, Ryker Brown, and Raynslee Brown, who she was very proud of. She will also be deeply missed by her very best friends and faithful companions, Marci, Daisy, Katara, Rosie, and Dixie, as well as her granddogs—Snoop, Gypsy, Chief, and Pico—who never missed an opportunity to sneak next door for a visit. Cathy was truly a selfless person when it came to her sons. A pillar of strength when she was needed the most. She will be remembered for her generous heart, unwavering faith, remarkable talent, and the love she poured into her family and those she held close. Though her passing was unexpected, the memories she created and the legacy of love she leaves behind will be cherished forever.

A memorial service will be held at the Pleasant Grove Chapel of Julian Peeples Funeral Homes on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 4:00 PM with Brother Stacy Hensley officiating. Family and friends are invited to attend.

Messages of comfort may be sent to the family at www.julianpeeples.com.

Arrangements are by Julian Peeples Funeral Home, Dalton. For more information, please call 706-259-7455.

Angela Gragg

Angela Desiree Gragg, 41, of Calhoun, Georgia, passed away on Sunday, June 28, 2026. She was born in Lexington, Kentucky, on June 25, 1985, to the late Mark and Sharon Rice Dunn.

Angela is survived by her husband, David Gragg; children, Grayson Parker, Maddox Parker, Bodhi Gragg, and Callie Parker; brothers, Levi Dunn and James Dunn; sister and brother-in-law, Michelle and David Rovinelli. She also leaves behind a host of extended family and friends.

The family will receive friends on Friday, July 3, 2026, from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home.

A memorial service will follow at 1:00 PM from the Chapel of Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home.
The Brannon family and staff are honored to serve the family of Angela Desiree Gragg.

Glenn Harkins, Jr.

Terry Glenn Harkins Jr., lovingly known as Glenn to his family and friends and affectionately called “Poppy” by his grandchildren, passed away surrounded by the love of those whose lives he touched so deeply.

Born on June 23, 1974, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Glenn was the beloved son of Terry Glenn Harkins Sr. and Vicki Lynn Harkins. He was a devoted husband, loving father, cherished son, proud grandfather, and loyal friend whose kindness, strength, and unwavering love for his family will never be forgotten.

On September 24, 2003, Glenn married the love of his life, Margaret Harkins, beginning a marriage built on love, faith, and devotion. Together they created a family that was the center of his world.

Glenn found great joy on his farm in Plainville, Georgia, where he spent countless hours caring for his cattle and enjoying the peaceful country life. Whether working on the farm, cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs, or spending precious time with his grandchildren, he embraced every moment with a grateful heart. Nothing brought him greater happiness than being “Poppy.” He treasured every minute with his grandchildren: Lawson, Kinley, Bennett, and Katie. They were the light of his life, and he loved them with all his heart.

Glenn is survived by his loving wife, Margaret Harkins; his mother, Vicki Lynn Harkins; his father, Terry Glenn Harkins Sr. Dorothy Harkins; his sister, Tracy Fuller, and her husband, Jason Fuller, along with their children, J.C. Fuller, Zachary Fuller, Nathan Fuller, and Ashlyn Fuller; his brother, Sean Harkins, and his wife, Whitney Harkins, and their son, Hunter Harkins; his brother, Josh Christian, son, Jacob Harkins, son Jason Hibberts ; daughter, Haley Conner, and her husband, Zach Conner, along with their children, Lawson Conner, Kinley Bohannon, Bennett Conner, and Katie Conner; as well as many extended family members and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Eric Harkins, and Carrie Harkins. Glenn leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, faith, and unwavering dedication to his family. His laughter, generous spirit, and the love he shared with everyone around him will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

The family will receive friends on Monday, July 6, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM at Haven of Rest Baptist Church, 3819 Rome Rd. SW, Plainville, Georgia 30733.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 11:00 AM from Haven of Rest Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Fain Cemetery.

Pallbearers serving include Jason Hibberts, J C Fuller, Zach Fuller, Nathan Fuller and Hunter Harkins. Honorary pallbearers are Jerry Garland and Kyle Slone

His family would like to leave him with these words: “This isn’t goodbye—it’s simply ‘I’ll see you later.’

We love you and miss you dearly. You will live in our hearts, our memories, and our lives forever.” “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

Karen Martin

Karen Lynn Martin, 67, of Calhoun, Georgia, entered the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, June 29, 2026. She was born in West Point, Mississippi, on June 20, 1959. She was preceded in death by her father and step-mother, Tom and Jessie Nolan; her step-father, Joel Cooprider; and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Junior and Frances Martin.

Karen was a member of Meadowdale Baptist Church and also loved worshiping at Legacy Church. More than anything, she loved Jesus, and her life was a beautiful reflection of His love. She had the heart of a servant, and anyone who knew her experienced it firsthand. She never met a stranger and had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel like family.

Karen found her greatest joy in serving others. She lived out her faith in countless ordinary moments that became extraordinary because they were done with genuine love. She gave generously, loved unconditionally, and always pointed others to Jesus through the way she lived.

Her greatest earthly joy was her family. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a proud and deeply devoted Grandmama, and a faithful friend. She loved fiercely, prayed faithfully, celebrated every milestone, carried every burden as if it were her own, and never let those she loved question how much they meant to her. Her home was a place of comfort, laughter, and unconditional love, and her greatest legacy will always be the faith she lived and the people she loved so well.

Karen retired after many years of dedicated service with the Department of Family and Children Services, where she faithfully cared for and advocated for families throughout her career. After retirement, she treasured the years spent traveling alongside her husband, Jeff, as he drove over the road. Those adventures together became some of their sweetest memories.

Karen is survived by her devoted husband of 50 years, Jeff Martin; son, RJ Martin (Carla Fox); daughter, Jaime Holsomback (Zane); mother, Lucy Cooprider; brother, Tommy Nolan (Phyllis); sister, Dena England (Dave Damme); brother-in-law, Shawn Martin (Rhonda); grandsons, Hayden Holsomback, Aspen Martin, and Ace Martin; and bonus grandson, Mac Fox. Several nieces, nephews, and other relatives also survive.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 2, 2026, from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM at Meadowdale Baptist Church.

A celebration of Karen’s life will follow at 2:00 PM from Meadowdale Baptist Church with Chase Holsomback officiating. Burial will follow at Haven of Rest Memorial Park.

Serving as pallbearers are Hayden Holsomback, Aspen Martin, Ace Martin, Zane Holsomback, Tommy Nolan, and Shawn Martin.

Though her family grieves deeply, they rejoice knowing Karen is completely healed and forever in the presence of the Savior she loved so dearly. Her life was a testimony to the beauty of humble service, steadfast faith, and unconditional love. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue to live on in every life she touched. If Karen could leave one final message, it would simply be this: Love Jesus, love people well, and never miss an opportunity to serve someone in His name.

The Brannon family and staff are honored to serve the family of Karen Lynn Martin.