James Alvin Spivey, Jr., 68, was ushered into heaven amidst a room full of worship and praise Thursday, July 3, 2025.

He born October 12, 1956, in Florida and resided predominantly in the Waycross/Brantley County area in his adult life.

In his youth, he worked alongside his father in orange groves and later with bees, cultivating a robust work ethic. He dedicated 33 years as an EMT, Paramedic and EMS Director in Glynn, Brantley and Pierce Counties, where he was fondly referred to as Poppy. He was a good provider to his children, both by blood and marriage. He passed down his love of fishing to his children and grandchildren. He loved to go on outdoor adventures later in life and took every opportunity to enjoy hiking and camping. A devout follower of The Lord, he held his church family in high regard and prayed daily for his loved ones. He was widely recognized for his kindness, sense of humor and wholehearted love.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Rita; his parents, James and Luvine and his nephew, Glen Dyal.

Survivors include his wife, Niki; his children, James Spivey (Rachel), Sherri Bennett (Vance), Linnie Manuel (Woody), Breanna Staten, Jeremiah Staten (Jessi) and Emma Varnes; his grandchildren Adrian (Carly), Vandi, Braydn, Nayla, Waylon, Leighton, Mataeo, and Finn; his greatgrandchildren, Liam and Revan; his sister, Betty Walker (Ken); his nieces, Kimmae VanLeimpd, Melissa Repep, Kim Rowell, and four greatnieces and greatnephews, Kailey, Kiana, Leilani and John Alex.

A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, July 13, from the Destination Church in Blackshear.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hospice Satilla, 808 Evergreen Way Waycross, GA 31501, where James received such loving care and support.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.musicfuneralhome.com.

Music Funeral Home of Waycross is in charge of arrangements.

Obituaries continued on Page 5 Mixon

Kerry Lynn Mixon

Kerry Lynn Mixon, 61, of Blackshear, passed away early Sunday morning, July 6, 2025, at Dover’s Bluff in Camden County.

Born in Harrisburg, PA February 16, 1964, he lived in Pierce County most of his adult life. He was a 1982 graduate of Pierce County High School. He spent the majority of his life working as a truck driver with Thom’s Transport being his last employer. He loved to fish, ride his Harley, shoot pool, and work in the yard but spending time with those he loved made him the happiest. He was an honorary member of the Kingsland VFW. He was of the Baptist faith.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Renee Fritz.

Survivors include his daughter, Courtney Jarusinski (Michael Vadella), Berlin, MD; his fiance’, Sandee James Sanford, Blackshear; his parents, Marie St. Jean Fonder of Smyrna, DE and Bobby Mixon, Waycross; his sister, Tammy Clark (Al Moran), Blackshear; his step-sister, Sherry Stelle, Dover, DE; a grandson, Aiden Jarusinski and several nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Visitation will be from 3-4 p.m. Thursday, July 10, at the funeral home.

Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, July 10, from the Pearson-Dial Funeral Home Chapel.

Interment will be in the Blackshear Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Steven Roppe, Tommy Spell, Chet Corbitt, Stevie Melton, Chris McCollough and Brian James.

Honorary pallbearers will be employees of Thom’s Transport and they should meet at the funeral home by 3:30 p.m. Thursday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pearson-Dial Funeral Home to with funeral expenses.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online register at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.