Every week, The Henry County Times publishes submitted obituaries and death notices of Henry County citizens.
Richard Harris Goodman
Mr. Richard Harris “Ricky” Goodman, age 68, of McDon-ough, Ga., passed away August 11, 2019. He was born in Mc-
Donough to Betty Jo Bledsoe Goodman and the late Richard Maynard Goodman. Ricky was a graduate of Henry County High School, Class of 1969 and faithfully served in the Army National Guard. He was a member of Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church and was a farmer most of his life. He also was a truck driver and recently was employed with the Henry County Water Authority. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, cooking and spending time with his family and friends.
Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Gay Goodman; children, Brad (Jenny) Pair of Minnesota, Kristie (Donnie) Beysiegel, Samantha Goodman, Luke Knight and Ashley Riner, all of McDonough; grandchildren, Mindy Washington, Taylor Pair, Ashton Pair, Oakley Pair, Bailey Knight, Carsen Knight, and Hannah and Riley Riner; great grandchildren, Mallory and Karlee Washington; mother, Betty Jo Goodman of McDonough; sisters, Sandy (Frank) Craig of McDonough, Phyllis Goodman of McDonough, Shirley Rasar of Barnesville and Carol Knight of McDonough; his four legged buddies, Spot and Bo; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, August 15, 2019 at 2 p.m. in the Haisten Funeral Home Chapel. Friends visited the family on Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Contributions are asked to be made to the National Kidney Foundation in memory of Ricky. Haisten Funerals & Cremations, McDonough, Ga., 770-914-8833, haistenfuner als.com
Anthony Edwin Copeland
Mr. Anthony Edwin “Tony” Copeland, age 67, of McDon- ough, Ga., passed away August 12, 2019. Mr. Copeland was born in Tallapoosa on August 11, 1952 to the late Jack and Margaret Copeland. As the son of an Army solider, Mr. Copeland moved often with his family, even living in Germany for some time. After the death of his father, the family settled in Jonesboro. Mr. Cope-land graduated from Jonesboro High School and soon after enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. During Mr. Copeland’s service in the military he worked on helicopters and flew wartime missions in Vietnam that were critical to providing supplies for American troops on the ground. Mr. Copeland completed his military service in 1973 and began his career in Conyers working for Leer. In this position, he met his bride-to-be, Betty Jean. The two worked side-by-side and became inseparable. The couple was wed on May 20, 1995. Soon after Mr. Copeland began a new position with ARE, which took him to Pensacola, FL. He was an extremely hard worker who enjoyed all the travel that came with his career. He found much success in his job and was loved by all his coworkers and dealers. During this time Mr. Copeland was an Assistant to the Deacons and devoted member of Hillcrest Baptist Church where he taught Vacation Bible School during the summer. He eventually retired from ARE in 2010. Mr. and Mrs. Copeland moved to McDonough in 2013, where he became a member of Sharon Baptist Church. Towering at 6’ 7” tall, Mr. Copeland was big and strong but also kind and gentle. He was a good man who took care of his beloved wife. He was career-driven and hard-working. Mr. Copeland loved to travel, not only with his work, but also for leisure. He enjoyed vacationing with his wife. The couple visited many places including Jamaica, the Florida Keys, Biltmore, Ruby Falls and even the home of Elvis Presley. Precious memories of Mr. Copeland will be cherished my his family and many friends.
Along with his parents, Mr. Copeland was preceded in death by his brothers: Randy, Van and Scott Copeland; sisters-in-law: Ossie Milligan and Hilda Brown.
He is survived by his loving wife: Betty Jean Copeland of McDonough; children: Kim Copeland of Stockbridge, Anthony “Tony” Copeland, Jr. of Decatur, and Kevin (Susan) Allgood of Monroe; grandchildren: Emily (Paulas) Paulk of Convington; Cheyenne (Russell) Rodgers of McDonough; Katie Allgood of Monroe; sister: Sheila (Sammy) Rafford of Molena.
A memorial service will be held in Mr. Copeland’s honor on Saturday, August 24, 2019 at 3 p.m. at Turning Point Church, 78 Old Jackson Road, McDonough, Ga., 30252. Messages of condolence may be left at www.GeorgiaCre mation.com. The Copeland family is being assisted by Georgia Cremation, 1086 Hwy 54 W, Fayetteville.
Samuel Eugene Blalock, Jr.
Samuel Eugene (Gene) Blalock, Jr., age 79, of Jonesboro, Ga., passed away on Wednesday, August 14, 2019. Mr. Blalock was born to parents Louise Allen and Samuel Blalock, Sr. and raised in Jonesboro, Ga. He spent his early life enjoying hunting, fishing, skeet shooting and digging for Civil War relics. His love and appreciation of guns continued throughout his life, and Mr. Blalock was a regular at the South River Gun Club and various gun shows. His other hobbies included reading, bass fishing and American history. Mr. Blalock was married to the former Dianne Bond for 20 years. A University of Georgia graduate and Army National Guard veteran, Mr. Blalock worked for the Georgia Railroad until 1968 when he ventured into the computer age with the State of Georgia. He advanced to the position of Director of Data Networking before he retired in 1994 at the age of 55. In retirement, he and Mrs. Blalock were able to share their love of traveling. Destinations included faraway places such as Europe, Russia and China, as well as getting away to a nearby cabin on the lake for some solitude and fishing.
Mr. Blalock is survived by his wife and sisters, Anne Sligh, Suches, Ga., and Emily (Marshall) Gaddis, Darien, Ga.; stepchildren, Chip (Terry) Buttrill, Snellville, Ga., David (Ginger) Buttrill, Dacula, Ga.; step-grandchildren Robert (Bryce) Buttrill, Norfolk,Va.; Becci (Alex) Malmquist, Covington, Ga.; LauraKate Buttrill, Marietta, Ga.; Britt Buttrill, Montclair, N.J.; Marianna Buttrill, Dacula, Ga., and Gina Cullen, Snellville, Ga., plus a step-great-granddaughter and many nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones.
A visitation was held on Friday, August 16, 2019 from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Cannon Cleveland Funeral Home, 2580 Highway 42 North, McDonough, GA 30253. A memorial service was held on Saturday, August 17, 2019 at 11 a.m. also at the Cannon Cleveland Funeral Home. Interment followed at Jonesboro City Cemetery. Those who wish may sign the online guest registry at www.cannonclevelandfunerals.com. Cannon Cleveland Funeral Directors, 770-914-1414.
Mrs. Clara Wallace Nail
Mrs. Clara Wallace Nail, age 89 of McDonough, passed away on Friday, August 16, 2019, loving wife to the late Charles Edwin Nail. Mrs. Nail was born in Miamiville, Ohio to the late Ross and Nellie McMullen Wallace. Clara was a proud lifelong farmer, who enjoyed driving her Honda Recon all over her farm. When she wasn’t farming, Clara would take her rescue dogs for a run or spend the day in her garden. She was a published author, who wrote a women’s devotional book and a mystery novel. Clara was a former member of First Baptist Church of Locust Grove, where she taught Sunday school for 20 years. She recently became a member of Grace Baptist Church of Locust Grove.
Mrs. Nail is survived by her son: Wayne Earl Nail of McDonough; niece: Joy (Randy) Underwood of Tennessee; and brother-in-law: Robert Nail of McDonough. Clara is predeceased by her daughter and son-in-law: Brenda and Richard DeLauder.
The family will receive friends at Haisten Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 21, 2019 from noon-2 p.m. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Wednesday, August 21, 2019 at 2 p.m. with Rev. James Miller and Pastor Kenny Heath officiating. Burial will follow at McDonough City Cemetery. Haisten Funerals & Cremations, McDonough, GA, 770-914-8833, www.haistenfunerals.com
