Obituaries – June 18th Issue

WESLEY BARRETT SR.

Wesley Alan Barrett, Sr., 81, of Dalton, passed away Friday, June 13, 2025 in a local health care facility after battling a chronic illness.

Mr. Barrett was born Feb. 14, 1944, in St. Louis, Mo., served in the National Guard, was a former member of Shriners, V.F.W., and the Masonic Lodge. He retired as an agent with Georgia Farm Bureau, was a collector of Nascar memorabilia, and enjoyed spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William W. Barrett and Eva Jane Cleland Thomas; wife, Patricia Ann Barrett; sister, Dolly Saylor; and the father who raised him, Carl Lynn Thomas, Sr.

Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Wesley Alan, Jr. and Brandy Barrett; daughter, DeeAnn Street Queen; grandchildren, Morgan Street, Wesley “A.J.” Barrett, III, Whitley (Colton) Hill, Branden Barrett, and Caylee Barrett; brother, Carl (JoAnn) Thomas; niece, Carla (Brian) Carroll; nephews, Aaron (Ashley) Thomas, Charlie Saylor, and Steve Saylor; several great-grandchildren, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

A celebration of life will be Thursday, June 19, at 6 p.m., in the funeral home chapel with Frankie Ridley officiating.

Online condolences may be shared at ryanfuneralhome.net.

The family will receive friends on Thursday from 3 p.m. until the service hour at Ryan Funeral Home and Crematory.

Arrangements by Ryan Funeral Home and Crematory.

 

MARY ANN GARDNER

Mary Ann Gardner, 83, of Trenton, passed away Sunday, June 8, 2025.

Mary Ann was born Dec.25, 1941, in Chattanooga, Tenn., to the late Khinard Clifton and Pauline Kelley Moore. She was a Christian, retired from AT&T as an Assistant Engineer following many years of service and enjoyed Nascar and college football.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Gardner, Sr.; son, Michael Gardner; brother, Jerry Moore.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Charlie and Debbie Gardner, Jr.; granddaughter, Tonya (Adam) Mansapha; great-grandson, Dallas Mansapha; sister, Nancy Giddens; brother, K.C. (Mikey) Moore, Jr; nieces and nephews.

You may share condolences on her online guestbook at ryanfuneralhome.net.

Mrs. Gardner will be laid to rest with her husband at Lake Hills Memorial Gardens at a later date.

Arrangements by Ryan Funeral Home and Crematory, Trenton.

 

MAX HALE

Max Hale, long time resident of Rising Fawn, passed away on May 1, 2025.

He was born on January 22, 1954.

Max was very proud of being one of the original members of South Dade Fire and Rescue, where he served for over 30 years. Many tall tales have been based upon adventures at the South Dade Fire Hall – from long days spent working on equipment, to fun had at the Community Center during fall festivals and barbecues.

Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Marie Hale; daughters, Deborah Hale (Steve Stav) and Heather Chance (Chris Chance); grandchildren, Alex (Hannah) Kennedy, Madison Kennedy, Frost Gott, Katherine Cagle, Makaela Chance, Bradley Chance; four great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be Saturday, June 28, at South Dade Community Center at 2 p.m. All are welcome, and friends and family look forward to sharing stories over refreshments.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared at ryanfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Ryan Funeral Home and Crematory, Trenton.

 

EVELYN WHEELER

Evelyn M. Wheeler, 65, of Trenton, passed away peacefully Monday, June 9, 2025, at Haralson Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Bremen.

Evelyn was born May 29, 1960, in Trenton, where she spent the majority of her life. Though she lived with cerebral palsy, it never defined her spirit. She was known for her joyful personality, love for conversation, and sincere interest in the lives of others. Evelyn never met a stranger and always wanted to know how everyone was doing – she truly was a social butterfly.

Her faith in the Lord was the cornerstone of her life. Evelyn loved to worship, pray, and sing, and could often be found listening to gospel music for hours on end. Her unwavering trust in God brought her comfort, strength, and joy.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Belcher Wheeler; brother, Andy Wheeler; sister Dora Wheeler.

Evelyn is survived by her devoted friend and guardian, Deborah Stack of Hernando, Fla.

A Celebration of Evelyn’s life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements by Moore Funeral Home, Trenton.