• The Blackshear Times, nootrsSdepru9a20f9Mh:53Mmiaahc924 75g9mmi4htP18ua71l9   77m0, PRIVATE BENNETT HUBERT WATERS TO BE RETURNED HOME 81 YEARS AFTER HE WAS KILLED IN ACTION IN WORLD WAR II, World War II Private Bennett Hubert Waters, 26, will finally come home to Pierce County Saturday, March 28, over 81 years after he was killed in action in what is now Taiwan. Members of Bennett’s family and Defense Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Agency confirmed today that Waters has finally been accounted for after his remains were identified using DNA analysis. An arrival ceremony is planned for Saturday morning, March 28, at Jacksonville International Airport. A funeral procession will follow through northern Florida and southern Georgia to escort Pvt. Waters to Pearson-Dial Funeral Home in Blackshear. Funeral services are tentatively planned for Saturday, April 4. Additional details will be included in the April 1 edition of The Times
  • https://bluehelp.org/officers/james-daniel-danny-christmas/ James Daniel “Danny” Christmas, Ware County School’s Police Department, Waycross, GA, Date of Death: March 11, 2025, Age: 53, Years of Service: 32 James Daniel “Danny” Christmas was a man of unwavering dedication, quiet strength, and a servant’s heart. Born on April 12, 1972, to James and Betty Christmas, Danny grew up with a deep sense of duty and commitment—qualities that would define both his professional life and his personal legacy. For over three decades, Danny devoted his career to the field of corrections and law enforcement. From his early days at the Ware County Sheriff’s Office to his leadership roles as Captain, Jail Administrator, Assistant Warden, and Divisional Training Manager, Danny led with integrity, fairness, and compassion. His work was not just a job, but a calling—one where he worked tirelessly to ensure safety, uphold justice, and mentor those who served alongside him. Whether managing large facilities, overseeing specialized operations, or developing training programs, he approached every role with the same steadfast commitment to excellence. His service earned him numerous honors, including the Georgia Sheriffs Association Deputy Sheriff of the Year, the National Sheriff’s Association Medal of Honor, the Medal of Valor, and multiple commendations for leadership and bravery. Beyond the accolades, his true reward was the respect and trust he earned from his colleagues, his community, and those whose lives he touched. But above all his professional achievements, Danny’s proudest role was that of husband, father, brother, and “Papa.” He leaves behind his loving wife, Angel Christmas, his sister, Joy Christmas, and his cherished children—Amber Slagle (Logan), Jamie Christmas, Shilon Christmas, Jett Christma,s and two step-daughters—Morgan Sanders (Mack), and Macie Matthews. His five precious grandbabies, Hudson, Ellie, Nova, Emmy, and Maverick. Each is a reflection of his love, wisdom, and values. And his three beloved fur babies, Gurley, Rosie, and Suzy, who brought so much joy to his days. Danny took his own life on March 11, 2025, by a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Though his journey on this earth ended far too soon, his impact remains eternal. May we honor his memory by living with the same integrity, loyalty, and kindness that he showed every day.
  • 11Alive  prnodosSteh5g60u3:7ic 15h1lr33M5acPg9a7a0 tc 09u1gc 2gctm4M2 ·REST IN PEACE: Lieutenant Jesee Lee in Waycross passed last weekend after a sudden illness at 43 years old. He’s been remembered as a loving husband and father of four children, an officer with “unwavering dedication, professionalism and a commitment to excellence that left a lasting impact on this department and the community he served” and a man of varied interests who worked with music and sound engineering and was a cherished member of the local Dungeons & Dragons community. https://www.11alive.com/…/85-3014b041-222b-49e2-a806…
  • Mall of Waycross otspdSonre051cM22a8iPg:r27904c36ga520873a cl4h22 42 c45Ma t2 The Mall of Waycross is saddened by the sudden loss of Sergeant George Grant. He has faithfully served the mall for 10 years. Through his dedication, professionalism, being one of the hardest workers, and ability to brighten any room he walked into, the Mall of Waycross family will greatly miss him. Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers go out to his family and friends. Thank you for your service, protection, leadership in our community, and friendship. You have left a legacy on the hearts and lives of the thousands of people you greeted each weekend.