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Johnny Brown Reid
Young Funeral Home
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Mr. Johnny Brown Reid died Aug. 28. The son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Major (Leola Delaney) Reid, he was born in Putnam County, one of six children. He was preceded in death by siblings Robert, Earnest "Hump," Eddie and Rever Mae. Mr. Reid grew up in Putnam County. His family moved to Social Circle when he was young, and there he joined Graves Chapel A.M.E. Church. He became an active member serving as a trustee and as a member of the male chorus. He was married to Martha Mae Moses Reid who, after 27 years of marriage, preceded him in death in 1976. He was also preceded in death by son Leon. Later Mr. Reid married Yvonne Vinson Reid. A very hard worker, Mr. Reid was a jack of all trades. He worked for many companies including the Porterdale Mill, Georgia Duck cotton Mill and the DeKalb County Water and Sewage Department, where he retired in 1989. He enjoyed hunting, gardening, landscaping and helping others whenever he was needed. He took great pride in maintaining the lawn at the church. Mr. Reid never met a stranger and impacted the lives of all he met. He loved sitting under the pecan tree, chewing his tobacco and talking with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Surviving are wife Mrs. Yvonne Reid; daughters Bernice Reid and Jacqueline (George) Gibbs; sons Johnny Thomas (Myra) Reid, Walter (Paula) Reid, Willie James (Tosha Reid, Bennett Reid; stepchildren John Timothy Smith, Marilyn (Maurice) Southerland, Edna Teresa Smith, Fletcher Lewis Smith, Patrick Orlando Vinson and Brenda (Sean) Henry; 19 grandchildren; six step grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; eight step great-grandchildren; sisters Annie Mary Gunn, Doris (Flemmie) Pitts, Marjorie (Willie) Duncan; brother Alvin Reid; sister-in-law Betty (Robert) Hoskins; brother-in-law Albert (Mattie) Vinson III; special friend Ebbie Syphoe; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.

Funeral services were held Sept. 4 at Graves Chapel A.M.E. with Pastor Charlie F. Stembridge, the Rev. David Character, Minister Lillian Gibbs and the Rev. Charley Burley officiating. Interment followed at Graves Cemetery.

Obituary: Robert I. Stafford
Robert I. Stafford
Robert I. Stafford (Dec. 1, 1941 — April 16, 2025) - photo by Contributed Photo

Robert Irby “Bob” Stafford was born into a large family in Summerfield, NC on December 1, 1941. He passed away peacefully on April 16, 2025, after suffering from a fall in 2022.

Bob grew up in the small town of Summerfield, NC. After graduating from Summerfield High School, he briefly joined the Army Reserves. Bob worked various jobs before moving to Georgia with Moore Business Forms, where he held various sales and management positions before starting his own company in 1985. He moved to Covington in 2005 after living in Atlanta for several years.

Bob was predeceased by his mother, Doris Stafford Kania, and step-father, Edward Kania. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Vicki Stafford; his daughter, Karen Collins; his son, Scott Stafford (Jennifer); his cherished grandchildren, Flynne Collins Cherry (Jack), Ian Collins, Jack Stafford, Ellie Stafford and Emma Stafford; and his twin great granddaughters, Davie May and Tomorrow Cherry. His family and friends remember Bob as a strong, loving and wise example whose guidance and support were unwavering.

While living in Atlanta, Bob was an active and devoted member of the North Atlanta (North DeKalb) Rotary Club and served as president during 1988-1989. He was a long-term contributor to the Georgia Rotary Student Program as a Trustee and Vice-Chair. He and Vicki were host parents and grandparents to many students from around the world for 40 years. After moving to Covington, Bob joined the Rotary Club of Covington and served as president during 2010-2011. He was also a member of the Covington Police Who Care Board.

Bob was a passionate hunter and avid outdoorsman who enjoyed elk hunting in southwest Colorado with Vicki for many years. His wall is adorned with numerous trophies from his adventures, including elk, deer, duck, dove, and quail hunting. These outings provided him lots of time to socialize with friends. Recently, he became an avid hog hunter, even recruiting Vicki as his spotter with advanced equipment for nighttime hunts.

After Bob’s serious fall in September 2022, he spent the last 2.5 years at PruittHealth of Covington, receiving excellent care from the devoted staff. The family appreciates their support for Bob and Vicki, which made his final journey easier.

The family will receive friends at a gathering to celebrate Bob’s life on Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 at J.C. Harwell Funeral Home (2157 East Street, SE, Covington, GA 30014).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bob’s name to The Arts Association of Newton County at 1169 Washington Street, Covington GA 30014 or to the Covington Family YMCA at 2140 Newton Drive, NE, Covington GA 30014.