OBITUARIES

Recent Obituaries

Obituaries for Hiram, GA, Paulding County & Surrounding Areas

Cathy Balkevicius

Cathy Balkevicius

April 27, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Cathy Balkevicius, who left us peacefully on April 27, 2025, at the age of 67. Cathy was born on December 5, 1957, to the late Alfred and Doris Rizer in Gainesville, Florida. Cathy called Powder Springs, GA, home, but lived in many different cities throughout her life.

Cathy...

Leroy Atcheson

Leroy Atcheson

April 25, 2025

With great sadness, we announce that Leroy Atcheson, affectionately known as Papa, passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on April 25, 2025, with family by his side. He leaves a strong legacy of love and devotion to God and his family.

Leroy was born on March 21, 1934, to S.R. and Gladys Atcheson in Dallas, Georgia where he remained...

Thomas Abston

Thomas Abston

April 20, 2025

Thomas "Tommy" T. Abston of Villa Rica, Georgia passed away April 20, 2025 at the age of 83. Tommy was born July 10, 1941 in Greene County, AL to Norman and Mary Alice Abston.

Tommy earned his master's and bachelor's degrees from Livingston State College (now University of West Alabama) where he was a running back on the football team. He...

JD Reece

JD Reece

April 19, 2025

Mr. JD Reece, age 96, died Saturday, April 19th 2025. Born on August 9, 1928, JD was known for his unwavering commitment to his family and his work as a Quality Control Technician at Ford Motor Company, from which he retired after many years of dedicated service within the automotive industry.

JD was a man of simple pleasures, finding joy in...

Jameel Johnson

Jameel Johnson

April 17, 2025

Jameel Kenneth Johnson, age 22, passed away on April 17, 2025. Born on February 13, 2003, in Dayton, Ohio, Jameel spent his formative years in Dallas, Georgia, where he was a beloved son, brother, and friend.

Jameel was a bright spirit who graduated from East Paulding High School, and had aspirations of becoming an architect. His creativity and passion for design...

Charles Franklin Moody Sr.

Charles Franklin Moody Sr.

April 17, 2025

Charles Franklin Moody Sr., age 82, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2025. Born on August 14, 1942, in Atlanta, Georgia, to the late Frank and Florence Moody. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Charles lived a life marked by dedication-to his family, his profession, and his many passions.

Charles built a distinguished career as a construction manager with Hussman...

Jessica Gates

Jessica Gates

April 16, 2025

Jessica Gwen Gates, born on October 20, 1975, in Marietta, GA, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2025, at her home in Dallas, GA, at the age of 49. A cherished mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend, Jessica was a radiant light whose warmth, kindness, and magnetic spirit touched everyone she met.

Jessica had a heart that welcomed all....

Paul Heitsenrether

Paul Heitsenrether

April 16, 2025

Paul James Heitsenrether, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2025, at the age of 74. Born on April 8, 1951, in Clearfield, Pennsylvania, to the late Harvey Paul and Dorothy Margaret Heitsenrether, Paul was known for his kind spirit, sense of humor, and joyful presence.

Affectionately known by his family as "Pops," Paul lived...

Sharon Miller

Sharon Miller

April 14, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Sharon "Nana" Sue Miller, 67, who passed away on April 14, 2025. Born in St. Charles, Illinois, on February 16, 1958, Sharon was the daughter of the late Kenneth Paul Elliott and Dorothy Ann Clark. Sharon found her true calling as a loving homemaker, devoting her life to nurturing her family and...

Alton Carter

Alton Carter

April 13, 2025

We respectfully announce the passing of Alton Cecil Carter, age 50, of Rockmart, Georgia. Alton was born on Friday, May 10, 1974, and left this world peacefully on Sunday, April 13, 2025.

He is mourned by his loving family, including his mother, Sylvia Carter; wife, Angela Waters; and his siblings, Sammy Chastain, Dale Chastain, and Margie Carter. Alton is also survived...

Lurlene Smallwood

Lurlene Smallwood

April 10, 2025

Lurlene Smallwood, a cherished matriarch and beloved member of her community, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2025, at the age of 69. Born on November 7, 1955, in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica West Indies, to the late Rupert and Estelle Lloyd, Lurlene lived a life that was a beautiful tapestry woven with love, kindness, and unwavering strength.

Throughout her life, Lurlene...

Faith Eleesia Lewis

Faith Eleesia Lewis

April 9, 2025

It is with heavy hearts and profound sorrow that we announce the untimely passing of Faith Eleesia Lewis, beloved daughter, sister, and friend, who departed this world on April 9, 2025. Faith was born on March 20, 2006, in Birmingham, Alabama. Faith graced our lives with her vibrant spirit and boundless creativity. She touched many hearts with her artistic flair...

Melissa Hartley Cederholm

Melissa Hartley Cederholm

April 8, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Melissa Sonya Cederholm, who left us on April 8, 2025. Born in Killeen, TX, on April 6, 1969, Melissa made her home in Dallas, GA, where she cherished her family and the simple joys of life.

 A proud graduate of Paulding County High School, Melissa had a successful...

Christopher Straka

Christopher Straka

April 7, 2025

With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Christopher John Straka, beloved son, brother, and friend, who left us on April 7, 2025, at age 50. Christopher was born on July 23, 1974, in Anderson, South Carolina, and lived most recently in Kennesaw, Georgia.



His passion marked Christopher's journey in life for the restaurant industry, where he dedicated...

Thomas O'Neal Evans

Thomas O'Neal Evans

April 7, 2025

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Thomas O'Neal Evans, aged 82, of Dallas, Georgia. Neal was born on December 14, 1942, and departed this life peacefully on April 7, 2025.

Neal dedicated over 40 years to the construction industry as a building contractor, a vocation he relished and took immense pride in. His passion extended beyond...

Ralph Seals

Ralph Seals

April 6, 2025

In Loving Memory of Ralph Derrell Seals

February 1, 1942- April 6, 2025

Mr. Ralph Derrell Seals, age 83, of Villa Rica, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 6, 2025 at Tranquility Wellstar Hospice Care at Kennesaw Mountain after a courageous battle with Leukemia. Born on February 1, 1942, in Paulding County, Georgia, he was the beloved son of...

Wayne Copeland

Wayne Copeland

April 1, 2025

Allen Wayne Copeland, age 68, of Bremen, GA, formerly of Dallas, GA, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2025. Born on December 1, 1956, in Canton, GA, to Albert Dewey Copeland and Shirley Ann Copeland. Wayne was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend known for his hard work and simple joys.

From his early days, Wayne was always the tough...

Daniel Kaiser

Daniel Kaiser

March 30, 2025

Daniel "Dan" P. Kaiser, originally of Dayton, Ohio died on March 30, 2025 from COPD at his Georgia home. Dan was born on January 29, 1956 in Dayton to Marilyn Kaiser (nee Huelsman) & James Kaiser. He is lovingly remembered by his beloved wife & soulmate of 25 years, Karen; sisters Rita (Dave) Barney & Kathy Kaiser; brothers Russ &...

Phillip McBride

Phillip McBride

March 29, 2025

Phillip Marion McBride, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2025, at the age of 86. He was born on March 6, 1939, in Birmingham, Alabama, and spent his later years in Rockmart, Georgia. Phillip's life was marked by his unwavering dedication to family and friends, as well as his love for creating and...

Irene Gresik

Irene Gresik

March 25, 2025

Irene Jane Gresik, born on April 9, 1950, in Szczurowa, Poland, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2025, at the age of 74. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Irene lived a life of love, devotion, and faith.

Irene immigrated to the United States in search of new opportunities, and she lovingly nurtured her family and home. She...