Harold Nipper

Harold Wayne Nipper, 58, of Fayetteville, GA passed from this earth to his heavenly home on December 30, 2025. He made his home in Vidalia, GA for more than 30 years before returning to Fayetteville in October 2025. Harold was born on April 17, 1967, in Atlanta, GA to Thomas M and Pauline Nipper of Fayetteville.

Harold was a 1985 graduate of Fayette County High School and then attended Georgia Tech, receiving his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1990. He went on to receive his MBA in 1994 from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro.

Harold was employed by Southern Company at Hatch Nuclear Power Plant in Baxley and retired in April 2024 after over 30 years as a principal engineer. Following retirement he began volunteering with “Open Doors for Humanity” helping build wheelchair ramps in Vidalia and the surrounding communities, giving back to the area where he spent most of his adult life. Harold was also a member of the First Baptist Church in Vidalia.

Harold was an avid reader, preferring histories and biographies amid others. While in college, he told one of his professors that his favorite authors were Ferrol Sams, Sr and Lewis Grizzard, and you could always find one of their titles nearby. His other hobbies included woodworking and antiquing. He enjoyed restoring furniture, making custom kitchen cabinets for his century old house in Vidalia, and reworking several fireplace mantels also found in the house. On weekends he could be found exploring antique stores searching for period pieces for his home.

Harold is preceded in death by his father Thomas M Nipper and grandparents Marvin E and Willie Kate Nipper, all of Georgia; and grandparents Marvin H and Lois Brown of New Mexico.

Harold is survived by his mother Pauline Nipper of Fayetteville; brother Samuel Nipper and his wife Monica of Hampton; sister Donna Poole and her husband William (Bo) of Ellisville, MS; nephew Tyrel Poole and his wife Kayla of Wasilla, AK; niece Bethany Burke and her husband Will of Great Falls, MT; three great nephews, four great nieces and seven cousins. He also leaves behind his beloved cat Gracie.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at the Fayetteville City Cemetery, located at 262 Stonewall Ave W in Fayetteville. Family and friends are invited to attend.

The family asks if you wish to remember Harold, please make a donation to your favorite charity in his memory.

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Debbie Bates Ray

Debbie passed away December 21, 2025 with family and friends by her side following a courageous battle with cancer. Debbie was a life long resident of Clay, Al. Debbie was born November 3, 1960 in Mobile, Al and would be adopted on December 13, 1960 by Gerald and Barbara Mead. Debbie is preceded in her death by her mother, Barbara A. Mead. Debbie is survived by her father, Gerald Mead, husband Johnny Ray, children Laine (Michael), Colton (Allison) and grandkids Kensley, Baylor and Bryer and a host of other family.

Debbie spent her career working for Southern Company. She met many of her closet friends through Southern Company. Debbie was part of a close group of friends known as, The Queens, whom she held dearly as her closest friends. Debbie had a personality that would light up a room with an infectious smile. Debbie’s pride and joy that she loved the most was her grandkids.

The family would like to thank the support of The Queens, family and friends during this difficult time.

A memorial service will be held for Debbie Friday January 9th, 2026 from 1:00-3:00pm at Deerfoot Memorial Funeral Home in Trussville, Al.

Click here to link to the funeral home obituary.

Juan Blanco

Juan Andres Blanco, 76, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2025, at Emory Hospital in Decatur, Georgia. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Lynn; his daughter, Teresa (Tesi); his son, John Andrew (Andy), and daughter-in-law, Monica; and his two cherished grandchildren, John and Charlie Blanco.

Born on August 18, 1949, in the Vedado neighborhood of Havana, Cuba, Juan’s early life was shaped by the Cuban Revolution, which led his family to immigrate to the United States in the early 1960s. They ultimately settled in Birmingham, Alabama, where Juan met his future wife, Lynn, at Hemphill Elementary School and they continued their schooling together through West End high school.

Juan earned his degree in Engineering from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and spent 44 years with Southern Company Services. He was known throughout his career for his integrity, authenticity, and reliability—qualities that defined both his professional and personal life. Juan and Lynn were married on August 13, 1971, and in 2016 they moved to Johns Creek, Georgia, to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Above all else, Juan’s life was defined by his devotion to his family. He was a loving husband, a loving and thoughtful father, and a deeply proud grandfather. Always available and unfailingly present, Juan offered guidance, encouragement, and care to those he loved, placing their needs and happiness above his own.

Juan found peace and joy at the beach, where he loved spending time with his family, watching the waves roll onto the white sands—memories that echoed those of Cuba from his childhood. In Georgia, he also found community through the Peachtree Miata Club, enjoying weekend drives through the North Georgia mountains and the friendships that came with them.

Juan’s passing leaves a profound void in the lives of all who knew and loved him. His legacy lives on through the family he cherished so deeply, the values he embodied, and the quiet strength with which he lived his life. He was preceded in death by his mother, Berta Obana; his father, Andres Ferreiro Blanco; and his sister, Berta Teresa Blanco McGuire.

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2026 Officers and Committee Chairs

Announcing our 2026 Officers!  Be sure to thank them for their volunteered efforts that keep this organization going.

Pictured Left to Right: Dave Lisenby (Treasurer); Fred Ehrensperger (Auditor), Rick Rice (Vice President), Jim Ripple (President), Ken McElroy (Ex-Officio and Fellowship Chair), Ray Kinsaul (Board Member), Ed Davidson (Board Member), and Cary Campbell (Website)

Not Pictured: Jim Gordy (Secretary); Board Members: Greg Allison, Nick Santoro, Trudy Strain, and Karen Troncalli; Committee Chairs: Mary Romano and Sharon Venz (Arrangements); Patsy Evans (Member Care); Rick Graham (Membership); Charlotte Graham (Newsletter); and
Beverly Lisenby (Programs).