The Pike County Journal-Reporter

Mr. David Graham Bell, age 85, of Pike County, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on July 28, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Atlanta, son of the late Ernest Lawson Bell and Mattie Lou Richardson Bell. At the age of 13, he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. While at Bass High School in Atlanta, he enjoyed playing football, basketball and track. In 1954, he married Barbara Wilson, and together they had three daughters and two sons, who have brought great joy to his life.  Mr. Bell was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, serving aboard the USS Grackle during the Korean War.  He rededicated his life and was baptized at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church in 1972, and remained active there for 39 years.  After the death of his wife, God brought Jane Hayden into Graham’s life; they were married in 1995 and celebrated 20 years of loving marriage together. They enjoyed traveling and especially their trips to Europe, Alaska, The Holy Land and Jerusalem. Currently Graham was a member of Carver Road Baptist Church where he worked to build God’s kingdom. He worked as a mechanic, analyst and manager for Delta Airlines for 40 years, retiring in 1991.  He was active in the Gideon’s International-Griffin Camp, enjoyed farming, growing flowers, swimming, and working on his land with his tractor.  He was a family man, loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle. [Full story »] 

Between Monday, July 18 and Monday, July 25, Pike County law enforcement agencies made the following arrests: [Full story »] 

The July 26 General Primary Runoff determine the new District Attorney for the Griffin Judicial District and also decided which U.S. Congressional District 3 candidate will face a Democratic candidate in the November election.

With 15.8% of registered voters casting ballots, Pike County voters cast 54% of votes for Drew Ferguson over 46% of votes for Mike Crane for the U.S. Representative District 3 seat. Pike voted for Ben Coker with 85% of votes over 15% of votes for Rudjard M. Hayes.

In the four counties that voted for the Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney, 57% voted for Ben Coker and 43% voted for Rudjard M. Hayes. Coker is the new District Attorney for Pike, Fayette, Upson and Spalding counties.

In the 13 counties who voted for the U.S. Representative District 3 candidates, 54% voted for Drew Ferguson and 46% voted for Mike Crane. Ferguson will face off against the Democratic candidate in the November election.

[Full story »] 

By Ashley York

As little girls, we played dress up and put on princess dresses, nurse costumes, pretending to be vets, cowgirls, a dog walker, a teacher and anything else we could think of. Somewhere in our minds we had an idea of what we wanted to be when we grew up. When I was in third grade, I was in love with Hillary Duff. Because I adored her so much, I wanted to be a singer. I had it all planned out: I was going to dress just like her and have my own line of clothes at Kohl’s. Since then, of course, my plan has changed. But why do I always have to have a plan? [Full story »] 

Local families will have the opportunity to help local firefighters while receiving a 10x13 portrait of their family at fall photo shoots at the Zebulon Opportunity Center. Excalibur Central LLC will begin visiting local homes the week to July 29 to schedule the photos as a fundraiser for Pike Volunteer Emergency Services Booster Organization. [Full story »] 

A husband and wife at 15734 Concord Street were arrested by Zebulon Police officers July 20 and charged with a total of nine felonies and two misdemeanors, including rape, false imprisonment, aggravated sexual battery and sodomy. Stephen Lee Johnson, 63, and Susan G. Johnson, 57, were arrested and video and photography equipment was confiscated from their home. [Full story »] 

Mr. Billy L. Roberts, age 75, of Lawrenceville, passed away July 23, 2016.  He grew up in Augusta, son of the late Hershell and Veona Smoak Roberts.  He was a veteran of the United States Navy. Billy was a millwright and an electrician, and he enjoyed fishing. [Full story »] 

Heather Starla Glass Gilbert, age 46, of Woodbury, passed away July 21, 2016. [Full story »] 

Don't miss the chance to promote your business in the Business Card Directory. The high-quality, glossy directory will be made available for an entire year at The Journal Reporter and local businesses. Call 770-567-3446 to include your business. [Full story »]