Augusta, GA
Herbert L. Ellis, Jr. Obituary 2024 – Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors
Herbert L. Ellis, Jr., 77, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 17, at his home in Augusta, GA with his loving wife, Judy Parkman Ellis of fifty-six years by his side.
He was born on July 31,1946 in Washington, GA to Herbert L. Ellis and Anne Williamson Ellis. Herb was raised in Jacksonville, FL, where he graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1964. He was recruited to play basketball at Augusta College where a beautiful young cheerleader, Judy, caught his eye and she eventually became his wife on August 26, 1967. Herb made lifelong friends with his fellow basketball teammates and through the years they have met annually to reconnect and enjoy a weekend of fellowship and golf. He left Augusta College and joined the U.S. Coast Guard where he was stationed in Cape May, NJ. Following his honorary discharge from the Coast Guard, Herb and Judy moved back to Augusta and he started his firefighting career. He started with the Richmond County Fire Department in 1978 and after many years serving the county, he took a job at Fort Gordon as a firefighter with the civil service. During his time with the fire department, on his days off, he built up a successful side business as a handy man and painter. He was always moving and didn’t like to sit still. Herb retired from firefighting in January of 2000 but he continued being a handyman until the last few years.
Herb loved sports, especially softball and all things golf. He participated in church league and travel softball with many teams. Herb excelled as a pitcher, and he could knock the cover off a softball. Since his return to Augusta in 1978 he never missed the Masters Tournament. His favorite spot to sit was behind number six green under the large oak, consuming egg salad sandwiches and occasionally a frosty cold beer. He spent many hours on the golf course and there were many memorable moments spent with friends and family on the links.
Herb is survived by his wife Judy, their two sons and their children, Tripp and Lance, grandchildren Cal, Hayes (Tripp) and Parks, Preston (Lance). He is proceeded in death by his parents Herbert L. Ellis and Anne Williamson Ellis.
The memorial service will be held on Tuesday July 23, at 11:00 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 3185 Wheeler Road, Augusta, GA 30909 with the Reverend Rodger Murchison officiating. Honorary pall bearers will be members of the Exchange Club of Augusta. The family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall at the conclusion of the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers please consider memorial contributions to: Exchange Club of Augusta Charity Fund, P.O. Box 3884, Augusta, GA 30914.
Augusta, GA
Multiple teens arrested in deadly shooting on Warren Road
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) — The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has made multiple arrests in a deadly shooting that left one teenager dead and another injured early Saturday morning.
According to deputies, the incident happened June 20, at approximately 12:50 a.m. in the 200 block of Warren Road, where authorities responded to reports of shots fired involving two gunshot victims.
When deputies arrived, they located two 18-year-old men from Augusta.
Officials identified the victims as Eric Markquis Bartley Miller and Joseph Lamar Thomas.
Investigators say Miller sustained at least one gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Thomas was also found with at least one gunshot wound and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office says the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under active investigation.
As of Saturday afternoon, three teenage suspects have been arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
18-year-old Dmihjay Collins, 17-year-old Tayshaun Thomas, and 17-year-old Joseph Thomas have all been arrested and charged with Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of Machine Guns. They are all currently being held at the Webster Detention Center.
A fourth teenager, 17-year-old Reante Byrd was also arrested, but investigators have not linked him to the murder case. Byrd has been charged with Possession of a Pistol or Revolver by a Person Under the Age of 18. He is also being held in the Webster Detention Center.
No further details in the investigation have been released.
Augusta, GA
Augusta Regional Airport hosts drone camp for students
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Students showcased drones they built during a two-week summer camp at Augusta Regional Airport on Friday.
12 junior and high school students attended the camp, where they learned to fly and build drones designed to help others.
Anderson Puryear, a student, said the camp focused on delivering small medical supplies.
“It was focused on delivering small medical supplies like an EPI pen or glucose packet for like diabetics and for people with allergies in need in the real world that could obviously help save lives, and if people are like in a place in a boat or like in the desert or in the forest where they can’t easily access those supplies it can save their lives,” Puryear said.
The airport partnered with Georgia Tech, state troopers and the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Department for the Air Edu Summer Camp.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
10th annual Juneteenth Augusta Festival draws crowds despite heat
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The 10th annual Juneteenth Augusta Festival brought families to the Augusta Fairgrounds on Friday despite the muggy heat.
Cultural and community-focused events, live music performances and food trucks were available at the celebration.
Tonia Hill, attending the Juneteenth celebration, said she loves the holiday and is supporting the community, though she acknowledged the weather conditions.
“I love Juneteenth. And I’m supporting everybody. It’s hot. It’s hot. It’s hot,” Hill said.
The festival runs until 10 p.m.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
-
Indiana39 seconds agoIndiana Republicans nominate Max Engling for secretary of state at GOP Convention in Fort Wayne
-
Iowa3 minutes agoWhy Iowa State Basketball Will Miss Star Potential of Milan Momcilovic
-
Kansas9 minutes agoSalvador Perez attended the Ecaudor-Curaçao match at Arrowhead. So did other royals — from the Netherlands
-
Kentucky16 minutes agoKentucky Colonels executive to speak at Florence Rotary Club on Monday, public welcome to register
-
Louisiana19 minutes ago
Louisiana Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 results for June 20, 2026
-
Maine24 minutes agoYou drew a Maine moose permit. Here’s what to do right now.
-
Maryland31 minutes agoMaryland Gov. Moore champions the spirit of Juneteenth and togetherness at AFRAM 50
-
Michigan34 minutes ago
Insider: Shaky polls cause uproar in Michigan Senate, governor races