Augusta, GA
Wilmer “Buster” McGee Obituary 2024 – Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors
Augusta, GA – Wilmer David “Buster” McGee, Jr., 78, passed away on September 7, 2024 peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on November 25, 1945 in Augusta, Georgia to the late W.D. and Hannah McGee.
Mr. McGee is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elsie Gayle Wooten McGee. He is survived by their children: Kenneth Marshall McGee (Jamie), Christopher “Todd” McGee (Amy), Kimberly McGee Hall (Randy); his sister Cheryl K. Hornberger (Fred); his grandchildren Stella and Kristin Fleming, Hannah McGee, Taylor and Avery McGee, Carson and Caroline Hall, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Buster, a lifelong resident of Augusta, graduated from Butler High School and attended Brewton Parker College. He worked in Civil Service at Fort Gordon, retiring in 1991. He was also the owner of Augusta Driver Training School. Through his youth, he played baseball and as a father he coached many years of little league sports. In his retirement, Buster enjoyed playing golf, billiards, and watching all sports, particularly his Georgia Bulldogs and Atlanta Braves! He mostly loved visiting his children and grandchildren. He was a long time member of St. Mark and Wesley United Methodist Churches. We will remember “Poppy” as the gentle, kind, selfless anchor of our family. Memorial contributions may be made to The American Lung Association at lung.org.
A graveside service will be held Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 1:00 P.M. in Hillcrest Memorial Park with Rev. Greg Porterfield officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the cemetery.
Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484.
Augusta, GA
25-year-old woman killed in shooting on Cameron Drive
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – One person has died after a shooting on Cameron Drive in Augusta early Friday morning.
The Richmond County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as 25-year-old Khyla Rodriguez, of Augusta.
Richmond County deputies responded to the 3600 block of Cameron Drive around 1:11 a.m. for a suspicious situation.
While on scene, deputies spoke to the complainant who stated they got a call form an unknown person saying their friend was dead at the incident location.
Deputies then searched the area, where they found Rodriguez on the ground unresponsive with several gun shot wounds to the stomach area.
The coroner’s office says Rodriguez was pronounced dead at 2:27 a.m. An autopsy has been scheduled.
As of 4:15 a.m., at least one deputy and crime scene crews were still on scene.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Four indicted in Augusta on federal drug trafficking charges
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Four individuals from Augusta have been indicted by a federal Grand Jury on federal drug trafficking charges, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Southern District of Georgia announced Thursday.
The following individuals were indicted:
(Indictments contain charges, and defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty.)
- Tyriquez McFadden, 39, and Nichael Lessey, 44, both of Augusta, charged in a five-count indictment with Possession with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl; Possession with Intent to Distribute 28 Grams or More of Crack Cocaine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon


- Roman Kelly, 51, of Augusta, indicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin; and Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine.
These charges carry statutory penalties up to life in prison, substantial financial penalties and a period of supervised release upon completion of any prison term.
Augusta, GA
South Georgia wildfires 90% contained, but hot spots still a concern
Drought-fueled wildfires burn across Georgia, Florida
Wildfires in Georgia and Florida have forced evacuations, road closures and burn bans as the drought-fueled fires burn thousands of acres.
Two large wildfires burning in south Georgia were now 90% contained, as of Wednesday, after consuming about 54,000 acres, according to the Georgia Forestry Commission.
The Pineland Road Fire has burned 32,575 acres. The Highway 82 Fire has burned 22,420 acres.
However, fuel conditions remain extremely dry, officials said. Containment continues to improve on both fires, but crews remain actively engaged in patrol, suppression, and mop-up operations.
Seth Hawkins, urban and community forestry program coordinator for the Georgia Forestry Commission, worked on the Highway 82 Fire in Brantley County, which is still about 22,000 acres. Suppression costs are estimated to exceed $18.3 million.
“The rain put out the active flame on that fire,” Hawkins said. “However, there’s still that deep layer, that organic material, burning, and hot spots can still flare up as soon as humidity drops.”
Hawkins said 166 people are still working hot spots on the Highway 82 fire, setting up sprinkler systems where needed.
As of May 12, the State Forester burn ban has been lifted, but the Environmental Protection Division’s summer burn ban remains in place. Many counties may still have local ordinances. Georgia residents are encouraged to check with their county before burning.
The state remains in an extreme drought.
“It’s just unique down there because of all that organic fuel,” Hawkins said. “And when it dries out, it’s very susceptible to ignition. It’s going to be a long, hot, dry summer. We’re telling folks to keep their guard up and be safe with campfires and debris burning.”
This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Journalism Funding Partners.
Erica Van Buren is the climate change reporter for The Augusta Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network. Connect with her at EVanBuren@usatodayco.com or on X: @EricaVanBuren32.
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