Memorials

Douglas Wayne Kearns

December 18, 1944June 1, 2023

Mr. Douglas Wayne Kearns, age 78, of Palmetto, GA passed away peacefully Thursday, June 1, 2023.

He is survived by his loving bride of 54 years, Judith Kearns; children, Travis Kearns and his wife, Jessica; Cameron Kearns and his wife, Rachel; grandchildren, Kendra, Tucker, Lilly, McCullough, and Gracie; brother, Fred Kearns and his wife, Suellen; brothers in-law, Wayne Ledbetter, Harold Ledbetter and his wife, Elaine; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Fred Kearns and Margaret Turner Kearns; his sister in-law, Dianne Ledbetter.

His work ethic and desire to take care of his family lead him to enlist in the Army at age 18 in 1963. He was stationed in Germany from 1964-1965. When he returned home, he started working for Delta Airlines in October of 1966 until he retired on December 31, 2001 as a lead mechanic. Doug was a longtime member of Palmetto Baptist Church. He loved mission trips, traveling, eating fried catfish, and spending time with his grandchildren and family.

If you asked a hundred people who Doug Kearns was, they would all give the same answer: a devoted, loving, Christian man who stood firm in his faith.

A funeral service was held Thursday, June 8, 2023 at 2 o’clock in the Chapel of Parrott Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Lee Brewer and Rev. Marshal Faulkenberry officiating.

People wishing to honor Doug’s lifelong commitment to the Lord and his family can make donations to Palmetto Baptist Church, Building Fund, where he served as a Sunday school teacher and Deacon for over 40 plus years.

Ralph Warren Hajosy

Feb. 12, 1933 – April 30, 2023

Dr. Ralph Warren Hajosy, age 90, died at home in Atlanta, Georgia, on April 30, 2023.

Born February 12, 1933, in Stafford Springs, Connecticut, he was the son of Louis Stephen Hajosy, Sr. and Grace Lord Hajosy, and the oldest of three brothers. He spent much of his childhood hunting and fishing, as well as training for a future as a concert pianist. He graduated from Woodbury High School, where he was allowed to read books independently in the school attic as long as he came back to class when a test was given. He remained an avid reader throughout his life.

Ralph enrolled in All State's Teacher's College to study music, before deciding he wanted to be a doctor. He transferred to Emory University in order to fulfill the prerequisites for medical school. Without obtaining a bachelor's degree, he was admitted to the Medical College of Georgia, where he was the youngest in his class. He graduated in three years at the age of 25 in 1958. He subsequently gained his residency training as an Air Force officer serving at Labrador, Wyoming and Texas bases.

Ralph returned to Georgia to establish an orthopedic practice in Griffin which lasted for over 30 years. After retiring from medicine, the well-loved "Doc Hajosy" continued to maintain his farm and other businesses. He took up sailing and enjoyed hosting family and friends in the British Virgin Islands. He and his wife moved to Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia, where they established Two Swans Farm, living there until his declining health necessitated moving to Atlanta.

Ralph leaves behind a loving family of which he was very proud, including his wife, Nancey Green Leigh, his children Teresa Hajosy, Ralph Hajosy, Jr, and Rebecca Hajosy, stepdaughters Leigh Preston and Kenan Morrissey, and nine grandchildren. He taught them to fish, to ski, to select a quality hammer, to invest, to love nature, and to be thankful. He took great interest in helping them prepare for their futures.

Ralph was preceded in death by his father and mother, as well as his brothers, Roger A. Hajosy and Louis Stephen Hajosy Jr. The three Hajosy brothers were lifelong adventurers, seeking the best fishing in Alaska, Argentina, and places in between.

A kind and generous man, a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend, he will be deeply missed.