Roger Beggs & Van Epps Family

James Ryan Van Epps, along with his loving wife Laura, their two cherished sons, James Ryan Jr. (JR) and Harrison, and Laura’s father, Roger Beggs, tragically passed away on Sunday, June 30, 2024, in Masonville, New York.

James Ryan Van Epps (Ryan), age 42, was born on September 14, 1981, in Winter Park, Florida. A devoted husband and father, he spent most of his time with his family. Ryan attended Roswell High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee. Ryan dedicated twenty years of his career working for Van Epps LLC before establishing his own investment firm. When he was not spending time with Laura and the boys, Ryan enjoyed golfing.

Laura Beggs Van Epps, age 41, was born on August 28, 1982, in Atlanta, Georgia. She was a nurturing mother to her two boys and a wonderful wife to Ryan. Laura never missed a ball game, school function, or any activity that involved James Ryan and Harrison. She attended Roswell High School and earned a Bachelor of Science in Education with a focus in Special Education, with honors from the University of Georgia. Laura enjoyed her time in the classroom, but once James Ryan was born, she realized her place was at home with her growing family. In addition to doting on her boys, she loved spending time with her girlfriends and was always happy to lend a helping hand for the next social gathering.

James Ryan Van Epps Jr., (JR), age 12, was born on September 30, 2011, in Atlanta, Georgia. A rising seventh grader at Kings Ridge Christian School, JR excelled in his academics as well as sports. He showcased his skills in baseball as a shortstop and football as a linebacker. He was an integral part of the Milton Eagles sixth-grade team that won the 2023 state championship. JR earned admiration from his coaches and teammates for his leadership and sportsmanship. Off the field, JR was compassionate, inquisitive, and a loyal friend; he loved Georgia football, gaming, and water sports.

Harrison McCone Van Epps, age 10, was born on August 27, 2013, in Atlanta, Georgia. He was a rising fifth grader at Kings Ridge Christian School where he enjoyed his classes and being with his friends. Harrison was caring, charismatic, creative, and competitive. He found his passion in football and lacrosse and enjoyed wrestling as well. Last season, Harrison earned the title MVP for his football team. Harrison was a young foodie, who loved sushi and was always creative with his food. He loved playing Madden and Minecraft, cheering on the Georgia football team, and adored animals.

JR and Harrison shared a very tight bond and love for one another. They constantly trained with each other and were often seen in the yard, JR with his baseball glove and Harrison with his lacrosse stick, throwing the ball together or running passing routes with the football. They were both respected by their teachers, coaches and teammates. They formed loyal bonds with friends and classmates.

Roger Hugh Beggs, age 76, of Roswell, Georgia, was born on June 9, 1948, in Champaign, Illinois. Roger attended Round Lake High School and was an alumnus of Northwestern University where he earned a degree in Chemical Engineering. He spent his 50-year career as a manufacturer’s representative and recently retired from the Carl Eric Johnson Company. Roger married Carmen Laule Beggs, in 1998, and the two shared a beautiful life together. Some of his greatest joy came from being a father to his two girls, Caralyn and Laura, and later a fun-loving grandfather to James Ryan and Harrison. Roger loved sailing, flying, discovering new foods, new places and new adventures. Everyone Roger met became a friend who he never forgot.

The Van Epps family is survived by Ryan’s parents, James and Deborah ‘Buff’ Van Epps of Roswell; Laura’s mother, Maryann “Peach” and stepfather Roy Hubbard of Richmond Hill, stepmother, Carmen Beggs, of Roswell; Ryan’s siblings: Tiffany (Brendan) Osmond, Ansley (D.J.) Hoyt, Jason (Kristin) Van Epps; Laura’s sister Caralyn Beggs, (fiancé Ryan Stubblefield); Ryan’s paternal grandmother, Jan VanKeuren; nieces and nephews, Jace Van Epps, Kip Van Epps, Sydney Hoyt, Savannah Hoyt and Shane Osmond; as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

A funeral service honoring the family will be held at two o’clock in the afternoon on Friday, July 12, 2024, in the sanctuary of Roswell United Methodist Church, 814 Mimosa Blvd, with Senior Pastor Dustin Schadt of Northside Church and Pastor Tom Davis Senior Pastor at RUMC will be officiating. A private interment service will be held in the Green Lawn Cemetery of Roswell at a later date.

A celebration of life will take place in October. More details to follow. The family supports many local charities.

In lieu of customary remembrances, we request donations be made in Ryan’s and Laura’s name to North Fulton Charities, Angel Flight Soars (AngelFlightSoars.org), Star House, The Drake House, or other charities of your choice. The family has established the James Ryan and Harrison Scholarship Foundation to support children with educational needs and support amateur athletics in the North Fulton area. (https://JamesRyanAndHarrisonScholarship.foundation) As we come together to honor the lives of this beautiful family, please feel free to wear bright and cheerful summer colors. The funeral services for the family have been entrusted to the care of Roswell Funeral Home, 950 Mansell Road Roswell, Georgia 30076. www.roswellfuneralhome.com .

Remembrances may be made in his memory to Angel Flight Soars (www.angelflightsoars.org) 

Thomas "Tom" Lowry Edwards

Thomas (Tom) Lowry Edwards, 77, passed away Saturday, February 4, 2023 at Memorial Health in Savannah.  Tom was born June 19, 1945 in Atlanta, GA to the late Sewell Pharr Edwards and Dorothy Edwards Morphy.  He lived most of his life in Atlanta before moving to Savannah one year ago to be near his daughter.  He worked for Eaton Corporation for over 28 years, retiring from Bold Systems.   Tom loved baseball, woodworking and fishing in his early years, and watching old westerns on TV in his later years. 

 He is survived by his wife, Kathy Edwards of Savannah, GA, son and daughter-in-law, Bruce and Donna Edwards of Suwanee, GA, daughter, Kim Edwards of Savannah, GA, granddaughter, Ashley Nicole Nessmith and her husband, Steven Nessmith of Statesboro, GA, granddaughter, Brittany Renee Edwards of Suwanee, GA, and great-granddaughter, Addilyn Edwards.  He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Pharr (Ed) and Lynn Edwards of Annapolis, MD, his niece, Claudia (and husband Don) Sitarshi of Fox River Grove, IL, and nephew, Matthew Edwards of Annapolis, MD.

A Celebration of Live will be planned at a later date.

Remembrances may be made in his memory to Angel Flight Soars (www.angelflightsoars.org) 

Frances "Fran" McNair

Frances "Fran" Marie McNair passed away on February 12, 2023 in her home i John's Creek, GA.

Fran was born in Montrose, CO to Leo and Anna English on July 14, 1936. She was involved with AT&T Telecom Pioneers, a Local AJS JAG Club, and the Shawl Ministry at Johns Creek UMC.

Fran is survived by daughters, Sherri Lombardi and Deborah Rickett; siblings, Lee English, Violet Dowdy, Betty Gonzales, Ruby Wells, Margie Purvis, and Robert English; grandchildren, Rick Mathis, Teresa Rickett, Evan Lombardi; as well as great-grandchildren, Nikole Mathis, Modesty Mathis, and Abigail Mathis.

Wayne Cease

Wayne Michael Cease, 57, of Atlanta, Georgia passed away suddenly on Friday, May 13th. After graduating from Auburn University with a major in Management Information Systems, Wayne went on to receive his MBA from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He achieved success in the IT and development fields, culminating in a 17-year tenure at Truist, where he was a VP of API Operations.

Wayne and Helen Cease were marries on November 4, 1995 and had two daughters together, Darby and Emily. Wayne was also a loving stepfather to Helen's daughter, Kelly. He was a doting father who never failed to be there for every academic milestone and sporting event.

Wayne was an avid runner, cyclist and loved training and competing in events with his daughters. Wayne loved working with his hands; he designed and managed construction of the home Wayne and Helen raised the girls in. The house was filled with furniture he had built in his wood shop. In his spare time, he loved volunteering for Angel Flight Soars and flying his family across the country for vacations. He loved traveling, adventure, baking for his loved ones and a great Kentucky bourbon.

In addition to his wife, Helen, and his three daughters, Darby, Emily, and Kelly (Donovan) Preston and son-in-law Alex Preston, Wayne is survived by his parents, Joyce and T.W. Cease, and by his sister and brother-in-law, Diane (Cease) Harper and Jeffrey Harper. Wayne is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles from New York to Wisconsin to Alabama to Georgia.

His last act of service was organ donation.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

Timothy Coomer

Timothy Lee Coomer, age 58, of Brentwood , TN, passed away May 4, 2022 after a long valiant fight against synovial sarcoma. He was born in Nashville, TN to Donald and Sue Coomer.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Marson and Evie Coomer and Fred and Ione Rowland, and his mother-in-law, Deloris Spencer, with whom he had an exceptionally close bond.

He is survived by his wife, Sandy Coomer, and four children, Shawn, Ryan (daughter-in-law Jessica,) Seth, and Nicholas; his parents, Don and Sue Coomer; his brother, Ken Coomer (sister-in-law Sarah and nephew Sky), his brother, Max Coomer (sister-in-law Meredith and nephews Mitt and Benjamin), and his sister, Katrina Coomer. Numerous other family members will cherish his memory: David Spencer, Laura and Hanes Sparkman, Jessica and Alessio Pasini, Jennifer and David Peterson (baby Wyatt), Kelly and Kenny Posey, Kendall and Elisha McFarlin, and Kamaron Posey.  

Tim was a native Nashvillian, born on June 10, 1963. He was a devoted husband who cherished his wife of almost 37 years. He was a father beyond compare to his four children, always offering advice, love, and a listening ear. He was a caring son, brother, and uncle and strived to be a light to everyone he encountered. A brilliant and talented entrepreneur and businessman, Tim cared deeply for his work family at SIGMA Actuarial Consulting Group. He strongly valued education and achieved his MBA from Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University and his PhD in Business Administration from Oklahoma State University. He was the author of the book, Discipline Strategy, which encapsulated his approach to life. A skilled private pilot, critical thinker, lifelong learner, and visual artist, his absence will leave a void in the lives of many. He will be forever missed.

For Tim, the meaning of life was defined by relationships and experiences. He lived his life accordingly, with generosity, integrity, kindness, and love. He believed in a loving God, and set his faith and future on the tenets of Christianity.

Don Hershall Hal

Don graduated from Auburn University with HONORS in Electrical Engineering, with emphasis in computers.  He worked at several high tech companies and was last employed as an Executive for IBM.  He had a great sense of humor and was loved and respected by his friends, co-workers and superiors.  He became interested in flying and built his own airplane.  He was a highly proficient pilot with over 500 hours logged in his airplane, but was killed in a crash due to engine failure in 2012.  We are proud to say that he was a fine example of a son of Hershall and Barbara Hall, brother to Julie Hall Marco, Husband to Gennett Hall, and especially, a devoted father to his two daughters, Abigail and Allison.