Progressive Funeral Home

Chief Warrant Officer 3 (Ret.) Carter Smyre, Jr., passed away quietly Friday at Piedmont Columbus Regional-Midtown at the blessed age of 98. He was the father of former Georgia State Representative and Dean of the House Calvin Smyre. A native of Griffin, GA and the son of the late Carter Smyre, Sr., and Selma Tinsley Smyre, Mr. Smyre retired from the U.S. Army after over 24 years of service. He considered his graduation in 1962 from the Aviation School at Fort Rucker, AL as one of his greatest accomplishments during his military tenure. After his military career ended, he became an entrepreneur, owning the Smyre Realty Company. In 1985, then Governor Joe Frank Harris appointed him to the Georgia Residential Financial Authority. Among his civic organizations, he was a member of the Moderns Club, and the Pathseekers Civic and Social Club. Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife of 55 years, Mildred Bass Smyre, a daughter, Gwendolyn Smyre Foster and a granddaughter, Theresa R. Smyre Roundtree.
Other than his son, Calvin, he is survived by his wife, P.J. Glover; four grandchildren, Robbie F. Branscomb (Roderick), Robert Foster, Sr., Francine Foster and Claudia "Rudie" Valrie; ten great grandchildren, Olivia Foster, Jeremiah Branscomb, Kimberly Golden-Foster, Yuna Golden-Foster, Lydia Foster, Robert Foster, Jr., Terry Javon Roundtree, Morgan Roundtree, Tatiana Foster and Mallorie Foster; three great great grandchildren, Jaliya Golden, Kalani Golden and Alora F. Scott; The Glover Family and a host of other relatives and friends.
Mr. Smyre will be laid to rest with full military honors at Main Post Cemetery, Ft. Moore, GA on Friday, April 19, 2024 following a Twelve O'clock Noon Homegoing Celebration in the sanctuary of Greater Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church, 1330 Talbotton Rd, Columbus, GA 31901. Visitation is 2:00 til 6:00 PM Thursday, April 18, 2024 at Progressive Funeral Home 4235 St. Mary's Road, Columbus, GA 31907. Online condolences and guest book signing may be made at progressivefuneralhome.com. The Progressive Staff is privileged to serve the Smyre Family.

SFC (Ret.) Freddie C. Grisson, Jr. passed away quietly Friday at St. Francis Hospital at the age of 74. Born in Virginia to the late Freddie Sr. and Lula Mae Donaldson Grisson, Freddie was a graduate of Monroe High School in Albany, GA. A Vietnam Veteran, he retired from the U.S. Army after over 25 years of service, receiving numerous medals and awards. Freddie was employed by the State of Georgia at the Columbus Juvenile Justice Center over 10 years.
A very devout member of Friendship Baptist Church for 35 years, he served as President of the Intermediate Ushers Ministry.
A 33rd Degree Mason, Freddie C. Grisson became a Master Mason on January 16, 1978, in Sons of King Solomon #358 Lodge. Over the next 44 years he joined various masonic bodies and obtained numerous titles. He was serving as Eminent Prior at the time of his death, all under the jurisdiction of Georgia Prince Hall Affiliated. He served as Past Master of the Sons of King Solomon #358, District Deputy Grand Master Emeritus Columbus Masonic District #4, Past High Priest St. Andrews H.R.A.M. #39, Jessie Robinson Most Excellent Grand Chapter of Holy Royal Arch Masons-Right Excellent Grand Secretary, Past Thrice Illustrious Master Isaac Brown Council #6, The Most Illustrious H. R. Butler Grand Council Order of Royal and Select Masters-Rt. Illustrious Grand Recorder, Past Eminent Commander D.P. Nesbitt #5, John H. Deveaux Grand Commandery Magnanimous Order of Knights Templar Masons-Honorary Past Grand Eminent Commander, Georgia Priory No.12 KYCH-Eminent Prior, Past Commander in Chief Jacob Harrison Consistory #85, Grand Inspector General United Supreme Council Southern Jurisdiction, Prince Hall Affiliation, Past Potentate Al Faruk Temple #145, Past Deputy For Oasis of Columbus, Imperial Ambassador at Large, Past Patron Star of Columbus Chapter #103 Order of the Eastern Star, and the Advisor of Al Faruk Court #94 Daughters of Imperial Court.
Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Carolyn Littlejoy, and a stepson, Joseph Simmons. Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Mrs. Annie Grisson; two daughters, Zandra Payton and Tanya Janell Grisson; a son, Kerry Grisson (Hope); beloved step children, Zina Robinson (Kenneth), Lina Parker (Kenneth); Teddy Dicks, Marcus Latimore (LaTasha); seven brothers, Sylvester Mack, Willie Perry, Rufus Parham, Jerry Edwards, Titus McGriff, Demel Melvin and Earnest Baulkman; and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, cousins, other relatives and friends.
The Homegoing Celebration for Mr. Grisson will be held Tuesday, August 23, 2022 at 11 AM at Friendship Baptist Church with interment at Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery. Visitation is Monday, 2 til 5:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at progressivefuneralhome.com.

Rolesta Ellis's Obituary Progressive Funeral Home in Columbus respectfully announces the passing of Rolesta Ellis on March 07, 2022.

Thomas Snelling went home to be with the Lord on Friday, December 17, 2021. He was 67 years old.

Mr. Snelling was the son of the late Tom and Johnnie Mae Clark. He was a Sergeant in the United States Army and worked for the U. S. Post Office, retiring after many years of dedicated service. He was a member of World Changers Church Intl. and was an ordained Minister at Words of Wisdom Christian Center.

Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Franklin D. Snelling, sister, Mirian Davis, and nephew, Darwin Snelling. Surviving are: his brother, Darrell T. Snelling (Lynda); his nieces and nephew, Kimberly Davis, Felicia Hicks and Robert Davis; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Sgt. Snelling will be laid to rest at Green Acres Cemetery in Columbus, GA on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 following a 10:00 am Homegoing Celebration at Liberty Hill Baptist Church, Rev. James Davis will officiate.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 27, 2021 beginning at 4:00 PM and ending at 6:00 PM.

Thomas Snelling's Obituary Progressive Funeral Home in Columbus respectfully announces the passing of Thomas Snelling on December 17, 2021.