Joseph Thomas Googe, Sr.

James Thomas Googe, Jr., age 86, of Stockbridge passed away Sunday, September 13, 2026.

Mr. Googe was born July 4, 1940, in Baxley to the late Jerry Oneal Googe and the late Alma Oberry Googe and was a member of St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church in McDonough.

He was raised on the family farm and learned the value of hard work, early mornings and a deep appreciation for the land. He even travelled to Canada on several occasions to work and assist in their tobacco farming. In his youth, he was a stand-out athlete, proudly playing basketball for Jeff Davis High School and carrying that competitive spirit with him as he coached his younger sons in baseball. He channeled his sharp mind and strong work ethic into a successful career as a dedicated co-owner and meat broker of Googe Brothers, Inc., selling to food services and retail stores across eleven states. Known for his integrity and keen business, he built lasting relationships across the industry and was highly respected by his colleagues and clients alike. Outside of work, he was a true outdoorsman who found his greatest peace in nature. Whether he was waiting patiently for a bite on a quiet lake or walking the fields during a crisp morning of bird hunting, he was happiest in the great outdoors. When he wasn’t in the field or on the water, he could be found cheering passionately for his favorite baseball team, the Atlanta Braves. Above all, he will be remembered for his warm personality, his quick wit, and his unique eye for detail. He possessed a classic, old-school charm and was famously known for making sure his hair looked its best. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Googe of Stockbridge; sons, Joseph Thomas (Carla) Googe, Jr. of Ty Ty, Joshua Adam (Heather) Googe of Jackson, and Jonathan Justin (Julie) Googe of McDonough; sister, Robinette Googe Williams of Newnan; sisters-in-law, Carolyn Googe and Dyane Googe both of Hazlehurst; eleven grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Visitation will be held Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Philadelphia Methodist Church in Hazlehurst at 11:00 a.m. with funeral services following at 12:00 pm with Rev. Michael Sanes and Rev. Steven Riddle officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Joseph Thomas Googe, Jr., Joshua Adam Googe, Jonathan Justin Googe, Jonathan Hunter Googe, Joshua Adam McDaniel, and Zachary Thomas Googe.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home Hazlehurst Chapel.