News Summary
The community of Augusta comes together in mourning as four cherished residents, Thomas Langdon Atkins, Sr., George Bryan Simkins, Lana Joyce Rahn, and Joseph Ronald Nevils, Sr., have passed away. Each individual contributed significantly to their families and the local community. Memorial services are planned to celebrate their lives and honor their legacies.
Augusta, GA – The community of Augusta is in mourning following the recent passing of four beloved residents: Thomas Langdon Atkins, Sr., George Bryan Simkins, Lana Joyce Rahn, and Joseph Ronald Nevils, Sr. Each left behind a legacy marked by dedication to family, service, and community involvement.
Thomas Langdon Atkins, Sr.
Thomas Langdon Atkins, Sr. entered into rest on September 25, 2025, at the age of 79. Born on August 13, 1946, in Augusta, Atkins is survived by one sister, three younger brothers, three children, and several grandchildren. He graduated from Butler High School in 1964 before serving in the United States Air Force. Following his military service, he had a successful career, retiring as an engineer from BellSouth and Richmond County. A memorial service is scheduled for September 29, 2025, at 3 PM at Chance & Hydrick Funeral Home, with visitation preceding the service at 2 PM. The family invites all to attend this celebration of life.
George Bryan Simkins
George Bryan Simkins passed away at home on September 22, 2025, at the age of 89. He was the husband of Sally Lofton Simkins and was born in 1936 in Beech Island, SC, to Sarah Bryan Simkins and Leroy Hampton Simkins. A graduate of the Academy of Richmond County in 1954, Simkins attended the Georgia Institute of Technology and served in the US Army Reserves. His career spanned several fields, including real estate, where he served as president of the Augusta Board of Realtors and worked as a licensed auctioneer. He was also active in community organizations and the Augusta-Richmond County Board of Tax Assessors. Simkins is survived by his daughters, a granddaughter, a brother, and sisters-in-law, and was preceded in death by his parents and son, George Bryan Simkins Jr. His graveside service is set for September 25, 2025, at 2 PM at Hammond Cemetery in Beech Island, SC.
Lana Joyce Rahn
Lana Joyce Rahn, aged 74, passed away on September 19, 2025. She was the beloved wife of Dr. Daniel Wallace Rahn and hailed from East Stroudsburg, PA, where she was born on January 16, 1951. A strong academic, Rahn graduated from Stroudsburg High School in 1968, earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Muhlenberg College in 1972, and completed her Master’s degree in Psychology in 1975. She worked at Yale University and in educational services before dedicating herself to her family and community. Married to Daniel Rahn since August 26, 1972, she is survived by three children and three grandchildren. Rahn was active in her church and supported local arts organizations. Her funeral service will take place on September 27, 2025, at 11 AM at Warren Baptist Church, with visitation offered on September 26 from 5 PM to 7 PM.
Joseph Ronald Nevils, Sr.
Joseph Ronald Nevils, Sr., known affectionately as Joey or Bam, passed away on September 21, 2025, at the age of 48. Nevils was born in Augusta and raised in National Hills, where he graduated from Westside High School in 1995. He pursued a career in the field of fire safety with Automatic Fire Systems and also worked for Peachtree Pest Control. Surviving him are four children and numerous family members, including his mother and siblings. He was preceded in death by his father, stepfather, grandparents, and an aunt. A memorial service is scheduled for September 26, 2025, at 6 PM at Thomas Poteet and Son Funeral Directors, with many friends and family members honored as pallbearers.
These four individuals have made significant contributions to their families and the Augusta community, and their memories will continue to inspire those who knew them.
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Additional Resources
- Thomas Poteet: George Bryan Simkins Obituary
- Legacy: Joseph Murphy Obituary
- Thomas Poteet: Lana Joyce Rahn Obituary
- Tukios: Joseph Ronald Nevils, Sr. Obituary
- Legacy: Charles Marks Sr. Obituary
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
