South Georgia couple, beloved business owners die of COVID-19 on the same day

BAINBRIDGE, Ga. — A Georgia couple who were well-known business owners in their small community died on the same day of COVID-19.

Edwin (66) and Linda (58) McCullers both died at Memorial Hospital in Bainbridge on Aug. 28.

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Edwin McCullers was the owner of Flint River Outfitters, which sells hunting, fishing and other outdoor equipment. The business was closed until further notice after his death. Linda McCullers owned a hair salon.

Family members said they died of COVD-19.

They were both of the Methodist faith.

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There were dozens of tributes to the couple on social media.

“Edwin and his dear wife Linda McCullers were two of the hardest working people I ever knew,” one friend wrote on Facebook. “They built several highly successful businesses over the years, but they always took the time to personally attend to each customer.”

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The family encouraged everyone to wear masks in their joint obituary. Their funeral service will be private.

Bainbridge is a close-knit community that is home to around 13,000 people. It is the county seat of Decatur County and the hometown of UGA head football coach Kirby Smart.

A total of 66 people in Decatur County have died of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic.

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