A Valdosta man and his 4-year-old grandson have died from injuries sustained in an early October house fire on West Park Avenue, leaving their family in deep grief and seeking community assistance. Gary Lee Yoder and Grayson Jack Spires, the grandson, were identified by Deborah Skelly, sister of resident Sherri Yoder, as the victims of the fatal blaze. Their deaths were confirmed Monday by Skelly, who also indicated that a community fundraiser has been established to help the family rebuild after the significant losses.
The Valdosta Fire Department responded to the fire early on October 15 on West Park Avenue. Firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control and located two victims inside the residence. Both individuals were initially transported to SGMC for immediate medical attention, according to a statement released by the fire department. In the aftermath of the incident, multiple people were displaced from the home, with assistance provided by the Red Cross to help them address immediate needs.
Deborah Skelly, who identified herself as the sister of Sherri Yoder, the resident of the burned home, informed on Monday that both victims had tragically died. Skelly specified that her brother-in-law, Gary Lee Yoder, and his 4-year-old grandson, Grayson Jack Spires, were the individuals involved. Skelly stated they were subsequently transported from SGMC to Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida, where both ultimately succumbed to their injuries.
Obituaries for both Gary Yoder and Grayson Spires were found on the Carson McLane Funeral Home’s website. These obituaries specified that Gary Yoder died on October 16, and Grayson Spires died on October 17. Funeral services for Yoder were held last Friday, and for Spires, services took place last Saturday, as detailed on the funeral home's website. These dates align with a Monday, October 26, 2026 publication.
The fire caused extensive damage to the family’s property. Skelly reported that the family’s home on West Park Avenue was destroyed, along with two of their vehicles. Fortunately, two other children who lived in the home were not injured in the incident, Skelly stated. The surviving family members are now facing the daunting task of replacing essential items lost in the fire and navigating their grief.
To support the family during this challenging time, a GoFundMe page has been organized. As of Monday, the community’s response has been strong, with the page reaching 88% of its stated $26,000 goal, according to information available Monday.