Ray Thrift, 62, of Wallace Circle, Otto, North Carolina, died Monday, Feb. 27, 2017, at Angel Medical Center in Franklin, North Carolina.

Born in Rabun County on Nov. 29, 1954, he was the son of the late Rance John Thrift and Mary Jane Gilstrap Thrift. He was a truck driver and a member of the Blue Valley Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rance and Mary Thrift.

He is survived by one daughter, Crystal Rae Wiles of Comer, two brothers, R.B. Thrift of Tiger, and Roger Thrift of Rabun, Gap, six sisters, Jeanette McCrackin of Clayton, Jennie Frady of Clayton, Judy Ramey of Martin, Joanne Thrift of Clayton, Joyce Timmerman of Homer, and Lorraine Kelly of Homer, longtime companion, Frances McCall of Otto, two grandchildren, Valerie Romero and Gracin Wiles. Several nephews, nieces and cousins also survive.

Funeral services were Thursday, March 2, 2017, at 2 p.m. at the Eastside Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home, with the Rev. Eddie Stillwell and Layman Lloyd Hunter officiating. Burial followed in the Long Creek Memorial Garden, Long Creek, South Carolina.

The body was at Hunter Funeral Home, where family received friends Wednesday evening March 1, 2017, at the at the Eastside Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m. The family was at their respective residences.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers memorial donations be made, in his memory, to Hunter Funeral Home, P.O. Box 653, Clayton, Georgia 30525, to help aid in funeral expenses.    

Hunter Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. An online obituary and guest register is available at www.hunterfuneralhomega.com.

The Clayton Tribune, March 9, 2017

Leonard G. Cross, 70, of Stonewall Estates Drive, Tiger, died Monday, March 6, 2017, in the VA Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina.

Born in Tiger on Feb. 23, 1947, he was the son of the late James S. Cross and Ethel Wall Cross. He retired as a school bus driver with the Rabun County School System. He was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in Vietnam and stateside. He was a member of the Lifeway Community Church in Rabun Gap.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, James and Ethel Cross, by his brother Robert Wall. 

He is survived by his wife, Margaret Ensley Cross of the home, by three sons, David Cross (his wife Crystal) Clayton, Michael Cross (his wife Lisa) of Wiley, and Daniel Cross of Tiger, also by one daughter, Rachel McClain (her husband Doyle) of Tiger, two brothers, Jim Cross of Toccoa and Harvey Bingham of Franklin, North Carolina, a sister Ellaine Raxter of Robbinsville, North Carolina. Twelve grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and several nephews, nieces and cousins also survive.

The body was cremated following the memorial service. Visitation was Thursday, March 9, 2017, at the Eastside Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home from 5- 6:30 p.m., with services at 6:30 p.m. with military honors. The Rev. Scott Woodard conducted the memorial. 

The body was at Hunter Funeral Home, and the family was at home in Tiger.

The Clayton Tribune, March 16, 2017

Barbara Hamby Keener, 83, of Clayton, passed away March 8, 2017. 

She was the daughter of the late Logan Hamby and Ola Gibson Hamby. 

She was also preceded in death by her husband, Jack P. Keener, two brothers, Russell Hamby and Joe Hamby, and one sister, Janie Conner.

She is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Marcia Keener Long and Greg Long of Mooresville, North Carolina.

Barbara was a member of Battle Branch Baptist Church where she attended faithfully until her health declined. She enjoyed reading and cooking. She also enjoyed the Senior Center, traveling with the senior center on many trips to the surrounding areas, including going on train rides and looking at fall leaves too name a few.

The family received friends Saturday, March 11, 2017, from 1-2 p.m. at Battle Branch Baptist, with funeral services following at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Madison McCrackin officiating. Interment followed at the Roane Cemetery in Clayton.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to Battle Branch Baptist Church, P.O. Box 483, Clayton, Georgia 30525, in memory of Barbara Hamby Keener. 

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, was in charge of the arrangements. An online memorial register book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.

The Clayton Tribune, March 16, 2017

Truie H. Miller, 77, of Dillard, died Sunday, March 12, 2017, at Mountain Lakes Medical Center.

Born in Scaly Mountain, North Carolina, on July 20, 1939, he was the son of the late William D. Miller and Frances Mason Miller. 

He was a retired law enforcement officer. He was trained in law enforcement at the Police Center in Athens, and served in the Clarkesville Police Department as the police chief before coming to the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office, from which he retired. Truie was a member of the Clayton Church of God.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Frances Mason Miller; by his first wife, Betty Ritchie Miller, and two brothers, Donald and Floyd Miller.

He is survived by his wife, Ellen Roberts Miller of the home, by two daughters, Sheila Gerke (Richard) of Fountain Inn, South Carolina, and Lynn Justus (Cory) of Clayton, two stepdaughters, Lowanda Kilby (Rodney) of Clayton, and Laura Jean Welch of Clayton, by two stepsons, Tony Welch (Christine) of Clayton, Bill Welch (Connie) of Toccoa, by one brother, Elbert Miller (Jean) of Mt. Airy, by one sister, Shirley Evans of Baldwin, by four grandchildren, and by one great-granddaughter.

The body has been cremated and a memorial service will be at the Clayton Church of God on Friday, March 17, 2017, at 1 p.m., conducted by Pastor Bryan Alexander. Burial will be in the Rocky Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Tiger.

The visitation will be at the Clayton Church of God on Friday, March 17, 2017, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The family is at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Lynn and Cory Justus, on Miller Lane in Dillard.

Hunter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. An online obituary and guest register is available at www.hunterfuneralhomega.com.

The Clayton Tribune, March 16, 2017

Randolph Richard “Randy” Ray, 58, was born in Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, Michigan, on Feb. 24, 1959. He died unexpectedly March 7, 2017, (officially called on March 9), at his home in the Lake Burton community, Rabun County, of natural causes. 

Immediate family surviving are parents, Dale Carney Ray Sr. and Barbara Jean McDaniel Ray, of Atlanta, siblings, Dale C. Ray, Jr. and family of Suwanee, Gregory Olin Ray of Lawrenceville, and Geoffrey Andrew Ray and family of Asheville, North Carolina. His maternal grandmother is Emma Sue Adams McDaniel, 100, of Senoia. 

Randy was retired on disability after a major stroke in 2011. He had worked for a decade for The Home Depot at locations in Atlanta, and transferred in 2005 to Clayton. 

Randy grew up in the Morningside-Lenox Park neighborhood of Atlanta, attending Atlanta’s public schools and graduating from Northside High School. Randy received the Bachelor of Business Administration degree with honors from Georgia State University. 

Randy was a man of exceptional Christian faith, and spent his years after the stroke working to get his spiritual health in good order, and being the best son and brother and uncle and friend that he knew how to be. He would say that the blessing of the stroke and his aphasia, was that he learned to listen to others. 

Randy is greatly missed by his family and his dog, Woody, with each struggling with the shock of his passing. 

Services to honor Randy’s life are scheduled for Saturday, March 18, with a funeral at 11 a.m. at Morningside Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, with the Rev. Dr. Baron Mullis officiating, followed by a graveside service and burial in mid-afternoon at the Senoia City Cemetery, Senoia, Coweta County, and the Rev. Eric Mays officiating.  

Arrangements are by H. M. Patterson and Son, 1020 Spring Street, NW,  Atlanta, Georgia 30309. 

The Clayton Tribune, March 16, 2017

Roy Emmett “Buster” Folsom, 69, of Clayton, formerly of Tifton and Moultrie, passed away Friday, March 10, 2017, in Clayton under Hospice care. 

A graveside funeral service was held for Mr. Folsom at 2 p.m. Monday, March 13, 2017, at Oak Ridge Cemetery, where he was laid to rest. The Rev. Jeremy Lawson of Clayton First Methodist Church did officiate.

Born Jan. 10, 1948, in Moultrie, Mr. Folsom was the son of the late Roy Folsom and Ailene Folsom. He graduated from Georgia Southwestern with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education. He did his graduate work at the University of Georgia and completed his pre-pharmacy requirements. 

Until his retirement, he worked as a medical representative with Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals in Macon. Upon retirement, he moved to the mountains of Clayton. He was a wonderful husband and father; and avid sportsman and enjoyed woodworking. He was a member of the Clayton First United Methodist Church. 

Mr. Folsom is survived by his wife, Martha Patten Folsom of Clayton; one son, Anthony Patten Folsom; two daughters, Susan Grace and Sara Elizabeth; two sisters; and one grandson, Zeke Mayfield.

The Clayton Tribune, March 23, 2017

Memorial service for Timothy E. Pritchett, 50, of Stanton, Nebraska, will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, April 1, 2017, at the Clayton Church of God, located at 235 Stecoah Falls Road, Clayton, Georgia 30525. A private family burial will be held at a later date.

A memorial service was also held at 11 a.m., Thursday, March 16, 2017, at the Stonacek Funeral Chapel in Norfolk, with the Rev. Terry Buol officiating. Visitation was 4-7 p.m., Wednesday, also at Stonacek Funeral Chapel in Norfolk. 

Timothy passed away Saturday, March 11, 2017, at the Faith Regional Hospital in Norfolk. Stonacek Funeral Chapel in Norfolk is in charge of the arrangements.

The son of Laymon “Sam” and Glennis (Welborn) Pritchett was born May 21, 1966, in Seneca, South Carolina. He graduated from Rabun County High School and North Georgia Technical College.

He served in the U.S. Army from Sept. 4, 1986, to June 2, 1988.

He married Amy (Hoff) Pritchett on Feb. 25, 1996. To this union, three children were born: Hannah, Leah and Cole. The couple later divorced. Tim worked various pipe-laying jobs and also worked for the city of Stanton for five years. Tim liked spending time with family, his friends and raccoon hunting with his buddies.

Survivors include his mother, Glennis Pritchett of Clayton; his children, Danielle Pritchett of Clarkesville, Ashley Peters of Wamego, Kansas, Hannah Pritchett of Stanton, Leah Pritchett of Norfolk and Cole Pritchett of Norfolk; his grandchildren, Kelby Pritchett of Stanton, Cooper Gallagher of Wamego and Libby McConkey of Wamego; his brothers, Laymon “Lane” (Janice) Pritchett of Wamego and Johnny Welborn of Clayton; his sisters, Debbie Turner and Brenda Hix, both of Alto, and Nora (Doug) Sosebee of Homer,; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents; his father, Sam Pritchett; his brother-in-law, Jimmy Hix; Uncle Lewis Welborn and Burt and Marvilla Roach.

Honorary casket bearers will be all of his friends and coworkers.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at stonacekfuneralchapel.com.  

The Clayton Tribune, March 23, 2017

Joseph Chandler Luke Jr. passed away at the age of 85 on March 25, 2017.

Joe was born in Wilmington, Delaware, on July 13, 1931, to Joseph C. and Dorothy S. Luke.  At the age of eight, he and his family moved to Hollywood, Florida, where he graduated from South Broward High School and also met the love of his life, Llewellyn.  He attended the University of Florida and was a member of πκΑ.  

Joe and Lou were married in 1952 and were stationed in Key West while Joe was in the U.S. Navy. He served his country during the Korean War as an airplane electrician. After being discharged from the Navy, Joe and Lou made Clayton their home, where Joe began his life-long career in the family business at Reeves Hardware Co.  

Joe’s passions were boating, hunting and fast cars. He loved spending time in the Florida Keys deep-sea fishing with family and friends. Lake Burton became a place where many fun loving times were spent with his children and grandchildren over the years. He loved fast cars and eventually fulfilled his lifelong dream of owning a Corvette; he actually ended up having three different ones! Joe was a very patriotic, proud, fun-loving man. He loved his family deeply!

He was preceded in death by his parents and his two sisters, Natalie L. Andresen and Jane L. Springer.  

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Llewellyn Reeves Luke, and children, Joseph C. Luke III (Angela), Linda L. Shaw (Don), James L. Luke (Vicky) and Leslie L. Scott (Bill); grandchildren (Erik Shaw (Meagan), Joseph Luke IV (Emily), Sterling Shaw (Sarah), Jessica Ward (Whit), Eli Luke, Chandler Luke, Mike Scott (Magdalena) and Jake Scott (Becca)); six great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.  

A memorial service was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 28, at The Chapel at Beck Funeral Home with James Turpin officiating.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his memory to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, Tennessee 38105, or the charity of your choosing. 

The Clayton Tribune, March 30, 2017

Memorial services for Dorothy M. Greenway, 96, of Lufkin, were held Monday, April 3, 2017, at 2 p.m. in the PineCrest Retirement Community Chapel, with Pastor Dan Simmons officiating, with a reception to follow. Cremation arrangements were under the direction of Carroway Funeral Home.

Mrs. Greenway was born Aug. 27, 1920, in Camden, New Jersey, to the late Elizabeth (Montgomery) and Joseph Morris Keil, and died Thursday, March 30, 2017, in a local hospice facility.

Mrs. Greenway had resided in Lufkin for the past 14 years and prior to that she lived in Georgia and Florida. She was a secretary for the Dade County School Board in Florida for 14 years. She adored her husband, who was a retired Coast Guard commander. They were married for 40 years and traveled the world together. She was a devoted wife and mother. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.

Mrs. Greenway knitted more than 2,000 pair of booties for babies at Eglin Air Force Base in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. She was a very active member of the PineCrest Community, and she headed the library and travelogue there for several years. She was loved by all there and will be sorely missed.

Survivors include her daughters, Pamela Grant and husband Dick of Livingston, and Carolyn Gruber of Chevy Chase, Maryland; grandchildren, Rachel Saks of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, David Gruber of Vancouver, British Columbia, and Ellie Greenway of Lafayette, Tennessee; great-grandchildren, Maia and Anna Saks of Philadelphia, and Robert Gruber of Vancouver, British Columbia.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 40 years, Homer W. Greenway in 2010; stepson, Jerry Greenway; and brother, Darwin Keil.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Angel of Joy Lutheran Church, 4003 Daniel McCall Drive, Lufkin, Texas 75904.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

The Clayton Tribune, April 6, 2017

Samuel Clark Johnson passed away peacefully at his daughter’s home in Newark, Delaware, on March 10, 2016, of complications from post polio syndrome. 

Sam was born in Augusta on Aug. 8, 1927, to Emma Margaret (Clark) and John Pierce Johnson. A ham radio enthusiast growing up, Sam attended Mars Hill college for a semester, then joined the U.S. Navy in WWII and served as a radio operator and air traffic controller in Hawaii. After discharge, he graduated from Memphis State College with a degree in psychology, also working as a deejay at a local radio station. 

He was an ordained Baptist minister for a short time, then began flying small airplanes in Memphis, first crop-dusting and then flying executives of the newly established Holiday Inn to scout hotel sites. 

In July, 1953, Sam contracted polio and spent a lengthy amount of time in the hospital. After a long rehabilitation, he returned to flying, shedding his foot brace to fly for more than 30 years as a commercial airline pilot for Capitol International Airways (later changed to Capitol Air). His work with Capitol took him, his former wife Virginia, and his growing family to Texas, Florida and Delaware, before he eventually rounded out his career overseas, mostly in Spain. It also allowed him to bring many artifacts back home from his travels over the years: African spears and masks, an Austrian clock, a Japanese screen, an Egyptian camel saddle and a pachinko machine, as well as many others, much to the delight of his daughters. 

Sam loved flying and photography, and was dedicated to exploring the world of psychology and spirituality. He inspired his daughters by believing in them and assuring them frequently that they could do anything if they truly committed themselves to working toward the goal. 

About 20 years ago, after many years away, Sam moved back to Georgia and settled in the Lakemont area with his now deceased wife, Rita Wolfe. He loved the mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and the people. Making friends wherever he went, he was a true Southern gentleman and made everyone feel special. 

Sam was survived by his wife of seven years, Laura Iris Johnson, of Lakemont, who then passed away Dec. 14, 2016. 

He is survived by his sisters, Betty Blissit, (Augusta), twins Anne Martin (Greenville, South Carolina), and Carol Henderson (Memphis, Tennessee), his first wife and mother of his daughters Virginia Johnson (Newark), his five daughters, Merrie Elisens (Norman, Oklahoma), Lori Gorsch (Wasilla, Alaska), Lyn Peck (Kent, Washington), Valerie Jones (Newark) and Lisa Ettinger (Camden, Maine), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Sam lived a full life, traveled all over the world, and impacted many people’s lives. He will be greatly missed.

The Clayton Tribune, April 6, 2017

Steve Masters, 58, of Rabun Gap, passed away Thursday, March 30, 2017. 

He was preceded in death by his brother, Stanley Masters. 

Mr. Masters is survived by his son, Matthew Masters; daughter, Crystal Masters, both of Clayton; parents, Thois and Sylvia Whitley Masters, Rabun Gap; brothers, Tony and Jennifer Masters, Ashland, Virginia, Tim and Debbie Masters, Marietta; nine nieces and nephews; several aunts, uncles and cousins. 

Mr. Masters was born Feb. 11, 1959, in Duluth. He was a 1977 graduate of Rabun County High School. Mr. Masters was a truck driver, and he was a member of the Baptist faith. 

A memorial service was held Saturday, April 1, 2017, at Tiger Baptist Church, Tiger, at 3 p.m., with the Rev. Tim Hunnicutt officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Georgia Lions Camp, 5626 Laura Walker Road, Waycross, Georgia 31503. 

To express condolences, please sign our online guestbook at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com.  

Arrangements by: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford.

The Clayton Tribune, April 6, 2017

Martha Annabelle Fountain Turpin Mullis, 75, of the Warwoman Community in Clayton, passed away at the family residence Wednesday morning, March 22, 2017.

Born in Rabun County on April 4, 1941, she was the daughter of the late John Fort Fountain and Lois Cunningham Fountain. She was a homemaker and a member of the Blue Heights Baptist Church.

Martha was preceded in death by: her parents, her husband, James Turpin, by one son, Ronald Scott Fountain, four brothers, Hubert Ray Fountain, Charles Roy Fountain, Robert Lee Fountain and Donald Ralph Fountain, and by two sisters, Ruth Southards and Joan Phillips.  

She is survived by three sons, Dale Roland Fountain of Clayton, Roger Lee Fountain of Clayton and Jon Martin Turpin (Amanda) of Clayton, one daughter, Tracy Marna Turpin of the Warwoman Community, one grandson, Jasper Martin Turpin, one brother, Bill Fountain (Arlene) of Mountain City, and one sister Helen Wall of Clayton. Several nephews, nieces, and cousins also survive.

A memorial service  will be held Saturday, April 22, 2017, at 1 p.m. at the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home. Visitation will be held Saturday, April 22, 2017, from noon-1 p.m.(the service hour). Interment will follow the services.

Martha’s family is at the home of her daughter Tracy Turpin on Warwoman Road, Clayton. The family asks that in lieu of flowers memorial donations be made in her honor to Hunter Funeral Home, P.O. Box 653, Clayton, Georgia 30525, to aid with funeral expenses.

Hunter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. An online obituary and guest register is available at www.hunterfuneralhomega.com.

The Clayton Tribune, April 6, 2017

Gerald Lawrence Salzman passed away at the age of 79 on April 2, 2017.

Gerald was born in Silver Creek, New York, on April 28, 1937, to Kermit and Trudy Salzman. He graduated from Forestville High School. He attended Buffalo Bible Institute, where he met the love of his life Carole. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Barrington College, Rhode Island.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carole H. Salzman, and children, Kenneth L. Salzman (Debra), Jerilyn M. Henderson, Eric D. Salzman (Lisa) and Laura L. Gresham (David); 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and as well as five brothers (Wives), and many nieces and nephews.

The body has been cremated and a memorial service will be held at a later date. The family is at the home of his daughter, Laura Gresham, on Heights Lane, Clayton. 

Hunter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. An online obituary and guest register is available at www.hunterfuneralhomega.com.

The Clayton Tribune, April 6, 2017

Frankie Mae Welch, 84, of Tiger, passed away Saturday, April 1, 2017. 

She was born in Rabun County on Oct. 23, 1932, the daughter of the late Bill and Irene McCloud Welch. She was also preceded in death by six brothers Red Grover Welch, F.D. Welch, J.B. Welch, Marie Wood, Kenneth Welch and Wayne Welch.

She is survived by her companion Elize “Ray” Rapier. Also surviving is one brother Dover “Beady” Nathan Welch, and three sisters Elease Eller, Cynthia Welch, and Sarah Harrison. Many nieces and nephews also survive.

Frankie was a member of Battle Branch Baptist Church. She retired from General Motors in Pontiac, Michigan. She enjoyed reading and crocheting but most of all she enjoyed being with her family.

The family received friends on April 3, 2017, at Beck Funeral Home from 2-3 p.m. Funeral services will follow at 3 p.m. at the Beck Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Madison McCrackin officiating. Interment will follow in the Welch Family Cemetery.

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, was in charge of the arrangements. An online memorial register book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.

 The Clayton Tribune, April 6, 2017

Nancy Ann Sutton Woodall, 56, of Atlanta, formerly of Mountain City, died March 20, 2017, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center.

Born Nov. 16, 1960, she was the daughter of Alvin Sutton and of Ruth Sutton of Mountain City. Although she was a homemaker, she also worked various jobs. She was a loving sister to all of her siblings.

Besides her parents, Nancy was preceded in death by daughter Angel Lee Sutton and a baby boy, Benjamin Woodall. Also preceding her in death were brothers Gary Dean Jones, Calvin Lee Sutton Sr. of Mountain City and Reid Jones of Clayton, and sisters Louise Jones Carter of Wiley and Ruth Ellen Sutton Joiner of North Carolina. 

She is survived by a loving sister, Lena (Linda) Sutton Henslee of Atlanta, by brother Tommy Sutton of Clayton and sister Betty Bledsoe of Hartwell, by brother Larry Jones of Rabun Gap and by Gene Woodall. Many nieces and nephews also survive.

Memorial services were held March 23, 2017, at Rabun County Church of Christ in Tiger.

The Clayton Tribune, April 6, 2017

Anita Elaine Burks, 59, of Tiger, passed away April 5, 2017. 

She was the daughter of the late Jesse Arnold Burks and Miriam Burks Wysock.

She attended St. Helena Catholic Church and had been a resident of the Clayton area for the past eight years after moving from Florida.

Anita is survived by one brother and sister-in-law, David and Susan Burks Evans, and her two nieces Kristin Burks Smith of Savannah, and Stephanie Diane Burks of Carolina Beach, North Carolina. She is also survived by her stepfather, Paul Wysock. 

The family held a Celebration of Life Service at 1 p.m. Friday, April 7, 2017, at St Helena Catholic Church, with Father Pedro Poloche and Don Barber officiating. Interment service was held Saturday, April 8, at 3 p.m. at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, with Tim Miller officiating. 

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, was in charge of the arrangements. An online memorial register book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.

The Clayton Tribune, April 13, 2017

Harry Wilmer Dickerson, 82, of Betty’s Creek Road, Rabun Gap, passed away Wednesday, April 5, 2017, at his home.

Born in the Wolffork community in 1934, he was the son of the late Harry P. and Willie Marie Bolt Dickerson of Mountain City. He was preceded in death by a sister, Hazel D. Holt, of Mountain City.

He was a former employee of Burlington Industries, as training instructor and electrician for 36 years. He was also a veteran, having served with the U.S. Army’s 25th division in Hawaii in 1957-59.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Norton Dickerson; one daughter, Nancy Dickerson (Ervin) of Rabun Gap; three sons, Anthony W. Dickerson, of Murrayville, Nathan Dickerson (Chanda) and William Dickerson, of Rabun Gap; three nephews, John Holt (Kathy) of Statesboro, David Holt and Jeffery Holt of Mountain City. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Brooke Bleckley (Steven), Joshua Chastain (Alicia), Ashley Dickerson, Candice Dickerson, BreeAnna Dickerson, Caytlin Dickerson; as well as two great-grandchildren, Robbie and Allison June.

A visitation was held at Beck Funeral Home on Friday, April 7, 2017, from 6-8 p.m. 

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 8, 2017, at Beck’s Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Ronia Hunter officiating. Burial followed the service at Betty’s Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, was in charge of the arrangements. An online memorial register book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.

The Clayton Tribune, April 13, 2017

Emily Faith Thompson, 6, of Clayton, passed away April 8, 2017. She was born Jan. 22, 2011, the daughter of Lisa Reichenbach Thompson and Jim Thompson.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by two brothers, Nathan and Trent Thompson, paternal grandparents, Ronald (Bonnie) Thompson Clayton, Lynda Dann Powder Springs, maternal grandparents, John E. Reichenbach, Clayton, Hilda Pruitt, Habersham, and great-grandmother Fannie Pruitt of Habersham. Also surviving are many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Emily attended both Persimmon Baptist Church and Clayton Baptist Church, where she loved going to church, singing and shaking hands with everyone. She was very proud of her big brothers and looked up to them. Known for her contagious smile and perfect cartwheels, she loved big and everything was exciting. 

She loved being a Rabun County Wildcats and had a love for cheerleading, basketball and soccer. Emily enjoyed going fishing with her daddy and getting her nails done with her mommy, especially the days when she was able to do both.

Donations may be made to First American Bank and Trust in Emily Thompson’s name.

The family will receive friends today from 6-8 p.m. at Beck Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life service will be Friday, April 14, 2017, at 2 p.m. at the Clayton Baptist Church, with the Rev. Joey Thompson officiating. Interment will follow in the Blalock Cemetery. Following the interment service, there will be a dinner at the Persimmon Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, was in charge of the arrangements. An online memorial register book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.

 The Clayton Tribune, April 13, 2017

Gale Gibson Thomas, 61, of Franklin, North Carolina, passed away Friday, April 14, 2017.

Born in Macon County, North Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Harley Gibson and Lesa Roper Gibson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brother, Wade Gibson.   

Gale was an appliance specialist at Lowe’s. She was an avid softball fan and enjoyed watching her granddaughter play sports.

She is survived by her companion of 28 years, Wayne “Bud” Stamey; daughter, Shelly Thomas Finch and husband Neil of Franklin; her twin sister, Dale Sisti and husband Joe of Otto; sisters, Doris Dow and husband Joe of Palmetto, Florida, and Glenda Hughes and husband Chris of Rabun Gap; brother, Judson “Jud” Gibson (Rhonda) of Franklin; granddaughter, Haylee Leatherwood and husband Caleb of Waynesville, and her soon-to-be great-grandson, Rhett; grandchildren, Valerie Finch and Matthew Finch; great-granddaughter, Emerson; Bud’s children, Lisa Chastain, Tammy Shepherd and Keith Stamey; and special nieces and nephews, Christi, Ashley, Jason, Addie, Maddox, Emery, Alex, Kaden and Lexi.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, April 18, in the Chapel of Macon Funeral Home. The Revs. Jamie Passmore and David Lee Williams officiated. Burial was in the Iotla Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family received friends from 6-8 p.m., Monday, April 17, at Macon Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were Jim Richter, James Anderson, Russ Chastain, Keith Stamey, Jason Crump and Brandon Powell.

Memorial donations can be made to Wake Forest A.L.S. Research Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Relations, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, P.O. Box 571021, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157-1021. (https://campaign.wakehealth.edu/giving/)

Macon Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com.

The Clayton Tribune, April 20, 2017

Reba Mashburn Watts, 77, of Bridge Creek Road, Tiger, died Friday morning, April 14, 2017, at her home. She was the widow of Bill J. Watts Sr.

Born April 12, 1940, in Tallulah Falls, she was the daughter of the late Harley and Ada Dills Mashburn. She was retired from the nursing home laundry department. She was of the Baptist faith. Reba was a charter member of the Rabun County Rescue Auxiliary.

She was preceded in death, besides her parents, and her husband and by three brothers, Dover, Bobby and Hannon Mashburn.

She is survived by one son, Billy J. Watts Jr., of Blairsville, by three daughters, Mary Mashburn Hampton of Tiger, Lanna Watts Holcomb (Ricky) of Tiger, and Sandra Watts Hill (Ray) of Commerce, one brother, Ted Mashburn of Lakemont, three sisters, Ellender Welborn of Tiger, and twin sisters, Geraldine Mashburn and Sylvia Kendrix, both of Clayton, and by one grandson, Richard Holcomb Jr.

Funeral services were at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 18, 2017, at the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home, with the Rev. James E. Turpen officiating. Burial was in the Tallulah Falls Cemetery in Tallulah Falls.

The body was at Hunter Funeral Home, where visitation was from 6-8 p.m. Monday, April 17, 2017. The family was at the home of her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jackie and Joann Watts, on Bridge Creek Road, in Tiger.

Hunter Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. An online obituary and guest register is available at www.hunterfuneralhomega.com.

The Clayton Tribune, April 20, 2017