Bailey D. O’Shields, 21, of Suwanee, passed away on Friday, Sept. 1, 2017, of accidental drowning.  

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Harold Lee O’Shields, and maternal grandfather, Frank Lamar Stowe.

He is survived by his mother, Stephanie Stowe O’Shields, Suwanee; father, Ken O’Shields, Commerce; brother, Hunter A. O’Shields, Suwanee; sister, Kaylee O’Shields; paternal grandmother, Linda Elsberry O’Shields, St. Augustine, Florida; maternal grandmother, Carol Berryman Stowe, Buford; uncle and aunt, Jeffrey and Judy O’Shields, Clayton; aunts and uncles, Cynthia Stowe Jennings and husband, Steve, Suwanee, and Anne Marie O’Shields Watts and husband, Jerry, Clayton; cousins, Jessica Jennings McMillan and husband, Keith, Columbia, South Carolina, Ashley O’Shields Smith and husband, Jamie, Monroe, Chelsea Jennings Marelle and husband, Tony, Suwanee, Ryan Watts and wife, Kelsey, Clayton, Elizabeth Anne Watts, Athens, and Shelby Brooke Jennings, Suwanee;  little buddy, Tucker McMillian; loving companion, Chloe Jane Sampson, Nokomis, Florida; and lifelong best friend, Samuel Pinson.

Bailey loved life’s adventures with Chloe and his friends. Bailey had an innocence about him. His childish smile and sweet giggle will be dearly missed by all. Bailey and Hunter had a brotherly bond that will never be broken something that was unique and special. Bailey loved hunting, fishing, surfing and anything on the water. He wanted everyone to join in the adventure that he was seeking.

Bailey had many dear friends. He was a 2014 graduate of Rabun County High School and was a student at Suncoast Technical College and Institute.  He was employed with Mike Looney Electric Co. in Englewood, Florida. He was a member of Mountain City United Methodist Church in Mountain City.

A Celebration of Life service will be held today at 6 p.m. in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home, with the Rev. Chuck Stutsman of Mountain City United Methodist Church, Hunter O’Shields and Jim Powell officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on today from 4-6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Emory Healthcare of Atlanta for Arteriovenous Malformation Embolization (AVM), makeagift@emoryhealthcare.org, 404-727-9503 or to Mountain City United Methodist Church, Mountain City, Georgia.

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, Sept. 7, 2017

Glenda Bell Ryals, 69, of Clarkesville, went to be with the Lord on Monday, Sept. 4, 2017, following an extended illness.

Mrs. Ryals was born Nov. 24, 1947, in Clarkesville to the late Charles and Fannie Bell. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Linda Jane Bell. Mrs. Ryals retired from Fieldale Farms. She was a member of Welcome Home Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband, Pastor Larry Ryals of Clarkesville; daughter, Christy Ryals of Demorest; daughters and sons-in-law, Melanie and Richard Acker of Clarkesville and Cadie Lane and Jay Dee Barron of Dahlonega; son and daughter-in-law, Jonathan and Amber Ryals of Savannah; and grandchildren, Taylor, Ryalie, and Hunter Acker and Eoin and Charlie-Belle Barron.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017, at Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, with Pastor Larry Ryals officiating. Interment followed in Yonah Memorial Gardens.

The family received friends from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017, at the funeral home.

Those wishing to express online condolences to the family may do so by visiting www.whitfieldfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, North Chapel, 245 Central Avenue, Demorest.

The Clayton Tribune, Sept. 7, 2017

Joe Speed, 72, of Clayton, went to his Heavenly Home on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017, following an extended illness.

Mr. Speed was born Oct. 18, 1944, in Clayton, to the late Joe and Samantha Moore Speed. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Barbara Williams, Janie Richardson, Dottie Cathey, Neal Sherin, Debbie Wright; brothers, Paul Speed, Hoyt Speed and Virge Speed.

He was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Clayton. Mr. Speed was a U.S. Navy veteran. He was retired from General Motors with 32 years of loyal and dedicated service. After retirement, Joe worked part-time as a clerk with Days Inn.

Survivors include his wife, Nita Speed, of Clayton; son, Paul Speed, of Clayton; sisters, Carrie Crane, of Clayton; Lucy Staton, of McDonough; Kathryn Revis, of Alpharetta; and Belle Taylor, of Clayton.

Memorial services are scheduled for 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017, at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Clayton, with the Rev. Raymond Page officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 7245 Warwoman Road, Clayton, Georgia 30525.

Arrangements in care of Whitfield Funeral Home & Crematory, North Chapel, 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia.

Those wishing to express online condolences to the family may do so by visiting our website at www.whitfieldfuneralhomes.com.

The Clayton Tribune, Sept. 7, 2017

Catherine Irene Fountain Lamb, 78, of Wolffork Road, Rabun Gap, died Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017, in Mountain Lakes Medical Center in Clayton.

Born in Rabun County on May 18, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Fountain Sr. and Vassie Garland Fountain. She was the widow of Jack E. Lamb Sr. She was a retired shipping clerk with Burlington Industries. She was a member of Taylor’s Chapel Baptist Church.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Lamb, by her son, Jack Lamb Jr. (Hoss) her parents, five brothers (Reno, Thomas Jr., Buford, David and Calvin Fountain) and one sister (Jean Whiten).

She is survived by one son, Robert Lamb of Clayton, one daughter, Kathy Lamb of California, one brother, Lewis Fountain of Clayton, two sisters, Cinda Massengill of Lula, and Nancy Ayers of Clarkesville, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.  

The family is at their respective residences.

The body has been cremated and a memorial service is planned on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017, at 2 p.m. at Taylor's Chapel Baptist.

Hunter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

The Clayton Tribune, Sept. 21, 2017

Helen Oliver Lee, 80, of Mountain City, passed away at her residence Saturday morning Sept. 16, 2017, after an extended illness.

She was born May 26, 1937, the daughter of the late Harry Larkin Oliver and Ollie Mae Taylor Oliver. Also preceding her in death is sister Arretta Oliver Mitchell and one brother, Harry Lloyd “Shorty” Oliver.

Surviving are her husband of 64 years, George Webster Lee of the home, two children, son Robert Lee of Woodland, Washington, and daughter Susan and husband Ed Benfield of Cartersville. Grandson Anthony Benfield and fiancé Daniella, great-grandsons Billy Joe Benfield of West Union, South Carolina, Will Campbell of West Union, South Carolina, Dominic Benfield, granddaughter Lyndsay (Bruce) Summers of Woodland, great-granddaughter Brezy Summers, brother Larkin (Janie) Oliver, one sister-in-law, Norma Cody Oliver of Auburn, six sisters, and several nieces and nephews also survive.

She was of the Baptist faith and attended Tiger Baptist Church. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star over 31 years, secretary for 16 years, also served as Worthy Matron. She enjoyed going to the Grand Chapter in Macon; she liked to travel and recently enjoyed the Flea Market. She loved meeting and talking to different people. She also enjoyed the outdoors and working in the yard to keep it clean.  

The family received friends at Beck Funeral Home on Monday, Sept. 18, 2017, from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017, at the Beck Funeral Home Chapel, with the Revs. Tim Hunnicutt and Thomas Burrell officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to American Kidney Foundation, Suite 1010, Rockville, Maryland 20852-9813.

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, Sept. 21, 2017

Virgil J. “Buster” Watts, 85, of Tiger, died Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017, in Friendship Nursing Home in Cleveland. He was the widower of Hedy Cantrell Watts.

Born in Rabun County on July 9, 1932, the son of the late Rosa Watts and spent all of his life in Rabun County. Buster was a carpenter by trade and was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean war and was a member of the Rocky Grove Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Hedy, by daughter, Vickie Littrell mother Rosa and stepfather J.A. Addis.

He is survived by a daughter, Tammy Macnear (Bobby) of Baldwin, one grandson, Dale Litterell (Jennifer) of Cornelia, one great-grandson, Justin Littrell of Cornelia, one great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Littrell of Cornelia, and one brother, Oden Watts of North Carolina.

Funeral services was at the Rocky Grove Baptist Church on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017, at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Joe  McCrackin officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery with military honors.

The body was at Hunter Funeral Home and was taken to Rocky Grove Baptist Church on Friday, Sept. 15, 2017, for visitation from 6-8 p.m. Friday evening. The family was at their respective residences.  

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

The Clayton Tribune, Sept. 21, 2017

Mr. Frank Sanders Keener Sr., 86, of Toccoa, passed away Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017, at the Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center.

Born April 9, 1931, in Rabun County, he was the son of the late James Abraham Keener and Azilee Holmes Keener Powell.

Mr. Keener was a U.S. Army combat veteran and served two tours during the Korean War.  He was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church, VFW Post 4346 of Toccoa, Toccoa Masonic Lodge, Disabled American Veterans, and a past member of Civil Defense and the Civil Air Patrol. He was retired from Coats and Clark after 37 years of service.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 38 years, Maxine Chappell Keener; a sister, Winnie Hitch; and a brother, Guy Keener.

Family members include his daughter and son-in-law, Kathy Keener Harvey and Stan of Toccoa; son and daughter-in-law, Sandy Keener and Pam of Toccoa; brother, Bill Keener of Littleton, Colorado; sisters, Katherine Ivester of Monroe, Judy Meeks of Social Circle, Carolyn Dooley of Carrollton, and Nancy Isabell Smith of Powder Springs; grandchildren, Kayla Martin and Nathan of Marietta, Alexander Keener of Toccoa, and Carson Keener of Toccoa; and one great-grandchild, Ella Martin of Marietta.

Funeral services were held at 4 o’clock Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017, from the Chapel of Whitlock Mortuary, with the Rev. Andy Childs officiating.

Burial followed at Stephens Memorial Gardens with Military Honors provided by the VFW Post 4346 of Toccoa.

The following gentlemen served as pallbearers: Nathan Martin, Alex Keener, Carson Keener, Michael Ivester, Bobby Ray Meeks and Tony Hightower.

The family received friends at the mortuary from 7-9 p.m. Friday.

Memorial donations may be made to any veteran organization. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.whitlockmortuary.net. Whitlock Mortuary was in charge of the arrangements.

The Clayton Tribune, Sept. 21, 2017

Joyce Frances McKay Wilbanks, 89, of Lakemont, passed away Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, at Habersham Medical Center.

She was born Jan. 22, 1928, the daughter of the late Albert I. McKay and Flossie Alberta Smith McKay.

She is survived by her loving husband of 73 years and best friend since childhood, James Hicks Wilbanks, two daughters, Joyce Yvonne Wilbanks of Lakemont and Frances Jacqueline Wilbanks Goodman of Nashville, Tennessee, three grandchildren, Christin Henderson, Elisabeth Parker and Chuck Goodman, and three great-grandchildren, Andrew Henderson, Austin Henderson, Isaiah Hicks Parker.

She enjoyed flowers and gardening, loved animals, music and played the organ. She also had a love for baking cakes and cooking. She was a loving mother, grandmother and wife spent as much time with her family as she could. She enjoyed going fishing with her husband until her health declined. In addition, she loved bird watching and enjoyed identifying them by their songs.

The family received friends Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017, at Beck Funeral Home, from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services are at 2 p.m. today at Lakemont Baptist Church, with the Revs. Jewell Gaines and Rev. Madison McCrackin officiating. Interment will follow in the Harvey Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to the Sid Weber Memorial Cancer Fund P.O. Box 485 Rabun Gap, Georgia 30568.

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, is in charge of the arrangements. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.

The Clayton Tribune, Sept. 21, 2017

Michael Glenn Massey, 54, of Otto, North Carolina, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017.

Born in Greenville, South Carolina, he was the son of Stanley Joe Massey and Barbara LaBuhn. He was preceded in death by a brother; Stanley Joe Massey Jr.

Michael was a self-employed licensed electrician. He was an avid University of South Carolina Gamecocks fan, was a Golden Glove Boxer and enjoyed helping others. He attended Mulberry United Methodist Church.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by long-time companion, Ann DeHay of Otto; two children, Michael Cain Massey and Krystal Leigh McCaslan both of Greenville; brothers, Richey Allen Massey, Kenneth Clayton Waldrop and Jerry Wayne Waldrop; sister, Sherry Ann Fisher; three grandchildren, Brennen Massey, Urijah McCaslan and Ava McCaslan and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 23, at Mulberry United Methodist Church. The Rev. Sherron Geiger and Jack Craig officiated. Burial was in Mulberry UMC Cemetery.

The family received friends from 1-2 p.m., prior to the service at the church.

Pallbearers were Paul Martin, Jack Craig, Tommy Hampton, Donnie Bridges, David Jones and Chester Arnold. Honorary pallbearers were Buster Honeycutt, Donald Bradley, Andrew Bradley and Gunter Ledford.

Macon Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.

The Clayton Tribune, Sept. 28. 2017

George Clinton Reed, 69, of the Satolah Community, Clayton, died Friday, Sept. 16, 2017, in August University Medical Center in Augusta.

Born Aug. 22, 1948, in Rabun County, he was the son of the late Lester and Wilma Bryson Reed. he was a lifelong resident of the Satolah Community. He was a loving husband and father. He was a carpenter, a member of Macedonia Baptist Church and was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War.

Clinton was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Wilma Reed, a great-grandson, Hayden Bolen, and his ex-wife, Kathy Roberts.

He is survived by his wife, Janet Hooper Reed of Franklin, North Carolina; children, April Reed, Jeremy Reed, Miranda Allgary and Aaron Reed, all of Clayton, and Michelle Bolen of Walhalla, South Carolina; grandchildren, Michael Henry, Reese Gragg, Gabriel Allgary and Denise Allgary, all of Clayton, and Michael Click, Haley Ault and Odes Bolen, all of West Virginia; one brother, Larry Reed of Nokesville, Virginia; and two sisters, Clara Nix of Clayton and Jennifer Thomas of Brevard, North Carolina.

Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22, 2017, at the Macedonia Baptist Church, Clayton (Satolah Community), conducted by the Rev. Oliver Rice. Burial followed in the Macedonia Baptist Cemetery with military honors.

The body was at Hunter Funeral Home, where family received friends from 6-8 p.m. Thursday evening, Sept. 21, 2017. The body was placed at the church at 1 p.m. to lie in-state. The family was at the home of his wife, Janet Reed of Franklin.

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

The Clayton Tribune, Sept. 28, 2017

Reese Sherrod Scull, 76, of Cleveland, Tennessee, beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather and friend, passed away at home on Sept. 20, 2017.

He was predeceased by his parents, Reese W. Scull and Norma R. Scull, of Rutherford College, North Carolina, and his grandson, Evan.

Reese was born and raised in Valdese, North Carolina, and graduated from Western Carolina University and North Carolina State University. He trained at the United States Naval Officer Candidate School, and served as a lieutenant from 1966-69.

Following his military service, Reese spent his career with the U.S. Forest Service on the Holly Springs, Washington-Jefferson, Chattahoochee, and Cherokee National Forests.

Reese is survived by his wife and best friend, Faye Scull of Cleveland, Tennessee, daughters, Heather Volk of Pueblo West, Colorado, and Kelly Miner of Ocala, Florida, grandsons, Reese and Julian, his sister, Sherry Rostan Scull of Rutherford College, North Carolina, and many relatives and friends.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Sarah Cannon Research Institute of Nashville. Their efforts, support, and dedication to cancer research and providing quality care over Reese’s final four years were a blessing of hope to him and to the entire family.

A celebration of Reese’s life and memory was at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017, at First Presbyterian Church in Cohutta.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sarah Cannon Fund, 1100 Charlotte Ave., Suite 800, Nashville, Tennessee 37203.

The Clayton Tribune, Sept. 28, 2017

Randall Lynn Starkey died Sept. 20, 2017.

Randall was born in Birmingham, Alabama, on Nov. 21, 1956.

In 1975, Randall enlisted into the U.S. Marines and served honorably as a special agent and naval intelligence for more than 20 years. After his service, he worked as a sheriff deputy and lastly at Walmart in Clayton.

Randy is preceded in death by a son, Andrew Starkey.

He is survived by his wife, Mitzi Tanner Starkey, for 35 years of marriage, and nine kids, Gina Hatcher Starkey, Corey Tanner, Brandi Starkey, Lori Starkey Kramer, Emili Starkey O'Brien, Mandi Starkey Yates, Nathan Starkey, Sydni Starkey and Jayci Starkey. Randy also grandfathered 18 grandchildren, who called him Paw-Paw.

The family received friends from 1-3 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017, at Beck Funeral Home. Funeral service followed at 3 p.m. in the Chapel of Beck Funeral Home with full military honors to follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, if you would like to donate to his family at Gofundme.com/randallstarkey.

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, Sept. 28, 2017

James Hicks Wilbanks, 93, of Lakemont, passed away Sept. 26, 2017.

He was born the eldest child of the late Marlor and Wilda Wilbanks in 1924.

As a young man, “Hicks” served proudly in the U.S. Army, and was a veteran of World War II. He was a member of the 71st Infantry Division, in the European Theater, under Patton’s 3rd Army. Upon completion of his war service, he would move to Atlanta for 15 years, working in the construction industry.

Hicks was a loving husband of 73 years, and a lifelong best friend to his wife Joyce Frances McKay Wilbanks, who passed away on Sept. 17, 2017.

He is survived by his two daughters, Joyce Yvonne Wilbanks of Lakemont, and Frances Jacqueline Wilbanks Goodman and husband Paul of Nashville, Tennessee; three grandchildren Christin Henderson, Elisabeth Parker and husband George, and Chuck Goodman; three great-grandchildren Andrew Henderson, Austin Henderson, Isaiah Hicks Parker.

He is also survived by his sisters, Florine Wall, Beulah Smith, Lurlene Stephens, Jewell Speed; one brother, Bartley Wilbanks.

The family received friends at the Beck Funeral Home in Clayton from 6–8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 29, 2017.

A funeral service was held at the Lakemont Baptist Church on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017, at 2 p.m. with the Revs. Jewell Gaines and Madison McCrackin officiating.

A graveside service with military honors followed in the Harvey Cemetery in Tallulah Falls.

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, Oct. 5, 2017

Barbara Louise Foote Carnes Bingham, 91, of Clayton, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Oct. 4, 2017, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Barbara was a loving mother and grandmother, and was a devout member of the Baptist faith and lifelong member of the Wolffork Baptist Church. She was the last living of 13 children born of the late Orson Franklin Foote and Matilda Tennessee Parker Foote.

In her professional life, she worked in the cafeteria of the Dillard Community School, The Dillard House, Rabun Mills, Clayburne Manufacturing and the Tumbling Waters Camp. Besides her love for her children and grandchildren, she was known for her love of reading, needlework, watching birds and working in her garden, tending the flowers.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her 12 siblings; two husbands, Robert Carnes and Frank Bingham; one daughter, Robin Littrell; two grandchildren, Amy Rickman and Clint Rickman.

Her survivors include her son, Robert “Bob” Carnes Jr, of Rabun Gap; her daughters, Susan Rickman, of Tiger, Charlotte Brookshire, of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina; nine grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and a number of nieces and nephews.

The family received friends Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017, at the Beck Funeral Home from 3-4 p.m.

A funeral service was held Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017, in the Chapel of Beck Funeral Home at 4 p.m. with the Rev. Teddy King officiating.

Interment followed in the Wolffork Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made in Barbara’s memory to Richards Kids Inc., 47 Deer Creek Trail, Clayton, Georgia 30525.

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, Oct. 12, 2017

William Harold Burrell, 65, of Rabun Gap, died Friday, Oct. 6, 2017, in Mountain Lakes Medical Center in Clayton.

Born in Rabun County on May 26, 1952. He was the late son of the late Joe and Thelma Chastain Burrell. He was the husband of Barbara Jean Snyder Burrell. Harold was a carpenter in the construction industry and restored antique cars. He was a member of the Head Of Tennessee Baptist Church.

Harold was preceded in death by brother, Maurice Burrell, his parents, Joe and Thelma Burrell, his grandparents, Ira and Pearl Chastain, and by Hershal and Addie Burrell.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Jean Snyder Burrell, of the home, a son, Samuel Chase Burrell of Rabun Gap. Three daughters, Barbara Ann Burrell of Clayton, Sunshine Burrell of Rabun Gap, and Amanda Elizabeth Burrell of Clayton, two brothers, Leroy Burrell (Brenda) of Clarkesville, and Prince Burrell (Laura) of Rabun Gap, two grandchildren, Noah Hedden and Nova Harkins, and several nephews, nieces and cousins also survive.

The body has been cremated and a memorial service was held at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 11, at the chapel of Hunter Funeral Home, with the Revs. Mickey Woods and Teddy King officiating.

The family was at their home in Rabun Gap. Visitation was at Hunter Funeral Home Wednesday, Oct. 11, from 6-7 p.m.

The Clayton Tribune, Oct. 12, 2017

James “Jim” Harris Moorman Jr., 83, passed away on Oct. 8, 2017, in Gainesville. He was born in Augusta on Sept. 18, 1934. He was the eldest child of James Harris Sr. and Ada Blanche Powell Moorman.

Surviving is his wife of 61 years, Farish Vivian Brookshire Moorman. He is also survived by his sister, Ellen Blanche Moorman Richison of Edmond, Oklahoma; and his three children James Harris Moorman III of Roswell, Zachary Foster Moorman of Clayton, and Hannah Jean Moorman Knepp of Woodstock. Jim is also survived by five grandchildren, James Harris Moorman IV, Mary Katherine Moorman, Madeline Rose Moorman, Miranda Ruby Knepp and Nicholas Brookshire Knepp.

Jim graduated from the Academy of Richmond County in Augusta in 1952 and attended the Georgia Institute of Technology. He graduated from Georgia Tech in 1956 and worked as an engineer and manager at Blue Bird Body Co. in Fort Valley for his entire 43-year career. He and Farish moved to Clayton in 1999, where they enjoyed the fresh mountain air, the colorful change of seasons and the fellowship at the Rabun Gap Presbyterian Church. Jim was also active in the Lions Club for many years.

A memorial service was held 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017, at Rabun Gap Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Don Barber officiating.

The family asks in lieu of flowers that donations be given to the Rabun Gap Presbyterian Church building fund, P.O. Box 333, Rabun Gap, Georgia 30568, in memory of James Harris Moorman Jr.

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, Oct. 12, 2017

Earl Harrison Watts, 79, of Mountain City, passed away Oct. 4, 2017.

He was born in Rabun County on April 3, 1938, and was of the Baptist faith. He was the son of J.C. and Jessie Faye McClure Watts.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Reba Watts Grist, and three uncles who were raised in the home, Lewis, Donald and Calvin Watts; also, one cousin who was raised in the home, Johnny Hubert Watts.

Surviving is his wife of 56 years, Mayor Grace Ritchie Watts. He is also survived by one son, Chris (Kathy) of Blairsville; one daughter Wanda (Kenneth) Law of Lawrenceville; three brothers, Jerry (Jennifer), (Skip) James (Robin) Watts of Clayton, Freddie (Ramona) of Mountain City; four sisters, Deanie (Horace) Hurst of Franklin, North Carolina, Betty (Roy) Hall of Easley, South Carolina, Brenda (Danny) Cannon of Clayton, Kay (Paul) Kennedy of Long Creek, South Carolina; and sister-in-law Thelma Watts of Lakemont. Harrison is also survived by four grandchildren, Courtney (Tommy) Payne, Abby Watts, Burton Law, and Lindsey Law; also, one great-granddaughter, Madison Payne. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

Harrison graduated from Rabun County High School in 1957 and attended Young Harris College. He retired from Delta Airlines. He was also the owner of Watts Pennywise Grocery in Mountain City and the owner of Mountain City Homes for many years.

Harrison loved hunting, fishing, camping and traveling.

The family received friends at Beck Funeral Home on Friday, Oct. 6, 2017, from 6-8 p.m.

Funeral services were held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7,2017, at the Blue Heights Baptist Church, with the Revs. Rondal Owen and Danny Cannon officiating. Interment followed at Rabun Memory Park Cemetery.

Donations may be made to the Sid Weber Memorial Cancer Fund, P.O. Box 485, Rabun Gap, Georgia 30568.

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, Oct. 12, 2017

The Rev. Travis Stanley Barnes passed away peacefully in Atlanta on Oct. 6, 2017, at the age of 86.

He was born in Augusta, grew up in the neighborhood of Frog Hollow, and was a graduate of Richmond Academy. He attended Young Harris College, and graduated from University of Georgia and Boston University School of Theology, where he earned a master’s degree in Sacred Theology. He served as minister at Tuxton United Methodist Church in Athens, Skyland Methodist Church in Atlanta, and Gammon Memorial Methodist Church in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, before returning home to Augusta to join his father and brothers who owned and operated Augusta Building Supply.

Travis embodied the “servant leader” and represented Richmond County as a member of the Board of Education, County Commission and member of the Georgia State House of Representatives. He served as Bicentennial Chairman for Augusta, was active in establishing the Bartram Trail through town, and worked on the development of the riverfront. He was also instrumental in salvaging the cupola from the old Union (Train) Station prior to demolition, and installing it on the grounds of the Old Richmond Academy.

Travis was later called back to the ministry and the Methodist Church, referring to himself as a “worker-priest,” and served as the director of Augusta Urban Ministries, and later coordinated Atlanta Urban Ministries, where he served until his retirement.

Upon retirement, he and his wife, Kathy, moved to the community of Tiger in the north Georgia Mountains where they have resided for the last 20 years. Even in retirement, Travis stayed active; pursuing his lifelong passion for fishing, becoming a skilled wood turner, trimming Christmas trees, and harvesting grapes for Tiger Mountain Vineyards.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Katherine Holt Barnes, children, Stan (Tenley), Bearden (Jill), Cristina Berg McGarr, Katherine Berg, and Edward Berg (Jody); 12 grandchildren, Travis and Colson Barnes, Bearden, Benjamin, Cecilia and Lily Barnes, Smith, Sarah and Allie McGarr, and Cora, Charis, and Amara Berg, former wife, Beatrice Dodd, sisters-in-law, Ann P. Barnes and Bettie Barnes and a number of nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Newton Travis Barnes and Beatrice McCall Barnes, and his brothers, David N. Barnes and Michael S. Barnes.

Thanks to the many caregivers who worked with Travis over these last years.

Memorial gifts may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Rabun County or the charity of your choice.

On Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, a celebration of life will be held at Tiger United Methodist Church in Tiger at 11a.m., with a reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall.

The Clayton Tribune, Oct. 19, 2017