Sarah Alice Bradshaw, 24, of Clayton, passed away Oct. 18, 2016. She was born Sept. 9, 1992, the daughter of Wilford Bradshaw and Deborah Lynn Brabson Adams.

She is survived by her brother, William Bradshaw (Lisa) of Hayesville, North Carolina; sister, Lisa McCrackin (Kevin). She was also survived by her maternal grandparents, Bobby and Marie Brabson of Otto, North Carolina; paternal grandparents, Frances Bradshaw of Hayesville, North Carolina, and the late Horace Bradshaw.

Sarah loved camping, swimming, walking at Tallulah Gorge, and spending time with her friends. She never met a stranger and loved helping people. She worked as a CNA at Mountain Lakes Medical Center.

The family received friends at Beck Funeral Home on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 6-8 p.m. The funeral service was held Sunday, Oct. 23, at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of Beck Funeral Home, with the Rev. Joe McCrackin officiating. Burial followed in the McCrackin family cemetery. 

The family asks that donation be made to M.A.D.D., 1000 Circle 75 Parkway No. 4, Atlanta, Georgia 30339, or to Beck Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses at 898 Highway 441 South, 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, Nov. 3, 2016

Mary Evelyn McClure Clarke, 70, of Clarkesville, passed away Oct. 25, 2016, at the Habersham Medical Center. She was born in Pompano Beach, Florida, on Jan. 26, 1946, the daughter of the late Alvin Turner McClure and Lillian Irene Glenn McClure.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Susan Proudfoot.

Mrs. Clarke was a member of Grace Episcopal Church in Clarkesville, where she was also a church volunteer. She was employed with the Georgia Department of Corrections, the Florida Department of Corrections, Light House Bank, and the U.S. Forest Service. She was a member of the Eastern Star 480 in Cornelia, The Daughters of The King, The VFW Auxiliary, the Elks Auxiliary and the DAV Auxiliary. She was also a Red Hatter and a Counter Elector.

She is survived by her husband, Kenneth Clarke of Clarkesville; five sons, Wade Proudfoot, Chris Clarke, Richard Clarke, Shawn Clarke and Devin Clarke; one brother, Mark Charles McClure; one sister, Linda Phillips; 16 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. 

The family received friends Friday, Oct. 28, 2016, from 6-8 p.m. at Beck Funeral Home. Funeral services were at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016, at Chapel of Beck Funeral Home, with Priest Sam officiating. Interment followed in the VFW Cemetery in Cornelia.

The family asks in lieu of flowers donations be made to Grace Calvary Episcopal Church, P.O Box 490,Clarkesville, Georgia 30523. 

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, Nov. 3, 2016

The Rev. Tommy Dwight Loggins, 69, of Rabun Gap, passed away at his residence with his loving family at his side. 

Dwight was the son of the late Henry Kelsey Loggins and Nellie Mae Martin Loggins. He served his country proudly in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. 

He was obedient to the Lord and answered the calling to the ministry, where he was the pastor of Straight Way Baptist Church in Hall county, Salem Baptist Church in Dahlonega and Flats of Middle Creek Baptist Church in Scaly Mountain, North Carolina.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Larry Loggins.

Dwight is survived by his loving wife Wanda Nix Loggins of the home; two daughters, Deborah Loggins James (Dale) of Scaly Mountain, Emily Loggins Chastain (Michael) of Rabun Gap; one son, Matthew Loggins (Erin) of Rabun Gap; two brothers, Doug Loggins of Dahlonega, Michael Loggins of Cleveland; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

The family received friends Sunday evening at Beck Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m.

A funeral service was held at the Flats of Middle Creek Baptist Church, with the Rev. Marty Kilby and Kenny Kilby officiating. Committal service followed in the Scaly Mountain Methodist Cemetery, with the Rev. Jamie Chastain officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to Sid Weber Memorial Cancer Fund at P.O. Box 485 in Rabun Gap, Georgia 30568, in memory of the Rev. Dwight Loggins. 

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, Nov. 3, 2016

Paul Rice, born in Missouri, was a U.S. Navy veteran serving in the Galapagos Islands during WWII. Following the war, he moved to Homer, Alaska, where he homesteaded and built roads in the Alaskan Territory. 

He met and married his wife of 60 years, Corinne Scott “Korky” Rice, while in Alaska. They “came outside” and moved to Georgia in 1961. 

Together, the Rice’s owned and operated the Mimosa Motel in Marietta for more than 20 years. While at the motel, Paul and Korky met people from all over the country. They maintained close relationships with several of these special friends for more than 50 years. 

After retiring in 1983, Paul and Korky hit the road and spent the next several years as active members of the GMC Motor Home Association, “The Dixielanders.” They settled in the North Georgia Mountains, making their home on Lake Burton, enjoying many years together in Clarkesville.

Mr. Rice was preceded in death by his wife, Corinne Scott Rice, his parents, Harley and Addie Tunnell Rice, and one brother, Clayton Rice.

He is survived by daughters Paula Rice Firebaugh of Smyrna and Nancy Rice (Dan Gibson) of Lebanon, Tennessee, son William Jay Rice (Julie) of Smyrna, grandchildren Blake Sumner of Atlanta, Katherine Corinne Firebaugh Furgerson (Matthew) of Boston, Massachusetts, Harrison Firebaugh (fiancé Hannah) of Smyrna, and Will Rice (Kacie) of Roswell, and great-grandchildren Ella Kate Rice and Liam Wyatt Rice, both of Roswell.

Services for Mr. Rice were held Saturday, Nov. 19, at 3 p.m. at Midway Cemetery, 4635 Dallas Highway/GA 120 SW in Powder Springs, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mountain Patrol, 6 Fred’s Place, Lakemont, Georgia 30552 or Grace Calvary Episcopal Church, 295 E. Green Street, Clarkesville, Georgia 30523.

Those wishing may send condolences online at www.hillsidememorialchapel.com. 

Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville was in charge of arrangements.

The Clayton Tribune, Nov. 3, 2016

Gyneth Henson Buchanan made her journey home Nov. 4, 2016. 

Gyneth was 86 years old and was preceded in death by her parents, Thurman and Ethel Henson of Otto, North Carolina, a sister, Rosa Lee Rogers, three brothers, Perry Henson of Greenboro, North Carolina ,Jim Henson of Miami, Florida, and Daniel Henson, Otto, and a great-nephew, Thomas Daniel McCoy of Elberton.

Paul and Gyneth moved to Clayton in 1951. She was a member of Clayton Baptist Church, Mary Etheridge Circle and the Seekers Sunday School Class. She also was a member of the American Red Cross and a former member of the Clayton Junior Women’s Club. 

In 1972, Paul and Gyneth bought a neighborhood grocery store in Mountain City, which became Paul’s Pennywise. They retired in 1981, spending the winter months at their home in Lake Wales. Florida.

She is survived by her husband of 69, years Paul E. Buchanan Sr.; three children, Judith Buchanan Strickland of Clayton, Belinda Bradberry (Donald) of Huntsville, Alabama, Paul E. Buchanan Jr. (Susan) of Clayton and a special niece that she raised, Micheal Lynn McCoy (Randal) of Elberton. Also surviving are six grandchildren, Robert Lesley (Bobby) Houck, Allison Houck Goodlett, Jennifer Bradberry Adams, Donald Glenn Bradberry Jr., Kristy Buchanan Rhodes and Kelcey Brian Buchanan; 14 great-grandchildren, Jordan Buchanan, Tyler Wall, Emma and Juliet Rhodes, Jackson and Michael Goodlett, Madison Houck, Makinzy Long, Maleigha and Will McCraw, Addy Adams, Braelynn Bradberry, Haven and Leah McCoy; and one great-great-granddaughter Mila Kate Long. 

Visitation was at Clayton Baptist Church on Nov. 7 at 10 a.m., with the services to follow at 11 a.m., with Pastor David Rogers officiating. Interment was at Rabun Memory Park in Tiger. 

In Gyneth’s memory, donations can be made to the Clayton Baptist Church Youth Missions, 87 South Church St., 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, Nov. 10, 2016

Thomas Mack Fisher, 78, was promoted to the Church Triumphant on Nov. 1 at his home in Rabun Gap. He had fought a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer for over a year and a half, without complaint.  

He is survived by his wife, Susan, his sons, Drew (Linda) Fisher, and Brad Fisher, and daughter, Meredith (Nick) Menudier. His grandchildren are Tommy Fisher, Dillon Fisher, Laura Fisher, Karis Menudier and Ben Fisher. He is also survived by a sister, Janice Brady.

Tom was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. He lived in Bloomington, Indiana, before moving to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, at age 11. He graduated from Ft. Lauderdale High School and attended Florida State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Engineering Science. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Although he held many positions in his career, they were all in the telecommunications field.  From chief engineer in California to director of a test lab in Texas, as well as directing manager of a test systems division of Reliance ComTec, to directing a sales team credited with implementing the use of fiber optics to the home with BellSouth in Atlanta and other areas of the South, Tom was known as innovative and resourceful.

Even after retirement in 2000, he continued to be active in business. He and his wife created two real estate developments, Westwind Farms in Rabun Gap and Bartram Ridge in Clayton. Tom continued his real estate ventures as managing partner of Claybourne Property Associates.

With a passion for speed, Tom enjoyed racing his dirt bikes in enduro races in the Florida swamps and later, the high desert of Southern California. He also owned an open wheel Lotus and drove it in HSR (Historic Sportscar Racing) events from Road Atlanta to Virginia Motor Speedway to Watkins Glen, New York. He took to the air in Texas, where he flew his ultralight over the prairie skies.

An ardent hobbyist, Tom loved the challenge of restoring vintage cars, Edison photographs, classic Wurlitzer jukeboxes as well as motorcycles. His collection was well known and recently sold at a Golden Memories Auction, which he attended.

Travel with his wife held a special interest also. They were fortunate enough to be able to explore the world with special trips to Antarctica, Kenya and Tanzania, World War II Pacific Islands, and the Galapagos Islands and Machu Picchu, to name a few.

Tom loved his years in Rabun County in his Rabun Gap home with a panoramic view of the Georgia and North Carolina mountains. Special events for him were cooking a whole pig for family and friends on the Fourth of July, rainy evening parties on the back porch after a Music Festival concert, family visits and holidays spent together, riding  the property on his four-wheeler and feeding his wild turkeys. He was a member of Rabun Gap Presbyterian Church and looked forward to attending services there.

Golfing at Kingwood Country Club was a major pleasure. He was president of the Kingwood golf association for many years and took great pleasure in devising challenging games for both the club and social play. 

In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the Sid Weber Memorial Cancer Fund, P.O. Box 485, Rabun Gap, Georgia 30568.

A memorial service in celebration of Tom’s life and in witness to the resurrection  will be held at Rabun Gap Presbyterian on Saturday, Nov. 12, at 2 p.m.

The Clayton Tribune, Nov. 10, 2016

Clifton John “C.J.” Houck, of Clayton passed away Nov. 2, 2016.

C.J. was born in Habersham County, the son of Carrie McCrackin Houck and Henry Houck. He graduated from Rabun County High School. After high school, he attended North Georgia Technical College, where he completed his course of study. 

C.J. was a member of Joy Baptist Church. He enjoyed dirt track racing, Georgia Bulldogs, fishing, Camping, horses, but most of all family and friends.

In addition to his parents, C.J. is survived by his paternal grandparents, Roy and Jackie Houck of Clayton; maternal grandparents, Sam and Connie McCrackin of Lakemont; sister, Carly Houck Burrell (Clint) of Clayton; girlfriend, Jessica Rojas of Clayton; two uncle, James Houck, Riley Owens; four aunts, Samantha Ried (Josh), Callie Duncan (Nat), Crystal McCrackin, Amie Alderman, and last but not least, his faithful friend, Helga, his English Bulldog.

 The family received friends Sunday evening, Nov. 6, 2016, from 6-8 p.m. at Beck Funeral Home.

The family asked that everyone wear their Georgia Bulldog attire to the funeral in memory of C.J. on Monday, Nov. 7, 2016, at 3 p.m. in the Chapel of Beck Funeral Home. The Revs. Tony Goss and Marvin Ried officiated the burial, which followed in Joy Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family asks in lieu of flowers that donations be made to C.J. Houck Memorial Fund C/O South State Bank Clayton.  

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, Nov. 10, 2016

Virginia Iola Justus Jiles Sextro Ivester, 84, of Cornelia, passed away peacefully at Habersham Home East, Habersham Medical Center, Demorest, on Nov. 2, 2016.

Virginia was born March 17, 1932, in Rabun County to the late Issac Benson Justus and Mary Ellen McDowell Justus. 

She was also preceded in death by her children’s father, Almon Jiles, her second husband, Frank J. Sextro, granddaughter, Christina Lacey Jiles, sisters, Hattie Juanita Justus Hopper, Savannah Justus Welborn, Ibbie Justus Bradley, and brothers, T.C. Justus and Greenville Luther Justus.

Virginia is survived by her husband of 14 years, Henry Edward Ivester. She is also survived by one son, Fred Duncan Jiles of Clayton, daughters, Lynn Jiles Ward of Clayton, Deborah Jiles Parker (Patrick) of Demorest, and Vicki Jiles Waldrip of Cornelia, three stepchildren, Roger Ivester, Kathryn Ivester Hill and Karen Ivester Henley. She is also survived by six grandchildren, John Justin Casey Ward, Jessica Delaney Ward, Courtney Leigh Waldrip, Collin Scott Waldrip, Brooklyn Elizabeth Waldrip and Brianna Virginia Waldrip, three great-grandchildren, John Jiles Ward, Bailey Ward and Calley Ward, all of Northeast Georgia. She is survived by sisters, Allene Justus Love Church, Fannie Mae Justus Stephens and brothers, James Ira Justus and Curtis L. (Doug) Justus. 

Virginia graduated from Rabun County High School in 1950 and worked in the textile industry in Rabun County for many years and retired from Johnson and Johnson in Gainesville. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She loved and enjoyed working in her yard and flowers.

Funeral services were Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, at the Eastside Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home at noon, conducted by Pastor Darryl Lovell and Layman Lloyd Hunter. Burial followed in Rabun Memory Park, Tiger. The family was at their respective residences. 

The body was at Hunter Funeral Home, where family received friends at the Eastside Chapel on Friday evening, Nov. 4, 2016, from 6-8 p.m. Family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made, in her memory, to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 8th Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, New York 10001. 

Hunter Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

An online obituary and guest register is available at www.hunterfuneralhomega.com.

The Clayton Tribune, Nov. 10, 2016

Mary Helen Cheek Jacobs, 86, of Clayton, passed away at her residence Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016.

She was born in Franklin, North Carolina, on Jan. 15, 1930, to William Oliver Cheek and Jane Sorrells Cheek. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Robert Lyle Jacobs and one son, Robert Harold Jacobs.

Mrs. Jacobs is survived by one son, Roger Jacobs (Debbie) of Clayton; three brothers, Jack Cheek of Franklin, Jim Cheek of Franklin, Don Cheek of Tallulah Falls; and one sister, Anne Sanders of Clarkesville. Also surviving are three grandchildren, Traci Adams, Kelly McKay and Joe Westberg; and seven great-grandchildren.

She was a loving mother and grandmother who enjoyed being outdoors gardening and working in the yard. 

She loved flowers and she was an avid Atlanta Braves fan.

The family received friends Friday, Nov. 4, 2016, from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services were held in the Beck Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Danny Cannon officiating. Burial will follow in Rabun Memory Park.

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, Nov. 10, 2016

Patrick Newton Parker III, 80, of Demorest, passed away peacefully at Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Gainesville, with his wife, Deborah Jiles Parker, by his side on Nov. 2, 2016. 

Patrick was born Oct. 25, 1936, in Charlotte, North Carolina, to the late Patrick Newton Parker II and Madeline White Parker, formerly of Gainesville. 

He was preceded in death by his sister, Madeline Parker Heine of Monroe, North Carolina, and nephew, Frank G. Heine. He was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Virginia Ivester, Cornelia, on the same day and 12 hours prior to his death.

Patrick is survived by his wife and best friend of 40 years, Deborah Jiles Parker. He is survived by one son, Patrick Newton Parker IV, of Nashville, Tennessee and one grandson, Joseph West Parker, Nashville. Nephews Scott P. Heine, The Villages, Florida, Lee A. Heine, League City, Texas, and nieces, Anne Heine Barnes, Matthews, North Carolina, Barbara B. Heine, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Madeline Heine Hall, Charlotte, Laura A. Heine, Wadesboro, North Carolina. 

Patrick attended and graduated high school in Charlotte and graduated from Emory University, Goizueta Business School with a Master of Business Administration in Finance, in Atlanta. Patrick started his career in Finance with E.F. Hutton on Wall Street, New York, New York. He returned to Atlanta and continued his career with The Robinson-Humphrey Co., Atlanta. He retired as a financial management consultant and owner of The Parker Group Inc. 

Patrick was an avid rugby fan. He played rugby and was captain and president of The Atlanta Rugby Club, Atlanta, for many years. At age 40, Patrick climbed Mount Hood, the highest mountain in Oregon and the second most climbed mountain in the world. 

Prior to his failing health in 2008, his enjoyment in life was hiking on the Georgia Appalachian Trail. 

Memorial donations in Patrick’s memory can be made to The Georgia Appalachian Trail Club (GATC), P.O. Box 654, Atlanta, Georgia 30301, www.georgia-atclub.org. GATC manages, maintains and protects the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in Georgia with volunteers from it’s membership and the interested public.

The body has been cremated and a private memorial service will be held by his wife, Deborah and son, Patrick at a later date. 

Hunter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

An online obituary and guest register is available at www.hunterfuneralhomega.com.

The Clayton Tribune, Nov. 10, 2016

David A. Brown died on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016.

He was born on Still House Hollow in Dillard on June 5, 1934, to the late W.R. and Elizabeth Brown. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Carol Ann Brown.

Survivors include his son, David (Stacie) Brown, Austin and Leanna Brown; daughter, Sabra (Buell) Henderson, Cory and Billy; brother, Bill Brown and sister, Kathleen Efird.

He was a graduate of Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School and Georgia Tech, with a degree in industrial engineering. He was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He was a member of the Brainerd United Methodist Church and the McFerrin Sunday School Class. He was a Mason for 50 years.

A celebration of life service was held Nov. 12 at Brainerd United Methodist Church.

The Clayton Tribune, Nov. 17, 2016

Harold Nix, 91, of Rabun Gap, passed away Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016, at Mountain View Nursing Center. 

He was born Nov. 21, 1924, to Thomas Ernest Nix and Lillian Irene Billingsley Nix.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Evelyn Chastain Nix, a brother, Jimmy Nix; and two sisters, Annie Nix Lanich, and Mildred Nix Hollifield; and a son-in- law, Dwight Loggins, and his step-father, George Nix.

He is survived by his wife Dorothy Willis Nix; three daughters, Wanda Nix Loggins, Peggy Tilson (Randall), and Kathy Ledford (Charles); one brother, Earl Nix of Scaly Mountain, North Carolina; and three sisters, Awa Smith of Demorest, Mary Jane Kennedy of Demorest, and Pearl Brown of Martin. Also surviving are six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Mr. Nix was a World War II veteran and was a long time landscaper. He was a member of Flats of Middle Creek Baptist Church and was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed growing plants.

The family received friends at Beck Funeral Home on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016, from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016, at Flats of Middle Creek Baptist Church, with the Rev. Marty Kilby officiating. Burial followed in Scaly Mountain Methodist Church Cemetery, with the Rev. Kenneth Kilby officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 15, C/O Commander Doug Wayne, 317 Stonewall Estates Dr., Tiger, Georgia 30576.

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, Nov. 17, 2016

Marcia “Speedo” Lynn Jones Ramey, 75, of Clayton, passed away at Northeast Georgia Medical Center on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016.

She was born May 29, 1941, in Mountain City and was the daughter of Guthrie Lee Roy Jones and Gertie Marie Dawkins Jones.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bobby Vaughn Ramey in 2006 and a brother, Bud Jones. 

She is survived by a son, Chris Ramey; a daughter, Rebecca Epps (Todd); and a sister, Pat Mason. She is also survived by three grandchildren, Josh Epps, Chris Epps, and Chad Epps; and three great-grandchildren, Brayden Epps, Brayden Holder, and Blane Epps.

Marcia was a lifelong resident of Rabun County and was a faithful member of Battle Branch Baptist Church. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. For many years she raised Collie dogs. She loved her church family and all people.

The family received friends at Beck Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, 2016. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016, in the Beck Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Dennis Turner officiating. Burial will follow in the Ramey 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, Nov. 17, 2016

Jeffrey Richard “Jeff” Johnson, 49, of Clayton (formerly of Walton County), died on Nov. 15, 2016. He was born in Newton County on April 19, 1967, to Kaye Gazaway Johnson and the late James Cherry Johnson. He was preceded in death by his brother, the late Dereck Johnson.

Jeff was a man who loved his wife and children more than words could express. He loved the Lord and leaned on him throughout his fight. He firmly believed that he was not in control of tomorrow, that was God’s job! He knew God had a job for him and he did a great job as a willing servant. His favorite quote was “The best is yet to come.” His family takes comfort in knowing that he is at his best now and he is healed.

He loved being a part of the Walton and Rabun County communities. He was touched by the outpouring of love and support from everyone throughout his life, but especially over the last 20 months.

He is survived by his wife, Tina Johnson of Clayton; mother, Kaye Johnson of Clayton; daughters, Lucy Johnson of Clayton, Madison Farmer of Carrollton, Kaylynn Johnson of Clayton; sons, McCord Johnson of Clayton, Thomas Farmer of Carrollton, Steven Farmer of Clayton; sister, Sabrina Johnson of Helen; and several nieces and nephews that he loved as if they were his own.

A Celebration of Life was held Nov. 18, 2016, at 2 p.m. at Good Hope Christian Church with the Revs. Doyle Wallace and Willis Lumpkin officiating. A second Celebration of Life was held Nov. 19 at 11 a.m. at Rabun County Fine Arts Building, with Pastora Adam Wright and Alice Woods officiating.

In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions to www.wileychurch.securegive.com (mark benevolence and put “Jeff” in the message box) or Rabun County Bank at 121 Rickman Drive, Clayton, Georgia 30525, make checks payable to Tina Johnson.

Meadows Funeral Home Inc. was in charge of arrangements. Please sign the guestbook online at www.meadowsfuneralhomeinc.com.

The Clayton Tribune, Nov. 24, 2016

Lewis Watts, 82, of Hickory, North Carolina, passed away Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016, at Frye Regional Medical Center.

Mr. Watts was born April 3, 1934, in Clayton to the late Jess and Ila Justus Watts. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by Ann Powell Watts, Rachel Watkins Watts, six brothers, J.C. Watts, Cloise Watts, Rubin Watts, Hubert Watts, Donald Watts and Calvin Watts, two sisters, Robin W. Ledford and Evelyn W. Kilby, a stepson, Rev. Marion Powell, and a step-daughter, Vera Ayers.

He was a devoted member of Springs Road Baptist Church and retired from the U.S. Army after 23 years of service. Also, he retired as a civilian from Huffman Metal Works after 26 years of service. Lewis was a Good Samaritan who enjoyed fishing, watching NASCAR and his favorite football team.

Survivors include his wife, Thelma G. Watts of the home, a stepson, Bobby Powell of Hudson, two stepdaughters, Betty Powell Berry of Drexel and Mildred Van Dyke of Hildebran, stepdaughter, Peggy Conner and husband Marc of Conover, a stepson, Travis Watts of Clayton, a stepdaughter, Yvonne Watts of Lakemont and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other family members. 

The funeral service was held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016, at Springs Road Baptist Church with Pastor Jeff Brown officiating. Burial followed in Burke Memorial Park in Morganton with military honors provided by Caldwell County Veterans Honor Guard Inc.

The family received friends from 12:45–1:45 p.m. at the church prior to the service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Springs Road Baptist Church, 3580 Springs Rd NE, Hickory, North Carolina 28601.

Online condolences may be sent to www.bass-smithfuneralhome.com.

Bass-Smith Funeral Home & Crematory in Hickory is serving the family of Lewis Watts.

The Clayton Tribune, Nov. 24, 2017

Adele Chamlee, born July 29, 1926, in Mountain City, passed away Nov. 20, 2016. She was a lifelong resident of Clayton County.  

Mrs. Chamlee was a member of the First Baptist Church of Forest Park since 1950 and a member of The Believers Sunday School Class.

Services were held at the First Baptist Church of Forest Park on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016, at 11 a.m. Dr. Reed Crumbliss officiated. Interment followed at Westview Cemetery. The family received friends at the church from 10 a.m.-11 a.m. prior to service. 

She was preceded in death by her son, Robert Chamlee. 

She is survived by her husband of 70 years, John Chamlee; daughters, Sandra Brockmann (Richard) of Macon and Susan Sligh (Phillip) of Sharpsburg; daughter-in-law, Audrey Chamlee of Ringgold; sister, Lillie Williamson of Mountain City, brother-in-law Bill Handley of Rabun Gap, four grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. 

If so desired, in lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to First Baptist Church of Forest Park-General Fund. 

Thomas L. Scroggs Funeral Directors, Morrow, was in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at http://www.thomasscroggsfuneraldirectors.com.

The Clayton Tribune, Dec. 1, 2016

Hershel J. Grist Jr., 92, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016, at his home in Dillard after a long battle with cancer.  

He was preceded in death by his wife, Runelle Dixon Grist, his parents, and a brother, Douglas Bleckley. 

He is survived by a daughter, Mary Sandra (Sandy) Trueblood of Middleburg, Florida; one brother, William Hoyt Grist of Dillard; two grandsons, Robert Trueblood and Christopher J. Trueblood both of Middleburg, Florida; and four great grandchildren, Logan, Gabrielle, Robert, and Blake. Several cousins also survive. 

Hershel Jr. was born in Rabun County on Nov. 3, 1924, to Hershel Sr. and Belle Bleckley Grist and had lived in Rabun County most of his life. He attended Piedmont College in 1941 and entered the U.S. Army in 1942. He served in the battles and campaigns of Naples, Foggia, Rome, Arno, Southern France, Rhineland and Central Europe. He was in the 101st Airborne Division. He received the Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster. 

He received his discharge in 1945 and went to the University of Georgia and earned an associate’s degree in civil engineering. He went to work as a civil engineer for U.S. Soil and Water Conservation until retirement. He was a member of the Head of Tennessee Baptist Church and a former member of the Lions Club in Dallas and Ellijay. He was a Mason in the Dallas lodge. 

Visitation was Friday, Nov. 18, from 5-7 p.m. 

Funeral services were held in the Head of Tennessee Baptist Church on Sunday, Nov. 19, at 2 p.m. The services were conducted by the Revs. Dr. Sam Letson and Gabe Southards. Burial followed in the church cemetery. 

The family asks that in lieu of flowers memorial donations be made, in his memory, to the Head of Tennessee Baptist Church. 

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

The Clayton Tribune, Dec. 1, 2016

Marshal W. Hudson, 87, of Gallatin, Tennessee, formerly of Belleview Florida, Rabun Gap, and Pontiac, Michigan, passed away Nov. 27, 2016.

Marshal was a faithful son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. He loved and was proud of his family. He enjoyed working around the house and yard and always took time to help a friend with a project. He served in the U.S. Army in Germany after World War II and retired from GM with 42 years of service.

He accepted Christ as his Savior and had a heart for missions and ministering to others. He was very friendly and had never met a stranger.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty Lou (Good) Hudson; parents, Oscar and Vera Hudson; brothers, David, Carol, Oscar Jr. and Fred Hudson; and sister, Irene Higginbotham. 

He is survived by his wife, Rose (Keener) Hudson; children, Martin (Marilyn) Hudson, Charlotte (Steve) Byrd, Margaret (Allan) Leeke; step-children, Jean (Tony) Mayo and Jerry Keener; grandchildren, Nathan (Robin), Andrew (Kendall), Lizz, and Stephen Hudson; Matthew and Jonathan Byrd; Josh (Lori), Jeremiah, Janae Leeke and Janessa (Ben) Hendrix; and eight great-grandsons; sisters, Gladys Perry and Betty Causey; sister-in- law, Lucy Hudson; nieces, nephews and extended family members.

A life celebration will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4 at Crestview Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Crestview Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at Crestview Funeral Home, 1623 Highway 109 North, Gallatin, Tennessee 37066.

The Clayton Tribune, Dec. 1, 2016

Mrs. Gracie Elaine Welch Lowery, 71, of 4560 Talmadge Drive, Clarkesville, passed away Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, at her residence.

A daughter of the late Humphrey and Gracie Irene Gunn Welch, she was born May 13, 1945, in Rabun County, having lived most of her life in Toccoa and in Habersham County since 2004. She was the owner/operator of Hollywood Diner for a number of years and was of the Baptist faith.  

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Lowery, two brothers, W.T. Welch and Humphrey Welch Jr. and by a sister, Mary Jane Dickerson.

Survivors include a daughter, Gayla Gibby Brook of Clarkesville; son and daughter-in-law, Alton and Darlene Emory of Eastanollee; grandson, Tristin; brother and sister-in-law, Bobby and Annette Welch of Dillard; sister, Judy Moss of Clayton; sister-in-law, Mary Welch of Toccoa; brother-in-law, Wayne Dickerson of Clayton.

Funeral services were Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016, at 2 p.m. in the Hillcrest Chapel of the Acree-Davis Funeral Home, with the Rev. Danny Cannon officiating. The following gentlemen served as pallbearers, Jeff Moss, Bo Welch, Andrew Welch, Mike Shrameck, Quinton Moss and Mitchell Shedd.

The family was at the home on Talmadge Drive and received friends at the Acree-Davis Funeral Home on Monday from 6-8 p.m. and from noon on Tuesday until the service time.

Interment followed in the Stephens Memorial Gardens, with the Acree-Davis Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements for Mrs. Elaine Welch Lowery.

The Clayton Tribune, Dec. 1, 2016

Wendell Howard Shirley, 75, passed away Friday, Nov. 25, at his home in Wiley. 

Wendell was born in Rabun County on July 21, 1941, to the late M.J. Shirley and Rose Holcomb Shirley. He was also preceded in death by an infant daughter, Cynthia Dawn Shirley, two brothers, Dudley Shirley and Curtis Shirley, and a sister, Peggy Duncan. 

He is survived by his wife, Faye Lovell Shirley of the home, a son, Wendell J. Shirley of the home, two daughters, Voncyle Towe of Westminster, South Carolina, and Teresa Smith of Lakemont, two sisters, Lorrayne Ramsey of Asheville, North Carolina, and Lavon Starnes of Lawrenceville, three grandchildren, James Dills, Sean Smith and Teddy Towe, and three great grandchildren, Jaycee Dills, Gunner Dills, and Kreedance Smith. 

Wendell loved his family — especially his children and great grandchildren. 

Wendell was retired from Rabun Mills and Burlington in the textile industry and was a member of the Lakemont Baptist Church. 

Visitation was at Hunter Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 27. 

Funeral services were held Sunday, Nov. 28, at the Lakemont Baptist Church with Pastor Jewell Gaines and the Rev. Bryan Alexander officiating. Burial was in the Wiley Presbyterian Cemetery. 

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

The Clayton Tribune, Dec. 1, 2016