Miriam Hudson Burks Wysock, 83, of Clayton, passed away Dec. 28, 2016. 

She was born April 8, 1933, the daughter of the late James Smith Hudson and Lily Delene Burgess Hudson. 

Her first husband, Jesse Arnold Burks, and one brother, James Smith Hudson Jr. also precede her in death.

She is survived by her loving husband, Paul A. Wysock. Also surviving is one daughter, Anita Elaine Burks Clayton, and one son, James David Burks (Susan) Evans, and stepson, Paul J. Wysock (Nataliya) Clover, South Carolina, and one step-daughter, Kristi Rakes (Shane) Spring Hill, Florida. Also surviving are her two grandchildren, Kristin Burks Smith, and Stephanie Diane Burks, and three stepgrand-children.

Music was important in her life as she used it to lift up church members, friends and family. Miriam and Paul enjoyed playing music and singing together. She loved to travel and for a period of time, Miriam lived in Brazil and also in the Philippians and she and Paul traveled to various parts of the world. 

A graveside service was held at 2 p.m. Jan. 3, 2017, at the Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, with Dr. Robert Burks officiating. The family will have a memorial service at 2 p.m. Jan. 7, 2017, at the Rabun Gap Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Don Barber officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be to Richards Kids, 47 Deer Creek Trail, Clayton, Georgia 30525, or to the Memorial Fund of Rabun Gap Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 333, 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, Jan. 5, 2017

Timothy Allan Vinson, 54, of Dillard, ended his earthly struggles on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016.

He was born on Oct. 31, 1962, in Clayton, to Furman “Gene” Vinson and the late Frankie Jo (Medley) Vinson.

Tim is survived by his beloved dogs, Pumper and Widget, who will be residing with Dianne Wylie; his father, Gene Vinson; one aunt, Rebecca Vinson of Dillard; two brothers, Toby Vinson and his wife, Kris, of Bogart, Joe Vinson and his wife, Karen, of Flowery Branch, and sister, Becky Gillespie of Stuart, Florida; five nieces, Lauren Gillespie Sanders (Ryan), Emily Vinson House (Morgan), Kellie Phillips, Laura Vinson and Lindsey Vinson; two nephews, Jon Phillips (Katie) and Harris Vinson; two great-nieces and a great-nephew.

Tim was a talented musician/songwriter in addition to being a skilled carpenter and handyman. He had a way of making you smile with his quick wit and wry sense of humor. Tim had a gift of gab which delighted many with his numerous stories. A consistency in Tim’s ever-changing life was his love of animals, particularly dogs.

There will an opportunity for Tim’s family and friends to share the stories of Tim’s escapades and support each other in our grief at his passing on Saturday, Jan. 14, beginning at 5 p.m. at Loco’s, 1985 Barnett Shoals Rd, Athens. Graveside services will be held Sunday, Jan. 15, at 3 p.m. at the Head of Tennessee Baptist Church Cemetery, Dillard, followed by a reception at the church.

Donations in Tim Vinson’s memory may be made to Rabun Paws 4 Life Inc., 261 Boen Creek Road, Tiger, Georgia 30576, to support his love of animals or to Nuci’s Space, 396 Oconee St., Athens, Georgia 30601, which is a resource center for musicians providing counseling for suicide prevention.

The Clayton Tribune, Jan. 5, 2017

Bertha Mae Watts Smith, 88, of Charlie Mountain Road, Tiger, passed away in Loganville on Dec. 26, 2016. She had lived in Loganville for the past year and a half. 

Mae will be remembered by all as an angel here on Earth, full of quiet dignity, lover of family and friends, perfect hostess to all who set foot in her house.

Born Oct. 12, 1928, she married Ted Smith in 1951, and together they raised three children, Danny, Ricky and Dianne. Mae taught first grade in DeKalb County from 1973-98 at Kelly Lake Elementary and Canby Lane Elementary. Before her children were born, she also taught at Rabun Gap School and Lawrenceville High School.

She was preceded in death by her son, Ted Daniel Smith, who died in 2010, mother, Beulah Bramlett Watts and father, John Martin Watts of Tiger, brothers, Ralph Delano Watts and John Floyd Watts and sisters, Bessie Faye Bell and Sallie Ruth Howard. 

She is survived by her husband, Ted Smith, son, Jonathan Richard Smith and daughter, Dianne Smith Rice and by one brother, Max Welton Watts, as well as six grandchildren, Angela, Jonathan, Matthew, Melissa, Kathryn and Christin. Three great-grandchildren, Kamdyn, Dylan and Elliana, five nephews and five nieces also survive.

Funeral services were Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016, at 11 a.m. at the Rocky Grove Baptist Church, with the Revs. Kyle Watts and Dr. Alan Smith officiating. Burial followed in the Rocky Grove Baptist Cemetery.

The body was at Hunter Funeral Home and was taken to the church where visitation was from 5-7 p.m. Frida, Dec. 30, 2016. 

The family asks that in lieu of flowers memorial donations be made, in her memory, to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America 322 Eighth AVE., 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, Jan. 5, 2017

A.L. “Lavern” Rountree died peacefully at home on Christmas day in Earleton, Florida. He was born Jan. 1, 1927, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and on New Year’s Day 2017 he would have celebrated his 90th birthday. His proud parents were A.F. and Ila G. Rountree.

Lavern is survived by his wife of 67 years, Alice Jane Klee Rountree, and their four children, Susan and her husband Patrick Gallaway of West Cornwall, Connecticut, Marilyn and her husband Thomas Runck Jr. of St. Johns, Florida, Michael and his wife JoAnne Rountree of Flagler Beach, Florida, and James (Jim) and his wife Bridget Rountree of Earleton, Florida, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. 

Mr. Rountree’s brother, Devon and grandson Stephen, preceded him in death.  

Enlisting at 17 years of age, Lavern served in the U.S. Navy during the Second World War.  While stationed in Hawaii and to his total surprise, Lavern was assigned to the 10th Army for the invasion of the Japanese Island of Okinawa, participating in the first wave of the amphibious assault on the island and continuing with the 10th Army as a communications specialist for the duration of the Okinawa campaign. After his discharge from the Navy, Lavern returned to Fort Lauderdale and completed his education graduating from St. Anthony’s High School and attending Broward College School of Business.

Lavern joined his father to establish a trucking and moving and storage business. Lavern spent his entire working life managing and growing the business into a successful heavy and specialized hauling and rigging company. Long before Lavern’s retirement in 1999 from Rountree Transport and Rigging Inc., the Florida-based business had expanded operations throughout the northern and southeastern United States. He was most proud of having had all of his children and a son-in-law working in the business. The company operates today as a family owned fourth generation business.  

Business affiliations included membership with the Florida Trucking Association, membership with the Specialized Carriers and Rigging Association and membership with the Florida Prestress Association. Lavern’s community memberships included the Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, Florida, Jaycees and Elks Club.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016, at 11 a.m. at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, Hawthorne, Florida, with Father Dung Bui as celebrant. A reception immediately followed in the church hall. All were welcome to join in celebrating Lavern’s life. The family received friends Friday, Dec. 30, 2016, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Williams-Thomas Funeral Home Downtown, 404 N. Main St., with the rosary being recited at 6:30 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Lavern’s memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105. Please visit his memorial page at www.williamsthomasfuneralhome.com, where condolences to the family may be sent.

For more information, call Williams-Thomas Downtown at 352-376-7556.

The Clayton Tribune, Jan. 5, 2017

Charlotte Darnell Rodriguez, 85, formerly of Betty’s Creek Road in Rabun Gap, passed away Jan. 1, 2017. 

She was born in Rabun Gap, the daughter of the late Claude Darnell and Edith Burrell Darnell. 

Charlotte graduated from Rabun Nacoochee School. She was an avid reader, enjoyed crocheting, traveling, but her family was the most important thing to her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by four sisters, Beulah Tanner, Frances Griffin, Sue Wright and Mary Lee Elgin.

She is survived by one son, Ricardo Rodriguez (Susan) of Cumming; one daughter, Terisa Quilliams-Bailey (Bill) of Danielsville; three sisters, Hazel Hurst of Franklin, North Carolina, Margaret Giles of Mt. Airy, and Claudia Scott of Clayton. Four grandchildren, Ryan Rodriguez, Andrew Quilliams, Heather Rodriguez and Aaron Rodriguez, and a number of nieces and nephews also survive.

The family received friends Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017, at Beck Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m. 

A funeral service was held Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017, at 11 a.m. in the Chapel of Beck Funeral Home, with Pastor Bill Bailey officiating; burial followed in the Head of Tennessee Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family has requested no flowers and in lieu of flowers, they are requesting that donations be made to local churches or a local charity of your choice.           

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, Jan. 5, 2017

Richard Todd Erlewine, 48, of Lakemont, went home to be with the Lord on Dec. 28, 2016.

Todd is the son of Linda Erlewine Metz and husband, Leonard Metz, and the late Richard C. Erlewine.

He is survived by his wife of 10 years, Laura Nicholas Erlewine; three children, Jacob Erlewine and wife, Cassidy, of Rabun Gap, Taylor and Chloe Erlewine of Lakemont, two stepsons, Lucas Kerby of Clayton, and Nick Kerby and wife, Cecilia, of Elizabeth, West Virginia, and one stepgranddaughter, Madeline Kerby; grandmother, Emma Lavaughn Erlewine of Grantsville, West Virginia; one brother, Scott Erlewine and wife, Susan, of Ridgeway, South Carolina, two sisters, Melanie Henderson and husband, Jeff Cunningham, of Big Springs, West Virginia, and Leslie Erlewine of Atlanta.

Todd was born on March 2, 1968, in Barberton, Ohio, to Linda and Richard. He graduated from Calhoun County High School in 1986 and became a member of the military police in the U.S. Army. 

He married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Laura, in 2006. After moving to Lakemont, he started his own construction business. He received a Bachelor’s Degree from Liberty University in 2013 and was an active volunteer for Samaritan’s Purse.

He was an avid hunter who loved going on adventures with his family. He enjoyed teaching his children new things. He was an active and dedicated member of the Rabun County Homebuilders Association.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017, at the Stump Funeral Home in Grantsville, West Virginia, with the Revs. Adam Wright and Alfred Hickman officiating. Interment was in the Turner Cemetery at Lockney, Gilmer County, West Virginia. 

Friends may call at the funeral home from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. prior to the service. Memorial donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse. 

Online condolences may be expressed at www.stumpfuneralhomes.com.

The Clayton Tribune, Jan. 5, 2017

Armede Craft Bynum passed away peacefully at her home on Dec. 29, 2016, surrounded by her family.  

She was born in Conyers on May 4, 1936, to Dr. Luther Blake Craft and Willie Kate Camp Ogden (both deceased). She moved to Clayton in 1950, when her father was brought in as the minister to First United Methodist Church. 

She graduated from Young Harris Academy and attended Georgia State College for Women. When home on the weekends, she would have dinner with her father at The Bynum House where she met and fell in love with her future husband. She married local attorney Knox Bynum on April 8, 1956, in East Point. During their early years of marriage, the young Armede graciously carried out the role of a statesman’s’ wife while her husband represented Rabun County in the state Legislature. 

Residing in her beloved Clayton, she became a homemaker raising four children: Mary Alice Bynum of Highlands, North Carolina, Thad Bynum (Janelle) of Clayton; Irene Bynum Faith (Marvin) of Tiger and Becky Bynum Loggins (Jeff) of Buford.

During her life, she was active in the Junior Woman’s Club and served on the City of Clayton Hospital Authority. She worked on the Rabun County Election Committee and was a Red Cross volunteer. She was very active in her children’s schools and booster clubs during their years in the Rabun County School System. She encouraged their interest and participation in their various extracurricular activities. She worked as a Title 1 Aide and substitute teacher during those years.  

She served several terms on the Clayton City Council. Upon her retirement as a councilwoman, the mayor and council signed an ordinance officially declaring May 4 as Armede Bynum Day.

She was a loyal friend to many and was known for her spontaneity, loyalty, creative flair and free spirit. She was an advocate for the less fortunate and her many acts of kindness were carried out in a private manner.

She loved her bridge club, snow skiing during the Sky Valley era, boating and fishing on Burton, camping and beach trips with her family. She loved music and she loved to dance. 

She was a loving grandmother to seven grandchildren: Brent Keller, Katie Keller Copeland (Taylor), Lucas Bynum, Andrew Bynum, Emily Loggins, Abby Loggins and Tom Loggins. 

She was a devoted sister to Frances Parris of Columbia, South Carolina, Bryan Craft of Athens, and the Rev. Asbury Craft of Blairsville. 

She was predeceased by her sister, Sue Woolwine, and brother, Lanier Craft. 

She had many nieces and nephews that she loved dearly and looked forward to seeing each year at the Craft Family Reunion. She loved God, her family and hometown. 

The lighted cross was a priority to her and her late husband and the family requests  memorials  be made to The Rabun Cross Society, P. O. Box 1853, Clayton, Georgia 30525.

The family will receive friends Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017, from 12:30-2:30 p.m. A memorial service will follow in the Chapel of Beck Funeral Home at 2:30 p.m., with Dr. Jim Cantrell officiating. 

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, Jan. 5, 2017

Steven Anthony Crone, 38 of Fayetteville, died Jan. 8, 2017, at Southern Regional Medical Center, Clayton County.

Born in Seneca, South Carolina, on Aug. 6, 1978, he was the son of Gary Crone and Terry Lynn (Nichols) Crone. He was of the Jehovah’s Witness faith.

He is survived by his loving parents, Gary and Terry Lynn Crone of Clayton, one sister and brother-in-law, Felicia Crone Perez (Jamie) of Tiger, and one nephew, Jace Charles Perez. Several aunts and uncles also survive.

The body has been cremated and there will be a visitation at the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home Friday, January 13, 2017, from 6:-8 p.m.

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

The Clayton Tribune, Jan. 12, 2017

Jessie Caroline Picklesimer Owens, 95, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017.

Mrs. Owens was born in Macon County to the late John Wesley and Gertie Rogers Picklesimer. She was married to the late Rev. Harry Owens. Mrs. Jessie enjoyed gardening, canning, fishing and her chickens. She kept a garden and chickens until she was 93. She was a true pastor’s wife and was a “Memaw” to everybody. She was also a faithful member of Macedonia Baptist Church.

Survivors include two daughters, Jewel Wolfrey of Clayton, and Juanita Faught (Don) of Woodbridge, Virginia; two sons, Ken Owens (Jane) of Clayton, and Harold Owens (Ruth Ann) of Tennille; 10 grandchildren; 18 great‑grandchildren, and one great‑great-grandchild; and a brother, Burt Coolidge Picklesimer.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017, at Macedonia Baptist Church. with the Revs. Rusty Wolfrey, Ronnie Owens and Clinton Owens officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:30‑2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church.

Bryant‑Grant Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Owens family. Online condolences may be left at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com.

The Clayton Tribune, Jan. 12, 2017

Clifford Donald Ramey, 83, of Clayton, passed away Jan. 8, 2017. Clifford was born in Rabun County, the son of late Burch Ramey and the late Essie Page Ramey.

Clifford, after graduating high school, served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He worked at Burlington Industries for 37 years and was the finishing department manager. He enjoyed hunting, camping, cooking and enjoying a great meal with friends and family. The most important thing was his family and he spent as much time as possible with them.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, “Loppy” Laurannah Giles Ramey; four brothers, Hoyt Ramey, Johnny Ramey, Bobby Ramey and Russell Ramey; and two sisters, Ophelia Turner and Jeanette Turner.

He is survived by two sons, Tony Ramey (Kathy), Troy Ramey (Marsha), all of Clayton; four grandchildren, Anthony Ramey (Tonya), Kent Ramey (Jennifer), Nicole Ramey and Ali Ramey, all of Clayton; one great-grandchild Tate Ramey; one brother, Mike Ramey of Lakemont; one sister, Ophelia Turner of Hull, and a number of nieces and nephews.

The family received friends Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017, from 6-8:00 p.m. at Beck Funeral Home.

A funeral service was held Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017, at 11 a.m. in the Chapel of Beck Funeral Home, with the Rev. Danny Cannon and Dennis Turner officiating. Burial followed in the Ramey section of Wiley Cemetery with Masonic Funeral Rite.

The family asks in lieu of flowers that donations be made to Sid Weber Memorial Cancer Fund, P.O. Box 485, Rabun Gap, Georgia 30568, or Rabun Cross Society, P.O. Box 1853, 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, Jan. 12, 2017

Fred insisted he wanted no more than one inch of space in the newspaper for his obituary. A life so extraordinary might need a bit more room.

Frederick Alexander Johansen passed away Jan. 8, 2017. He was born in Houston, Texas, on Sept. 23, 1931, to Charles and Ollivetti Johansen, joining siblings Charlie and Katherine.

He graduated from Marist School in Atlanta in 1949 and continued his education at Georgia Tech, graduating with an engineering degree in 1953. 

Fred met his “Barbara-Dahlin’” in the winter of 1956, and they married at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Atlanta in April of 1957.

After serving in the U.S. Air Force as a pilot, he joined Delta Air Lines in November 1958. Fred loved his job. He retired as captain of the L-1011 in 1991 after 33 years of stellar service.

Whether traveling by airplane or Harley-Davidson, motorboat or dog sled, Fred was equally enthusiastic about the journey as he was the destination. He embraced adventure and new opportunities, and was in constant awe of our amazing planet. He loved people and engaged in conversation with family and strangers alike. 

Fred loved his Heal Over on Lake Burton, a cabin enjoyed for 54 years by four generations of Johansens, the family dachshund Caesar Augustus of Burton, and relatives and friends abundant. His capable and creative hands were always at work at Heal Over, designing and building, repairing and loving.

Fred was a constant and faithful servant to his God and his Church. He loved his Cathedral of Christ the King, where he was an active parishioner for all of his adult life.  He also celebrated his time at St. Helena Catholic Church in Rabun County, Georgia, during the summer months. 

Fred adored his family. He is survived by his treasured Barbara, his children Janice, Alec, Laura, Kristen, and Emily, their spouses Ron Spieker, Joel Jeffcoat, George Kilguss, and Ken Pecoraro, and his grandchildren Martha and Patrick, Clayton and Hattie, Gieva, George, and Michaela, Ryan, Matthew and Henry. 

Thank you, Daddy, for dancing with Mama in the kitchen, for teaching five teenagers how to drive, for appreciating a good chili dog and frosted orange at the Varsity, and for your positive attitude and graceful humility in your last days. You celebrated life every day. You will forever be celebrated!

“The most exciting time of my life was you all,”  Fred Johansen, Dec. 20, 2016.  

Ditto, Podnah.

A memorial mass was held Friday, Jan. 13, 2017, at 1:30 p.m. at Cathedral of Christ the King, 2699 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30305.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Catholic Foundation of North Georgia, The Gunning Johansen Endowment Fund, 780 Johnson Ferry Road, No. 750, Atlanta, Georgia  30342, or Cathedral of Christ the King.

The Clayton Tribune, Jan. 19, 2017

Linda Rae Muir, 73, of Clayton, died Friday, Jan. 13, 2017, in Mountain View Health Care.

Born in 1943 in Austin, Minnesota, she was the only child of Kenneth and Helen Stelter.

She lived more than 40 years in Orlando, Florida, before moving to Clayton in 2011. She was an avid sewer and loved crafts. She worked for AT&T and Lucent Tech. She retired as a secretary for Hormel Meats. 

She loved the Senior Center and was a Lutheran. She loved to travel, making 44 cruises and eight land tours and loved South America.

She is survived by her husband, Colin A. Muir of the home, and her daughter, Heidi Lynn Perkins who is living in Indonesia with her twin boys, Jake and Owen, 6 years old. Stepdaughters, Heather Drommer Housen and Holly Muir of Port St. Lucie, Florida, four grandchildren, and one great grandchild also survive. 

She will be greatly missed as a mother and wife.

The body had been cremated and a memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23, 2017, at the Clayton Presbyterian Church by the Rev. Fred Dimalo. The family is at their home 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, Jan. 19, 2017

Dr. Josh Nessmith, 93, died Jan. 10, 2017, in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. He was a native of Bulloch County. 

He is survived by a son, Josh T. Nessmith III of Warner Robins; two daughters and sons-in-law, Mrs. Nancy Nessmith Kitten and husband Lester Kitten of Charleston, South Carolina, and Dr. Carol Nessmith Pryby and husband Dr. Todd Louis Pryby of Clarkesville; three grandsons, Jacob Thomas Kitten, Evan Daniel Kitten and Dr. Christopher Ian Pryby and wife, Brittany Roberts Pryby; one brother and sister-in-law, William Emory Nessmith and Betty Nessmith; a sister-in-law, Dorinda Simmerson; a brother-in-law, Charles M. Simmerson and wife Claire; and a number of nieces and nephews. 

His wife, Alawayne Simmerson Nessmith; two daughters, Cynthia Jean Nessmith and Susan Patricia Nessmith; a sister, Martha Jean Rodgers; and a brother, Ben Robert Nessmith, predeceased him. 

After Dr. Nessmith’s graduation from Statesboro High, he attended Georgia Teachers College before entering Georgia Tech. His education was interrupted by his enlistment in the U.S. Army Ordnance (1942-46) operating on the East Coast and in Europe during World War II.   

He returned to Georgia Tech receiving his BSEE. He received the MSEE and Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to becoming Senior Scientific Advisor at RCA, Dr. Nessmith managed the Systems Engineering Department of the Missile and Surface Radar Division of RCA. During the Development of the AEGIS Weapon System, he served as deputy program manager and manager of systems engineering providing the direction of  RCA and subcontractor system engineering. As missile and surface radar systems engineering manager he directed research on multifunction radars and weapon systems. As project manager, he was technically responsible for design, fabrication, test and operation of the TRADEX ABM measurement radar, a mainstay in the development and test of anti- and ballistic missiles for five decades. He also performed the system design of the key radars in the NASA net.  

Retiring from RCA, Dr. Nessmith went to Georgia Tech as a senior faculty leader performing research in radar and teaching Phased-Array Radar Design and Modern Radar. He served as a radar and weapon system consultant to industry and the government including the SDI Radar Discrimination Panel, Blue Ribbon Panel investigating NEXRAD weather radar requirements, and as chairman of ONR review of radar research at the Naval Research Laboratory. He served as a consultant to the Office of Naval Technology and as a member of the National Academy of Science Advanced Radar Technology Panels.  

Retiring from Georgia Tech in 1993, he served 12 years as a staff consultant to Georgia Tech, to the Applied Physics Laboratory of Johns Hopkins University on the Anti-Tactical Missile Panel and as a radar expert to the BMD Program Office. He continued to work after retirement and at his death he was still working for Georgia Tech. 

Professional affiliations and service included the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, where he served on the Awards Board, Fellows Committee, Aerospace and Electronic Systems Society as vice president of operations, chairman of the International Radar Systems Panel, Education Society and Fortescue Fellowship Awards Committee. He served as an IEEE delegate to the People’s Republic of China in 1980. He was a member of the Anti-Aircraft Warfare and Planning Committees of the NSIA, and the University of Pennsylvania Advisory Board for both Electrical and System Engineering. 

Major publications include chapters on Radar in the Electrical Engineering Handbook, Antenna Engineering Handbook, Encyclopedia of Applied Physics and Antenna Applications Reference Guide. Major papers are included in conference records and in IEEE Society Journals. He presented at both national and international conferences.   

He received citations from the Advanced Research Project Agency, the U.S. Navy and the National Security Industrial Association. Awards included election as a Life Fellow in the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, Fellow of the Military Sensing Symposia and the Admiral Sides Award by the NSIA.

Upon retirement he returned to Statesboro in 1993, he became a member of Kiwanis, a charter member of the GSU 1906 Society and the First United Methodist Church.   

Funeral services were held 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Statesboro on Saturday, Jan. 14, with the Rev. Scott Harris presiding. Interment was in the Eastside Cemetery.  

Pallbearers were Jacob and Evan Kitten, Ben Nessmith Jr., Donald Nessmith, R.B. Proctor and Dr. Todd L. Pryby. 

Honorary pallbearers were the Dan Williams Sunday School Class and the former Snooky’s Coffee clubs. 

Memorials may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Georgia Chapter, 1117 Perimeter Center West, Suite E101, Atlanta, Georgia 30338 and the First United Methodist Church of Statesboro. 

The Clayton Tribune, Jan. 19, 2017

Linda Holcomb Gragg, 61, of Tiger, passed away Jan. 20, 2017, with her loved ones surrounding her when she went to be with the Lord. 

She was a loving Christian wife and mother, always taking care of her loved ones. Christ played a large role in her life, and she was devoted member of Battle Branch Baptist Church. She owned and operated Linda’s Sweet Treats and Antiques, in Tiger, and was well known for her delicious desserts.

Linda was preceded in death by both her father, J.D. Holcomb, and her mother, Mary Blair Holcomb, as well as one brother, Bobby Holcomb. 

Her survivors include her husband, James Gragg, of Tiger, and two sons, Matt Jones of Tiger, and Shane Gragg, of Clayton. She is also survived by her brother, Mack Holcomb of Hickory, North Carolina; Her sister, Lucy Crout of Chattanooga, Tennessee; three grandchildren, Carly Jones, Makayla Izquierdo and Nolan Jones; and one great-grandchild, Addison Robinson.

 The family received friends Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017, from 6-8 p.m. at Beck Funeral Home.

A funeral service was held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22, 2017, at Battle Branch Baptist Church, with the Rev. Madison McCrackin officiating. Burial will follow in the Tiger 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, Jan. 26, 2017

Delia Harris Jacobs of Clayton died Jan. 11, 2017, at the age of 57. 

Delia was born in Jacksonville, Florida, although she was always a Georgia Peach. She was the daughter of Gary C. Harris of Clayton and the late Charity Delores Harris of Marietta. 

Delia loved life and doing for others. She was truly a righteous person, proven through her many acts of kindness to others and her expectation of nothing in return. She provided meals and company to elderly neighbors and always gave help to anyone in need, always putting her own needs second. Married to Charles Brian Jacobs for over 23 years, she was a nurturing and loving wife. 

Before marrying Charles, Delia was a mortgage loan broker and for many years assisted Charles with their family business, in a real estate related profession. Delia and Charles were an inseparable business team and regardless of any adversity, they remained madly in love. Later in life, Delia and Charles moved from their home in Lawrenceville to Clayton, in order to care for her father and assist him and her stepmother, Teresa Harris Felt, as a paralegal in his law practice.  

In addition to her husband, father, stepmother, Delia is survived by her loving son, Brian E. Royston, of Atlanta, his fiancée, Alexandra Mastin; two brothers, Cain V. Harris, of Cumming and Cleveland A. Harris of Clayton; and Danny and Barbra Royston of Jefferson. Survivors also include adoring nieces, nephews and her mother-in-law, Katherine “Kitty” Jacobs of Atlanta, who was always a role model to Delia and one who Delia loved dearly. 

The family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m. Jan. 28, 2017, at Beck Funeral Home. 

A celebration of life service will follow at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of Beck Funeral Home. 

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Harris Jacobs Dream Run, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody, Georgia 30338.

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, Jan. 26, 2017

William Keith NeSmith, of Clayton, passed away Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017.  

Keith was born Jan. 1, 1951, in Albany. He was the son of the late Frazier O’Neil NeSmith and Mary B. NeSmith.  

Keith is survived by his wife, Kay NeSmith of 38 years; two wonderful daughters, Meredith Ledbetter (Allen) of Carrollton and Lauren Croom (Matt) of Carrollton; and one granddaughter, Charlotte Mae Ledbetter. Mr. NeSmith is also survived by his brother, Wayne NeSmith, niece Amy Dunn (Tad) and their son Andy, nephew David NeSmith (Betsy), Cathie NeSmith, brother-in-law, Jack Vaughan (Beth), niece Leslye Vaughan Ryan (Christopher), and their son Ezra, along with a host of other relatives and friends.

Keith loved his family, raising his daughters on Lake Burton, playing golf, and cooking barbecue for friends and family. He was a banker, home builder, small business owner, salesman and a member of Clayton Baptist Church. He was a brother of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity at the University of West Georgia, where he graduated in 1974. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Clayton Baptist Church or a charity of your choice.

A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017, at Clayton Baptist Church sanctuary, with visitation at 11 a.m. followed by the service at noon.

The Clayton Tribune, Jan. 26, 2017

John ‘Johnny’ ‘Jonboi’ Louis Holbrook, 35, of Lakemont, passed away Sunday, Jan. 22, 2017. 

Born in Goldsboro, North Carolina, at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, he is the son of Bobby and Shirley Hoglen Key of Lakemont, and the late John E. Holbrook. 

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, RL Hoglen, and his paternal grandparents, Larken and Betty Giles Holbrook.

He is survived by two sisters, Jaime (Eduardo) Espinel of Alpharetta, Angela Key of Burlington, North Carolina, maternal grandmother Mildred Hoglen of Franklin, North Carolina, niece Kenzie Worley, nephews Luke Espinel and Mikel Worley. Aunt Sheila (Larry) Conley of Franklin, Uncle Jeff (Regina) Holbrook of Mountain City, and a number of cousins also survive. A special friend, Lisa Daniti, Ashlynn, Jayden, Madilynn and his best friend ever, his blue pit, Dante, also survive.

He was a member of Clayton Baptist Church and he was an avid Atlanta Falcon fan along with a Georgia Bulldog, North Carolina Tarheels and Atlanta Hawks and the Atlanta Braves. He loved God and he loved his sports.

Honorary pallbearers were Toby Worley, Mikel Worley, Joshua Holbrook, Jimmie Wall, Anthony Laster, Patrick Carter, Brandon Coalley and Michael McKay.

Services were Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017, at 4 p.m. Clayton Baptist Church, with visitation from 2-4 p.m. there also.

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

The Clayton Tribune, Feb. 2, 2017

Betty Jo Smith Bennett, of Clayton passed away Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, at Mountain View Nursing Facility.

Betty loved nature and liked to spend her time tending her beautiful flowers. She also was well known for her cooking, and loved to provide for family. She was a member of the Collins Road Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Susie Clark Smith and Otis C. Smith; her husband, William Carlton Bennett; and one daughter, Patricia Bennett.

She is survived by her sons, William Bennett of Clarksville, and Billy Bennett of Augusta; her daughter, Sara Arro of Homer; one step-daughter, Charlotte Godfrey of Gainesville; four sisters, Kathryn Parks of Gillsville, Barbara Minish of Maysville, Sue Cofield of Homer, Linda Parr of Seneca, South Carolina; numerous grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

A funeral service was held Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017, at Taylor’s Chapel Baptist Church. Burial service followed at Taylor’s Chapel Cemetery.

The Clayton Tribune, Feb. 2, 2017

Donna Deloach Shaw McClure, 81, of Tiger, died Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017, at the home of her son, Jay Shaw, in Statham. She was the wife of William G. “Bill” McClure. 

Born in San Diego, California, on April 17, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Carolyn and Anna Rea Hodges Deloach. She was a Realtor and was of the Baptist Faith. She had spent the last years of her life in Clayton.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Delores Barton.

She is survived by husband, William G. “Bill” McClure and by three sons, Jay Shaw (Debbie) of Statham, Don Shaw (Linda) of O’Fallon, Illinois, Lee H. Shaw (Dawn) of Flowery Branch, and one daughter, Misty Woodard of Tiger, one sister, and Bobbie Jean Sikes of Lula. Eleven grandchildren, Erik Shaw, Sterling Shaw, Jared Shaw, Connor Shaw, Anna Kate Shaw, Lee Hogan, Kristie Hassemer, Cameron Shaw, Kendall Woodard, Hogan Woodard and Sophie Woodard, and 11 great-grandchildren also survive.

Funeral services were at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017, at the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home, with layman Lloyd Hunter officiating. Burial was in Rabun Memory Park, Tiger.

The body was at Hunter Funeral Home, where visitation was from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday evening Jan. 25, 2017. The family is at their respective residences.  

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

The Clayton Tribune, Feb. 2, 2017

Vera Kelly Moore, 93, of Rabun Gap, died Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017, at her home. She was the widow of Wallace R. Moore.

Born in Rabun County on June 23, 1923, she was the daughter of the late Frank A. Kelly and Dorothy Gregory Kelly. She was a shipping clerk for the Rogers House Co. in Mountain City and a homemaker and a member of the Kelly’s Creek Homemakers Club. She served her community well and was the oldest living member of the Dillard United Methodist Church. She was the last member of her immediate family.

Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Linda Miller Dills, and a son, Wayne K. Moore, daughters-in-law, Betty Moore, Bobbie Moore, Rose Moore and Monica Moore, sons-in-law, Homer Miller and Lester Dills, and by a brother, Howard Kelly, a sister, Nannie Lee Kelly Ozment, a grandson, Mike Moore and a great-grandson, Christopher Moore.

She is survived by three sons, Robert Moore of Clayton, Gordon Moore (Teresa) of Summer Town, Kenneth Moore of Rabun Gap, a daughter and son-in-law, Dorothy Moore Brown (Benny) of Dewy Rose, a sister-in-law, Ruth Kelly of Rabun Gap, 14 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017, at the Eastside Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home, with the Rev. Ray Conner and Layman Lloyd Hunter officiating. Burial will be in the Wesley Chapel Cemetery Rabun Gap.

The body was at the Eastside Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home with visitation being from noon-2 p.m. and from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017. The family was at her home in Rabun Gap.   

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

The Clayton Tribune, Feb. 2, 2017