Marjory “Annette” Christian Park, 77, of Clarkesville, passed away Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017, at her home with all her family at her side.

Annette was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with her family, and with her special cat, Mazye. She loved working outside planting flowers, and enjoyed the beauty they brought to her home. She was an avid reader and loved crossword puzzles. Annette lived and breathed Georgia Bulldogs athletics and cheering for them in any sport. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, J. L. Christian and Mattie Ivey Christian; her birth parents, Marjory and Howard Collette; one sister, Betty Knight.

Her survivors include her husband, Douglas Park, of Clarksville; one son, Douglas Park Jr., of Colbert; two daughters, Lisa Park, of Lexington, Carol Wheless (Tommy), of Crawford; three brothers, Robert L. Christian, of Knoxville, Tennessee, Jerry Collette, of Marysville, Ohio, Dick Collette, of Sweetwater, Tennessee; one sister, Stella Swanson, of Dayton, Ohio; four grandchildren, Cesar Suarez, Diego Suarez, Taylor Wheless, Bree Park; and four great-grandchildren, Dominick Suarez, Damien Suarez, Skyler Suarez and Hannah Young.

The family received family and friends Sunday, Jan. 29 2017, from 1-3 p.m. at the Beck Funeral Home in Clayton.

A memorial service followed at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017, in the Chapel of the Beck Funeral Home, with the Rev. Steve York officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made in memory of Annette Park to the Cerebral Palsy Center, 241 E. Woodland Ave., Knoxville, Tennessee 37917 and/or the Pruitt Cares Foundation, 700 South Enota Drive North East, Gainesville, Georgia 30506.

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

The Clayton Tribune, Feb. 2, 2017

Hugh L. Barnes Jr., 81, of Gainesville, passed away Monday, Feb. 6, 2017. 

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Melissa Hudgins Barnes, Gainesville; children, Margaret Hunter Barnes, Vero Beach, Florida, James Keller Barnes, Buford, Katherine Hope Barnes, Monroe, New York, Thomas Andrew and Rebecca Stokey Barnes, Gainesville; grandchildren, Robert Alexander Annatone, Melissa Hope Guggisberg, James Thomas Guggisberg, June Avery Hunter Barnes, Megan Thomas Barnes and Mimi Elizabeth Barnes. 

Mr. Barnes was born Aug. 31, 1935, in Louisville, Kentucky. He was a U.S. Army veteran. He graduated from Male High School and attended Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, and graduated from the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. He was retired from the IBM company with 30 years of service. 

He was a member of Delta Sigma Pi (Business Fraternity) and Pi Delta Theta (Social Fraternity). He was also a member of the Rotary Club in Jacksonville, Florida. 

A Requiem Mass will be held Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017, at 11 a.m. at Gainesville First United Methodist Church in Gainesville, with the Rev. Jerry Bruce Priest in charge, St. Francis Anglican Catholic Church, Gainesville, officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Homestead Hospice, 1561 Lenrue Road, Bogart, Georgia 30622 or to Parkinson’s Disease Foundation in memory of Hugh Lawrence Barnes.

To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford. 

The Clayton Tribune, Feb. 9, 2017

Memorial services for John “J.H.” Crunkleton, 92, of Clayton and formerly of Cornelia, will be held Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017, at 3 p.m. from the First Baptist Church of Cornelia, with Dr. Eric Spivey officiating. 

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017, from 2-5 p.m.

Mr. Crunkleton passed away Friday, Feb. 3, 2017.

Mr. Crunkleton was born Oct. 15, 1924, in Franklin County to the Rev. J.H. and Lillie Mae Wall Crunkleton. Soon after graduation from Cornelia High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as quartermaster on the LCI 80 in the Pacific until the end of World War II.

Upon his return home, he and his father began Cornelia Broom Co. After his father’s death, Mr. Crunkleton expanded the company until it became the largest broom manufacturer in the southeast and seventh largest in the U.S. 

Mr. Crunkleton was an avid golfer, a jogger who competed in many amateur runs, and taught dozens of kids to ski at Lake Burton. He was a 62 year Master Mason and a member of Toccoa Masonic Lodge No. 309 F&AM. He tirelessly organized reunions for his Navy shipmates for more than 40 years. He is probably best known as a diehard University of Georgia Bulldog fan. Mr. Crunkleton attended close to 700 UGA football games and was already planning to head to Notre Dame for the 2017 season.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Crunkleton was preceded in death by his first wife, Jane Millwood Crunkleton, his second wife, Gusti Huber Crunkleton, and stepson Ben Kuipers.

Survivors include daughter Leah Coker of Flowery Branch, daughter and son-in-law Mary Alice and Mark Grant of Woodstock, stepdaughter Betty Jo Youngblood of McDonough, stepsons John Kuipers and Adam Kuipers of Clayton, as well as 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to the Disabled Veterans of America or enjoy a good meal with friends and family and raise your glass to Crunk!

Those wishing may send condolences online by visiting HillsideMemorialChapel.com. Arrangements by Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville. 

The Clayton Tribune, Feb. 9, 2017

Henry Edgar Owens, 91, of Satolah, passed away Jan. 30, 2017, at his home. His loved ones surrounded him as he went to be with the Lord.

Edgar was a devout Christian and attended both Macedonia Baptist Church and Clear Creek Baptist, where he was a member. He was called to preach and had been a pastor of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Clear Creek Baptist Church, Shortoff Baptist Church and Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.

As a young man, he was employed with Rabun Mills in Rabun Gap, where he would work for several years. His preaching career began when he left Rabun Mills, but he would also continue to work as a carpenter for many years. Edgar was also a veteran of the Second World War and fought bravely for his country.

His family knew him as a loving father and grandfather, and loved hearing his “coon hunting” stories of his younger days.

Edgar was preceded in death by his parents, James Franklin Owens and Josie Harden Owens; his wife, Geraldine Raleigh Owens; six brothers, Riley Owens, Doyle Owens, Dave Owens, Leroy Owens, Adolph Owens and Eugene Owens; and four sisters, Iva McCall, Eloise Hudson, Effie Green and Oveline Owens.

His survivors include three sons, Stanley Owens (Candace), of Clayton, Ralph Owens, of Clayton and Tommy Owens (Brenda), of Clayton; one daughter, Judy Owens Gates, of Clayton; one brother, Jesse Ray Owens, of Clayton; eight grandchildren, Justin Gates, Caleb Gates, Jordan Gates, Riley Owens, Dennis Owens, Ashley Bryson, Kayla Baty and Alexandria Owens; 10 great-grandchildren. 

The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, 2017, at the Beck Funeral Home.

A funeral service was held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017, at the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church.

Burial followed the service in the Macedonia Cemetery.

Memorial donations can be made in Edgar’s honor to Macedonia Cemetery Fund c/o Barbara Reed, 810 Timberlane Road, 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, Feb. 9, 2017

Evans Funeral Home announces the death of Mr. John Wesley Shook, 60, of Commerce, who passed away on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017.

Mr. Shook was born Oct. 16, 1956, in Clayton, to the late James John and Myrtle Nicholson Shook. Mr. Shook was a U.S. Army and a U.S. Navy veteran, having served during the Vietnam era, and he was a member of Cave Springs Baptist Church.

Mr. Shook is preceded in death by a special nephew, Steven Watts.

Survivors include a sister, Mary Watts (Edward), Martin; brother, Jim Shook (Lawana), Pendergrass; sister, Virginia Green (Sam), Highlands, North Carolina; sister, Ruth An Proctor, Highlands. Twenty nieces and nephews and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews also survive.

Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. today from the Chapel of Evans Funeral Home, with the Rev. Jackie Watts officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service 2-3 p.m. at the funeral home.

Evans Funeral Home Inc., 1350 Winder Highway, Jefferson, Georgia.

Online condolences at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com. 

The Clayton Tribune, Feb. 9, 2017

Calvin Jefferson Cannon, 68, of Joe Jones Road, Wiley, died Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017, in Mountain Lakes Medical Center.

Born in Rabun County on Sept. 12, 1948, he was the son of the late Frank G. Cannon and Lucy Galloway Cannon. And was a lifelong resident of Rabun County. He was a member of the Chechero Baptist Church.

Calvin was preceded in death by his parents, seven uncles and three aunts. 

He is survived by two brothers, Frank W. (Bill) Cannon (Lorraine) of Keyport, New Jersey, and Gerald David Cannon (Joann) of Toccoa, two sisters, Brenda Cannon Lovell (Norman) of Wiley, and Jane Cannon Galloway of Clayton, also by four aunts and three uncles and several nephews, nieces and cousins.

Funeral services were Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2017, at 1 p.m. at the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home, with the Rev. Mickey Woods and Layman Lloyd Hunter officiating. Burial was in the Hale Ridge Cemetery.

The body was at Hunter Funeral Home, where visitation was from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017. The family was at the home of his sister and brother-in-law, Brenda and Norman Lovell on Joe Jones Road, in Wiley.

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

The Clayton Tribune, Feb. 16, 2017

Edward B. Singleton, 90, of Clayton, passed away Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017. 

He was born in Hall County on March 6, 1926, to parents Frank Singleton and Elizabeth Dillard Singleton. 

Raised in North Georgia, Ed spent a majority of his childhood in Dillard and attended Rabun Gap School. He was a veteran of WWII, serving in the U.S. Marines. Following his military service, he attended and played football at the University of Georgia, later transferring to Western Carolina University to continue his collegiate football career as a lineman for the WCU Catamounts. 

Ed received his undergraduate degree from WCU, where he also met his wife of more than 61 years, Sara Moore Singleton. He went on to complete his graduate work at WCU, receiving a master’s degree in Business Education. 

A career educator, Ed coached and taught at Stevens County, White County and Rabun County High Schools, as well as a short stint in Montana early in his career. His years as a Rabun County “Wildcat” were especially significant and he proudly wore the unofficial title of “Coach Singleton” long after his official career ended in 1991. Ed enjoyed all sports, coaching high school football, basketball and golf over the span of his 30-plus year career. He was recently honored by the football players of Rabun County classes of 1964-69, who along with the current RCHS coaching staff, presented him with a trophy, signed football and other mementos of his coaching career.

A lifelong outdoorsman, Ed loved spending time outdoors with family and friends, camping, fishing, hunting, playing golf and enjoying God’s creation. He was a familiar face to many Rabun County residents, either from the football field or classroom, from a midstream vantage in one of the county’s many blue-ribbon trout streams, or around a campfire at Moccasin Creek. He and his wife Sara logged many miles in RVs and campers, traveling the country and visiting friends and family in the Western states and Alaska.

Ed was a member of Clayton First United Methodist Church and a member of American Legion Post 220 of Clayton. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Bill and Bob Singleton, and sisters Mary (Singleton), Sara (Ivie), Lucy (Kimball) and Ruth (Osborne). 

He is survived by his wife Sara Singleton, son Frank Singleton and wife Phyllis; son John Singleton and wife Claudia; six grandchildren (Jacob, Zachary, Sarah, Mary; Johan and Antonella) and 10 great-grandchildren (Elizabeth, Samantha, Jacob, John; Grace, Vivian, Sophia, Charlotte, Georgiana and Louisa).

The Clayton Tribune, Feb. 16, 2017

Ruth Wall Thurmond, 94, of Wolffork Road, Rabun Gap, died Thursday night, Feb. 9, 2017, in Mountain View Health Care after a long illness.

Born in Clarkesville on Dec. 1, 1922, she was the daughter of the late Floyd and Stella Beard Wall. She was a homemaker and was a nurse’s aid for 17 years. Ruth was a member of the Wolffork Baptist Church for 75 years ad was the last member of her immediate family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wade Thurmond, by a grandson, John Matthew Thurmond, and by great-grandson, Casey Thurmond, by three sisters and their husbands, Catherine and Clemmer Powell, Ruby and Carl Thurmond, and Stella and Bobby Holbrooks, and by brother Louis Wall. 

She is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Charles and Emma Sue Thurmond of Rabun Gap, by sisters-in-law, Lois Hill Wall and Dorothy Pullium Thurmond and grandsons, Chris and Eric (Jennifer) Thurmond, six great-grandchildren, Emily and (Scott), Michael, Amy, Noah, Abby and Asher. and two great-great-grandchildren, Aidyn and Eliese.

Funeral services were Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017, at the Wolffork Baptist Church at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Jimmy Greer officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.

The body was at the Hunter Funeral Home, where visitation was Saturday evening, Feb. 11, 2017, from 6-8 p.m. The family was at the home of her son and daughter-in-law, Charles and Emma Sue Thurmond on John Beck Dockins Road, Rabun Gap. The body was placed in the church Sunday, Feb 12, 2017, to lie in state. 

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers memorial donations be made in her memory to Gideons International, P.O. Box 241, Clayton, Georgia 30525, or to Lottie Moon Christmas Offering ℅ Wolffork Baptist Church, 453 Wolffork Baptist Church Road, Rabun Gap, Georgia 30568.

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

The Clayton Tribune, Feb. 16, 2017

Leona Bradshaw Tyler, 85, of Pinnacle Drive, Clayton, died Feb. 6, 2017, at her residence with her loving family by her side. She was the widow of Hubert L. Tyler.

Born in Towns County on June 28, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Clinton and Carrie Eller Bradshaw. She was a homemaker and was of the Church of God faith, but attended the Boggs Mountain Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death, besides her parents and husband, by three brothers, Creed Bradshaw, Clifford Verlon Bradshaw, and Elbert James Bradshaw.

She is survived by one daughter, Linda L. Tyler of Clayton, by three brothers, Robert Grady Bradshaw of Summerville, Ohio, Jack Elmer Bradshaw of Clayton, and Alvin Clinton Bradshaw of Clayton. Several nephews, nieces, and cousins also survive.

Funeral services were Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017, at 2 p.m. at the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home, with the Rev. Joe McCrackin officiating. Burial followed in the Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery, Tiger.

The body was at Hunter Funeral Home, where family received friends Wednesday evening, Feb. 8, 2017, from 6-8 p.m. The family was 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. 16, 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

Marjory “Annette” Christian Park, 77, of Clarkesville, passed away Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017, at her home with all her family at her side.

Annette was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with her family, and with her special cat, Mazye. She loved working outside planting flowers, and enjoyed the beauty they brought to her home. She was an avid reader and loved crossword puzzles. Annette lived and breathed Georgia Bulldogs athletics and cheering for them in any sport. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, J. L. Christian and Mattie Ivey Christian; her birth parents, Marjory and Howard Collette; one sister, Betty Knight.

Her survivors include her husband, Douglas Park, of Clarksville; one son, Douglas Park Jr., of Colbert; two daughters, Lisa Park, of Lexington, Carol Wheless (Tommy), of Crawford; three brothers, Robert L. Christian, of Knoxville, Tennessee, Jerry Collette, of Marysville, Ohio, Dick Collette, of Sweetwater, Tennessee; one sister, Stella Swanson, of Dayton, Ohio; four grandchildren, Cesar Suarez, Diego Suarez, Taylor Wheless, Bree Park; and four great-grandchildren, Dominick Suarez, Damien Suarez, Skyler Suarez and Hannah Young.

The family received family and friends Sunday, Jan. 29 2017, from 1-3 p.m. at the Beck Funeral Home in Clayton.

A memorial service followed at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017, in the Chapel of the Beck Funeral Home, with the Rev. Steve York officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made in memory of Annette Park to the Cerebral Palsy Center, 241 E. Woodland Ave., Knoxville, Tennessee 37917 and/or the Pruitt Cares Foundation, 700 South Enota Drive North East, Gainesville, Georgia 30506.

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

The Clayton Tribune, Feb. 2, 2017

Hugh L. Barnes Jr., 81, of Gainesville, passed away Monday, Feb. 6, 2017. 

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Melissa Hudgins Barnes, Gainesville; children, Margaret Hunter Barnes, Vero Beach, Florida, James Keller Barnes, Buford, Katherine Hope Barnes, Monroe, New York, Thomas Andrew and Rebecca Stokey Barnes, Gainesville; grandchildren, Robert Alexander Annatone, Melissa Hope Guggisberg, James Thomas Guggisberg, June Avery Hunter Barnes, Megan Thomas Barnes and Mimi Elizabeth Barnes. 

Mr. Barnes was born Aug. 31, 1935, in Louisville, Kentucky. He was a U.S. Army veteran. He graduated from Male High School and attended Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, and graduated from the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. He was retired from the IBM company with 30 years of service. 

He was a member of Delta Sigma Pi (Business Fraternity) and Pi Delta Theta (Social Fraternity). He was also a member of the Rotary Club in Jacksonville, Florida. 

A Requiem Mass will be held Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017, at 11 a.m. at Gainesville First United Methodist Church in Gainesville, with the Rev. Jerry Bruce Priest in charge, St. Francis Anglican Catholic Church, Gainesville, officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Homestead Hospice, 1561 Lenrue Road, Bogart, Georgia 30622 or to Parkinson’s Disease Foundation in memory of Hugh Lawrence Barnes.

To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford. 

The Clayton Tribune, Feb. 9, 2017

Memorial services for John “J.H.” Crunkleton, 92, of Clayton and formerly of Cornelia, will be held Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017, at 3 p.m. from the First Baptist Church of Cornelia, with Dr. Eric Spivey officiating. 

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017, from 2-5 p.m.

Mr. Crunkleton passed away Friday, Feb. 3, 2017.

Mr. Crunkleton was born Oct. 15, 1924, in Franklin County to the Rev. J.H. and Lillie Mae Wall Crunkleton. Soon after graduation from Cornelia High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as quartermaster on the LCI 80 in the Pacific until the end of World War II.

Upon his return home, he and his father began Cornelia Broom Co. After his father’s death, Mr. Crunkleton expanded the company until it became the largest broom manufacturer in the southeast and seventh largest in the U.S. 

Mr. Crunkleton was an avid golfer, a jogger who competed in many amateur runs, and taught dozens of kids to ski at Lake Burton. He was a 62 year Master Mason and a member of Toccoa Masonic Lodge No. 309 F&AM. He tirelessly organized reunions for his Navy shipmates for more than 40 years. He is probably best known as a diehard University of Georgia Bulldog fan. Mr. Crunkleton attended close to 700 UGA football games and was already planning to head to Notre Dame for the 2017 season.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Crunkleton was preceded in death by his first wife, Jane Millwood Crunkleton, his second wife, Gusti Huber Crunkleton, and stepson Ben Kuipers.

Survivors include daughter Leah Coker of Flowery Branch, daughter and son-in-law Mary Alice and Mark Grant of Woodstock, stepdaughter Betty Jo Youngblood of McDonough, stepsons John Kuipers and Adam Kuipers of Clayton, as well as 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to the Disabled Veterans of America or enjoy a good meal with friends and family and raise your glass to Crunk!

Those wishing may send condolences online by visiting HillsideMemorialChapel.com. Arrangements by Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville. 

The Clayton Tribune, Feb. 9, 2017

Henry Edgar Owens, 91, of Satolah, passed away Jan. 30, 2017, at his home. His loved ones surrounded him as he went to be with the Lord.

Edgar was a devout Christian and attended both Macedonia Baptist Church and Clear Creek Baptist, where he was a member. He was called to preach and had been a pastor of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Clear Creek Baptist Church, Shortoff Baptist Church and Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.

As a young man, he was employed with Rabun Mills in Rabun Gap, where he would work for several years. His preaching career began when he left Rabun Mills, but he would also continue to work as a carpenter for many years. Edgar was also a veteran of the Second World War and fought bravely for his country.

His family knew him as a loving father and grandfather, and loved hearing his “coon hunting” stories of his younger days.

Edgar was preceded in death by his parents, James Franklin Owens and Josie Harden Owens; his wife, Geraldine Raleigh Owens; six brothers, Riley Owens, Doyle Owens, Dave Owens, Leroy Owens, Adolph Owens and Eugene Owens; and four sisters, Iva McCall, Eloise Hudson, Effie Green and Oveline Owens.

His survivors include three sons, Stanley Owens (Candace), of Clayton, Ralph Owens, of Clayton and Tommy Owens (Brenda), of Clayton; one daughter, Judy Owens Gates, of Clayton; one brother, Jesse Ray Owens, of Clayton; eight grandchildren, Justin Gates, Caleb Gates, Jordan Gates, Riley Owens, Dennis Owens, Ashley Bryson, Kayla Baty and Alexandria Owens; 10 great-grandchildren. 

The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, 2017, at the Beck Funeral Home.

A funeral service was held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017, at the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church.

Burial followed the service in the Macedonia Cemetery.

Memorial donations can be made in Edgar’s honor to Macedonia Cemetery Fund c/o Barbara Reed, 810 Timberlane Road, 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, Feb. 9, 2017

Evans Funeral Home announces the death of Mr. John Wesley Shook, 60, of Commerce, who passed away on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017.

Mr. Shook was born Oct. 16, 1956, in Clayton, to the late James John and Myrtle Nicholson Shook. Mr. Shook was a U.S. Army and a U.S. Navy veteran, having served during the Vietnam era, and he was a member of Cave Springs Baptist Church.

Mr. Shook is preceded in death by a special nephew, Steven Watts.

Survivors include a sister, Mary Watts (Edward), Martin; brother, Jim Shook (Lawana), Pendergrass; sister, Virginia Green (Sam), Highlands, North Carolina; sister, Ruth An Proctor, Highlands. Twenty nieces and nephews and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews also survive.

Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. today from the Chapel of Evans Funeral Home, with the Rev. Jackie Watts officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service 2-3 p.m. at the funeral home.

Evans Funeral Home Inc., 1350 Winder Highway, Jefferson, Georgia.

Online condolences at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com. 

The Clayton Tribune, Feb. 9, 2017

Calvin Jefferson Cannon, 68, of Joe Jones Road, Wiley, died Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017, in Mountain Lakes Medical Center.

Born in Rabun County on Sept. 12, 1948, he was the son of the late Frank G. Cannon and Lucy Galloway Cannon. And was a lifelong resident of Rabun County. He was a member of the Chechero Baptist Church.

Calvin was preceded in death by his parents, seven uncles and three aunts. 

He is survived by two brothers, Frank W. (Bill) Cannon (Lorraine) of Keyport, New Jersey, and Gerald David Cannon (Joann) of Toccoa, two sisters, Brenda Cannon Lovell (Norman) of Wiley, and Jane Cannon Galloway of Clayton, also by four aunts and three uncles and several nephews, nieces and cousins.

Funeral services were Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2017, at 1 p.m. at the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home, with the Rev. Mickey Woods and Layman Lloyd Hunter officiating. Burial was in the Hale Ridge Cemetery.

The body was at Hunter Funeral Home, where visitation was from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017. The family was at the home of his sister and brother-in-law, Brenda and Norman Lovell on Joe Jones Road, in Wiley.

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

The Clayton Tribune, Feb. 16, 2017

Edward B. Singleton, 90, of Clayton, passed away Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017. 

He was born in Hall County on March 6, 1926, to parents Frank Singleton and Elizabeth Dillard Singleton. 

Raised in North Georgia, Ed spent a majority of his childhood in Dillard and attended Rabun Gap School. He was a veteran of WWII, serving in the U.S. Marines. Following his military service, he attended and played football at the University of Georgia, later transferring to Western Carolina University to continue his collegiate football career as a lineman for the WCU Catamounts. 

Ed received his undergraduate degree from WCU, where he also met his wife of more than 61 years, Sara Moore Singleton. He went on to complete his graduate work at WCU, receiving a master’s degree in Business Education. 

A career educator, Ed coached and taught at Stevens County, White County and Rabun County High Schools, as well as a short stint in Montana early in his career. His years as a Rabun County “Wildcat” were especially significant and he proudly wore the unofficial title of “Coach Singleton” long after his official career ended in 1991. Ed enjoyed all sports, coaching high school football, basketball and golf over the span of his 30-plus year career. He was recently honored by the football players of Rabun County classes of 1964-69, who along with the current RCHS coaching staff, presented him with a trophy, signed football and other mementos of his coaching career.

A lifelong outdoorsman, Ed loved spending time outdoors with family and friends, camping, fishing, hunting, playing golf and enjoying God’s creation. He was a familiar face to many Rabun County residents, either from the football field or classroom, from a midstream vantage in one of the county’s many blue-ribbon trout streams, or around a campfire at Moccasin Creek. He and his wife Sara logged many miles in RVs and campers, traveling the country and visiting friends and family in the Western states and Alaska.

Ed was a member of Clayton First United Methodist Church and a member of American Legion Post 220 of Clayton. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Bill and Bob Singleton, and sisters Mary (Singleton), Sara (Ivie), Lucy (Kimball) and Ruth (Osborne). 

He is survived by his wife Sara Singleton, son Frank Singleton and wife Phyllis; son John Singleton and wife Claudia; six grandchildren (Jacob, Zachary, Sarah, Mary; Johan and Antonella) and 10 great-grandchildren (Elizabeth, Samantha, Jacob, John; Grace, Vivian, Sophia, Charlotte, Georgiana and Louisa).

The Clayton Tribune, Feb. 16, 2017

Ruth Wall Thurmond, 94, of Wolffork Road, Rabun Gap, died Thursday night, Feb. 9, 2017, in Mountain View Health Care after a long illness.

Born in Clarkesville on Dec. 1, 1922, she was the daughter of the late Floyd and Stella Beard Wall. She was a homemaker and was a nurse’s aid for 17 years. Ruth was a member of the Wolffork Baptist Church for 75 years ad was the last member of her immediate family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wade Thurmond, by a grandson, John Matthew Thurmond, and by great-grandson, Casey Thurmond, by three sisters and their husbands, Catherine and Clemmer Powell, Ruby and Carl Thurmond, and Stella and Bobby Holbrooks, and by brother Louis Wall. 

She is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Charles and Emma Sue Thurmond of Rabun Gap, by sisters-in-law, Lois Hill Wall and Dorothy Pullium Thurmond and grandsons, Chris and Eric (Jennifer) Thurmond, six great-grandchildren, Emily and (Scott), Michael, Amy, Noah, Abby and Asher. and two great-great-grandchildren, Aidyn and Eliese.

Funeral services were Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017, at the Wolffork Baptist Church at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Jimmy Greer officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.

The body was at the Hunter Funeral Home, where visitation was Saturday evening, Feb. 11, 2017, from 6-8 p.m. The family was at the home of her son and daughter-in-law, Charles and Emma Sue Thurmond on John Beck Dockins Road, Rabun Gap. The body was placed in the church Sunday, Feb 12, 2017, to lie in state. 

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers memorial donations be made in her memory to Gideons International, P.O. Box 241, Clayton, Georgia 30525, or to Lottie Moon Christmas Offering ℅ Wolffork Baptist Church, 453 Wolffork Baptist Church Road, Rabun Gap, Georgia 30568.

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

The Clayton Tribune, Feb. 16, 2017

Leona Bradshaw Tyler, 85, of Pinnacle Drive, Clayton, died Feb. 6, 2017, at her residence with her loving family by her side. She was the widow of Hubert L. Tyler.

Born in Towns County on June 28, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Clinton and Carrie Eller Bradshaw. She was a homemaker and was of the Church of God faith, but attended the Boggs Mountain Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death, besides her parents and husband, by three brothers, Creed Bradshaw, Clifford Verlon Bradshaw, and Elbert James Bradshaw.

She is survived by one daughter, Linda L. Tyler of Clayton, by three brothers, Robert Grady Bradshaw of Summerville, Ohio, Jack Elmer Bradshaw of Clayton, and Alvin Clinton Bradshaw of Clayton. Several nephews, nieces, and cousins also survive.

Funeral services were Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017, at 2 p.m. at the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home, with the Rev. Joe McCrackin officiating. Burial followed in the Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery, Tiger.

The body was at Hunter Funeral Home, where family received friends Wednesday evening, Feb. 8, 2017, from 6-8 p.m. The family was 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. 16, 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