Al Hix
Al Williams Hix, 74, of Commerce, died Tuesday, August 28, 2007, at Athens Regional Medical Center in Athens.
Born on October 11, 1932, in Jackson County, he was the son of the late Alfred and Gertrude Williams Hix. He was retired from Alltel and a member of First Baptist Church.
Survivors include a brother, Billy Hix, Commerce; two sisters, Jean Ford and Anne Epps, both of Commerce.
Funeral services were held Friday, August 31, at Commerce First Baptist Church with Dr. Carlton Allen officiating. Burial was in Grey Hill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Commerce First Baptist Church, 1345 S. Elm St., Commerce, GA 30529.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
The Banks County News, September 5, 2007.
Hugh Westbrook
Hugh Charlie Westbrook, 82, of Gainesville, died Tuesday, August 28, 2007.
He was born in 1924 and was the son of the late C.J. and Cora Mauldin Westbrook. Mr. Westbrook was preceded in death by a brother, Cecil Westbrook.
He attended Berry College and the University of Georgia, studying in the poultry science department and was one of the first members of the Poultry Science Club. Mr. Westbrook was a veteran, having served in the United States Marine Corp during World War II on the battleship USS Arkansas, stationed in the South Pacific.
He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Gainesville, where he served over the years as Sunday school teacher, deacon, and elder. He loved God and loved serving his church, according to loved ones.
Survivors include his wife, Ruth Boone Westbrook, Gainesville; children, Charles and Judy Westbrook and David Westbrook, all of Gainesville, Mary Anne and C.I. Babcock, Clearwater, Fla., and Emily and Frank Fleming, Athens; grandchildren, Michael and Mickie Westbrook, Gillsville, Jennifer Westbrook, Gainesville, Josh Babcock, Tampa, Fla., Chris and Kacy Babcock, Nashville, Tenn., Laura Babcock, Greenville, S.C., Anna Fleming and Nelson Fleming, both of Athens; great-grandchild, Kate Westbrook, Gillsville; sisters, Lida Pirkle, Winder, and Louise (Matt) McGowan, Chestnut Mountain; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial services were held Thursday, August 30, at the First Presbyterian Church of Gainesville.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Gainesville, 800 S. Enota Dr., Gainesville, GA 30501.
Memorial Park Funeral Home, Gainesville, was in charge of arrangements.
The Banks County News, September 5, 2007.
Carl Caudell
Carl Caudell, 85, of Cornelia, died Tuesday, August 28, 2007, at a private care facility.
Born on September 8, 1921, in Banks County, he was the son of the late Walter and Ola Watts Caudell. He was a life member of the Grant Reeves V.F.W. Post #7720 and a member of the Harmony Baptist Church. He was retired from Cornelia Coca-Cola Bottling Company with 32 years of service.
Mr. Caudell was a veteran, having served in the United States Army during World War II. He was preceded in death by a sister, Wydene Cook; and a brother, Arthur Caudell. He was the last member of his immediate family.
Survivors include his wife, Bernice Anderson Caudell, Cornelia; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Thursday, August 30, at Whitfield Funeral Home with the Rev. Blaine Walker officiating. Burial was in Yonah Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Ralph Smith officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Cornelia First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 165, Cornelia, GA 30531.
Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, was in charge of arrangements.
The Banks County News, September 5, 2007.
‘Hayward’ Martin
Ben “Hayward” Martin, 83, of Maysville, died Wednesday, August 29, 2007, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville.
He was the son of the late Howard and Maureen Martin, and taught at Gainesville City and Hall County schools for 25 years. He was a member of the Chattahoochee Golf Association, Elks Club, and Chestatee Baptist Church. Mr. Martin was a veteran, having served in the United States Army during World War II. He was preceded in death by sisters, Lucille Smith and Annie Ruth Stowers; brothers, Walker Martin, Ned Martin and Dan Martin.
Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Mildred Martin, Gainesville; son, Hugh Martin, Maysville; daughter and son-in-law, Fonda and Tim Romine, Gainesville; brother, Hammond Martin, Gainesville; grandchildren, Cheyenne Dye, Gainesville, Sarah Gibson, Phenix City, Ala., Emily, Mary Lynn and Leigh Ann Romine, Gainesville; great-grandchildren, Brycen and Lauren Dye, Gainesville; special friend, Pat Fleming, Clarkesville; and many nieces, nephews, and loving friends.
Memorial Park Funeral Home, Gainesville, was in charge of arrangements.
The Banks County News, September 5, 2007.
Twilynn Wheelus
Twilynn Renee Stevens Wheelus, 44, of Lula, died Saturday, September 1, 2007, at BCH Regional Medical Center, following injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.
Born in Tytus County, Texas, on October 2, 1962, she was the daughter of the late Wilbur Pat Stevens and Roselyn Knight and step-father, Jesse J. Knight, of Clarkesville. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She enjoyed woodworking, interior decorating, gardening, and writing poetry, according to loved ones.
Survivors include her husband, John Mark Wheelus, Lula; a son, Gerrin Lindsey, Keithville, La.; daughters, Cassie Berry, Keithville, La., and Amy Dailey, Mt. Airy; brothers, Matthew William Stevens and Frank Knight, both of Clarkesville, Jesse Eugene Knight, Mt. Airy, and Mark Justin Stevens, Navasota, Texas; sister, Terri Mauldin, Baldwin; and four grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 6, at 11 a.m., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints with Bishop Darrell Smith officiating. Burial will be in Westview Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday, September 5, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia, is in charge of arrangements.
The Banks County News, September 5, 2007.
Katie Smith
Katie Jane Beck Smith, 75, of Mt. Airy, died Saturday, September 1, 2007, at Lanier Park Campus Hospital, following an extended illness.
She was born in Hall County on December 29, 1931, and was the daughter of the late Hubert and Lena Alexander Beck. She was employed with Carwood Manufacturing with 15 years of service and at Chicopee, which later became Ethicon, with 42 years of service. She was Baptist.
She enjoyed gardening, fishing, and making ceramic dolls, according to loved ones.
Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by brothers, Carlton and Clay Beck; and a granddaughter, Carrie Meeks.
Survivors include her husband of 57 years, Hoyt Smith; daughter and son-in-law, Cheryl and Joe Meeks, Mt. Airy; son, Bud Smith and companion, Betty Franklin, Mt. Airy; brother and sister-in-law, Troy and Beth Beck, Mt. Airy; sister and brother-in-law, Frances and Kimsey Stephens, Alto; grandchildren, Billy Sellers, Clifford and Jennifer Smith; and five great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, September 4, in the chapel of MeGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home with Pastor Donnie Ballenger and the Rev. Scott Culpepper officiating. Burial was in Welcome Home Baptist Church cemetery.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia, was in charge of arrangements.
The Banks County News, September 5, 2007.
Walter Pope
Walter Duane Pope, 23, of Jefferson, died Thursday, August 30, 2007.
He was the son of Cindy J. Pope of Jefferson, and the late Walter D. Pope.
Survivors in addition to his mother, are grandfather, Sidney L. Pope, Jefferson; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jody and Whitney Pope, Auburn, Josh and Lisa Pope, Gillsville; sister, Leslie Pope, Jefferson; one niece; and three nephews.
Graveside services were held Sunday, September 2, at the Howard Family Cemetery with Kevin Page officiating.
Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
The Banks County News, September 5, 2007.
John Morris
John Junior Morris, 77, of Commerce, died Saturday, September 1, 2007, at his residence.
He was born on July 29, 1930, in Banks County, and was the son of the late John and Lucy Hubbard Morris. He was an electrician.
Survivors include his wife, Mamie Lois Smith Morris, Commerce; sons, M.L. Morris, Hartwell, Jackie Morris, Homer, Mickey Morris, Summer Town, Tenn., and Rickey Morris, Commerce; sisters, Kitty Roberts, Gainesville, and Ruby Buff, Lincolnton, N.C.; 17 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, September 4, in the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home with Dr. Stewart Sims officiating.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
The Banks County News, September 5, 2007.
Minnie Morris
Minnie Ruth Morris, 79, of Lula, died Saturday, September 1, 2007, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville.
Born on March 29, 1928, she was the daughter of the late David and Minnie Anna Brown Reid of Banks County. She was a homemaker and a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. Mrs. Morris was preceded in death by a son, Bobby Morris.
Survivors include her husband, Robert Morris, Lula; daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Steve Wehunt, Gainesville; daughter-in-law, Doris Morris-Anglin, Maysville; sister, Estelle Welborn, Gillsville; four grandchildren, Amy Lunsford and Cindy Wehunt, both of Gainesville, Ashley Morris and Reggie Morris, both of Homer; and six great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Monday, September 3, at Mt Carmel Baptist Church with the Rev. Ralph O. Smith officiating.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
The Banks County News, September 5, 2007.
‘Pitt’ Pittman
William Albert “Pitt” Pittman, 89, of Cornelia, died Friday, August 31, 2007, at Habersham Nursing Home.
He was born on March 1, 1918, in Lula, and was the son of the late William Roscoe and Fanny Mae Pittman. He was retired after a 43 year career with Chicopee Manufacturing Company in Cornelia and was a former deacon, Sunday school teacher, and member of Faith Tabernacle Baptist Church in Demorest.
Mr. Pittman was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Whelchel Pittman; sisters, Vallee Holland and Anne Bennett.
Survivors include a daughter, Brenda Smith, Gainesville; sons and daughters-in-law, Rick and Christi Pittman, Cornelia, and Royce and Maria Pittman, Watkinsville; sisters, Ruby Reed, Gainesville, Irene Oliver, Lula; seven grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Sunday, September 2, at Whitfield Funeral Home with the Rev. Bobby Watson Sr. officiating. Private burial services were held Monday, September 3.
Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, was in charge of arrangements.
The Banks County News, September 5, 2007.
Lonnie Jones
Lonnie A. Jones, 64, of Commerce, died Monday, September 3, 2007.
He was the son of the late Charlie and Mattie Jones, and attended Better Place Chapel and Homer Alliance Church. Mr. Jones was a veteran, having served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam Conflict, as an aircraft engineer working on airplanes and helicopters, and received secret clearance for special operations. He was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Jones.
Survivors include his wife, Martha Jones, Commerce; children and spouses, Robert W. Long Sr. and Amy Long, and Kim and Tony Murphy, all of Loganville, Roxanne Long, Athens, Ronald Jones and Michael Jones, both of Florida, Leah Jones Reppond, Tennessee; brother, Calvin Jones, Adairsville; sisters, Louise Rogers, Covington, Nellie Duncan, Gravitt, Ark.; brothers-in-law, Joseph Hicks and Hoyt Hicks; 15 grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial services were held Wednesday, September 5, at Alcova Baptist Church, Scottsdale.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Gwinnett County Unit, 6500 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Ste. 260, Duluth, Ga. 30097.
Tim Stewart Funeral Home, Lawrenceville, was in charge of arrangements.
The Banks County News, September 5, 2007.
