George Blalock
George Thomas Blalock, 69, of Nicholson, died Saturday, February 23, 2008, at Athens Regional Medical Center.
He was born May 5, 1938, in Walton County, to the late John Hoke and Edna Merle Swindle Blalock and was a retired auto body worker.
Mr. Blalock was a Christian with a heart of compassion for his family, friends and animals. He was “Papa George” to all children, according to loved ones. Mr. Blalock was preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy Watson.
Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Glinda Ann Williams Blalock, Nicholson; daughter, Beverly Blalock, Commerce; daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Johnny Stancil, Jefferson; grandson and granddaughter-in-law, Jonathon and Jennifer Stancil, Jefferson; granddaughter, Holly Gaddis, Commerce; great-grandchildren; Chance and Kyler Stancil, Jefferson; nephew, Wayne Powell, Commerce; nephew and niece-in-law, Tommy and Janet Watson, Commerce; great- nephew, Josh Brockman, Commerce; great-niece, Samantha Watson, Commerce; aunts, Ollie Raven, Greenville, S.C. and Pearl Swindle, Spartanburg, S.C.; uncle, Ben Swindle, Greenville, S.C.; and his dog, Bugger.
Graveside services were held Tuesday, February 26, at Howington Cemetery in Nicholson with the Revs. Tommy Watson and Troy Herbert officiating.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
The Jackson Herald, February 27, 2008.
Pauline Lewallen
Pauline M. Lewallen, 88, of Commerce, died Sunday, February 24, 2008, at BJC Nursing Home.
She was born in Banks County, December 26, 1919 to the late Grover Cleveland and Laura Shubert Merck. She was a caregiver.
Survivors include sons, Jerry N. and Norman C. Lewallen, both of Commerce; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, February 26, from the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home with the Rev. Troy Herbert officiating. Burial was in Grey Hill Cemetery.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
The Jackson Herald, February 27, 2008.
Roy Blackledge
Roy Blackledge, 85, of Jefferson, died Friday, February 22, 2008, at St. Mary’s Hospice House.
He was born on October 12, 1922, the son of the late Burton and Mildred Thonack Blackledge, and grew up in Rutherford, N.J., in a family of 10 children. He attended Bergen Junior College and the 30CTD at Xavier University as an Army Air Corps Cadet. He then joined the Army Air Corps, serving as a second lieutenant, where he was a twin-engine bomber pilot. The war ended before he saw active duty, and he remained in the reserves for 12 years. He was a quality engineer and supervisor with the Flintkote Company and retired after 32 years, as a purchasing manager with Bendix Aviation. During this time, he received an award for his participation with the Apollo Space Program and the Federation of the Handicap. Mr. Blackledge was preceded in death by a son, John Durfee.
Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Anna Blackledge, Jefferson; a daughter, Francine Taylor, Mt. Pleasant, N.C.; sons, Edward Durfee, Northvale, N.J., Steven Durfee, Gillsville, Richard Durfee, Blooming Grove; a brother, Frank, Augusta; sister, Alva, Wayne, N.J.; 12 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, March 1, at 1 p.m., in the Commerce First Presbyterian Church with Minister Gaye Brown officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the United Hospice, 700 S. Enota St., Ste. 202, Gainesville, Ga. 30501; Peachtree Christian Hospice, 3430 Duluth Park Lane, Duluth, Ga. 30096; or the St. Mary’s Hospice House, 1660 Jennings Mill Rd., Bogart, Ga. 30622.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.
The Jackson Herald, February 27, 2008.
Edna Dalton
Edna Earl Dalton, 86, of Jefferson, died Monday, February 25, 2008, at BJC Nursing Home.
Born in Hall County, she was the daughter of the late James Perno and Cumi Malcolm Davis. She was retired from Jefferson Mills, and was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Dalton; and a son, Bradley Dalton.
Survivors include daughters, Dink Wood, Commerce, and Kathie Dalton, Atlanta; a sister, Martha Cronic, Columbus; five grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, February 27, in the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral home with the Rev. Bill Manus and Shad Lankford officiating. Burial was in the Jackson Memorial Gardens.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
The Jackson Herald, February 27, 2008.
Thomas Farmer
Thomas Crawford Farmer, 93, of Nicholson, died Thursday, February 21, 2008.
A native of Jackson County, he was the son of the late Willie Edgar Farmer Sr. and Oza Mae Crawford. He served on the Athens Fire Department for 35 years, was a member of the Woodman of the World, Jackson County Cattlemen’s Association, the Jackson County Farm Bureau, and the Antioch Methodist Church in Jefferson. Mr. Farmer was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Pittman.
Survivors include brothers, Neville Farmer, Nicholson, Togie Farmer, Asheville, N.C.; a sister, Edna Good, Sayemore, Mo.; and a number of nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Sunday, February 24, in the chapel of Bernstein Funeral Home with the Revs. Robert Passmore and Billy Pittman officiating. Burial was at Evergreen Memorial Park. Pallbearers were members of the Athens-Clarke County Fire Department. Honorary pallbearers were other area fire fighters, nephews and great-nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to Odyssey Hospice, 575 Research Dr., Suite A, Atlanta, Ga. 30605.
Bernstein Funeral Home, Athens, was in charge of arrangements.
The Jackson Herald, February 27, 2008.
Lurlene King
Lurlene Thompson King, 91, of Baldwin, died Monday, February 25, 2008, at Oak Heritage Healthcare, following an extended illness.
Born in Banks County on June 14, 1916, she was the daughter of the late R.O. and Ida Chastain Thompson. She and her husband were the owners and operators of K & L Cab Services and Rental Properties in Baldwin for over 50 years. She was a member of Baldwin Baptist Church, where she served in the Joy Sunday School Class. Mrs. King was preceded in death by her husband, Sandy N. King; a daughter, Doris Carolyn King; and an infant sister and brothers, Claude, Lewis, Roy and Abener Thompson.
She loved the Lord and always wanted to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ all over the world, according to loved ones. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Grace and Howard Hogsed, Toccoa; son and daughter-in-law, Charles and Joyce King, Baldwin; grandchildren and spouses, David and Keri Hogsed, Waxhaw, N.C., Rodney and Sandra Payne, Criss and Pam Cobb, Stuart and Kim Gaines, all of Toccoa, Chris and Sherry Lewis and Tim Lewis, all of Maysville, Scott Lewis, Mt. Airy, Jack and Robin Davidson, Jefferson, Beth Lewis, Cornelia, Shad and Charity Boswell, Gulf Port, Miss., Rodney and Missy King and Jeff King, all of Baldwin, Reed and Angela Ballew, Clarkesville, and Steven and Camilla Rumsey, Alto; 23 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 28, at 2 p.m., at the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church with the Revs. Sherry Lewis and Jerrell Beatty officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday, February 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia, is in charge of arrangements.
The Jackson Herald, February 27, 2008.
Douglas Purdy
Douglas Dwayne Purdy, Sr., 56, of Commerce, died Sunday, February 24, 2008, following injuries received in an automobile accident.
He was born in Fulton County on April 25, 1951, the son of Leonard Lee Purdy, Sr. of Commerce and the late Vivian Clara Parker Purdy. He was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Troy Purdy. Mr. Purdy was a veteran, having served in the United States Army during the Vietnam conflict, and was employed with Carrier Transicold in Athens.
Survivors in addition to his father, include sons, Douglas Dwayne Purdy Jr. and Christopher Ryan Purdy, both of Commerce; brothers, Larry Wayne Purdy Sr. and Leonard Lee Purdy Jr., both of Commerce, and Johnny David Purdy, Winder.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, February 27, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. The visitation will be the only service held.
Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, is in charge of arrangements.
The Jackson Herald, February 27, 2008.
Ruby Byers
Ruby Fay Byers, 82, of Gainesville, died Monday, February 18, 2008, at Peachtree Plantation Assisted Living, following an extended illness.
She was born on February 3, 1926, in Jackson County, the daughter of the late Eston A. and Lena Patterson Smith, and was a member of Flat Creek Baptist Church for 60 years. Mrs. Byers was preceded in death by her husband, Sanford Byers; a granddaughter, Alison Lynn Byers; brothers, Boyd and Roger Smith; sister, Jeanette Jones.
Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Marie and Harvey Hopper, Oakwood; sons and daughters-in-law, Anderson and Lucy Byers, Hoschton, Glenn and Judy Byers and Randolph and Teri Byers, all of Gainesville, Mark Byers, Redondo Beach, Calif.; sisters, Lillian Ivey and Bernice Martin, both of Gainesville; brother, Clyde Smith, Dalton; 12 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Thursday, February 21, in the chapel of Little-Davenport Funeral Home with the Rev. Charles Jones officiating. Burial was in Memorial Park Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Odyssey Hospice, 575 Research Dr., Athens, Ga. 30605, Flat Creek Baptist Church, 5504 Flat Creek Rd., Gainesville, Ga. 30504, or to Eagle Ranch, P.O. Box 7200, Chestnut Mountain, Ga. 30502.
Little-Davenport Funeral Home, Gainesville, was in charge of arrangements.
The Jackson Herald, February 27, 2008.
Jerry Sailers
Jerry Rogers Sailers, 69, of Orange Park, Fla., formerly of Homer, died Sunday, December 30, 2007.
He was born in Jackson County on March 30, 1938, the son of Walter Sailers and Carrie Shelnutt Sailers. He graduated from Banks County High School in 1956, where he was active in baseball and basketball. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1961, serving during the Vietnam Conflict and eventually retiring in September, 1991, after serving 31 years of decorated service as a Command Master Chief. During his years of service, he was active in sports and was a member of the All Navy Softball Team in 1976 and 1977. After retiring from the Navy, he worked for the recreational department at Jacksonville Naval Air Station.
He enjoyed being surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren. He especially enjoyed supporting his grandchildren in their recreational activities, according to loved ones. Mr. Sailers was preceded in death by brothers, Dupree and Donald Sailers; and a sister, Merle Sailers Jones.
Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Mildred Meeks Sailers, formerly of Maysville; a son, Anthony Rogers Sailers; daughter and son-in-law, Tanya Sailers and David Kuramoto, Jacksonville, Fla.; six grandchildren, Kierstin, Lauren and Alyssa Sailers, Ryan, Tyler and Jacob Kuramoto; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bill and Lona Sailers, Jacksonville, Fla., and John and Edna Sailers, Acworth; and many other family members.
Jerry will be missed and remembered by friends he made, the family he took such great care of and the lives he touched. You can send his family a message at legacy.com.
Announcement courtesy of the Sailers family.
The Jackson Herald, February 27, 2008.
Eugene Pike
Eugene T. Pike, 74, of Baldwin, died Monday, February 25, 2008, at BJC Medical Center in Commerce.
He was born in Dade County on July 14, 1933, the son of the late William Ezekial and Fannie Belle Smith Pike and was an air traffic controller. Mr. Pike was a veteran, having served in the United States Navy and Air Force during the Korean Conflict.
Survivors include a daughter, Sara Pike, Baldwin; son, Bevan Pike, Riverdale; and grandson, Adam Z. Clay, Baldwin.
The body was cremated and no services have been planned.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Georgia Chapter Alzheimer’s Association, 1925 Century Blvd., NE, Suite 10, Atlanta, Ga. 30345-3315.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
The Jackson Herald, February 27, 2008.
Annie Griffin
Annie Claire Griffin, 77, of Commerce, died Thursday, February 21, 2008, at BJC Medical Center in Commerce.
She was born in Banks County, daughter of the late William Monroe and Eva Madeline Gordon, and was a member of the First Methodist Church of Commerce. Mrs. Griffin was preceded in death by her husband, GL Griffin.
Survivors include daughters, Ellen Miller, Canton, Kathy Simmering, Ft. Myers, Fla., and Mary Shallenberger, Powder Springs; a son, Groves Lester Griffin III, Douglasville; brothers, Milton Gordon, Greer, S.C., and Dillard Gordon, Clayton; a sister, Sara Myrte Ingram, Lafayette; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Sunday, February 24, at the First Methodist Church of Commerce with the Rev. David Bowen officiating. Burial was in the Homer Presbyterian Church cemetery.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
The Jackson Herald, February 27, 2008.
John Saylors
John Vernon Saylors, 90, formerly a resident of Marietta, most recently living in Richmond, Va., died Wednesday, February 13, 2008.
He was born on May 8, 1917, in Dothan, Ala., the son of the late John Walker and Flora Irene Bonner Saylors. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Frances Muse Saylors.
He was a general contractor in Carrollton, prior to joining Lockheed Georgia Company, where he was the division manager of maintenance. He retired from Lockheed Georgia Company in 1976, after 25 years of service. Following retirement, he was the co-owner of the Treasure House Antiques Shop, where he repaired and refinished antique furniture. He was a skilled woodworker and loved building bird houses and tables for family and friends.
He was a former member of the Fair Oaks United Methodist Church and the First United Methodist Church of Marietta. He was active in the Kennesaw Lost Mountain Golden “K” Club prior to relocating to Richmond, Va., and was a Mason for over 50 years.
Mr. Saylors was a veteran, having served in the United States Naval Construction Battalion during World War II, as Chief Petty Officer. His battalion built military bases in the South Pacific.
Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Dianne Saylors and Bob Blankenship, Hoschton, Pam K. Saylors, and heart daughter, Judy Grubb, living in Richmond, Va.; several sisters and brothers-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, loved ones, caregivers and friends.
Funeral services were held Saturday, February 16, at Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home in Marietta with the Rev. James Sanders officiating. Burial was at Kennesaw Memorial Park Cemetery in Marietta.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society-Cobb County, 1825 Barrett Lakes Blvd., Kennesaw, Ga. 30144.
Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home, Marietta, was in charge of arrangements.
The Jackson Herald, February 27, 2008.
Serena Williamson
Serena Dell Williamson, 82, of Hull, died Thursday, February 21, 2008.
Born in Madison County, she was the daughter of the late John Andrew and Linnie Mae Dillard Williams. Mrs. Williamson was preceded in death by her husband, Wyatt Williamson; a son, Leslie Williamson; and grandchild, Leann Holmes.
Survivors include her children and spouses, Sheila and Harry Underwood, Pendergrass, Pat and Joan Williamson, Dallas, Texas, Sandi Williamson, Lakeland, Fla., and Kellie and Steve England, Hull; grandchildren and spouses, Judy and Steve Pearson, Jennifer Underwood, Carmen and Tom Surgent, Crystal Williamson, Tyler Williamson, Anthony and Mandy England, Andy England, Whitney and Jordan Byce, Amy Keyes, Burke Williamson, and Serena Williamson; and ten great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Sunday, February 24, in the chapel of Evans Funeral Home with the Revs. Morris Sapp and Scott Lance officiating. Burial was in Evans Memory Gardens. Pallbearers were Tom Surgent, Andy England, Anthony England, Steve Pearson, Tyler Williamson, Chad Pearson and Jordan Byce.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, was in charge of arrangements.
The Jackson Herald, February 27, 2008.
Estelle Welborn
Estelle R. Welborn, 90, of Gillsville, died Wednesday, February 20, 2008, at her residence. Born in Banks County, she was the daughter of the late David and Minnie Brown Reid. She was a retired teacher’s aide for Gillsville Elementary School and was a member of the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. Mrs. Welborn was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Welborn; brothers, L.C. Reid, Major Reid, Ed Reid and Pledger Reid; sisters, Minnie Ruth Morris, Annie Mae Carlan and Oma Nell Suggs.
Survivors include a son, Willis H. Welborn, Comer; daughter, Janice W. Pritchett, Gainesville; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and one great-great-grandchild.
Funeral services were held Friday, February 22, at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church with the Revs. Ralph O. Smith, Swayne Carlan and James Duncan officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Cemetery Fund.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
The Jackson Herald, February 27, 2008.
Mary Ellen Saylors
Mary Ellen Harris Fincannon Saylors, 66, of Commerce, died Monday, February 25, 2008, at Grandview Care Center in Athens.
She was born in Franklin County, the daughter of Mary Elizabeth Phillips Harris of Royston and the late Fred Harris.
Survivors in addition to her mother, include her husband, JD Saylors, Commerce; a daughter, Dana Lynn Harrin, Banks County; sons, Daniel Horace Varner and Larry Joe Fincannon, both of Banks County; step-children, Ernest JD Saylors, Toccoa, Lori Lynn Saylors, Stone Mountain; a sister, Annie Sue Herrin, Royston; brothers, Bobby Harris, Winterville, William Harris, Canon; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, February 27, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home. Burial was in the Bold Springs Methodist Church cemetery, Franklin County.
Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
The Jackson Herald, February 27, 2008.
Virginia Sosby
Virginia Anderson Sosby, 81, died Tuesday, February 19, 2008, at Athens Regional Medical Center.
She was born July 2, 1926, the daughter of the late Dolie P. and Julius James Anderson. She was a homemaker and a member of Hunter’s Creek Baptist Church.
Survivors include her husband, George W. Sosby Sr.; sons and daughters-in-law, George W. Sosby Jr. and Yvonne Sosby, Commerce, and Kevin and Beth Sosby, Martin; daughters and sons-in-law, Avis and Leonard Barrett, Martin, Jerrie Lynn and John Collier, Toccoa, and Rena and Richard Matheson, Mountain Rest, S.C.; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brothers, James Anderson and Randall Anderson, both of Anderson, S.C.; Charles Anderson and Billy Anderson, both of Starr, S.C.; and Herman Anderson, Toccoa; sisters, Nettie Stancill, Anderson, S.C., and Sue Ayers, Toccoa.
Funeral services were held Friday, February 22, at B.D. Ginn Memorial Chapel of Ginn Funeral Home with the Revs. Truitt Brawner and Roy Smith officiating. Burial was in Hunter’s Creek Baptist Church cemetery.
Ginn Funeral Home, Carnesville, was in charge of arrangements.
The Jackson Herald, February 27, 2008.
Fred Martin
Fred William Martin, 74, of Commerce, died Monday, February 25, 2008, at Athens Regional Medical Center in Athens.
Born in Franklin County on August 27, 1933, he was the son of the late Willie and Loudez Byrd Martin. He retired from Royston Corporation and was a member of Hudson River Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Linda Joyce Reems Martin, Commerce; a son, Mark Martin, Commerce; daughter, Marcia Ayers, Carnesville; and four grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held Thursday, February 28, at 2 p.m. at Hudson River Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Troy Herbert officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday, February 27, from 7 to 9 p.m., at the funeral home.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
The Jackson Herald, February 27, 2008.
George Hayes
George P. Hayes, 88, of Carnesville, died Thursday, February 21, 2008, at his residence surrounded by family and caretakers. Born October 3, 1919, he was the son of the late John C. and Mary Ann Walsh Hayes. He was a native of Coffee Count and enlisted in the Army Air Forces in 1941 and was honorably discharged in 1945. He and his late wife, Jannette Eavenson Hayes, were married October 26, 1943. Mr. Hayes retired from Atlanta Stove Works in 1983. Following his wife’s death in 1992, he moved from their Atlanta home to the residence on his farm in Carnesville. He was a charter member of Briarcliff Methodist Church and a member of Bold Springs United Methodist Church, Carnesville. Mr. Hayes was a former Scoutmaster in Atlanta and a former member of the Lions Club, Royston. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by siblings, J.C. Hayes, Sarah Dove, and Dewey N. Hayes Sr.
Survivors include sons and daughters-in-laws, Phillip and Vickki, Braselton, and John and Jan, Carnesville; grandsons and spouse, Todd and Susan, Hoschton, and Christopher, Braselton; granddaughters, Katherine and Ashley, Carnesville; step-grandson and spouse, Justin and Andrea Smith, Macon; great-grandchildren, Jared, Shelby and Jackson, Hoschton; step-grandsons, Dylan and Gavin Smith; brother-in-law and spouse, Horace and Josephine Eavenson, Elberton; brother-in-law, James Mann, Hoschton; sister-in-law, Margaret Hayes, Douglas; niece and spouse, Mary Joyce and Jerry Dellinger, Charlotte, N.C.; and numerous other nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Sunday, February 24, at the Bold Springs United Methodist Church in Carnesville with the Rev. Randy Strickland officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Ginn Funeral Home, Carnesville, was in charge of arrangements.
The Jackson Herald, February 27, 2008.
Rev. Howard Garrison
Rev. Howard Garrison, 85, of Commerce, died Tuesday, February 26, 2008, following a brief illness.
A native of Jackson County, he was the son of the late Jesse and Roxie Kellum Garrison. Rev. Garrison served as pastor of New Harmony Baptist Church in Nicholson for 29 years. He also served as pastor of Center Baptist Church and Sandy Creek Baptist Church. He was retired from Athens Tech after 20 years of service.
Survivors include his wife, Margaret Garrison, Commerce; sons, Larry Garrisosn, Woodstock, and Jerry Garrison, Canton; a daughter, Terry Key, Cumming; sisters, Montine Carter, Ft. Valley, Minette Connally, Watkinsville, Emma Sue Ogle, Crawford; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 28, at 3 p.m., in the chapel of Bridges Funeral Home with the Rev. Griff Carithers officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, February 27, from 7 to 9 p.m., and on Thursday, February 28, from 2 to 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to JAPDD (Jackson Association for Persons with Developmental Disabilities), P.O. Box 316, Commerce, Ga. 30529, or to New Harmony Baptist Church, 8816 Hwy. 334, Nicholson, Ga. 30565.
Bridges Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements.
The Jackson Herald, February 27, 2008.
