William Scales
William Howard Scales, 80, of Commerce, died Thursday, February 28, 2008, at BJC Nursing Home.
Born in Banks County, he was the son of the late Roscoe and Eunice Caldwell Scales. Mr. Scales was a veteran, having served in the United States Army.
Survivors include a sister, Francine E. Garrison, Union City.
No memorial services have been scheduled at this time.
Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 5, 2008.
Cecile Minish
Cecile Simmons Minish, 93, of Commerce, died Saturday, March 1, 2008, at her residence.
She was born in Franklin County, the daughter of the late Frank Y. and Lexie Bond Simmons. She was the oldest member of Erastus Christian Church and very active in the church until recent declining health prevented her from attending. Mrs. Minish was preceded in death by her husband, Ferris S. Minish; children, Billy Franklin Minish and Mary Minish Chandler; sons-in-law, Larry Gillespie, Ronald Hardman Sr., and Ronald Wilkins.
Survivors include sons and daughter-in-law, Lammie Minish, Commerce, and Johnny and Brenda Minish, Ila; daughters and sons-in-law, Nelda and Crawford Whitsel, Susan and Keith Steed, all of Ila, Jean and Howard Harris, Madge and Jimmy Stewart, all of Commerce, Glenda and Dennis Hogan, Hoschton, Nita and John Bellamy, Athens; son-in-law, Donald Chandler, Hull; 17 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Elmer Simmons, Comer; and sisters, Ruby Wood and Fannie Wood, both of Winterville.
Funeral services were held Monday, March 3, at the Erastus Christian Church with the Revs. Billy Glosson and Carl Beckham officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Erastus Christian Church Building Fund.
Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 5, 2008.
Geraldine Davidson
Geraldine Whiteside Tomlin Davidson, 72, of Alto, died Tuesday, February 26, 2008, at her residence, following an extended illness.
She was born in Habersham County on March 1, 1935, the daughter of Catherine Whiteside Flynn of Gainesville and the late Hoke Smith Whiteside. She was retired from the Steak House in Baldwin, and was of Holiness faith. She loved to read and enjoyed word search puzzles, loved ones stated.
Mrs. Davidson was preceded in death by her husband, Talmadge William Richard Davidson; sons, Nicky Tomlin, Kenneth Tomlin and David Davidson; and a brother, James Brown “J.B.” Whiteside.
Survivors in addition to her mother, include sons, Ricky Tomlin and Dean Davidson, both of Alto, and Daryl Davidson, Mt. Airy; a sister, Rachel Rice, Lula; granddaughter and caregiver, Natasha Standridge, Alto; grandchildren, Jennifer Kennedy, Catherine Gailey, Rosemary Smallwood, Amberlee Davidson, Trista Davidson, Nicky Tomlin, Samuel Davidson and Talmadge Davidson; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Friday, February 29, in the chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home with the Revs. Sanford Kimbrell and Johnny Brady officiating. Burial was in the Wade Family Cemetery.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 5, 2008.
‘Tunk’ Daniel
Dan Edward “Tunk” Daniel, 71, of Maysville, died Tuesday, February 26, 2008, at his residence.
He was born in Lawrenceville, the son of the late Willie and Willie Margaret Swafford Daniel. He had played guitar for the Georgia Gospel Eagles.
Survivors include his wife, Mildred Leonard Daniel; daughters and sons-in-law, Rita and Danny Geyer, Lawrenceville, Ann and Steve Spurrier, Lula, Melita and Shaun Jenkins, Auburn; sons and daughter-in-law, Danny Daniel, David Daniel, Eddie Daniel, all of Maysville, James and Tonya Daniels, Gillsville; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Friday, February 29, at the Cave Springs Baptist Church in Pendergrass with the Revs. Chad Rising, Jimmy Masters and Jerry Sheridan officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 5, 2008.
J.P. Anderson
J.P. Anderson, 95, of Commerce, formerly of Nicholson, died Thursday, February 28, 2008, at BJC Nursing Home.
Born in Jackson County on June 16, 1912, he was the son of the late Julian L. and Hattie Lee Wheeler Anderson. He was retired from Roper Pump Company and was a cattle farmer. He was a member of Living Word Worship Center.
Survivors include a son, Larry Anderson, Monroe; brother, Hoyt Anderson, Athens; sisters, Mildred Hix and Marie Tupper, both of Atlanta, Lorent Guest, Toccoa; several grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Saturday, March 1, in the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home with the Rev. Dennis Kesler officiating. Burial was in the Nicholson Cemetery.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 5, 2008.
Thomas Hawks
Thomas Julian Hawks, 85, of Nicholson, died Thursday, February 28, 2008, at BJC Nursing Home.
Born in Clarke County, the was the son of the late Claude and Leona McConnell Hawks. He was a member of New Harmony Baptist Church and was retired from Dairy Pack. Mr. Hawks was a veteran, having served in the United States Army during World War II, and received a Purple Heart. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois Jones Hawks.
Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Wayne Smith, Nicholson; sons and daughters-in-law, Bobby and Mayrelle Hawks, Nicholson, Lynn and Cindy Hawks, Hull; a brother, Harold Hawks, Nicholson; sisters, Evelyn Haynes, Mildred David and Catherine Baird, all of Danielsville, and Dorothy Erdman, Missouri; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren
Funeral services were held Sunday, March 2, at New Harmony Baptist Church with the Revs. Allen Seagraves and Mike Stowers officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 5, 2008.
Bobby McGee
Bobby Randolph McGee, 56, of Royston, died Friday, February 28, 2008, at the Athens Regional Medical Center.
He was born on September 26, 1951, in Jackson County, the son of the late James F. McGee Sr. and Mamie Satterfield McGee. He was a member of the Providence Baptist Church in Ila. Mr. McGee was preceded in death by a sister, Bertha Wilkes.
Survivors include brothers, James F. McGee Jr., Commerce, Paul McGee and Freddy McGee, both of Danielsville; sisters, Lucy M. Phillips, Royston, Ruby Kennedy and Geneva McElroy, both of Commerce, and Gail Grogan, Bogart.
Funeral services were held Saturday, March 1, at the Providence Baptist Church with the Rev. Albert Vaughn officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Providence Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 259, Ila, Ga. 30657.
Ginn Funeral Home, Carnesville, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 5, 2008.
Donald Dalton
Donald Edgar Dalton, 63, of Athens, died Friday, February 28, 2008, at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Athens.
Born in Oconee County and a resident of Jackson County for 43 years, he was the son of the late George and Doris Bradshaw Dalton. He attended the Bogart United Methodist Church and was a member of Local #85 Sheet Metal Workers.
Survivors include his wife, Shirley Jean Dalton; a son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Kathy Dalton, Athens; daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia Dalton and Gerald Bridges, Nicholson; and a grandson, Cody Dalton.
Funeral services were held Saturday, March 1, at Lord & Stephens Funeral Home with Pastor Barbara Ulrich and the Rev. Stevie Coombs officiating. Burial was at the Bogart United Methodist Church cemetery.
Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, West Chapel, Bogart, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 5, 2008.
Helen Parker
Helen Elizabeth Parker, 82, of Bessemer City, N.C., died Saturday, March 1, 2008, at Gaston Memorial Hospital.
She was born on March 21, 1925, in Cherokee County, S.C., the daughter of Rufus Hatcher and Annie Neal Hamrick. She was a homemaker and a member of First Baptist Church in Bessemer City, N.C. Mrs. Parker was preceded in death by her husband, James “Frank” Parker, Sr.; a sister, Geneva Roark; brothers, Calvin Hamrick and Kenneth Hamrick; granddaughter, Ramona Leigh Watson; and son-in-law, Molen B. Watson.
Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, J. Frank Parker Jr. and Debbie Parker, West Columbia, S.C., Craig Alan and Barbara Parker, Matthews, N.C.; daughter, Ramona Parker Watson, Commerce; brothers and sister-in-law, James H. Hamrick, Perry, Ed and Winona Hamrick, Blacksburg, S.C.; special friends, Denise B. Wallace, Lois Pickelsimer and Peggy Patti; nine grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Monday, March 3, at the First Baptist Church in Bessemer City, N.C., with Pastors Chuck Brawley and A.A. Bailey officiating. Burial was at Westview Gardens in Bessemer City.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, Journey of Faith Fund, 107 East Washington St., Bessemer City, N.C. 28016.
Greene Funeral Home, West Chapel, Gastonia, N.C., was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 5, 2008.
Adam Stephenson
Adam Brandon Stephenson, 45, of Tuscon, Ariz., formerly of Commerce, died Saturday, March 1, 2008.
He was born at Fort Stewart in Georgia, the son of Brandon and Shirley Barrett Stephenson of Commerce. He was a member of Berea Baptist Church in Commerce, but regularly attended Desert Skies Methodist Church in Tuscon, Ariz. He was employed as a mechanical engineer with Krebs, and was a 1980 honor graduate of Commerce High School and a 1984 graduate of the United States Military Academy West Point. He served as president of West Point Pipe and Drum Corp during his senior year and was a member of various pipe and drum corps in Tallahassee, Fla., and Jackson, Miss., prior to moving to Tuscon, Ariz. Mr. Stephenson served in the United States Army for 13 years rising to rank of Major. He served in Desert Storm as a tank officer, where he was awarded the bronze star with valor. He was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, and was organizer of the “Wounded Warriors,” a motorcycle club in Tuscon, which raised funds for veterans in need of prosthetic limbs.
Survivors in addition to his parents, include a son, Alex Stephenson, Kensington, Conn.; sisters, Kathryn Thomas, Commerce, and Patti Chandler, Nicholson; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 6, at 2 p.m., at the Berea Baptist Church with the Revs. Verlin Reese and Terry James officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 5, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the funeral home.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 5, 2008.
Sara Seabolt
Sara Frances Doster Seabolt, 73, of Gainesville, died Thursday, February 28, 2008, at Limestone Heritage Nursing Home following an extended illness.
Born in Jackson County, she was the daughter of the late Homer and Norma Reynolds Doster. She was a retired elementary school teacher, which included Sardis Elementary School for 12 years, and a cord at the 9th District School.
Survivors include her husband, Foster Odell Seabolt, Gainesville; son and daughter-in-law, Ronald and Doris Seabolt, Murrayville; daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Todd Sears, Buford; granddaughter and spouse, Tina and Jon Bargar, Murrayville; great-grandson, Jacob Bargar, Murrayville; brother and sister-in-law, Henry and Wanda Doster, Jefferson; sister, Barbara Grace Biddy, Columbia, S.C.; and a host of family and friends.
Memorial services were held Saturday, March 1, at the Antioch United Methodist Church with the Rev. Greg Burgner officiating. Burial was in Jackson Memorial Park Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Antioch United Methodist Church, 2922 Antioch Church Rd., Gainesville, GA 30506; or American Heart Association, 1101 Northchase Parkway Suite 1, Marietta, GA 30067; or The Arthritis Foundation, 1330 W. Peachtree St., Suite 100, Atlanta, Ga. 30309.
Memorial Park Funeral Home, Gainesville, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 5, 2008.
‘Sally’ Sawyer
Saralene “Sally” Sawyer, 85, of Athens, died Wednesday, February 27, 2008.
A native of Banks County, she was the daughter of the late Grover Cleveland and Emma Bryant Parson. She was a homemaker and a member of the Bogart United Methodist Church. Mrs. Sawyer was preceded in death by her husband, Douglas Eugene Sawyer.
Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Jerome and Linda Jackson, Orlando, Fla.; sister, Christine Scarborough, Anderson, S.C.; granddaughters, Milinda Neusaenger and Ronda Jackson; niece and spouse, Rose and Herman Smallwood; nephew and spouse, Donnie and Judy Moorhead; and family member, Marian Moorhead.
Funeral services were held Saturday, March 1, in the chapel of Bernstein Funeral Home. Burial was in Evergreen Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Bogart United Methodist Church, 1201 Atlanta Hwy., Bogart, GA 30622, or The United Hospice of Athens, 435 Hawthorne Ave., Athens, GA 30606.
Bernstein Funeral Home, Athens, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 5, 2008.
Hobert Tanksley
Hobert D. Tanksley, 82, of Madison, died Monday, February 25, 2008.
A native of Oconee County, he was the son of the late Dock and Maude Truelove Tanksley. He was retired from Westclox after 35 years and was active with the Morgan County Senior Center. He was a member of Joy Baptist Church and Civitan Club. Mr. Tanksley was preceded in death by his wife, Irene Spratlin Tanksley; and a daughter, Sharon Epps.
Survivors include daughters, Sheila Sargent, Arnoldsville, Selena Hall, Madison, and Dot Silman, Greenville, S.C.; sisters, Memphis Eason, Conyers, Nellie Hammonds, Winder, and Ruby Thrasher, Commerce; 12 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Thursday, February 28, in the chapel of Lord & Stephens Funeral Home with the Revs. Eric Buffington and Hubert Hammonds officiating. Burial was in Evergreen Memorial Park.
Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, East, Athens, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 5, 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 Garrison, 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 were held Thursday, February 28, in the chapel of Bridges Funeral Home with the Rev. Griff Carithers officiating. Burial was in Evergreen Memorial Park.
Memorial 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, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 5, 2008.
Sarah Todd
Sarah Elizabeth Short Todd, 84, of Clarkesville, died Saturday, March 1, 2008, at a local area hospital following an extended illness.
Born in Jackson County on August 12, 1923, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Doss and Sally Wheeler Short. She was a member of the Hill’s Crossing Baptist Church and was a retired school teacher after 37 years of dedicated service in the Habersham County School system. Mrs. Todd was preceded in death by brothers, Madison “Doc” Short, William Benjamin Short, James Short and Tommy Short; and sisters, Lucille Scroggs and Ruby Harris.
Survivors include her husband, Ray E. Todd, Clarkesville; son and daughter-in-law, DeWitt Ray and Teresa J. Todd, Clarkesville; a sister, Zelma Swanson, Murphy, N.C.; grandchildren, Matthew Ray Todd and Michael Paul Todd.
Funeral services were held Monday, March 3, at the Hill’s Crossing Baptist Church with the Revs. Walter Singletary and Kenneth McIntyre officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 5, 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 received friends Wednesday, February 27, at the funeral home. The visitation was the only service held.
Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 5, 2008.
RayAnna Childers
RayAnna Childers, 86, of Life Care Center in Gwinnett County, originally from Atlanta, died Saturday, March 1, 2008.
She was a friend to all she met and was loved by all who knew her, according to loved ones. She worked tirelessly and valiantly on behalf of the mentally ill, attending and chairing Emotions Anonymous meetings. She possessed the voice of an angel, singing operatic soprano at weddings, funerals and simply for the delight of all. Her favorite was Ava Maria and O Holy Night. She was recently crowned Ms. Life Care Center of Gwinnett.
Survivors include daughters and son-in-law, Gayle and Bill Gullick, Maysville, and Teresa “Terry” Childers, Duluth; a son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Terri Childers, Duluth; grandson, Jonathan Gullick; granddaughter and fiancé, Jennifer Gullick and Fred Homenek; great-grandson, Brett Felton; and eight grand-dogs who she dearly loved.
Final arrangements to be announced through Patterson’s Oglethorpe Hill on Peachtree Street in Atlanta. The funeral will be held at Cathedral of Christ the King in Buckhead.
The Commerce News, March 5, 2008.
Wayne Baird
Wayne Lamar Baird, 71, of Hull, died Thursday, February 14, 2008, at the Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, following a brief illness.
Survivors include a son, Wayne Baird, Nashville, Tenn.; a daughter, Leslie Williams, Hull; brothers, Doug Baird, Lavonia, and Gene Baird, Clarkesville, Tenn.; and one grandson.
Memorial services were held Sunday, February 17, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home with the Rev. Bill Manus officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Ridgeway Baptist Church Bus Ministry.
Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 5, 2008.
