Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee announces Funeral Services for Mr. Alton Ellis Gribble, age 91, of Hiawassee, Georgia, who passed away Thursday, August 7, 2014, at Chatuge Regional Nursing Home.Mr. Gribble was born in Hiawassee on October 18, 1922 to the late Don & Ruth (Sims) Gribble, one of 4 boys. Alton was a member of Lower Bell Creek Baptist Church. He worked with the Civilian Conservation Corps. before joining the Army during World War II. Bravely serving in the European Theater, he was wounded in action earning a Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman Badge and the World War II Victory medal. Returning from the war, Alton settled back home in the Bell Creek Community where he worked various jobs to make ends meet for his family. He earned most of his living as a farmer, raising chickens, cattle and cutting hay. He will always be remembered on his Cub Tractor helping other farmers and neighbors in the community. Alton always enjoyed making a garden with Bonnie his wife every summer as long as their health permitted. He worked hard to provide a welcoming Christian home for his family.

Alton is remembered by those who knew him as a kind and easy spoken man and a true gentleman. Even in the days of his declining capacities he would still remember to remove his cap in reverence to God when realizing there was gospel singing and preaching taking place as they were gathered together at the care center on Sunday afternoons.

He will be warmly remembered by all who knew him, but especially missed by his family: sons & daughters-in-law, Tommy & Barbara Gribble of Hayesville; Michael & Patsy Gribble of Hayesville; Joel & Lori Gribble of Peachtree, NC; daughter & son-in-law, Karen & Claude Kitchens, Jr. of Hayesville; sisters-in-law, Lena Gribble of Powder Springs, GA, Moniree Ledford of Clayton, GA and Loree Ledford of Hayesville. 7 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews also share in his legacy. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 64 years, Bonnie Ledford Gribble; grandson, Darrell Gribble; and 3 brothers, Clarence, David & Harold Gribble.

Funeral Services were held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 9, 2014 from the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home with Rev. Harley Hunter and Rev. Mark Stewart officiating. Special music was performed by the Claude Hunter Family. Interment was in Lower Bell Creek Cemetery with Military Honors presented by the American Legion Post 532 of Hayesville. Pallbearers included: Jason Gribble, Devon Brown, Michael Anderson, Henry Jenkins, Fred Hogsed & Rex Hogsed.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee.