Dr. Leland James “Jay” Sarrell, Sr., age 87 of Blue Ridge, GA passed away on Friday, October 18, 2013, at Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga, TN.He was born on Monday, April 25, 1926 in Erwin, TN and was the son of the late James Sarrell and Doris Kindred Sarrell. Dr. Sarrell served in the United States Army Air Force during World War II, was a lifetime member of the Fannin County VFW Post #6570, past President of the Kiwanis Club, former Boy Scout Master, former Police Commissioner and served on county council. He was a retired optometrist after fifty-five years of service. Dr. Sarrell was a member of the Church Of Christ. He was preceded in death by parents and siblings, Warren G. Sarrell, M.D. and Betty Jane Sarrell Young.

He is survived by his wife Helen “Betty” Ballew Sarrell of Blue Ridge, GA; sons, Lee Sarrell of Jasper, GA, Richard Sarrell (Daphne) of Blairsville, GA, David Sarrell (Dana) of Smyrna, GA and Greg Sarrell (Cathy) of Holly Springs, GA; daughters, Sherri Quintrell (Bill) of Chattanooga, TN and Lisa Sarrell of Woodstock, GA; many loving grandchildren and great grandchildren; stepchildren, Barbara Chancey McKellip (Doug) of Cleveland, TN, Joseph L. Chancey, II (Allison) of Cleveland, TN, Steve Chancey (Kimberly) of Benton, TN, Gary C. Chancey (Linda) of Albany, OH and Elizabeth Chancey Arthur (Russ) of CLeveland, TN.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday October 22, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. from the Akins of Blue Ridge Chapel with the Minister Butch Jones officiating. Music will be by Jim Wright. Interment will follow in Chastain Memorial Park, Pallbearers will be Richard Sarrell, David Sarrell, Greg Sarrell, Joe Chancey, Steve Chancey, Gary Chancey, Leland Sarrell and Richard Sarrell, II. Honorary pallbearers will be John Cochran, N.L. Prather, Bill Prather, Bill Walden, Paul Fitts, John Chastain and Dale Dyer.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, October 22, 2013 from 1:00 p.m. until the funeral hour of 3:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be sent to American Cancer Society, C/O Bonnie Roper, 2855 Old Highway 5 Blue Ridge, GA 30513. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge is in charge of the arrangements.