Tommy Frank Williams: Obituary
Obituaries October 23, 2018Tommy Frank Williams, age 92, of McCaysville, passed away Tuesday, October 16, 2018. He was born January 20, 1926, to the late Claude Williams and the late Jessie Quintrell Williams. He enjoyed growing up in the Copper Basin Area with his sisters Martha and Mary, along with his many friends. After graduating from Copperhill High School in 1943, Tommy attended Tennessee Wesleyan College in Athens, Tennessee and served in World War II in The United States Navy. Tommy was a member of McCaysville First Baptist Church. He retired from Tri-State EMC after 50 years of service. In his spare time, he enjoyed mowing grass and cleaning cars.
Tommy was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Doris King Williams. Survivors include nieces and nephews, Rene Bidez, Jennifer Walker, Becky Eaker, Richard Marlette, Terry Marlette, Bill Marlette, Kristin King, Courtney Fosco, Lindsey Williams, Lauren King, Patrick King, Brittney King, and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.
Funeral services: Friday, October 19, 2018, 1:00 p.m., at the Finch Cochran Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Mathew McDaniel and Rev. Tom Reed officiating. Interment followed in Crestlawn Cemetery. Pallbearers: Mark Burger, Bob Welch, Bill Stuart, Jerry Pack, Jim Patterson, Jim Quintrell, and Gerald Middlebrooks. Honorary pallbearers: Rene Bidez, Paul Walker, Jeff Walker, Richard Marlette, Terry Marlette, Bill Marlette, and David Eaker.
The family will receive friends at the Finch Cochran Funeral Home of McCaysville, Friday, October 19, 2018, 12:00 p.m.
Arrangements entrusted to the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home of McCaysville, GA. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.
Donald Frank Carlson: Obituary
Obituaries October 23, 2018September 9, 1922 – October 15, 2018
A celebration of life service will be held Sunday, October 21, 2018 at 1 pm at the home of Mr. Carlson’s daughter, Yvonne Robles.
Alice Fern Rigby Carlson: Obituary
Obituaries October 23, 2018Alice Fern Rigby Carlson, 94, died peacefully on October 19, 2018, in Blue Ridge, GA with her family at her side. Born in Everett, WA, on October 29, 1923, to Donald and Fern (Brown) Rigby, she was the oldest of five children. She attended Reed College in Portland, OR for one year and the University of Maryland School of Nursing in Baltimore, MD for one year. She met Arthur Carlson in Seattle, and they married in 1945 during his wartime service in the U.S. Navy. Following the war, they made Anacortes, WA, their home where they had three children.
Arthur’s work in the building products industry moved the family to Rock Hill, SC, in 1963, to New City, NY, in 1969 and to Marietta, GA in 1970.
Alice recently moved to Blue Ridge Assisted Living where she continued to be known for her vibrant and caring personality. Alice is survived by daughter Janice (Gale) Glascock of Blue Ridge; three siblings: Enid Sherman of NH; Iris Broad and Jim (June) Rigby of Everett, WA; sister-in-law Margret Rigby of Portland, OR; daughter-in-law, Peg Carlson of Marietta; six grandchildren: Rebecca Gale Glascock of Denver, CO; Chris Glascock, Derek Carlson, Lisa Carlson, and Jennifer Carlson of Atlanta; and Nikki Carlson of Auckland, NZ; and cousin David Rigby of Washington DC. Alice was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Arthur Carlson, her brother, Donald Rigby, her son Dennis Carlson, and her daughter, Edith Carlson.
Alice was a sixty-four-year member of P.E.O., philanthropic educational organization, whose mission is supporting women in post-secondary education through scholarships, grants, awards, and student loans. Alice was initiated into the P.E.O. Sisterhood Chapter W in Anacortes, WA on April 4, 1954. During her years with PEO, Alice was part of several different P.E.O. chapters across America, getting involved with the work in the chapters where she lived. Alice’s passion for P.E.O. and its goals led her to be elected president of the Georgia State Chapter in 1992. Most recently, she was an active member of P.E.O. Chapter BE of Marietta.
Following years of volunteer work, Alice joined Harry Norman Realtors in Marietta in 1970 until her retirement in 2003 at age 80. Alice’s commitment to her family, church, and work exemplifies her ability to successfully blend her varied interest and passions for living a full life.
A memorial service for Alice is planned for 11am Friday, October 26th at Faith Presbyterian Church, 56 Mountain Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 with Dr. Jim Simpson officiating.
The family will hold a visitation from 2-3 pm Saturday, October 27th in the library at First Presbyterian Church, 189 Church Street, Marietta, GA 30060
A private graveside service will follow with family in attendance.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to one of the programs Alice supported
- PEO
To “P.E.O. Foundation” in memory of Alice F Carlson on memo line
Mail to:
P.E.O. Foundation
3700 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50312
- Faith Presbyterian Church new sanctuary
To “Faith Presbyterian Church” Alice Carlson Memorial Fund on memo line
Mail to:
Faith Presbyterian Church
PO Box 2668
Blue Ridge, GA 30513.
Lola Mae Pelfrey: Obituary
Obituaries October 23, 2018Mrs. Lola Mae Pelfrey, age 78, of Epworth, passed away on Monday, October 8, 2018 at her home. She was born on May 10, 1940 in Epworth, to the late Floyd and Myrtle Mae Davis Millsaps. She retired from Levi Strauss, Inc. where she worked as a Sewing Machine Operator. She attended Hipps Chapel Church.
She is survived by her husband, Don Pelfrey; son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Velda Pelfrey of McCaysville; daughter and son-in-law, Ann and Steve Hayes of Gainesville, VA; brothers, Tommy Millsaps of Blue Ridge and Bobby Millsaps of Mineral Bluff; sisters, Mary Lou Millsaps of Blue Ridge, Jo Ann Andrews of Duluth, Linda Buchanan of Canton, Jan Millsaps of Green Cove Springs, FL; and Debbie Queen of Ellijay; and four grandchildren.
Funeral services were conducted on Thursday, October 11, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. from the Akins Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Delmar Davenport officiating. Music was provided by Carol Thomas. Interment followed in the Crestlawn Cemetery. Pallbearers were Luke Pelfrey, Terry Dillard, Terry Pelfrey, Chase Queen, Steve Hayes, Mike Pelfrey, and Edd Stepp. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge was in charge of the arrangements.
Phillip Cecil Collis: Obituary
Obituaries October 16, 2018
Survivors include: sons, Neil (Rachael) Collis, Paul (Jennifer) Collis, and Chuck (Karen) Collis, granddaughters, Samantha Collis, Brittany Collis, and Cheyenne Collis, grandsons, Austin Collis, Grant Collis, Phillip Collis and Blake Gray,brother, Michael (Tammy)Collis, sister, Cindi (Danny) Shinpaugh, great-grandchildren, Wesley Gray, Haegen Collis, and Jaxson Swaney.
Funeral services: Monday, October 15, 2018, at 3:00 pm at the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home with Rev. Michael Collis officiating. Interment will follow in Chastain Memorial Park Cemetery. Pallbearers: Danny Shinpaugh, Denton Petty, Bryan Dillback, Craig Dutton, Butch Culberson, and David Howard. Honorary pallbearers: Ryan Dutton, Ernie Sellers, Kent Foster, Hoyt Green.
The family will receive friends at the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home of Blue Ridge, Sunday, October 14, 2018, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm.
Arrangements entrusted to the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home of Blue Ridge, GA. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.
Larry Guinn Eller: Obituary
Obituaries October 16, 2018Larry Guinn Eller, age 69, of Murphy, passed away October 3, 2018, at his home. Mr. Eller was born April 5, 1949, in Copperhill, TN, to the late Willie Guinn Eller and Georgia Mae Graves Eller. He was a member of Iron Workers Local Union 387 Atlanta. Larry loved the Lord and his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed his friends, watching wrestling and riding four-wheelers. Mr. Eller was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Helton Eller.
Survivors include: mother, Georgia Mae Eller, son, Chris (Tammy) Eller, son, Eric (Emily Hamby) Eller, daughter, Mandy (Ray Thomas) Eller, sister, Phyllis (Frank) Beeam, sister, Rita (Ronnie) Ross, grandchildren, Hallie Thomason, Katlynn Eller, Jeffrey Eller, Storm Eller, Mehgan Eller, Miranda Eller, great-grandchildren, Grayson Howe and Caymen Thomason.
Funeral services: Sunday, October 7, 2018, at 2:00 pm at the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Josh Ledford. Music provided by Paula Culver. Interment will follow in Sweet Gum Baptist Church Cemetery in Mineral Bluff, GA. Pallbearers: Jeffery Eller, Storm Eller, Brandon Howe, Chad Beeam, Brett Ross, Shannon Owensby, Treylyn Owensby, and Cason Owensby.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday evening from 5 to 8 PM.
Arrangements entrusted to the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home of McCaysville, GA. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.
Shirley Ann Seabolt: Obituary
Obituaries October 16, 2018Shirley Ann Seabolt, age 83, of Dallas, GA, passed away Wednesday, October 10, 2018, at Overlook at Cedarcrest Assisted Living and Memory Care in Acworth, GA. Mrs.Seabolt was born June 15, 1935, in Blue Ridge, GA, to the late Clyde Buchanan and the late Alma Pruitt Buchanan. Mrs. Seabolt was a homemaker, a loving mother to her children, and a dedicated wife to her husband. She was very involved and always by her husband’s side while serving in the ministry. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, four brothers and one sister, and by her husband, Evan Seabolt, and son, Grady Seabolt.
Survivors include her daughters, Melanie Yvonne (Lindsey) Gaspard, Judy (Eddie) Wallace and brother, Jack (Martha) Buchanan, granddaughters, Jeanine Smith and Amber Gaspard, three great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be held Saturday, October 13, 2018, at 2:00 pm at the Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery in Suches, GA, with Rev. Jack Buchanan officiating.
The family will receive friends at the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home Saturday, October 13, 2018, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Arrangements entrusted to the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home of Blue Ridge, GA. You may send condolences
Kathleen (Kathy) Porter: Obituary
Obituaries October 16, 2018She is survived by sons Stacey (Cristy) Sampson of Kingsport, TN; daughters Rhonda Sampson Helton (Mark Whitaker) of Gray, TN, Tracey Sampson (Bruce Collins) of Morganton, and Jennifer Sampson Holt (Alan) of Blue Ridge; grandchildren Kim McCallister, Samantha Crow, Sydney Helton, Derek and Dylan Jarnagin, Brandi Jarnagin Greene (Chase), Evan Collins, Austin (Kristy) Hawkins, Logan, Payton and Morgan Holt, and the loves of her life, her great-grandbabies Aubrey Gracen, Kaylee Jane, Kenley and Trip.
Kathy leaves behind her sisters Grace, Christine, Bernice, Charlotte and Wanda whom she considered the very best parts of her life.
Funeral services will be held Friday, October 12, 2018 at 1pm at the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home with Rev. Eric Kincaid officiating. Interment will follow at the Hot House Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home on Thursday, October 11, 2018 from 6-9 pm.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home of Blue Ridge. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest registry at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.
Randy E. Ray: Obituary
Obituaries October 16, 2018Mr. Randolph “Randy” Erwin Ray, age 64, of Blue Ridge, passed away on October 14, 2018 at his residence. He was born in Wyandotte, MI to the late Boon Robert Ray and Helen Lucille Cross Ray. He graduated from Flat Rock High School in Flat Rock, MI in 1972. Mr. Ray had worked as a painter and carpenter for many years. He enjoyed spending time outdoors and time with his wife visiting flea markets and parks. Also preceding him in death was a brother, Ron Ray; and one niece, Clarissa Ray.
Survivors include his loving wife, Mona Hicks Ray; children, Hope Ray Longworth and husband of Tampa, FL, Dwayne, Phillip Ray of TX, Nathan Ray of MI and Billy Wayne Sisson of Savannah, GA; brother and sister-in-law, Rob and Sherry Ray of McCaysville, GA; sisters, Janet Ray Shepherd of Jasper, GA, Joyce Ray Hogan of Orange Park, FL, Juanita Ray of Cleveland, TN, Jeneva Ray Long and husband Franklin of Dalton, GA and Sunshine Ray Davenport and husband Jeremy of Tunnel Hill, GA; grandson, Jacob Longworth; special nephew and caregiver, Corey Ray of Blue Ridge, GA; many nieces, nephews, friends locally and from Flat Rock Creek, MI and his canine companion, Rosie.
Graveside services will be conducted on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. from the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Larry Hughes officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home prior to the service from 12:00 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to help defray final expenses. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge, GA is in charge of the arrangements.
Benton MacKaye Trail Association to hold work trip Saturday
Press Release February 6, 2018CHERRY LOG, Ga. – The Benton MacKaye Trail Association (BMTA) is seeking volunteers to help with trail maintenance for an upcoming work trip.
According to Barry Allen, Georgia work trip coordinator for the BMTA, a work trip is planned for Saturday, Feb. 10, on a section of the trail on the Sisson Property near Cherry Log. This month’s Georgia work trip will focus on tree removal, water diversion work, and installation of vertical 6×6’s with BMT diamond blazes to mark confusing areas of the trail. Allen stated at least one saw crew would be needed on the section to remove trees in a few locations.
Allen also stated, despite of the possibility of a federal government shutdown over the weekend, the work trip will continue as planned since the work section is located on private lands. Typically, work trips are not allowed in the National Forest sections during government shutdowns.
All work trip participants are asked to wear sturdy shoes or boots, pants and long sleeve shirts, work gloves and, for cold-weather trips, multiple thin layers that can be easily shed one at a time. Also, a daypack for storing food, water or other items is always a good idea for work trips. Food and water are not supplied by the BMTA on work trips; however, tools are provided by the Association. The BMTA recommends workers to bring at least two liters of water for the trip.
Those interested can meet either at The Village Restaurant in Blue Ridge for breakfast at 8 a.m. or at the Craddock Center parking area at 9 a.m.
The Benton MacKaye Trail spans three states – Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina – and nearly 300 miles from Springer Mountain, Georgia, to Davenport Gap in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is enjoyed by thousands of hikers and outdoor enthusiasts each year.
For anyone with questions or needing further information, contact Barry Allen at [email protected] or 770-294-7384.
[Featured image: Benton MacKaye Trail Association volunteers work to install steps at a section of trail near Fall Branch Falls in Fannin County.]
Lady Rebels Declaw the Lady Bobcats
Team FYN Sports January 1, 2018This past Friday on day two of the Mountaintop Holiday Classic, the Lady Bobcats traveled to take on the Lady Rebels. The Lady Bobcats were coming from a win on day one of the tournament while the Lady Rebels were well rested from the bye game that was scheduled on the first day. Both teams came ready to play and were hungry for another win.
It appeared to be an even matchup from the start. Gilmer had the hustle on defense while Fannin had the determination on offense. The Lady Rebels seemed to score the majority of their points off plays. Lady Rebel, Maleah Stepp, led Fannin in scoring with thirteen points with her will to win. The Lady Bobcats made most of their points from driving the lane and playing in the moment. Lady Bobcat, Mallory Kiser, led her team in scoring with nine points due to her grit. Lady Rebel post, Mackenzie McClure, was on fire with her outside shots which put her right behind Stepp in scoring with ten points. Lady Bobcat guard, Taylor Boling, was behind Kiser in scoring with seven points overall. With the first quarter coming to an end, the Lady Rebels were just one point ahead of the Lady Bobcats with a score of 13-12.
The second quarter was back and forth. Neither team could keep a consistent lead for the eight minutes on the clock. The Lady Rebels started to play scrappy on defense and began rebounding. Lady Rebel, Bailey Whitener, got aggressive down low and contributed three points for her team. Another Lady Rebel, Maddie Johnson, got after it and scored five points after getting steals on defense. Gilmer started looking up the court to find Lady Bobcat, Marylee Callihan, who also put five points on the board for her team. Number twenty-four for the Lady Bobcats, Emma Callihan, put her all into the game and contributed four points for Gilmer. With Fannin in the lead halfway through the quarter, Lady cat Michaela Staley drew a foul and made two of her foul shots. Staley’s two points tied up the game. Gilmer continued to score and further their lead until the end of the second quarter. It was the Lady Rebels ball as the clock was winding down and Reagan Henderson happened to be wide open. Henderson received a beautiful pass down low which resulted in her making a buzzer beater shot and contributing two of her overall three points to tie the game 23-23.
With both teams having the same chances of winning, Fannin found their spunk. The Lady Rebels started to draw fouls from driving the lane. Lady Rebel, Hope Franklin, drew two fouls from the block and contributed two of her four points from the foul line. However, Fannin was not the only team to draw fouls. Lady Bobcat, Katie Kiker, drew a foul and put one point on the board for Gilmer. As Fannin’s lead extended, Gilmer came alive on the block. Lady Bobcat, Faith Ralston, scored two of her three points from down low. Another post for Gilmer, Jasmine Staley, contributed two points for the Lady Bobcats from under the basket. Gilmer’s lead strayed farther from Fannin’s which resulted in the score being 31-25 at the end of the third quarter.
With Gilmer down by only six points, they were determined to make a come back. Both teams wanted to win and it showed through their hustle and intensity. With Gilmer trying their best to catch up to Fannin, the Lady Rebels tried just as hard to keep their lead. Although both teams had the heart to win the game, one had to lose. The Lady Bobcats played an amazing game, but were five points away from victory. The Lady Rebels 38-33 win over the Lady Bobcats put Fannin in the championship game to be played the next day against the Lady Dragons.
The Lady Rebels win puts their overall record at 7-6 while the Lady Bobcats record also stands at 7-6. Catch the Lady Rebels next region game at Fannin County High School on January 5 against GAC starting at 7:00! Or catch the Lady Bobcats next region game on the same day and at the same time as they travel to take on Northwest Whitfield!
Cornerstone to honor Veterans on Sunday November 13th 2016
Community November 8, 2016Cornerstone Baptist Church in Cherry Log will honor Veterans during the worship hour at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 13th, 2016.
The congregation extends a special invitation to attend to Veterans in North GA and their families, whether full-timers without a church home, weekenders, sometimers, or day visitors. Visit the website for more information! Cornerstone Baptist Church of Cherry Log
Everyone welcome, and nursery provided. Cornerstone, the brown log church, is located south of The Pink Pig on Cherry Log Street.
Special Dedication to Mr. James Howard “Bud” Holloway, Jr.
News September 27, 2015A special dedication was held in honor of Mr. James Howard “Bud” Holloway Jr. on September 26th 2015. Friends and family gathered to remember and honor the life and memory of Mr. Holloway. See Senate Resolution 126 (PART XV) below:
WHEREAS, Mr. James Howard “Bud” Holloway, Jr., was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on July 313 2, 1932, the beloved son of James Howard Holloway, Sr., and Louise Walton Holloway; and
WHEREAS, he served as a guardian of this nation’s freedom and liberty with the United States Navy, valiantly and courageously defending his fellow citizens and upholding the ideals of America; and
WHEREAS, in 1967, Mr. Holloway became the owner of the Pink Pig, a BBQ restaurant in the community of Cherry Log; and
WHEREAS, a cherished member of the Cherry Log community, Mr. Holloway always had a gold dollar for the children dining at his restaurant and a funny story to tell his guests; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Holloway will long be remembered for his sense of humor and quick wit, and his political debates continue to be sorely missed by those who loved him; and
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that the extraordinary accomplishments of this distinguished Georgian be appropriately recognized by dedicating a bridge in his memory.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED AND ENACTED that the bridge on State Route 515 over Cherry Log Street in Gilmer County is dedicated as the J. H. “Bud” Holloway Memorial Bridge.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the Department of Transportation and the family of Mr. James Howard “Bud” Holloway, Jr.