Patricia Hoover Kay, age 83, of Young Harris, GA, died on December 27, 2019, at Union General Hospital, following an extended illness. Patricia (Patti) was born June 7, 1936, in Radford, VA, the daughter of Guy Hoover and Mary Weeks. She was raised by her paternal grandparents, DeMoss and Robbie Hoover, as well as her father and loving stepmother, Mabel Hoover. She was graduated from Radford High School, where she was class valedictorian. Patti earned the Bachelor of Arts degree from Emory and Henry College and then pursued a Master’s in Christian Education at Drew University School of Theology, where she met her future husband. Later she earned a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from North Georgia College and University. Over the years, she taught pre-K through elementary children in both private and public schools. She was instrumental in setting up and leading the first kindergarten program in Towns County. Many of her teaching years were in Fannin County, first at Mineral Bluff and then at East Fannin Elementary. For 14 years Patti owned and operated The Book Nook in Blairsville, and through that business made many friends in the local area. With her husband John, she devoted four years of volunteer service at the Byron Herbert Reece Farm and Heritage Center in Union County. At Sharp Memorial United Methodist Church she served as youth counselor and Sunday School teacher, and she was an active member of the Fay Hoag Circle of United Methodist Women. A lifelong educator, Patti belonged to the Beta Epsilon Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma International, and she was a devoted member of Towns County Retired Educators. Patti was preceded in death by her brother, Ira “Sonny” Hoover of Radford, VA. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, the Rev. John W. Kay of Young Harris;daughter, Kerri L. Kay of Madison, AL; son, Stephen H. Kay of Arlington, VA; son, Joel W. Kay of Chicago, IL; granddaughters, Emma S. Kay of Ann Arbor, MI, and Susanna W. Dean of Washington, D.C.; brother, Norman Hoover (Jackie) of Gainesville, FL; sisters-in-law, Connie Hoover of Radford, VA, Betty K. Skelton of Royston, GA, Patsy K. Nix of Aiken, SC, Patricia Terrill of Pawleys Island, SC; brothers-in-law, Terry W. Kay (Tommie) of Athens, GA, Gary W. Kay (Susan) of Royston, GA. In addition, she is survived by many nieces and nephews. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, January 4, at 2:00 p.m. at Sharp Memorial United Methodist Church in Young Harris, with family visitation to follow in the church fellowship hall. The family would like to thank Encompass Home Health, the staff of Northside Cancer Center in Blairsville, PruittHealth Hospice of Blue Ridge, and the nurses and staff of Union General Hospital for their loving service and support throughout Patti’s illness. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Population Connection (populationconnection.org), the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation (brpfoundation.org), or to a charity of your choice.

The Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee announces the services for Mr. Jeffrey Melvin Lee Riffle, age 72 of Hiawassee who passed away on Thursday, December 26, 2019.

A Committal Service will be held at 3:00 pm on Thursday, January 2, 2020 at South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth, Florida with Military Honors presented by The United States Air Force.

Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee.

*Full Obituary to be published soon*

Rev. AJ Heaton, age 87,of Mineral Bluff, passed away Saturday, December 28, 2019 at Union General Hospital. Arrangments are incomplete at this time and will be announced later by the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home.

Mrs. Barbara Ann (Rourick) Frys, age 59, of Hayesville, North Carolina passed away on December 25, 2019 following an extended illness. Barbara was born on February 26, 1960 to the late Donald and Verdella (Olson) Rourick. Barbara was a vibrant, spunky, and well spoken woman who often shared her words of wisdom. She loved her plants, all animals, music, Disney movies and some people. She was married to the love of her life for 24 years. Surviving Mrs. Frys are the following; husband, Alan Frys of Hayesville, North Carolina; daughter, Jessica Frys Spalding of Hayesville, North Carolina; son, Brian Frys of Hayesville, North Carolina; brothers, Danny and Brian Rourick of Alameda, California; sister, Joannie Rourick of Atlantic, Iowa; niece, Jessica Rourick and nephews Paul Rourick and Danny Rourick Jr. and a host of friends. Private family services will be held at a later date. “We will meet again on that distant shore walking hand in hand.” Banister-Cooper Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Dave Aaron Hutchinson of Hiawassee, GA died on Friday, December 27th at the age of 71. Dave was born December 6, 1948 in Baxley, GA to Lanis and Murle Hutchinson. Growing up in Appling County, he married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Dianne Stone Hutchinson. Together they raised four daughters, Samantha Hutchinson, Cassandra (Steve) Davis, Lamanda (Abraham) Dhirar, and Surelle (Doug) Jones. Dave was an accomplished Electrician and Business owner. His hobbies included fishing, cooking and riding horses but he found his greatest joy in loving and caring for his family and friends. His compassion and strength of character were grounded in his faith in Jesus Christ, a truth in which he was never ashamed and shared whenever he had the opportunity.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Daryl Hutchinson.  Including his wife and daughters, Dave is survived by his siblings Allen (Harriette) Hutchinson, Kenneth (Loretta) Hutchinson, Charles (Linda) Hutchinson, and Peggy (Ronnie) White; 10 Grandchildren, 4 great Grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

The Family will be receiving friends in Hiawassee, GA on Monday, December 30 from 9:30-11:00AM at Macedonia Baptist Church followed by the Funeral Service at 11:00AM.  The Family will also be receiving friends in Macon, GA at Fair Haven Funeral Home on Monday from 6-8:00pm.  On Tuesday, December 31 from 12:00-1:00pm visitation will be held at Spring Branch Baptist Church in Baxley, GA and the Graveside Service will follow at Omega Cemetery at 1:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial dedications can be given to Gideons International or Hospice Care.

Shirley Mae Ray age 84, of the John Creek section of Alpharetta formally of Fannin County, passed away on Friday, December 20, 2019. She was born in McCaysville, Georgia on October 22, 1935, to the late J.C. Ray and Amanda Ray and was raised in McCaysville and Blue Ridge area. She was preceded in death by her parents J.C Ray and Amanda Ray and sisters, Eva Jean Scism and Mary Maxine Fuller. Shirley received a Masters in Education from the University of Georgia and later taught school in Hampton, Georgia. She was an exceptionally kind and loving woman who will be missed very much by her friends and family.

Mr. Luther “L.N. Luke” Garrett, age 71 of Andrews, passed away Thursday, December 19, 2019, at Valley View Care Center. Mr. Garrett was born June 28, 1948, in Hayesville, NC, to the late George Washington Garrett and the late Carrie Estella Wilkins Garrett. He was a member of Member Murphy First Baptist Church, and his favorite pastime was walking.

Survivors include sisters, Elizabeth Garrett, and Ethel Jones, nieces, and nephews also survive.

Funeral services: Friday, December 27, 2019, at 2:00 pm at the Cochran Funeral Home Chapel Murphy with the Pastor Aud Brown officiating. Music provided by Aud and Becky Brown. Interment will follow in Green Lawn Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the Cochran Funeral Home Murphy, Friday, December 27, 2019, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm.

Arrangements entrusted to the Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy, NC, you may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

The Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville announces the death of Mrs. Deborah Thomas Allen , age 67 of Blue Ridge, Georgia who passed away on December 17, 2019.

A Memorial Service is being planned and will be announced at as information becomes available.

Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville

Mrs. Maona Turpin, age 84, of Young Harris, Georgia passed away on December 23, 2019. Maona was born on February 13, 1935 in Hiawassee, Georgia to the late James Ernest and Mae (Hooper) Norton. She was a member of Old Union Baptist Church for many years. Maona was a wonderful mom and mamaw who loved life. Many times, she could be found tending to her yard and flowers. She also had a passion for cooking. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 years, Mr. James Turpin and daughter, Elizabeth Hughes. She is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Diane and Allan Nichols; brother and sister-in-law, James Ernest Jr. and Peggy Norton; sister, Gaynell Barrett; grandchildren, Sabrina and Randy Thomas, Randy and Heather Nichols and Nicole Rhea; six great grandchildren, a number of nieces and nephews and a host of friends.
Visitation: Saturday, December 28, 2019 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Old Union Baptist Church in Young Harris.
Service: Saturday, December 28, 2019 at 2:00 PM at Old Union Baptist Church in Young Harris.
Interment: Saturday, December 28, 2019 following the service at  Old Union Baptist Church Cemetery in Young Harris.
Banister-Cooper Funeral Home of Hiawassee, Georgia is in charge of the arrangements.

Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee announces the death of Mr. Frederick M. Cooper, age 81, of Hayesville, North Carolina, who passed away Monday, December 23rd, 2019 at Brasstown Manor in Hiawassee.
Mr. Cooper was a veteran of the U.S. Army, and was a son of the late James Archie Cooper and the late Eva Pauline Barnhouse Cooper.
No services have been planned at this time.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee.

Obituary for Gregory Jack Lowery

Obituary for Ronald Douglas Gillespie

Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee announces funeral services for Mr. Dickie H. Dills, age 72, of Lilburn, Georgia, who passed away on Saturday, December 14th, 2019 in Emory University Hospital in Atlanta.

Mr. Dills was a native of this area, but had lived most of his life in Lilburn. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, and served with the 101st Airborne. He was employed as an area manager for the U.S. Postal Service, and attended Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Warne, North Carolina. His wife, Sue Edwards Dills, preceded him in death, as well as his parents, Ruby Bell Dills and Halen Dills; and a brother, Dennis Dills.

Dickie had an infectious personality and influenced the lives of everyone he met in a positive way. Whether you knew him as a friend, neighbor, boss, uncle, or just plain “dad” he inspired you to be the best version of yourself and would not accept anything less than that. His work ethic and attention to detail were legendary whether in his personal life, professional life, or in one of the many classic Ford Mustangs he meticulously restored. This determination was rooted in a small-town upbringing, honed in the U.S. Army where he proudly served in the 101st Airborne during the Vietnam War, and became the basis for which he lived his entire life. Over the course of his 40 plus year career with the U.S. Postal Service, he received many accolades and accomplishments, and was respected by his peers that thought of him more as family. Dickie was a jack of all trades and most notably a master mechanic. He was known throughout the southeast and beyond in the classic car community as it pertained to his favorite of them all, the Ford Mustang. Of the many achievements in his life, none brought him more joy than being a husband to his wife of 43 years Sue Edwards Dills, and father to his son Matthew. After a courageous battle with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma he has been reunited with his beloved wife, brother, parents, and many loved ones that came before his time. Dickie was truly a one of a kind man, and he will be greatly missed by family, friends, co-workers, and all of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Surviving family members include a son, Matthew Dills; a brother, David Dills; and three sisters: Rachael Payne, Karen Phillips, and Carol Shook.

Funeral services have been scheduled for Wednesday, December 18th, 2019, at 1:00 p.m., to be held at McConnell Memorial Baptist Church in Hiawassee. The family will meet with friends at the church on the day of the service, starting at 11:00 a.m. The following gentlemen have been requested to serve as pallbearers: Matthew Dills, Chris Payne, Eric Dills, Jackie Jones, David Dills, and Rick Cantrell. Burial will be in Burch Cemetery.

Flowers are being accepted for the service; however, if you wish, you may make memorial donations to Burch Cemetery, 980 Will Shook Road, Hiawassee, Georgia 30546.

Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Dickie H. Dills. Please share your condolences and sign the online guest registry at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

Obituary for Joanne Marguerite Swenson