Obituary for James Arthur Smith

Mr. Jim Edward McClure, age 62, of Cleveland, Georgia passed away Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at Emory University Hospital after a courageous battle with a long term illness. Jim was born in Hiawassee, Georgia on June 19, 1957 to the late Mr. Earl McClure and Mrs. JoAnn (Underwood) McClure. Jim attended Mt. Pleasant Church of God. He worked for the Georgia Department of Transportation for eighteen years and was a truck driver. Jim enjoyed anything that got him outside; he loved to hunt, fish, was a shade tree mechanic and restored old cars. Jim was very social; he never met a stranger and he would talk to anyone. Jim loved his family; he was a devoted husband, amazing dad, and the best PaPa who lived to spoil his grandchildren! Jim is proceeded in death by his father, Earl McClure; son, Jarriad McClure; sister, Martha McClure Moss. He leaves behind wife, Brenda (Bradshaw) McClure; mother, JoAnn McClure; son, Eric McClure; brothers, Roy McClure, Earl Deal McClure (wife Diana) and Billy Clyde Free (wife Debbie) ; sister, Twana Franks; grandchildren, Shawn McClure, Ashton Adams, Addyson McClure and Aubrey McClure; along with many extended family members and friends.
Visitation: Friday, December 6, 2019 at Banister-Cooper Funeral Home 5:00P-8:00P
Funeral: Saturday, December 7, 2019 at Banister-Cooper Funeral Home at 2:00pm with Rev Mark Duncan officiating.
Interment: Boyd’s Chapel Cemetery

William Thomas ‘Tommy” Quintrell, age 90 of McCaysville, passed away Saturday, November 23, 2019, at Union County Nursing Home in Blairsville. Tommy was born September 29, 1929, in Fry, GA, to the late William Henry Quintrell and the late Willa Nell Fry Quintrell. He was a member of the 1947 graduating class of McCaysville High School, severed as a corporal in the US Army during the Korean Conflict; he had worked as a carpenter in the mining department at City Service Company. Tommy had served as mayor at one time and as a councilman for the City Of McCaysville for 30 years. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church of McCaysville/Copperhill, Tommy was preceded in death by brothers, Roy Quintrell, and John Quintrell, sister, Grace Postelle.

Survivors include wife, Marjorie “Pug” Turner Quintrell, daughters, Amy Elizabeth (Bryan) Branson, and Julie (Terry) Arp, grandchildren, Abby Elizabeth (Steve) Lanni, Jennifer Branson, Amanda Branson, and Timothy Edward (Brittany) Branson, sisters, Doris Abernathy, and Sandra Finch.

Funeral services: Tuesday 12:00 Noon at First Baptist Church of McCaysville/Copperhill, with Rev. Gary Barber and Rev. Matthew McDaniel officiating. Music by Harry and Katie Gilbert. Interment will follow in Crestlawn Cemetery. Pallbearers: Jim Quintrell, Jake Williams, Weston Quintrell, Gary George, Will Harbin, and Timonthy Towe. Honorary pallbearers: The Way Sunday School Class, Kenneth Patterson, and Lynn Panter.
The service will stream live online at www.myfirstbaptist.net
The family will receive friends at the First Baptist Church on Tuesday from 11:00 AM till 12:00 Noon.
Interment will follow at Crestlawn Cemetery with Military Honors provided by North Georgia Honor Gaurd.

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.

Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville announces funeral services for Mr. Billy M. Decker, age 75, of Blairsville, who passed away on Tuesday, November 19th, 2019 at Emory Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.

Billy was born in Murphy, North Carolina, the son of the late Virgil Lee Decker, Sr. and the late Bertha Lee Stiles Decker. Billy had a strong work ethic his entire life, starting with delivering the Atlanta Journal and the Grit all over town as a young boy on his red and white Louisville Blue Grass bicycle. He even earned a writeup in the Journal as part of the “Decker Delivery Franchise” for the Murphy area. After graduating from the newspaper delivery business, he rode in a Kern’s bread truck delivering bread to many of the same customers as his newspapers. Billy moved to Blairsville in 1969, and joined Union County Bank, now United Community Bank, becoming its 13th employee. A loyal employee of the bank, he played an integral part in its growth over the years working in both Blairsville as well as the Murphy operations. He enjoyed helping people the most, and especially looked forward to Customer Appreciation Day, where he would greet everyone with his warm, welcoming smile, giving out tomato plants and (lots of) hotdogs! Wherever Billy was, there was joking and laughter! He enjoyed golfing with the grandkids and going on camping trips. He loved the beach, and especially the fresh seafood that came with it. A traveler, Billy visited many wonderful places, creating cherished memories with his family. Billy was devoted to God, his family, and his church, First Baptist Church of Blairsville, where he served as a deacon.

Billy would light up a room with his contagious enthusiasm and smile. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, but especially by his loving family members: wife of 55 years, Eva; daughter and son-in-law, Davia and John Mark Gordon; son and daughter-in-law, Darren and Julie Decker; and Carol Chastain, who is part of the family; two brothers: Virgil Decker, Jr., and Jerry Decker; grandchildren: Chandler Gordon (Emma), Brock Gordon, Haley Gordon, Andrew Decker, Emma Decker, and John Austin Decker.

Funeral services have been scheduled for Saturday, November 23rd, 2019, at 2:00 p.m., to be held in the Main Sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Blairsville, with Pastor Fred Lodge and Rev. Roy Bateman officiating. Special music will be presented by Terry Hooper. The following gentlemen will be serving as pallbearers: Chandler Gordon, Brock Gordon, Andrew Decker, John Austin Decker, Mike Decker, Travis Decker, Steve Drake, Brian Allison, Daryl Allison, and Craig Davenport. The following gentlemen have been requested to serve as honorary escort to the family: Jimmy Tallent, W.C. Nelson, Ricky Davenport, Paul Owenby, Andy Williams, Joe Fair, Ronnie Burch, Glenn Hamby, Burl Conley, Bobby Jackson, Jim Allison, Hoyt Raper, Mike Calloway, Wes Hopgood, David Gowder, and Bill Foster; also asked to serve as honorary escort is the C.R. Collins Joy Sunday School Class. Burial will be in Union Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Visitation will be on Saturday, November 23rd, at 11:00 a.m., at the Church Sanctuary, and will last until the funeral begins at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, P.O. Box 98016, Washington, DC 20090-8016.

Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Billy M. Decker, 75, of Blairsville. Please visit our website at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com and leave your condolences and fond memories.

James Edward Groves, age 79, of Hiawassee, Georgia passed away on Wednesday, October 24, 2019 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center. He was a resident of Chatuge Regional Nursing Home in Hiawassee. He worked for Firestone in Gastonia, North Carolina for many years until he retired and returned home to Young Harris. James was a kind soul with a good heart. He was proud of his family and enjoyed reminiscing with the other residents about the older days and telling stories to the CNA’s about his life. He was preceded in death by his mother, Pearl (Groves) Ledford and a brother, Jerry Groves. He is survived by a sister, Phyllis Rogers (Sonny); nephews, Randy Groves and C.G. Rogers (Brittany); great nephew, Bryce Rogers; great niece, Sienna Rogers; and special cousins, Pat, Mert, Cotton and Francis. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Old Brasstown Baptist Church in Young Harris.

Mr. Glyn “Dale” Pollard, age 83, of Hiawassee passed away Wednesday, October 16, 2019. Mr. Pollard was born to the late George and Versa (Weeks) Pollard on December 25, 1935 in Louisiana. He built a career in sales including time with Atlanta Gas Light. Dale was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church for a number of years. He was a talented woodworker and he used that God given gift to make over 280 footstools for the children of Macedonia over the years. In his younger years he enjoyed golfing and playing pool at which he won many tournaments. Dale loved people; he was funny and fun to be around. He was known to say “You may not like me, but you will never forget me.” Dale is proceeded in death by his parents, daughter, DeAnn O’Kelley, three brothers and two sisters. He leaves behind his caregiver and best friend, Peggy Kibbey; daughter and son-in-law, Teresa and Curtis Foster; daughter, Cynthia Pollard; son, Glyn Pollard Jr; grandchildren Lauren Singley, Ryan Wooten, Sean O’Kelley, Jayson, Dustyn and Westley Pollard; along with six great-grandchildren and a number of nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends.

Visitation: Sunday, October 20, 2019  3:00P until 6:00P at Banister Funeral Home.

Services: Monday, October 21, 2019 at 2:00P at Macedonia Baptist Church with Rev. Wade Lott and Bradley Thomas officiating

Interment at Macedonia Cemetery to follow service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Macedonia Baptist Church Youth. Donations may be mailed to P.O. Box 474 Hiawassee, Georgia 30546.

Banister Funeral Home of Hiawassee, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.

The Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville announces Funeral Services for Shelby “Marie” Brown, age 79 of Blairsville who passed away on Tuesday evening, October 15, 2019 at Union County Nursing Home.

She loved her Mom, Dad, and Brother. Marie was saved at 10 years old. Her Lord and Savior meant everything to her. She worked and sang in church. Growing up, Marie learned the value of hard-work. She picked beans, peppers, stripped cane, cut cane heads, and hoed corn. Then she would work in the chicken house gathering eggs and the egg house, scalding eggs and casing them.

When she was 16, Marie worked as a waitress in the summer months and on week-ends at Milton Motel until her graduation in 1959. It was there she met Mr. Glassberg who gave her an opportunity to work with the Blairsville Dress Factory that had just began. She was delighted to get paid $1.00/ hr. which was far better than 20 cents a bushel for picking beans! As time passed, more factories came to Blairsville and wages went up.

For almost 50 years, Marie worked until the factories left to Mexico, losing her job 3 months shy of her 62nd birthday. This turned into a blessing as she was able to love and care for her mom and dad. Her sweet mom went to be with Jesus on May 24th, 2006 then her daddy joined her on October 2. Marie took comfort that they were together in heaven celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary.

She will be warmly remembered by all who knew her, but especially missed by her family: brother, James Ray Brown (Alwayne) of Blairsville; niece, Cindy Hunter (Jerry); nephew, Jason Silvers; and great nephew, Joshua Silvers. Marie was preceded by her parents, Barney and Northa Brown.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 18, 2019 from the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville with Rev. Danny White & Rev. Rusty Greenway officiating. Special Music to be presented by the New Liberty Baptist Church Choir. The following gentlemen have been selected to serve as pallbearers: Aubrey Dyer, Tim Bohannon, Marty King, Donald Hamilton, Jim Nash, and Tony Deyton. All the young men of New Liberty Baptist Church are asked to serve as honorary pallbearers.
Interment will follow at New Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday from 11:00 a.m. until the service begins.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish, memorial donations may be made to New Liberty Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1078, Blairsville, GA 30514.

Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville

Obituary for James Franklin McCrickard

Rowanda Anderson Lindley, age 85, of Blue Ridge, GA, passed away Saturday, November 9, 2019, at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, TN. She was born March 20, 1934, in Mineral Bluff, GA, to the late Reid Anderson and Hazel Harrison Anderson. She was preceded in death by her husband Edward Lindley, siblings Thelma Jarrard and Mary Kay Griffin, and grandson Ronnie Lynn Porter, Jr.

Survivors include: son, Ronnie Lynn Porter, Sr.; sister, Frances Earley; brother, Bobby (Ella Mae) Anderson; granddaughter Tracy Lynn Porter; great-grandchildren Alyssa and Mia Porter, and Carly and Ellie Wolfer; and many nieces and nephews also survive.

Rowanda and her husband owned and operated Lindley Cleaners in Marrietta, GA for a number of years. They retired in 1999 to Blue Ridge, GA where they resided until her passing. In her spare, time Rowanda enjoyed traveling and spending time with her sister and brother-in-law, Frances and Ferrell Earley.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2019, at 2:00 pm at the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA on Tuesday, November 19, 2019, at 2:00 pm.

The family will receive friends at the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home of Blue Ridge, Wednesday, November 13, 2019, 12:00 pm – 2:00 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

Mrs. Brenda Ann Patterson, age 76, of Mineral Bluff, passed away Saturday morning, November 2, 2019, in Blairsville. She was born September 20, 1943, to the late Ernest Ledford and Elva Marion Stuart Ledford. Brenda was a life-long resident of Fannin County, a member of Midway Baptist Church, and had worked as a teacher’s aid in Fannin County. Mrs. Patterson was preceded in death by her husband, Johnny Patterson, sister, Alawayne Payne, and brother, Ted Ledford.

Survivors include her daughter, Christal Green, grandchildren, Aaleigh Green and Devon Patterson, brothers, Jimmy (Margaret) Ledford and Russell (Kim) Ledford, and sister, Norma Jean Wallace. Also sharing in her legacy are ten nieces and nephews.

Services will be Sunday, November 3, 2019, at 12:00 Noon, from the chapel of the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home in McCaysville, with Rev. Renny Whittenbarger, Rev. Wesley Davenport, and Rev. Jerry Bandy officiating. Interment will be in Crestlawn Cemetery.

You may send condolences to the family at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

Finch-Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory Of McCaysville is honored to be serving the family.

Colleen Guffie Harwell, 65, passed away on Oct 23,2019 at her beloved Sandy Bottoms Campground. She was born April 16, 1954 to the late Bill and Bulah Guffie. Left to cherish her memories are her husband of 47 years Larry Ray Harwell, Son Brian(Rebecca), Daughter Julie, her beloved grandchildren Chelsea Walters(Austin), Hannah Foster, and Austin Harwell, Her sisters Sandra Parker(Melvin) and Brenda Guffie, Her special aunt Mary Allison, and many friends met along the way. Banister Funeral Home will be handling all services. A celebration of life will be held on Sat. Oct 26 at Sandy Bottoms Campsite #2.

The Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory announces Memorial Services for Cullen “Jack” Jackson Waters Sr., age 76 of Blairsville (formally Tampa, FL) who passed away on Monday, September 30, 2019.

Memorial Services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 6, 2019 from the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home. The family will gather with friends from 2:00 p.m. until the service begins. Military Honors will be presented by the North Georgia Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made in Jack’s memory to your choice of either: The American Legion, Ira Weaver Post 121 and Auxiliary, P.O. Box 247, Blairsville, GA 30514; or Human Development Center, Inc., 3809 North Tampa Street, Tampa, Florida 33603.

Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville.

Mrs. Shirley Long, age 76, of Suches, GA, went home to be with the Lord on Friday morning, November 22, 2019. She was born in LaGrange, GA, to the late Thomas L. & Francis Kathleen Turner Harcourt, on March 4, 1943. Shirley is a member of the Salem #1 (Sugar Hill) Baptist Church and enjoyed spending time with friends and family. She goes on to be with her parents as well as her beloved husband Howard Edwin Long. Also preceding her are two sisters, Diane Darnell and Brenda Stevenson. Shirley will be remembered by all who knew her, but especially missed by her children, Angela Gail Helton (James Jr.), Billy Lee Long (Lisa Jane), Jerry Edward Long (Kathy), and Robbie Sue Long; siblings, Jim Harcourt (Carol), Jeanette Brock, and Bob Harcourt (Diane); brothers-in-law, Harold Long (Marie), and Harry Leach (Diane); grandchildren, Stephanie Nicole Odom (Wayne), Misti Beth Foster (Justin), Matthew Edwin Jordan (Brittany), Jennifer Anne Holoman (Jason), Evanston David Long (Sara); great-grandchildren, Haley Odom, Bryson Odom and Caleb Foster, as well as Baby Jordan on the way.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, November 24, 2019, at 2:00 pm, from the Salem #1 (Sugar Hill) Baptist Church, in Suches, GA, with Rev. Tim Garrett officiating. The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 23, 2019, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home.
Henry-Cochran Funeral Home Of Blue Ridge is honored to be serving the family.

Martha A. Curry, age 88 of Hiawassee, Georgia passed away Sunday, November 3, 2019. Martha was born to Fredrick “Fritz” and Ruth (Davis) Batchelor on January 7, 1931 in Atlanta, Georgia. She was a member of Riverside Baptist Church in Buford, Georgia. Martha loved sewing and had worked in many factories. She also was a homemaker, an excellent cook and enjoyed gospel music. Martha loved to read her Bible, was a devoted wife, a loving mother and was the Best Nanny!
Mrs. Curry is proceeded in death by her parents; husband, Richard Lee Curry; grandchild, Dana Moody Clark; her, Bill Batchlor; and sister, Betty Gantt. She is survived by daughters and sons-in-law, Janice and DL Moody, Donna and David Hunter; son and daughter-in-law, Richard A and Tracey Curry; grandchildren, Dara and Jason Dyer, and Adrienne Hunter; five great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Special Thanks to Homestead Hospice and the caregivers at Brasstown Manor.

In Lieu of flowers donation may be made in Mrs Curry’s Memory to Homestead Hospice https://www.homesteadhopefoundation.org/ or a check may be mailed to 168 Rogers St Blairsville GA 30512 Suite 205.

Graveside Service: Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at 2:00PM at Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Wade Lott officiating.

Banister Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Mrs. Curry’s Services.