The Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville announces the death of Sandra Louise McSpadden, age 81 who passed away on December 11, 2019 at Heritage Hospice in Marietta, Georgia.

An interment is being planned at Georgia National Cemetery and will be announced as soon as information becomes available.

*Full obituary pending*

Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory.

G. Wayne Croy, age 73 of Blue Ridge, passed away Wednesday, November 13, 2019, at home. Mr. Croy was born August 4, 1946, in Moultrie, GA to the late Otis Darnell Croy and the late Sally Carrington Croy.

Survivors include: spouse, Irwin McQueary; sister, Joanne (John) Perkins; nephews, Mark Perkins, David Perkins, and Matt Perkins.

No services are planned at this time.

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.

Mary Susie Patterson Green, age 82, of Blue Ridge, GA, went home to be with the Lord early Wednesday morning, November 13, 2019. She was born in Cherry Log, GA, on May 29, 1937, to the late Virgil & Fannie Cornwell Patterson. Mary Sue was a devoted member of Welcome Hill #2 Baptist Church and attended every time she could be there. She enjoyed a simple life, filled with love, family, friendship, and laughter, but more than these, she enjoyed a life filled with Christ. She goes on to be with her parents, as well as, her husband, James “Hoyt” Green; Brothers, Havern Patterson and Avery Patterson; Sisters, Hazel Thomas Cordell, Mazie Payne, Martha Nell Jones, Lassie Allen, Ruth Dotson, Louise Green Allen, and Ruby McClure. She will be remembered by all who knew her but especially missed by a host of nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, and many friends and neighbors.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2019, at 2:00 pm, from the Welcome Hill #2 Baptist Church with Pastor Brent Carter officiating and Tammy Kaylor providing special music. A graveside service will follow in the church cemetery, officiated by Minister Jeff Fair. The family will receive friends, at the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home Of Blue Ridge, on Friday, November 15, 2019, from 2:00 pm until 9:00 pm.
Henry-Cochran Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family.

Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville announces the death of Austin Lee Gilleland, age 24, of Blairsville, who passed away on Friday, November 15th, 2019.

Austin was born in Athens, Georgia, a son of Dwayne Gilleland and Amee Fowler Gilleland. He had lived in Blairsville for the past year and a half, and attended First Baptist Church of Blairsville, moving here from Athens, Georgia.

Besides his parents, Austin is survived by his wife, Samantha, of Blairsville; daughter, Emma Grace; brother, Avery Keith Gilleland; and grandparents Ben and NiEata Telenko and Dennis and Linda Fowler. Many other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services are incomplete at this time and will be announced when available.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville. Please share your condolences and sign the online guest registry at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

Franklin Leroy “Red” Galloway, age 81, passed away Monday, October 28, 2019 after a period of declining health. Leroy was born on September 13, 1938 to the late Mr. and Mrs. Wayne and Josephine (Kimsey) Galloway in Towns County, Georgia. He was a member of  McConnell Memorial Baptist Church. Leroy was a builder by trade, mastering his craft handed down from his father and grandfather.  He was meticulous about his work and people knew and respected that. He was consistent in demeanor – “Same ole’ Leroy everytime”. Leroy was an avid coon hunter and trout fisherman. He loved gardening and always grew enough tomatoes to feed the neighborhood.  Leroy was well known around town and a friend to all.  He loved his family, was an amazing father and grandfather, as well as a devoted husband to the late Mrs. Norma Jean.
Leroy is preceded in death by his parents Wayne and Josephine Galloway, wife Norma Jean (Hughes) Galloway, and his brother Meredith “Harvey” Galloway. He leaves behind daughters Penny (Don) Lloyd and Janine Gilfilian; son Chris (Cenlya) Galloway; grandchildren Brittany Lloyd Harrison, Brandon Lloyd, Corbin Gilfilian, Carly Gilfilian, Cara Miner and Casey Galloway; four great-grandchildren; sister Karen Burdine and many loving extended family and friends.
Visitation: Tuesday, October 29, 2019 6:00-8:00P at Banister Funeral Home
Service: Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at 1:00PM in the chapel of Banister Funeral Home with Rev. Danny Byers officiating.
Interment to follow in the Old Union Cemetery.
The following gentlemen proudly serving as pallbearers: Don Lloyd, Brandon Lloyd, Casey Galloway, Corbin Gilfilian, Stan Gilfilian and Michael Denton.
In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association by visiting their website https://www.alz.org/nca/donate or mailing to Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter
8180 Greensboro Drive, Suite 400
McLean, VA 22102
Banister Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. Leroy Galloway.

Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville announces Memorial Services for Marlon Gerald Gibson, age 40, of Blairsville who passed away on Friday October 18, 2019.

“Waldo” (Marlon) loved his children and had a heart for animals. He spent a lot of his time with both. Known to be a hard worker and loyal man, Waldo was a friend to all he crossed paths with. He enjoyed the solitude of music- listening loud and often! Waldo connected song lyrics to the phases of his life. He would interpret each and every word with the emotions that he felt.

He loved California and spoke for many years of making a life out there “one day”. He finally made that happen.

Marlon leaves behind two children, Anastyne Faith and Corbin Macrae; his mother, Cordie Ann Gibson; sister, Alicia Gibson Ralston; and brother, Randy Allen. Many extended family members and friends also survive. Marlon was preceded in death by his father, J.L. Gibson; and grandparents, Elmer & Gladys Pickelsimer.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville. The family will gather with friends from 10 a.m. until the service begins.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to Cochran Funeral Home, P.O. Box 338, Blairsville, GA 30514 to help defray funeral expenses.

Mr. Bob Palmer, age 91 of Jasper, passed away Tuesday October 15, 2019 at his residence.

Mr. Palmer is survived by his Son & Daughter-in-Law: Scott & Heidi Palmer of Dallas, Step-Son & Daughter-in-Law: Doug & Robyn Platt of Jasper; Daughters: Maureen McDowell of Douglasville and Barbara Barber of Marietta; ten Grandchildren; several Great-Grandchildren and several Great-Great-Grandchildren.

Visitation is Wednesday October 16, from 4:30 PM until 8:00 PM and Thursday October 17, from 8:00 AM until the funeral hour.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday October 17, 2019 at the Chapel of Cagle Funeral Home, with Pastor Martin Barlow officiating.

Interment will be at Sunrise Memorial Gardens following the funeral service.

Cagle Funeral Home is honored to serve the Palmer family.

Lila Lee Lankford Taylor, age 99, of McCaysville, passed away Thursday, November 14, 2019, at Life Care Center of Copper Basin. Mrs. Taylor was born April 26, 1920, in McMinn County, TN, to the late Jess D. Lankford and the late Mary Ann Setzer Lankford. She was a member of Copperhill First United Methodist Church and was a Cosmetologist for over 55 years. While still in high school, Lila would go to a local beauty shop to work in the evenings. She opened Lila’s Beauty Shop in 1960. She was also an avid Georgia Bulldog fan. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Taylor, and a great-grandson, Taylor Thuma.

Survivors include: daughter, Lynne (Phil) Hurst, son, Steve (Karen) Taylor, grandchildren, Terri Burger, Dana Thuma, Jeffrey Taylor, Jill Lambert, great-grandchildren, Joel Burger, Jordan Burger, Nolan Thuma, Cash Lambert, Aniston Lambert, Grayson Taylor, Evie Taylor, great-great-grandchildren, LilaKate Burger, Baby Max Burger, special caregiver Anita Greene, nieces and nephew also survive.

Funeral services: Sunday, November 17, 2019, 3:00 pm at the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Tom Reed and Pastor Larry Russell officiating. Music provided by Jeri Sue Massengale and William Wright. Interment will follow in Crestlawn Cemetery. Pallbearers: Jeffrey Taylor, Joel Burger, Jordan Burger, Joshua Lambert, Nolan Thuma, Marty Burger, and Tim Thuma.

The family will receive friends at the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home, Sunday, November 17, 2019, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
Flowers are accepted, but donations may be made to your favorite pet rescue.

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.

Nora Garrett Rogers, age 94, of Dalton, passed away Wednesday, November 27, 2019, at her home surrounded by her loved ones. Nora was born November 29, 1924, in Hayesville, NC, to the late Bob Garrett and the late Verdie Carroll Garrett. Mrs. Rogers worked for Brumby Textiles, Levi Strauss, and furniture stores. She was a member of Mount Herman Baptist Church and attended Eleventh Avenue Baptist Church before declining health. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 58 years, Hoyle Vernon Rogers, daughter-in-law, Ann Hice Rogers, seven sisters, and three brothers.

Nora, a member of the generation that knew hard work and dedication, loved gardening, canning, working in her flowers – especially roses, picking blackberries, quilting, attending gospel singings, and traveling. She was a beloved, cherished, honored wife, mother, and grandmother. She was brave and had great courage, loved being in any exciting adventure, such as; riding a horse at 77 years old, flying in a helicopter at 85 years old, jumping in bouncy houses with great-grandchildren, etc. Being a great example of love, her loving hugs, kisses, and “I Love You’s” were always given each time you entered her home or was in her presence. (Proverbs 31).
Her most delicious buttermilk biscuits, gravy, fried chicken, blackberry jelly, banana pudding, chocolate cake, and blackberry cobbler were lovingly prepared for her family.

Survivors include: son & daughter-in-law, Ernest & Tam Rogers, son & daughter-in-law, Don & Becky Rogers, son, John Rogers, daughter & son-in-law, Nina & Junior Fleming, daughter & son-in-law, Brenda & George Mullis, daughter & son-in-law, Wanda & Steve Ware, grandson, Tony Rogers, granddaughter, Vicki Davis, grandson, Andy Ware, grandson, Adam Fleming, grandson, Donny Rogers, grandson, Brad Mullis, grandson, Keith Ware, several great-grandchildren,
great-great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews, also survive.

Funeral services: Sunday, December 1, 2019, at 2:00 pm at the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Steve Ware and Rev. Adam Fleming officiating. Music provided by Andy and Tammy Ware, and Keith and Christa Ware.

Pallbearers: Tony Rogers, Andy Ware, Brad Mullis, Donny Rogers, Keith Ware, and Charlie Davis. Interment will follow in Sweetgum Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home of Blue Ridge, Saturday, November 30, 2019, 5:00 pm – 8:00 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.

HELEN LOUISE BEAL BAIR, AGE 91, went to be with the Lord on Friday, November 8, 2019. Helen is survived by her loving husband of 69 years, Ross A. Bair. Also surviving are her cherished children Deborah (Thomas) Miller, Claudia (Philip) Scharer, Kathryn (Mark) Bolhofner, Grandchildren Calie (Kevin) Mckinnon, Ryan (Dawn) Scharer, Katelyn ( Jacob ) Harris , Ross ( Sara) Bolhofner, Taylor (Curtis) Barrett, Shelby (John) Buttimer, and Kevin Miller. Great Grandchildren Carter, Tyler, Chase and Cameron Mckinnon, Ryleigh, Samuel and Harper Scharer, Miles and James Buttimer, Livia and Jesse Harris, Cora and Mark Bolhofner. Brother John (Linda) Beal currently resides in Ohio, and Helen was preceded in death by sister Marilyn (Myron) Ferry. T

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 22, 2019 at Grace Presbyterian Church with Pastor Jon Jacobs and Dr. Mark Bolhofner officiating. Interment will follow at Laurel Hills Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday at the church from 10 a.m. until the service begins.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Grace Presbyterian Church, PO Box 105, Blairsville, Ga 30514.

The Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee announces Funeral Services for Mr. Carl Broward Williams, age 90 of Hiawassee who passed away at his home on Sunday morning, November 3, 2019.

Mr. Williams was born in Plant City, Florida on January 3, 1929 to the late Eddie Broward Williams and Ruby Florene (Bailey) Williams. As an industrious boy, Carl would ride 25 miles each day on his bicycle delivering newspapers. Shortly after high school, Carl started a 32 year long career in the phosphate mining industry. He held various positions from Research and Development to Quality Control, and eventually became Plant Superintendent. He always held a humble spirit. He retired at the age of 55, beginning a new phase of life working full time on the family cattle ranch.

Carl was very loving and personable. He was quiet and reserved by nature. Gifted with a mechanical mind, Carl could fix just about anything and enjoyed repairing cars and rebuilding tractors. He began a new hobby of woodworking when he moved to the mountains. Carl was an active member of McConnell Memorial Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and helped with youth activities. He loved gospel music and accumulated a total of 60 years singing bass/baritone in his church choirs. He and his wife, Hilda, had a love of exploration and travel. They have twice traveled the United States, visited various parts of Canada, and toured most of Europe.

He will be warmly remembered by all who knew him, but especially missed by his family: devoted wife of 70 years, Hilda Williams; daughter & son-in-law, Judy & Richard Kaufman; son & daughter-in-law, Gordon & Linda Williams; and son & daughter-in-law, Jason & Cathy Williams. Also, sharing in his legacy are 6 grandchildren, Jaime Beuchat, Jennifer Williams, Emily Williams, Trevor Williams, Caitlin Williams, and Cameron Williams; and 3 great grandchildren, Connor Beuchat, Curren Beuchat, and Cayden Beuchat. Carl was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Florene Frazier.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday November 7, 2019 at McConnell Memorial Baptist Church with Pastor Steve Taylor and Rev. Danny Byers officiating. Music will be presented by Wayne Hundley and Danny Byers. Interment will follow at Osborn Cemetery. The following gentlemen have been selected to serve as pallbearers: Don Woodruff, Charles Grimes, Jr., Charles Chaney, Trevor Williams, Jim Wagener, and Frank Witkowski. Honorary pallbearers will include: Phil Heard, Walter Berg, Allan Driskell, Hiram “Buddy” Kelly, Jerry Armstrong, and Ron McGowen. The family will receive friends on Thursday at McConnell Memorial from 12 p.m. until the service begins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to your choice of: McConnell Memorial Baptist Church- Building Fund, P.O. Box 235, Hiawassee, GA 30546; Gideon’s Towns County Camp, P. O. Box 517, Young Harris, GA 30582; or Homestead Hospice.

Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee.

Eric Livingston Hancock, 48, of Andrews, North Carolina, passed away on Saturday, October 26, 2019, at his home. He was preceded in death by his father, Jerry Lee Hancock, and grandparents, Lonnie “Bill” and Josephine Ledford. Eric is survived by mother, Barbara Hancock, brother Jeff Hancock (and wife Julie), daughter Gabrielle Hancock, son Aaron Hancock, nephew Kameron Hancock, and niece Shelby Hancock.
Although Eric is no longer here with us, his larger than life persona will not soon be forgotten. He will be remembered for his quick wit and endless knowledge of useful information (and sometimes not so useful but would spark interesting conversations). His wealth of knowledge came in handy when he broke down and had to fix the car with a gum wrapper. And on occasion got him into some trouble like when Eric and his brother, Jeff, made a black powder bomb using CO2 cartridges that made a huge hole in their grandmothers’ field.
Eric had a very kindhearted personality and gave the best teddy bear hugs that made you know that he cared deeply. His true passion in life was his children, Gabby, and Aaron. They hold many great memories spent with their Dad like going on trips to Pigeon Forge, where they spent the entire day going to every go-kart track, at which Eric will remain undefeated. And countless rides on the motorcycle and days playing in the swimming pool. Eric always knew how to bring a big smile to their face, just by making a Yogi Bear impression, rapping a rendition of a Beastie Boys tune, or handing out some lines from Davey Jones’ Locker. His nephew Kameron and niece Shelby also held a special place in Eric’s heart. As Kameron was the first grandchild, Eric spent a lot of time making sure that Kameron was just a little extra spoiled. And in Shelby’s eyes, no one was as awesome as her Uncle Eric; he could even make baby rabbits appear out of thin air.
In the spirit of one of Eric’s favorite songs, “Life’s Been Good,” Eric’s friends and family will gather for visitation on Tuesday, October 29, 2019, at the Townson Rose Chapel in Andrews, North Carolina. This time for sharing memories will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
The Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy, in charge of arrangements, you may send condolences to the family at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

Murray Dennis Wood, age 87, a CPA and gentleman farmer of Blue Ridge and Atlanta, was lovingly cared for by his wife, Vivian, of almost 70 years and youngest daughter, Dr. Holly Brown of Buffalo, NY.
As a highly recruited graduate from the University of Alabama, he was hired by Ernst & Young, formerly Ernst & Ernst in Birmingham. With his skills in high demand, he was relocated to the Atlanta office in 1967 and then onto Orlando, Florida in 1969. In 1971 he was moved to Miami, Florida where he was made Partner responsible for the South Florida offices. While in Miami, he was President of the Miami Philharmonic, member of the Greater Miami Opera Association and the United Way of Miami.
After 5 years in Miami, he moved back to Atlanta and became Vice Chairman and Managing Partner for the Southeast Region for Ernst & Young. During his time in Atlanta he was on the Board of Directors for the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta, Atlanta Arts Alliance, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Atlanta Music Festival, the Metropolitan Opera Association, Scottish Rite Hospital, Peach Bowl, Salvation Army, Oglethorpe University. He served on Boards of the University of Miami, University of Florida and University of Alabama, was a Rotarian and treasurer of almost every church where he was a member.
After he retired from Ernst & Young, he was a member of the Lion’s Club, Treasurer of the United Way of Yancy County, NC and in Blue Ridge, he completed the Master Gardner’s Course and helped to start the Church garden at Cherry Log Christian Church, as well as being a Stephen Minister.
Preceded in death by his son, Craig, he is survived by his wife, Vivian, and loving father to Judy Talley (Jack), David Wood (Jane), Shelia Bryant, Holly Brown (Dennis). Proud grandfather of Mebbie Campbell (Cam), Catherine Anderson (Patrick), Vinson Bryant, Ginnie Killebrew (Douglas) and Michael David Wood. Great grandfather to Natalie and Matthew Anderson, Emma and Maggie Killebrew, Journee Bryant, and Jack Campbell.
In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the Cherry Log Christian Church or The Lane-Wood Scholarship, University of Alabama, Box 870122, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487.
Memorial Services will be held at Cherry Log Christian Church, 1149 Cherry Log St, Cherry Log, GA 30522 at 10:00 am on Wednesday, October 30, 2019.

Mrs. Evelyn Ann Denton Ledford, age 70 of Hiawassee, passed away Saturday November 30, 2019 at Union General Hospital. Mrs. Ledford was born January 20, 1949 in Towns County to Cleveland and Monda Lowe Denton. She was a member of Mt. Pleasant Church of God. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Evelyn loved gardening, her flowers and cooking. She worked hard all of her life to care for her family.

Survivors include her husband, Monroe Ledford; son and daughter in law, Ronnie and Renee Ledford of Hiawassee; sister and brother-in-law, Burnette and C.J. Nichols of Clayton, GA; granddaughter, Haley (Michael) Barrett; granddaughter, Kendra Ledford; great grandson, Grayson Barrett; nephew, Colby Nichols; and aunt, Della Dickard. Many other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Monday December 2nd at the chapel of the Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee with Rev. Glen Eller officiating. Music will be provided by Sheila Eller. Interment will follow in Boyds Chapel Cemetery. Pallbearers: Knox Garrett, Michael Barrett, Colby Nichols, Robert Bradshaw, Jerry Owens and Eric Owens.

The family will receive friends at the Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee Sunday evening from 6 until 9 p.m.

Arrangements entrusted to the Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee, GA. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.