Obituaries

Todd Gillespie

Todd Gillespie

Oct 21, 2026

Todd Andrew Gillespie, age 52, of Blue Ridge, GA passed away peacefully on October 21, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Athens, GA on May 18, 1974, he was the son of Ronald Douglas and Patricia Wallin Gillespie.

Growing up in Blue Ridge, he became a part of the community and loved the small-town environment. He found his greatest...

Patricia W. Alexakis

Patricia W. Alexakis

Oct 9, 2026

Patricia W. Alexakis (nee: Patricia Ann Warren) of Hayesville, North Carolina, passed away on October 9, 2026, at Emory University Hospital Long Term Acute Care Facility in Atlanta, Georgia, after suffering multiple, extended health issues. She was born on July 11, 1947, in Rochester, New York, to Julian F. and Marian H. Warren.

She graduated from both Radford College (now University)...

Paul Ray Morrow

Paul Ray Morrow

Oct 21, 2026

Paul Morrow, 76, of Acworth, Georgia, passed away leaving behind a lifetime of treasured memories and a family who loved him dearly.

Paul was born in Copperhill, Tennessee, to Mary and Armos Morrow, who preceded him in death.

A hardworking man with a lifelong love of automobiles, Paul owned and operated P&D Tire, an automotive repair shop in Atlanta, Georgia, for 37...

Johnnie Rackley Ross

Johnnie Rackley Ross

Oct 19, 2026

Johnnie Rackley Ross, age 91, of Jefferson, GA, formerly of Blue Ridge, GA, passed away on Monday, October 19, 2026, at The Oaks at Braselton. Johnnie was born March 27, 1935, in Mineral Bluff, GA to Coatus and Ina Rackley. 

Johnnie was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Ross; father, Coatus Rackley; mother, Ina Rackley; sisters, Myrtle Olvey, Marie Quintrell,...

Nan Jean Gerber

Nan Jean Gerber

Oct 20, 2026

Previously written by Nan J. Gerber.

Nan J. Gerber, Blairsville, GA departed 10/20/26

I’m not a fan of standard obituaries—so, I will write my own.

I was born in Chicago, IL to Wm and Patricia Burklow, June 12, 1950. I had 3 older brothers. Mom and dad have passed as has my oldest brother Bill and youngest brother Bob. Brother Bruce lives in...

Barbara Ann Johns

Barbara Ann Johns

Oct 19, 2026

Barbara Ann "Bobbie" Johns, 73, of Blue Ridge, GA, passed away on Monday, October 19, 2026, in Ellijay, GA. Bobbie was born December 18, 1952, in Atlanta, GA to John Robert and Margaret Ealy Johns.Bobbie was preceded in death by her father, John Robert Johns; and mother, Margaret Ealy Johns.She is survived by her sister, Susan Piros & brother-in-law, Dr....

Glenn "Eric" Mealer

Glenn "Eric" Mealer

Oct 18, 2026

Glenn "Eric" Mealer, age 57, of McCaysville, passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2026. He was born on August 19, 1969, to Glenn Edward and Brenda Sue Bell Mealer. He is preceded in death by the love of his life, Chasity Michelle Barker Mealer; his beloved son, Jacob Mealer; and his mother, Brenda Mealer.

Eric was an unwaveringly devoted and...

William Daniel Nicholson

William Daniel Nicholson

Oct 18, 2026

William Daniel Nicholson, age 73, better known as "Danny", passed away on October 18, 2026. Danny was born on April 7, 1953, to Lawrence and Vivian Nicholson.He was preceded in death by his mom and dad, Lawrence and Vivian, better known as "Leo" Nicholson; brother Reid and his wife Eula Mae, sisters Helen Mashburn and Geraldine Mashburn, and sister-in-law Etta...

Wayne Sprinkles

Wayne Sprinkles

Oct 16, 2026

Wayne Sprinkles, 90, quietly slipped from this life on October 16, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, steadfast love, and the kind of warmth that made every room feel brighter just because he was in it. Born on June 29, 1936, on Fodder Creek in Hiawassee, Georgia, to the late Elmer and Vella Sprinkles, Wayne lived a life rooted...

Susan Hammond Harkness

Susan Hammond Harkness

Oct 15, 2026

Susan Hammond Harkness, 81, of Hayesville, NC, passed away on October 15, 2026. She was born to the late Richard H. Hammond, Sr. and Kathleen Lyman Hammond in Miami, FL.

She attended Stevens University and spent weekends and summers throughout college touring the Southeast to compete in equestrian events. Susan returned to school later in life to complete a Master of...

Wanda Gay Ledford

Wanda Gay Ledford

Oct 15, 2026

Wanda Gay LedfordAugust 7,1943-October 15, 2026Wanda Gay Ledford, age 83, of Brasstown, North Carolina, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family on October 15 , 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, service, and devotion to her family and community.Wanda was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life was defined by her generous...

Shirley Ann Taylor

Shirley Ann Taylor

Oct 13, 2026

Shirley Ann Taylor, age 81, of Hiawassee, GA, passed away on October 13, 2026, in Hiawassee, GA. She was born on September 10th, 1945, in Hiawassee, GA, to Ernie and Ivalee Burrell.

Shirley found joy in simple and meaningful things. She loved being outdoors and found comfort in God's nature through gardening. She was a lifelong learner who enjoyed reading many...

Lenard Roy Lee

Lenard Roy Lee

Oct 13, 2026

Lenard Roy Lee, age 84, of Crandall, GA, passed away on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, in Rossville, GA. Lenard was born August 28, 1942, in Blue Ridge, GA to Carl and Dorothy Lee.Lenard was preceded in death by his wife, Geneva Lee; father, Carl Lee; mother, Dorothy Lee; brothers, Gene Lee, Carlton Lee; brother, James Lee; sister, Earlene Lands; and...

Gwen Surpitski Kenneally

Gwen Surpitski Kenneally

Oct 13, 2026

Gwen Surpitski Kenneally, 80, formerly of Hamilton, Massachusetts, passed away on October 13th, 2026, in Blairsville, Georgia, leaving behind a lifetime of treasured memories, remarkable adventures, and people whose lives were touched by her kindness, humor, and love.

Born to Kosty and Ellen Surpitski, Gwen grew up in Hamilton, Massachusetts, alongside her younger brother, John. She was a graduate of Hamilton...

Albert Matthew Sanford

Albert Matthew Sanford

Oct 12, 2026

Mr. Albert Matthew Sanford, age 83, passed away at his home on Monday, October 12, 2026. Al was born on April 22, 1943, in Providence, Rhode Island. He was the son of Albert C. Sanford and Helen Regan Sanford.

Al earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Providence College in 1966. After completing his education, he pursued a variety of business...

Pearl Ann Hyde

Pearl Ann Hyde

Oct 8, 2026

Pearl Ann Hyde, a beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, went home to be with the Lord on October 8, 2026, at her home in Copperhill, Tennessee. Born on October 13, 1945, in Copperhill, Pearl lived a life rooted in faith, devoted to family, and filled with a love that will continue to live on for generations....

Etta Ruth Greenway

Etta Ruth Greenway

Oct 7, 2026

Etta Ruth Greenway, age 92, of Mineral Bluff, GA, passed away on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, in Blairsville, GA. Etta was born September 2, 1934, in Fannin County, GA to Henry Arthur Flowers and Oma Ware Flowers. 

She was lifelong member of Mount Hermon Baptist Church and a devout Christian as well as a devoted wife, homemaker, and caregiver for her...

Winford Nolan Parker

Winford Nolan Parker

Oct 6, 2026

Winford Nolan Parker passed away on October 6, 2026, in Hiwassee, Georgia. He was born on June 4, 1968.

Winford will be remembered with love by those closest to him. He is survived by his son, Blake Parker, and by his daughter-in-law, Jamie Nash; and grandchildren Winford Christian Parker and Blakeley Parker. Their place in his life remains part of the...

Ronald O Wikander

Ronald O Wikander

Oct 6, 2026

Ronald O Wikander, age 79, of Mineral Bluff, GA, passed away on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, in Mineral Bluff, GA. Ronald was born February 21, 1947, in Lowell, MA to Oke and Gertrude Wikander.Ronald was preceded in death by his father, Oke Wikander; and mother, Gertrude Wikander.He is survived by his wife, Diane Wikander; daughters, Kim Such, Tammy (Sammy) Holloway,...

Charlotte Garrett

Charlotte Garrett

Oct 5, 2026

Mrs. Anita Charlotte Garrett, 86, of Hiawassee, Georgia, went to be with her Savior on Monday, October 5, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones. Charlotte was born on November 22, 1939 to E.B. Swanson and Bertha Lee Tatham Swanson. Charlotte was a member of Woods Grove Baptist Church and attended Belle Scene Baptist Church.Charlotte had a vivacious personality and loved...