Obituaries

Decator Bradshaw, Jr.

May 19, 2025

Decator Bradshaw Jr., passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 19, 2025, at the age of 87. Born on April 21, 1938, in Hiawassee, Georgia, Decator better known as "Junior" lived a life marked by dedication, service, and love for his family and community.

Junior proudly served in the United States Army and was a committed deacon of Bell Scene...

Helen Elizabeth Ross Loudermilk

May 19, 2025

Helen E Loudermilk, age 93, of Mineral Bluff, Georgia, passed away on Monday, May 19, 2025, in Swainsboro, GA. Helen was born October 2, 1931, in Mineral Bluff, GA to Otto and Emily Ross.

She was preceded in death by her father, Otto Ross; mother, Emily Panter Ross; husband, Wayne Loudermilk; sisters, Dolla Mae Pendleton, Edith Ferguson, and Betty Johnson; and...

Estelle Rice

May 17, 2025

Estelle Rice

October 25, 1924 - May 17, 2025

Mrs. Estelle Avent Darrow Rice, age 100, of Marble, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, May 17th, 2025.

Mrs. Rice was born on October 25th, 1924, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, to Herbert Betts Darrow and Estelle Brown Avent Darrow. She was raised in Charlotte, North Carolina,...

William Akins

May 17, 2025

William "Bud" Harvey Akins Sr., a loving husband, devoted father, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2025, at his home in Blairsville, Georgia. He lived a vibrant and fulfilling 87 years, leaving behind a legacy marked by love, community service, and a passion for life. He raised his family with strong Christian faith.

Born on March 20, 1938,...

The Nguyen

May 15, 2025

On May 15, 2025, The Huu Nguyen ,67, lovingly known as, Joseph, went to rest high on the mountain near his home in Marble, NC. After graduating from high school, Joseph joined the Marines. Then he returned to Florida to become a policeman. But the job he was most proud of was being a Correctional Security Officer and a member...

James Homer Howell

May 14, 2025

James H. Howell, 82, of Marietta, GA, passed away on May 14, 2025. He was born on September 11, 1942, in Canton, OH, to the late Homer and Inez Howell.

James spent his life sharing his love for motorcycles, a passion that he carried with him since his teenage years. He found joy and adventure riding to races all over the...

Shelby Farmer

May 14, 2025

Shelby Jean Farmer, age 79, departed this life on May 14, 2025, in Hiawassee, Georgia. Shelby was born on January 28, 1946, in McCaysville, Georgia, to the late Edward Stepp and Rosell Patterson Stepp.

Shelby was a beloved wife, devoted mother, and cherished grandmother. She is survived by her husband, Wayne Farmer; her daughter, Lori (Derrick) Moody; son, Kevin (Desiree) Cannon;...

Max Hooper

May 13, 2025

Max Wade Hooper entered his heavenly home on May 13, 2025. He was born July 3,1932 in Young Harris, Georgia as the first son born to Harve & Roberta(Townsend) Hooper. Max was a people person, a generous giving person, one who loved children and an individual that made friends easily. He served in the United States Air Force for over...

Melissa Roberts

May 13, 2025

Melissa Roberts, a beloved wife, mother, and dedicated registered nurse, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2025, at the age of 62. Born on February 12, 1963, Melissa touched the lives of many with her unwavering compassion and kindness. She was not only cherished by her family but also deeply respected and loved by her coworkers and patients during her...

Milas Nicholson

May 11, 2025

Milas Lee Nicholson Sr., a cherished father, devoted husband, and esteemed educator, went to walk with the Lord on May 11, 2025, at the age of 91. Born on November 8, 1933, in Hiawassee, Georgia, Milas lived a life grounded in deep faith, love, community, and learning.

Milas dedicated his life to educating the youth of Georgia, teaching in Habersham, White,...

Sue Lynn Reynolds

May 10, 2025

Sue L. Reynolds, age 71, died on May 10, 2025 due to cancer. She was born on September 3, 1953 in Waterloo, Iowa to Richard Gielau and Dorla Sterner. Sue graduated from the University of Northern Iowa and she went on to teach special education for 35 years. She was married to Daniel Reynolds for 41 years. In addition to...

Laverne Cobb

May 7, 2025

Another beautiful soul went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. LaVerne England Cobb, age 92, joined her beloved husband of 62 years, Wilson C. Cobb in their Heavenly Home. LaVerne was born October 12, 1932, in the Owltown Community of Union County to John Ernest and Mamie Laura Alice Everett England. Along with Wilson, her...

Jo Anne Thurmond

May 5, 2025

Jo Anne Thurmond, age 92, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2025, at Blue Ridge Assisted Living & Memory Care. She was born Jo Anne Elsberry on November 13,1932, in Seney, GA, in Polk County of parents, Gertie Craton Elsberry and John Rayford Elsberry.

She's preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Gorden Thurmond, her parents, her sisters Ruth Daniel and...

Gary Steven Farmer

May 5, 2025

Gary Steven Farmer, age 67, of Blue Ridge, Georgia passed away on May 5, 2025 in the Northside Hospital in Lawrenceville, Georgia. He was born on June 21, 1957 in Cleveland, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents; Earnest Farmer and Helen Turner Farmer; and sister, Diane Espy.

Gary was a man with a kind and generous heart. He...

Blanche Naomi Candler

May 5, 2025

Blanche Naomi Candler, age 98, of Blairsville, Georgia, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2025. Born on January 31, 1927, to Ira Patton and Effie (Paul) Colwell, Blanche lived a long and full life filled with many loved ones. Blanche loved being around people and found great joy in her community. A longtime member of the United Methodist Church of...

Rodney F. Deal

May 4, 2025

Rodney F Deal, age 55, of Ducktown, TN, passed away on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at in Blue Ridge, GA. Rodney was born August 21, 1969, in Copperhill, TN to Willard Deal and Sharon Hyatt.

Rodney was preceded in death by his father, Willard Deal. 

He is survived by his mother, Sharon Hyatt; son, Troy James Bennett; and former spouse, Samantha Deal;...

Stanley Bruce Cochran

May 4, 2025

Stanley Bruce Cochran, age 67, of Epworth, GA, passed away on Sunday, May 4, 2025, in Epworth, GA. Stanley was born December 19, 1957, in Copperhill, TN to James and Helen Cochran.

Stanley was preceded in death by his father, James Cochran; mother, Helen Cochran; and brother, Steve Cochran.

He is survived by his wife, Janet Cochran; daughter, Jennifer (Daniel) Paulk; step-son,...

Larry Filmore Dover

May 2, 2025

Larry Filmore Dover, age 78, passed away on May 2, 2025 after an extended illness in Hiawassee, Georgia. Mr. Dover was preceded in death by his Great Grandfather, Augustus Dover; Great Grandmother, Ella Noblet; grandfather, Millard F. Dover and Grandmother, Sarah Jane Eller; parents, Warden W. Dover and Wilma Storey Dover; brothers, Eugene Marion Mcknezie (Mack) and Michael Mckenzie; and...

Chasity Mealer

May 1, 2025

Chasity Michelle Barker Mealer, age 50, of McCaysville, GA, passed away unexpectedly on May 1, 2025, following a sudden illness. She was born to Lloyd and Delena Ensley Barker on August 24, 1974, in Copperhill, TN.

Chasity was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished daughter, caring sister, and faithful friend. She was known for her boundless kindness, deep compassion, and genuine...

Edd Pelfrey

Apr 29, 2025

On April 29, 2025, Edd Pelfrey finished his race and entered into eternal glory. He was born on May 30, 1949, to Homer and Bertha Payne Pelfrey and was a lifelong native of Fannin County. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Hoyt and Cecil.

Edd was an active member of McCaysville/Copperhill Baptist Church. He had many friends...