Obituaries

Larry Edward Tomlinson

Larry Edward Tomlinson

Aug 27, 2026

Larry Edward Tomlinson, Sr., age 80, of Blairsville, GA, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Thursday, August 27, 2026.

Born January 28, 1946, in Savannah, GA, to John Elmo Tomlinson, Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Tomlinson, and raised in Brunswick, Larry became an Eagle Scout as a young man, later serving as a Scout leader himself. He graduated from Glynn...

Karen Ann Rauch

Karen Ann Rauch

Aug 26, 2026

Karen Yager Rauch went to be with Jesus on the 26th of August, 2026, at the age of 84.

Karen earned a degree in Business Management from Kent State University. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who deeply loved her family and her Lord.

She is survived by her husband, Donald Rauch; her son, Richard Rauch; her daughter, Suzanne...

Ralph Grice

Ralph Grice

Aug 26, 2026

Ralph Clark Grice, age 79, of Mineral Bluff, GA, passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. He was born November 18, 1946, in Blue Ridge, GA to the Rev. Millen L. Grice and Millie Maude Grice.

Ralph, a member of Concord Baptist Church, was widely known for his love of gospel music and his exceptional talent as a piano player. He...

Donald Lynn Kisselburg

Donald Lynn Kisselburg

Aug 25, 2026

Donald Lynn Kisselburg, age 98, of Blue Ridge, GA., passed away August 25, 2026.

Donald was born on May 18, 1928, to P.L. and Myrtle Kisselburg in Fannin County, GA.

Don enjoyed woodworking, making bread boxes, gun cabinets, toolboxes, jelly cabinets, cradles and rocking chairs for his friends and family. He also enjoyed genealogy, hunting, journaling, photography, gardening, flowers, and fishing.

Don entered...

Ricky Garland Pittman

Ricky Garland Pittman

Aug 25, 2026

Ricky Garland Pittman, age 68, of Mineral Bluff, Georgia, passed from this life on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. Mr. Pittman was born on January 21, 1958, in McCaysville, Georgia, to the late Garland Herman Pittman. Beside his father, he was preceded in death by brothers, infant B.R. Pittman, Weldon, Earl, and Johnny Pittman.

He is survived by, his mother Cennie Holden...

Sharon Arp

Sharon Arp

Aug 25, 2026

Sharon Todd Arp, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, went home to be with the Lord on August 25, 2026, at the age of 76. She was born on March 11, 1950, in McCaysville, Georgia, to the late Hertis and Juanita Brown Todd.

Sharon is survived by her husband and love of her life; Sid Arp; sons: Chad (Maria) Davis,...

Phillip Waylan Bruce

Phillip Waylan Bruce

Aug 24, 2026

Phillip Waylan Bruce, age 58, of Ladson, South Carolina, passed away on Monday, August 24, 2026. Phillip was born June 2, 1968, in Copperhill, TN to Johnnie Wayne Bruce and Dorothy Jean Bruce.

Phillip was preceded in death by his father, Johnnie Wayne Bruce.

He is survived by his mother, Dorothy Jean Bruce; and cousin, Mike Bruce; and numerous other cousins and...

Anthony Phillip Bommarito

Anthony Phillip Bommarito

Aug 18, 2026

-----------------Anthony Phillip Bommarito, 70, of Brasstown, North Carolina, passed away on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at Clay County Care Center in Hayesville, NC. Anthony was born December 30, 1955, in MI to Norman and Elizabeth Bommarito.Anthony was preceded in death by father, Norman Bommarito; mother, Elizabeth Smith; brother, Laurance (Larry) Bommarito; sister, Elizabeth (Betty Ann) Davidson.He is survived by his...

Rev. Jack Phillip Buchanan

Rev. Jack Phillip Buchanan

Aug 17, 2026

The Reverend Jack Phillip Buchanan, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on August 17, 2026, at the age of 81. He was born on November 2, 1944, in Morganton, Georgia, to Clyde and Alma Pruitt Buchanan. Jack dedicated his life to the service of others, leaving an indelible mark on all who...

John Marko Watkins

John Marko Watkins

Aug 17, 2026

John M. Watkins, age 69, passed away on Monday, August 17, 2026 in Gainesville, Georgia. He was born to the late Martin and Sarah Kate Hogan Watkins on September 20, 1956 in Blue Ridge, Georgia.

John was a caring and accepting individual with unconditional love. He was deeply devoted to his family, especially his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren with open...

Connie Denise Parrish

Connie Denise Parrish

Aug 16, 2026

Connie Denise Parrish, age 59, of Blairsville, GA, passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2026, in Canton, GA. Connie was born July 11, 1967, in Lake Wales, FL to Mike and Sandy Forte.Connie was preceded in death by her father, Mike Forte; and brother, Gary Forte.She is survived by her husband, David Parrish; mother, Sandy Payne; daughter, Spring Stewart; son,...

Paul William Stepp

Paul William Stepp

Aug 15, 2026

Paul William Stepp, passed away on August 15, 2026, at the age of 77. Born on January 26, 1949, in Epworth, Georgia, to Lloyd and Nellie Foster Stepp. Paul was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Paul served his community with pride for many years as a lineman for Tri-state EMC. Paul exemplified hard work and commitment in all aspects...

Terry Weldon Atkins

Terry Weldon Atkins

Aug 13, 2026

Terry Weldon Atkins, 70, a beloved father, grandfather, son, and brother, passed away on August 13, 2026. Born on September 5, 1955, in Roswell, New Mexico, Terry lived a full life that was packed with adventure and love. He was a proud member of the Dooly Masonic Lodge 367 and had a passion for cruising on his Harley, exploring the...

Brenda Queen

Brenda Queen

Aug 9, 2026

Brenda Queen, a beloved mother and grandmother, departed this life on August 9, 2026, at the age of 81. Brenda was born on June 26, 1945, in Ducktown, Tennessee, to the late Young and Iva Lee Gilliam.

Brenda, alongside the love of her life, Bill, owned several businesses and worked in the Blue Ridge community for many years; however, she was...

Frederick Brumm Sr.

Frederick Brumm Sr.

Aug 8, 2026

Frederick Brumm Sr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2026, in Morganton, Georgia. Born on December 31, 1942, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Frederick's life journey was marked by dedication, service, and a love for the outdoors.

Frederick served his country honorably in the United States Air Force from March 23, 1962, until his discharge on...

Margaret Mary Miklos

Margaret Mary Miklos

Aug 7, 2026

Margaret "Maggie" Mary Miklos, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, passed away on August 7, 2026. A dedicated professional, she served as a Human Resources Director and Vice President in the healthcare sector with HCA, where she was valued for her leadership and commitment to fostering a positive workplace environment. Maggie earned her Master's Degree, reflecting her dedication to education and...

William Stanley Christopher

William Stanley Christopher

Aug 6, 2026

William Stanley Christopher, age 75, of Blue Ridge, GA, passed away on Thursday, August 6, 2026, in Atlanta, GA. Stanley was born April 12, 1951, in Copperhill, TN to William and Allie Christopher. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army.

Stanley was preceded in death by his son, Jason Christopher; father, William Edward Christopher; and mother, Allie Christopher.

He is...

Betty Marie Helton

Betty Marie Helton

Aug 5, 2026

Betty Marie Helton, a beloved daughter, mother, and cherished grandmother, entered the presence of her Lord, peacefully on August 5, 2026, at the age of 88. Born on May 21, 1938, in Ducktown, Tennessee, Betty devoted her life to her family and community, exemplifying a spirit of love and service that touched all who knew her.

Betty was a devoted homemaker,...

Joan Virginia Parker

Joan Virginia Parker

Aug 5, 2026

Joan Virginia Parker, age 73, of Morganton, GA, passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. Joan was born January 23, 1953, in Cleveland, OH to Charles and Mildred Newman. 

Joan was preceded in death by her husband, George Parker; father, Charles Newman; and mother, Mildred Hunter Newman Odom.

She is survived by her son, Travis (Kayla) Parker; sister, Milly Waters; step-brother, Tim...

Jerald E. Janasiak Jr.

Jerald E. Janasiak Jr.

Aug 4, 2026

It is with great sadness to announce the death of Jerry, affectionately known as "The Dude" to those who knew and loved him. 

He leaves a huge hole in the hearts of his family and friends who were always entertained by his stories and hilarious sense of humor. He was extremely outgoing and it was very easy for him to make...