TOCCOA – Faye Ragsdale Caudell, 85, died Sunday, February 15, 2009, at the Clary Center.
Born on May 6, 1923, in Banks County, she was the daughter of the late Oscar and Bertha Kesler Ragsdale. She lived most of her life in Stephens County. She was a graduate of Franklin County High School and was Miss Franklin County in 1940. She attended Athens Business College and was employed with the Toccoa Record. She and her husband were partners in Caudell’s Hardware and Farm Supply for 40 years, and were later involved with Caudell Realty. She was a member of the Toccoa First Baptist Church and the Fidelis Sunday School Class. Mrs. Caudell was preceded in death by brothers, Palmour, Charles and J.B. Ragsdale.
Survivors include her husband of 65 years, Roger Caudell, Toccoa; son and daughter-in-law, Elliott and Reba Caudell, Toccoa; grandchildren, Laura Caudell, Wes and Jordan Caudell, all of Birmingham, Ala., Stephen Caudell, Toccoa; sister, Sara Mize, Augusta; sisters-in-law, Mary Ragsdale and Lou Ragsdale, both of Toccoa; aunt, Laverne Kesler Addison, Elberton; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 17, at 3 p.m., in the sanctuary of the First Baptist Church with the Revs. Jim Nelson and Henry Fields officiating. Burial will be in the Toccoa City Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday from 5 until 8 p.m.
Pallbearers will be George Camp, Ronald Payne, Mike Holcomb, Richard Harrell, Dale Mize, Bill Ragsdale, Eddie Ragsdale and Russell Caudell.
Acree-Davis Funeral Home, Toccoa, is in charge of arrangements.
Entries from February 2009
Bertha Shirley
ALTO – Bertha Jewell Shirley, 88, died Saturday, February 14, 2009, at a private care facility.
Born on December 25, 1920, in Habersham County, she was the daughter of the late Causby Jackson and Ellie King Shirley and was a dedicated homemaker. She was a member of Mud Creek Baptist Church and was retired from Carwood Manufacturing Company with eight years of service. Ms. Shirley was preceded in death by sisters, Pearl Smith and Lillian Chastain.
Survivors include a sister, Clara S. Tanksley, Alto; niece, Hellen Clark, Marietta; nephews, Ricky Chastain, Rome, and Melvin Chastain, Tennessee.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 17, at 11 a.m., at B.C. Grant Baptist Church with the Rev. Ray Turpin officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday, February 16, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, is in charge of arrangements.
Born on December 25, 1920, in Habersham County, she was the daughter of the late Causby Jackson and Ellie King Shirley and was a dedicated homemaker. She was a member of Mud Creek Baptist Church and was retired from Carwood Manufacturing Company with eight years of service. Ms. Shirley was preceded in death by sisters, Pearl Smith and Lillian Chastain.
Survivors include a sister, Clara S. Tanksley, Alto; niece, Hellen Clark, Marietta; nephews, Ricky Chastain, Rome, and Melvin Chastain, Tennessee.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 17, at 11 a.m., at B.C. Grant Baptist Church with the Rev. Ray Turpin officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday, February 16, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, is in charge of arrangements.
Loretta Rhodes
LAWRENCEVILLE – Loretta F. Rhodes, died Saturday, February 14, 2009, at her residence following a sudden illness.
Born in Rock Hill, S.C., she was the daughter of Bertie Mae Cheek Fitzgerald and the late Harrison Fitzgerald. She was retired from Lucent Technologies and was preceded in death by a brother, Michael Fitzgerald.
Survivors in addition to her mother, include her husband, Vance Rhodes, Lawrenceville; son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Amy Holbrook; granddaughter, Emily Holbrook; grandson, Hunter Holbrook, Buford; daughter, Amanda Rhodes, Duluth; sisters, Debbie Yonce, Athens, Brenda Loggins, Loganville, Darlene Mealor, Bishop, and Mary Pennington, Pendergrass; brothers, Ben Fitzgerald and Donnie Fitzgerald, both of Commerce, Kenneth Fitzgerald, Talmo, David Fitzgerald, Tucker, Johnny Fitzgerald, Gainesville.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 17, at 3 p.m., in the chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home with the Rev. Elaine Puckett officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday from 7 to 9 p.m., and Tuesday from 1 until funeral time.
Memorial Park Funeral Home, Gainesville, is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Rock Hill, S.C., she was the daughter of Bertie Mae Cheek Fitzgerald and the late Harrison Fitzgerald. She was retired from Lucent Technologies and was preceded in death by a brother, Michael Fitzgerald.
Survivors in addition to her mother, include her husband, Vance Rhodes, Lawrenceville; son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Amy Holbrook; granddaughter, Emily Holbrook; grandson, Hunter Holbrook, Buford; daughter, Amanda Rhodes, Duluth; sisters, Debbie Yonce, Athens, Brenda Loggins, Loganville, Darlene Mealor, Bishop, and Mary Pennington, Pendergrass; brothers, Ben Fitzgerald and Donnie Fitzgerald, both of Commerce, Kenneth Fitzgerald, Talmo, David Fitzgerald, Tucker, Johnny Fitzgerald, Gainesville.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 17, at 3 p.m., in the chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home with the Rev. Elaine Puckett officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday from 7 to 9 p.m., and Tuesday from 1 until funeral time.
Memorial Park Funeral Home, Gainesville, is in charge of arrangements.
Hezziekiah Wilson
COMMERCE – Hezziekiah Wilson Jr., 75, died Friday, February 13, 2009, at Athens Regional Medical Center in Athens.
Born in Jackson County, he was the son of the late Hezziekiah and Carrie Mae Morrison Wilson. He was Baptist and was retired from Michelin Tire.
Survivors include his wife, Lois Jean Archer Wilson, Commerce; daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara and Jon Milford and Mary and Rodney Gary, all of Commerce, Vickie and John Russell, Anderson, S.C.; sons and daughter-in-law, David and Lisa Wilson, Cornelia, Daniel Wilson, Commerce; ten grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Graveside services were held Sunday, February 15, at Jackson Memorial Gardens with Archie D. Chaney and Carlton Allen officiating.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
Born in Jackson County, he was the son of the late Hezziekiah and Carrie Mae Morrison Wilson. He was Baptist and was retired from Michelin Tire.
Survivors include his wife, Lois Jean Archer Wilson, Commerce; daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara and Jon Milford and Mary and Rodney Gary, all of Commerce, Vickie and John Russell, Anderson, S.C.; sons and daughter-in-law, David and Lisa Wilson, Cornelia, Daniel Wilson, Commerce; ten grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Graveside services were held Sunday, February 15, at Jackson Memorial Gardens with Archie D. Chaney and Carlton Allen officiating.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
Bernard Balthazor
COMMERCE - Bernard Glen Balthazor, 82, died Friday, February 13, 2009, at St. Mary's Hospice House in Athens.
Born in Momence, Ill., he was the son of late Fred and Flossie Balthazor. He was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church in Momence, Ill., Commerce, and finally in Athens. Bernie was the plant manager at Baker and Taylor. When he retired, he worked for the University of Georgia Extension Service and owned his own business. He loved to hunt and garden, but most of all, he loved his family, loved ones stated.
Survivors include his wife, Beverly; sister and brother-in-law, Priscilla and Earnest Lesch; children, Susan and Marvin Mason, Jack and Frances Balthazor, and Ron and Jane (Hudson) Balthazor; grandchildren, Thomas and Aimee Ballentine, Scott and Andrea Mason, Christopher and Angelia Balthazor, Katherine Hudson, Daniel Balthazor, and Cara Mason; and great-grandchildren, Robert Ballentine, Nicholas Ballentine, Jonathan Ballentine, and Myles Balthazor.
The family will receive friends at Little- Ward Funeral Home in Commerce on Thursday, February 19 at 5 pm. A memorial service will follow at the funeral home chapel at 7 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Mary's Hospice House, P.O. Box 6588, Athens, GA 30604, and indicate that the gift is made in memory of Bernie Balthazor.
Little-Ward Funeral Home Commerce is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Momence, Ill., he was the son of late Fred and Flossie Balthazor. He was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church in Momence, Ill., Commerce, and finally in Athens. Bernie was the plant manager at Baker and Taylor. When he retired, he worked for the University of Georgia Extension Service and owned his own business. He loved to hunt and garden, but most of all, he loved his family, loved ones stated.
Survivors include his wife, Beverly; sister and brother-in-law, Priscilla and Earnest Lesch; children, Susan and Marvin Mason, Jack and Frances Balthazor, and Ron and Jane (Hudson) Balthazor; grandchildren, Thomas and Aimee Ballentine, Scott and Andrea Mason, Christopher and Angelia Balthazor, Katherine Hudson, Daniel Balthazor, and Cara Mason; and great-grandchildren, Robert Ballentine, Nicholas Ballentine, Jonathan Ballentine, and Myles Balthazor.
The family will receive friends at Little- Ward Funeral Home in Commerce on Thursday, February 19 at 5 pm. A memorial service will follow at the funeral home chapel at 7 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Mary's Hospice House, P.O. Box 6588, Athens, GA 30604, and indicate that the gift is made in memory of Bernie Balthazor.
Little-Ward Funeral Home Commerce is in charge of arrangements.
Susie Norton
CORNELIA - Susie Belle Norton, 75, died Friday, February 13, 2009, at her residence.
Born on January 4, 1934, in Banks County, she was the daughter of the late Howard and Hattie Chitwood Martin. Mrs. Norton attended Alto Congregational Holiness Church and had previously worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant before retirement. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rass Norton; daughter, Virginia Elaine Moore; brothers, Charles Martin and James Clifford Martin; and a sister, Marie Fowler.
Survivors include a daughter: Ann Norton, Cornelia; son and daughter-in-law, Ronnie and Janet Norton, Baldwin; sister: Frances Knight, Cornelia; brothers: Jack Martin and Curtis Martin, both of Cornelia, Robert Martin, Gainesville, Lewis Martin, Cornelia; grandchildren, Ellen McMillian, Rodney Foster, Joel Norton, Jason Norton, and Elaina "Coco" Ramirez; 15 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 15, from the Whitfield Funeral Home with the Revs. Ronnie Norton, Wes Davis and Tim Beasley officiating. Interment will be in the Level Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2 until 4 and 6 until 9 p.m. on Saturday.
Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, is in charge of arrangements.
Born on January 4, 1934, in Banks County, she was the daughter of the late Howard and Hattie Chitwood Martin. Mrs. Norton attended Alto Congregational Holiness Church and had previously worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant before retirement. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rass Norton; daughter, Virginia Elaine Moore; brothers, Charles Martin and James Clifford Martin; and a sister, Marie Fowler.
Survivors include a daughter: Ann Norton, Cornelia; son and daughter-in-law, Ronnie and Janet Norton, Baldwin; sister: Frances Knight, Cornelia; brothers: Jack Martin and Curtis Martin, both of Cornelia, Robert Martin, Gainesville, Lewis Martin, Cornelia; grandchildren, Ellen McMillian, Rodney Foster, Joel Norton, Jason Norton, and Elaina "Coco" Ramirez; 15 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 15, from the Whitfield Funeral Home with the Revs. Ronnie Norton, Wes Davis and Tim Beasley officiating. Interment will be in the Level Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2 until 4 and 6 until 9 p.m. on Saturday.
Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, is in charge of arrangements.
R.B. Bradshaw
WINDER – R.B. Bradshaw, 89, died Wednesday, February 11, 2009.
Born in Barrow County, he was the son of the late Boss and Maggie Aikins Bradshaw. He was a member of Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church and was a retired cotton farmer.
Survivors include a sister, Maggie Ruth Peppers, Statham; nieces and nephews, Margie Hilley, Millie Peppers, Buddy Peppers and Dickie Peppers; and several great and great-great nieces.
Graveside services will be held Saturday, February 14, at 2 p.m., at Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church cemetery with Brother Randy Peppers officiating. The family will receive friends Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.
Smith Funeral Home, Winder, is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Barrow County, he was the son of the late Boss and Maggie Aikins Bradshaw. He was a member of Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church and was a retired cotton farmer.
Survivors include a sister, Maggie Ruth Peppers, Statham; nieces and nephews, Margie Hilley, Millie Peppers, Buddy Peppers and Dickie Peppers; and several great and great-great nieces.
Graveside services will be held Saturday, February 14, at 2 p.m., at Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church cemetery with Brother Randy Peppers officiating. The family will receive friends Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.
Smith Funeral Home, Winder, is in charge of arrangements.
Joseph Barnish
HOSCHTON - Joseph Banish, 86, died Wednesday, February 11, 2009.
Born in Scanlon Hill, Pa., he was the son of the late Joannes and Marianna Czajka Barnish. He was retired from the military, having served in the United States Army and the Navy, serving in World War II and Korea. Mr. Barnish was a Mason and a member of Rockwell Lodge, retired as regional manager of Globemaster, and was a member of the Hoschton United Methodist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Ruth Castleberry Barnish, Hoschton; daughters and sons-in-laws, Nan and Franklin Barton, Bogart, and Peggy and David Newman, Wayne, Pa.; grandchildren, Elizabeth and Beverly Barton and Alex Newman; brother, Stanley Barnish, Ohio; sisters, Rose Yanik and Mary Caucci, both of Ohio, and Trudy Barnish, Mich.
Graveside services will be held Saturday, February 14, at 2 p.m., at Hoschton City Cemetery with the Rev. Lewis Ortiz officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Hoschton United Methodist Church.
Smith Funeral Home, Winder, is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Scanlon Hill, Pa., he was the son of the late Joannes and Marianna Czajka Barnish. He was retired from the military, having served in the United States Army and the Navy, serving in World War II and Korea. Mr. Barnish was a Mason and a member of Rockwell Lodge, retired as regional manager of Globemaster, and was a member of the Hoschton United Methodist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Ruth Castleberry Barnish, Hoschton; daughters and sons-in-laws, Nan and Franklin Barton, Bogart, and Peggy and David Newman, Wayne, Pa.; grandchildren, Elizabeth and Beverly Barton and Alex Newman; brother, Stanley Barnish, Ohio; sisters, Rose Yanik and Mary Caucci, both of Ohio, and Trudy Barnish, Mich.
Graveside services will be held Saturday, February 14, at 2 p.m., at Hoschton City Cemetery with the Rev. Lewis Ortiz officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Hoschton United Methodist Church.
Smith Funeral Home, Winder, is in charge of arrangements.
Jeanette Savage
CLEVELAND – Jeanette Savage, 52, formerly of Baldwin, died Wednesday, February 11, 2009, at Habersham County Medical Center, following an extended illness.
Born in Hall County on November 4, 1956, she was the daughter of the late Randolph and Bessie Mae Simmons Savage. She attended Leatherwood Baptist Church, and enjoyed playing with her stuffed animals and looking at magazines. Miss Savage was preceded in death by a sister, Julie Crowe; and brother, Woodrow Savage.
Survivors include a sister and brother-in-law, Jereline and W.T. Savage, Cleveland; brother and sister-in-law, James and Allie Savage, Alto; and several nieces, nephews, and a host of other family and friends.
Funeral services will be held Friday, February 13, at 2 p.m., in the chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home with the Revs. Harrill Millsaps and Kenneth Franklin officiating. Burial will be Leatherwood Baptist Church cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday, February 12, from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia, is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Hall County on November 4, 1956, she was the daughter of the late Randolph and Bessie Mae Simmons Savage. She attended Leatherwood Baptist Church, and enjoyed playing with her stuffed animals and looking at magazines. Miss Savage was preceded in death by a sister, Julie Crowe; and brother, Woodrow Savage.
Survivors include a sister and brother-in-law, Jereline and W.T. Savage, Cleveland; brother and sister-in-law, James and Allie Savage, Alto; and several nieces, nephews, and a host of other family and friends.
Funeral services will be held Friday, February 13, at 2 p.m., in the chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home with the Revs. Harrill Millsaps and Kenneth Franklin officiating. Burial will be Leatherwood Baptist Church cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday, February 12, from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia, is in charge of arrangements.
Bennie Patton
CORNELIA – Bennie Lee Patton, 74, died Thursday, February 12, 2009, at the residence of his daughter.
Born on March 12, 1934, in Habersham County, he was the son of the late Gordon and Lucy Patton. He was a member of the Demorest Church of God, was retired from the Civil Service United States Forestry Service with 35 years of service, and was formerly employed by Fieldale Farms. After his retirement, he was a very active volunteer of Meals on Wheels. Mr. Patton was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Willis Patton; daughter, Maxine Varnes; and two grandchildren.
Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Kathy Patton and Bobby Lee Williams, Cornelia; son and daughter-in-law, Rocky and Sheliah Potts, Martin; sister, Julie Patton Smith, Cleveland; brother and sister-in-law, Raymond and Betty Patton, Cornelia; grandchildren, Heath and April Williams, Cleveland, Michael Varnes, Jason Varnes, Natasha Varnes and Stephanie Varnes, all of Franklin County, Chelsey Quick, Baldwin, Mitchell Varnes, Martin; and six great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 14, at 2 p.m., at the Demorest Church of God with the Revs. William Cox and Johnny Willis officiating. Burial will be in the Level Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Whitfield Funeral Home Friday, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.
Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, is in charge of arrangements.
Born on March 12, 1934, in Habersham County, he was the son of the late Gordon and Lucy Patton. He was a member of the Demorest Church of God, was retired from the Civil Service United States Forestry Service with 35 years of service, and was formerly employed by Fieldale Farms. After his retirement, he was a very active volunteer of Meals on Wheels. Mr. Patton was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Willis Patton; daughter, Maxine Varnes; and two grandchildren.
Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Kathy Patton and Bobby Lee Williams, Cornelia; son and daughter-in-law, Rocky and Sheliah Potts, Martin; sister, Julie Patton Smith, Cleveland; brother and sister-in-law, Raymond and Betty Patton, Cornelia; grandchildren, Heath and April Williams, Cleveland, Michael Varnes, Jason Varnes, Natasha Varnes and Stephanie Varnes, all of Franklin County, Chelsey Quick, Baldwin, Mitchell Varnes, Martin; and six great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 14, at 2 p.m., at the Demorest Church of God with the Revs. William Cox and Johnny Willis officiating. Burial will be in the Level Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Whitfield Funeral Home Friday, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.
Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, is in charge of arrangements.
Expressions of sympathy