WINDER – Byron Bernard Skinner, 82, died Tuesday, July 14, 2009, at his residence.
He was the son of the late Than and Lena Doster Skinner and was a retired superintendent with the Barrow County Department of Roads and Bridges. He was a veteran, having served in the United States Army during World War II. Mr. Skinner was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Morrow Skinner; and a great-granddaughter, Stephanie Nicole Wright.
Survivors include children and spouses, Charles and Rae Skinner, Linda and Jeff Williams, all of Winder, Gary and Rebekah Skinner, Jefferson; grandchildren, Bill and Penny Skinner, Leabee Skinner, Kristie and Tim Dove, Jennifer and Randy Faulkner, Clayton Skinner, Krista and Todd Bruce and Rachel Skinner; 14 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; sister, Louise Patton, Winder; and brother, Myron Skinner, Bethlehem.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 16, at 11 a.m., in the chapel of Carter Funeral Home with the Rev. John Briscoe officiating. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday, from 5 to 9 p.m., at the funeral home.
Carter Funeral Home, Winder, is in charge of arrangements.
Entries from July 2009
Charles McDaniel
BETHLEHEM – Charles N. McDaniel, 81, died Sunday, July 12, 2009.
Born on May 1, 1928, he was the son of Bridges and Leveda Wall McDaniel. He was preceded in death by brothers, Thomas and Herbert McDaniel.
He was raised in Bethlehem by his grandmother, Jenny Doster McDaniel, following the death of his mother when he was an infant. During the war at age 14 he worked briefly in the shipyards at Brunswick before joining the Merchant Marines at age 15 for one tour of duty. Following that he joined the Coast Guard. During World War II he served on Coast Guard Cutters in the waters off of France and the Northeast Coast of Canada and the US. He owned and operated Holiday6 Grocery in Winder following his retirement.
He was a Mason and Shriner, was a deacon at the First Christian Church in Winder, but in 1980 was ordained as a New Thought Minister at the Center for Spiritual Awareness, and was thus able to work with alcoholics who were incarcerated and “ready” to hear about AA.
Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Hassie Lee Stewart McDaniel; daughters and sons-in-law, Cheryl and Hank Hilderbrand, Jackson, Debbie McDaniel, Bethlehem, and Marsha and David Gooch, Jefferson; grandchildren and spouses, Henry and Cassie Hilderbrand, Johns Creek, Jeremy and Lynne Hilderbrand, Stockbridge, Chuck and Maureen Gooch, Bethlehem, and Kellee Gooch, Nashville, Tenn.; three great-grandchildren; one niece; and numerous cousins.
Smith Funeral Home, Winder, was in charge of arrangements.
Born on May 1, 1928, he was the son of Bridges and Leveda Wall McDaniel. He was preceded in death by brothers, Thomas and Herbert McDaniel.
He was raised in Bethlehem by his grandmother, Jenny Doster McDaniel, following the death of his mother when he was an infant. During the war at age 14 he worked briefly in the shipyards at Brunswick before joining the Merchant Marines at age 15 for one tour of duty. Following that he joined the Coast Guard. During World War II he served on Coast Guard Cutters in the waters off of France and the Northeast Coast of Canada and the US. He owned and operated Holiday6 Grocery in Winder following his retirement.
He was a Mason and Shriner, was a deacon at the First Christian Church in Winder, but in 1980 was ordained as a New Thought Minister at the Center for Spiritual Awareness, and was thus able to work with alcoholics who were incarcerated and “ready” to hear about AA.
Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Hassie Lee Stewart McDaniel; daughters and sons-in-law, Cheryl and Hank Hilderbrand, Jackson, Debbie McDaniel, Bethlehem, and Marsha and David Gooch, Jefferson; grandchildren and spouses, Henry and Cassie Hilderbrand, Johns Creek, Jeremy and Lynne Hilderbrand, Stockbridge, Chuck and Maureen Gooch, Bethlehem, and Kellee Gooch, Nashville, Tenn.; three great-grandchildren; one niece; and numerous cousins.
Smith Funeral Home, Winder, was in charge of arrangements.
Charlene Strickland
ATHENS – Charlene Broome Strickland, 88, died Sunday, July 12, 2009.
Born on July 9, 1921, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Susan Broome. She was an economics teacher for 31 years before retiring, having taught many of those years at Madison County High School. She was of the Baptist denomination and a member of Danielsville Baptist Church. Mrs. Strickland was preceded in death by her husband, James Howard Strickland.
Survivors include sisters, Jimmie Lou Benton, Jacksonville, Fla., Willie Ruth Freeman, Lincolnton; a niece, Linda Gennerich; two nephews; two great-nephews; David and Bowen Freeman.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 18, at 2 p.m., at Danielsville Baptist Church. Burial will be in Danielsville City Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Bob Fogg, Barry Smith, David Freeman, Ben Black, Bowen Freeman and Gary Gennerich. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday, July 17, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Brown Funeral Home, Danielsville, is in charge of arrangements.
Born on July 9, 1921, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Susan Broome. She was an economics teacher for 31 years before retiring, having taught many of those years at Madison County High School. She was of the Baptist denomination and a member of Danielsville Baptist Church. Mrs. Strickland was preceded in death by her husband, James Howard Strickland.
Survivors include sisters, Jimmie Lou Benton, Jacksonville, Fla., Willie Ruth Freeman, Lincolnton; a niece, Linda Gennerich; two nephews; two great-nephews; David and Bowen Freeman.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 18, at 2 p.m., at Danielsville Baptist Church. Burial will be in Danielsville City Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Bob Fogg, Barry Smith, David Freeman, Ben Black, Bowen Freeman and Gary Gennerich. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday, July 17, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Brown Funeral Home, Danielsville, is in charge of arrangements.
H. Gary Fortson
DEWY ROSE – H. Gary Fortson, 54, died Monday, July 13, 2009, following an extended illness.
He was the son of the late Horace and Annie Laura Fortson and was preceded in death by his father-in-law, J.W. Davis.
Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Patricia Fortson; daughter and son-in-law, Lynn and Buddy Stephens; grandchildren, Tyler and Heather Stephens; sisters, Connie Carter, Lisa Candler, Elaine Short and Lynn Herman; brothers, Ronnie and Alex Fortson; mother-in-law, Patsy Davis; brother-in-law, Wayne Davis; a special niece; and a number of friends.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 16, at 2 p.m., in the chapel of Hicks Funeral Home with the Rev. Gary Purvis officiating. Burial will be in Elmhurst Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday, July 15, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Hicks Funeral Home, Elberton, is in charge of arrangements.
He was the son of the late Horace and Annie Laura Fortson and was preceded in death by his father-in-law, J.W. Davis.
Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Patricia Fortson; daughter and son-in-law, Lynn and Buddy Stephens; grandchildren, Tyler and Heather Stephens; sisters, Connie Carter, Lisa Candler, Elaine Short and Lynn Herman; brothers, Ronnie and Alex Fortson; mother-in-law, Patsy Davis; brother-in-law, Wayne Davis; a special niece; and a number of friends.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 16, at 2 p.m., in the chapel of Hicks Funeral Home with the Rev. Gary Purvis officiating. Burial will be in Elmhurst Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday, July 15, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Hicks Funeral Home, Elberton, is in charge of arrangements.
Lida Pirkle
Lida Emily Westbrook Pirkle, 92, retired educator, died Wednesday, July 8, 2009, following a brief illness.
Born in Forsyth County, she was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C.J. Westbrook of Chestnut Mountain. Her career spanned 35 years of teaching math, science, physics, home economics, and elementary education in Floyd, Hart, Hall, Gwinnett, Jackson, and Barrow counties. She was a 1938 graduate of Berry College, received her Master's of Education from the University of Georgia in 1962, and was a National Science Foundation scholar. Mrs. Pirkle was preceded in death by her husband Jack Pirkle; and brothers, Cecil Westbrook, Marietta, and Hugh Westbrook, Gainesville.
Survivors include a sister, Louise Westbrook McGowan, Chestnut Mountain; daughters and son-in-law: Frances Benson, Moultrie, and Jack and Ada Spruill, Hoschton; grandchildren and their families: Scott, Jackie, and Conor Batson and Jordan Benson of Alpharetta; Robert, Brooke, Charlie, Wyatt, and Ben Spruill of Moultrie; Shannon, Carol, Emma, and Clayborn Lawrence of Kite; and Cliff, Abby, and John Tippens of Jackson.
Memorial services are planned for Saturday July 18, at 10 a.m., at Hoschton United Methodist Church.
Wages and Sons, Lawrenceville, is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Forsyth County, she was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C.J. Westbrook of Chestnut Mountain. Her career spanned 35 years of teaching math, science, physics, home economics, and elementary education in Floyd, Hart, Hall, Gwinnett, Jackson, and Barrow counties. She was a 1938 graduate of Berry College, received her Master's of Education from the University of Georgia in 1962, and was a National Science Foundation scholar. Mrs. Pirkle was preceded in death by her husband Jack Pirkle; and brothers, Cecil Westbrook, Marietta, and Hugh Westbrook, Gainesville.
Survivors include a sister, Louise Westbrook McGowan, Chestnut Mountain; daughters and son-in-law: Frances Benson, Moultrie, and Jack and Ada Spruill, Hoschton; grandchildren and their families: Scott, Jackie, and Conor Batson and Jordan Benson of Alpharetta; Robert, Brooke, Charlie, Wyatt, and Ben Spruill of Moultrie; Shannon, Carol, Emma, and Clayborn Lawrence of Kite; and Cliff, Abby, and John Tippens of Jackson.
Memorial services are planned for Saturday July 18, at 10 a.m., at Hoschton United Methodist Church.
Wages and Sons, Lawrenceville, is in charge of arrangements.
Almeda Smith
WINDER – Almeda Smith, 79, died Friday, July 10, 2009.
A native of Blount County, Ala., she was the daughter of the late Emory and Mary Jane Pruett Simpson. She was a member of the Winder First Baptist Church and was a homemaker. Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by her husband, Lagree Smith; sons, Ken Smith and Gary Smith; and siblings, Ellis Simpson, Calvin Simpson, Mag Simpson, Alma Carlyle, and Lillie Belle Mote.
Survivors include children, Tim Smith, Auburn, and Kim Phillips, Winder; grandchildren, Jamie Martin, Cody Smith, Lee Smith and Madison Phillips.
Funeral services were held Monday, July 13, in the chapel of Carter Funeral Home with the Rev. Lester Hall officiating. Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery.
Carter Funeral Home, Winder, was in charge of arrangements.
A native of Blount County, Ala., she was the daughter of the late Emory and Mary Jane Pruett Simpson. She was a member of the Winder First Baptist Church and was a homemaker. Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by her husband, Lagree Smith; sons, Ken Smith and Gary Smith; and siblings, Ellis Simpson, Calvin Simpson, Mag Simpson, Alma Carlyle, and Lillie Belle Mote.
Survivors include children, Tim Smith, Auburn, and Kim Phillips, Winder; grandchildren, Jamie Martin, Cody Smith, Lee Smith and Madison Phillips.
Funeral services were held Monday, July 13, in the chapel of Carter Funeral Home with the Rev. Lester Hall officiating. Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery.
Carter Funeral Home, Winder, was in charge of arrangements.
Ettie McElhannon
CONYERS – Ettie Faye McElhannon, 83, died Friday, July 10, 2009.
A native of Hoschton, she was the daughter of the late Elbert and Lulu Elizabeth Fagins Ethridge. She was a retired administrative assistant with the Georgia State Department of Civil Defense with 30 years of service. Mrs. McElhannon was preceded in death by her husband, Stewart McElhannon Jr.
Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, Stewart McElhannon III and Mary S. McElhannon, Conyers, James Monroe McElhannon, Tucker, Dr. Mark Andrew McElhannon and Alma M. McElhannon, Atlanta; grandsons and spouses, Joel S. and Rosemary McElhannon, Russell J. and Erin McElhannon; granddaughters and spouse, Taryn F. and Algernon Tennyson, Margaret C. McElhannon, and Mari J. McElhannon.
Funeral services were held Sunday, July 12, in the chapel of Carter Funeral Home with the Rev. Grover Jehue Thomas Jr. officiating. Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery.
Carter Funeral Home, Winder, was in charge of arrangements.
A native of Hoschton, she was the daughter of the late Elbert and Lulu Elizabeth Fagins Ethridge. She was a retired administrative assistant with the Georgia State Department of Civil Defense with 30 years of service. Mrs. McElhannon was preceded in death by her husband, Stewart McElhannon Jr.
Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, Stewart McElhannon III and Mary S. McElhannon, Conyers, James Monroe McElhannon, Tucker, Dr. Mark Andrew McElhannon and Alma M. McElhannon, Atlanta; grandsons and spouses, Joel S. and Rosemary McElhannon, Russell J. and Erin McElhannon; granddaughters and spouse, Taryn F. and Algernon Tennyson, Margaret C. McElhannon, and Mari J. McElhannon.
Funeral services were held Sunday, July 12, in the chapel of Carter Funeral Home with the Rev. Grover Jehue Thomas Jr. officiating. Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery.
Carter Funeral Home, Winder, was in charge of arrangements.
Ralph Miller
BRASELTON – Ralph Charles Miller, 83, died Monday, July 13, 2009.
Born in Fulton County, he was the son of the late John Benson and Ruth Agnes Kesler Miller. He was a retired fireman with the City of Atlanta Fire Department, a member of the Atlanta Jaycees, member of Zion Baptist Church, and a veteran, having served in the United States Army during World War II.
Survivors include his wife, Betty Lou Jenkins Miller, Braselton; children, Ben and Kathy Miller, Braselton, Barry L. and Karon Miller, Tiger, Judy and Paul Dressner, St. Simmons Island, Bob and Cindy Miller, Pendergrass; sisters and brothers-in-law, Runell and Howard Lykins, Illinois, Betty Davis, Hoschton, Barbara and Bob Samples, Covington; 15 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 14, at 11 a.m., at Zion Baptist Church with the Rev. Mike Phillips officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday, July 14, from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Zion Baptist Church, 2001 Cherry Dr., Braselton, GA 30517.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Fulton County, he was the son of the late John Benson and Ruth Agnes Kesler Miller. He was a retired fireman with the City of Atlanta Fire Department, a member of the Atlanta Jaycees, member of Zion Baptist Church, and a veteran, having served in the United States Army during World War II.
Survivors include his wife, Betty Lou Jenkins Miller, Braselton; children, Ben and Kathy Miller, Braselton, Barry L. and Karon Miller, Tiger, Judy and Paul Dressner, St. Simmons Island, Bob and Cindy Miller, Pendergrass; sisters and brothers-in-law, Runell and Howard Lykins, Illinois, Betty Davis, Hoschton, Barbara and Bob Samples, Covington; 15 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 14, at 11 a.m., at Zion Baptist Church with the Rev. Mike Phillips officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday, July 14, from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Zion Baptist Church, 2001 Cherry Dr., Braselton, GA 30517.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.
Callie Gaines
ROYSTON – Callie Wright Gaines, 87, died Sunday, July 12, 2009, at her residence.
Born in Jackson County, she was the daughter of the late Benjamin and Nora Gaines. She was a homemaker and a member of the Holiness denomination. Mrs. Gaines was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Gaines; a son, Carlton Gaines; and daughter, Charlotte Fowler.
Survivors include daughters, Betty Henson, Stockbridge, Peggy Ivey, Loganville, Nora Tiller, Flowery Branch, Minnie Murphy, Royston; sons, Larry Gaines, Hoschton, H.L. Gaines, Lavonia, Kenneth Gaines, Royston, Tommy Gaines, Conyers; brothers, Bill Wright, Canon, and Joseph Wright, Buford; sister, Lillie Seabolt, Jefferson; 23 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 14, at 2 p.m., in the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home with the Revs. Wesley Craig and William Ivey officiating. Burial will be at Center Grove Baptist Church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday, July 13, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Jackson County, she was the daughter of the late Benjamin and Nora Gaines. She was a homemaker and a member of the Holiness denomination. Mrs. Gaines was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Gaines; a son, Carlton Gaines; and daughter, Charlotte Fowler.
Survivors include daughters, Betty Henson, Stockbridge, Peggy Ivey, Loganville, Nora Tiller, Flowery Branch, Minnie Murphy, Royston; sons, Larry Gaines, Hoschton, H.L. Gaines, Lavonia, Kenneth Gaines, Royston, Tommy Gaines, Conyers; brothers, Bill Wright, Canon, and Joseph Wright, Buford; sister, Lillie Seabolt, Jefferson; 23 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 14, at 2 p.m., in the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home with the Revs. Wesley Craig and William Ivey officiating. Burial will be at Center Grove Baptist Church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday, July 13, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Hazel Beck
COMMERCE – Hazel Beck, 88, died Friday, July 10, 2009, at Athens Regional Medical Center.
Born in Jackson County, she was the daughter of the late Reuben and Stella Boswell McGinnis and stepmother, Mary McGinnis. She was a homemaker and a member of Ridgeway Baptist Church. Mrs. Beck was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Beck; grandson, Kevin Ledford; and sister, Helen Cochran.
Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, James and Jane Beck, Gillsville, Bobby and Wanda Beck and Randy and Donna Beck, all of Maysville, Thomas and Carol Beck, Homer; sons, Billy Beck and Larry Beck, both of Commerce; daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Aubrey Ledford and Peggy and Jim Bailey, all of Commerce, Patsy and Donald Beck and Shirley and Wayne Wilbanks, all of Jefferson; sisters, Mary Lou Lacy, Oneida Jackson, Malise Cheek and Nadine Seabolt, all of Commerce; 16 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Monday, July 13, at Ridgeway Baptist Church with the Revs. Bill Manus and Luther Williams officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
Born in Jackson County, she was the daughter of the late Reuben and Stella Boswell McGinnis and stepmother, Mary McGinnis. She was a homemaker and a member of Ridgeway Baptist Church. Mrs. Beck was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Beck; grandson, Kevin Ledford; and sister, Helen Cochran.
Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, James and Jane Beck, Gillsville, Bobby and Wanda Beck and Randy and Donna Beck, all of Maysville, Thomas and Carol Beck, Homer; sons, Billy Beck and Larry Beck, both of Commerce; daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Aubrey Ledford and Peggy and Jim Bailey, all of Commerce, Patsy and Donald Beck and Shirley and Wayne Wilbanks, all of Jefferson; sisters, Mary Lou Lacy, Oneida Jackson, Malise Cheek and Nadine Seabolt, all of Commerce; 16 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Monday, July 13, at Ridgeway Baptist Church with the Revs. Bill Manus and Luther Williams officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
Expressions of sympathy