BALDWIN - Joe E. White, 82, passed away on Monday, February 27, 2012, at the Habersham Medical Center.
He was born on September 14, 1929, in Franklin County, the son of the late Noah and Zora Garner White. Mr. White was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jean Ward White; son, Michael Joe White; brothers, Herman, Vernon and Roy White; and sister, Frances Williams. He was a United States Army veteran having proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict. He was a retired auto mechanic with G & L Automotive with 20 years of service and formerly employed with Haynes & Gailey Pontiac with over 30 years of service. Mr. White was a member of the Damascus Baptist Church.
Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Rodney and Shannon White, Baldwin; brother, Garner White, Baldwin; and grandchildren, Erica White, Jessica Williams and her husband, Corey.
Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 1, at Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, with David Terrell and the Rev. Tim House officiating. Interment will follow in the Damascus Baptist Church Cemetery with full military honors provided by the Habersham County American Legion Post #84, the Grant Reeves VFW Post #7720, the Rabun County DAV Chapter #15, and the Georgia National Guard.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, February 29, at the funeral home.
Flowers are accepted or donations may be made to the charity of one's choice.
Arrangements are in the care of Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, Georgia.
Banks County - Topics from February, 2012
‘CW’ Crawford (2-22-12)
HOMER - Clarence William "CW" Crawford, Sr., 81, died Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at Northridge Health and Rehab Center.
CW was born on April 28, 1931 in Commerce, the son of the late Joseph and Gertrude Crawford. He attended Commerce High School, Georgia Military College, and Wofford College, where he was an accomplished athlete and scholar. He lettered in football, basketball, track, golf, and tennis. He was an avid gardener, achieving the designation of Master Gardener, and wrote a column for several years on the subject. He also enjoyed singing old home songs at church and was a regular Sunday School teacher. Mr. Crawford was preceded in death by his wife, Bessie Scales Crawford; and two sons, Chip and Kelly Crawford.
Survivors include sons, Casey and Wally Crawford; grandsons, Clay Crawford (Natalie) and Chris Crawford; great-grandsons, Will and Michael Crawford; brother, Verner Crawford (Dorothy); sisters, Willa Dean White (Charles) and Mary Sue Long (Sid).
Memorial services will be Tuesday, February 28 at 11 a.m. at Homer Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Alex Stevens officiating.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
CW was born on April 28, 1931 in Commerce, the son of the late Joseph and Gertrude Crawford. He attended Commerce High School, Georgia Military College, and Wofford College, where he was an accomplished athlete and scholar. He lettered in football, basketball, track, golf, and tennis. He was an avid gardener, achieving the designation of Master Gardener, and wrote a column for several years on the subject. He also enjoyed singing old home songs at church and was a regular Sunday School teacher. Mr. Crawford was preceded in death by his wife, Bessie Scales Crawford; and two sons, Chip and Kelly Crawford.
Survivors include sons, Casey and Wally Crawford; grandsons, Clay Crawford (Natalie) and Chris Crawford; great-grandsons, Will and Michael Crawford; brother, Verner Crawford (Dorothy); sisters, Willa Dean White (Charles) and Mary Sue Long (Sid).
Memorial services will be Tuesday, February 28 at 11 a.m. at Homer Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Alex Stevens officiating.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Deborah Pritchett (2-21-12)
HOMER - Deborah Ann Pritchett, 56, died Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at Athens Regional Medical Center.
She was born in Commerce, the daughter of the late Roy E. and Bertie Ruth Barrett Blackburn and was a homemaker.
Survivors include her husband, Robert Pritchett, Homer; brother, Kenneth Blackburn, Demorest; sister, Patricia Andrews, Alto; brother-in-law, Wendell Pritchett, Alto; sister-in-law, Sue Young (Junior), Carnesville; special niece, Pamela Ford, Carnesville; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be Friday, February 24, at 11 a.m. from the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home with the Revs. Bill Stacey and Kenneth McEntire officiating. Burial will be at Indian Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday, February 23, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m.
The family will be at the residence of sister-in-law, Sue Young: 33 Deer Meadows Estates Carnesville, GA 30521.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
She was born in Commerce, the daughter of the late Roy E. and Bertie Ruth Barrett Blackburn and was a homemaker.
Survivors include her husband, Robert Pritchett, Homer; brother, Kenneth Blackburn, Demorest; sister, Patricia Andrews, Alto; brother-in-law, Wendell Pritchett, Alto; sister-in-law, Sue Young (Junior), Carnesville; special niece, Pamela Ford, Carnesville; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be Friday, February 24, at 11 a.m. from the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home with the Revs. Bill Stacey and Kenneth McEntire officiating. Burial will be at Indian Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday, February 23, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m.
The family will be at the residence of sister-in-law, Sue Young: 33 Deer Meadows Estates Carnesville, GA 30521.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Rev. Donald Tritt (2-20-12)
LULA - The Reverend Donald Tritt, 93, passed away Monday, February 20, 2012 at his residence.
He was born August 6, 1918, in Suches, the son of the late William B. and Pearl (Davis) Tritt. He started preaching at the age of 33 and continued on for the next 60 years. He pastored numerous churches including Diamond Hill Baptist Church, Pleasant Union Baptist Church, County Line Baptist Church, and part-time at Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church in Suches. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Bernice (Abernathy) Tritt; three brothers; and four sisters.
Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, the Rev. Doug Tritt and Linda Tritt, Lula, and Denver and Sharon "Chubby" Tritt, Gillsville; granddaughter, Misty Berry, Gillsville; granddaughter and husband, Courtney and Pat Canaday, Gillsville; grandson and fiancé, Dustin Tritt and Leia Partain, Lula; granddaughter and husband, Angie and Dustin Poole, Lula; great-grandchildren, Andrew Berry, Kayla Berry and Ella Kate Canaday, all of Gillsville; sister, Ella Mae Beach, Duluth; sister and brother-in-law, Jean and Walter Edge, Suches; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Wayne and Ruby Abernathy, Lula.
Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 22, at County Line Baptist Church in Cleveland with interment to follow in the church cemetery. The Revs. James Hatcher, Donnie Jarrard, Doug Tritt, and Donald Fuller will officiate. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, February 21, at the funeral home. The family has requested that any area ministers who wish to be honorary pall bearers to be at the church at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday prior to the service.
The family would like to take this opportunity to thank those at Odyssey Hospice for their care and diligence during this difficult time.
Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel, Gainesville, is in charge of arrangements.
He was born August 6, 1918, in Suches, the son of the late William B. and Pearl (Davis) Tritt. He started preaching at the age of 33 and continued on for the next 60 years. He pastored numerous churches including Diamond Hill Baptist Church, Pleasant Union Baptist Church, County Line Baptist Church, and part-time at Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church in Suches. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Bernice (Abernathy) Tritt; three brothers; and four sisters.
Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, the Rev. Doug Tritt and Linda Tritt, Lula, and Denver and Sharon "Chubby" Tritt, Gillsville; granddaughter, Misty Berry, Gillsville; granddaughter and husband, Courtney and Pat Canaday, Gillsville; grandson and fiancé, Dustin Tritt and Leia Partain, Lula; granddaughter and husband, Angie and Dustin Poole, Lula; great-grandchildren, Andrew Berry, Kayla Berry and Ella Kate Canaday, all of Gillsville; sister, Ella Mae Beach, Duluth; sister and brother-in-law, Jean and Walter Edge, Suches; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Wayne and Ruby Abernathy, Lula.
Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 22, at County Line Baptist Church in Cleveland with interment to follow in the church cemetery. The Revs. James Hatcher, Donnie Jarrard, Doug Tritt, and Donald Fuller will officiate. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, February 21, at the funeral home. The family has requested that any area ministers who wish to be honorary pall bearers to be at the church at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday prior to the service.
The family would like to take this opportunity to thank those at Odyssey Hospice for their care and diligence during this difficult time.
Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel, Gainesville, is in charge of arrangements.
Rose Lee Gowder Lane (2-15-12)
HANAHAN, S.C. - Rose Lee Gowder Lane, 82, walked into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday, February 15, 2012.
She was born in Homer, on February 25, 1929, daughter of the late Robert and Maggie Gowder. Mrs. Lane was preceded in death by five brothers and two sisters.
She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was an active member of Remount Baptist Church since 1959. She loved flowers and was a Charter Member and Past President of Berkeley Hills Garden Club. She was also a State Life Member of the Garden Club of South Carolina. She graduated as a Registered Nurse from St. Francis Hospital in July 1950. She was always thinking of others and volunteered at schools, churches, and in her community.
Survivors include her husband of 60 years, G.T. Lane, Hanahan, S.C.; daughter: Angie McKissick (Tim), San Jose, Calif.; son, Glenn Lane, Hanahan, S.C.; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild; brother, Roy Gowder, Lula; and a sister, Rubye McAllister, Gastonia, N.C.
Funeral services were held Saturday, February 18, at Remount Baptist Church, 1520 Remount Rd., North Charleston, SC 29406, with the Rev. Joe Trayham officiating. Interment was in Carolina Memorial Park.
Memorials may be made in honor of Mrs. Rose Lane to the Remount Baptist Church Benevolent Fund, 1520 Remount Rd., North Charleston, SC 29406.
Funeral arrangements were in charge of Carolina Memorial Funeral Home, North Charleston.
She was born in Homer, on February 25, 1929, daughter of the late Robert and Maggie Gowder. Mrs. Lane was preceded in death by five brothers and two sisters.
She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was an active member of Remount Baptist Church since 1959. She loved flowers and was a Charter Member and Past President of Berkeley Hills Garden Club. She was also a State Life Member of the Garden Club of South Carolina. She graduated as a Registered Nurse from St. Francis Hospital in July 1950. She was always thinking of others and volunteered at schools, churches, and in her community.
Survivors include her husband of 60 years, G.T. Lane, Hanahan, S.C.; daughter: Angie McKissick (Tim), San Jose, Calif.; son, Glenn Lane, Hanahan, S.C.; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild; brother, Roy Gowder, Lula; and a sister, Rubye McAllister, Gastonia, N.C.
Funeral services were held Saturday, February 18, at Remount Baptist Church, 1520 Remount Rd., North Charleston, SC 29406, with the Rev. Joe Trayham officiating. Interment was in Carolina Memorial Park.
Memorials may be made in honor of Mrs. Rose Lane to the Remount Baptist Church Benevolent Fund, 1520 Remount Rd., North Charleston, SC 29406.
Funeral arrangements were in charge of Carolina Memorial Funeral Home, North Charleston.
Thomas Carlan (2-17-12)
HOMER - Thomas Ray Carlan, 78, Friday, February 17, 2012, at Hill Haven Nursing Home.
He was born in Banks County, the son of the late Hubert and Elizabeth Coker Carlan. He was a member of Ridgeway Baptist Church and was a retired car salesman.
Survivors include his wife, Kathleen Carlan, Homer; sons, Brad Carlan, Ken Carlan and Kevin Carlan, all of Homer; daughters, Sandra Roberts, Homer, Randy Redmon, South Carolina, and Kay Webb, Carlton; step-children, Melissa Burns, Michigan, Gail Burns, Florida, Suzanne Hetzel, Mississippi, and Daniel Kintyhtt, Montana; brother, Lloyd Carlan, Toccoa; 25 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Monday, February 20, at the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home with the Rev. Bill Manus officiating. Interment was in Nails Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Ridgeway Baptist Church, 942 East Ridgeway Rd., Commerce, GA 30529.
He was born in Banks County, the son of the late Hubert and Elizabeth Coker Carlan. He was a member of Ridgeway Baptist Church and was a retired car salesman.
Survivors include his wife, Kathleen Carlan, Homer; sons, Brad Carlan, Ken Carlan and Kevin Carlan, all of Homer; daughters, Sandra Roberts, Homer, Randy Redmon, South Carolina, and Kay Webb, Carlton; step-children, Melissa Burns, Michigan, Gail Burns, Florida, Suzanne Hetzel, Mississippi, and Daniel Kintyhtt, Montana; brother, Lloyd Carlan, Toccoa; 25 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Monday, February 20, at the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home with the Rev. Bill Manus officiating. Interment was in Nails Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Ridgeway Baptist Church, 942 East Ridgeway Rd., Commerce, GA 30529.
Berthia Whitfield (2-4-12)
HOMER - Berthia Whitfield, 89, died Saturday, February 4, 2012.
Survivors include two sisters, Rose Leachman, Commerce, and Mary Turpin, Homer; and a number of nieces and nephews, along with great-nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Monday February 6, from the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home with the Rev. Roy Rogers officiating. Burial was in the Line Baptist Church Cemetery.
Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
Survivors include two sisters, Rose Leachman, Commerce, and Mary Turpin, Homer; and a number of nieces and nephews, along with great-nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Monday February 6, from the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home with the Rev. Roy Rogers officiating. Burial was in the Line Baptist Church Cemetery.
Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
Harold Hewell
GILLSVILLE – Harold Hewell, 85, has died.
Born on May 30, 1926, in Lanford, S.C., he was the son of the late Maryland and Ada Adams Hewell. He was a Veteran of World War II where he served proudly in the United States Navy. He was operator of Hewell's Pottery in Gillsville from 1940 until 1991. However after retiring he still continued to come into the business daily until the end as pottery was in his blood. Mr. Hewell was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Grace Nell Wilson Hewell, Gillsville; son and daughter-in-law, Chester and Sandra Hewell, Gillsville; grandson and wife, Matthew and Amanda Hewell; grandson, Nathaniel Hewell; great-grandson, Eli Hewell; great-granddaughter, Susannah Hewell, all of Gillsville; sister, Grace Hewell Johnson, Chattanooga, Tenn.; and special friend, B.R. Holcomb, Gillsville.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday February 16, at Gillsville Baptist Church with the Revs. Bill Calhoun and Bradley Elliott officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, February 15, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Interment will be in Gillsville Baptist Church Cemetery. Mr. Hewell will lie in state at the church from 1:30 p.m. until the funeral hour.
Little & Davenport Funeral Home, Gainesville, is in charge of arrangements.
Born on May 30, 1926, in Lanford, S.C., he was the son of the late Maryland and Ada Adams Hewell. He was a Veteran of World War II where he served proudly in the United States Navy. He was operator of Hewell's Pottery in Gillsville from 1940 until 1991. However after retiring he still continued to come into the business daily until the end as pottery was in his blood. Mr. Hewell was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Grace Nell Wilson Hewell, Gillsville; son and daughter-in-law, Chester and Sandra Hewell, Gillsville; grandson and wife, Matthew and Amanda Hewell; grandson, Nathaniel Hewell; great-grandson, Eli Hewell; great-granddaughter, Susannah Hewell, all of Gillsville; sister, Grace Hewell Johnson, Chattanooga, Tenn.; and special friend, B.R. Holcomb, Gillsville.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday February 16, at Gillsville Baptist Church with the Revs. Bill Calhoun and Bradley Elliott officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, February 15, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Interment will be in Gillsville Baptist Church Cemetery. Mr. Hewell will lie in state at the church from 1:30 p.m. until the funeral hour.
Little & Davenport Funeral Home, Gainesville, is in charge of arrangements.
‘Ronnie’ Dunagan (2-11-12)
BALDWIN - Ronald "Ronnie" Wayman Dunagan, 63, died Saturday, February 11, 2012, at Habersham County Medical Center.
He was the son of Charlotte Starnes Dunagan of Gainesville and the late Gordon Dunagan. He was born January 16, 1949 in Hall County, having lived most of his life in Gainesville and Baldwin. He was a retired State Fire Marshal with the City of Gainesville, a United States Army Vietnam Veteran, having been awarded the Purple Heart, and attended Tates Creek Baptist Church. Mr. Dunagan was preceded in death by two sons, Jason and Clay Dunagan; and a brother Randy Dunagan.
Survivors in addition to his mother include his wife Wanda Whitfield Dunagan, Baldwin; stepsons and their wives, Michael and Brandi Mize, Baldwin, and Matthew and Jamie Mize, Panama City, Fla.; sister and brother-in-law, Pam Mauldin and the Rev. Jerry Mauldin, Gainesville; four grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be Friday, February 17, at 2 p.m. at the Hillcrest Chapel of Acree-Davis Funeral Home with the Revs. Jerry Mauldin and Jerrell Beatty officiating.
The family will be at the home on Hwy. 105, Baldwin, and will receive friends at Acree-Davis Funeral Home on Friday, February 17, from 1 p.m. until the service time.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Eagle Ranch, P.O. Box 7200, Chestnut Mountain, GA 30502 in memory of Mr. Ronald "Ronnie" Wayman Dunagan.
Acree-Davis Funeral Home, Toccoa, is in charge of arrangements.
He was the son of Charlotte Starnes Dunagan of Gainesville and the late Gordon Dunagan. He was born January 16, 1949 in Hall County, having lived most of his life in Gainesville and Baldwin. He was a retired State Fire Marshal with the City of Gainesville, a United States Army Vietnam Veteran, having been awarded the Purple Heart, and attended Tates Creek Baptist Church. Mr. Dunagan was preceded in death by two sons, Jason and Clay Dunagan; and a brother Randy Dunagan.
Survivors in addition to his mother include his wife Wanda Whitfield Dunagan, Baldwin; stepsons and their wives, Michael and Brandi Mize, Baldwin, and Matthew and Jamie Mize, Panama City, Fla.; sister and brother-in-law, Pam Mauldin and the Rev. Jerry Mauldin, Gainesville; four grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be Friday, February 17, at 2 p.m. at the Hillcrest Chapel of Acree-Davis Funeral Home with the Revs. Jerry Mauldin and Jerrell Beatty officiating.
The family will be at the home on Hwy. 105, Baldwin, and will receive friends at Acree-Davis Funeral Home on Friday, February 17, from 1 p.m. until the service time.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Eagle Ranch, P.O. Box 7200, Chestnut Mountain, GA 30502 in memory of Mr. Ronald "Ronnie" Wayman Dunagan.
Acree-Davis Funeral Home, Toccoa, is in charge of arrangements.
Ralph Kesler (2-8-12)
HOMER - Ralph E. Kesler, 73, died Wednesday, February 8, 2012.
He was born in Banks County, on October 10, 1938, the son of the late Guy and Loutrelle Emmett Kesler. Mr. Kesler was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Duey Finley. He was a retired Aerospace Engineer with Delta Airlines for 28 years, was an avid golfer, and a member of the Damascus Baptist Church.
Survivors include his sister, Brenda Finley, Homer; sister and brother-in-law, Bonnie and Bobby Lacey, Toccoa; brothers and sisters-in-law, Roger and Cathy Kesler, Kernsville, N.C. and Randy and Dorothy Kesler, Homer; special caregiver, Elsie Scercy, Homer; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. on Friday, February 10, at Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, with the Revs. Roy G. Rogers and Chad Payne officiating. Interment will follow in the Damascus Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, February 9, at the funeral home.
Flowers are accepted or donations may be made to the Damascus Baptist Church, 1526 Damascus Road, Homer, GA 30547, or to the Alzheimer's Association, Georgia Chapter, 922 East Morris St., Dalton, GA 30721.
Arrangements are in the care of Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, Georgia.
He was born in Banks County, on October 10, 1938, the son of the late Guy and Loutrelle Emmett Kesler. Mr. Kesler was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Duey Finley. He was a retired Aerospace Engineer with Delta Airlines for 28 years, was an avid golfer, and a member of the Damascus Baptist Church.
Survivors include his sister, Brenda Finley, Homer; sister and brother-in-law, Bonnie and Bobby Lacey, Toccoa; brothers and sisters-in-law, Roger and Cathy Kesler, Kernsville, N.C. and Randy and Dorothy Kesler, Homer; special caregiver, Elsie Scercy, Homer; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. on Friday, February 10, at Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, with the Revs. Roy G. Rogers and Chad Payne officiating. Interment will follow in the Damascus Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, February 9, at the funeral home.
Flowers are accepted or donations may be made to the Damascus Baptist Church, 1526 Damascus Road, Homer, GA 30547, or to the Alzheimer's Association, Georgia Chapter, 922 East Morris St., Dalton, GA 30721.
Arrangements are in the care of Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, Georgia.
Expressions of sympathy