ALTO – Belle Rice, 66, died Tuesday, February 10, 2009, at the Lanier Park Hospital in Gainesville.
Born on June 5, 1942, in Fayette County, she was the daughter of the late Elmore and Nora Burdette Jackson. She was a graduate of Fayetteville High School and was a member of the Level Grove Baptist Church. She was a retired claim representative with the Social Security Administration with over 30 years of dedicated service. Mrs. Rice was preceded in death by a son, Dennis Rice.
Survivors include her husband, the Rev. Terry M. Rice, Alto; daughter, Kim Cody, Americus; daughter-in-law, Angela Rice, Flowery Branch; sons, Marshall Rice, Nicholas, Curtis Rice, Alto; sister, Mable Bradshaw, Fayetteville; brother, Theron Jackson, Fayetteville; and grandchildren, Abby Rice, Samuel Rice and Cailyn Rice.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 12, at 11 a.m., at the Level Grove Baptist Church with the Revs. James Smith and Terry Rice officiating. Burial will be in Yonah Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the church from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, February 11.
Flowers are accepted, or memorials may be made to Gideon’s International, South Camp, P.O. Box 195, Baldwin, GA 30511.
Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, is in charge of arrangements.
Banks County
Boyd Whitfield
HOMER - Boyd Mitchell Whitfield, Jr., 60, died Monday, February 9, 2009, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville.
He was born in Clarke County, the son of the late Boyd Mitchell Whitfield Sr. and Eleanor Scales Whitfield. He was a cattle rancher. Mr. Whitfield was preceded in death by a sister, Janet Whitfield.
Survivors include his wife, Ellen Estes Whitfield, Homer; daughter, Kate Whitfield Beasley, Oakwood; sons, Ben Whitfield, Maysville, and Wes Whitfield, Homer; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Keith and Karen Campbell and their family, Homer; and seven grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, February 12, at Maysville Baptist Church with the Revs. Wade Lott and William C. Jackson officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday night from 6-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Medical Center Foundation, Ronnie Green Heart Center, 2150 Limestone Pkwy., Gainesville, GA 30501.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, in charge of arrangements.
He was born in Clarke County, the son of the late Boyd Mitchell Whitfield Sr. and Eleanor Scales Whitfield. He was a cattle rancher. Mr. Whitfield was preceded in death by a sister, Janet Whitfield.
Survivors include his wife, Ellen Estes Whitfield, Homer; daughter, Kate Whitfield Beasley, Oakwood; sons, Ben Whitfield, Maysville, and Wes Whitfield, Homer; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Keith and Karen Campbell and their family, Homer; and seven grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, February 12, at Maysville Baptist Church with the Revs. Wade Lott and William C. Jackson officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday night from 6-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Medical Center Foundation, Ronnie Green Heart Center, 2150 Limestone Pkwy., Gainesville, GA 30501.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, in charge of arrangements.
Hershel Payne
LILBURN – Hershel Alex Payne, 86, formerly of Hollingsworth Community, died Sunday, February 8, 2009, at his residence.
Born in Hollingsworth, Banks County, on April 30, 1922, he was the son of the late Seward Hershel and Elsie Lane Payne. He graduated from Piedmont College with a Bachelor of the Arts Degree in Business, and was a member of the Northside Baptist Church in Dacula. He was a retired supervisor from Lockheed Corporation with 45 years of dedicated service, and was a veteran, having served in the United States Army during World War II. He loved working outside in the garden and loved cats, dogs, and country music, loved ones stated.
Survivors include his wife, Ethel Grant Payne, Lilburn; son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Dan Payne and Donna Payne, Winder; sister, Pricilla Mabry, Hollingsworth; and a brother, David E. Payne, Baldwin.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 11, at 1 p.m., in the chapel of Whitfield Funeral Home with the Rev. Larry Williams officiating. Burial will be in the Lane Family Historical Cemetery in Baldwin. Full military honors will be provided by the Habersham County American Legion Post #84, The Grant Reeves V.F.W. Post #7720, and the Rabun County DAV Chapter #15. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.
Whitfield Funeral home, South Chapel, Baldwin, is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Hollingsworth, Banks County, on April 30, 1922, he was the son of the late Seward Hershel and Elsie Lane Payne. He graduated from Piedmont College with a Bachelor of the Arts Degree in Business, and was a member of the Northside Baptist Church in Dacula. He was a retired supervisor from Lockheed Corporation with 45 years of dedicated service, and was a veteran, having served in the United States Army during World War II. He loved working outside in the garden and loved cats, dogs, and country music, loved ones stated.
Survivors include his wife, Ethel Grant Payne, Lilburn; son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Dan Payne and Donna Payne, Winder; sister, Pricilla Mabry, Hollingsworth; and a brother, David E. Payne, Baldwin.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 11, at 1 p.m., in the chapel of Whitfield Funeral Home with the Rev. Larry Williams officiating. Burial will be in the Lane Family Historical Cemetery in Baldwin. Full military honors will be provided by the Habersham County American Legion Post #84, The Grant Reeves V.F.W. Post #7720, and the Rabun County DAV Chapter #15. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.
Whitfield Funeral home, South Chapel, Baldwin, is in charge of arrangements.
Vincent Eterno
HOMER - Vincent William Eterno, 54, died Thursday, February 5, 2009.
Born in Gainesville, he was the son of Mary Lois Eterno of Homer and the late, Joseph Eterno. He was owner of J & V Locksmith and was a member of St. Catherine Laboure' Catholic Church.
Survivors in addition to his mother include his wife, Barbara Wall Eterno, Homer; daughters and son-in-law, Mary Beth and Ryan Owen, Gainesville, Catherine Eterno and her fiancé, Josh Payne, both of Cleveland; son and daughter-in-law, Joseph and Maggie Eterno, Gainesville; grandchildren, Cooper and Clay Owen, Vincent Josiah and Mary Elisabeth Eterno, and Austin Payne; sisters, Francine Salvatore, Jennifer Hinson, and Rose Adams.
A Funeral Mass was said Monday, February 9, from St. Catherine Laboure' Catholic Church in Commerce with the Revs. J. Liem Nguyen and Mr. John Burke serving as celebrants.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Catherine Laboure' Building Fund, P.O. Box 1472 Commerce, GA 30529-1472.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, was in charge of arrangements.
Born in Gainesville, he was the son of Mary Lois Eterno of Homer and the late, Joseph Eterno. He was owner of J & V Locksmith and was a member of St. Catherine Laboure' Catholic Church.
Survivors in addition to his mother include his wife, Barbara Wall Eterno, Homer; daughters and son-in-law, Mary Beth and Ryan Owen, Gainesville, Catherine Eterno and her fiancé, Josh Payne, both of Cleveland; son and daughter-in-law, Joseph and Maggie Eterno, Gainesville; grandchildren, Cooper and Clay Owen, Vincent Josiah and Mary Elisabeth Eterno, and Austin Payne; sisters, Francine Salvatore, Jennifer Hinson, and Rose Adams.
A Funeral Mass was said Monday, February 9, from St. Catherine Laboure' Catholic Church in Commerce with the Revs. J. Liem Nguyen and Mr. John Burke serving as celebrants.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Catherine Laboure' Building Fund, P.O. Box 1472 Commerce, GA 30529-1472.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, was in charge of arrangements.
George Mason
BANKS COUNTY - George Mason, 69, died Saturday, February 7, 2009, at his residence.
Born in Homer on November 12, 1939, he was the son of the late John and Carrie Beck Mason. He was a member of the Homer Presbyterian Church and was retired from Orbit Manufacturing Company with 26 years of service as plant manager. Mr. Mason was preceded in death by a daughter, Betsy West; son, Allen Mason; sister, Frances Mason; and brothers, Roger Mason and John Harold Mason.
Survivors include a daughter-in-law, Jerri Mason, Baldwin; sisters, Helen Harrison, Gainesville, Virginia Hood, Helen; brothers, T.I. Mason and Swayne Mason, both of Cornelia; grandchildren, Carrie Beth Chastain, Wilmington, N.C., Jake Mills, Lex Mason and Rebecca Irvin, all of Baldwin.
Funeral services will be held Monday, February 9, at 2 p.m., at the Homer Presbyterian Church with the Revs. Paul Bryson and Terrell Simmons officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Homer on November 12, 1939, he was the son of the late John and Carrie Beck Mason. He was a member of the Homer Presbyterian Church and was retired from Orbit Manufacturing Company with 26 years of service as plant manager. Mr. Mason was preceded in death by a daughter, Betsy West; son, Allen Mason; sister, Frances Mason; and brothers, Roger Mason and John Harold Mason.
Survivors include a daughter-in-law, Jerri Mason, Baldwin; sisters, Helen Harrison, Gainesville, Virginia Hood, Helen; brothers, T.I. Mason and Swayne Mason, both of Cornelia; grandchildren, Carrie Beth Chastain, Wilmington, N.C., Jake Mills, Lex Mason and Rebecca Irvin, all of Baldwin.
Funeral services will be held Monday, February 9, at 2 p.m., at the Homer Presbyterian Church with the Revs. Paul Bryson and Terrell Simmons officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, is in charge of arrangements.
Floyd Miller
CLARKESVILLE – Floyd Miller, 66, died Wednesday, February 4, 2009, at his residence, following an extended illness.
Born in Scaley Mountain, N.C., on January 21, 1943, he was the son of Frances Mason Miller of Baldwin and the late William David Miller. He was a carpenter for 35 years, and also head of maintenance at Tallulah Falls School for 10 years. He was a member of Clarkesville Church of God and enjoyed woodworking and listening to gospel music. He was a 2nd degree black belt, having been a martial arts instructor for 14 years. Most importantly, he enjoyed spending quality time with his family, loved ones stated. Mr. Miller was a veteran, having served in the United States Army during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Survivors in addition to his mother, include his loving wife of 44 years, Lessie Miller, Clarkesville; daughter and son-in-law, Sherry and Stephen Heimberger, Clarkesville; sons and daughter-in-law, Timothy Miller and Terry and Tammy Miller, all of Clarkesville; brothers and sisters-in-law, Truie Miller, Dillard, Donald and Doris Miller, Clayton, and Elbert and Jean Miller, Mt. Airy; sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Benny Evans, Baldwin; grandchildren, Tara Heimberger, Timothy Miller Jr. and Trevor Miller.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 7, at 2 p.m., at Clarkesville Church of God. Burial will follow in Turnerville Church of God cemetery in Hollywood, with full military honors provided by VFW Post #7720 of Cornelia, American Legion Post #84, and the Rabun County DAV Chapter #15. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia, is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Scaley Mountain, N.C., on January 21, 1943, he was the son of Frances Mason Miller of Baldwin and the late William David Miller. He was a carpenter for 35 years, and also head of maintenance at Tallulah Falls School for 10 years. He was a member of Clarkesville Church of God and enjoyed woodworking and listening to gospel music. He was a 2nd degree black belt, having been a martial arts instructor for 14 years. Most importantly, he enjoyed spending quality time with his family, loved ones stated. Mr. Miller was a veteran, having served in the United States Army during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Survivors in addition to his mother, include his loving wife of 44 years, Lessie Miller, Clarkesville; daughter and son-in-law, Sherry and Stephen Heimberger, Clarkesville; sons and daughter-in-law, Timothy Miller and Terry and Tammy Miller, all of Clarkesville; brothers and sisters-in-law, Truie Miller, Dillard, Donald and Doris Miller, Clayton, and Elbert and Jean Miller, Mt. Airy; sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Benny Evans, Baldwin; grandchildren, Tara Heimberger, Timothy Miller Jr. and Trevor Miller.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 7, at 2 p.m., at Clarkesville Church of God. Burial will follow in Turnerville Church of God cemetery in Hollywood, with full military honors provided by VFW Post #7720 of Cornelia, American Legion Post #84, and the Rabun County DAV Chapter #15. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia, is in charge of arrangements.
William Hoopingarner
ALTO – William Hoopingarner, 69, died Friday, January 30, 2009, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center, following a brief illness.
Born on April 22, 1939, in Terra Haute, Ind., he was the son of the late Benjamin and Evelyn Hoopingarner. He was a retired electrician and a member of Brookton Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Junie Hoopingarner, Alto; daughters, Carrie Hoopingarner and Amy Dery, both of Harrison Township, Mich., Elizabeth Castoreno, Loganville; eight grandchildren, one great-grandchild; brother, Lee Hoopingarner, Arizona; sister, Lesley Catt, Florida.
Private services will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Brookton Baptist Church, P.O. Box 7061, Chestnut Mountain, GA 30502.
Memorial Park Funeral Home, Gainesville, was in charge of arrangements.
Born on April 22, 1939, in Terra Haute, Ind., he was the son of the late Benjamin and Evelyn Hoopingarner. He was a retired electrician and a member of Brookton Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Junie Hoopingarner, Alto; daughters, Carrie Hoopingarner and Amy Dery, both of Harrison Township, Mich., Elizabeth Castoreno, Loganville; eight grandchildren, one great-grandchild; brother, Lee Hoopingarner, Arizona; sister, Lesley Catt, Florida.
Private services will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Brookton Baptist Church, P.O. Box 7061, Chestnut Mountain, GA 30502.
Memorial Park Funeral Home, Gainesville, was in charge of arrangements.
Patsy Mae Rider
GAINESVILLE – Patsy Mae Rider, 62, died Saturday, January 31, 2009, at her residence, following a sudden illness.
Born on March 13, 1946, in Hall County, where she lived all her life, she was the daughter of the late Herman and Myrtie Viola Rider Gaddis. She attended New Haven Congregational Church, and was preceded in death by brothers, Hughlee Rider, Howard Gaddis, George Edward Gaddis, Winford Gaddis, and Idis Perry Gaddis.
Survivors include sisters, Rosa Lee Marsingill, Lula, Birtie Marie Hatcher, Gainesville; brothers, Webster Gaddis, Gainesville, Herman Junior Gaddis, Gillsville, and Charlie Glen Gaddis, Lula.
Memorial services were held Tuesday, February 3, in the chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home with the Rev. Wayne Hicks officiating.
Memorial Park Funeral Home, Gainesville, was in charge of arrangements.
Born on March 13, 1946, in Hall County, where she lived all her life, she was the daughter of the late Herman and Myrtie Viola Rider Gaddis. She attended New Haven Congregational Church, and was preceded in death by brothers, Hughlee Rider, Howard Gaddis, George Edward Gaddis, Winford Gaddis, and Idis Perry Gaddis.
Survivors include sisters, Rosa Lee Marsingill, Lula, Birtie Marie Hatcher, Gainesville; brothers, Webster Gaddis, Gainesville, Herman Junior Gaddis, Gillsville, and Charlie Glen Gaddis, Lula.
Memorial services were held Tuesday, February 3, in the chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home with the Rev. Wayne Hicks officiating.
Memorial Park Funeral Home, Gainesville, was in charge of arrangements.
‘Woody’ Coffee
ALTO – Woodrow Wilson “Woody” Coffee Jr., 66, died Saturday, January 24, 2009, following a sudden illness.
Born on August 22, 1942, in Habersham County, he was the son of the late Woodrow Wilson Sr. and Pearl Mozill Yarber Coffee. He was a member of the Mt. View Baptist Church, and member of the Walkinshaw Hunting Club. He was founder of the Chattahoochee Bass Club, Woody’s Taxidermy and Woody’s Taxidermy Campfire Talk. He was preceded in death by a son, William Shannon Coffee.
Survivors include his wife, Rose Baker Coffee, Alto; daughter and son-in-law, Danette Heffin and Wesley Cox, Canon; sons and daughter-in-law, Sonny and Tanya Coffee and Bobby Coffee, all of Baldwin; step-sons and daughters-in-law, Ken and Sherri Cook, Cornelia, Kim and Lana Cook, Dahlonega; 11 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 27, at 2:30 p.m., at Whitfield Funeral Home with the Rev. Keith Allison and Pastor Mike Franklin officiating. Burial will be at Mt. View Baptist Church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials be made to Rose Coffee, c/o Community Bank and Trust, P.O. Box 1900, Cornelia, Ga. 30531.
Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, is in charge of arrangements.
Born on August 22, 1942, in Habersham County, he was the son of the late Woodrow Wilson Sr. and Pearl Mozill Yarber Coffee. He was a member of the Mt. View Baptist Church, and member of the Walkinshaw Hunting Club. He was founder of the Chattahoochee Bass Club, Woody’s Taxidermy and Woody’s Taxidermy Campfire Talk. He was preceded in death by a son, William Shannon Coffee.
Survivors include his wife, Rose Baker Coffee, Alto; daughter and son-in-law, Danette Heffin and Wesley Cox, Canon; sons and daughter-in-law, Sonny and Tanya Coffee and Bobby Coffee, all of Baldwin; step-sons and daughters-in-law, Ken and Sherri Cook, Cornelia, Kim and Lana Cook, Dahlonega; 11 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 27, at 2:30 p.m., at Whitfield Funeral Home with the Rev. Keith Allison and Pastor Mike Franklin officiating. Burial will be at Mt. View Baptist Church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials be made to Rose Coffee, c/o Community Bank and Trust, P.O. Box 1900, Cornelia, Ga. 30531.
Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, is in charge of arrangements.
‘Pete’ Davis
HOMER – Aaron Shore “Pete” Davis, 68, died Sunday, January 25, 2009, at BJC Medical Center in Commerce.
Born in Banks County, he was the son of the late Elmer and Bobbie Wood Davis. He was a United States Army Veteran, a member of the VFW, and Masonic Lodge #355 F&AM Hollingsworth. Mr. Davis was preceded in death by a brother, Larry Davis.
Survivors include his wife, Vickie Seagraves Davis, Homer; daughter, Renee Fordham, Homer; son, Jeff Davis, Charlotte, N.C.; brother, Don Davis, Homer; sister, Annie Ruth Mason, Griffin; grandchildren, Samantha and James Fordham, both of Homer.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 27, at 3 p.m., in the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home with Jerry Payne and Leon Mclain officiating. Burial will be in Bethany Christian Church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday from 6 t 8 p.m.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Banks County, he was the son of the late Elmer and Bobbie Wood Davis. He was a United States Army Veteran, a member of the VFW, and Masonic Lodge #355 F&AM Hollingsworth. Mr. Davis was preceded in death by a brother, Larry Davis.
Survivors include his wife, Vickie Seagraves Davis, Homer; daughter, Renee Fordham, Homer; son, Jeff Davis, Charlotte, N.C.; brother, Don Davis, Homer; sister, Annie Ruth Mason, Griffin; grandchildren, Samantha and James Fordham, both of Homer.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 27, at 3 p.m., in the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home with Jerry Payne and Leon Mclain officiating. Burial will be in Bethany Christian Church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday from 6 t 8 p.m.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Expressions of sympathy