METTER - Sue Nell Jones Stapleton, 89, died Thursday, January 12, 2012, in Cairo, following an extended illness.
She was born March 11, 1922, the daughter of the late Ruth Proctor and William Eason Jones of Metter. Mrs. Stapleton was also preceded in death by her husband, Leroy Stapleton. She was a graduate of Georgia State College for Women and taught home economics. Mrs. Stapleton, an avid gardener and genealogy researcher, was a member of the First Baptist Church of Metter, the D.A.R., and the Garden Club.
Survivors include daughters and their husbands, Jan S. and the Rev. Doug Simmons, Cairo, and Dr. Fay Burnett and the Rev. Brock Burnett, Winder; grandchildren, Ansley, Jana and Alea Simmons and Brandon and Jordan Burnett; sisters and their husbands, Fay J. Brewer and Jeff Brewer, Atlanta, and Annie Ruth Anderson Brown and husband, John Brown, Decatur; and a number of other relatives.
A memorial service was held Sunday, January 15, at the First Baptist Church of Metter. A private burial was held at the Upper Lotts Creek Church Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to The Guido Evangelistic Association, 600 N. Lewis St., P.O. Box 508, Metter, GA 30439, The Upper Lotts Creek Church Cemetery Fund, C/O Lorene Hendricks, 22639 Hendricks Rd., Metter, GA 30439, The First Presbyterian Church of Winder Building Fund, P.O. Box 549, Winder, GA 30680.
Clark Funeral Home, Cairo, was in charge of arrangements.
Barrow County
Lee Harrison (12-30-11)
GRANT, FLA. - Lee Harrison, 73, died suddenly Friday, December 30, 2011, doing what he loved most, fishing.
Lee was born in Winder, the son of the late Ernest Lee and Willie Langford Harrison. He graduated from North Georgia College with honors and was retired after 44 years in the space industry.
Survivors include his wife, Pat Casey Harrison; a son, Dennis Harrison; sister, Nancy Hill, Milledgeville; brother, Johnny Harrison, Bogart; nephew, Kevin Hill, Rainbow City, Ala.; two nieces, Sara and Lauren Harrison, Bogart; and his dog, Sally.
A memorial service will be held in Grant, Fla. on Thursday, January 12, 2012.
Lee was born in Winder, the son of the late Ernest Lee and Willie Langford Harrison. He graduated from North Georgia College with honors and was retired after 44 years in the space industry.
Survivors include his wife, Pat Casey Harrison; a son, Dennis Harrison; sister, Nancy Hill, Milledgeville; brother, Johnny Harrison, Bogart; nephew, Kevin Hill, Rainbow City, Ala.; two nieces, Sara and Lauren Harrison, Bogart; and his dog, Sally.
A memorial service will be held in Grant, Fla. on Thursday, January 12, 2012.
Alexis Redmond (01-04-12)
AUBURN – Alexis Michelle Redmond, 4, died Wednesday, January 4, 2012.
Born in Winder, she was the daughter of Bradford Paul and Darlene J. Edge Redmond of Auburn. She was preceded in death by grandparents, Richard Redmond and Mary Sue Edge.
Survivors in addition to her parents include grandparents, Dorissa Shackelford, Auburn, and Louis Edge, Winder; great-grandparents, Elsie and Walter Redmond, Transfer, Pa., and Kenneth Redmond, Greenville, Pa.; a brother, Mitchell Gibbs; and sisters, Heather Gibbs, Maleah Redmond and Katelin Redmond.
Funeral services were held Sunday, January 8, from Smith Memory Chapel with the Rev. Phil Williams officiating. Burial was in Auburn City Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Marcus Autism Center, 1920 Briarcliff Rd., Atlanta, GA 30329-4010.
Born in Winder, she was the daughter of Bradford Paul and Darlene J. Edge Redmond of Auburn. She was preceded in death by grandparents, Richard Redmond and Mary Sue Edge.
Survivors in addition to her parents include grandparents, Dorissa Shackelford, Auburn, and Louis Edge, Winder; great-grandparents, Elsie and Walter Redmond, Transfer, Pa., and Kenneth Redmond, Greenville, Pa.; a brother, Mitchell Gibbs; and sisters, Heather Gibbs, Maleah Redmond and Katelin Redmond.
Funeral services were held Sunday, January 8, from Smith Memory Chapel with the Rev. Phil Williams officiating. Burial was in Auburn City Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Marcus Autism Center, 1920 Briarcliff Rd., Atlanta, GA 30329-4010.
Louise McElroy (01-03-12)
MONROE – Louise Sims McElroy, 94, died Tuesday, January 3, 2012.
Born in Winder, she was the daughter of the late F. Colbert and Clara Marable Sims. She was a member of Hebron Christian Church. Mrs. McElroy was preceded in death by her husband, Robert C. McElroy; a son-in-law, Billy Brown; brother, James Sims; and nephew, Ted Sims.
Survivors include children, Bobby and Sherri McElroy, Monroe, and Claire Brown, Bethlehem; grandchildren, Karen and Tom Phillips, Jim Bob and Erin McElroy, Timothy and Carrie McElroy, and Mike and Robin Brown; great-grandchildren, Garrison McElroy, Carlie Phillips, and Matti and Tyler Roof; and nieces and nephews, Rebecca Sturdivant Rieder, Cathy Sims and James H. Sims.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 5, at 4 p.m. from Hebron Christian Church with the Revs. Gordon Griffin and Danny Shoemake officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The body will lie in state from 3:30 p.m. until funeral hour.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hebron Christian Church, 2461 Hebron Church Rd., Winder, GA 30680.
Smith Funeral Home, Winder, is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Winder, she was the daughter of the late F. Colbert and Clara Marable Sims. She was a member of Hebron Christian Church. Mrs. McElroy was preceded in death by her husband, Robert C. McElroy; a son-in-law, Billy Brown; brother, James Sims; and nephew, Ted Sims.
Survivors include children, Bobby and Sherri McElroy, Monroe, and Claire Brown, Bethlehem; grandchildren, Karen and Tom Phillips, Jim Bob and Erin McElroy, Timothy and Carrie McElroy, and Mike and Robin Brown; great-grandchildren, Garrison McElroy, Carlie Phillips, and Matti and Tyler Roof; and nieces and nephews, Rebecca Sturdivant Rieder, Cathy Sims and James H. Sims.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 5, at 4 p.m. from Hebron Christian Church with the Revs. Gordon Griffin and Danny Shoemake officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The body will lie in state from 3:30 p.m. until funeral hour.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hebron Christian Church, 2461 Hebron Church Rd., Winder, GA 30680.
Smith Funeral Home, Winder, is in charge of arrangements.
Eileen Richards (01-01-12)
FLOWERY BRANCH - Eileen Mary Richards, 67, died January 1, 2012, at Willowwood Nursing Center, following an extended illness.
She was born on January 15, 1944, the daughter of the late Ernest and Mary Falardeau. Mrs. Richards was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Richards; a son, James Richards; and granddaughter, Jessica Poette Imran.
Survivors include daughter and son-in-law, Dawn and Paul Lilly, Flowery Branch; son and daughter-in-law, Ronald and Polly Richards, Coeburn, Va.; son, Michael Richards, Rhode Island; brothers and sisters-in-law, Gerald and Joyce Falardeau, California, and Bruce and Linda Falardeau, Attleboro, Mass.; sister, Nancy Ortiz, Rhode Island; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held 11 a.m., Wednesday, January 4, from the chapel of Memorial Park South Funeral Home with the Rev. Gary Wilson officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.
Memorial Park South Funeral Home, Flowery Branch, is in charge of arrangements.
She was born on January 15, 1944, the daughter of the late Ernest and Mary Falardeau. Mrs. Richards was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Richards; a son, James Richards; and granddaughter, Jessica Poette Imran.
Survivors include daughter and son-in-law, Dawn and Paul Lilly, Flowery Branch; son and daughter-in-law, Ronald and Polly Richards, Coeburn, Va.; son, Michael Richards, Rhode Island; brothers and sisters-in-law, Gerald and Joyce Falardeau, California, and Bruce and Linda Falardeau, Attleboro, Mass.; sister, Nancy Ortiz, Rhode Island; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held 11 a.m., Wednesday, January 4, from the chapel of Memorial Park South Funeral Home with the Rev. Gary Wilson officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.
Memorial Park South Funeral Home, Flowery Branch, is in charge of arrangements.
Charles Blankenship Jr. (01-01-12)
FLOWERY BRANCH - Charles V. Blankenship, Jr., 73, died Sunday, January 1, 2012, at Willowwood Nursing Center, following an extended illness.
He was born October 21, 1938 the son of the late Charles V. and Bonnie Blankenship, Sr. He was a retired Meteorologist for the United States Air Force, where he served for 42 years.
Survivors include wife of 55 years, Janyce A. Blankenship; sons and daughters-in-law, Ken and Melinda Blankenship, Flowery Branch, Charles V. and Verla Blankenship III, Seffner, Fla., Howell O. and Amy Blankenship, New Port Richey, Fla., and Keith F. and Debi Blankenship, Jacksonville, Fla.; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral Mass will be held at 12 p.m., Thursday, January 5, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Flowery Branch, with interment at Georgia National Cemetery, Canton, Ga., at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Prince of Peace Catholic Church, In Memory of Charles V. Blankenship, Jr., 6439 Spout Springs Road, Flowery Branch, GA 30542.
Memorial Park South Funeral Home, Flowery Branch, is in charge of arrangements.
He was born October 21, 1938 the son of the late Charles V. and Bonnie Blankenship, Sr. He was a retired Meteorologist for the United States Air Force, where he served for 42 years.
Survivors include wife of 55 years, Janyce A. Blankenship; sons and daughters-in-law, Ken and Melinda Blankenship, Flowery Branch, Charles V. and Verla Blankenship III, Seffner, Fla., Howell O. and Amy Blankenship, New Port Richey, Fla., and Keith F. and Debi Blankenship, Jacksonville, Fla.; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral Mass will be held at 12 p.m., Thursday, January 5, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Flowery Branch, with interment at Georgia National Cemetery, Canton, Ga., at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Prince of Peace Catholic Church, In Memory of Charles V. Blankenship, Jr., 6439 Spout Springs Road, Flowery Branch, GA 30542.
Memorial Park South Funeral Home, Flowery Branch, is in charge of arrangements.
Robert Austin (12-31-11)
WINDER – J. Robert Austin, 77, died Saturday, December 31, 2011.
Born in Barrow County, he was the son of the late R.P. and Kaithleen Hunter Austin. He was a member of Midway Christian Church, was a veteran of the United States Army, and was the owner and operator of Austin Construction for over 40 years.
Survivors include his wife, Sarah Austin, Winder; sons and daughters-in-law, Wayne and Sherryl Austin, and Keith and Elizabeth Austin, all of Winder; four grandchildren, Caleb Austin, Colton Austin, Desiree Middlebrooks and Bethany Austin; brother, Donald Austin, Bethlehem; and sister, Ona McGahee, Bethlehem.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 3, 2012, at 2 p.m. from the Midway Christian Church with the Revs. John Burchfield and Hal Tapp officiating. The body will lie in state at 1:30 p.m. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Midway Christian Church, 1406 Hog Mountain Rd., Winder, GA 30680.
Smith Funeral Home, Winder, is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Barrow County, he was the son of the late R.P. and Kaithleen Hunter Austin. He was a member of Midway Christian Church, was a veteran of the United States Army, and was the owner and operator of Austin Construction for over 40 years.
Survivors include his wife, Sarah Austin, Winder; sons and daughters-in-law, Wayne and Sherryl Austin, and Keith and Elizabeth Austin, all of Winder; four grandchildren, Caleb Austin, Colton Austin, Desiree Middlebrooks and Bethany Austin; brother, Donald Austin, Bethlehem; and sister, Ona McGahee, Bethlehem.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 3, 2012, at 2 p.m. from the Midway Christian Church with the Revs. John Burchfield and Hal Tapp officiating. The body will lie in state at 1:30 p.m. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Midway Christian Church, 1406 Hog Mountain Rd., Winder, GA 30680.
Smith Funeral Home, Winder, is in charge of arrangements.
David Crockett (12-26-11)
WOODSTOCK - David Lee Crockett, 65, died Monday, December 26, 2011, at his residence following a brief illness.
He was born in Atlanta on November 27, 1946, the son of the late Frank Henry and Gladys Mary York Crockett. He loved auto racing and spent several nights at the Winder Barrow Speedway with his two sons. Two brothers preceded Mr. Crockett in death.
Survivors include two sons, Rusty (Rhonda) Crockett, Winder, and Davy (Mary) Crockett, Loganville; one sister, Sandra Ann Oakes, Woodstock; seven grandchildren, Dusty, Ashley, Haley, Lauren, Lanie, Larissa, and Zachary Crockett; and 11 nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, December 29, at Woodstock Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. David L. Cooper officiating. Burial will follow in Crestlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until service time Thursday at the funeral home.
Flowers will be accepted.
Woodstock Funeral Home, Woodstock, is in charge of arrangements.
He was born in Atlanta on November 27, 1946, the son of the late Frank Henry and Gladys Mary York Crockett. He loved auto racing and spent several nights at the Winder Barrow Speedway with his two sons. Two brothers preceded Mr. Crockett in death.
Survivors include two sons, Rusty (Rhonda) Crockett, Winder, and Davy (Mary) Crockett, Loganville; one sister, Sandra Ann Oakes, Woodstock; seven grandchildren, Dusty, Ashley, Haley, Lauren, Lanie, Larissa, and Zachary Crockett; and 11 nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, December 29, at Woodstock Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. David L. Cooper officiating. Burial will follow in Crestlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until service time Thursday at the funeral home.
Flowers will be accepted.
Woodstock Funeral Home, Woodstock, is in charge of arrangements.
William D. Healan Jr. (12-26-11)
WINDER - William D. Healan, Jr., 66, died Monday, December 26, 2011.
He was a 1963 graduate of Winder Barrow High School, was Senior Class President, a member of 1960 WBHS Baseball team state champs, and was 1962-63 WHBS football player of the year. Mr. Healan graduated from the University of Georgia School Of Law in 1975, and opened his Law Office in Winder at that time. He served as the former chairman of the Democratic Party of Barrow County, served as attorney for Barrow County for several years, and later served as a Barrow County Commissioner.
Mr. Healan is preceded in death by his parents, William Doyle Healan Sr. and Doris E. Wall Healan; and a brother, Charles Healan.
Survivors include his wife Patricia N. Healan, Winder, who he married in 1968; sons, William D. Healan III and wife Carla, Jefferson, Michael Naylor Healan and wife Laurie, Winder; daughters, Cynthia Healan Robarge and husband Roby, Greer, S.C., Erin Healan Kendall and husband, James of Mt. Pleasant, S.C.; grandchildren, Lillian and Michael Healan, Sydney and Eliza Healan, Millie, Spencer and Sally Robarge; brother, Jerry Healan and wife Carol, Auburn; sister, Peggy Reynolds and husband Ronnie, Winder.
Visitation will be Thursday, December 29, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Smith Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 4 p.m., Friday, December 30, in Smith Memory Chapel, with the Rev. Wally Hostetter officiating. Interment will be in Rose Hill Cemetery.
Smith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
He was a 1963 graduate of Winder Barrow High School, was Senior Class President, a member of 1960 WBHS Baseball team state champs, and was 1962-63 WHBS football player of the year. Mr. Healan graduated from the University of Georgia School Of Law in 1975, and opened his Law Office in Winder at that time. He served as the former chairman of the Democratic Party of Barrow County, served as attorney for Barrow County for several years, and later served as a Barrow County Commissioner.
Mr. Healan is preceded in death by his parents, William Doyle Healan Sr. and Doris E. Wall Healan; and a brother, Charles Healan.
Survivors include his wife Patricia N. Healan, Winder, who he married in 1968; sons, William D. Healan III and wife Carla, Jefferson, Michael Naylor Healan and wife Laurie, Winder; daughters, Cynthia Healan Robarge and husband Roby, Greer, S.C., Erin Healan Kendall and husband, James of Mt. Pleasant, S.C.; grandchildren, Lillian and Michael Healan, Sydney and Eliza Healan, Millie, Spencer and Sally Robarge; brother, Jerry Healan and wife Carol, Auburn; sister, Peggy Reynolds and husband Ronnie, Winder.
Visitation will be Thursday, December 29, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Smith Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 4 p.m., Friday, December 30, in Smith Memory Chapel, with the Rev. Wally Hostetter officiating. Interment will be in Rose Hill Cemetery.
Smith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Alfred Quillian (12-26-11)
WINDER - Alfred A. Quillian, 85, former attorney and United States Administrative Law Judge, died suddenly at his home in Winder, Georgia on December 26, 2011.
Judge Quillian graduated from Winder High School. He volunteered and served in the United States Navy during World War II and was in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict serving in the JAG Corps. He graduated from the University Of Georgia School Of Law in 1951 and joined his father's law practice in Winder. Judge Quillian served as Solicitor General (known today as District Attorney) for the Piedmont Judicial Circuit from 1957 to 1964. He served as President of the Georgia Solicitor General's Association.
After his service as Solicitor General was completed, he returned to the private practice of law with his brother, Kelley J. Quillian, until his brother's appointment to the Georgia Court of Appeals. He continued private practice with his mother, Tabitha S. Quillian, until his appointment as United States Administrative Law Judge in 1973. He retired from that position in 1994.
He was a member of the local Masonic Lodge, Kiwanis Club, Gridiron Society and Sigma Chi Fraternity.
After his retirement, he rediscovered his love for golf and was beloved by his regular foursome. He was a lifelong fan of University of Georgia football. Judge Alfred Quillian was known for his sense of humor and was a symbol of integrity in both his personal and professional life.
He was a member of the Winder First United Methodist Church where he taught Sunday School for many years. During the church's recent anniversary celebration, he was recognized as the church's longest active member.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Elsie Harben Quillian; a daughter, Kimberly Q. Rogers and her husband, Wayne Rogers, Watkinsville; son, Alfred A. Quillian, Jr., his wife Thea McGlon Quillian, Atlanta; four grandchildren: Ellen Rogers Brown and her husband Don Brown of Seymour, Tenn., Jennifer Rogers of Smyrna, Drew Quillian and Kathleen Quillian, Atlanta; and one great-grandson, Coleman Michael Brown, Seymour, Tenn.; and a sister Miss Alma Adelia Quillian, Madison.
Visitation for friends and family will be at the Smith Funeral Home in Winder, on Wednesday, December 28 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Funeral Service will be at 11:00 AM Thursday, December 29, at the First United Methodist Church of Winder with the Rev. Larry Rary officiating.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Building Fund of the Winder First United Methodist Church, Winder, GA.
Smith Funeral Home, Winder, is in charge of arrangements.
Judge Quillian graduated from Winder High School. He volunteered and served in the United States Navy during World War II and was in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict serving in the JAG Corps. He graduated from the University Of Georgia School Of Law in 1951 and joined his father's law practice in Winder. Judge Quillian served as Solicitor General (known today as District Attorney) for the Piedmont Judicial Circuit from 1957 to 1964. He served as President of the Georgia Solicitor General's Association.
After his service as Solicitor General was completed, he returned to the private practice of law with his brother, Kelley J. Quillian, until his brother's appointment to the Georgia Court of Appeals. He continued private practice with his mother, Tabitha S. Quillian, until his appointment as United States Administrative Law Judge in 1973. He retired from that position in 1994.
He was a member of the local Masonic Lodge, Kiwanis Club, Gridiron Society and Sigma Chi Fraternity.
After his retirement, he rediscovered his love for golf and was beloved by his regular foursome. He was a lifelong fan of University of Georgia football. Judge Alfred Quillian was known for his sense of humor and was a symbol of integrity in both his personal and professional life.
He was a member of the Winder First United Methodist Church where he taught Sunday School for many years. During the church's recent anniversary celebration, he was recognized as the church's longest active member.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Elsie Harben Quillian; a daughter, Kimberly Q. Rogers and her husband, Wayne Rogers, Watkinsville; son, Alfred A. Quillian, Jr., his wife Thea McGlon Quillian, Atlanta; four grandchildren: Ellen Rogers Brown and her husband Don Brown of Seymour, Tenn., Jennifer Rogers of Smyrna, Drew Quillian and Kathleen Quillian, Atlanta; and one great-grandson, Coleman Michael Brown, Seymour, Tenn.; and a sister Miss Alma Adelia Quillian, Madison.
Visitation for friends and family will be at the Smith Funeral Home in Winder, on Wednesday, December 28 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Funeral Service will be at 11:00 AM Thursday, December 29, at the First United Methodist Church of Winder with the Rev. Larry Rary officiating.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Building Fund of the Winder First United Methodist Church, Winder, GA.
Smith Funeral Home, Winder, is in charge of arrangements.
Expressions of sympathy