Walter Fred Pruitt, 74, of Winder, died Monday, June 30, 2008.

Born in Greenville County, S.C., he was the son of the late Elmer and Inez Dawson Pruitt. He was retired from the U.S. Post Office, was a member of Galilee Baptist Church in Lawrenceville, and was a veteran, having served in the United States Army in Korea. Mr. Pruitt was preceded in death by a daughter, Fredda Ann Pruitt; brother, Robert Lewis Pruitt; and a sister, Mary Ann Patterson.

Survivors include his wife, Martha Stevenson Pruitt, Winder; a son, William Pruitt, Winder; daughter, Marie Victoria Pruitt Palmer, Daytona Beach, Fla.; grandchildren, Bradley Dean Pruitt, William Matthew Palmer and William Walter Pruitt Jr.; brother, Benjamin Dean Thomas, Anderson, S.C.; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 5, at 11 a.m., at Smith Memory Chapel with the Rev. Tolbert Moore officiating. Burial will be in Barrow Memorial Gardens.

Smith Funeral Home, Winder, is in charge of arrangements.

Carolyn (Tod) Lee, 58, of Braselton, died Tuesday, July 1, 2008, following an extended illness.

Funeral services were held Thursday, July 3, in the chapel of Memorial Park South Funeral Home with the Revs. Joey Yeary and Keith Truelove officiating. Burial was in Memorial Park South Cemetery.

Memorial Park South Funeral Home, Flowery Branch, was in charge of arrangements.

William Thomas “Bill” Bryan III, 77, of Jefferson, died Tuesday, July 1, 2008.

He was born on September 19, 1930, in Clarke County, the son of the late William Thomas Bryan II and Frances Woodward Bryan and was retired from Texaco Oil Company, where he worked in accounting. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Jefferson, a member of the Baraca Sunday School Class, and past president of the Senior Adult Group, and recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellowship award from the Lions Club International. He was past president and Tail Twister of the Jefferson Lions Club, Zone and Region Chairman of Lion Clubs International, and a little league baseball coach for 25 years. He was preceded in death by sons, Michael and Chip Bryan. Mr. Bryan was a veteran, having served in the United States Army during the Korean War.

Survivors include his wife, Jane Adams Bryan, Jefferson; sons and daughters-in-law, Jarrett “Jay” and Roxann Bryan, Westminister, S.C., William Thomas “Bo” Bryan IV and Tara Bryan, Acworth, Robert and Ellen Edwards, Fayetteville, Richard and Carol Edwards, McDonough; daughters and sons-in-law, Denise and Brent McNair, Jonesboro, Rebecca and Sandy Gibbs, Winder; 12 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 5, 2008, at 1 p.m., in the First Baptist Church of Jefferson with Dr. Cary Hilliard and the Rev. Richard Dickson officiating. Burial will be in Woodbine Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday, July 4, at the funeral home from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Members of the Baraca Sunday School Class and Jefferson Lions Club will serve as honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, please made memorials to the First Baptist Church of Jefferson Building Fund, P.O. Box 395, Jefferson, GA 30549.

Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.

Tyandria R. Gillespie, 19, of Commerce, died Sunday, June 29, 2008.

She was the daughter of Tonjia and Corey Gillespie.

Survivors in addition to her parents, include siblings, Corvin and Terin Gillespie, Jaden and Taylor Craig; grandparents; aunts, uncles; cousins; and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 3, at 2 p.m., at Jones Chapel Baptist Church in Commerce. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Gardenview Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements.

Pamela “Kay” Melvin, 59, of Bogart, died Monday, June 30, 2008.

Born in Clarke County, she was the daughter of Frances Thornton of Statham and the late Clyde Thornton. She was a member of Athens Beech Haven Baptist Church, a member of Brenda Newtons Dance Team, member of Winder Woman’s Club, The Young at Heart Sunday School Class and CBS Bible Study in Athens. She was a 1967 graduate of Winder Barrow High School, received an associate in nursing from West Georgia, and was employed by Piedmont Hospital in recovery and OR over 20 years.

Survivors include her husband, Hoyt Melvin, Bogart; sons and daughter-in-law, Mark and Beth Melvin, Watkinsville, Michael Melvin, Senoia; grandchildren, Molly and Henry Melvin; brothers and sisters-in-law, Alton and Frieda Thornton, Athens, Phil and Jennifer Thornton, Brevard, N.C., Dr. Robert Thornton, Atlanta.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 2, at 2 p.m., at Smith Memory Chapel with Dr. Stewart Sims officiating. The family will receive friends Tuesday, July 1, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home. The body will be cremated.

Memorial contributions may be made to ALS Association, Lou Gehrig Disease, 27001 Agoura Rd., Ste. 250, Calabasas Hills, CA 91301-5104.

Smith Funeral Home, Winder, is in charge of arrangements.

Melzie S. Aaron, 71, of Jefferson, died Monday, June 30, 2008.

Born in Jackson County, she was the daughter of the late Lee Earnest “Pete” and Floella Gee Self. She was a homemaker and was Baptist. Mrs. Aaron was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert Boone; second husband, Skeets Aaron; and a son, Bobby Veal.

Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Sandy and Harold Beck, Pendergrass, Debbie and Larry Wilson and Lynn and Jimmy McCollugh, all of Jefferson, Dianna and Wayne Painter, Dahlonega, Patsy Ferguson, Braselton, and Skeeter Byrd, Monroe; sons and daughters-in-law, John and Cindy Boone, Jefferson, Wayne and Flora Aaron, Winterville, and Danny and Vickie Boone, Commerce; a brother and sister-in-law, the Rev. Robin Self and Ruth Self, Winder; special friend, Joyce and Randy Jones, Jefferson; 26 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 2, at 11 a.m., in the chapel of Evans Funeral Home with the Revs. Bo Robinson and Robin Self officiating. Burial will be in the White Plains Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday, July 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.

James Pinkney Roberts, 91, of Hoschton, died Thursday, June 26, 2008.

Born in Jackson County, he was the son of the late Guy and Lillie Pirkle Roberts. He was a field representative with the Agricultural Soil Conservation Service, was a member of the Rockwell Lodge #191 for over 50 years, and the Hoschton United Methodist Church. He was a veteran, having served in the United States Army during World War II. Mr. Roberts was preceded in death by his wife, Dora Lee Reid Roberts.

Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Luella Ledford, Jasper, Kenneth and Karen Ledford, Toccoa, and Joe and Sherry Ledford, Cleveland; daughter and son-in-law, LaJuana and Gary Duck, Braselton; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and nieces and spouses, Linda and David Sloyer, Gainesville, Annie and Ronald Dickson, Monroe, La.

Funeral services were held Sunday, June 29, in the chapel of Evans Funeral Home with the Revs. Mike Phillips and Louis Ortiz officiating. Burial was in the Hoschton City Cemetery. Members of the Rockwell Lodge were pallbearers.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Stephen Ledford Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Jasper United Methodist Church, 85 W. Church St., Jasper, Ga. 30143.

Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, was in charge of arrangements.

Adelle Hammond Ferguson, 88, of Winder, died Sunday, June 29, 2008.

Born in Barrow County, she was the daughter of the late Richard Franklin and Florence Wall Hammond. She was a member of Cedar Creek Baptist Church, and was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. William Carl Ferguson; and a granddaughter, Abby Ledbetter.

Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, Rhondal H. and Debbie Ferguson, Winder, Philip and Ann Ferguson, Statham; daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Charles Walden, Winder, Kathie and Tommy Ledbetter, Winder; sister, Lanelle Mitchell, Bold Springs; sister-in-law, Frances Hammond, Statham; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 1, at Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Shuford Jones officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 25, Statham, Ga. 30666, or Cedar Creek Baptist Church, 403 Cedar Creek Rd., Winder, Ga. 30680.

Smith Funeral Home, Winder, was in charge of arrangements.

Terry Lynn Roberts, 57, of Jefferson, died Wednesday, June 25, 2008.

Born on September 5, 1950, in Lucas County, Iowa, he was the son of the late Johnnie and Twila Neal Roberts. He was employed with MCI as a fiber optics installer. Mr. Roberts was preceded in death by brothers, Gary, Larry, Jimmie and Donald Roberts; and sisters, Joyce Pfrimmer and Patricia “Patty” West.

Survivors include sons, John Roberts and Larry Roberts, both of Iowa; daughter, Nikki Roberts, Rock Falls, Ill.; a brother, Jerry Roberts, Bettendorf, Iowa; sisters, Sherri Cupit, Jefferson, Linda Isom, Killeen, Texas, Barbara Cain, Republic, Mo., Beverly Thompson, Wedowee, Ala.; and three grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to Abby Hospice, 215 Azalea Court, Social Circle, Ga. 30025.

Little-Davenport Funeral Home, Gainesville, was in charge of arrangements.

Shirley Chastain Thompson, 68, of Gainesville, died Monday, June 23, 2008, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, following a brief illness.

She was born in Thomas County, the daughter of the late William Alton and Dorothy Benton Chastain. She was a retired registered nurse and was Roman Catholic. Mrs. Thompson was preceded in death by her husband, Wendell Harris Thompson.

Survivors include a son, Frank Markwith; and grandsons, William Markwith and David Markwith, all of Gainesville.

Memorial services were held Friday, June 27, in the chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home with the Rev. Sammy Harben officiating.

Memorial Park Funeral Home, Gainesville, was in charge of arrangements.

Eunice Blanche Williams, 87, of Alpharetta, died Wednesday, June 25, 2008, at the Cumming Nursing Center. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Glenn Williams; and a daughter, Marilyn Gail Ingram.

Survivors include her son-in-law, Hubert Ingram, Alpharetta; grandchildren, Ray, Michael and Melissa Ingram, Glenn Price; great-grandchild, Marilyn Grace Ingram; daughter, Sylvia Price, Lawrenceville; brother and sister-in-law, Carl and Helen Yarbrough, Monroe; sisters, Agnes Barfield, Smyrna, Jean Sullens, Toccoa, and Ruth Davis, Griffin.

Graveside services were held Saturday, June 28, at Floral Hills Cemetery in Tucker.

McDonald and Son Funeral Home, Cumming, was in charge of arrangements.

Sharon Rae Crouse, 63, of Nicholson, died Friday, June 27, 2008.

Survivors include her husband, Larry E. Crouse; children, Patrick James Crouse, Michael L. Crouse, Melissa M. Darnel, Matthew C. Crouse; and six grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.

Winfrey’s Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements.

Annie Mae Kidd, 87, of Gainesville, died Saturday, June 28, 2008, following an extended illness.

She was born on April 1, 1921, in Jackson County, the daughter of the late Marion and Florence Savage Porter. She was retired from New Holland Mill (Pacolet Manufacturing), and was Baptist. Mrs. Kidd was preceded in death by her husband, John Kidd.

Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, John and Barbara Kidd and Oden and Marie Kidd, all of Gainesville; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; brother, Bernice Porter, Suches; sister, Mildred Cochran, Covington; special caregivers from United Hospice, Nicki, Robin and Jennifer.

Graveside services were held Monday, June 30, at Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. John Reeser officiating.

Memorial Park Funeral Home, Gainesville, was in charge of arrangements.

David Bridges, 37, of Royston, died Tuesday, June 24, 2008, at the Greenville Memorial Hospital in Greenville, S.C.

He was born September 1, 1970, in Franklin County, the son of Frank Bridges of Moultrie and Jane and Reese Higgins of Royston. He was a roofer in the construction industry and was Baptist. Mr. Bridges was a veteran, having served in the United States Marine Corps.

Survivors in addition to his parents, include brothers, Jeff Bridges, Moultrie, Steve Bridges, Vanna, Mike Bridges, Carnesville, and Jimmy Bridges, Valdosta; and sisters, Julie Hill, Vanna, and Tonya Wilson, Sylvester.

Funeral services will be held Friday, June 27, at 11 a.m., in the chapel of Pruitt Funeral Home with the Revs. Dan Bailey and Ben Walker officiating. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday, June 26, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.

Flowers are optional. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to defray funeral expenses.

Pruitt Funeral Home, Royston, is in charge of arrangements.

Clyde Lonnie Gentry, 91, of Comer, died Tuesday, June 24, 2008, at his residence.

Born in Elbert County, he was the son of the late Henry Grady and Marcie Foster Gentry and the step-son of the late Beulah Hendrix Gentry. He was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church, was a farmer and electrician with IBEW Local Union 613. Mr. Gentry was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruth Parham Gentry; brothers, Roy and Bill Gentry; and a grandson, Keith Johnson.

Survivors include his wife, Helen Dean Gentry; a son, Malcom Gentry, Comer; daughter, Betty Jean Pitts, Hartwell; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 26, at 11 a.m., at Lord & Stephens Funeral Home with the Revs. Mike Sarna and Glenn Guest officiating. Burial will be in Meadow Cemetery. Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 25, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, Danielsville, is in charge of arrangements.

Joseph David Williams Jr., 65, of Winder, died Saturday, June 21, 2008.

Born in Barrow County, he was the son of the late Joseph David Williams Sr. and Julia Doster Williams. He was a member of Winder First Baptist Church, former member of Winder Kiwanis Club, and was a retired Lt. Colonel in the Air National Guard.

Survivors include his wife, Georgina Williams; a daughter, Amy Melissa Williams; step-daughter, Lorena; and a grandchild, Brooklynn Duncan.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 26, at 6 p.m., at Smith Memory Chapel with the Rev. Lester Hall officiating. The body was cremated. The family will receive friends Thursday, June 26, from 5 to 6 p.m. at the funeral home.

Smith Funeral Home, Winder, is in charge of arrangements.

Nellie Ruth Greene, 78, of Hull, died Saturday, June 21, 2008, at her residence.

She was born in Madison County, the daughter of the late Monroe and Mattie Queen Casey. She was a homemaker and had been a lifetime resident of Madison County. Mrs. Greene was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Hubert Greene; and children, Joyce Nalley, Charles Greene, Deborah Greene and David Greene.

Survivors include daughters, Jonell Bryant, Ginger Cullison and Eva Cowart, all of Hull, and Peggy Weaver, Danielsville; sons, Henry Greene, Mississippi, Ed Greene, Madison County, and Bobby Greene, Hull; and many, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held in the chapel of Brown Funeral Home with Sister Janice Loggins officiating. She was cremated following the services.

Brown Funeral Home, Danielsville, was in charge of arrangements.

Tommy O’Kelley, 59, of Clarkesville, died Sunday, June 22, 2008, following complications from a form of stroke known as “Locked-In” syndrome.

Born in Caburrus County, N.C., on February 5, 1949, he was the son of Susie Mann O’Kelley of Clarkesville and the late Ralph T. O’Kelley. He attended Clarkesville Church of God. Mr. O’Kelley was preceded in death by uncles, Huell B. O’Kelley and James Pearson; uncle and aunt, Ray and Betty O’Kelley; and cousins, Jim Mann and Patsy Farmer.
He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, working on automobiles, being outdoors, and spending time with his beloved dog, Sparky, loved ones stated.

Survivors in addition to his mother, include a sister and brother-in-law, Kathy and Ricky Pruitt, Clarkesville; niece, Ashley N. Pruitt, Clarkesville; aunts, Mary Pearson, Conyers, Agnes O’Kelley, Valdosta, and Barbara O’Kelley, Danielsville; numerous cousins; special friends, Ricky and Sonya Franks, Hiawassee; and a host of other family members and friends.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 24, at Bethlehem Baptist Church with Dr. Bill Cashion and the Rev. Furman Lewis officiating. Entombment was in Yonah Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Rd., Anderson, SC 29621.

McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia, was in charge of arrangements.

Lucius Eugene Moon, 74, of Comer, died Sunday, June 15, 2008, at Athens Regional Medical Center in Athens.

He was born in Elbert County, the son of the late Rannie Roy and Fannie Lee Medlock Moon and was Baptist. He was preceded in death by brothers, Melvin and Harry Moon; and sisters, Frances Moon, Peggy Roberts, Aurice Baugh and Doris Martin. Mr. Moon was a veteran, having served in the United States Navy.

Survivors include daughters, Sara Autry, Mary Autry, Bobbie Goss and Emma Bowers, all of Danielsville; sons, Leon Moon, Augusta, and Wayne Moon, Royston; brothers, Donald Moon, Carlton, and Clayton Moon, Byron; sister, Glenda Seigler, Comer; ten grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 17, at Moon’s Grove Baptist Church. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Pruitt Funeral Home, Royston, was in charge of arrangements.

Julia Ann Spooner Pattison, 51, of Rantz, died Wednesday, June 18, 2008, in Rantz.

Born in Waycross, she was the daughter of the late Rev. James Spooner and Joanne Spooner.

Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Naomi and Mike Mclane, Rantz; sons and daughters-in-law, John and Jussica Arthur, Colbert, James and Kristi Kennedy, Colbert; sister and brother-in-law, Ruth and Stephen Wooten, Carlton; brother and sister-in-law, James and Cathy Spooner, Monroe; and four grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Friday, June 20, at the Memorial Chapel of Berry Funeral home with the Revs. Bill Lloyd and Calvin Ward officiating. Burial was at Asbury Cemetery in Clayton.

Berry Funeral Home, Elberton, was in charge of arrangements.

Benjamin Carson Holloway, 86, of Comer, died Tuesday, June 17, 2008, at his residence.

He was born on September 21, 1921, the son of the late Ben and Florence Smith Holloway. He was a mechanic and farmer and was a member of the Bluestone Baptist Church. Mr. Holloway was a veteran, having served in the United States Navy.

Survivors include his wife, Susie Mae Bridges Holloway, Comer; a son, David Holloway, Comer; daughters, Patsy Bruce and Diane Aycock, both of Comer; brother, Charlie Holloway, Danielsville; two grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Funeral services were held Friday, June 20, at the Bluestone Baptist Church with the Rev. Ray Jenkins officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Pruitt Funeral Home, Royston, was in charge of arrangements.

Deborah Haley Escoe, 58, of Athens, died Monday, June 16, 2008, at the Medical College of Georgia Hospital.

She was born in Franklin County on November 14, 1949, the daughter of Catherine James Haley of Royston and the late Robert Lee Haley. She was a manager in the dry cleaning business and was Holiness. Mrs. Escoe was preceded in death by a brother, Marshall Haley; and sisters, Paulette Thornton and Frances Cowart.

Survivors in addition to her mother, include sons, Jayson Escoe, Hull, and Wesley Escoe, Athens; a daughter, Paige Cleveland, Tampa, Fla.; brothers, Ronnie Haley, Royston, and James Haley, Gainesville; sisters, Karren Haley, Athens, and Elaine Thornton, Elberton; and 10 grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Friday, June 20, in the chapel of Pruitt Funeral Home with the Revs. Dennis Kesler and David Carey officiating. Burial was in the New Hope Worship Center Cemetery.

Pruitt Funeral Home, Royston, was in charge of arrangements.

Wilbur “Pop Bates” Bates, 91, of Lula, died Monday, June 16, 2008.

Born in Hall County, he was the son of the late Thomas and Elizabeth “Bell” Bates and was Baptist. He was a poultry farmer in his early years and later retired from Gainesville Mill. He loved to spend free time with his family, going fishing, and working in his garden, loved ones stated. Mr. Bates was preceded in death by brothers, Harold, J.B., Cliff and Benny Bates; sisters, Mary Lois Hart and Ethel Poole; a son, Michael Bates; and great-grandson, James Carlton Smith.

Survivors include his wife of 71 years, Viola Baugh Bates, Lula; daughters and sons-in-law, Marie and Otis Grindle and Betty Ann and Junior Campbell, all of Lula; sons and daughters-in-law, the Rev. Carlton Bates and Ellen Bates, Billy and Romona Bates, all of Lula; 13 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Thursday, June 19, at Whitehall Baptist Church with the Rev. Melvin Baugh officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Little Davenport Funeral Home, Gainesville, was in charge of arrangements.

Evelyn Brown Miller, 91, of Gainesville, died Sunday, June 22, 2008, at her residence.

Born on December 11, 1916, she was the daughter of the late Johnnie and Louise Marchbanks Brown. She worked for a time at New Holland Cotton Mill and spent the remainder of her life as a homemaker and wonderful mother. Mrs. Miller was preceded in death by her baby, Mary Ann Miller; and several brothers.

Survivors include her husband of 63 years, Jack Miller, Gainesville; daughters and sons-in-law, Elaine and David Pierce and Genell and Roger Armour, all of Gainesville, Belinda and Dave Cash, St. George Island, Fla.; grandchildren, Brandon and Carly Pierce, Brenton and Amy Pierce, Kasey and Chad Bolton, Christie and Hastin Slaton; great-grandchildren, Erica and Corder Pierce, Morgan and Hannah Pierce, Noah, Jonah and Luke Thomas Bolton; and a brother, Howard Brown, Commerce.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 24, at 2 p.m., in the chapel of Little-Davenport Funeral Home with the Revs. Wilburn Peeples and Cleve Scovill officiating. Burial will be in Springway Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday, June 23, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.

Little-Davenport Funeral Home, Gainesville, is in charge of arrangements.

Mitchell Wiley Gailey, 67, of Alto, died Wednesday, June 18, 2008, at his residence, following an extended illness, surrounded by his family.

He was born in Habersham County on September 19, 1940, the son of the late Everett and Elnora Gailey. He was a member of B.C. Grant Baptist Church and was retired from the DOT engineering department with 34 years of service. He also served on the Baldwin City Council for 10 years. Mr. Gailey was preceded in death by a brother, Ray Gailey.
He was an avid NASCAR fan who enjoyed gardening and fellowshipping with friends at The Steak House in Baldwin, loved ones stated.

Survivors include his wife of 19 years, Edith Gailey, Alto; sons and daughters-in-law, Chris Gailey, Lubbock, Texas, Dean and Beverly Smith, Alto, Mike and Kathy Reed, Hartselle, Ala.; daughters and sons-in-law, Angie and Joe Irvin and Kim and Reggie Hulsey, all of Mt. Airy, Tammy and Andy Poole, Gillsville; sister-in-law, Ruby Youngblood Gailey, Cleveland; uncles and spouses, Horace and Pat Bennett and “C.D.” and Bert Bennett, all of Alto; 13 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; aunt, Lillian Pritchett, Alto; and special cousins, Ronnie and Ann Pritchett, Alto.

Funeral services were held Friday, June 20, in the chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home with the Revs. Doyal Conley and Billy Harris officiating. Burial was in Yonah Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Walter Singletary officiating.

McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia, was in charge of arrangements.

Announcing the death of Beverly A. Whelchel “Peewee” Rucker, 49.

She was born on April 13, 1959, the daughter of the late Mr. & Mrs. M.L. (Mamie) Whelchel. Mrs. Rucker was preceded in death by two sisters.

Survivors include sons, Cameron Rucker, Union City, and Cedric Rucker, Marietta; the father of her sons, Walter J. Rucker; brothers, John McArthur Whelchel, Baltimore, Md., Willie M.L. Whelchel Jr., Marvin “Bud” Whelchel, Marcus Whelchel, Eric Watson, all of Gainesville, and Terrance Watson, Athens; sisters, Deborah Whelchel, Dorothy Whelchel, both of Gainesville, the Rev. Montine Smith, Austell, Lynn Watson, Knoxville, Tenn., and Trudy Gaither, Oakwood; four grandchildren; six aunts; one uncle; six sisters-in-law; four brothers-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, friends, loved ones and acquaintances.

A homecoming celebration was held Saturday, June 21, at St. John Baptist Church, 741 E.E. Butler Pkwy., Gainesville, with the Rev. Stephen Samuel officiating and the Rev. Eugene Green presenting the Eulogy.

Memorial Park Funeral Home, Gainesville, was in charge of arrangements.

Dallin Kelley, 2, of Winder, died Saturday, June 21, 2008.

He was born in Fredericksburg, Va., the son of James and Andrea Lyall Kelley of Winder.

Survivors in addition to his parents, include grandparents, Dean and Lynda Kelley, Winder, Richard and Kathy Lyall, Fredricksburg, Va.; great-grandparents, Joy Stokes, Dover, Del., Arlen and Pat Fausett, West Jordan, Utah; aunts and uncles, Christopher Kelley, Joseph and Heather Westerman, Sarina Lyall; cousins, Jordan and Lucas Westerman.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 28, at 11 a.m. at Winder Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints with Bishop Gary Harris officiating. Burial will be in Barrow Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday, June 27, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Dallin Kelley Fund at any Wachovia Bank.

Smith Funeral Home, Winder, is in charge of arrangements.

Martha Estelle Smith, 91, of Bethlehem, died Wednesday, June 18, 2008.

She was born in Walton County, the daughter of the late William Riley and Nellie Mae Cain Hayes. She was a retired seamstress from R&R Manufacturing, Barrow Manufacturing and Empire Manufacturing, and was a member of Bethlehem First Baptist Church. Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by her husband, L. Curtis Smith; and children, Hoyt Smith, Gene Smith, L.C. Smith, Jack Smith and Steve Smith.

Survivors include a son, Joseph “Joe” Smith, Lilburn; daughters, Carolyn Harris and Barbara Smith, both of Bethlehem, Sara Haygood, Norcross, and Martha Lovins, Dacula; 14 grandchildren; and a host of great and great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Friday, June 20, at Smith Memory Chapel with the Rev. Jody Hice and Mike Peavey officiating. Burial was at Union Baptist Church Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1060 Gaines School Rd., Suite B-2, Athens, Ga. 30605.

Smith Funeral Home, Winder, was in charge of arrangements.

Brandy Cline, 22, of Statham, died Saturday, June 21, 2008.

She was born in Gwinnett County, the daughter of Jimmy Cline of Auburn and Jackie Cline of Statham. She was employed by Regis Hair Salon.

Survivors in addition to her parents, include grandparents, Charles and Carolyn Cline, Patricia Partee, and Joyce Beard; a daughter, Camryn Jackson, Statham; brother, Matthew Cline, Statham; sister, Kelly Rawlins, Winder; and three nieces and nephews.

Memorial services were held Tuesday, June 24, in the Sanctuary of the Holy Spirit with the Rev. Phillip Adair officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to a scholarship fund for Camryn Jackson.

Smith Funeral Home, Winder, was in charge of arrangements.

William H. Kidd, 76, of Gainesville, died Monday, June 23, 2008, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, following a brief illness.

He was a native of Hall County and was Baptist.

Survivors include his wife, Nell W. Kidd, Gainesville; step-daughter and son-in-law, Glenda A. and Daniel R. Odell, Gainesville; step-granddaughters and husbands, Stephanie and Gary Duran, and Jennifer and Todd Little; step-grandchildren, Dylan and Grayson Duran, Noah, Savannah and Madeline Little; step-grandson and wife, Jonathan and Janet Odell; and a host of other family and friends.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 25, at 2 p.m., in the chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday, June 24, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Memorial Park Funeral Home, Gainesville, is in charge of arrangements.

Tabitha Bridges Haynie, 27, of Talmo, died Saturday, June 21, 2008, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, following a brief illness.

A native of Greenville, S.C., she was the daughter of Larry Suttles of Walhala, S.C. and Cathy Young of Talmo. She was a graduate of Wade Hampton High School and was a member of New Walk Christian Church, where she served as an elder of the Church and as associate youth pastor.

Survivors in addition to her parents, include her husband, Daymon Haynie, Talmo; sons, Logan Haynie, Asa Haynie and Caleb Haynie, all of Talmo; daughter, Abbgale Haynie, Talmo; brother, Lonnie Bridges, Spartanburg, S.C.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 24, at 2 p.m., in the chapel of Mason & Ward Funeral Home with the Rev. Dewayne Payne officiating. The family will receive friends Monday, June 23, from 6 to 9 p.m., at the funeral home.

Mason & Ward Funeral Home, Gainesville, is in charge of arrangements.

Ruby Lois Smith, 67, of Dahlonega, died Saturday, June 14, 2008, at her residence.

Born in Hall County, she was the daughter of the late Floyd and Ruby Humphries Major. She had lived most of her life in Lumpkin County and had worked at Whit’s Beauty Salon and Supply in Gainesville. She was a member of Cool Springs Baptist Church. Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by a sister, Carol Brown; and a grandson, Jeremey Sullens.

Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Angel and Nar Lakhicharran and Talina and Glenn McMahon, all of Dahlonega; sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Awa Martin and Reggie Buffington, all of Gainesville, Trey and Kenia Smith, Cleveland; sisters and brother-in-law, Sherry and Robert Kendrick, Cleveland, Tammy Latty, Clarkesville; brother and sister-in-law, Junior and Evalene Major, Pendergrass; 17 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Monday, June 16, at Banister Funeral Home with the Rev. Dwayne Major officiating. Burial was in Cool Springs Baptist Church Cemetery.

Banister Funeral Home, Dahlonega, was in charge of arrangements.

Cpl. Daniel Ray McNeal, 22, of Camp Lejeune, N.C., died Monday, June 16, 2008, at the US Naval Hospital, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

He was the son of Donald McNeal and step-mother, Paula Faye McNeal, Wake Forest, N.C. and the late Vickie Hall McNeal. He was preceded in death by a sister, Heather Ann McNeal.

Daniel served his country proudly with the United States Marine Corps.

Survivors in addition to his father and step-mother, include his wife, Melissa Ann Massie McNeal; a son, Dustin James Thatcher; brother, Benjamin McNeal, Wake Forest, N.C.; mother-in-law and father-in-law, John and Linda Burklo, Hubert, N.C.; maternal grandmother, Evelyn Hall, Dothan, Ala.; paternal grandparents, James and Merle McNeal, Gainesville; and several aunts and uncles.

Funeral services will be held Friday, June 20, at 1 p.m., in the Jones Funeral Home Chapel in Jacksonville, N.C. Burial will be in Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery with military honors.

The family will receive friends Wednesday and Thursday, June 18 and June 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home, and at other times at the home of John and Linda Burklo, 416 Fox Trace Lane, Hubert, N.C.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hope for Warriors.

Announcement by Memorial Park Funeral Home for the McNeal Family and Jones Funeral Home, Jacksonville, N.C.

Jerry Oxford, 67, of Bethlehem, died Monday, June 16, 2008.

Born in Pemiscot County, Mo., he was the son of the late John Thomas and Blanche Bell Oxford.

He worked for Sargento Foods for 14 years and was a member of the Bold Springs United Methodist Church.
Survivors include his wife of 47-1/2 years, Roberta Miller Oxford; a son, Grant Oxford, Lavonia; daughter, Beth Flore, Loganville; grandchildren, Heather and Lauren Fiore, Loganville; brothers, J.W. and Raymond Oxford, McClure, Ill., and Bill Oxford, Cape Girardeau, Mo.; sisters, Peggy Maxwell, Cape Girardeau, Mo., Pansy Huffman, Jackson, and Marsorie Rendleman, McClure, Ill.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 19, at 2 p.m., at Smith Memory Chapel with the Rev. Frank Brock officiating. Burial will be in Barrow Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bold Spring United Methodist Church Building Fund, 7625 Bold Springs Church Rd., Monroe, Ga. 30656, or the Alzheimer’s Association, 1925 Century Blvd., Suite 10, Atlanta, Ga. 30345.

Smith Funeral Home, Winder, is in charge of arrangements.

Robert Oliver “Rob” Brown, 80, of the Middle River Community, Carnesville, died Wednesday, June 11, 2008, at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta.

He was born on December 2, 1927, in Franklin County, the son of the late W.V. and Nelie Bray Brown. He was retired from Oliver Rubber Company in Athens. Mr. Brown was preceded in death by sons, Robert O. Brown Jr. and James Brown; and sisters, Hazel Cothran and Daisy Lee Hart.

Survivors include his wife, Evelyn Manley Brown, Carnesville; son, Don M. Manley, Carnesville; granddaughter, Lani Manley, Carnesville; God-daughter, Cindel Eavenson, Carnesville, and sisters, Shirley Ann Purcell and Johnny Mell Bond, both of Royston.

Funeral services were held Friday, June 13, at B.D. Ginn Memorial Chapel. Burial was in the Middle River Baptist Church cemetery.

Ginn Funeral Home, Carnesville, was in charge of arrangements.

Timothy Michael Wilson Jr., 23, of Comer, died Friday, June 13, 2008.

Born in Athens, he was the son of Mike and Jennifer Wilson. He was a 2003 graduate of Oglethorpe County High School and was employed by Wilson and Sons. Mr. Wilson was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Eugene Brown.

Survivors in addition to his parents, include a sister, Megan Nicole Wilson, Crawford; brother, Justin Michael Wilson, Crawford; maternal grandparents, Tommy and Clara Wilson, Colbert; paternal grandmother, Nancy Bryant, Royston; aunts and uncles, Melissa and Joe Armistead, Kristyl Brown, Anna Epps; and several cousins.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, June 18, at in the chapel of Lord & Stephens Funeral Home with the Revs. Chuck Tatum and Jim Peterson officiating. Burial was in Welcome Avenue Congregational Holiness Church cemetery. Pallbearers were Adam Nation, Holly Bales, Devin Johnson, Billy Rogers, Roy Gene Young, Allen Welch, Brian Corey and Willie Turner Jr.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, East, Athens, was in charge of arrangements.