Glenn Lavon “Buddy” Ash, 65, LaFayette
Glenn Lavon “Buddy” Ash of LaFayette died Tuesday, April 26, 2011. He was 65.
Survivors include his loving wife of 46 years, Linda Ash; daughter, Glenda (Joey) Edwards of Castlewood, Va.; sons, Kenneth (Shay) Ash of LaFayette, Buddy (Teresa) Ash of Rocky Face and Scotty (Melissa) Ash of LaFayette; two brothers; one sister; 11 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral service: Friday, April 29, at 3 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Russell Swafford conducting. Burial: LaFayette Cemetery. Visitation: Thursday, April 28, from 4-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Pallbearers: Buddy Ash, Gary Roberts, Scotty Ash, Joey Edwards, Matt Anderson, Patrick Dyer, and Jerry Rape. Honorary pallbearers: Kenneth Ash and Glenda Ash Edwards. Arrangements: Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home, LaFayette.
Warren (Hamp) Brown, 76
Warren (Hamp) Brown died Wednesday, April 27, 2011, at his home. He was 76.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clint and Bonnie Brown; sister, Evelyn B. Walker; and brother, Clint Brown Jr.
Survivors include his wife, Etta Brown of LaFayette; daughter, Ellen Ford; sons, Mike, Tim and Warren Brown; brother, Dort Brown; mother-in-law, Gladys Huff; six grandchildren; four grandchildren; one niece and six nephews.
Funeral service: Saturday, April 30, at 3 p.m. at Corinth Baptist Church with service conducted by Revs. Rodney Brown and Wayne Wallin. Burial: LaFayette Memory Gardens. Visiation: Friday, April 29, from 6-9 p.m. at the funeral home and at Corinth Baptist from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, April 30. Arrangements: Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home, LaFayette.
Sandra Irene Hilburn Maddux, 56, LaFayette
Sandra Irene Hilburn Maddux of LaFayette died Wednesday, April 27, 2010. She was 56.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Maddux, and father, Gordon Hilburn.
Sandra was an unforgettable person. She will be remembered by all who knew her. Life with Sandra was always interesting, she was always loved and will be greatly missed.
Survivors include by daughters, Sonya Vaughn of Rising Fawn; son, Michael Ferguson of Dalton; mother, Ruby Hilburn; sisters, Bernice Cole, Juanita Smith, Samantha McAllister and Edna Angland, all of LaFayette; brother, Clayton Hilburn of Rome; special friend, Charlie Taylor; three grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral service: Friday, April 29, at 5 p.m. with service conducted by Rev. Arlin Weldon. Burial: LaFayette Cemetery. Visitation: Friday, April 29, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the funeral home. Arrangements: Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home, LaFayette.
Posted Thursday, April 28, 2011
Julia Rebecca Holton Nelms, 71, Flintstone
Julia Rebecca Holton Nelms of Flintstone died Tuesday, April 26, 2011. She was 71.
She was born in Pelham to the late John H. and Emma Jewel Pollock Holton, and lived in LaFayette from 1976 to 2004. Mrs. Nelms was a dedicated member of Bethel Baptist Church and worked for Imperial Cup for 12 years.
She was also preceded in death by her husband, Charles F. Nelms; son, Doug Nelms; daughter, Sandy Dolehite; grandson, Wade Autry; two brothers and one sister.
Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Jackey and Pene Nelms of Flintstone; grandchildren, Leveeta (Tim) Jones, Daniel and Casey Nelms and Matthew Dolehite; three great-grandchildren; sisters, Evie Pollock, Sarah Bishop, Zula Holton and Beverly Palmer, and sister-in-law, Cecile Holton.
Funeral services: Friday, April 29, at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with Charles McElhaney officiating. Burial: LaFayette Cemetery. Visitation: Thursday, April 28, from 6-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Arrangements: Wilson Funeral Home, LaFayette.
Captain Edward William Lockwood
Captain Edward William Lockwood died April 14, 2011, at his residence.
He was born Feb. 21, 1934, to Charles Lockwood and Florence Scofield in Darien, Conn. He served his country in Korea with the Army as an aircraft mechanic and later as a member of the elite Ranger division.
He had many skills which molded his personality and character. He was an accomplished marksman with regional and national recognition, amateur car builder and racer, sailor and, as noted by most of his crew members, a top-shelf captain.
His career as a pilot and captain for American Airlines spanned over 45 years with two words ever present in his extensive vocabulary: pride and precision. Edward left this world to fly high with the angels as he did in life.
We would like to thank from the bottom of our hearts everyone who has been with us throughout our loss. He will be very missed by his family and friends. May your sails always be full and wings always have lift to take you on your next journey. Fly high, Ed; you deserve to be amoung the winds and clouds; fly high. We love you!
Survivors include his wife, Sandra Lockwood; sons, James, Lee, Gerald and Edward Jr., and daughters, Margaret and Donna.
Arrangements: Wilson Funeral Home, LaFayette.
Posted Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Rose Mary Jones Bradford, 96, Fort Oglethorpe
Rose Mary Jones Bradford of Fort Oglethorpe died Friday, April 22, 2011, at a local hospital. She was 96.
She was a lifelong resident of Chattanooga and was of the Baptist faith. Mary enjoyed traveling, cooking, and being with her family.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 74 years, Jesse Lee Bradford, and sister, Eunice Davis.
Survivors include children, Bettie Bradford Gossett of East Ridge, Michael (Leona) Bradford of Kansas City, Mo., Linda Garner of Fort Oglethorpe, Ronald (Marilyn) Bradford of Chattanooga and David (Traci) Bradford of Sparta, Tenn.; sister, Martha Morrison of Chattanooga; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services: Monday, April 25, at 1 p.m., in the funeral home chapel. Burial: Forest Hills Cemetery. Visitation: Monday, April, 25, from 11-1 p.m. at the funeral home. Online guest book available www.heritagefh.com. Arrangements: Heritage Funeral Home and Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.
Angie Larae Crowe Brock, 44, LaFayette
Angie Larae Crowe Brock of LaFayette died Wednesday, April 20, 2011. She was 44.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Betty Crowe.
Survivors include her husband, Michael Brock; daughters, Holly Wood and Jessie Wood; father, Leon Crowe; sisters, Renea Crowe and April Yoder, all of LaFayette; brothers, Robbie Crowe of LaFayette and Sonny and wife Sarah Crowe of Chickamauga, and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral service: Friday, April 22, at 3 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Charles “Smokey” Hurst and Brock Bruce. Burial: Crestlawn Memorial Cemetery. Visitation: Thursday, April 21, from 6-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Pallbearers: Josh Crowe, Patrick Crowe, Ed Hise, Nathan Elliott, Josh Huckabee and Jeff Housley. Honorary pallbearers: Sonney Crowe and Robbie Crowe. Arrangements: Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home, LaFayette.
Duane Ballew, 68, LaFayette
Duane Ballew of LaFayette died Saturday, April 23, 2011, in a local health care facility. He was 68.
He was a Chattanooga native and lived in the Chattanooga and north Georgia area all of his life. He worked for the United States Postal Service for 33 years, and retired as the Tunnel Hill postmaster. He was a member of Center Point Baptist Church in Noble.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas E. and Juanita Toomey Ballew, and two granddaughters, Eliza Jane and Abigail Olivia Craddock.
Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Dianne Ezell Ballew; son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Susie Ballew; daughter, Jill Ballew Craddock; grandchildren, Drew, Anna, Boaz, Justus, Noah, Ellison, Jesse and Evelyn; brothers and sister-in-law, Pete and Margaret Ballew, Gene and Kay Ballew, Ralph (his twin) and Sandy Ballew; and several nieces.
Funeral services: Monday, April 25, at 11 a.m. in the South Crest Chapel with Rev. David Pickard officiating. Burial: Lakewood Memory Gardens South, Rossville. Visitation: Sunday, April 24, from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Center Point Baptist Church Fellowship Hall Building Fund. Arrangements: South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home and Crematory, Rossville.
Joan Karen Cheli, 69, Ringgold
Joan Karen Cheli of Ringgold died Friday, April 22, 2011. She was 69.
She was born in Alameda, Calif., to the late Thomas and Dorothy Brooks. Joan retired from Bank of America after many years of service and was a member of Redemtion Point Church of God in Collegedale.
Survivors include her loving husband of 51 years, Bob Cheli of Ringgold; children, Debi Best and Kathi Pelton, both of California, and Bob Cheli of LaFayette; sisters, Jean Cheli and Pat Morales, both of California; grandchildren, Aschlyn, Cassidy, Desiree, Corey, Amy, Jonathan, Jon and Cynthia; great-grandchilren, Hayden and Camryn, and several nieces and nephews.
Service: Tuesday, April 26, at 11 a.m. in the chapel with Jamie Chant officiating. Burial: LaFayette City Cemetery. Visitation: Monday, April 25, from 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Arrangements: Wilson Funeral Home, LaFayette
Vance Daniel, 74, Rossville
Vance Daniel of Rossville died Sunday, April 17, 2011. He wss 74.
He was born in Sand Mountain to the late Lawrence and Ora Daniel.
He was a member Oak Grove Baptist Church in Alabama.
Survivors include his wife, Christy Daniel; children, Janice Cuzzort and Denese and Regina Clark; sisters, Stella Chapman, Magdalene Smith and Gertrude Belue; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A private service will be held at a later date. Arrangements: Wilson Funeral Home-Fort Oglethorpe.
Irene Bird Hensley, 96, Fort Oglethorpe
Irene Bird Hensley of Fort Oglethorpe died Thursday, April 21, 2011, in a local health care facility. She was 96.
She was a resident of Soddy-Daisy, had lived in the north Georgia area and was of the Baptist faith. Mrs. Hensley had worked as a bookkeeper with the Rivermont Golf and Counry club and the Soddy-Daisy Water Company and was a well-known area tax preparer.
She was preceded in death her parents, Levi and Lena Cooper Bird; 12 brothers and sisters, and two husbands, Homer Mitts and George Hensley.
Survivors include sister, Muriel Montine Bird of California; nieces and nephews, Don Byrd of Ringgold, Gloria Smith of Mississippi, Patti Porto of California, Bobby Byrd of Tennessee, Dale Byrd and Jean Barr, both of Texas, Neil Bird of Ringgold, Nancy Krusoe of California and Sheryl Brown of Louisiana.
Graveside services: Saturday, April 23, at 10 a.m. at Peavine Cemetery with Keith McLeod officiating. Visitation: Friday, April 22, from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Boynton Baptist Church, 4093 Boynton Drive, Ringgold, Georgia 30736. Online guest book is available at www.heritagefh.com. Arrangements: Heritage Funeral Home and Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.
Jeremy Adams Jackson, 24, LaFayette
Jeremy Adams Jackson of LaFayette died Monday, April 18, 2011. He was 24.
He was employed at the Wal-Mart in LaFayette. He was a devoted father, son, brother, friend and fiance.
He was preceded in death by his father, Richard “Ricky” Jackson and grandfather, Harold Adams Sr.
Survivors include his daughter, Alexis (Lexie) Hope Jackson of LaFayette; mother, Robin Adams Jackson of LaFayette; fiancee, Kayla Nave of LaFayette; sister and her fiance, Jennifer Jackson of LaFayette and Ben Cherry of Chickamauga; brother and his fiancee, Jason Jackson and Amanda Kendrick of Rock Spring; grandparents, Jane Adams, James A. and Thelma Jackson of LaFayette; aunts; uncles and many friends.
Funeral service: Saturday, April 23, at Corinth Baptist Church, with service conducted by Bill Parker, Bruce Coker, and Andy Arnold. Visitation: Friday, April 22, from 4-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial: LaFayette Memory Gardens. Pallbearers: Dakota Jones, Montana Jones, Greg Peterson, Joshua Yarbrough, Matt Yarbrough, Dusty Coker, Jacob Gammon, Ben Cherry, George Valle, Kaemdenne Shropshire and Shane Green. Honorary pallbearers: employees of LaFayette Wal-Mart Tire and Lube Express and 2004 state champion wrestling team of LaFayette High School. Arrangements: Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home, LaFayette.
Bennie F. Jones, 65, Rossville
Bennie F. Jones of Rossville died Saturday, April 23, 2011, at his residence. He ws 65.
Bennie was a resident of the Chattanooga, Tenn., and north Georgia area for over 45 years. He had been a member of the National Guard for 6 years. Bennie was a professional photographer for 40 years and owned and operated Bennie Jones Studio in Fort Oglethorpe. He has worked as a residential contractor for the last 15 years. Bennie was a longtime member of Fort Oglethorpe First Baptist Church where he served as an usher, served on the building and grounds committee and headed the Christian Emergency Response Team (CERT).
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dewey Jones and Nina Jones Sasser.
Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Brenda Born Jones; daughters, Tiffany (Brian) Snow of East Brainerd, Jennifer Jones Friel of Rossville and Amy (Gene) Brown of Ooltewah, Tenn.; sister, Sue (Bobby) Vaughn of Tallahassee, Fla.; brothers, Jeff (Rhonda) Jones of Tuscaloosa, Ala., and Mickey (Dorothy) Fletcher of Midland City, Ala., and grandchildren, Garrison and Matthew Snow, Adam and Ashley Brown.
Funeral services: Tuesday, April 26, at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with John Wyatt, Rev. Faye Thomas and Rev. Jason Thomas officiating. Burial: Lakewood Memory Gardens, South. Visitation: Monday, April 25, from 2-4 and 6-8 at the funeral home. Online guest book is available at www.heritagefh.com. Memorial contributions may be made to C.E.R.T. or Harvest the Dream, First Baptist Church of Fort Oglethorpe, 2645 Lafayette Road, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. 30742. Arrangements: Heritage Funeral Home, Battlefield Parkway.
Fred E. North Sr., 89, Rossville
Fred E. North Sr. of Rossville died Friday, April 22, 2011, at a local health care facility. He was 89.
He was a native of Rossville and had lived and worked in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., for many years prior to returning to Rossville. Mr. North was a member of McFarland United Methodist Church in Rossville and retired as a letter carrier in the Ft. Lauderdale area after nearly 20 years of service. He also served as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force during World War II, and after the war he owned and ran a flying service where he gave aerial tours of the Rossville and Chattanooga area.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Roberta Schmitt North; parents, John Henry and Grace E. Thomasson North; four brothers, Bill, John Jr., Lamar and Harold North, and sister, Frances Monds.
Survivors include his sons, Fred Jr. and David North both of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; one granddaughter, Hannah North; brothers, Dick and Benny North, and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services: Tuesday, April 26, at 11 a.m. in the chapel with Rev. Matt Hampton officiating. Burial: Tennessee-Georgia Memorial Park. Visitation: Monday, April 25, from 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Online guest book is available at www.lane-southcrestchapel.com. Arrangements: South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home and Crematory, Rossville.
Herbert Michael Morgan, 58, Rock Spring
Herbert Michael Morgan of Rock Spring died Sunday, April 17, 2011, at his residence. He was 58.
He was born Nov. 18, 1952, and graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. Mr. Morgan was employed at Erlanger hospital for 10 years where he was an audio-video and multimedia specialist, SR. He was a member of Rock Spring United Methodist Church where he served as a musician, sound system operator, softball team pitcher and graphic designer/artist. Mr. Morgan was a philanthropist, humanitarian, writer and intellectual and a member of the Chattanooga-LaFayette Emmaus Community.
He was preceded in death by his father, Bryce Morgan, and father-in-law, Nick Haynes.
Survivors include his wife, Debbie Morgan; sons, Adam Morgan and Aaron Morgan; mother, Inez Morgan; brother and sister-in-law, Darrell and Frankie Morgan; sister, Billie Barry; mother-in-law, Elizabeth Haynes; uncles, Don Brock, Charles Brock and Tommy Brock, and brother-in-laws, Bill Haynes and Greg Haynes.
Memorial services: Thursday, April 21, at 3 p.m. at Rock Spring United Methodist Church with Rev. Jerry Peele officiating. Visitation: Wednesday, April 20, from 3-8 p.m. at Rock Spring United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions may be made to Rock Spring United Methodist Church, Costa Rica Mission Team, 3477 Peavine Road, Rock Spring, Ga. 30739. Online guest book is available at www.heritagefh.com. Arrangements: Heritage Funeral Home and Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.
Betty Sue Plaster Miller, 84, Ringgold
Betty Sue Plaster Miller of Ringgold died Friday, April 22, 2011. She was 84.
A lifelong resident of the north Georgia area, she was a former employee of Vaughn Carpet and was a member of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Arnold “Speedy” and Annie Cline Plaster; sister, Peggy Hill, and two brothers, Joe Lewis and Arnold Dewitt Plaster.
Survivors include her husband, Richard Miller of Ringgold; two daughters and son-in-law, Marie Mitchell of Rock Spring and Jeanie and Glenn Roberts of Rock Spring; sister, Martha Durham of Ringgold; three grandchildren, Jeff Mitchell of Chickamauga, Mark Mitchell of Rock Spring and Albert Janow of Tunnel Hill; seven great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter, and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral service: Monday, April 25, at 1 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Dewey Boyd officiating. Burial: Dunagan Cemetery. Visitation: Sunday, April 24, from 5-9 p.m. and Monday, April 25, until the funeral time at the funeral home. Online guest book is available at www.wilsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements: Wilson Funeral Home, Ringgold.
J.C. Shelby, 94, Rock Spring
J. C. Shelby of Rock Spring died Friday, April 22, 2011. He was 94.
He was a life long resident of north Georgia and was a member of the Church of God of Prophecy in LaFayette. J.C. served his country in the U.S. Navy and retired in 1980 from Crystal Springs after 25 years. He loved to fish, go to yard sales and mow his and his son’s yard while playing with the dog Daisy.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Pearlie Mae Shelby; parents William and Belle Anderson Shelby; six brothers and one sister.
Survivors include his sons, Mike Shelby (Vickie) of Rock Spring and Freddie L. Byers (Freddy Sue) of Chickamauga; daughters, Linda Slaven (Allen) of East Ridge, Tenn., Pam Brock (Robert) of Signal Mountain and Doris Hill of LaFayette; sisters, Montyne Holcomb of Ringgold and Arlene Crye of Ft. Oglethorpe; brother, Jack Shelby of Rome; 12 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral service: Tuesday, April 26, at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Bro. Walkin Walraven officiating. Burial: LaFayette Memory Gardens. Visitation: Monday, April 25, after 1 p.m. and prior to the service Tuesday, April 26. Arrangements: J. Avery Bryan Chapel of Wilson Funeral Homes, Chickamauga.
Fred Wilford Ellis, 84, Chickamauga
Fred Wilford Ellis of Chickamauga died Sunday, April 24, 2011. He was 84.
He was a lifelong resident of Chickamauga and was a member of Center Grove Baptist Church. He served his country in the U.S. Navy, retired in 1979 after 30 years of being a truck driver, and was a dedicated father and grandfather who will be missed.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ellen Ellis; parents, Glenn and Annie Ellis, and two sisters, Carolyn Ellis and Catherine Ellis.
Survivors include his children, Ronald Ellis of Hixson, Tenn.; Jacque Thaxton of Red Bank, Bryant Ellis of New York and Jonathan and Allison Ellis of Chickamauga; sister, Nancy Smith of Lakeview; brother, George Ellis of Red Bank; grandchildren, Kris Kresser, Willow Ellis and Cole Ellis; great-grandchildren, Jaden and Hanna Kresser and Gage Weathers, and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral service: Wednesday, April 27, at 11:30 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial: Chattanooga National Cemetery. Visitation: Tuesday, April 26, from 5-9 p.m. and Wednesday, April 27, prior to the funeral service at the funeral home. Arrangements: Wilson Funeral Home, Chickamauga.
Mary Elizabeth Green, 78, LaFayette
Mary Elizabeth Green of LaFayette died Monday, April 25, 2011. She was 78.
She was born in Tennessee to the late John and Nannie Webb and spent most of her life in Hapeville before moving to LaFayette a few years ago. She reitred from Owens Illinois Glass Plant in 1994 and was of the Baptist faith.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Lee Greene; daughter, Janice Davis, and brother, Lloyd Stembridge.
Survivors include her daughters, Donna Guzman of Heflin, Ala., and Debbie Groce (James William Jr.) of LaFayette; son, Jamey Lee Green (Joan) of Jonesboro; 12 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral service: Thursday, April 28, at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Visitation: Wednesday, April 27, from 4-9 p.m. and prior to the service on Thursday, April 28, at the funeral home. Arrangements: Wilson Funeral Home,LaFayette.
Marvin Dexter Lea, 96, Fort Oglethorpe
Marvin Dexter Lea of LaFayette died Sunday, April 24, 2011. He was 96.
He was born in Flat Rock, Ala., to the late Joseph Dexter and Dorcus Pritchett Lea, and had lived in the Walker County area since 1938. He was a deacon and charter member of Fairview Primitive Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Tenn., and was dedicated and devoted to his church family. He was an Army veteran of World War II, having served during the Battle of the Bulge. He retired from G&M Furniture Company of Rossville after 45 years of service.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys Coleen Elliott Lea; two brothers, Medford and Elmo Lea; two sisters, Flora Hames and Zella Goforth, and sister-in-law, Ruby Elliott.
Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Johnny (Tania) Lea of LaFayette; three grandsons, Micah Lea, Heath and Jake Pendergraft; brother-in-law, Moody Elliott of Rossville; sisters-in-law, Katherine Lea of Rainsville, Ala., and Geraldine Darwin of East Ridge, Tenn., and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services: Wednesday, April 27, at 2 p.m. in the chapel with Greg Phillips and Howard Pippin officiating. Burial: Lakewood South Memory Gardens. Visitation: April 26, after 4 p.m. and prior to the service on Wednesday, April 28, at the funeral home. Pallbearers: Daniel Morton, Crawford Lea, Larry Joe Lea, Donald Gilbert, Bo Guffey and Brad Thompson. Arrangements: W. L. Wilson and Sons Funeral Home, Fort Oglethorpe.
Claude E. Taylor, 79, Rossville
Claude E. Taylor of Rossville died Sunday, April 24, 2011. He was 79.
He retired from Standard Coosa Thatcher.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Dollie Taylor; brothers, Edward and Bobby Joe, and sister, Betty.
Survivors include his children, Jerry (Cindy) Taylor, Teresa (Russell) Critz and Debbie (Jamie) Bradford; brothers, Charlie and Gary (Kay); sister, Joyce (Ray) Crutchfield; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services: Wednesday, April 27, at noon in the funeral home chapel. Burial: Lakewood Memory Gardens South. Visitation: Tuesday, April 26, from 3-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Arrangements: W.L. Wilson and Sons Funeral Home, Fort Oglethorpe.
Posted Friday, April 22, 2011
Orville Dee Kenemore, 77, Ringgold
Orville Dee Kenemore Sr. of Ringgold died Wednesday, April 20, 2011. He was 77.
Dee lived in Riverdale most of his life before moving to Ringgold in 1998. He retired from Ford Motor Company in Atlanta after 35 years of service. Dee was a U.S. Army veteran and a member of Catoosa Baptist Tabernacle and the Men’s Bible Sunday school class. He was a loving husband, father, brother and uncle.
Dee was preceded in death by his parents, Ira and Ruby Kenemore; son, Orville Dee Kenemore, Jr.; daughter, Terry Jean Kenemore, and brother, Calvin Kenemore.
Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of 53 years, Beverly Jean Kenemore; brother, Marvin Kenemore of Sand Mountain, Ala.; Lorene Brown of Sand Mountain, Ala., and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services: 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 23, in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Harold Howell officiating. Burial: following service in Kenemer Cemetery, Sand Mountain, Ala. Honorary pallbearers: members of the Men’s Bible Sunday school class. Visitation: The from 4-8 p.m. Friday, April 22, at the funeral home. Online guestbook available at www.heritagefh.com to share words of comfort to the family. Arrangements: Heritage Funeral Home, Battlefield Parkway.
Charlie Mae Bowling, 89, Ringgold
Charlie Mae Bowling of Ringgold died on April 21, 2011. She was 89.
She was born in Graysville Nov. 20, 1921. She was a lifelong resident of the Catoosa County area and a member of New Liberty Baptist Church. She graduated from Tyner High School and attended business school for two years. She worked in the business office of the Schmitt’s Cleaners in Wilmington, N.C. She was an active member in the Sugar Plums chapter of the Red Hat Society. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, who will be sadly missed by all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by husband of 58 years, Charlie B. Bowling; sons, Charles Douglas and Rodney Bowling; granddaughter, Felecia Rene’ Fritz; parents, Charles Marvin and Elte Mae Schmitt; sisters, Juanita Brooks, Agnes Tobia and Ruth Deakins, and brother, Jack Schmitt.
Survivors include a son, Richard Darrell Bowling of Ringgold; daughters, Robin J. Fritz of Ringgold and Bonnie Wright of Tunnel Hill; grandchildren, Courtney Hatch, Heather Goswick, Elizabeth Bowling, Jonathan Bowling, Destiny Bowling and Michael Bowling, and great-granddaughter, Hunter Rene’ Blackwell.
Funeral services: 2 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Danny Henson and Telford Barrett officiating. Burial: New Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation: 4-8 p.m. Friday and 12-2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Special thanks to Chattanooga Hospice and the Crisis Care Unit. Online guestbook available at: www.heritagefh.com to share words of comfort with the family and view the memorial tribute. Arrangements: Heritage Funeral Home and Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.
Rita Williams, 87, Rossville
Rita Williams of Rossville died Thursday, April 21, 2011, in a local health care facility. She was 87.
She was a lifelong resident of north Georgia and member of Mission Ridge Baptist Church.
Mrs. Williams was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene Russell and Lena Mae Henderson Wells; brothers, Doyle Wells, Hollis Wells and Jimmy Wells, and daughter, Glenda O’Dell.
Survivors include a daughter, Patricia Jamgochain of Chattanooga, Tenn.; sisters, Delores Skinner of East Ridge, Tenn., Nell Grimes of Ooltewah, Tenn., Ann Brown of LaFayette, Nadine Headrick of Armuchee and Betty Lane of Chickamauga; two granddaughters, Leslie Tate of Michigan and Kristy O’dell of Chattanooga, Tenn., and several great-grandchildren.
Funeral services: 3:30 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Ted Verville officiating. Burial: Lakewood Memory Gardens, South. Visitation: after 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Online guestbook available at www.heritagefh.com to share words of comfort with the family and view the memorial tribute. Arrangements: Heritage Funeral Home and Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.
Gloria Joan Moore, 69, Lookout Mountain
Gloria Joan Moore of Lookout Mountain died Wednesday, April 20, 2011 in a local hospital. She was 69.
Joan was a native and lifelong resident of the Hinkle community of Lookout Mountain and was a retired LPN, having worked mostly as a private duty nurse for many years. She was a member of Payne’s Chapel United Methodist Church, where she served as pianist and organist for over fifty years.
She was preceded in death by her father, Ralph Moore.
Survivors include her son, Shawn (Rita) Moore of Lookout Mountain; mother, Gladys Moore of Lookout Mountain; sister, Mary Katherine Shugart of Chattanooga, Tenn., and grandchildren, Jason Moore, Jake Hixson and Dillon Hixson.
Funeral services: Saturday at 1 p.m. at Payne’s Chapel United Methodist Church with Mike Roberts officiating. Burial: following the service in the church cemetery. Visitation: Friday from 4 -8 p.m. at the funeral home. Online guestbook available at www.lane-southcrestchapel.com. Arrangements: South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home and Crematory, Rossville.
Mary Frances Rowell Ellis, 91, LaFayette
Mary Frances Rowell Ellis of LaFayette died Wednesday, April 20, 2011. She was 91.
She was born to the late Grover M. and Ellen Claire Arrington Rowell Oct. 1, 1919 in Bowden, Ga.
Mrs. Ellis was the owner/operator of AEC, Inc., for 20 years along with her husband, Hoyt, and she was a member of Praise Mill Baptist Church in Douglasville.
She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Meta Rae Rowell, Leonard Bryson Rowell, Kathleen Carroll and Willie Joe Rowell.
Survivors include her sisters, Martha Nell (Robert) Carroll and Clara Ellen Ham; sister-in-law, Margie Rowell, and nieces and nephews, Lynn McCloud, Katherine Milikan, Greg Carroll, Dr. Kirk Ham, James Carroll, Larry Carroll, David Carroll, Elaine Paschal and Sara Andress.
Graveside services: 1 p.m. Monday at Shadnor Baptist Church Cemetery in Union City. Online guestbook available at www.wilsonfuneralhome.com Arrangements: Wilson Funeral Home, LaFayette.
Jerry Franklin Eady, 68, Hixson, Tenn.
Jerry Franklin Eady of Hixson died Wednesday, April 20, 2011. He was 68.
He was born in Chattanooga, Tenn., to the late Walter and Rudy Eady and was preceded in death by his brother, Tommy Eady. Jerry retired from NAPA Auto Parts after many years of service.
Survivors include his daughters, Kelly Lockhart of Chickamauga and Tracy Currier of Chattanooga; stepchildren, LeAnn Cordell and Cindy Harris, both of Hixson, Tenn., Judy Neighbors of Chattanooga and Pam Coleman of McDonald, Tenn.; siblings, Fred and Joe Eady of East Ridge, Tenn., and Glenn Eady and Kay Harris, both of Rossville; grandchildren, Emily, Andrew, Adam and Tabitha, and several nieces and nephews.
Graveside services: Thursday, April 21 at 2 p.m. at Lakewood Memory Gardens, East. Arrangements by W.L. Wilson & Sons Funeral Home, Fort Oglethorpe.
Jimmie Marshall Stevens, 72, Ringgold
Jimmie Marshall Stevens of Ringgold died on Thursday, April 22, 2011 at his home surrounded by his family. He was 72.
A lifelong resident of the north Georgia and Chattanooga area, he was a member of Bethesda Baptist Church and a self-employed mason for 47 years.
He was preceded in death by his father, James Thurston Stevens; mother and stepfather, Lorene and Bill Fowler, and brother, Richard Stevens.
Survivors include his wife, Margie Stevens of Ringgold; eleven children, Jimmy Stevens of Florida, Chris (Mel) Stevens of Rossville, Marshall (Jennifer) Stevens of Sand Mountain, Ala., Sharon Watson of Rossville, Gail (Randy) Lewis of Rossville, Rickey Shepherd of Rossville, Pam (Mark) Mitchell of Ringgold, Ray (Dawn) Shepherd of Rock Springs, Gene (Lisa) Brooks of Rocky Face, Dean Brooks of Chattanooga, Tenn., and Sandy (Terry) Mauldin of Atlanta; brother; Ken Stevens of Rossville; sister, Judy Peterson of Chattanooga, Tenn.; 24 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services: 1 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Tim Redden officiating. Burial: following services, at Woodstation Cemetery. Visitation: until funeral time on Saturday. An online guestbook is available at www.wilsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements: Wilson Funeral Home Wallis-Stewart Chapel, Ringgold.
Jason Wade Sams, 33, Flintstone
Jason Wade Sams of Flintstone died Wednesday, April 13, 2011. He was 33.
He was a lifelong resident of north Georgia and was a member of Antioch Baptist Church. He loved to spend his days fishing with his dog Trion or watching the Georgia Bulldogs.
Survivors include his mother, Deborah Fouts Sams; father, John Sams (Maudie); fiancée, Shannon Green, and her children, Emmaleigh “baby girl,” Ashleigh and Emmett; grandparents, Delbert and Katherine Fouts; sister, Amanda Geddis (Gary); brother, Richard Lusk; niece, Laura; nephew, Rustun, and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Memorial service: 2 p.m. Saturday, April 16, in the funeral home chapel with Bro. Ronnie Millican officiating. Burial: private, at a later date. Visitation: after 4 p.m. Friday, April 15, 2011 and prior to the service on Saturday. Online guestbook available at www.wilsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements: W.L. Wilson and Sons Funeral Home-Ft. Oglethorpe.
Posted Thursday, April 21, 2011
Garry Michael Davis, 58, Ringgold
Garry Michael Davis, of Ringgold died Tuesday April 19, 2011, at an area hospital. He was 58.
A lifelong resident of the Ringgold area, Garry was a former independent owner/operator for over 15 years and was of the Baptist faith. Garry was a loving and caring father, brother, grandfather and friend and will be missed by all who knew him.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Owen Davis Sr. and Blanche Stamey Davis, and brother, Barry Lee Davis.
Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Tracy Michelle and Doyle Davis of Pelham, Ala.; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Bobby and Peggy Davis of Ringgold, Larry and Rae Davis of Ringgold and Robby and Angelia Davis of Ringgold; sister-in-law, Janet Ray Kendrick of Ringgold; two grandchildren, Michael Clark and Drew Hooper; several nieces and nephews; friend, Sabrina Kirk of Ringgold, and her children, Justin and Kristin Kirk, both of Ringgold.
Graveside services: 1:30 p.m. Friday at Woodstation Cemetery with Bro. Dewayne Hill officiating. Visitation: Friday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the funeral home. An online register book may be signed at www.wilsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements: Wilson Funeral Home Wallis-Stewart Chapel, Ringgold.
Aidan Reece Hammontree, 22 months, Ringgold
Aidan Reece Hammontree, of Ringgold died Tuesday, April 19, 2011. He was 22 months old.
He enjoyed playing with balls and eating bananas and macaroni and cheese, and he took his blankey everywhere he went.
Survivors include his loving parents, Sean Patrick Hammontree and Georgia Nicole Gibson Hammontree; sisters, Latosha Nicole and Carol Elizabeth Hammontree; grandparents, Patrick and Tiffany Hammontree of Ringgold, Joann Bowman of Marietta and Charles and Ruby Gibson of Calhoun, and several cousins, aunts, uncles and friends.
Funeral services: 4 p.m., Saturday April 23 in the funeral home chapel. Vistiation: from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday morning prior to the service. Online guestbook available at www.wilsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements: Wilson Funeral Home Wallis-Stewart Chapel, Ringgold.
Carolyn Lee Tidwell, 63, Rossville
Carolyn Lee Tidwell of Rossville died Monday April 18, 2011. She was 63. She was born in Broward County, Fa., and had lived in the North Georgia area for most of her life.
There will be no services or visitation.
Arrangements: Wilson Funeral Home, Fort Oglethorpe.
Doris C. Moore, 74, Chickamauga
Doris C. Moore of Chickamauga died at her home. She was 74.
She was born September 11, 1936, in Crockett Co., Tenn., the daughter of the late Joe P. and Irene (Jones) Crowell. She was preceded in death by her husband, H. Lane Moore, and son, Joseph Lane Moore. She was a graduate of Tennessee Wesleyan College in Athens, Tenn. Mrs. Moore taught school for many years at Lakeview High School in Rossville and at Gordon Lee High School in Chickamauga.
Survivors include her daughter, Elaine Wilson; sister, Glenda Crowell Raper; grandchildren, Crystal Elizabeth Wilson and Benjamin Lane Wilson; great-grandchild, Annabelle Marlee Wilson-Adkins; nephews, Randy Benson and Matt Raper, and nieces, Nancy Hutsell and Kristina Davis.
Private graveside services will be held. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 519 E. 4th St. Chattanooga, TN 37403, or to Ooltewah United Methodist Church, 6131 Relocation Way, Ooltewah, TN 37363. Online guestbook available at www.ChattanoogaNorthChapel.com. Arrangements: Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist-North Chapel, Hixson, Tenn.
Vernon Leon Blankenship, 78, Fort Oglethorpe
Vernon Leon Blankenship of Fort Oglethorpe died Monday, April 18, 2011. He was 78.
Born in Drexel, N.C., on Dec. 4, 1932, Vernon moved to the north Georgia area where he met and married Sandra Tapp Blankenship, his wife of 46 years. Vernon was an ordained deacon and a member of Ridgedale Baptist Church and the Covenant Sunday school class.
He was a veteran of the U. S. Air Force, having served his country during the Korean War. During his 32 years as a contractor, he built and sold hundreds of homes in the Chattanooga and north Georgia areas. He was past president of the north Georgia Homebuilders Association and the former East Ridge Optimist Club.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn Logan and Eagleton Fritz Blankenship Sr.; infant daughter, Lori Lyn Blankenship, and a son, Brett Logan Blankenship.
In addition to his wife, survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Alan Tapp and Lesley Cope Blankenship of Rock Spring; daughter-in-law, Michele Blankenship of Fort Oglethorpe; granddaughters, Katie Leigh Blankenship of Rossville and Abagail McDaniel of Ft. Oglethorpe; grandsons, Alec Tapp Blankenship and Waylon Garrett Lively; great-grandson, Cameron James Blankenship; brother and sister-in-law Eagleton Fritz and Wanda Blankenship of Ringgold, and sisters, Jeanette Friar and Sue Scott of Fort Oglethorpe and Iva Kennedy of Vero Beach, Fla.
Funeral services: Thursday, April 21, at 1 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Dr. Leroy Spinks officiating. Burial: Lakewood Memory Gardens, South. Visitation: Wednesday, April 20, from 4-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Contributions in Vernon’s memory may be made to Ridgedale Baptist Church, Bethel Bible Village or your favorite charity. The family wishes to thank the many friends and relatives for the outpouring of love and concern during Vernon’s illness. Special thanks to Hospice of Chattanooga for their tender and compassionate care. Online guest book is available at www.heritagefh.com . Arrangements: Heritage Funeral Home and Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.
Posted Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Betty S. “Granny” Guess, 83, Chattanooga
Betty S. “Granny” Guess of Chattanooga, Tenn., died Monday April 18, 2011. She was 83.
Granny touched the lives of many with her quiet, loving and generous ways.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Claude and Bennie Speer.
Survivors include three daughters, Shelah Wilson, Pam Guess and Shannon (David) Levi; three grandchildren, Travis (Tiffany) Smith, Troy Smith and Trey Wilson; four great-grandchildren, Brooke and Katie Levi and Rylee and Bentli Smith.
Funeral services: Wednesday, April 20, at 1:30 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial: Lakewood Memory Gardens South. Visitation: Wednesday, April 20, from 11:30 a.m.until service time at the funeral home. The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to those who took the time to see Granny for the precious being she was. Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Chattanooga. Arrangements: W.L. Wilson and Sons Funeral Home, Fort Oglethorpe.
Michael Lee Joyner Jr., infant
Michael Lee Joyner Jr. died Sunday, April 17, 2011. He was a premature infant son of Michael Lee and Jodi Woods Joyner.
Funeral services will be private. Arrangements: W.L. Wilson and Sons Funeral Home, Fort Oglethorpe.
Bonnie Lee Sikes, 84, Rock Spring
Bonnie Lee Sikes of Rock Spring died Monday, April 18, 2011. She was 84.
A resident of the north Georgia area for most of her life, she was a former employee of Sweetwater Rug and World Carpets and a member of Woodstation United Methodist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Earlie Sikes; parents, James Oran “Bud” and Rose Lee West Nichols; two sisters, Thelma Norman and Pauline Williams, and three brothers, Raymond, J.C. and Elmer Nichols.
Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Eddie and Tami Sikes of Ringgold; brother, Junior Nichols of Ringgold; two grandchildren, Justin Sikes of Ringgold and Kendra Penland of Chickamauga; four great-granddaughters and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral service: Wednesday, April 20, and Thursday, April 21, from 4-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Online guest book is available at www.wilsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements: Wilson Funeral Home, Ringgold.
Calvin L. Voiles, 84, Lookout Valley
Calvin L. Voiles of Lookout Valley died Monday, April 18, 2011, at his residence. He was 60
Calvin was a native of Lookout Mountain and had lived most of his life in the Chattanooga area. Calvin was a member of Tiftonia Holiness Church, where he was a friend and mentor to many and best known for his faith, love, and dedication to the church. Calvin was employed as a project manager with Kleenco Construction.
He was preceded in death by his father, Paul W. Voiles and sister, Muriel Craig.
Survivors include his loving wife of 39 years, Janie Voiles; sons, Daniel (DeeDee) Voiles of Atlanta and Tim (Kristie) Voiles of Flintstone; grandchildren, Alexander, Nicholas, Andrew, Cannon and Lincoln; mother, Ozella Voiles of Lookout Valley; sisters, Kathleen Outlaw of Signal Mountain and Deborah Fuller of Lookout Valley; brother, Benny Voiles of Chickamauga; several nieces and nephews and a host of friends who will cherish his memory.
Funeral services: Thursday, April 21, at 1 p.m. in the chapel with Revs. Billy Parker and Aaron Wooten officiating. Burial: Lake Hills Memorial Gardens, Trenton. Visitation: Wednesday, April 20, from noon until 8 p.m. and Thursday, April 21, from 11 a.m. until the funeral hour at the funeral home. Online guest book is available atwww.lane-southcrestchapel.com. Arrangements: South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home and Crematory, Rossville.
Posted Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Tommie Jerrie Green, 81, Rossville
Tommie Jerrie Green of Rossville died Sunday, April 17, 2011. She was 81.
She had lived in the south Georgia area before moving to the Chattanooga area in 1955 and was of the Nazarene faith. She enjoyed gardening and will be sadly missed by all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Talmage and Mary Coleman; husband, Bill Lee Green; two sisters, Joyce Coker and Etheldra Pentecost, and brother, Aaron Coleman.
Survivors include her daughter, Gayle McDaris of Rossville; brother, Dee Coleman of Hartselle, Ala.; grandson, James Robert (Dedra) Taylor Jr.; great-grandson, James Robert Taylor III, and several nieces and nephews.
Graveside service: Wednesday, April 20, at 2 p.m. in the Tennessee-Georgia Memorial Park. Visitation: Wednesday, April 20, from 11 a.m. until time to leave for the cemetery at the funeral home. Arrangements: W.L. Wilson and Sons Funeral Home, Fort Oglethorpe.
Herbert Michael Morgan, 58, Rock Spring
Herbert Michael Morgan of Rock Spring died Sunday, April 17, 2011, at his residence. He was 58.
He was born Nov. 18, 1952, graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in psychology and was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. Mr. Morgan was employed at Erlanger hospital for ten years as an audio-video and multimedia specialist, SR. He was a member of Rock Spring United Methodist Church where he served as a musician, sound system operator, softball team pitcher and graphic designer/artist. Mr. Morgan was a philanthropist, humanitarian, writer and intellectual, and a member of the Chattanooga-LaFayette Emmaus Community.
He was preceded in death by his father, Bryce Morgan, and father-in-law, Nick Haynes.
Survivors are his wife, Debbie Morgan; sons, Adam Morgan and Aaron Morgan; mother, Inez Morgan; brother and sister-in-law, Darrell and Frankie Morgan; sister, Billie Barry; mother-in-law, Elizabeth Haynes; uncles, Don Brock, Charles Brock and Tommy Brock, and brother-in-laws, Bill Haynes and Greg Haynes.
Memorial services: Thursday, April 21, at 3 p.m. at Rock Spring United Methodist Church with Rev. Jerry Peele officiating. Visitation: Wednesday, April 20, from 3-8 p.m. at Rock Spring United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions may be made to Rock Spring United Methodist Church, Costa Rica Mission Team, 3477 Peavine Road, Rock Spring, Ga. 30739. Online guest book is available at www.heritagefh.com.
Arrangements: Heritage Funeral Home and Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.
Posted Monday, April 18, 2011
Imogene Lutts Foust, 93, Ringgold
Imogene Lutts Foust of Ringgold died Thursday, April 14, 2011. She was 93.
She was a member of Boynton United Methodist Church. Imogene was a member of the Lawrenceburg, Tenn., O.E.S. and the Tennessee Retired Teachers’ Association. She was a first grade teacher at Ingram Sowell Elementary School in Lawrenceburg, Tenn., for 30 years. Imogene was a loving wife of 69 years, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved sewing, gardening and traveling.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Greg Foust.
Survivors include her daughter, Kay (John) Harper of Ringgold; grandchildren, Zach Harper and Ashley (Richard) Ard, and great-grandchildren, Reaghan and Addison Ard.
Graveside service: Tuesday, April 19, at 2:30 p.m. in the Chattanooga National Cemetery with Revs. Bill Jackson and Paul Smith officiating. Visitation: Monday, April 18, from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Pallbearers: Scott Johnson, Roger Merriman, Edd Matthews, Dennis Stewart, Tim Banister and Jerry Lowery. Online guest book is available at www.heritagefh.com. Arrangements: Heritage Funeral Home, Battlefield Parkway.
Johnny B. Johnson, 82, Ringgold
Johnny B. Johnson of Ringgold died April 15, 2011, at his residence, surrounded by his family. He was 82.
He retired from Cobble Tufting and Spencer Wright Industries in Dalton, after 47 years of service. Johnny was a special education bus driver with the Catoosa County school system for 10 years and delivered the Chattanooga Times Free Press for seven years.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Melrose Hood Johnson, and a stepson, David Calvin Kenemore.
Survivors include his wife, Mildred A. Johnson; four sons, Johnny W. Johnson of Chattanooga, Tenn., Edward Johnson of Naples, Fla., Richard Johnson of Chattanooga, Tenn., and Marco Heredia of Wappingers Falls, N.Y.; stepdaughter, Ann Sullivan of Ringgold; 10 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Funeral services: Monday, April 18, at 11:30 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with Chaplain J. Dwight Wilson officiating. Burial: following the service, in Westview Cumberland Presbyterian Cemetery in East Brainerd. Visitation: Sunday, April 17, from 1-5 p.m. at the funeral home. Online guest book is available at www.heritagefh.com. Arrangements: Heritage Funeral Home, Battlefield Parkway.
Richard Lee Craig, 79, LaFayette
Richard Lee Craig of LaFayette died Sunday, April 17, 2011. He was 79.
He was a member of the LaFayette Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Hannah Craig, and son, Arnold Craig.
Survivors include his loving wife of 58 years, Gaither Lee Pope Craig; daughter, Kathy (Terrill) Pettyjohn; grandsons, Brian Pettyjohn and James Millican, all of LaFayette, and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral service: Tuesday, April 19, at 2 p.m. with service conducted by Eddie Boggess and Tom Harrison. Burial: LaFayette Memory Gardens. Visitation: Monday, April 18, from 6-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Pallbearers: Brian Pettyjohn, Donny Raburn, Randel Maginson, Larry Jones, Danny Haygood and James Millican. Honorary pallbearers: adult Sunday school class. Arrangements: Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home, LaFayette.
Jessie Fallis Gudenrath, 96, LaFayette
Jessie Fallis Gudenrath of LaFayette died Tuesday, April 12, 2011. She was 96.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William (Bill) Gudenrath, to whom she was married for 57 years.
Survivors include a son, William (Allen) Gudenrath and wife Lynda of Macon; grandson, William Field Gudenrath and wife Stafford; one brother, Eugene Fallis and wife Louise of Albany, and two nephews, Mark and Neel and their wives and children.
She was the fourth of five children born to Larunia Priest and Columbus Allen Fallis in Terrell County. She was a graduate of Parrott High School and Piedmont Hospital Nursing School in Atlanta. She did five years private duty nursing in Atlanta before volunteering for World War II service. She served as an R.N. at Camp Blanding and Ream General Hospital in Florida. She then volunteered for overseas duty and in 1943, helped to form the 115th General Hospital in England and Germany. She attained the rank of First Lt. She returned to the U.S.A. in December 1945.
In 1946, she was called to LaFayette as an R.N. at Kitchens Clinic and Hospital. She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church for 64 years. She was always active in church, school and civic affairs and enjoyed bridge games and sports. She also did many oil paintings and wrote some poetry.
Funeral service: Thursday, April 21, at 11 a.m. at the LaFayette First United Methodist Church with service conducted by Rev. John Moore. Burial: LaFayette Cemetery. Visitation: Thursday, April 21, from 10:30 a.m. until service time at the LaFayette First United Methodist Church. Pallbearers: the Wednesday bridge club, the Frank Leake Sunday school class, P.D. Fortune, David Smith, Dale Wilson, Doug Ingram, Steve Ledbetter and Bryant Henry. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church Building Fund. Arrangements: Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home, LaFayette.
Billie Hixson Johnson, 79, Lakeview
Billie Hixson Johnson of the Lakeview community died Saturday, April 16, 2011, at her residence. Mrs. Johnson was a native of Chattanooga, and had lived most of her life in Knoxville, Tenn., and Ormond Beach, Fla., and the past five years in Rossville. She was of the Baptist faith and retired from SunTrust Bank in Florida with over 20 years of service. Her passions in life were her family, watching NASCAR following No. 48 Jimmie Johnson and being a prize winning flower gardener and a wonderful cook.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Johnson; parents, Elmer and Alsie Hixson, and sister, Betty Williams.
Survivors include her daughter, Beth Shelton of Knoxville, Tenn.; two brothers, James Elmer (Mildred) Hixson Jr. of Franklin, Ind., and Raymond (Juanita) Hixson of Hixson, Tenn.; sister, Vivian Borin of Rossville; granddaughter, Sarah Reed of Knoxville; niece/caregiver, Susan Rogers of Chickamauga, and several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of Flowers contributions may be made to American Heart Association at 519 East 4th Street Chattanooga, Tenn., 37403-1805.
Graveside services: Tuesday, April 19, at 1 p.m. at the Hamilton County Memorial Park, 8900 Dallas Hollow Road Soddy Daisy, Tenn. 37343 with Mike Angel officiating. There will be no visitation at the funeral home. Online guest book is available at www.lane-southcrestchapel.com.
Arrangements: South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home and Crematory, Rossville.
Margaret Estelle Moorhead, 85, LaFayette
Mrs. Margaret Estelle Moorhead of LaFayette, formerly of Athens, died Thursday, April 14, 2011, at the Oakview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was 85.
Mrs. Moorhead was born in Oconee County, on April 3, 1926, daughter of the late Dr. Grady Thomas and Pallie Estelle Doster Thomas. She was a member of Bethabara Baptist Church in Statham, where she was active in many activities during her working years. In the years following her retirement, she worked as a dietician at Atlanta Metro Hospital.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Warren Moorhead on Nov. 4, 1996, and her brothers, Lanoise Thomas, LaGrant Thomas, Perry Thomas and Lamar Thomas.
Survivors include a son, Dr. Warren Moorhead of LaFayette; daughters, Carole Walker of Martinsburg, W.Va., and Mary Ellen Collins of LaFayette; brothers, Gene Thomas of Bogart, Jack Thomas of Statham and Bill Thomas of Athens; grandchildren, Tim Moorhead of Knoxville, Tenn., and Erin Marie Collins of Boston; great-grandchildren, Georgia Anne Moorhead, Claire Roselle Moorhead and Noelle Alexandra Moorhead, and a number of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services: Sunday, April 17, at 2 p.m. in the Bethabara Baptist Church in Statham, with Revs. Rob Bray and Frank Johnson officiating. Burial: Bethabara Church Cemetery. Visitation: Saturday, April 16, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 17, at Bethabara Baptist Church in Statham from 1 p.m. until the funeral hour. Pallbearers: Roddy Thomas, Donnie Thomas, Jimmy Thomas, Jerry Thomas, Colin Wood, Ricky Thomas, David Thomas, Randy Brock, Barry Mobley and Jerry Wood. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that memorial contributions be made to the Bethabara Baptist Church General or Cemetery Funds, 4651 Monroe Highway, Statham, Ga. 30666. Online guest book available at www.masonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements: Mason Funeral Home, Summerville.
James Kelly Renfroe Sr., 79, Trenton
James Kelly Renfroe Sr. of Trenton died Saturday, April 16, 2011. He was 79.
He had lived most of his life in Trenton and was a U.S. Air Force veteran, serving during the Korean Conflict. He was an avid reader.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Renfroe; son, Kelly (Melissa) Renfroe; three sisters, Patsy Mckaig, Myrna McMahon and Peggy Dwine, and several nieces and nephews.
Private family services will be held at a later date.
Arrangements: Lane Funeral Home, Rossville.
Bettye McDaniels Ray, 89, Ringgold
Bettye McDaniels Ray of Ringgold died Sunday, April 17, 2011, at her residence. She was 89.
She was born and raised in Ringgold. Mrs. Ray was a graduate of Ringgold High School, attended Georgia College in Milledgeville, graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a Bachelor of Science degree and received her graduate degree in education from the University of Georgia.
She was employed by the United States Navy Inspection Service in Chattanooga during World War II. She was retired from Ringgold High School after 22 years of teaching in the business education department. While teaching at Ringgold High School, she was chairman of the business education department. She was the first vocational occupation coordinator for Ringgold High School and held this position for the last 12 years of her teaching career.
Mrs. Ray had been a member of the Ringgold United Methodist Church since she was a child. She was a former member of the 49’ers, F.O.B. Sunday school class and United Methodist Church Women. Mrs. Ray and her late husband, Ralph were greeters for the church for a number of years.
She was former president of the Ringgold Civinette Club, former president of the Alpha Delta Kappa sorority (teachers’ honorary sorority), and member of the Catoosa County Retired Educators and Historical Society of Catoosa County. Mrs. Ray and her late husband, Ralph, were the owners and operators of Ray’s Market from 1946-1974.
She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Earle and Belle Clark McDaniels, and husband of 63 years, Ralph H. Ray Sr.
Survivors include a son, Ralph H. (Dottie) Ray Jr. of Ringgold; daughter, Vicki Ray Yates of Milledgeville; grandchildren, P. J. Yates of Milledgeville, Kathy Yates of Eatonton and Courtney Ray of Ringgold, and two great-grandchildren, Ashely Yates and Austin Yates of Milledgeville.
Funeral services: Wednesday, April 20, at 1 p.m. in the Ringgold United Methodist Church with Rev. John Purrington officiating. Burial: Anderson Cemetery. Visitation: Tuesday, April 19, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Honorary pallbearers: members of the F.O.B. Sunday school class and the Retired Educators of Catoosa County. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ringgold United Methodist Church, Building Fund, 162 Sparks St., Ringgold, Ga. 30736. Online guest book is available at www.heritagefh.com. Arrangements: Heritage Funeral Home and Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.
Ralph C. Wilson, 86, Lakeview
Ralph C. Wilson of the Lakeview community died Tuesday, April 14, 2011, at his residence, surrounded by his family and loved ones. He was 86.
He was a lifelong resident of the Chattanooga and north Georgia area, having been educated at Chattanooga City High School. Mr. Wilson retired in 1981 from Arnold Engineering in Tullahoma, Tenn., with over 20 years of service. He was a 32nd degree master mason for more than 50 years with the Rossville Masonic Lodge 397 F&AM.
He served in the European theatre during World War II as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne. In his retirement, he was an avid gardener and was active in many veteran affairs. Mr. Wilson was responsible for initiating honor guard services for all veterans, serving as commander of the Chattanooga area Veterans Council Color Guard, American Legion Post 95. During his 23 years as commander he performed as many as 200 ceremonies each year. Among some of his many awards and citations, he was Legionnaire of the Year numerous times and was the recipient of the Sgt. Alvin C. York Award, the Hobert Wade Award, the Milton Thomas Award and the Charles E. Coolidge Veteran of the Year Award.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Ellowene Wilson, and brother, Jack Wilson.
Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, David and Elizabeth Wilson of Rossville; grandson, Trent A. Wilson of Rossville; stepgrandsons, Calan and Wes Graham and Ken Wommack, all of Eastman; sisters, Ruth Neal Quinn of Hixson, Tenn., and Emily Mitts of Chattanooga, Tenn., and several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Chattanooga, as well as Mr. Wilson’s live-in caregivers, Ted and Jennifer Brantley, for their care during this time.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. in the South Crest Chapel with Lester Norton officiating. Visitation: Monday, April 18, from 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial: Chattanooga National Cemetery with full military honors provided by the American Legion Post 95. Online guest book is available at www.lane-southcrestchapel.com. Arrangements: South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home and Crematory, Rossville.