Essie Gwendolyn “Gwen” Johnson, age 76 of Morganton, passed away Thursday, January 23, 2020 at home. She was born June 18, 1943 in Morganton, Ga. to the late Clories Hughes and the late Ester M. Hughes. She was a dedicated member of Hemptown Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters Linda, Clidasue, Anita, and Charlene. Gwen was a life long resident of Fannin county and loved spending time with her family and friends. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Survivors include husband, Buford Johnson, daughter, Cora (Michael) Dilbeck, daughter, Terri Bentley, son, Greg Stamey, son, David Stamey. As well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Monday January 27, 2020 at 2:00 pm with the Rev. David Whitner officiating at Hemptown Baptist Church. Interment will follow in The Hemptown Church Cemtery.

The family will receive friends Sunday, January 26, 2020 from 6:00 pm till 9:00 pm at The Henry Cochran Funeral Home of Blue Ridge, Ga.

Arrangements entrusted to the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home of Blue Ridge, GA. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

Michael Paul Bone “Bones”, 52, went home unexpectedly to be with our Lord and Savior on Friday, Jan. 10, 2020. He was living in Bryson City at the time of his death. He had also resided in Cherokee and Murphy. Bones was an extraordinary young man and spent most of his life working. He loved God, his friends and family, enjoyed movies, music and was a big Johnny Cash fan. He was preceded in death by all grandparents; father, Clifford Bone Sr.; mother, Jeanette Bone; and brother-in-law, David Hembree.
He is survived by his sister, Edie Hembree and fiance Mark Hamilton of Murphy; two brothers, Clifford Bone Jr. of Waynesville, and Ricky Bone and wife Leslie of Toccoa, Ga.; nephews, Tommy, Eric and Cory Roberson of Murphy, Robin, Timmy, Jonny, Teddy and Christopher Bone; nieces, Starry Richard, Esther, Abigale, Kimberly and Autumn Bone; and good friends, Joe Fowler of Marble and Jimmy Smith of Bryson City.

Michael “Bones” worked at Harrah’s Cherokee for years, but he lost his benefits and insurance. Mike doesn’t have to worry about that anymore, as he has a new body and is probably looking down on all of us right now. He most recently worked at Harrah’s with HSS. Mike “Bones” also worked 14 years at Coats American. His first job was at The Sirloin Steak House, where he was treated like family, in Murphy at age 16. He rented his own apartment, worked while attending and graduated from Murphy High School. Michael was an extraordinary young man.

We have had to delay his burial and services. In lieu of flowers, all donations no matter how small are appreciated to help the family with memorial and burial expenses. An account is being set up at United Community Bank in Murphy, and there is also a Go Fund Me page via Facebook. The memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, at Second Baptist Church in Murphy. Interment will follow on Sunday in the Bentwood Cemetery in Culberson, NC.

Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences on line at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com

Dr. Raymond David Fogelson, age 86 of Chicago, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Monday January 20, 2020 following a short illness. Dr. Fogelson was born on August 23, 1933 in Redbank, New Jersey, the son of the late William Fogelson and late Pearl Schwartz.

Raymond loved living part time in the mountains of Blairsville. He was a Professor of Anthropology at the University of Chicago where his field of research and study included Native Americans in Cherokee, NC and in Oklahoma. He is preceded in death in 1998 by his beloved sister, Florence Blumberg, of Blairsville, Georgia

Survivors include his loving wife & best-friend, Karen Luckritz of Chicago, nephew Fred Blumberg of Lakewood New Jersey, niece Judy Blumberg of Lakeville Ohio, cousins Bette Feinstein of New Jersey and Andrew Schwarz of Lake Forest, California, two step-children, Lisa Luckritz of Schaumburg, Illinois, Brian Luckritz of Maryville, Indiana, and two step  grandchildren, Charlotte Peterson & Aaron  Peterson.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in Chicago. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (North Carolina Community Foundation, 3737 Glenwood Ave., Suite 460, Raleigh, NC 27612 1-800-532-1349) in Raymond’s memory.

Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences on line at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com

Mrs. Hazel Brown Chipps age 92 of Hiawassee GA formerly of Gainesville passed away peacefully on Saturday January 18, 2020 in the Chatuge Regional Nursing Home following an extended illness. Mrs. Chipps was born on Sept. 6, 1927 in Gainesville, GA., the daughter of the late James Wiley Brown and the late Inez Dellihah Taylor Brown. Hazel loved reading, writing and was always a loving soul who never met a stranger and always had a smile for everyone she met. She enjoyed her nineteen years at the Chatuge Nursing Home and came to love all of the staff who treated her as family. She was preceded in death by her parents and also a sister, Hattie Lou Brown. Hazel was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving Mrs. Chipps are a multitude of cousins who deeply loved her and all of the staff at the Chatuge Nursing Home who will miss her smiles and loving character.

A memorial service will be held at a later date with interment to follow in the Alta Vista Cemetery in Gainesville where she will rest next to her family. In lieu of flowers if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to the Chatuge Regional Nursing Home Activities Department in Hazel’s memory.

Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences on line at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com

Mr. Charles Edward Grizzle, age 77 of Suches passed peacefully on Sunday, January 19, 2020 at his home following an extended illness. Mr. Grizzle was born on August 17, 1942 in Suches, GA., the son of the late Homer Grady Grizzle & late Elizabeth Garrett. He was a native & life-long resident of Union County. Most of his time was spent hunting deer & turkey as well as fishing. He is preceded in death by four brothers, Joe, Calvin, Marvin, and John Robert Grizzle as well as three sisters, Bertha Chambers, Betty Ruth Grizzle, and Sharon Sue Grizzle. Charles was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving Mr. Grizzle are three sisters and a son-in-law, Lois & Janelle Grizzle both of Suches, Wanda & Butch Gilstrap of Cleveland, GA., five brothers and two sisters-in-law, Ralph & Clyde Grizzle both of Cleveland, GA., Tony Grizzle of Suches, GA., Donald & Kathy Grizzle of Hiawassee, David & Pam Grizzle of Cleveland, GA., and a son-in-law, Jack Chambers of Murrayville, GA., and a special nephew, Jackie Grizzle. Many other family members and friends also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday January 22, 2020 at 2:00pm from the Mountain View Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Paul Carder & Rev. Rudy Tribble officiating. Interment will follow in the Corinth Baptist Church Cemetery in Suches. The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers; Ricky Chambers, Danny Chambers, Scott Chambers, Christopher Gilstrap, Lee Grizzle, Marty Grizzle and Robert Bridges. Special music will be presented by Pam Grizzle & family. The family will meet with friends on Tuesday evening from 6:00pm-9:00pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to help defray expenses.

Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences on line at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com

Mr. John Thomas “J.T.” Hyde, age 93, of Copperhill, TN, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday morning, January 21, 2020. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 24, 2020, at 2:00 pm, from the chapel of Finch-Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of McCaysville, GA, with Rev. Matthew McDaniel officiating. Special music will be provided by Ryan Norton.
The family will receive friends on Friday, January 24, 2020, from 12:00 pm until the service hour, at the funeral home.
Finch-Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to be serving the family.
A complete obituary will be posted as soon as it is available.

Mrs. Doris Joan (Boyer) Chapman, age 85 of Blairsville, GA passed away on Monday January 20th, 2020 at Union General Hospital.
Mrs. Chapman was born on December 13th, 1934 in Miami, Florida to her late parents, James Posey and Myrtis Bell Boyer. Joan was of the Baptist faith, was a member of the Harmony Grove Baptist Church, and enjoyed quilting. She is preceded in death by her husband, Andy Chapman, daughter, Terri Lynn Bell, and her brother, Bro. James Boyer.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday January 25th, 2020 at 1:00pm from the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home with Rev. Stacy Dyer officiating. Interment will follow in the Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery with Chris Bell, David Bell, Harold Bell, Rusty Fortenberry, Jeff Deavers, Larry Turner, and Steve Boyer all serving as pallbearers.
Survivors include her sons, David S. Bell of Blairsville, GA, Harold (Debbie) Bell of Miami, FL; grandchildren, Christopher Bell, Melissa (Johnny) Bell, Raven Weaver; great-grandchildren, Jonathan Diaz and Jackson Rivera.
The family will receive friends from 11:00am until the service hour of 1:00pm on Saturday January 25th at the Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville.
Flowers are acceptable, or donations can be made to Georgia Baptist Children’s Home in memory of Mrs. Chapman.
Arrangements entrusted to the Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville, Georgia. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville announces the death and funeral services for Mr. Thomas Davidson Miller of Blairsville, who passed away on Sunday evening, January 19th, 2020. David was 56.

David is survived by his parents, Newt and Carol Miller; daughter and son-in-law, Brooke and Nathan Campbell; son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Becky Miller; brother and sister-in-law, Joel and Greta Miller; and brother and sister-in-law, Jason and April Miller. Also, Sharing in his legacy are grandchildren: Sarah Campbell, Silas Campbell, Sutton Miller, and Maddox Miller; nieces and nephews: Tyler Miller, Bradley Miller, Bailey Miller, Ryleigh Miller, Jase Miller, and Skylar Miller; and many extended family members.

Graveside services have been scheduled for Wednesday, January 22, 2020, at 1:30 p.m., to be held at Blairsville City Cemetery at 124 Hughes Street in Blairsville, with Rev. Stacy Dyer officiating. The following gentlemen have been selected to serve as pallbearers: Tyler Miller, Bradley Miller, Bailey Miller, Chris Dyer, Steve Colwell, and Steve Byers. The following gentlemen are requested to serve as honorary escort to the family: Joel Gooch, James Powell, Larry Rich, Travis Lively, Royce Hamby, Jeff Gooch, Mike Hemphill, Junior Arrant, Shannon Kelley, Brock Kelley, and Jim Garrett.

The family will meet with friends at the funeral home on Tuesday evening, January 21st, from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.; and then on Wednesday, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

If you wish, memorial contributions may be made to Blairsville Police Department; in memo line place “Shop with a Cop”, P.O. Box 307, Blairsville, GA 30514

Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Thomas David Miller of Blairsville. Please share your condolences and sign the online guest registry at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

Woodie Lea Sanders Dale, age 81 of Hiawassee, Ga passed away January 18, 2020. She was the daughter of the late Clifton and Maude Arrowood Sanders. She was preceded in death by sister Montree Sanders and brother Haynes Sanders. Surviving sisters are Gretchel Rogers and Beatrice Kimsey of Hiawassee Ga. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Charles Dale, who passed away on the same day, January 18th, seventeen years ago. Children are Melissa (Lewis) Kelley, Deborah (Michael) Woody and Justin (Danette) Dale. Grandchildren are Christy (Duane) Miller,
Megan (Matt) Jones, Ian (Kristy) Kelley, Ryan Kelley, Courtney Woody, Kyle (Jaime) Woody, Jeremy Dale, Sterling Dale, Haley Dale, and Emma Dale. Great-grandchildren are Trystin Miller, Jasper & Brent Kelley, Max & Mylie Jones, Bryson, Cooper & Declan Woody, and Trenton Dale.
She was a member of Philadelphia Baptist Church and looked forward to attending every Sunday. She was a homemaker for many years and later worked at Carolina Dress and Chatuge Regional Nursing Home. She was known for her quick wit, joking nature, and love of people. Her favorite hobbies were working in her flowers, cooking, and “talking”. She was often accused of moving the same flowers from one place to another. Her grandchildren loved her for many reasons but particularly for keeping them on their toes and getting their “tag” as they left.
The family will receive friends Monday, January 20th from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services are scheduled for Tuesday, January 21st at 11:00 a.m. from the Chapel
of Cochran Funeral of Hiawassee. Rev. Paul Richards will be officiating. The grandsons will serve as pallbearers, and the granddaughters will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Interment will follow in the Pine Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.
Flowers accepted or donations may be made to the Pine Grove Baptist Church Cemetery Fund,
c/o Roy and Linda Ledford, 4824 Jay Tee Rd., Hiawassee, GA 30546.

Mrs. Margaret Charleen Browning, age 94, of Town Creek School Road in Blairsville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday January 14, 2020, surrounded by her loving family. Mrs. Browning was born on November 7, 1925 in Blairsville, GA., the daughter of the late Moody Watson Collins & late Martha Aria Collins. In her free time, she enjoyed cooking, quilting, gardening, and puzzles. Margaret was a native & life-long resident of Union County. She is preceded in death by her husband, Hoyt Paige Browning in 2015, a daughter, Martha Clark, and a son, Joey Browning. She was a member of Union Baptist Church.

Surviving Mrs. Browning is a daughter & son-in-law, Cherry & Eddy Hood of Blairsville, son-in-law, Jim Clark of Blairsville, GA, five grandchildren; Penny & Ben Fitzgerald, Abbey Clark, Calley Hood, Haley & Mitch Henderson, Adam & C J Clark. Also, ten great-grandchildren; Faith, Lathan, Cyrus, Emily, Zoe, Natalie, Lane, Charlee, Jackson, and Madison.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at 2:00pm from the Mountain View Chapel with Rev. Tommy Hunt officiating. Interment will follow in the New Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery. The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers; Steve Efird, Paul Browning, Jeff Browning, Mike Morris, Ray Seabolt, and Ray Brown. Also, the following gentleman will serve as honorary pallbearers; Adam Clark, Mitchell Henderson, Ben Fitzgerald, and Nikki Smith. Flowers are accepted, or if you wish the family requests that donations be made to Homestead Hospice or the New Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery fund in Charleen’s memory. The family will meet with friends from 12:00pm-2:00pm prior to the services on Saturday.

Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences on line at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com

Mr. William “Bill” Clement, age 77 of Jewell Mason Road, Blairsville, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday January 15, 2020 following a brief illness. Mr. Clement was born on February 12, 1942 in Union County, the son of the late Lester Clement & late Arvie Brackett. Bill loved his Jesus as well as gospel singing. He was saved at a tent revival in 1959, which he was very proud of. Bill was an avid fisherman as well as being a native & life-long resident of Union County. He is preceded in death by his wife, Wanda McClure, a sister, Odena Moore, and four brothers, Lewin Dills, Gentry Dills, Willard Dills, and Dewy Clement. Bill was a member of Liberty Hill Methodist Church.

Surviving Bill are one stepson , Gary and Teresa Patterson of Blairsville, six grandchildren, several great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 17, 2020 at 2:00pm from the Mountain View Chapel with Brother Buck Dills officiating. Interment will follow in the Liberty Hill Methodist Church Cemetery. The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers, Tommy Abercrombie, Jacky Cook, Jeremy Duvall, Josh Dills, Aaron Dills and Jacob Dills. The family will meet with friends on Thursday evening from 6:00pm-9:00pm at the funeral home.

Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences on line at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com

The Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville announces a Celebration of Life Service for CWO4 Ronald Wayne Caudill, USN(Ret.)

Chief Warrant Officer Ronald W. Caudill, U.S. Navy (retired), wrote the below in September of 2019 for a Navy publication that asked veterans to share their experience and advice to benefit young sailors. We think his own words best sum up his life and his legacy:

“I learned through my 26 years of military service to value my family. I enlisted in the Navy in 1964 and served on 11 ships. In the first three years of my Navy service, I was single and wasn’t really sure about making it a career. After my third year was over, I returned from Vietnam and met my soul mate, Sue, on my 24th birthday (February 8, 1967). Sue made all the difference in my life and encouraged me to make the Navy my profession. She gave up a very promising career in Atlanta to start our married life in the Navy town of San Diego, California. Throughout my time in the Navy, Sue inspired and encouraged me in my work and helped me attain the ranks of Chief Petty Officer and Chief Warrant Officer. More importantly, she gave me two wonderful boys who we raised together to become men of character. Our oldest son, Shannon, served 25 years in the Air Force with two tours in Iraq, retired as a Colonel, and is now working on his doctoral degree. Our youngest son, Matt, is a licensed social worker and therapist who does amazing work helping veterans overcome their mental health challenges at the Veteran’s Administration hospital in Atlanta. Our boys and their wonderful wives (Corinna and Carissa) have given us four grandchildren whom we adore. Military service helps clarify what is important in life: your family and the love they give you. My advice to shipmates serving today is to write or e-mail your loved ones often, call when you can and be very involved with your family when ashore. To my former shipmates, thank you for your friendship, service and camaraderie. Fair winds and following seas to all.”

As a family, we are filled with pride, joy and love as we thank our Lord for the blessing of this wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and Vietnam veteran. Thank you for being with us to celebrate the life of this loving and kind man. We wish Ronnie fair winds and following seas as this old sailor joins his loved ones and our Savior in the great beyond.

He will be warmly remembered by all who knew him, but especially missed by his family: loving wife of 52 years, Sue Rich Caudill; and sons & daughters-in-law, Shannon & Corinna Caudill and Matthew & Carissa Caudill. Also, sharing in his legacy are 4 grandchildren, Thomas Caudill, Nicholis Caudill, William Caudill, and Gavin Zindle. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dean & Leona Caudill; and 3 brothers, Lowell, Vernis, and Clifford.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, Jaunuary 17, 2020 from the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery with military honors presented by the United States Navy and the North Georgia Honor Guard. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the service begins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project online at woundedwarriorproject.org or Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.

Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville.

Mrs. Bea Sherwood, age 93 of Blue Ridge, passed from this earth January 12, 2020. Fondly referred to as Miss Bea, she was originally from Clyattville, GA. She and Reamer Sherwood moved to Chamblee, GA in 1951. She was a graduate of the Clyattville High School. She grew up on her parents farm and her favorite chore was always house cleaning. She loved a clean house and was constantly cleaning out cabinets and closets. Cleaning was not her only interest. She loved to read and learn more about history and politics. While two of her children were in college, she took courses at DeKalb Community College in Atlanta and made an A in each class. It was a brief college experience, but she loved every minute. She was chosen to participate in an experimental project at Emory University assisting Dr. Ellen Fuller in a laboratory project with sheep. She was recognized by Dr. Fuller as an excellent technician.
She was an avid lover of sports. She especially loved the Atlanta Braves, UGA Football and the Duke Basketball team. They were among several families who established the Church of Christ meeting at the Lawson Chapel in Chamblee, GA and then were involved in building the congregation at Chestnut Drive in Doraville, GA. Their family worshipped at the Chestnut Drive Church of Christ where she was a bible school teacher & elders wife. Being the mom of five children, she was a stay at home mom as her main job. Miss Bea was also a member of the local garden club in Chamblee, GA.
Mrs. Sherwood was predeceased by her husband of 43 years, Reamer Y. Sherwood, Jr., from Valdosta, GA. She is survived by her children and their families: Bess (Dick) Sumner, Pat (Charles) O’Cain, Claire Sherwood, Yeargin (Kim) Sherwood and Rena Roberts. Grandchildren: Ryan (Carla) Sumner, Scott Sumner, Jonathan (Amanda) Sumner, Patrick O’Cain, Robbie O’Cain, Chris (April) Sherwood, Blake (Kimberly) Sherwood, Wesley Sherwood, Rachel Roberts, Rebecca (Nate) Smith. Great-grandchildren: (Ryan’s children) Lexi & Anna Claire, (Jonathan’s children) Caleb & Emersyn, (Rebecca’s son) Kilian, , (Blake’s sons) Grant & Owen, (Chris’s daughter) Peyton.
She was also predeceased by her parents, Rufus and Bessie Johnson of Valdosta, GA, her brothers Charles R. Johnson of Casper, Wyoming, Julian Johnson of Valdosta. She is survived by three siblings, Mary Nell Wells, Gene (Carolyn) Johnson and J. Winston Johnson along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
She and Mr. Sherwood built a weekend cabin in Blue Ridge in 1979 where they visited on weekends. After his passing she moved to Blue Ridge in 1994. She joined several Senior Clubs in Blue Ridge and traveled with them. She worshipped at the Blue Ridge Church of Christ, and was involved in teaching Bible classes, mailing cards to encourage members of the Blue Ridge church as well as to people in the community. She mailed church bulletins to previous members, shut in, military service people and students in college. She loved to cook and was known by her friends and family for her cabbage (always served in a blue bowl) chicken casserole and cornbread at every monthly potluck fellowship dinner at church over the years. Sunday Lunch was at her house every week with a home cooked meal.
She always loved plants and could make anything grow. Her sun porch was a haven for plants and orchids as well. She loved sending fresh cut flowers from the florist to people. Her local florist even sent fresh flowers to her in appreciation for her business.
She was a Christian first: serving the Lord in all she did. She prayed daily naming family members and friends by name. She was a daily Bible reader. You never left her presence without a bible verse quote and a reminder “God is in control.” As a loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great grandmother and friend she will be deeply missed, but her memories will remain in our hearts forever. We are all blessed to know we had her as an influence in our lives as long as we have.
Her greatest desire was to go to Heaven and we are promised if we do his will, we will join him. She was prepared to meet her Lord and join loved ones gone on before.

Funeral services: Saturday, January 18, 2020 at 1:30 pm at the Blue Ridge Church Of Christ. Interment will follow in Chastain Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends at the Blue Ridge Church Of Christ of Blue Ridge, Saturday, January 18, 2020, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm.

Flower acceptable or donations can be made to the American Heart Association or Georgia Agape Adoption Agency, Atlanta, Georgia or Blue Ridge Church of Christ, Blue Ridge, GA.
Arrangements entrusted to the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home of Blue Ridge, GA. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.