James “Jimmy” Asbury Carter III

March 27, 1941 – January 28, 2019

James “Jimmy” Asbury Carter III of Morganton, GA, age 77, was called home to heaven to meet his Savior on January 28, 2019.

Jimmy was born in Miami, FL on March 27, 1941. His late father, James Asbury Carter, Jr., and his late grandfather, James “Berry” Asbury Carter, owned and operated Carter Produce in Miami for many years. His late mother, Naomi Jane Schleucher, was the daughter of missionaries who founded the Miami Rescue Mission in 1922. It is still in operation today.

Jimmy graduated from Miami Senior High School in 1959 and attended University of Miami. In his freshman year, he went on a blind date and met Beverly Eloise Barkett, the love of his life, They married in 1962. Jimmy transferred to Florida State University where he earned a B.A. in History in 1964, a M.A. in History in 1965, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education in 1969. Beverly and Jimmy had two daughters while living in North Florida, Samantha and Annabelle.They relocated to Virginia and then to Central Florida before going to New Orleans, LA in 1979, where he earned a Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Studies at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. In 1981, he took his family back to Miami where he served as a minister and pastor of a Southern Baptist Church.

Jimmy and Beverly bought a home in Blairsville, GA in 1999, seeking a simpler lifestyle in the mountains. He was a faithful member of Temple Baptist Church in Morganton, where he sang in the choir and often wrote and performed solo pieces. He was active in the Mens’ Brotherhood Breakfast, Sunday School, Church Cafe and Outreach Program.

Jimmy was a lifelong learner, being both formally educated and self-taught in many subjects. He loved animals and went to great lengths to help any who were neglected or injured. He was generous to a fault with people, feeding the homeless and giving money to those in need, though he was never a wealthy man. He will be missed most of all for his wacky sense of humor. In his final days in the hospital, he told jokes to the doctors and no one left his room without a smile. He used his last bits of strength to compliment the procession of caretakers, remembering all of their names and expressing his gratitude for their help.

Jimmy is survived by his wife of 56 years, Beverly Barkett Carter of Morganton, GA; daughter Samantha Lee Carter of Miami, FL; daughter Annabelle Lee Carter, son-in-law Peter H. Maguire, grandsons Robert Lee Seaborne Maguire and Joe William Dynamite Maguire of Wilmington, NC; sister Nancy Jane Carter of Atlanta, GA; brother John Carter and sister-in-law Judy Carter of Portland, OR; sister Georgia Carter Freeman of Catawba, NC; several nieces, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Condolences can be expressed online at CochranFuneralHomes.com. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Temple Baptist Church (please specify Music Ministry), P.O. Box 143, Blue Ridge, GA, 30513. A memorial service will be held at Temple Baptist Church in Morganton on Sunday, February 24th, 2019, at 2:30 p.m. Temple Baptist Church is located at 28 High Country Crossing, Morganton, Georgia, 30560, phone (706) 374-5096.

His ashes will be returned to Miami, the “Magic City” that he loved, and scattered in Biscayne Bay in a private family ceremony.

Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville.

James Billy Thornton

March 07, 1937 – February 03, 2019

Mr. James Billy Thornton age 81 of State Hwy 325 Blairsville passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Sunday February 3, 2019 following an extended illness. Mr. Thornton was born on March 7, 1937 in Jonesboro, GA., the son of the late W.A. Thornton and the late Berta Jones Thornton. He had made his home in Blairsville for the past forty years. James was an avid NASCAR fan, a diehard GA Tech and Atlanta Falcons fan. He loved sitting on his back porch watching the cows and the view of the mountains. He was a very loving father, grandfather and great grandfather. He cherished his whole family, they were his life. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jackie Thornton in 1977 and also a grandson, Braxton Kuykendall in 2014. James was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving Mr. Thornton are one daughter and son in law, Sandra and Jimmy Hardin of Blairsville, two sons and daughters in law, James Don and Mary Thornton of Blairsville, Robert Eddie and Sheila Thornton of Blairsville, four grandchildren, Shanowa and Danny Kuykendall, Shana and Ethan Kuykendall, A.J. Thornton, Brittany Thornton, four great grandchildren, Lathan, Eli and Zoey Kuykendall, many other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday February 6, 2019 at 11:00 am from the Mountain View Chapel with Rev. Randy Hughes officiating. Special music will be presented by Martha Davenport. The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers, Brian Davenport, Ricky Davenport, Mark Ramey, Michael Thomas, Jimmy Bell and Ronnie McDonald. Interment will follow in the Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery where he will rest next to his beloved wife Jackie. Flowers are accepted or if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to Regency Hospice or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in memory of Mr. Thornton. The family will meet with friends at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 6-9:00 pm.

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

Lia Gago Pita

August 18, 1939 – January 17, 2019

Lia Gago Pita, age 79 of Blairsville, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 17, 2019 in Fannin County, Georgia following an extended illness. Mrs. Pita was born on August 18, 1939 in Havana, Cuba to the late Manuel Gago and Josefina Velasco Gago. She and her husband were residents of NY City and Miami, Fl. Mrs. Pita was the Asst. VP Branch Operations Mgr. For Sun Bank in Miami. Mrs. Pita was of the Catholic faith. She was also a resident of Union County for the past 21 years. Her hobbies included; taking care of dogs, watching movies, and following news & politics. Lia is preceded in death by a husband in 2007, Sergio Pita; and a daughter in 1985, Lia Pita.

Surviving Mrs. Pita are cousins Leonardo & Nilda Rodriguez of Miami, FL., Bob & Cindy Spaulding & family, and her special dog; Joubie.  Other cousins & friends also survive.

A memorial service will be held, contact Mountain View Funeral Home in Blairsville for details. The family will be accepting flowers, or a donation in Lia’s memory may be given to Humane Society’s Mountain Shelter of Union County.

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

Clifford Fred Owenby

April 15, 1948 – January 16, 2019

Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville announces funeral services for Mr. Clifford Fred Owenby, age 70, of Blairsville, who passed away on Wednesday, January 16th, 2019, at his home.

Mr. Owenby was born in Blairsville, a son of the late Doyle R. Owenby and Anne Rose Hughes Owenby. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, and served during the Vietnam War. Mr. Owenby enjoyed spending time working outside with his tractors and his chickens. A favorite past time of his was carrying on and joking with his friends. He also managed to take a whole lot of coffee breaks during the day…..!

Mr. Owenby will be greatly missed by all who knew him, but most especially by his family members: wife of 35 years, Lee Owenby; two step-children: Brian Dellinger of Blairsville and Gidget and David Davis of Blairsville; many other family members and close friends also survive.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 19, 2019 from the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home with Rev. Jeremy Henderson officiating. Special music will be presented by “By His Grace”. Interment will be at Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will gather with friends on Friday evening from 5 until 8 pm.

The following gentlemen have been selected to serve as pallbearers: Steven Owenby, Clifford Gable, Jimmy Lane, Ronnie Davis, Dennis Deyton, and Dave Hughes.

Arrangements are entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville. Please share your condolences and fond memories with the family of Mr. Owenby on our website,www.cochranfuneralhomes.com

Larry Ervin Dyer Sr.

December 13, 1946 – January 18, 2019

Mr. Larry Ervin Dyer Sr., age 72, of Marietta, GA, Formerly of Blairsville, GA, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, January 18, 2019.

Mr. Dyer was born in Blairsville, GA to Wilonell Collins Dyer and the late Ervin Dyer. Larry loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, His Family and his Country. He served in the United States Army and was deployed in Vietnam War. Larry enjoyed spending every moment he could outdoors. He loved hunting and fishing, especially when he could be with family and friends while doing so. His favorite football team is the University Of Georgia and his favorite baseball team is the Atlanta Braves. Larry also enjoyed a 27 year career with Constar Plastics, retiring in 2011 to spend more time with family.

Larry will be remembered by all who knew him, but especially missed by his loving wife, Rehnee Collins Dyer; children, Michele Williams (Rhett), Kelly Cantrell, Larry E. Dyer Jr. and Nicholas Collins Dyer; grandchildren, Sawyer Williams and Staff Sergeant Andrew B. Cantrell (Melissa); great-grandson, Jackson Davis Cantrell; mother, Wilonell Collins Dyer; siblings, Jerry Dyer (Joyce), Judy Bardenwerper (Tom) and Janie James.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 from 11:00am until 1:00pm at Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory Of Blairsville. Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm from Choestoe Baptist Church with Rev. Ken Zollinger and Andy Collins officiating. Interment will follow at Choestoe Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Richard Stillwell officiating the committal service. White County Honor Guard will be presenting military honors. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to Choestoe Baptist Church Building Fund in memory of Mr. Larry Dyer.

The following gentlemen have been chosen to serve as pallbearers; Jason Dyer, Anthony Monkus, Brandon Monkus, John Sutton, Carlton Collins, Lee Knight, Ryan Garrett and Jeff Knight.

Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville is honored to be serving in charge of the arrangements.

Ronald “Ron” Heath McKnew

December 15, 1942 – December 31, 2018

Ronald “Ron” Heath McKnew, age 76, of   Blairsville  formerly of Naples, FL passed away on Monday December 31, 2018 at his home. Mr. McKnew was born on December 15, 1942 in Baltimore, MD, the son of  Wilbur McKnew &  Mary Keg McKnew. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy.  Ron loved model trains, reading, history and Facebook. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and was preceded in death by his  parents and daughter, Margaret Mary McKnew. Ron was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.

Ron is survived by his loving wife & best friend of fifty- three years, Margaret Peters McKnew; son Casey McKnew of Ft. Myers, FL; daughter Kim McKnew of Naples, FL; grandchildren, Nicki & Taylor;  brothers-in-law, Bert & David Peters of Cincinnati, OH; and many other relatives and friends.

The family will meet with friends at Mountain View Chapel, 513 Murphy Hwy, Blairsville GA 30512, on Friday January 4, 2019 from 3-4:30pm, followed by the North GA Honor Guard conducting Military Honors.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Diabetes Foundation in Ron’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

Howard Kenneth Atchley

May 26, 1932 – December 23, 2018

Mary Frances Abercrombie Sayles

June 15, 1941 – December 20, 2018

Mrs. Mary Frances Sayles age 77 of Shoe Factory Rd. Blairsville passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Thursday December 20, 2018 following an extended illness. Mrs. Sayles was born on June 15, 1941 in Union County, the daughter of the late Allen Young her biological father and also her dad who raised him, Lee Nichols and the late Juanita Thomas Nichols. She was a native and lifelong resident of Union County. Before she retired she was Manager at the Family Dollar Store for many years. She was a loving mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother and aunt. Her grandchildren children brought a great joy in her life. She was always friendly and had a kind word for everyone she met. Frances was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving Frances are two daughters and sons in law, Toby and Zane Chancey of Turtletown, TN., Stacy and Anthony Olson of Blairsville, one son, Shawn Abercrombie of Blairsville, two sisters and one brother in law, Irene Turner of Stone Mtn., GA., Marsha and Randy White of Blairsville, one brother, Ray Nichols of Blairsville, five grandchildren, Trent and Lohern Dyer, Trevor and Amanda Dyer, Tosha and Moe Osorio, Landon and Tori Olson, Kenan Olson, nine great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, cousins, many other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday December 22, 2018 at 2:00 pm from the Mountain View Chapel with Rev. Stacy Dyer officiating. The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers, Landon Olson, Trevor Dyer, Moe Osorio, Aaron Beaver, Tony Nichols and Drew Stewart. Interment will follow in the Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will meet with friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 12-2:00pm.

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

Thomas Pennington Carter Jr.

January 21, 1952 – December 16, 2018

 Mildred Hattie Grizzle

March 27, 1941 – December 11, 2018

Mrs. Mildred Hattie Grizzle age 77 of White Pine Trail Blairsville passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday December 11, 2018 following a brief illness. Mrs. Grizzle was born on March 27, 1941 in Union County, the daughter of the late Walter Lovell and the late Roselle Gibson Lovell. She was a native and lifelong resident of Union County. Mildred’s family was her life and lived to take care of each of them. She was a loving mother, sister, grandmother and great grandmother. She was preceded in death by a brother, Henry Lovell and four sisters, Bonnie Seabolt, Ruby Garrett, Lillian Garrett and Ellina Stanley. Mrs. Grizzle was a member of Bunker Hill Baptist Church.

Surviving Mrs. Grizzle are one daughter, Betty Cook of Blairsville, one son and daughter in law, Larry and Andrea Seabolt of Blairsville, four sisters, Opal McGaha, of Hiawassee, Geneva Garrett of Suches, Linda Payne and Bessie Cain both of Gainesville, one brother, Earl Lovell of Blairsville, six grandchildren, Connie Draughn, Curtis Cook, Jason Seabolt, Amanda Spooner,  Eric Seabolt, and Ashley Seabolt, ten great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, cousins, many other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday December 13, 2018 at 11:00 am from the Mountain View Chapel with Rev. Gerald McGaha officiating. The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers, Jason Seabolt , Eric Seabolt, Curtis Cook, Chris Spooner, Jerry Gilreath and Brandan Draughn. Special music will be presented by the Bunker Hill Church Choir. Serving as honorary pallbearer will be William Lee. Interment will follow in the Confidence Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will meet with friends at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 6-9:00 pm.

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

Cora West

November 15, 1943 – December 05, 2018

Mrs. Cora West age 76 of East Second Street, Blue Ridge passed away peacefully at the Pruitt Health Center on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 following a long illness. Mrs. West was born on November 5, 1943 to the late David and Florence White. Cora was of the Baptist faith and in her spare time she loved to garden and do yard work.                                                                                                                           Surviving Cora are a son and daughter in law David and Carrie West Sr. of Blairsville, sister Gail Brown of Morganton, sister and brother in law Edna and Jim Ames of Carlton MI., three grandchildren David  West Jr., Richard and Ashley West , Betty Sue and Brian Mull, twelve great grandchildren, many other friends and relatives also survive.                                                                                                                                                     Funeral services will be held on Sunday December 9, 2018 at 4:00 pm. From the Mountain View Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Randolph Jones officiating. The family will meet with friends at the funeral home from 3:00 until time for service.                                                                  Mountain View Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com

Joe “J.P.” Posey Southerland

October 08, 1924 – November 29, 2018

Mr. Joe Posey “J.P.” Southerland age 94 of Jones St. Blairsville passed away peacefully in the Chatuge Regional Hospital on Thursday, November 29, 2018 following an extended illness. Mr. Southerland was born on October 8, 1924, the son of the late Robert Southerland and the late Florence Spiva Southerland. He was a lifelong resident of Union County. J.P. was known as the “Peach Man” and sold produce for over forty five years in Union and the surrounding counties.  He could fix just about anything but specialized in tinkering with watches and lawn mowers. He enjoyed collecting knives, growing flowers, going to Flea Markets and piddling outdoors. J.P. was preceded in death by his parents and also two sons, Mike and Joe Southerland, a daughter, Susie Southerland and a sister, Louisa Garrett. Mr. Southerland was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving J.P. are his loving wife and companion of fifty years, Beulah Davis of Blairsville,  one son and daughter in law, Jimmy and Jackie Southerland of Marietta, his step children, Ben Hope of Blairsville, Michael and Tina Davis of Dahlonega, Larry and Glenda Davis of Blairsville, Glenda Jones of Blairsville, three grandchildren, Sandra and David Moss, Amy Williams, Joanna Martin, two great grandchildren, numerous step grandchildren and great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday December 2, 2018 at 2:00 pm from the Mountain View Chapel with Pastor Ray Potts officiating. Special music will be presented by John Nix. The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers, Garrett Moss, Braxton Martin, Michael Davis Jr., James Davis, Bradley Jones and Jason Jones. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Chris Strickland and Joe Burch. Interment will follow in the Shady Grove Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will meet with friends at the funeral home on Saturday evening from 6-8:00 pm.

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

Thelma C. Tipton

March 29, 1940 – October 31, 2018

Mrs. Thelma C. Tipton age 78 of Blairsville died Wednesday October 31 at Union General with her loving family by her side. Thelma was born on March 29, 1940 to the late Arthur and Lassie Ferguson Clore. Thelma was preceded in death by her husband Delmar Tipton in 2008, three sisters, Regina Clore, Roena Flowers, & Sadie Garland. Mrs. Tipton was a member of the Owltown Church of God and loved spending time with family and preparing meals.  Surviving Mrs. Tipton are son and daughter in law Roger and Vickie Tipton of Blairsville one daughter and son in law, Kriste and Jim Hughes of Akron Oh. step children Willie and Sabina Tipton Blue Ridge, Jennie and Glenn Lambert of Charleston, SC., Sandy and Nicky Nicholson Hiawassee, Kathy and Larry Seabolt, Blue Ridge , sisters Dot Messer of Blue Ridge, GA, Radie and Leonard Ware of Akron, OH., many grandchildren and  great grand children ,also many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at the Mountain View Funeral Home Chapel in Blairsville, GA on Saturday November 3rd, 2018 at 2:00pm with Rev. Roger Beck officiating. Special music will be presented by Dwayne & Sandy Carringer. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 and Friday evening from 5-9pm at the Mountain View Funeral Home Chapel. The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers; Donnie Price, Brian Ware, Ricky Cloer, Gary Flowers, David Garland, & Brandon Tipton.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to help defray expenses.

Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville, GA is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the guestbook and send condolences online at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com