James Homer Thomasson: Obituary
Obituaries December 17, 2018Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory announces Funeral Services for Mr. James Homer Thomasson, Husband, Father, and Grandfather who passed away on Monday, December 10th, 2018, at the age of 84. He was born on August 1, 1934, in Murphy, North Carolina. The son of the late James Garlin Thomasson and Flora Stephens Thomasson.
Homer joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) June 1, 1953, as a staff member assigned to the Personnel Section, in Washington, D.C. He graduated from John Marshall University and John Marshall Law School in 1962, with a degree in Law and was appointed to the FBI Academy in 1962. After completing the FBI Academy, he was assigned as an FBI Special Agent, in Springfield, IL; Danville, IL; Pittsburgh, PA; and as Senior Agent-in-Charge of the Huntington, WV office. He was transferred to his Office of Preference, Atlanta, GA, in 1976. Homer retired as Senior Resident Agent-in-Charge of the Gainesville, GA office in 1985.
After retirement from the FBI, he was employed as Officer of Credit Card Investigations for the National Bank of Georgia; subsequent employment by the Georgia Insurance Commissioners Office, where he assisted in establishing their Insurance Arson Fraud Investigations Division. He was later appointed Vice President, Wachovia Credit Card Investigation Division, Wachovia Bank, Atlanta, GA. After retirement from Wachovia, Homer moved back to his home town, Blairsville, where he was employed as Investigator for the District Attorney’s Office.
Homer was a member of the Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI, Atlanta Chapter President in 1992. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Blairsville, where he served as Deacon and various Church committees.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marilyn Jenkins Thomasson. Daughter, Cindy & her husband, Robert Shearin; granddaughter, Nicole. Daughter, Pamela & her husband, Hollis Townsend; grandsons, James and Joseph. Sister, Jo Jenkins, wife of the late Ed Jenkins; brother-in-law, Charles Jenkins & wife, Bonnie; brother-in-law, Tom Battle, husband of the late Ella Jenkins Battle; brother-in-law, Ken Jenkins; and sister-in-law, Patti Jenkins Chambers & husband, Bobby; as well as, several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services have been scheduled for Thursday, December 13th, 2018, at 11:00 a.m., in the Sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Blairsville, with Dr. Fred Lodge, Dr. James Butts, Rev. Rick Jenkins, David Riser, Rev. Dick Stillwell and Stan Gunter speaking. Minister Ed Lawrie and Mrs. Jackie Hill will be in charge of the music. The body will lie instate at the church starting at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday morning. The following gentlemen have been requested to serve as pallbearers: Stan Gunter, Jeff Langley, Jim Colwell, Bruce Alexander, Rob Chambers, and James Farris. Asked to serve as honorary escort is Joseph Farris, Hollis Townsend, and Robert Shearin. Graveside Masonic Rites will be conducted by Allegheny Masonic Lodge. Burial will be in Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery, and visitation will take place at Cochran Funeral Home in Blairsville, on Wednesday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to be serving the family of Mr. James Homer Thomasson, of Blairsville.
Kenneth Dwayne Chastain: Obituary
Obituaries December 17, 2018
Kenneth Dwayne Chastain
March 16, 1969 – December 10, 2018
Mr. Kenneth Dwayne Chastain age 49 of Lake Cove Lodge Rd. Blairsville passed away on Monday December 10, 2018 in the Union General Hospital following a brief illness. Mr. Chastain was born on March 16, 1969 in Copperhill, TN., the son of Florine Watkins Chastain and the late David Lee Chastain. He was a lifelong resident of Union County. Kenneth loved fishing, hunting, being outdoors and anything to do with nature. He enjoyed watching his son run in Motor crosses. He was a loving husband, father, brother and grandfather. Kenneth was a member of Youngstown Baptist Church.
Surviving Mr. Chastain are his loving wife and best friend, Teresa Dyer Chastain of Blairsville, his mother, Florine Chastain of Blairsville, one daughter, Laci Bigelow of MI., one son, Rayven Chastain, two stepsons and one daughter in law, Brandon and Tammy Hughes, Austin Rhodes all of Blairsville, one sister and brother in law, Sandra and Gary Wynn of Conyers, GA., five grandchildren, Stormi, Gabe, Tinleigh, Abel and Justin, three nephews, Adam, Garret and Toccoa Wynn, several aunts, uncles, cousins, many other relatives and friends also survive.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday December 12, 2018 at 11:00 am from the Mountain View Chapel with Rev. Jonathan Hood and Rev. Dwayne Patterson officiating. Specail music will be presented by Jonathan Adams ad Joan Spiva. The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers, Brandon Hughes, Austin Rhodes, Stevie Abercrombie, Gary Wynn, Adam Wynn and Marty Rhodes. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Mike Roberson, Mark Dyer and Toccoa Wynn. Interment will follow in the Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to help defray expenses in Kenneth’s memory. 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
Debra A Boyle: Obituary
Obituaries December 17, 2018
January 28, 1956 – December 04, 2018
Ms. Debra Boyle age 62 of Charlie Corn Drive Young Harris, GA passed away on Tuesday December 4, at her home. Ms. Boyle was born on January 28, 1956 in Tampa Florida to the late Carl Ayers Sr., and Mary Collins Ayers of Blairsville. Debra enjoyed gardening, reading and watching sports and her special friends in the neighborhood.
Surviving Ms. Boyle are her mother, Mary Collins Ayers of Blairsville, one son, Brendan Boyle of Georgia, one daughter, Shauna Boyle Butrym of Georgia, two brothers Carl Ayers Jr. of Heflin AL, Robert and Libby Ayers of Blairsville, GA, and one sister Ruth Ayers of McDonough, GA, and many other friends and relatives also survive. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Mountain View Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences on line at www.mountainview.com
Union County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report 12/10 to 12/16
Arrest Reports December 17, 2018
Arrest report provided by the Union County Sheriff’s Office. The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 50-18-70) allows for www.fetchyournews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Union County GA. Those arrests are posted on www.fetchyournews.com for viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.
Joyce Araminta Eley: Obituary
Obituaries December 3, 2018
Joyce Araminta Eley
April 20, 1927 – November 29, 2018
Mrs. Joyce Araminta Eley age 91 of Wesley Mtn. Drive Blairsville passed away peacefully on Thursday November 29, 2018 in the Chatuge Regional Nursing Home following an extended illness. Mrs. Eley was born on April 20, 1927 in Bayonne, NJ., the daughter of the late Mr. & Mrs. Walter Samuel Eley (Chadbourne). She was a Teacher and Librarian for most of her life. She was a joy to all who knew her and was a friend to so many. She had made her home in Blairsville since 2005. Mrs. Eley was of the Christian faith.
Surviving Mrs. Eley are a close friend, Linda Starr of Powder Springs, GA. , many other friends also survive.
No services are planned as per Mrs. Eley’s wishes. In lieu of flowers if you wish, the family requests that donations may be to your local Library or to a favorite charity of your choice in memory of Mrs. Eley.
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
Frank Brentwood Kimmel: Obituary
Obituaries November 26, 2018December 25, 1941 – November 19, 2018
Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville announces Memorial Services for Frank Brentwood Kimmel, age 76 of Blairsville, Georgia, who passed away on Monday, November 19, 2018 at Union County Nursing Home.
Frank’s memory will be cherished by all who knew him, but especially by his family: loving wife of 47 years, Clare Van Orden Kimmel; daughter, Cynthia Kimmel; son, Jeff Smith (Kara); and granddaughter, Hillary Smith.
Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 26, 2018 from the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville with Rev. Bob Crowe officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the service begins. Inurnment will follow at Union Memory Gardens Cemetery with Military Honors presented by the North Georgia Honor Guard.
If you wish, Memorial Donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Blairsville, 296 Blue Ridge St., Blairsville, GA 30512.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville.
Richard Otto Guenther: Obituary
Obituaries November 26, 2018
December 16, 1941 – November 18, 2018
Richard Otto Guenther, age 76, born on December 16, 1941 in Chicago Illinois, died on November 18, 2018 at his home in Blairsville, GA, due to natural causes. He passed away surrounded by his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife Mary Ann Guenther, daughter Kimberly Oberheu and brother, Robert Guenther. And stepdaughters, Julie Beard, Mandy Kibler and stepson Jared Mullikin. And seven grandchildren.
A private graveside service will be held on November 23rd, 2018 at 10:30 am, at City of Decatur Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Homestead Hospice, 97 Deep South Farm Road, Unit #2, Blairsville, GA 30512.
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
Oriska Jean Hampton: Obituary
Obituaries November 7, 2018
Oriska Jean Hampton
February 22, 1940 – October 31, 2018
Miss Oriska Hampton age 78 of Blairsville, GA passed away peacefully at Union General hospital surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday October 31st, 2018. Miss Hampton was born on February 22nd, 1940, the daughter of the late Dennis Hampton & Eual Miller Hampton. Miss Hampton was an avid talker, loved reading and loved playing games. She was a 1956 graduate of Union County High School. She was a native and lifelong resident of Union County. Miss Hampton was a member of First Baptist church.
Miss Hampton is survived by cousins Dillon & Mary Chastain of Blairsville, GA, Charlotte Webb of Murphy, NC, Judy Williams of Concord, NC., and Beulah Chastain of Murphy, NC. Many more cousins, extended family and other relatives also survive.
Funeral services will be held Sunday November 4th, 2018 at 2:00pm from the Mountain View Funeral Home chapel with Rev. Fred Lodge officiating and a eulogy will be presented by Billy Decker. Special music will be presented by Ed Lawrie. The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers; Derek Harwood, Billy Decker, Jim Allison, Josh Bergen,, Sam Combs & Joe Fair. Interment will follow at Hampton Church Cemetery in Murphy where she will rest next to her parents. The family will meet with friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 12-2:00 pm prior to the services.
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
Union County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report 10/29 to 11/04
Arrest Reports November 5, 2018
Arrest report provided by the Union County Sheriff’s Office. The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 50-18-70) allows for www.fetchyournews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Union County GA. Those arrests are posted on www.fetchyournews.com for viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.
Union County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report 09/10 to 09/16
Arrest Reports September 17, 2018
Arrest report provided by the Union County Sheriff’s Office. The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 50-18-70) allows for www.fetchyournews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Union County GA. Those arrests are posted on www.fetchyournews.com for viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.
Union County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report 8/13 to 8/19
Arrest Reports August 22, 2018
Arrest report provided by the Union County Sheriff’s Office. The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 50-18-70) allows for www.fetchyournews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Union County GA. Those arrests are posted on www.fetchyournews.com for viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.
Huge N. Georgia Methamphetamine Bust Leads to Lab in Suches, GA
News September 18, 2017
Blairsville, GA – On Friday, Sept. 15, 2017, a traffic stop in Lumpkin County, GA resulted in the confiscation of 15 kilograms (kilos) of methamphetamine (meth). The bust was a joint effort by the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office, the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office and the FBI’s North Georgia Major Offender Squad. As a result of the ensuing investigation by Lumpkin County authorities and FBI Agents, a few grams of cocaine and $166,000 dollars in cash were found at 990 Flanders Road in Dahlonega, GA, the residence of Valentine Duarte-Vejar. Following subsequent leads, agents were lead to 843 Cooper Creek Road in Suches, GA, where a conversion lab was uncovered (a conversion lab is used to convert liquid methamphetamine to crystal form).
Agents discovered a handgun and 15 kilos of crystal methamphetamine at the lab, along with approximately 300 pounds of environmental waste, mostly containing methamphetamine oil. Agents estimated that the lab was capable of producing 25-50 kilos of crystal meth at a time. (a kilogram (kilo) weighs about 2.2 pounds).
The 30 kilos of crystal meth (15 kilos confiscated during the traffic stop and 15 kilos found at the conversion lab) have a street value of about $3,234,000.
The Union County Sheriff’s Office, EMS and union County Fire Department assisted with safely processing the conversion lab.
Angel Luis Rivera-Santiago, 42, of Norcross, Victor Rafael Aponte, 30, of Dahlonega and Valentine Duarte-Vajar, 25, of Dahlonega were charged with trafficking methamphetamine. Eleoncio Perez-Pineda, 29, of Dahlonega and Jose Mario Duarte-Vajar, 25, of Dahlonega were later arrested and charged with conspiracy to manufactory Methamphetamine. All five men were transported to Lumpkin County Detention Center. Additional charges are pending in Union County.
The immigration status of these men is still pending. The investigation continues.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at www.FetchYourNews.com
GBI Issues Synthetic Opioids Alert
News May 5, 2017
Decatur, GA – The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is issuing a public safety alert
regarding illegal synthetic opioids. In the last four months, 17 deaths have been caused by the
drugs U-47700 and/or furanyl fentanyl, equal to the number for all of 2016. U-47700 and
furanyl fentanyl are both Schedule I drugs and used in the same manner as heroin. Schedule I
drugs have a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical treatment use in the
United States. The drugs are distributed in either powder or tablet form.
The GBI Crime Lab has received approximately 50 cases containing U-47700 and furanyl
fentanyl this year. Many of the cases contained three or four different additional opiates.
Because furanyl fentanyl and U-47700 are lethal at very low doses, law enforcement and the
public should use caution when handling these drugs. They can be inhaled or absorbed through
the skin and are extremely toxic in the smallest quantities.
U-47700 or furanyl fentanyl may cause symptoms such as shallow breathing, pinpoint pupils,
nausea or vomiting, dizziness, lethargy, cold or clammy skin, loss of consciousness, and/or heart
failure. Should someone come in contact with the drugs and an overdose is suspected,
administer Naloxone immediately and call 911. Multiple doses of Naloxone may be required.
One Metro-Atlanta law enforcement agency recently seized approximately 8 kilograms of the
furanyl fentanyl GBI Crime Lab and U-47700 mixture. A field test of the drugs was initially negative before
GBI Crime Lab testing identified the substance. The danger and complexity of the opioids led to
the GBI issuing a statewide officer safety alert. Law enforcement has been warned to use
extreme caution and utilize personal protective equipment when handling or packaging any
synthetic opioid.
Due to the diligence of the Georgia General Assembly, legislation was introduced this year to
ban both U-47700 and furanyl fentanyl. The Governor signed this law and it went into effect on
4/17/2017 upon his signature.
Gertrude “Trudy” Fearing White: Obituary
Obituaries June 6, 2019
Gertrude “Trudy” Fearing White
March 08, 1923 – May 17, 2019
Gertrude “Trudy” Fearing White, 95 formerly of the 1200 block of Riverside Avenue, Elizabeth City, NC died Friday, May 17, 2019 in Blairsville, GA. She was born March 8, 1923 in Elizabeth City to the late Enoch Pratt Fearing and Gertrude Evans Fearing and was the widow of Beverly Wright White. She was a retired secretary for the Elizabeth City Pasquotank Schools, a member of Christ Episcopal Church, The Wareham Historical Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, US Heritage Society, Colonial Dames of 17th Century, Mayflower society, and Who’s Who in NC.
She is survived by two daughters, Beverly W. Peterson (Allen) of Mineral Bluff, GA, and Betty W. Quinn {Terry) of Wilmington, NC; four grandchildren, Andrew Wright Schlueter, John Michael Schlueter, Cameron Quinn, and Ramsay Quinn; and two great grandchildren, Caroline Wright Schlueter and Chad Thompson Schlueter. She was pre-deceased by two brothers, Raymond “Boopie” Fearing and Fred Fearing.
A funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church with Father Jim McGee officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following in the service in parish hall. Burial will be in the Episcopal Cemetery. Twiford Funeral Home, Memorial Chapel, 405 East Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC is serving the White family. You may express condolences to the family by visiting www.TwifordFH.com.
Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville is in charge of the local arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences on line at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com
Union County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report 05/27 to 06/2
Arrest Reports June 5, 2019
Arrest report provided by the Union County Sheriff’s Office. The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 50-18-70) allows for www.fetchyournews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Union County GA. Those arrests are posted on www.fetchyournews.com for viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.
Barbara Barnes Morris: Obituary
Obituaries June 5, 2019
Barbara Barnes Morris
September 14, 1949 – May 2, 2019
Barbara Barnes Morris, age 69 of Blairsville crossed over to meet her Savior on Thursday, May 2, 2019, following a brief illness. Barbara was an active member of First Baptist Church. She gave many hours working along side of her beloved Beacon Team and Disaster Relief friends. Barbara also volunteered at the Copper Basin Crisis Center.
She leaves behind one daughter Angela Morris and an amazing legacy of 9 living grandchildren:Mary and husband Jeremiah Barnard of Grape Creek, NC, Elijah Morris and partner Larissa of Peachtree, NC, Elisheba Morris of Hayesville, NC, Shalom Morris of Blairsville, Ga, Gabriel Morris of Blairsville, GA, Christianna Morris of Blairsville, Micheal Morris of Blairsville, Isaac Morris of Blairsville and Angelica Morris of Blairsville. She also leaves behind her 5 beloved great grandchildren Hyleah, Erma, and Gideon Morris and Saige and Finnley Barnard.
Barbara spoke often of her Savior and His love and forgiveness for her. She also lived her last years as a walking talking example of LOVING BIG. She will be missed by many but never forgotten.
Memorial Services were held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2019 from the Rock Chapel of First Baptist Church of Blairsville.
Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville.