Rev. Rodney Fredric Johnson, 83, of Young Harris, GA went home to be with the Lord on December 1st, 2019.

Rod was born on October 8^th, 1936 in Green Bay, Wisconsin and grew up in Oconto Falls. He was the only child to Sydney Emmett and Geraldine Adeline Johnson. He graduated High School in 1954 from Shawano High (Shawano, WI), attended Wisconsin State College at Stevens Point and Candler School of Theology, Emory University – graduating with his Master of Divinity in 1961. He was ordained into the Methodist Church in 1959.

Rod met the love of his life, Katherine Ann Duncanson, while serving as associate pastor at Beymer United Methodist Church in Winter Haven, FL. Rod and Kathy married on Sept 1^st, 1966 and recently celebrated 53 years of marriage. They retired to Young Harris, GA after 40 years in the ministry serving the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Rod is survived by his two sons, Kenneth Sydney Johnson (Nashville, TN) and Kevin Rodney Johnson and his wife Shannon (Hoover, AL). He has 5 wonderful grandchildren, Nicholas Paul Johnson and his wife Mandi, Alec Tate Johnson, Scout Michael Johnson, Maxwell Stewart Johnson and Adeline Grace Johnson.

Rod faithfully served as associate pastor at Cross Bayou UMC (Seminole, FL), Beymer UMC, First UMC (Melbourne, FL) and Concord Park UMC (Orlando, FL). He was senior pastor of Concord Park UMC (Orlando, FL), Riverview UMC (Ormond Beach, FL), founding pastor of Faith UMC (Miami, FL), St Luke’s UMC (Lake Worth, FL), Emmanuel UMC (Melbourne, FL) and Asbury UMC (New Port Richey, FL).

Rod loved and faithfully served the Walk to Emmaus community as spiritual director in Florida for many years.

Rod was a diehard Green Bay Packer fan and raised his sons to be faithful cheeseheads during the lean years of the 70s and 80s. He was rewarded with countless games around the TV with his sons and grandchildren and 4 trips to Lambeau field during the past 25 years of much better outings for the green and gold.

Rod loved to fish and was blessed to have many friends and parishioners take him on many deep-sea outings and excursions in Canada and Alaska where he hauled in some beautiful trophies.

Since retirement in 1999, Rod and Kathy have enjoyed spending time with their family and have taken many trips abroad together. Rod and Kathy have been active members of First UMC of Union County.

His life was lived to the fullest and his calling as a pastor was the greatest of all his passions. No matter the assignment or the situation, he was faithful and, above all else, honored God with his talents. Well done…

A memorial service will be held on Saturday December 7, 2019 at 3:00 pm at the First United Methodist Church of Union County with Pastor Don Landen and Pastor Mike Cloyd officiating. Special music will be presented by Ken Johnson and Eric Miller. In lieu of flowers if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to Pruitt Hospice/Pruitt Cares Foundation for Camp Cocoon Children’s Bereavement Camp in Rod’s memory. The family will meet with friends at the church on Saturday from 2-3:00 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

Mrs. Shirley Ann Singleton, formerly of Blairsville, passed away peacefully at Community Hospice of Vidalia on Sunday, November 17, 2019, following a 7-month battle with lung cancer. Mrs. Singleton was born on September 16, 1938 in Walton County, FL, the daughter of the late James A. Childers & late Annie L. Kennedy Childers. Shirley lived in Lyons, GA for more than 30 years before moving to Blairsville in 1999.  As a Certified Dietary Manager, she worked for Union County Nursing Home and was a consultant throughout the southeast at many nursing home locations.  She was past president of the Georgia Dietary Managers Association and member of the Association of Nutrition & Food Service Professionals. She was a member of the Church of the Nazarene in Blairsville and a previous member of Vidalia Baptist Temple in Vidalia, GA. She deeply appreciated the support of her loving church family in the last months. She is preceded in death by husband, Edwin D. Singleton in 2007, and husband, David E. Evans in 1974; three brothers, James Felton Childers, Edward Earl Childers, and Melvin Childers.

Her survivors include four children, James E. “Jimmy” Singleton of Blackshear, GA; Lorene S. (Ralph D.) King Jr. of New Smyrna Beach, FL; David Ralph Evans, Sr. of Vidalia, GA; Robert E. “Bobby” (Lisa) Evans of Lyons, GA; sister and brother-in-law, Frances C. & Joe C. Shelley of Jacksonville, FL, two sisters-in-law, Betty Childers of Orangeburg, SC, and Robbie Childers of Freeport, FL; and four grandchildren, Lori K. (Brandon) Stibb; David Ralph Evans, Jr.; MacKenzie Evans; and Jacob Evans.  Many nieces, nephews, and other relatives also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday November 23, 2019 at 2:00 pm at Mountain View Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Mark Handy officiating. The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers, Avery Mason, Doug Davenport, Ron Murphy, and Jeff Stevenson. Interment will follow in Meadow View Cemetery. Flowers are accepted or if preferred, the family requests that donations in Shirley’s memory be made to Community Hospice Charity Foundation of Vidalia PO Box 2277, Vidalia, GA 30475-2277 (912) 537-0063. The family will meet with friends on Saturday morning from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm prior to the services.

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. Elizabeth “Betty” Belanger age 84 of Kennedy Creek Rd. Suches passed away peacefully on Saturday November 16, 2019 at her home. Mrs. Belanger was born on August 27, 1935 in Gainesville, GA., the daughter of the late Ernst V. Brender and the late Grovia Lunsford Brender. Betty was a lifelong Librarian and worked at colleges, local school systems, and public libraries. Her hobbies were reading, bird watching, and quilting. She was a loving and caring wife, mother and aunt. Betty was a member of the Dahlonega Presbyterian Church and active in Suches community functions.

Surviving Mrs. Belanger are her loving husband and best friend of fifty three years, Roger Belanger of Suches, and one daughter, G. Ann Belanger of Glen Allen, VA. Several nieces, nephews, a host of her church family, many other relatives and friends also survive.

The family will meet with friends at the funeral home on Thursday evening, November 21^st from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. Private interment will follow at a later date in the Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to the Lumpkin County Library or to the Dahlonega Presbyterian Church in Betty’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

Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville announces the death of Austin Lee Gilleland, age 24, of Blairsville, who passed away on Friday, November 15th, 2019.

Austin was born in Athens, Georgia, a son of Dwayne Gilleland and Amee Fowler Gilleland. He had lived in Blairsville for the past year and a half, and attended First Baptist Church of Blairsville, moving here from Athens, Georgia.

Besides his parents, Austin is survived by his wife, Samantha, of Blairsville; daughter, Emma Grace; brother, Avery Keith Gilleland; and grandparents Ben and NiEata Telenko and Dennis and Linda Fowler. Many other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services are incomplete at this time and will be announced when available.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville. Please share your condolences and sign the online guest registry at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

Mr. Jimmie Ted Minor Sr., age 80 of Cherry Log, GA, formerly of  Jackson, GA., & Gainesville, GA., passed away on Wednesday November 13, 2019 at his home following an extended illness. Mr. Minor was born on July 16, 1939 in Gainesville, GA., the son of the late Glenn Minor & late Winnifred Lord. Minor. Jimmie had lived in the area for 22 years. He had worked at Union General Hospital & Dr. Alan Sanders’ office for 35 years as a Physician Assistant. In his free time, he enjoyed hunting & fishing. He is preceded in death by a son, Jimmie Minor II in 2017. Mr. Minor was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving Jimmie is his loving wife & best friend of 18 years, Julie Minor of Cherry Log, two step-children, Blake & Candice Smith of Buford, GA., Andrew Smith of San Francisco, CA., brother and sister-in-law Jack & Peggy Minor of Gainesville, and two grandchildren, Ayden Smith & Jahslyn Smith, many other relatives and friends also survive.

No services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Homestead Hospice in Jimmie’s memory.

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

Eric Livingston Hancock, 48, of Andrews, North Carolina, passed away on Saturday, October 26, 2019, at his home. He was preceded in death by his father, Jerry Lee Hancock, and grandparents, Lonnie “Bill” and Josephine Ledford. Eric is survived by mother, Barbara Hancock, brother Jeff Hancock (and wife Julie), daughter Gabrielle Hancock, son Aaron Hancock, nephew Kameron Hancock, and niece Shelby Hancock.
Although Eric is no longer here with us, his larger than life persona will not soon be forgotten. He will be remembered for his quick wit and endless knowledge of useful information (and sometimes not so useful but would spark interesting conversations). His wealth of knowledge came in handy when he broke down and had to fix the car with a gum wrapper. And on occasion got him into some trouble like when Eric and his brother, Jeff, made a black powder bomb using CO2 cartridges that made a huge hole in their grandmothers’ field.
Eric had a very kindhearted personality and gave the best teddy bear hugs that made you know that he cared deeply. His true passion in life was his children, Gabby, and Aaron. They hold many great memories spent with their Dad like going on trips to Pigeon Forge, where they spent the entire day going to every go-kart track, at which Eric will remain undefeated. And countless rides on the motorcycle and days playing in the swimming pool. Eric always knew how to bring a big smile to their face, just by making a Yogi Bear impression, rapping a rendition of a Beastie Boys tune, or handing out some lines from Davey Jones’ Locker. His nephew Kameron and niece Shelby also held a special place in Eric’s heart. As Kameron was the first grandchild, Eric spent a lot of time making sure that Kameron was just a little extra spoiled. And in Shelby’s eyes, no one was as awesome as her Uncle Eric; he could even make baby rabbits appear out of thin air.
In the spirit of one of Eric’s favorite songs, “Life’s Been Good,” Eric’s friends and family will gather for visitation on Tuesday, October 29, 2019, at the Townson Rose Chapel in Andrews, North Carolina. This time for sharing memories will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
The Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy, in charge of arrangements, you may send condolences to the family at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

Murray Dennis Wood, age 87, a CPA and gentleman farmer of Blue Ridge and Atlanta, was lovingly cared for by his wife, Vivian, of almost 70 years and youngest daughter, Dr. Holly Brown of Buffalo, NY.
As a highly recruited graduate from the University of Alabama, he was hired by Ernst & Young, formerly Ernst & Ernst in Birmingham. With his skills in high demand, he was relocated to the Atlanta office in 1967 and then onto Orlando, Florida in 1969. In 1971 he was moved to Miami, Florida where he was made Partner responsible for the South Florida offices. While in Miami, he was President of the Miami Philharmonic, member of the Greater Miami Opera Association and the United Way of Miami.
After 5 years in Miami, he moved back to Atlanta and became Vice Chairman and Managing Partner for the Southeast Region for Ernst & Young. During his time in Atlanta he was on the Board of Directors for the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta, Atlanta Arts Alliance, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Atlanta Music Festival, the Metropolitan Opera Association, Scottish Rite Hospital, Peach Bowl, Salvation Army, Oglethorpe University. He served on Boards of the University of Miami, University of Florida and University of Alabama, was a Rotarian and treasurer of almost every church where he was a member.
After he retired from Ernst & Young, he was a member of the Lion’s Club, Treasurer of the United Way of Yancy County, NC and in Blue Ridge, he completed the Master Gardner’s Course and helped to start the Church garden at Cherry Log Christian Church, as well as being a Stephen Minister.
Preceded in death by his son, Craig, he is survived by his wife, Vivian, and loving father to Judy Talley (Jack), David Wood (Jane), Shelia Bryant, Holly Brown (Dennis). Proud grandfather of Mebbie Campbell (Cam), Catherine Anderson (Patrick), Vinson Bryant, Ginnie Killebrew (Douglas) and Michael David Wood. Great grandfather to Natalie and Matthew Anderson, Emma and Maggie Killebrew, Journee Bryant, and Jack Campbell.
In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the Cherry Log Christian Church or The Lane-Wood Scholarship, University of Alabama, Box 870122, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487.
Memorial Services will be held at Cherry Log Christian Church, 1149 Cherry Log St, Cherry Log, GA 30522 at 10:00 am on Wednesday, October 30, 2019.

Mrs. Elaine Marie Brown age 72 of Leah’s Lane Blairsville passed away peacefully on Saturday October 26, 2019 in the Union General Hospital following an extended illness. Mrs. Brown was born on Jan. 13, 1947 in Providence, RI., the daughter of the late James Mahoney and the late Marie Menoche Mahoney. Elaine loved sewing and crocheting gifts for her grandchildren. She was an avid reader and loved her dogs, especially Mackie. She was a prayer warrior who prayed faithfully every day. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was preceded in death by a son, Evan Matthew Brown in 2017. Elaine was of the Catholic faith.

Surviving Elaine are her loving husband and best friend of forty six years, Everett Charles Brown of Blairsville, two daughters and sons in law, Erica and David Guilbault, Elizabeth and Dennis Albino all of North Smithfield, RI., five grandchildren, Autumn Guilbault, Devin Albino, Dylan and Jenna Guilbault, Tyler Albino, many other relatives and friends also survive.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to Logan’s Run Rescue, 3000 US Hwy 64 West, Murphy, NC 28906

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

Mrs. Marilyn Joyce Dixon, age 82, of Marble, passed away Monday, October 21, 2019, at her home. She was born on October 17, 1937, in Brookfield, NY, to the late Clarence W. and Ethel Miller. She was a member of Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church, loved doing crafts, and watching the Atlanta Braves. Marilyn taught children’s church for many years and loved the Lord with all her heart. She served Him since she was saved in 1961. She was preceded in death by Siblings, Evelyn Marie Lester, Clara May “Peggy” Roe, Mary Ann Hardin, and Arthur “Bud” Miller.

Survivors include: her husband of sixty-five years, Rev. Bernie Dixon, Sr., son, Bernie Edward (Twana) Dixon, Jr., daughter, Sharon Dianne (David M.) Carroll, brother, Raymond Miller, grandchildren, Michael Aaron Dixon, Heather Michelle Butler, and Nathan Andrew Carroll, great-grandchildren, Kenneth Michael Dixon, Kase Aaron Dixon, Benjamin James Carroll, Xavier Lee Carroll, Jacen Lee Carroll, and Ella Marie Butler.

Funeral services: Saturday, October 26th, at 2:00 PM at the Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church with Dr. Chester Jones officiating. Music provided by Arnold Mathews, Tiffany Carson, and the church choir. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers: Howard Coffee, Michael Dixon, Nathan Carroll, Larry Turner, Ernest Jones, and Michael Mingus. Honorary pallbearers: Matt Rogers, Pierce Luther, Darrell Jordan, and Dane Parker.

The family will receive friends at Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church, Saturday, October 26, from 12:00 Noon till 2:00 PM.

Arrangements entrusted to the Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy, NC. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.