Mrs. Elsie Barlow Holder of Wilmar Circle, Blairsville Passed away peacefully at Union General Hospital on Sunday July 22 with her friends by her side. Elsie was born on December 15, 1935 to the late Carl and Nellie Brown Barlow in Buchanan Ga.                                                                                    Mrs. Holder is survived by her daughter , Debbie Holder of Az., one brother, Edward Barlow of Fl. She is also survived by special friend, Willie Clouser and his family of care givers.                   Funeral services will be held  at the Blairsville Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witness  on Sunday July the 29, 2018 at 2:00 P.M.                                                                                                                                      Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolence on line at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com

Mr. Kevin Paul Cassel age 26 of Board Town Rd. Ellijay passed away at his home on Friday July 13, 2018 following a brief illness. Kevin was born on December 5, 1991 in Dalton, GA., the son of Ricky Larry Southerland and Sonya Carmen Cassel. Kevin was an avid wood worker and enjoyed cars but most of all he loved spending time with his children. He was a loving and caring husband, father, son, brother and uncle. He was preceded in death by his sister, Missey Kincaid. Kevin was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving Kevin are hisloving wife, Keshia Lynn Cassel of Blairsville, his three children, Lilly, Kaden and Haden Cassel of Blairsville, mother and stepfather, Sonya and James White of Jasper, father and stepmother, Rickey and Tara Southerland of Chatsworth, five sisters, Jasmine Grindstaff of Jasper, Brandy Collett of Cedar Town, Heather Southerland of Whitestone, Kristin Cassel of Dallas, GA., Lacie White of Jasper, four brothers, Ricky Southerland of Whitestone, Jeremy Cassel of Rockmart, James White 11 of Jasper, Mac Dodd of Jasper, several cousins, nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends also survive.

A memorial service will be held at a later date and will be announced. In lieu of flowers if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to help defray expenses in Kevin’s memory. A private family visitation was held on Saturday evening from 6-9:00 pm at the funeral home.

Mrs. Claire Cox Wilkie, age 87, of Blairsville, GA, passed into the eternal embrace of our Lord on Saturday, July 7, 2018. She was born at home, on June 6, 1931 in Atlanta, GA to the late Joseph Attaway & Clarice Jane McDonald Cox. After graduating high school she attended the University of Georgia, Where she met her late husband and love of her life James N. Wilkie. Claire was a talented author and beloved mother. She will be remembered by all who knew her, but especially missed by her son, Hugh M. Wilkie, as well as two nephews and their families.

Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville is honored to be serving the family

Mrs. Sally Lavada Wilson age 87 of Hatchet Creek Rd. Blairsville passed away peacefully on Friday June 22, 2018 in the Union County Nursing Home following an extended illness. Mrs. Wilson was born on June 19, 1931 in Union County, the daughter of the late John Dyer and the late Ida Nix Dyer. She was a native and lifelong resident of Union County. Lavada loved music, gardening and the piano. She was a loving and caring mother, sister and grandmother.  She was preceded in death by her first husband, Eugene Hood and her second husband, Rachel Wilson. Mrs. Wilson was a member of Pine Top Baptist Church.

Surviving Mrs. Wilson are two sons and daughters in law, Calvin and Kathy Hood of Blairsville, Max and Darla Hood of Blairsville, two sisters , Paulette Ramsey of Cumming, GA., Dorothy Dyer of Blairsville, four brothers and sisters in law,, Crett and Merlor Dyer, Lewis and Oline Dyer, Wayne and Veda Mae Dyer, Russell and Edith Dyer all of Blairsville, three grandchildren, Melissa and Casey Clark, Brandon and Katie Hood, Amy Hood, five great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday June 24, 2018 at 2:00 pm from the Mountain View Chapel with Rev. Danny White officiating. The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers, Danny Dyer, Scott Dyer, Kenny Dyer, Tim Dyer, Ricky Dyer and Casey Clark. Interment will follow in the Union Baptist Church Cemetery where she will rest next to her beloved husband, Eugene. The family will meet with friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 12-2:00 pm.

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

Mr. Hubert Bobby Owenby age 71 of Nottely Lake Cottages Blairsville passed away peacefully on Sunday June 10, 2018 in the North East GA Medical Braselton following an extended illness. Mr. Owenby was born on October 10, 1946 in Blairsville, GA., the son of the late Lee Owenby and the late Eddie Henderson Owenby. He was a native and lifelong resident of Union County. He was employed with the Union County Road Department for many years. He loved horses, trading on guns and knives. He was preceded in death by his wife, Brenda Underwood Owenby on October 10, 2010. Mr. Owenby was a member of Ivy Log Baptist Church.

Surviving Mr. Owenby are one brother and sister in law, Leon and Geraldine Ownbey of Murphy, one sister and brother in law, Marie and Arlin Worley of Blairsville, a special caregiver, Peggy King of Murphy, a special niece, Tammy Rogers of Blue Ridge, several other nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday June 13, 2018 at 5:30 pm from the Mountain View Chapel with Pastor Ray Potts officiating. Special music will be presented by Martha Davenport. The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers, Roger Owenby, Steve Worley, Clay Worley, Brandon Worley, Neil Griggs and Steve Colwell. Serving as honorary pallbearer will be Charles Hemphill. Interment will follow in the Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery where he will rest next to his beloved wife, Brenda. Flowers are accepted or if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to the Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery Fund in memory of Mr. Owenby. The family will meet with friends at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 3:30-5:30 pm.

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

Mr. David Randolph Rountree age 80 of Ridge Crest Drive Blairsville passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Sunday June 10, 2018 following an extended illness. Mr. Rountree was born on November 26, 1937 in Ft. Pierce, FL., the son of the late Randolph Rountree and the late Carolyn Bridges . He and his wife Joan owned and operated Rountree’s Pine Furniture in Blairsville for over twenty years. David was a loving husband, father, brother and grandfather. He loved his family dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents and also a sister, Ann. Mr. Rountree was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving Mr. Rountree are his loving wife and best friend of fifty years, Joan Clark Rountree of Blairsville, one daughter and son in law, Dawn and Jody Cook of Blairsville, one sister, Patricia Guettler of Blairsville, aunt, Frances Bridges of Blairsville, one granddaughter, Jessica and Steven Keen of Blairsville, one great grandchild, Blakely Keen, many other relatives and friends also survive.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday June 13, 2018 at 2:00 pm from the Confidence Methodist Church Cemetery with Rev. David Martin officiating. Flowers are accepted or if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to ontrackministries.org in memory of Mr. Rountree. The family will meet with friends at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 5-7:00 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

Mr. David Anthony “Hugo” Lance age 68 of Northside Drive Copperhill formerly of Blairsville passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday June 6, 2018 following a brief illness. Mr. Lance was born on October 7, 1949 in Copperhill, TN., the son of the late Vernon Hugo Lance and the late June Eileen Daily Lance. He was a veteran of the US Navy. Anthony loved cars and going to car shows, golfing and loved talking to people. He never met a stranger. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was preceded in death by his parents and also his grandparents, Thomas and Maude Lance and John Daily. Mr. Lance was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church.

Surviving Mr. Lance are his loving wife and best friend of fifteen years, Judy Mull Lance of Copperhill, one son, Kyle Lance of Blairsville, cousin, Patricia Glore, grandson, Abel Lance of Blairsville, many other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday June 10, 2018 at 2:00 pm from the Mountain View Chapel with Rev. Jerry Helton officiating. Interment will follow in the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery with the North GA Honor Guard conducting Military Honors. The family will meet with friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 12-2:00 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

Mr. John Thomas Langan age 73 of Chicory Drive West Blairsville formerly of Decatur, AL., passed away peacefully at his home on Monday June 4, 2018 following a brief illness. Mr. Langan was born no August 13, 1944 in Washington, DC., the son of the late Thomas Langan and the late Martha Strazik Langan. He was a veteran of the National Guard of the Vietnam War. John was a loving and caring father, brother and grandfather. He loved spending time with his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helen Katherine McGee Langan in 2015. John was of the Catholic faith.

Surviving Mr. Langan are two daughters and sons in law, Christine and Kent Andrews of Blairsville, Therese and Mark Powers of Minden, NV.,two sons and one daughter in law, Artie and Tammy Provost and Steve Provost all of Mountain Rest, SC., three brothers and sisters in law, Patrick and Terri Langan of Palm Coast, FL., Michael and Rosalin Langan of Boca Raton, FL., Thomas and Wendy Langan of Baltimore, MD., five grandchildren, Lauren and Jordan Andrews, Cole, Kellie and Tasean Provost, 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 the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in memory of Mr. Langan.

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

Graveside services for Robert Emory Green, Sr. 90 of Barwick, were held Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Rosewood Cemetery in Barwick, Georgia, the Rev. Elbert Channell officiating. He was born April 8, 1928 to the late Elery and Phoebie Green of Brooks County and was married to Bessie Mae Beaty on October 5, 1946 who also preceded hm in death. He was in the United States Army 2nd Infantry in Korea and had worked for Brooks County Packing Company in Maintenance before retiring. A member of Northside Baptist Church in Quitman, he was a life time resident of Barwick, and passed away on May 25, 2018 near his sons home at the Union Nursing Home in Blairsville. Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Robert Emory Jr and Alisa Lachelle Green of Blairsville, grandchildren, Mathew Jason Green, Jessica Lynn Green, Haley Lachelle Green and Haden Lee Green, brother, Teddy Lamar Green of Thomasville and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by siblings, Alvin Paul Green and Gwenell Sculley. In Lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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

John F. (Jack) Grashof, PhD

On May 13^th, Jack, 76 died peacefully at home surrounded by family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Barbara Grashof.

Jack was born in Rochester, NY, grew up in upstate New York and graduated from Nineveh High School. His family spent vacations cruising the Rideau Canal and the Finger Lakes.

Jack earned a BS and MS from Penn State, where he met and later married Joan Kammerman, then received his PhD from Michigan State.

He served in the U.S. Army as a first lieutenant at Fort Sam Houston for two years, after which he taught at Temple U. and became chairman of the Marketing Department. While at Temple, Jack, eager to learn new things, took flying lessons, and flew Joan from Philadelphia to Atlantic City and back.

After he married Joan, who loved the NJ shore, he took to salt water, so much so, that they bought a summer house in Brigantine, NJ, where many summers were spent and his first boats were bought, a Sunfish sailboat and power boats “Recess” and “Longer Recess”

Then he moved his family south where he was chairman of the Marketing Department at Georgia State and eventually retired from Kennesaw State.

While in Georgia, the adventuring continued. He and Joan learned to scuba dive and dove in the Atlantic and the Caribbean. And expanding the fishing life, he bought a 46’ sport fish, got his Captain’s license and charted the “Fishbox” with his son, Michael, out of Atlantic City and Florida. Next he and Joan took up RVing, bought two horses, and in their backyard built a barn with a pot-bellied stove, to keep the horses warm in the winter.

After his retirement, he and Joan became full time RVers for 10 years before returning to live in Blairsville where he was on the Vestry at St. Clare’s Episcopal Church and served as Treasurer for several years.

In their spare time they enjoyed cruising the Atlantic, Mediterranean and Caribbean with various cruise lines. And this spring, they checked cruising up the Mississippi off his bucket list.

He is survived by his wife, Joan, after 52+ years of marriage, a sister, Jill Anderson Brown (Syd), two sons Jeffrey (Kathy) and Michael (Teresa) and five precious grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, Jack would prefer donations to the St. Clare’s Episcopal Church Capital Campaign.

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

The Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville announces the death of Charles “Chuck” Raymond Amara, age 64, of Blairsville, Georgia, who passed away on Monday, May 7, 2018 at his home.

Mr. Amara was born September 2, 1953 in San Diego, California. He always had a knack for fixing things which led him to a career as a mobile RV Tech. For the last 15 years, he has supported the William Holland School of Lapidary Arts, taking care of their maintenance needs. Whether wood and metal, His artistic talent was obvious as he crafted the material with his hands. Mr. Amara enjoyed cooking and was known for the massive apple pies that would barely fit in the oven, but somehow still tasted like perfection. His family and his dogs meant the world to him. He was a collector of cars and enjoyed riding motorcycles. Mr. Amara was a member of Blairsville Church of the Nazarene.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory numerous friends and relatives: his mother, Elizabeth Pounds; his children, Charles Raymond Amara III (Julie) and Eric Breedlove (Allison); sister, Marie Grezeszak (Tony); brothers, Mike Amara (Sue) and Donny Amara (Kathy); and his grandchildren, Delia, Cheyenne, Anthony, Sophia, Angelo, and Lewis. Mr. Amara was preceded in death by his wife, Penny Godfrey Amara; father, Charles Raymond Amara, Sr.; and step-father, Phil Pounds.

No services are planned at this time.

Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory.

Mr. Jack Wallace Rusk age 77 of Pat Colwell Road, Blairsville passed away peacefully at the Chatuge Regional Nursing Home on Saturday April, 28 2018 following a brief illness. Jack was born on June 7, 1940 in Miami, Florida to the late Fred and Harriet Wallis Rusk. He had been a resident of Blairsville for 45 years moving here from Miami, Florida. Jack was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years Annie and a grandson Jared Harn. He enjoyed racing and building race cars, he also owned his own business, Rusk Drywall for many years. Jack was of the Baptist faith and loved the Lord.
Surviving Mr. Rusk are three sons Floyd and Martha Rusk of Gainesville Ga., Robert Rusk of Blairsville Ga, Steven and Cheryl Rusk of Blairsville Ga., one daughter Dorothy Ann Rusk of Florida two brothers, Jerry and Barbara Rusk of Blairsville Ga., John and Luba Rusk of Gainesville Ga., one sister Jean Murray of Blairsville Ga., 11 grand children and 9 great grandchildren many other relatives also survive.
A memorial service will be held at a later date and will be announced. The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations to help defray expenses.

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

Mrs. Dolores Padula Knight passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday April 26, 2018 following a long illness. Dolores was born on January 12, 1930 to the late Michael and Ina Patterson Padula in Philadelphia Pa. Dolores moved here from Florida full time in 2006 but was part time for many years. A lover of animals she was instrumental in starting an animal shelter in the Blairsville area. She enjoyed quilting  with the Misty Mountain Quilters Guild. She was both a quilt designer  and teacher.  She also owned her own   business called Dolores’s Quilt Shop.

Surviving Mrs. Knight are her husband of 65 years, Curtis , son Bryant Anderson of FL,  brother, Harry Padula of FL, grandchildren Lauren Anderson and Christian Anderson, both of FL, and numerous nieces and nephews and many wonderful friends.  In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Union County Humane Society in Mrs. Knight’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. Carl David Allen, age 85, of Blairsville, GA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 5, 2018 in the Union General Hospital following an extended illness. Mr. Allen was born on Dec. 25, 1932 in Nebo, LA, the son of the late Jim Dave Allen and the late Vera Thurmond Allen. He served in the US Army during the Korean War. Carl was the Mayor of Mt. Enterprise, TX for over eight years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge F&AM. He enjoyed restoring antique cars, gardening and fishing.  He was a loving father, brother, grandfather and great grandfather. Carl was a devoted believer in Christ.

Surviving Mr. Allen are two daughters and one son-in-law: Karen Naumann of El Paso, TX; Glenda and Donald Bryson of Chattanooga, TN; two sons and one daughter-in-law: James David Allen of Cushing, TX; Carl and Michelle Allen of Blairsville, GA; one sister and brother-in-law: Jean and Frank Wilson of Emerson, AR; one brother: Dalton Allen of Dallas, TX; eight grandchildren: Melissa Moon, John Misha, Julie Allen, Heather Bryson, Rebecca Spencer, Wes Bryson, Catey Allen and James Allen; eight great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and cherished friends.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at 3:00 pm at the Hamilton Memorial Gardens Cemetery on Hwy 153 in Chattanooga, TN, with the Rev. Donald Bryson officiating. The family will meet with friends at the Hamilton Memorial Gardens Mausoleum Chapel of Devotion on Saturday from 2:00-3:00 pm. Military Honors will be presented by the US Army.

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.mountainviewfuenralhome.com

Mrs. Anna Louise Henderson age 85 of Crane Creek Rd. Young Harris passed away peacefully on Thursday March 29, 2018 in the Union County Nursing Home following an extended illness. Mrs. Henderson was born on Oct. 7, 1932 in Hiawassee, GA., the daughter of the late Arthur Shook and the late Cloie Allison Shook. She was a native and lifelong resident of Towns County. Anna loved gardening, reading, feeding and watching her birds and growing flowers. Most of all she loved and cherished her family. She was a loving and caring mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother. She was preceded in death by her husband, Birl Henderson in 2010 and three brothers, Loman, Fred and Loyal Shook. Mrs. Henderson was a member of West Union Baptist Church.

Surviving Mrs. Henderson are three sons and one daughter in law, Harold and Frances Henderson, Gene Henderson and Kenneth Henderson, one daughter Debra Youngblood all of Young Harris, two sisters and brothers in law, Shirley and Hines Hooper of Young Harris, Edith and Wayne Tanner of Blairsville, one brother and sister in law, Clyde and Sandra Shook of Young Harris, nine grandchildren, Cameron (Christy) Henderson, Casey (Leah) Henderson, Brooke Henderson, Cody (Morgan) Henderson, Craig Henderson, Michele (Bud) O’Connell, Nathan Henderson, Derrick Youngblood, Andrea (Eric) Gibson, ten great grandchildren, one great grandchild, several nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday March 31, 2018 at 2:00 pm from the West Union Baptist Church with the Rev. Jerry Young officiating. Special music will be presented by Hailey Gibson and Spirit Blessed. The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers, Cameron, Casey, Cody, Craig and Nathan Henderson and Derrick Youngblood. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Mitchell Henderson and Eric Gibson. Interment will follow in the West Union Church Cemetery where she will rest next to her beloved husband Birl. The family will meet with friends on Friday evening from 6-9:00 pm at the West Union Baptist Church.

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