DOWNES

MR. GLENN NASH DOWNES, age 85, of Summerville, Georgia, passed away Tuesday, January 16, 2024, in a Cartersville hospital. A native of Orlando, Florida, He was born on January 1, 1939, to the late Ransom Herbert Downes, Sr. and Juanita Blackwood Downes. Glenn previously was in the U. S. Marines Reserve, a retired Paramedic, EMT Instructor, Educator, and owner/manager of Downes & Daughters Properties. In addition to Parents, He was preceded in death by wife, the late Claire Downes, brothers, Donald Downes, Jr., and Ransom Downes, Jr., and a grandson, Evan Nash Young.

Surviving are daughters, Chrissie Downes, Laurel Downes Doster, and Cindy Young; sister, Jane Downes; bonus daughter, Caroline Camp Harris; honorary son, Randy Pierson; six Grandchildren and two Great Grandchildren.

Memorial service will be held Saturday, February 3rd; at 4:00 P.M. at the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Randy Pierson officiating. In lieu of flowers, the Family suggests donations be made to one of the following organizations:

Northwest Georgia EMS Systems, Inc.
c/o Will Pitt
623 Swanson Ridge Road
Chattanooga, TN.—37421

Mary Bulllard Law Enforcement Memorial Scholarship
c/o United Community Bank in Summerville.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Glenn Nash Downes who passed away January 16th.

WOODALL

Mr. Walton Benson Woodall, age 81 of Adairsville, Georgia passed away Wednesday, January 10, 2024. He was born in Summerville, Georgia, November 14, 1942, a son of the late William Arthur and Rhoda Lee McCullough Woodall. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, to whom he  married on February 24, 1967,  the late Anna Rea Johnson Woodall; sisters, Nola White, Emma Harrielson, Hattie Ruth Hammond, and brother, Johnny Woodall.  Benson served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, receiving the Purple Heart medal.  Mr. Woodall was a Truck Driver for David Smith Construction Company for several years.   He was Holiness by faith.

Surviving are his daughter and son-in-law, Rita (Lamon) Woodall Ware and son, Walton (Maria) Woodall II; sister,  Judy Westbrook; brother,  Jerry Mac Woodall; several Nieces and Nephews also survive.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, January 13th, at 2:00 p.m. from the J.D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Rev. Harold Helton and Family members officiating, interment in Ami Cemetery.  Active Pallbearers will be Rip Keef, Lanny Harrelson, Clint Woodall, Stan Wofford, Parks Westbrook, and Kalen Willingham. Visitation will be Saturday from noon until 2:00 p.m. at the Funeral Home.  The family requests no flowers.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Walton Benson Woodall who passed away Wednesday.

HAYES

  

            Mr. L. Vernon Hayes, age 97 of Summerville, Georgia, passed away Monday, December 25, 2023 at his residence.  He was born in Chattooga County on May 26, 1926, son of the late E. Cidney Hayes and Sally Walton Hayes.  Mr. Hayes was owner and operator of Hayes Muffler Shop for many years before retirement and Baptist by faith.   In addition to parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, the late Ruth Davenport Hayes; son, the late James V. Hayes and grandson, the late Matt Hayes.

 

            Surviving are his children, Thelma Hall and David McCullough, Kathy Jarrett and Mike Jarrett, Allen L. Hayes and Troyce Hayes; grandchildren, Jamie Rollins, Amanda Parker, Charlie Jarrett, Jeff Jarrett, Chris Jarrett, Jesse Hayes, and Lonnie Hayes; 14 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.

 

            Funeral Services will be held Thursday, December 28, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home, with Rev. Kenneth Jennings officiating; Graveside and interment at 3:00 P.M. in the New Antioch Cemetery, Blue Ridge, Georgia.  Active Pallbearers will be Charlie Jarrett, Jeff Jarrett, Chris Jarrett, Jesse Hayes, Lonnie Hayes, Ken Rollins, and Derek Parker.

 

            Visitation will be Thursday from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Earle Rainwater Funeral Home.  The family requests no flowers nor food, contributions may be made to the local food pantry in Mr. Hayes memory.

 

            Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. L. Vernon Hayes.

PRINCE

 Mr. Jerry Richard Prince, Sr., age 80, of Summerville, Georgia, died Monday, December 25, 2023 at his residence.  Mr. Prince was born October 29, 1943 in Summerville Georgia, son of the late Frank N. Prince, Sr. and Juanita Keith Prince.   He was a member of the Summerville United Methodist Church and served on several church boards.  The Prince Family owned and operated the Western Auto Associate Store in Summerville for over 40 years.  Prior to his retirement, he was employed by PFG Milton’s Food service in Oakwood, GA.  He loved boating with friends and woodworking.  He was preceded in death by his parents;  brothers, Frank N. Prince, Jr., and Ronald K. Prince;  two granddaughters, Erin Madison Prince and Jacklyn Elaine Allen.

 

            Survivors include his wife, Elaine Rollins Prince; son, Richard (Kristin) Prince; daughter, Martha (Bryant) Allen; son, John (Jennifer) Prince; grandchildren, J.R. (Angie) Prince, Lauren (Corey) Keith, Elizabeth Allen, Gracee Prince, Lora Prince, Nicholas Prince and four great grandchildren.

 

            Funeral Services will be held Friday, December 29^th at 2:00 p.m. from the J.D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Rev. J. Wesley Privett and Rev. Larry Rollins officiating, interment in Smith Chapel Cemetery, Ringgold, GA.  Active Pallbearers J.R. Prince, Nicholas Prince, William Crouch, Randy Pauley, Steve Weaver, and Ben Housch; Honorary Pallbearers, Jim Woodard, Phil Cavin, Carlton Andrews, Jerry Willingham, Ralph Wright, Lefty Norton and Milford Morgan.  The Family will receive friends at the Funeral Home, Friday from 12 p.m. until the hour of service.  The family requests no flowers and suggest contributions to the Summerville United Methodist Church or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

 

 

            Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Jerry Richard Prince, Sr. who passed away Monday.

 

 

BICE

MR. ROLAND LEE BICE, SR., age 75, of Lily Lane, Summerville, Georgia, passed away Sunday evening, December 24, 2023, at his residence following an extended illness. Mr. Bice was born on January 17, 1948, a son of the late Frank Bice, Sr. and Velma Mae Bundrum Bice. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, the late Debbie Sue Colbert,  brothers, the late Frank Bice, Jr., Leonard Fay Bice, Richard Lamar Bice, and Terry Lee Bice. Mr. Bice was retired from the pulpwood industry and wood working.

Surviving are his wife, Sue Bice; children, Roland Bice, Jr., Ronald Bice, Janie Youngblood, and Mary Ann York; sister, Cindy Williams; brothers, Danny Ray Bice and Billy Joe Bice; several Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, Nieces and Nephews also survive.

At Mr. Bice’s wishes, He will be cremated.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Roland Lee Bice, Sr.

HURLEY

     MRS. CAROLYN JEAN HURLEY, age 75, of Hunter Street, Summerville, Georgia, passed away Friday, December 22, 2023, at her residence.  She was born on August 16, 1948, a daughter of the late Henry Milton “Milt” Jones, Sr. and Foye R. Jones.  She was employed by Oakview Nursing & Rehab Center and Jim’s Restaurant for many years.  In addition to Parents, She was preceded in death by her husband, the late Billy Hurley, and brothers, the late Milton “J.R.” Jones and Billy Glenn Jones.

 

   Surviving are daughter and son-in-law, Lynn Gorham & Adam Gorham; grandson & granddaughter-in-law, Vincent Hix and Emily Jones Hix; granddaughter, Kinsley Gorham & Brier Carter; grand fur babies, Quinn, Amora, Rosco, and Sadie.

 

        Funeral services will be held Thursday at 3:00 P.M. from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home, with Mr. Stacey Evans officiating, interment in Perennial Springs Cemetery,  Active Pallbearers, Adam Gorham, Brier Carter, Preston Carter, Ashton Goodson, Troy Oehlson; Honorary Pallbearers Lois Reed, Brittany Pressnell, Beverly Pair, Wendy Ash, Diane Mountain, Chera Allison, Grant Burkhalter, Penny Ammons, Tammy Cantrell, Pam Henderson, Chad Campbell, Spencer Dial, Riley Jackson, Carmon Rich, Terri Young, Crystal Smith Ely, Angie Hughes, Stacy Dial, and Stacy Herod.  Visitation will be Thursday from 1 P.M. until the hour of service.

 

            Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Carolyn Jean Hurley.

HOLT

MR. DONALD VERNON HOLT, age 86, of Jenkins Gap Road, Summerville, Georgia, Gore Community, passed away Sunday morning at His residence, following an illness. A native of Gore, Mr. Holt was born to the late James Thomas and Della Mae Allen Holt, on October 16, 1937; He was Baptist by Faith, a Farmer, and also worked in the carpet industry. In addition to Parents, He is preceded in death by a sister, the late Shirley Mae Maxey and brother and sister-in-law, the late James T. & Frances Maxey Holt.

Surviving are sister, Bobbie Jones; and great nephew, Landon Taylor; several Nieces and Nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 14th, at 1:00 P.M. from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Rev. David Holt and Pastor Greg Montgomery officiating, interment in Bethel Presbyterian Cemetery. Active Pallbearers Steve Anderson, Danny Pierce, Alan Maxey, John Riley, Landon Taylor, and Terry Williams. The Family will receive friends at the Funeral Home, Wednesday from 6 until 8 P.M.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Donald Vernon Holt, who passed away Sunday.

MCLEOD

Margaret Dillard McLeod of Trion, Georgia, passed away December 3, 2023, at Oakview in Summerville. Born May 27, 1937, to Senior and Mattie Dillard of Trion, she was married for 66 years to her high school sweetheart Charles Arvel McLeod, Sr. A retired caseworker for Floyd County, Mrs. McLeod was a member of Trion United Methodist Church. She worked with the Trion Alumni Association for several years as treasurer. Her favorite part of her work with the Alumni Association was being able to send scholarship checks to Trion graduates because she believed so strongly in the value of education.

Mrs. McLeod is survived by her children Cynthia Anne McLeod (Don Highfield), Charles Arvel McLeod, Jr. (Lisa), and Keith Arlin McLeod. She was predeceased by her husband, Charles McLeod, Sr., and their son John Andrew McLeod (Cheryl).

Survivors include grandchildren Andrea McLeod (Victor), Lauren McLeod, Nicholas Van Pelt, and Kathleen Van Pelt Davis (Spencer) and great-grandchildren Kaedance, Ameri, and Andrew Van Pelt, Kai McLeod, Emmaline Gibson, Holder Davis, and Grady Davis, as well as nieces, nephews, and many cousins. The family wishes to thank the nurses and all the staff at Oakview Health and Rehabilitation. The care they provided during her stay in Memory Care and hospice was always kind and professional. The family also asks that in lieu of flowers, friends donate to the scholarship fund of the Trion Bulldog Alumni Association at PO Box 295, Trion, GA 30753.

LUALLEN

 MRS. JANICE M. LUALLEN, age 75, of Summerville, Georgia, passed away Wednesday evening, November 29, 2023, in a Rome hospital. She was born in Summerville, Georgia on April 17, 1948, a daughter of the late Roy T. and Alma Carter Bryant; she was a Homemaker. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, the late Barbara Bryant.

Surviving are Husband, Larry Luallen; daughter, Tine Marie Luallen; son, Tim Luallen; grandchildren, Jade Starkey, Jessie Loggins, Jerry Luallen, Emily Amanda Luallen Ratliff, Cole Luallen; great grandchildren, Jocie Rubi and Jaxton Rubi; sisters, Tressia Bryant, Charlotte Bryant, Kay Bryant, Marie Bryant, Darlene Bryant; brothers, Junior Bryant, William Bryant, and Rickey Bryant; several Nieces and Nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, December 3rd, at 2:00 P.M. from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Earle Rainwater officiating, interment in Lyerly Cemetery. Active Pallbearers Anky Fulmer, Troy Oehlson, Howard Slicker, Yandell Ratliff, Sloan Johnson, and Dean Cornett; Honorary Pallbearers Adam Reagan, Bobby Edgeworth, Allen Barnes, and Larry Edgeworth. The Family will receive friends Saturday from 6 until 8 P.M. at the Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Janice M. Luallen, who passed away Wednesday.

UPTAIN

MR. DONALD LEE UPTAIN, age 61, of Leesburg, Alabama, formerly of Chattooga County, passed away Saturday morning, November 25, 2023, in a Rome hospital. He was born in Rome, Georgia on May 3, 1962, a son of the late Richard and Elizabeth Louise Rutledge Uptain. Mr. Uptain was retired supervisor for Mohawk Industries. In addition to Parents, He was preceded in death by a brother, the late Gary “Julio” Uptain and grandparents, the late Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Rutledge.

Surviving are wife, Christy Uptain; sons Kevin Uptain (Kristy Kincade), Wesley Uptain, and Joseph Uptain; daughter, Tasha Corntassle; sister Melanie Wooten; several Grandchildren, Nieces, and Nephews.

A Memorial service will be held at a later date.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

BAKER

MR. C. S. “STEVE” BAKER, owner of Prime Realty, Summerville, Georgia, passed away November 23, 2023 and has gone to be with his parents, Carl Cameron and Hazel Hankins Baker, Aunt Helen and Uncle Paul Arden, and special friends Jack Allen and Gary McConnell.

He is survived by children, Kellie Baker Thomas (Mikel), Ezekiel Montraville Baker, and their mother, Angela Amos; sister, Carole Baker Hayes (Davis), cousin, Paula Arden; grandchildren, Charleston and Layla Baker; special friend, Kay Gamble; secretary, Cathy Brown; special young men, Lance Bennett, Landon Bryant, Darren Mitchell, Lane Warren, and Donovan Whaley.

The Family will receive friends at Earle Rainwater Funeral Home Saturday, December 2nd, from 1 until 3 P.M. Private Memorial ceremony will be held at Ami Cemetery at a later date.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. C. S. “Steve” Baker who passed away November 23, 2023.

HAYGOOD

Mrs. Joyce Laquita Haygood, age 82 of Summerville, Georgia passed away Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at her residence. She was born April, 24, 1941, daughter of the late L. D. and Frances Armstrong Barksdale. She was employed as a Nursing Aid for Oakview Nursing and Rehab and a member of Berryton Bible Mission. In addition to her parents, was preceded in death by husband, the late John Haygood, Jr. and son, the late Michael Haygood.

Surviving are her daughters, Tina Pickle and Tyra Bennett; sons, Gerald Haygood, Keith Haygood and Scott Haygood; sister, Sandra Ivey; brother, Rev. Charles Barksdale; several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, November 26, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. from the J.D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Pastor Larry Reynolds and Rev. Charles Barksdale officiating, interment in West Hill Cemetery. Active Pallbearers will be Samuel Rutledge, Dakota Lewis, Andrew Bennett, Tristyn Haygood, Jessie Pickle, and Jeff Holcomb. Honorary Pallbearers, Jerry Bennett, Spencer Reed, Jonathan Rutledge, Pam Millican. The family will receive friends Saturday, November 25th, from 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. at the Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Joyce Laquita Haygood, who passed away on Wednesday.

WILSON

  MR. NELSON LEE WILSON, age 73, passed away Saturday evening, November 18, 2023, in a Chattanooga Hospital.  He was born to Warner Edwin and Edith Nancy Wales Wilson on July 9, 1950 at Dr. Lawrence’s Clinic in Menlo, Georgia.  He was named after both his Grandfathers. He always said he had a wonderful childhood growing up in the Menlo area.  Mr. Wilson was very artistic, with a talent for music and artwork.  He really loved to sing every chance available. Nelson met Brenda on a Sunday, when he went to her church to visit.  The lasting memory of him working his way down to the front and Brenda looking over her songbook at him, was reminisced quite often.  It was love at first sight and they married in that church on July 15, 1972 and celebrated a wonderful and happy 51 years together.  They had a big and loving family and all the kids loved him.  He was always doing fun things with them, taking them to the park, pool, & etc.  He was always very good at telling jokes; his many nieces and nephews remember him being so much fun.  Nelson served eight years in the Army Reserves with the 209^th Communications Unit.  He worked a short time with Double A Radio in Cedartown, GA.  He started with Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph in 1972; eventually retired from the State of Georgia Department of Public Safety, where he worked as license examiner, GA. State Patrol dispatcher, and weight station examiner. He was a member of New Antioch Baptist Church.  In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by sister, the late Nancy Wilson Smith, brother-in-law Bobby McDaniel, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joe B. and Martha Gaines, grandsons, Brendon and Preston Adams, great granddaughter, Joselyn Phibbs and niece, Amber McDaniel.

 

            Survived by loving wife, Brenda Gaines Wilson; daughters and spouses, Cynthia and Nick Swords and April and Derek Adams; grandchildren Kayla (Lance), Caitlin (Jamison), Aleigha, and Scottie Satterfield, and Dylan and Levi Adams; great grandchildren, Lilah Gazaway, Parker and Paxton Phibbs; sister, Sheryl Wilson McDaniel; brother, Edwin and Martha Wilson; brother-in-law, Lawrence Smith; brother-in-law and spouse, Pat and Karen Gaines; several Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins.

 

            Funeral services will be held Sunday, November 26^th, at 2:30 p.m. from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Rev. Harold Helton and Rev. Dewayne Teague officiating, interment in Summerville Cemetery.  Active Pallbearers, Levi Adams, Dylan Adams, Scottie Satterfield, Ethan Gaines, Jeffrey Wilson, and Chandler Ammons.  Honorary Pallbearers, members of New Antioch Baptist Church, all former co-workers of the Georgia Department  of Public Safety.  The family will receive friends Sunday, November 26^th, from 1:00 until 2:30 p.m. at the Funeral Home.

 

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Nelson Lee Wilson who passed away Saturday, November 18^th.

 

 

LEDFORD

MRS. FRANCES KELLETT LEDFORD, age 88, of Summerville, Georgia, passed away, peacefully, Sunday evening, October 29, 2023, at her residence. A native of Summerville, Georgia, She was a daughter of the late Judson L. and Minnie Gass Kellett. Mrs. Ledford was a member of the Summerville First Baptist Church and the Fidelis Sunday School Class. She was customer service representative for Georgia Power Company, retiring after 34 years of service. In addition to Parents, was preceded in death by Her husband, the late Frank Ledford.

Surviving are son, Frank Coleman Ledford; grandchildren, Frances Lewis and Frank Judson Ledford; great granddaughter, Callista Rose Butner; great grandson, Elijah Joe Butner.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 4th, at 2:00 P.M. from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Dr. Paul Mason officiating, interment in Summerville Cemetery. Active Pallbearers, Landon Wesson, Davin Meadows, Kristy Hall, Roger Tapp, Ricky Kellett, Jason Lewis, Judson Ledford, and Gary Floyd; Honorary Pallbearers, Aleta Kellett, Kyle Kellett and the Fidelis Sunday School Class of Summerville First Baptist Church. The Family will receive friends Saturday from 12 noon until 2:00 P.M. at the Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Frances Kellett Ledford.

HAMPTON

MR. JAMES LEON HAMPTON, age 62, of L. M. Thomas, Jr. Road, Summerville, Georgia, passed away early Thursday morning, October 26, 2023, at his residence. Mr. Hampton was born in Tampa, Florida on September 14, 1961 to the late James C. and Girthie Louise Cooper Hampton. He was a Farmer and Holiness by Faith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a half brother, the late Pete Hampton.

Surviving are his wife, Vickie Hampton; son, James Barnaby Hampton; several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral service will be held Friday, October 27th, at 2:30 p.m. from Graveside in Lyerly Cemetery with Rev. Harold Helton officiating. Active Pallbearers Michael Herring, Jason Herring, Kenneth Cooper, Roger Womack, Tony Long, and Mike Deaver. The family will receive friends at the Funeral Home Friday from 12 noon until 2:00 p.m.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. James Leon Hampton who passed away Thursday morning.

STEPHENSON

     MRS. BETTY MITCHELL STEPHENSON, age 95, of HWY #114, Summerville, Georgia, passed away Monday morning, October 24, 2023, in the local nursing home. She was born on September 16, 1928 in Gwinnett County, Georgia, to the late Doyle and Lillie B. Youngblood Mitchell. Betty taught at Chattooga High School for 31 years. She loved seeing former students and took great pride in remembering most of her students’ names and hearing about their lives.

     After retirement she was asked if she would like to substitute but she politely declined.  She had a new adventure awaiting her that June in the form of her first grandchild and three years later her second grand. Many years later she became a great grandmother to two and they were the light of her life.
Betty had a loving community in her school family and long lasting friendships with many of her fellow teachers.  One of their favorite pastimes for many years was playing bridge, whether it was a get together with a table of four or the more serious bridge party of three tables with snacks served on china and tea served in crystal goblets.  Betty loved visiting with family and having family visit her, including her granddog.  In her later years, with declining health, Betty was lovingly cared for in her home by Laura and Mike who saw to all her needs.  Special thanks to Sharon Timmons for her loving care to mother for many years.  Thank you to the RN’s and CNA’s on C Hall at Oakview for the kindness and care shown to mother the past 8 months.  In addition to her parents, She was preceded in death by her husband, the late Joe Kellett Stephenson on November 17, 1967.  She was a member of The Summerville First Baptist Church.

     Surviving are daughters, Laura J. Stephenson (Mike Head) and Lynn (Richard) Thigpen; sister, Ann (Jack) Bagwell; brother-in-law, Bill (Carolyn) Stephenson; grandchildren, Joseph (Bre) Thigpen and Kelly Thigpen; great grandchildren, Eli Thigpen and Lila Thigpen; several Nieces and Nephews also survive.

     Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 28th, at 2:00 P.M. from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Rev. Steve Peppers officiating, interment in the Family plot of Summerville Cemetery.  The Family will receive friends Saturday from 12 noon until 2 P.M. at the Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Betty Mitchell Stephenson who passed away Monday.

REECE

MR. ROBERT BLANE (BAMA) REECE, age 61, of Virginia Drive, Summerville, Georgia, passed away Monday, October 16, 2023, following an illness. Mr. Reece was born on October 1, 1962 in Fort Payne, Alabama to the late Robert Lee Reece and Linda Ruth Blake Reece. He was a member of the 1980 Graduating Class of Chattooga High School, a member of the Just Us Band, and a very devoted ALABAMA Fan. He was the Property Manager for Martin Real Estate.

Surviving are daughter, Mackenzie Reece; son and daughter-in-law, Cory and Jessica Reece; companion, Susan Reece; grandchildren, Easton Reece, Brylee Reece, Colt Reece; sister and brother-in-law, Marty and Jimmy Lowery; several Aunts and Cousins also survive.

In keeping with Robert’s wishes, he will be cremated, there will be no formal service.

RAGLAND

MR. HAROLD D. RAGLAND, age 83, of Lyerly, Georgia, passed away Monday morning, October 16, 2023, in a Rome hospital, following a sudden attack. He was born January 15, 1940, a son of the late Benjamin Hill and Evelyn Nadine-Crawford Ragland. Mr. Ragland was a Veteran of the U.S. Army, retired Water Superintendent for the City of Lyerly and a member of the Lyerly First Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings the late L. D. Ragland, Wilburn Ragland and Clyde Ragland.

Surviving are his wife, Jan Ragland; sons, Britt (Missy) Ragland and Shane (Jennifer) Ragland; sister, Betty Joyce Rackley; grandchildren, Kennedi Wilson, Alexa Ragland, Carsen Ragland, Evan Ragland, Blaine Ragland, and Bella Ragland; several Nieces and Nephews also survive.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, October 19th, at 2:30 p.m. from the Lyerly First Baptist Church with Rev. Richard McGinnis, Dr. James Baird, and Mr. Brad Edwards officiating, interment in the Lyerly Cemetery. Active Pallbearers will be Roger Bryant, David Hall, Jimmy Taylor, Jonathan Campbell, Blaine Ragland, and Evan Ragland; Honorary Pallbearers, Terry Godfrey, Greg Shaw, Gary Gordon, Rick Hammonds, Brad Edwards, Joe Reed, and John Leeper. The family will receive friends Thursday at the church from 12:30 p.m. until the hour of service. The family requests no flowers and suggest contributions to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the Lyerly Cemetery.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Harold Dean Ragland.

SIMS

MRS. KATHY HAWKINS SIMS, age 60 of Kennesaw Georgia, formerly of Cloudland, passed away, Wednesday, October 11, 2023, in a Marietta Hospital. Born in Summerville, Georgia on January 21, 1963, she was daughter of late Robert Hugh and Ava Catherine Gorham Hawkins. Kathy was Senior Vice President of Product Development for Strategic Link Consulting.

Surviving are her husband, Tim Sims; sons, Alex Sims and Andrew Sims; grandson, Colton Sims; brother, Michael (Tracy) Hawkins; special friends, Jensen Brink and Ashlyn Walker; aunt, Estelle Johnson; several Nieces and Nephews also survive.

Graveside service will be held Sunday, October 15th, at 2:30 p.m. from Cloudland Presbyterian Cemetery with Dr. Jeff Alverson officiating. Active Pallbearers will be Alex Sims, Jeremy Sims, Arnold Sims, Jeffrey Gorham, Mark Wofford and Steve Wofford. The family will receive friends Sunday from 1 until 2 p.m. at Earle Rainwater Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Kathy Hawkins Sims.

GORHAM

MR. GARVIN RAY GORHAM, age 86 formerly of Summerville, Georgia/Fort Payne, Alabama passed away in a Collinsville, Alabama Nursing Facility Thursday, October 5, 2023. He was born in Crossville, Alabama on September 24, 1937, son to the late William McKinley and Ida Wisner Gorham. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Teague Gorham and several brothers and sisters. He founded and served as Owner and Operator of the Gorham Hosiery Mill in Fort Payne and Gaylesville, Alabama and was Baptist by faith.

Surviving are his sons, Jeff (Mechelle) Gorham and Tony Gorham; grandchildren, Alisha (Tommy) Stephens, Tiffany (Brett) Johnson and Emily (Chad) Smith; 5 great grandchildren; sister, Estelle Johnson.

Funeral Services will be held Sunday, October 8, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. from the J.D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Rev. Mickey Skates officiating, interment in Summerville Cemetery. Active Pallbearers will be David McGuire, Tony Burt, Michael Hawkins, Tommy Stephens, Chris Henderson, and Brett Johnson. The family will receive friends Sunday from 1 p.m. until the hour of service at the Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Garvin Ray Gorham who passed away Thursday.