LINDSEY

MR. JOHNNY WAYNE LINDSEY, age 72 of Summerville, Georgia passed away, Thursday, June 29, 2023 at his residence. Mr. Lindsey was born in Rome, Georgia, November 15, 1950, son of the late Elbert and Ruth Abrams Lindsey. Johnny served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam Era. He was retired from Roper Corporation as a Forklift Operator and a member of New Generation Christian Church.

Surviving are his wife, Judy Lindsey; sons, Mark Lindsey and David Lindsey; brother, Jimmy Lindsey; grandchildren, Brandon Lindsey, Brianna Lindsey, Claire Lindsey and Chasity Fletcher; 4 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, July 3, 2023 at 2 p.m. from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Pastor Paul Winston and Pastor Gary Howell officiating, interment in the Summerville Cemetery. Active Pallbearers will be Ethan Hutchison, Colby Perkins, Scott Woodall, Randy Vaughn, Nate Culberson, and Cameron Culberson. The family will receive friends Monday, July 3, 2023 from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. at the Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

HURLEY

Mrs. Marceline Hurley, age 94, of Alcoa, Tennessee, formerly of Summerville, Georgia passed away Wednesday morning, June 28, 2023, in a Maryville, Tennessee Hospital.  She was born April 15, 1929, in Summerville, Georgia, daughter of the late Marion and Lucille Doster Mobbs.  She along with her husband Gene owned and operated the Hurley’s Grocery Stores in Summerville, Trion, and Fort Payne, Alabama, for many years.  Mrs. Hurley was the oldest member of the South Summerville Baptist Church.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Joyce Brown.

Surviving are her husband, Gene Hurley; daughters, Sherry Reeves and Cecelia Berry and son, David Hurley; grandchildren, Sean Reeves, Tisha Cox, Carrie Daniels, Marta Bridges; 3 great grandchildren; several Nieces and Nephews.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 1, 2023, at 3 p.m. from the South Summerville Baptist Church with Dr. Jerry Mahan and Dr. Gene Greer officiating, interment in the Summerville Cemetery. Active Pallbearers will be Philip Cox, Levi Cox, Matthew Cox, Sean Reeves and Connor Daniels.  The family will receive friends Saturday from 2 p.m. until the hour of service at the church.  The family respectfully requests no flowers.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

NICHOLSON

MR. RONALD (RON) NICHOLSON, age 80, of Summerville, Georgia, passed away Thursday, June 22, 2023, in a Rome hospital. Born in Atlanta, Georgia on March 31, 1943, He was a son of the late Robert and Shirley Hickman Nicholson. He was graduated from Trion High School in 1961, where He was the first band Drum Major for the Trion High Band. After graduation, He enlisted in the U. S. Navy and attended the Naval Conservatory of Music in Washington, D.C. After successfully completing His music studies was selected for the Admiral’s Tours in Central and South America. Due to the Cuban Missile crisis He was temporarily assigned to man the USS Canaberra, off the coast of Miami, 90 miles from Cuba. After being honorably discharged, Ron returned to Rome, Georgia, where he was the co-founder of The Gospel Brass. They traveled extensively, headlining with many famous gospel groups. After making many albums, they were regularly on Pat Robertson’s PTL 700 Club. He received a standing ovation, at the Grand Ole Opry, for His saxophone solo of How Great Thou Art. Most of Ron’s adult life was spent as a successful Grand Piano salesman for Yamaha Piano of California. He was well known in the industry, winning many awards, including trips to Italy, Hong Kong, China, New York, and California. After 43 years, Ron retired, in 2016, moving from Sarasota, Fl. to Summerville, Ga., with his wife, Jimmie Ann. He was Methodist by Faith and deeply loved his wife, children, and Family. In addition to Parents, He was preceded in death by a daughter, the late Victoria Lynn Tudor, grandparents, Henry & Eulalee Hickman, and brother-in-law, Bill Pierce.

Surviving are His wife, Jimmie Ann Bennett Nicholson; daughter, Angie R. Belsoe; sons, Ronald Adam Nicholson and Ronald Allen (Rusty) Nicholson, Jr.; sisters & brother-in-law, Patricia Nicholson Pierce and Frances Nicholson Pence (Frank); many Grandchildren, Nieces, and Nephews.

Funeral service will be held Sunday, June 25th, at 2:30 P.M. from Graveside in Greenhills Memory Garden with Kathy Worley officiating. Active Pallbearers are John Riley, Jimmy Riley, David Pence, Bob Wesson, Britt Carpenter, and Cody Young; Honorary Pallbearer, Nickolas Young. The Family will receive friends Sunday from 1 until 2:30 P.M. at Earle Rainwater Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Ronald (Ron) Nicholson, who passed away Thursday.

BATTLES

Mr. Gary Eugene Battles, age 61 of Lyerly, Georgia passed away Saturday, June 17, 2023, at his residence. He was born in Summerville, Georgia on April, 10, 1962, a son of the late Claude and Martha Ann Fuller Battles. Mr. Battles was employed with Patty Paving. He was preceded in death by a sister, the late Brenda Battles and brother, Jerry Battles.

Surviving are his companion, Jacqueline Newsome; step daughter, Shelly Maxey; brothers, Earl Battles, Terry Battles, Carlton Battles, and Bob Battles; sisters, Tina Battles, Doris Battles and Dorothy Battles; several Nieces and Nephews.

Memorial service will be held Saturday, June 24th, from the J.D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Pastor Gary Howell officiating. The family will receive friends at the Funeral Home Saturday from 10 until 11 A.M.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Gary Eugene Battles.

LOVE

MRS. MARGIE ANN HUSKEY LOVE, age 73, of South Cedar Street, Summerville, Georgia, passed away peacefully at home Saturday, June 17, 2023. She was born in Menlo, Georgia on March 9, 1950 to the late Robert Lee and Mildred Mountain Huskey. Mrs. Love was raised in Menlo, attended Chattooga High School, and graduated from Dalton Vocational School of Health Occupations as an L.P.N. Margie, known as “Maw” to her Granddaughters, will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, and loving grandmother. She loved her cat “Sassy and enjoyed cooking, traveling, reading, and watching westerns. In addition to Parents, She was preceded by her husband, the late Robert Lawrence Love, siblings, Charles William “Bill” Huskey, Tom Huskey (Pat), and Betty Marie Suits (Fred); brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, William Love, Ruth Coker, David Love, Dot Love, Patricia Love, and W. T. Tucker.

Surviving are daughter, Carla D. Love and granddaughters, Ann-Marie Love and Teresa Denise Love; special nephew, Steve and Leann Love; special sister-in-law Margie L. Love; brothers-in-law, Winston Love, Walter and Nell Love, Loice “Jenny” Tucker, Ben Love; special work friend, Annette Podschelne; a host of Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 3:00 P.M. from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Dr. Gene Greer and Pastor Undra C. Finley officiating, interment in Greenhills Memory Garden. Pallbearers are Steve Love, Channer Love, Mike Love, Carlton Love, David Meadows, Jeff Martin, Eddy Willingham, and Tom Evans. The Family will receive friends Wednesday from 1 until 3 P.M. at the Funeral Home. The Family thanks the nurses of Traditions Hospice of Dalton for their excellent care of Margie.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Margie Ann Huskey Love.

EDWARDS

Mr. Billy Leon Edwards, age 80, of Summerville, Georgia passed away Friday, June 16, 2023, peacefully at his home. He was born in Summerville, Georgia on February 5, 1943, to the late Duke Hamilton (Water Bill) Edwards and Ella Mae Padgett Edwards. Mr. Edwards was a Vietnam Veteran and was awarded two Bronze Star medals for meritorious service during conflict. He retired from ITT Automotive in Rome, Georgia where he worked for over 25 years.

Mr. Edwards was a devoted Christian who enjoyed reading his Bible and talking to others about his faith. As a Christ follower he believed that loving God, loving others, and loving his family were keys to an abundant life. He often gave his time, talents, and resources to help others in times of need. He was a member of South Summerville Baptist Church where he was ordained as a deacon. He sang in the church choir and enjoyed driving the church van and helping with the Awana program. He was a proud member of the Gideons International where one of his favorite ways to serve the Lord was passing out Gideon Bibles in schools and prisons. In his free time he enjoyed fishing, hunting for deals at Trade Day, and spending time with his family and his grandchildren. Mr. Edwards always had a bright smile and a kind word for everyone he met.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary Willingham Edwards and his children, daughter Jennifer Edwards; son and daughter-in-law Matthew and Angie Edwards; and daughter and son-in-law Mary Beth and Ben Housch; grandchildren Ella Claire Nicholson, Emmie Chambless, Reagan Edwards, Abigail Edwards, Josie Edwards, Noah Edwards, Mary Anna Bentley, Henry Housch and Lottie Housch; a brother and sister in law the late Johnny and Lynda Edwards, sister Dianne Gilliland, sister and brother-in-law Mary Frances and Richard White, sister Cindy Finster, and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Dewey and Martha Hughes. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 18th, 2023 from the South Summerville Baptist Church at 6PM with Dr. Gene Greer officiating.  The family will receive friends from 4PM until 6PM at the church. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gideons International or the Chattooga County Boys and Girls Club.

https://www.gideons.org/donate

To make a gift by phone, call toll-free 1-866-382-4253

or send to the address below:

The Gideons International Processing Center

P.O. Box 97251

Washington, DC 20090-7251

 

https://bgcgmw.kindful.com/ (Select Chattooga County Kidstock) or mail checks to: 

Boys and Girls Club PO Box 636 Summerville, GA 30747

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.

YOUNG

Mrs. Evelyn Lucille Young, age 90, of Trion, Georgia passed away Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at Oakview Nursing & Rehab. Mrs. Young was born September 9, 1932, daughter of the late Pruitt Obediah and Mable Spencer Worsham Broome. She worked as a Bank Officer for Regions Bank and was a member of the Pennville Church of Christ for many years. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, the late Joe Charles Young, Sr., a son, the late Joe Charles Young, Jr., and sister, the late Mary Frances Nicholson.

Surviving are her son, Randall (Beverly) Young; grandsons, Travis Young, Charles (Brittany) Young, Keith (Brandie) Young, Chance (Amber) Young, Luke (Tracey) Young, and Chesley Young; granddaughter, Joyanna (Andrew) Porterfield; daughter in law, Janice Young Espy; 13 great grandchildren; 2 great, great grandchild.

Funeral services will be held Monday, June 19, 2023 at 3 p.m. from the J.D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Rev. Robby Eversole officiating, interment in Greenhills Memory Garden. Active Pallbearers will be Travis Young, Charles Young, Keith Young, Chance Young, Luke Young and Chesley Young. The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. until the hour of service at the Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Evelyn Lucille Young who passed away Tuesday.

HENDERSON

Mr. Eddie Henderson, age 66 of Summerville passed away Wednesday evening June 14, 2023 in a Rome, Georgia Hospital. He was born February 22, 1957 in Lafayette, Georgia, son of the late William Edward and Sara Jane Barnette Henderson. Mr. Henderson was employed with the City of Summerville Fire Department for 25 years and a member of Pennville Christian Missionary Alliance. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, the late Donnie Henderson.

Surviving are his wife, Rita Henderson; daughters, Shannon (Terry) Cook, Melissa Henderson ( J.J. Owens), Fayla (James) Abernathy; 7 grandchildren; sisters, Lori Henderson and Marilyn Silvers; several nieces and nephews; special friend Fluffy.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, June 17, 2023, at 1:00 P.M. from the J.D. Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Rev. Ricky Biddle officiating, interment in West Hill Cemetery. Active Pallbearers will be Erick Brown, Tracy Maddux, Othell Stone, Alan Bryant, Tim Herrington, and Stanley Smith. Honorary Pallbearers will be all active and retired Firefighters of the City of Summerville Fire Department. The family will receive friends Friday evening, June 16th from 6 until 8 P.M. at the Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for Mr. Stephen Edward Henderson who passed away Wednesday.

PULLEN

Mr. Van Pullen, age 75, of Summerville, Georgia, passed away Monday, June 12, 2023, in a Rome Hospital. Native to Summerville, Georgia, he was born to the late Jodie Andrew and Sera Adams Pullen, on February 18, 1948. He was a retired manager for Bigelow-Sanford Mill and a member of Horizon Baptist Fellowship. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, the late Laura Allison Pullen.

Surviving are His wife, Phyllis Sherman Pullen; daughter, Andrea Pullen Ingram; grandchildren, Drew Pullen, Wil Ingram, and Allie Ingram; brother, Joe Tilden Pullen.

Funeral services will be held Friday, June 16th, at 2:00 p.m. from the Horizon Baptist Fellowship, with Pastor John Paul Harris officiating, interment in the Family plot of Summerville Cemetery. Active Pallbearers Greg Farrell, Scott Gayler, Drew Pullen, Jacob Bond, Jackson Bond, Shannon Roach, Wil Ingram, and Michael Kleeman. The Family will receive friends Friday from 1 until 2 p.m. at the Church. Flowers are excepted or contributions may be made to the Horizon Baptist Fellowship.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Van Pullen who passed away Monday.

HUNT

MRS. IRENE HUNT, age 91, of Summerville, Georgia, passed away Thursday, June 8, 2023, morning in a Rome Hospital. Native to Gore, Georgia, she was born to the late Leonard Edward and Eula Mae Hamilton Howard, on October 5, 1931. Mrs. Hunt was a member of Lyerly First Baptist Church and was formerly a Greeter for Walmart. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, the late James Hunt, a sister, the late Kathleene Reynolds, and brothers, the late Horace Howard and Lewis Howard. Surviving are daughter, Peggy Hunt (Hugh) Webb; sons, Winston (Sue) Hunt and Danny Hunt; seven Grandchildren, seventeen Great Grandchildren, several Nieces and Nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, June 11th at 2:00 p.m. from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Rev. Mike Odom officiating; Active Pallbearers, Terrance Davis, Avery Burbrink, Jackson Foust, Tony Hunt, Ryon Minter, Dylon Anderson, Colby Beach, Canan Anderson, and Mason Anderson, Interment in Lyerly Cemetery. The Family will receive friends Sunday from 1 until 2 p.m. at the Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Irene Hunt who passed away Thursday.

ORR

MR. JAMES EUGENE ORR, 85, passed away Thursday, June 1, 2023 in a Rome Georgia Senior Living Facility. He was born in Trion Georgia, April 17, 1938, son of the late Raymond Orr, Sr. and Gertrude Yates Orr. Mr. Orr served in the United States Army, was a member of the Pennville First Baptist Church, was employed with Lockheed Martin in Marietta, Georgia for a number of years as an Electronic Specialist, and did T.V. Repair.

Surviving are his wife, Pluma Alice Orr; son, Bobby Orr; three grandchildren, Alex Orr, Adam Orr, and Emma Orr; brother, Raymond Orr, Jr.; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, June 4, 2023 at 2 p.m. from the J.D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Rev. Terry Colbert officiating, interment in Greenhills Memorial Garden. 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. James Eugene Orr who passed away Thursday.

GREEN

MR. ALAN GREEN, age 80, of Green Road, Summerville, Georgia passed away Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at his residence, following an illness. A native Chattooga Countian, He was born on September 27, 1942, to the late Gordon Duncan and Ellen Lucille Worsham Green. Alan was a member of New Hope South Baptist Church and was retired accounting manager for Mount Vernon Mills. In addition to Parents, He was preceded in death by a sister, the late Martha Green Calhoun and brother, the late John Worsham Green.

Surviving are his Wife, Linda Shiver Green; Daughter, Angela Green Digsby; Sons, Marcus Alan Green and Michael Scott (Michelle) Green; Ten Grandchildren, Thirteen Great Grandchildren, several Nieces and Nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 1st, at 2:00 p.m. from the New Hope South Baptist Church with Rev. Kenny Roach, Rev. Bill Abercrombie, and Rev. John Worsham officiating, interment in the Church Cemetery. Active Pallbearers Cody Green, Landen Self, Avery Smith, Dwaine Morgan, Kevin Carr, and Brady Hebert; Honorary Pallbearers Adam Green, Dusty Toles, Ron Hill, James Archer, Cecil Reynolds, and Men of New Hope South Baptist Church. The Family will receive friends at Earle Rainwater Funeral Home, Wednesday from 6 until 8 p.m. and Thursday from 1 until 2 p.m. at the Church. The Family request no cemetery flowers and suggest cut flower or live plant arrangements.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Alan Green who passed away Tuesday.

CARTER

MR. HESTER CARTER, SR., age 81, of Ramey Street, Summerville, Georgia, passed away May 12, 2023, at his residence.

Surviving are children, Stacey Jones, Tracy Carter, and Teddy Carter; brother, Steve Carter.

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

HILL

Mr. Joe Hill, age 79 of Summerville, passed away Tuesday, May 23, 2023 in a Rome Nursing Facility. He was born in Alabama, February 28, 1944, son of the late Lawrence A. and Myrtle Walls Hill. He was employed as a team member in the Coater Department of Mohawk Industries.

Surviving are his daughter and son-in-law, Tonya and John Wayne Stowe; granddaughter, Kaitlin Montgomery; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Friday, May 26, 2023 at 2 p.m. from the Graveside with Rev. Larry Scoggins officiating. Interment in Summerville Cemetery. Active Pallbearers will be John Wayne Stowe, Dennis Bandy, Gregg Tanner, Logan Blevins, Scott Ballard and Billy Joe Dooley. Honorary Pallbearers will be Mr. Hill's nurses and the staff of Pruitt Healthcare. Visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. until 2 p.m. Friday at the Funeral Home. The family will accept flowers or contributions may be made to the Chattooga Boys & Girls Club at P.O. Box 636 Summerville, GA 30747.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Joe Hill who passed away Tuesday.

FLOYD

MRS. MARGARET JANE, “Miss Jane” FLOYD, age 76 of Summerville passed away Wednesday morning, May 17, 2023. She was born July 11, 1946 in Chattooga County, daughter of the late Johnnie C. and Gladys Searles Ivey. “Miss Jane” was self - employed and had a home daycare for many years and cared for multiple generations of children. She was a member of South Summerville Baptist Church for many years. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Matt Floyd; sister, Carolyn Spraggins and brother, Steve Ivey.

Surviving are her husband of 59 years, Mike Floyd; daughter, Terri Lynn Floyd; sons, Mickey (Stephanie) Floyd and Mark (Beth) Floyd; 11 grandchildren; daughter in law, Elena Floyd; sister, Debbie (Arnold) Kilgo; brother, Denny (Joan) Ivey; sister in law, Yvonne Ivey; several nieces and nephews also survive.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 11 a.m. from the South Summerville Baptist Church with Gene Greer officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the hour of service at the church.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Jane Floyd who passed away on Wednesday.

HINES

MR. ROBBY HINES, age 63 of Summerville passed away Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at a South Georgia Hospital. He was born on October 12, 1959 in Summerville, Georgia, son of the late Claude and Betty Rose Hines. He worked at Roper Corporation in assembly. In addition to his parents, Mr. Hines was preceded in death by a brother, Donnie Hines and a niece, Tonia Railey.

Surviving are his children, Adam Godfrey, Justin Ward, Robyn Hines (Michael Bean), Jacob Hines; sisters, Elizabeth Hall, Terry Hines, Linda Morgan, Christy Hines, Kimberly (John) Mincey; brother Jason Hines; several grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, May 21, 2023 at 2 p.m. from the J.D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Minister Hugh Glaze officiating. Interment will be in the Chapel Hill Cemetery. Active Pallbearers will be Dough Railey, Caine Railey, Michael Mincey, A.J. Strickland, Justin Ward and Donnie Smith. Visitation will be held Saturday, May 20, 2023 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for Mr. Robby Hines who passed away Wednesday.

HIMES

MRS. SANDRA JEAN HIMES, age 56, of Summerville, Georgia, passed away Monday, May 15, 2023, in a Rome hospital. Native of Atlanta, Georgia, She was born on June 9, 1966 to George and Judy Greer Miller, who survive. Mrs. Himes was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Rome.

Surviving are Her husband, Andy Himes; parents, George and Judy Miller; daughter, Jennifer Succardi; son, Michael Himes; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bob and Sandra Himes; sisters, Debbie Pruitt, Becky Williams, and Lori Himes; grandchildren, Isabella Succardi, Gabriella Succardi, Milana Succardi, Cayde Succardi, Katherine Himes, and Noah Himes, and Zoey Himes; several Nieces and Nephews also survive.

Funeral service will be held Friday, May 19th, at 2:00 P.M. from Graveside in Summerville Cemetery. Active Pallbearers Bob Himes, Kenny Davis, Mike Pruitt, Phillip Williams, Matt Himes and Abby White.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Sandra Jean Himes who died Monday.

IVEY

MR. STEVE WAYNE IVEY, age 73, of North Elizabeth Street, Summerville, Georgia, passed away May 13, 2023, in a Rome hospital. Born in Trion, Georgia on September 10, 1949, He was a son of the late Johnny and Gladys Searles Ivey. Mr. Ivey was a Veteran of the U. S. Army serving in the View Nam War, worked for Mohawk Industries in the Dye Department for 43 years, and attended the Perennial Springs Baptist Church. In addition to Parents, He was preceded in death by siblings, the late Carolyn Spraggins and Jane Floyd.

Surviving are His wife, Yvonne Ivey; daughter, Stephanie Ivey; step sons, Michael Mason and Cliff Griffith; grandchildren, Dakota Grey and Cheyenne Faulkner; great grandchildren, Aubrey Faulkner, Kaylie Faulkner; siblings and spouses, Debbie and Arnold Kilgo, Dennis and Joan Ivey, and Mike Floyd; several Nieces and Nephews also survive.

Memorial service will be held May 27th at 2:00 P.M. from the Perennial Springs Baptist Church, with Mr. Bobby Chisolm officiating; Military Honors will be rendered by American Legion Shanklin-Attaway Post #5.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

MURRAY

MR. NEIL MURRAY, age 79 of Trion Georgia, passed away Monday, May 15, 2023 in a Rome Hospital. Mr. Murray was born in Cleveland Tennessee on October 20, 1943, son of the late James Scott Murray, Sr. and Emma Burgess Murray. He was employed with Harriett – Henderson Mill for a number of years. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Henry Carl Murray, Kenneth Murray, and James Scott Murray, Jr.

Surviving are his daughter, Beverly (Randy) Young; son, Scott (Jannie) Murray; 9 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, 2 great, great grandchildren; sisters, Jois (Ted) Turner, Ann Murray, and Sandra Murray; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 12 Noon Eastern Standard Time from the Berea Church of Christ Cemetery of Gaylesville, Alabama with Minister Robby Eversole officiating. Interment to follow in the Berea Church of Christ Cemetery. Active Pallbearers will be Luke Young, Charles Young, Chance Young, Chesley Young, C.J. Murray, Dewayne Bynum, and Jeremy Worsham. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Staff & Residents of Oakview Nursing and Rehab.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for Mr. Neil Murray who passed away Monday.

WELCH

Retired local educator Reba Phillips Welch died April 28, 2023 after battling a number of chronic illnesses over the last several years, principally diabetes. She was the only child of Hall Watson Phillips and Kathleen Logan Phillips, both of whom descended from early settlers of Chattooga County and preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband of forty-five years, David E. Welch, a native of Cuthbert, GA. It was with great pride that Mrs. Welch was an active member of a number of heritage organizations including the Dames and Barons of the Magna Charta, Daughters of the Revolutionary War , Colonial Dames, The Mayflower Society, XVII Century, Daughters of the American Colonies, The Mayflower Society, Daughters of the War of 1812, The Continental Society Daughters of Indian Wars, Inc. and the United Daughters of the Confederacy. In addition, she held various officer positions throughout her memberships.

Mrs. Welch was known for her love of history and writing and her flamboyant teaching style. These characteristics formed her personality as she sought to make an indelible impression on her students, many of whom received local, state, and national recognition winning writing awards during her many years of teaching. “If I want students to write with passion, they must see in me a role model”. Mrs. Welch wrote numerous articles which were published locally as well as regionally and nationally. One of the nationally published articles focused on a local family, the Cleghorn, and its mausoleum situated in the Summerville Cemetery.

A product of Chattooga County Schools, Mrs. Welch attended the University of Alabama and Georgia State University earning several degrees. After a successful yet unfulfilling financial career, she became an educator at the age of 38 with the Cobb County School System. “I made my plans for a business based career, but God redirected my footsteps into education.” She remained in that capacity for thirteen years teaching English Language Arts , Social Studies, and Drama before returning to her beloved Chattooga County where she taught English/Language Arts an additional 13 years at Summerville Middle School before her retirement. Her greatest joy was staying connected to former students and seeing their successes in real life. At the time of her death, she had served as the Vice President of Programs for the Chattooga County Historical Society and overseen the annual Robert S. Baker Amateur Historian Essay Contest for many years. Prior to a decline in her health, Mrs. Welch had enjoyed belonging to the Chattooga Garden Club and spent as much time as possible enjoying the grounds of McCollum Manor which she and her husband purchased in 2006. They were particularly proud of the native azalea and rhododendron species which were added to the grounds in 2016. Art and music were very important to Mrs. Welch who spent over forty years supporting and attending the Atlanta Opera and Atlanta Ballet. She valued local art as well and volunteered at Paradise Gardens built by the legendary Howard Finster. She and her husband, Dave, were awarded the 2014 Paradise Garden Volunteers of the Year by the Paradise Garden Board and then Director Jordan Poole all of whom who worked tirelessly to renovate the gardens and showcase Reverend Finster’s work. Mrs. Welch was active in her church, St. Barnabas, in Trion, GA and she served as the Vestry Clerk for many years until her death.

She is survived by her husband of forty five years, David Welch and special cousins, Charles Logan, Kim Logan, Elaine and Emmett Miller, Logan Hall, Jeff Owings, and Jacqueline Shelley Hix and her sons of choice Adam Dawson and Timothy Hartline who cheerfully and willingly assisted Mrs. Welch on the grounds of McCollum Manor maintaining a Southeastern Blue Bird Trail, nurturing unusual plant species, and dispensing love and care to the estate’s peacocks and other assorted creatures, both feline and canine.

Funeral services will be held Friday, May 5, 2023 at 4 p.m. from St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Trion, Georgia with Rev. Dr. John Herring, of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church of Rome, officiating, burial following in the Phillips Family Plot in the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Active Pallbearers will be Stephen Strickland, Phil Dater, Robert McWhorter, John Bailey, Steve Groce and David Chandler. There will be a reception following services at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church given by The Marsh Chapter of D.A.R., The Chattooga County Historical Society and Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Visitation will be Thursday, May 4th from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Earle Rainwater Funeral Home. The family requests no flowers, but donations may be made to the local animal shelter.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Reba Phillips Welch.