Roy Dean Dickerson, age 63 passed away on August 28,2019. Roy was born in Rabun County and lived
most of his life in Clayton. He was the Son of Edward Wayne Dickerson And Mary Jane Dickerson, who
preceded him in death. He was a Member of Wolffork Baptist Church. Surviving are his son Wayne,
daughter, Katherine, brothers Ronnie and David, sisters Donna and Debbie and several nieces and
nephews. Visitation will be Sunday, September 1 , at 2 p.m. at Wolffork Baptist Church, followed by the
funeral at 3 p.m.. The Reverend Madison McCrackin will officiate.

Roger Harold Thompson, 81, of the Betty’s Creek Community in Rabun Gap, Ga passed away early Tuesday morning August 27, 2019 at his home with his family. The world lost an incredible man who cared so deeply for his family and others. He was born in Clayton, Ga on November 8, 1937.
He was the son of the late Chester and Margie York of Clayton, Ga and the late Roy and Zela Buchanan of Michigan.
Over the years, he worked for Clyde Ramey at his gas station, which he enjoyed very much. He was also employed by Tudor and Yager Phone Company as well as Simon Speed clearing right-of-ways for Georgia Power. He worked for 27 years at Burlington Industries and 10 years at Fruit of the Loom as a dryer operator. He was also employed at two different Family Dollar stores.
He loved talking about making and hauling moonshine. He was an avid hunter in his younger years and loved fishing in local lakes and streams especially Lake Burton. He enjoyed watching NASCAR races, especially the drivers Bill Elliott, Richard Petty, Neil Bonnett, and more recently Chase Elliott. He also enjoyed working on rebuilding his Ford truck. He loved being outdoors working and keeping up his family land. Above all else, he loved his family, children, and grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lorene, of Rabun Gap, his daughter, Myra Sullivan (Jim), of Rabun Gap, and his son, Tim Thompson, of Rabun Gap. He was a loving Papaw to his three grandchildren, Cody, Sarah, and Savanna Sullivan of Rabun Gap. He is also survived by his brothers, N.C. York of Clayton, Ga, Randy Buchanan of White Lake, Michigan, and Mike Buchanan of Washington, Utah. He was preceded in death by his brothers John Buchanan of Davisburg, Michigan and Ronnie Buchanan of Mio, Michigan. He is survived by his sisters Wanda York Hutchison of Clayton, Ga and Maxine Hale of Lapeer, Michigan. He is also survived by his special cousins Tommy and Freddie Crane of Clayton, Ga who were like brothers to him as well as by his beloved Uncle Kermit Thompson and Aunt Lenora “Tootsie” Crane. He had many special nieces and nephews who he loved very much.
His body will be cremated and his ashes will be spread at a later date in a location that was very special to him. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday August 31st at The Persimmon Baptist Church Fellowship Hall on Persimmon Road in Clayton, Ga at 11 am conducted by Kermit Thompson and Mickey Justice, as per his wishes, immediately following the service there will be food and fellowship. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate in his name to the MDS Foundation, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, or the Sid Weber Memorial Cancer Fund. If at all possible or able please donate blood in his name so that others can be helped as he was. He very much appreciated all the people that donated their blood so that he could receive the many transfusions he needed.
The family is at the home on High Darnell Road in Rabun Gap, Ga. Hunter Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements

An on-line obituary and guest register is available at www.hunterfuneralhomega.com

Betty Lou Bissell, 95, passed peacefully and into the presence of the Lord, on Monday, August 26th, 2019.

Although Betty was a resident of Peachtree City, Georgia, since 1997, she would always say that Vienna, West Virginia was her true home, with her beloved and belated husband, Ronald “Ed” Bissell, for 50 years. Betty was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Betty Ellen (Fowler) and Jesse Bleckley. She grew up during the Depression years and learned what sacrifice truly meant. She passed on to her children to be strong, faithful to God, and to live by the golden rule. Even though she worked outside the home, she always put family first. Betty was a member of Line Creek Baptist Church in Newnan, Georgia.

She is survived by two sons, David C. (Debbie) Bissell of St. Augustine, FL and Larry E. (Brenda) Bissell of Jasper, GA; two daughters, Carol A. (John) Jensen of Fayetteville, GA and Peggy S. (Tom) Timmer of Conway, South Carolina; eight grandchildren, David J. Bissell, Scott Bissell, Angela Trites, Brian Bissell, Eric Bissell, Kevin Jensen, Stephen Jensen, and Jim Jensen; and five great grandchildren. We will miss her dearly.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at 3:00 PM at the Chapel of Mowell Funeral Home, Peachtree City. The family will receive visitors at 1:00 PM, prior to the service.

Burial will be at Antioch Methodist Church Cemetery in Clayton, Georgia conducted by Rev. James E. Turpen on Thursday, August 29th, 2019, at 3:00pm. Visitation will be 1-2pm at Hunter Funeral Home in Clayton, Georgia.

Hunter Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements and Mowell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements in Peachtree City.

An on-line obituary and register is available at www.hunterfuneralhomega.com

Emmit Pickens Wood was born August 30, 1929 in Whittier, NC to the late Claude L. and Emma W. Wood. He died peacefully at his home in Scaly Mountain on August 24, 2019. For more than 60 years, he was an active member of the Scaly Mountain Church of God where he served as Sunday School Superintendent and Choir Director. He enjoyed singing, playing guitar and other instruments. He served with the Church of God Men of Action who helped with several projects, including building churches across the United States. His favorite state was Alaska where he was involved with many projects. He was named, “Layman of the Year” by the denomination.

Mr. Wood retired from King Mountain Club where he had served as manager. He was a member and chaplain of the Sky Valley-Scaly Mountain Volunteer Fire Department until his retirement. He was also a member of the Electric Co-op Board for over 30 years. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and friends and was privileged to see many places.

Emmit was a Christian gentleman who served God, a devoted husband and father who loved his family. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joyce McDonald Wood; three children: Eddie (Andrea) of Madisonville, TN; Kim Ruff (Randy) of Rock Hill, SC; Tamra Talley (Clay) of Scaly Mountain, NC; five grandchildren: Shane Wood of Loudon, TN, Tanya Datson of Vonore, TN, Kristy Plemmons, of Madisonville, TN, Wade Ruff, of Spartanburg, SC; Rebecca Ruff, of Denver, CO; five great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews. He is also survived by one brother, Lawrence Wood of Brevard, NC, four sisters: Hazel Miller of Scaly Mountain, NC; Oleta Rogers of Asheville, NC; Ruth Keever and Judy Reece of Whittier, NC. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers: Vernon and Earl Wood and two sisters: Gladys Wood and Elsie Coggins.

The family will receive friends at Beck Funeral Home at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 31. The celebration of life will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Beck Funeral Home with Rev. Donald Bates and family members officiating. The committal service will conclude at Scaly Mountain Church of God Cemetery where Mr. Wood will be laid to rest.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation for every kindness shown to them during this time.

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Georgia, is in charge of the arrangements. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.

Dale Roland Fountain, 59, of Pinnacle Road Clayton, GA., died Tuesday night August 13, 2019 in Fulton County, Georgia.

Dale was born in Franklin, NC., April 2, 1960, he was the son of the late Martha Mullis. He was of the Methodist Faith. He was employed by PSSI in the Transportation Industry.

Dale was preceded in death by his mother, Martha Mullis and by a brother, Scott Fountain and is survived by his companion of four years, Marlyn Watts, by two brothers, Roger L. Fountain (Libby) and John M. Turpin (Amanda) both of Clayton, GA., one sister, Tracy Turpin of Clayton, GA., one step-son, Andrew Willis and a nephew, Jasper Turpin., several cousins also survive.

A visitation will be at the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home Friday August 16, 2019 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

Funeral Services will be Saturday August 17, 2019 at 1:00 P.M. at the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home with Rev. James E. Turpen officiating. The body will be cremated following the service.

The Family is at the home of his aunt, Helen Wall, on Blanche Place Road Clayton, GA.

Hunter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

An on-line obituary and guest register is available at www.hunterfuneralhomega.com

Naomi Welborn McClain, 86, of the Betty’s Creek Community Rabun Gap, GA., died Saturday August 10, 2019 at her home.

Born August 16, 1932 in Rabun County, she was the daughter of the late Lex and Bertha Holcomb Welborn. Naomi was the widow of Jack L. McClain. She was a homemaker and was a member of the Betty’s Creek Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack L.McClain and by two sons, Rev. Jack V. McClain and Monte McClain, by her parents, Lex and Bertha Welborn by a brother, Carlton Welborn and by three sisters, Lillian Queen, Lenora Robinson and Louise Henslee, and is survived by three sons, Danny McClain, Tony McClain and Kenny McClain all of Rabun Gap, GA., three grandchildren, LouWanda Gragg (Joshua), Danielle Kam (Ken), Justin McClain (Monica) five great grandchildren, Adam Gragg, Hayden, Kameron, Kamalynn and Landon Kam. Several nephews, nieces and cousins also survive.

Funeral Services will be at 2:00 Wednesday August 14, 2019 at the Betty’s Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Mickey Caison and Rev. Buddy McKay officiating. Burial will be in the Church Cemetery with Rev. Ronia Hunter officiating at graveside.

The body is at Hunter Funeral Home and will be placed in the Church at 1:00 P.M. Wednesday August 14, 2019 to lie in state.

The Family will receive friends for visitation at the funeral home Tuesday August 13, 2019 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. the family is at the home in the Betty’s Creek Community, Rabun Gap, GA.

Hunter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

An on-line obituary and guest register is available at www.hunterfuneralhomega.com

Lorene Brown (Tyler) James passed peacefully Saturday Morning, August 10th at 12:55 AM at the Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, GA.

Lorene was a lifelong member of “The Flats of Middle Creek Missionary Baptist Church” in Scaly, NC.
Lorene is preceded in death by her Husband (Marcel Tyler), Mother (Pearl Brown), Father (Ransom Brown), Brother and Sister-In-Law (Ulyss and Dorthey Brown), Sister (Catherine Brown) and Brother (Cling Brown). Lorene is survived by two Sons (Russell and Dale Tyler), a Daughter-In-Law (Elaine Tyler), four Grandchildren (Adam, Cole, Belle and Sarah Tyler), one Great-Grandchild (Easton Tyler), five Siblings (Paulene Miller,Milton Brown, Merle Kilby, Nina Williams and Joanne Williams) and many extended family members, friends and her Rat Terrier, Chester.

The family is at the home in Rabun Gap .

The body is at Hunter Funeral Home and will lie in state from 11:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. (The Service Hour) Monday August12th 2019 at “The Flats of Middle Creek Missionary Baptist Church.” with the funeral to follow and will be conducted by Rev. Marty Kilby.  and Rev. Kenny Kilby will conduct at graveside.

Hunter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

An on-line obituary and guest register is available at www.hunterfuneralhomega.com

Judith (Judy) Cannon Nix, 74, of Tiger, passed on August 10, 2019 with her family at her side.

Judy was born in Clayton, Ga the daughter of the late Robert Cannon and the late Edith Elliott Cannon. She graduated from Rabun County High School and married John Douglas Nix. Judy worked as a Certified Pharmacy Tech for many years where she retired from CVS Pharmacy. She was a master seamstress, crafting many wedding dresses, prom dresses, casual and business attire over many years for friends and family. Judy was also an outstanding gardener, her home landscaped with many beautiful flowers, most of which began with a single bulb or cutting and flourished under her masterful touch and were then shared with family and friends.  She was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

In addition to her parents Judy was preceded by one sister, Elaine Cannon Barton.

Judy is survived by her loving husband, John Douglas Nix; two sons, Tim Nix of Tiger, GA, Christopher Nix of Flowery Branch, GA; one daughter, Cynthia N. Brooks of Jessup, GA; four grandchildren, Alexandria Brooks, Kodi Nix, Elizabeth Nix, Abigail Nix; one great-grandchild Jonathan Nix, a number of nieces and nephews also survive.

The family will have a graveside service10:00 AM on Wednesday August 14, 2019 at The Head of Tennessee Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. James Turpen officiating.

The family asks in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Sid Weber Memorial cancer Fund PO Box 485 Rabun Gap, GA 30568 in memory of Judy Nix.

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Georgia, is in charge of the arrangements. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.

Janet Sue Garvin Dampier, age 70, of Tiger, Georgia, passed away on August 11, 2019, surrounded by her children.

Janet was born the daughter of the late Stephen George Garvin and Gloria Short Garvin, on March 26, 1949 in Traverse City, MI.

Janet loved her family, and loved attending each sporting event that her grandchildren took part in, and always supported them in their athletics. She enjoyed spending time with her family, and playing cards. She will be remembered for her love of cooking, and baking cakes and cookies for her family, as well as being the “Queen of Corny Jokes.”

In addition to her parents, her husband, William Steve Dampier, preceded her in death.

Her survivors include her sons, Kyle Dampier (Regina), of Ocala, FL, Travis Dampier (Shelli), of Summerville, SC; daughter, Tori Dampier Carver (Jim), of Clayton, GA; brothers Stephen Garvin II (Penny), of Big Fork, Montana; Glen Garvin (Dottie), of Eureka, Montana; sisters, Sandy Foreman (Ron), of Ocala, FL, Gail McCurdy (Tom), of Gainesville, GA; thirteen grandchildren, Miranda Hunnicutt, of Clayton, Georgia, Jimbob Carver (Sarah), of Okinawa, Japan, Grayson and Abbye Carver, of the home, Montgomery Dampier, Madison Dampier, Brody Dampier, of the home, Sidney Dampier, of Summerville, SC,  Blaise Dampier, Dylan Dampier, Lucas Dampier, of the home, Tide Avant, Isla Avant, of the home; one great-granchild, Perri Carver, of the home.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday August 13, 2019 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the Beck Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday August 14, 2019 at 1:00 pm at the Beck Funeral Home with Rev. Michael Rogers and Rev. Avery Lawrence officiating.

Burial will follow the service in the Rabun Memory Park Cemetery, in Tiger, Georgia.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Janet’s memory to the Rabun County Paws for Life 261 Boen Creek Rd, Tiger, GA 30576 or the North East Georgia Medical Center Hospice Program 2150 Limestone Parkway Suite 115 Gainesville, GA 30501.

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Georgia, is in charge of the arrangements. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.

Jessie Faye Eller Shirley, 87, of Tiger, GA died Thursday morning at Mtn. Lakes Medical Center Clayton, Georgia. She was the widow of Sam Shirley.
Jessie was born in Hiawassee, GA on May 1, 1932, the daughter of the late Benjamin R. Eller and Rosa Eller Eller. She had lived most of her life in Rabun County. She was a homemaker and was a member of the Church of God.

Jessie was preceded in death by her husband, Sam Shirley, by her parents, Benny and Rosa Eller, by her sons, Jerry and Sidney Shirley, by her granddaughter, Kimberly Shirley, by a brother, Robert Eller, by four sisters, Esther Mae Quilliams, Joyce Galloway, Evelyn Conley and Bessie Turpin.

She is survived by one daughter, Melba Shirley of Tiger, GA, three sons, Hoke Shirley of Cornelia, GA, Sammy Shirley (Rosemary) of Apex, NC and Tommy Shirley of Nashville, GA, two brothers, Hansel Eller (Gloria) of Seneca, SC and Clifton Eller of Clayton, GA, one sister, Helen Crunkleton (Jim) of Rabun Gap, GA. Eight grandchildren, Jody Shirley, Celena Mitchell, Denise Shirley, Regina Dampier, Nathan Shirley, Amber Blalock, Chris Shirley and Sage Shirley, sixteen great grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren also survive.

Funeral services will be Sunday, August 11, 2019 at 3:00pm at the Bethel Baptist Church in Tiger, GA with Rev. Marty Kilby officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with Rev. Michael Rogers doing the graveside service.

The body is at Hunter Funeral Home and will be plaed in the church at 1:00pm, Sunday, August 11, 2019 for visitation from 1:00pm-3:00pm (the funeral hour). The family is at their respective residences.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, PO Box 14, Tiger, GA 30576.

Hunter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

An on-line obituary and guest register is available at www.hunterfuneralhomega.com