Billy Allen McKay, 75, of Clayton, GA died Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at his home.

Born March 5, 1944 in Rabun County, GA, he was the son of the late Maury McKay and Oma Woodall McKay. He was a self employed rock mason and was a member of Camp Creek Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Maury and Oma McKay, one daughter, Amy Walker, a sister, Martha Zimmerman, brothers, Frank McKay, Bud McKay, Johnny Ray McKay, Willie j. McKay and Wesley McKay. He is survived by his wife, Martha Ledford McKay of the home, four sons, Wayne McKay of Clayton, GA, Danny McKay of Lakemont, GA, Earl McKay of Clayton, GA and Allen McKay of Gainesville, GA, one brother, David McKay of Clayton, GA and two sisters, Louise Arvey of Atlanta, GA and Ann Quinna of Florida. Several nephews, nieces, and cousins also survive.

Funeral services will be Sunday, September 22, 2019 at 3:00pm with Rev. Buddy McKay officiating and Rev. Thomas Burrell will graveside Camp Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

The body will be taken to Camp Creek Baptist Church Sunday, September 22, 2019 for visitation from 2:00pm to 3:00pm (the funeral hour).  The family asks that in lieu of flowers that memorial donations be made, in , his memory to the Sid Weber Memorial Foundation. P.O. Box 485 Rabun Gap, GA. 30568

The family is at the home on Raspberry Lane, Clayton, GA.

An online register book is available at www.hunterfuneralhomega.com.
Hunter Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Fritz Michael Vinson, age 82, of Dillard, Georgia passed away on September 19, 2019 at his home.

Fritz was born the son of the late Fred Hampton Vinson and Pearl Dowdle Vinson on September 8, 1937.

In his professional career, he worked in the textile industry for Burlington Industries, Jame Lees Industries and Fruit of the Loom.  He enjoyed playing golf, fishing and wood working in his workshop. Most of all, he loved spending time with his grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, two brothers, Bennie Vinson and Don Vinson; six sisters, Wenona Vinson, Edith Vinson, Evelue Vinson, Jessie Roberts, Aletha LaCount, preceded him in death.

His survivors include his loving wife of 59 years, Joyce Enloe Vinson, of the home; his son Jeff Vinson (Dedra), of Dillard; his daughter, Lisa Vinson Harris (Jeff), of Dillard; his brother, Wilton Vinson; three sisters, Selma Green, Lucille Green, Betty Dewberry; his grandson, Tyler Vinson Harris; three granddaughters, Molly Vinson, Meredith Vinson and Lauren Brown (Clay); one great grandchild, Brooks Harris Brown.

The family will receive friends on Sunday September, 22, 2019 from 2:00 pm until 3:45 pm at the Head of Tennessee Baptist Church.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 pm on Sunday September 22, 2019 at the Head of Tennessee Baptist Church in Dillard, Georgia with Rev. Gabe Southards officiating.

In lieu of flowers donations should be made in Fritz’s memory to Head of Tennessee Baptist Church Building Fund P.O. Box 184 Dillard, GA 30537.

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.

Cynthia Geer Smith Whitney passed away on September 11th, 2019.

She was born January 8th, 1942 in Coral Gables, Florida and graduated from the University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL.

Cynthia married Moragné (Ranny) Alexander Whitney Jr., still living in Sautee-Nacoochee, GA, on December 27th, 1961 and is survived by her three children: Moragné Alexander (MA) Whitney III of Dawsonville, GA; DuGué Whitney Zion of Phoenix, AZ; and Geer Whitney of Woodstock, GA.

In the early 1970s, Cynthia, as Chair of the River Restoration Committee of the Junior League of Miami, initiated the clean-up efforts of the Miami River which continue to this day.

In 1973, Cynthia and Ranny brought their family to Lake Burton where they purchased and became the proprietors of Cherokee Landing Marina. Shortly thereafter, Cynthia started Whitney Realty with local real estate broker Mason Whitney (no relation).

Shortly after establishing herself on Lake Burton, Cynthia joined the Lake Burton Civic Association where she became President in 1978 and stayed involved with the organization throughout the rest of her life.

In 1976 Cynthia, her husband Ranny, and Mason Whitney founded the Lake Burton Fireworks display to celebrate the United States Bicentennial. This annual July 4th celebration continues to this day for the residents of Lake Burton.

After almost 40 years of selling real estate, contributing to the community and living on the beautimus Lake Burton, Cynthia and Ranny Whitney moved to the Sautee-Nacoochee valley to enjoy their retirement and spend time with their family and friends. A longtime artist, her watercolors can be found throughout both the US and Europe. In recent years, she became passionate about knitting caps for abuse prevention and cancer patients and baby blankets for NICU units around the country.

A memorial service will be held September 21st, 2019 at 11:00AM at Beck Funeral Home, 898 Highway 441 South, Clayton, GA 30525 followed by a celebration of Cynthia’s life, covered dishes welcome, at 1:00pm at the Wildcat Fire Department Firehouse on Lake Burton, 5228 Highway 197 North, Clarkesville, GA 30523.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Family Resource Center at frcofneg.org or 706-778-3100 and/or the Wildcat Volunteer Fire Department, 5228 Highway 197 North Clarkesville, GA 30523.

Clinton Breck Wilburn, age 59, of Lakemont, Georgia passed away on Saturday September 7, 2019.

Clinton was born the son of Lee Ray Wilburn and Joyce Pamela Webb Wilburn on April 6, 1960 in Leesburg, Florida. Throughout his life, Clinton enjoyed the outdoors, and enjoyed fishing and deer hunting. In his professional career, he worked in the construction industry, and as a mechanic, working on  Hot Rod cars that he enjoyed building.

Clinton was preceded in death by his father, Lee Ray Wilburn; his brother, Tracy P. Wilburn.

His survivors include his wife, Jan Beddingfield Webb, of Lakemont, Georgia; his mother, Joyce Wilburn; his son, Joshua Wilburn; his daughter, Levi Jimenez (Luis); two sisters, Colleen Wilburn, of Clayton, Georiga; Yvonnda Lee Stephens, of Clayton, Georgia; two grandchildren, Erica Rojas and Mason Rojas.

The family will receive friends on Thursday September 12, 2019 at the Beck Funeral Home from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm.

A funeral service will be held on Friday September 13, 2019 at the Beck Funeral Home Chapel at 11:00 am with Rev. Madison McCrackin officiating.

Burial will follow the service in the Taylor’s Chapel Cemetery in Mountain City, Georgia.

Brenda Lawrence Hooper, 60, of the Boggs Mountain Community, Tiger, GA., died Wednesday September 11, 2019 at her home.

Born in Rabun County June 7, 1959 she was the daughter of the late Bill and Eunice Callenback Lawrence. She had lived in Rabun County all of her life. She was retired from Gordon Mills in the textile Industry and had been employed by A.I.D. Corporation. Brenda was a member of the Wolf Creek Baptist Church for thirty years.

Brenda was preceded im death by her parents, Bill and Eunice Lawrence and by a brother; Pell Lawrence and is survived by her husband James (Jim) Hooper of the home a son, Anthony Hooper (Misty) of Tiger, GA., three brothers, Bud Lawrence (Alena) Gary Lawrence (Jerlene) and Tim Lawrence (Beth) of Tiger, GA., two grandchildren, Chloe Hooper and Chase Hooper and a host of loving nieces and nephews, whom she loved very much dearly.

Funeral Services will be Friday September 13, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. at Boggs Mountain Baptist Church with Rev. Avery Lawrence and Rev. Joe McCrackin officiating. Graveside Service will be by Rev. Ronia Hunter. At Wolf Creek Cemetery

The body is at Hunter Funeral Home and will be taken to the Boggs Mountain Baptist Church where visitation will be Thursday night September 12, 2019 from 6 to 9 P.M.

The family is at the home in the Boggs Mountain Community.

Hunter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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

Warren Richard Beck Jr, age 55, of Clayton, Georgia passed away September 5, 2019. Warren is the son of Dorothy Ramey Beck and the Late Warren R. Beck.

Warren was a lifelong resident of Rabun County who graduated from Rabun County High School in the class of 1982. He then attended Jacksonville State University. He grew up attending Clayton Baptist Church where he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Warren was an avid golfer for many years. He enjoyed being outdoors, riding

horses, camping or long walks in the woods and his best friend Gus was always by his side everywhere Warren went. He had a big heart and would do anything to help anyone who needed it.

Warren worked at Sears Catalog Store for many years, and then he was an owner and operator of Stonebrook Restaurant. After his restaurant career, he was a building contractor.

Warren was preceded in death by his father, Warren R. Beck Sr.

He is survived by his wife, Stephanie Williams Beck; his mother, Dorothy Ramey Beck; two step daughters, Ashton Taylor, Abbey Taylor; one stepson Hunter Taylor; one sister, Karen Beck Franklin (Marty); one brother, Sam Beck (Fredda), all of Clayton, Georgia.

The family will receive friends Saturday September 7, 2019 from 6 until 8 PM at Beck Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be held Sunday September 8, 2019  at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Beck Funeral Home with Rev. Lee Krivsky officiating Candie Moore will be bring words of the Lord and eulogy. Burial will follow in Antioch Methodist Church Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Paws4life in memory of Warren at 261 E Boen Creek Rd, Tiger, GA 30576, Tiger, GA 30576.

Jimmy Terrell Ramey, 62, of Clayton, Georgia died Thursday, September 5, 2019 at his home.

Jimmy was born July 9, 1957 in Lansing, MI to the late Grover A. Ramey, Sr and Helen Queen. He had lived the greater part of his life in Rabun County. Jimmy was an automobile mechanic and was a member of People’s Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents,  Grover A. Ramey, Sr. and Helen Queen Bowen, by two brothers, Glen Irvin Murray and Grover Ramey, Jr., by a niece, Rebecca Leigh Ramey and is survived by a daughter, Crystal Louetta Carpenter of Clayton, GA, one sister, Ruthann Ramey Hopper of Clayton, GA, one nephew, Casey M. Ramey of Clayton, GA, one grandson, John Tyler Riddle of Clayton, GA. Several nieces, nephews, and cousins-also survive.

The body is being cremated and the family will have a memorial service for him at a later time. The family is at their respective residences.

Hunter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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

Olga Mendieta Barcenas, age 49, of Tiger, Georgia, passed away on September 3, 2019.

Olga was born the daughter of Bacilio Mendieta and Micaela Hernandez on August 24, 1970 in Guanajuato, Mexico.

Olga was a Catholic attended the St. Helena’s Catholic Church, in Clayton, Georgia. She was known for her giving heart, and always helping those around her.  Olga enjoyed traveling and liked to keep her home clean and inviting for her family. She loved her children and all of her family, and her four dogs, especially Lucas, her favorite.

Her father, Bacilio Mendieta, preceded her in death.

Her survivors include her husband, Oscar Barcenas, of Tiger, Georgia; her mother, Micaela Hernandez; two sons, Oscar Kent Barcenas, Matthew Sebastian Barcenas, both of Tiger, Georgia; two daughters, Anna Guadalupe, Emily Rosario, both of Tiger, Georgia.

The family will receive friends on Friday September 6, 2019 from 4:00 pm until 5:45 pm at the Beck Funeral Home in Clayton, Georgia.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday September, 6, 2019 at the St. Helena’s Catholic Church in Clayton, Georgia at 6:00 pm with Father Pedro Poloche officiating.

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.

Troy Jefferson Butcher, 54, of Clayton, GA., died Septtember 2, 2019 at his residence.

Born in Macon County North Carolina August 25, 1965 He was the son of the late James and Imogene Knight Butcher. He was a self employed mechanic and was of the Baptist Faith.

He was preceded in death besides his parents, by two brothers, Mark and Scottie Butcher and is survived by one brother Roy Butcher (Rita), of Clayton, GA., one nephew, Matthew Webb of Clayton, GA., one niece, Samantha Dixon and husband Jordon of Clayton, GA., and one great nephew Cord Dixon of Clayton.

The body has been cremated and a memorial service will be held at at a later date.

Hunter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

And on-line obituary and register is available at [email protected]

Carol Parker, age 60, of Clayton, Georgia went home to be with the Lord, on August 29, 2019. She was born the daughter of the late Charles W. Parker and Mary L. Propes Parker on July 27, 1959.

Carol was an animal lover, and enjoyed taking care of her pets. She was a member of the Assembly of God. She enjoyed writing poetry and stories, and was an alumna of Southeastern Bible College.

Her parents preceded her in death.

Her survivors include her sister, Donna Speed (Boyce); her niece, Wendy Mullis (Travis); great niece, Maddie Mullis; two great nephews, Chaz and Jared Mullis.

The family will receive friends on Saturday August 31, 2019 at the Beck Funeral Home from 2:30 – 3:30 pm.

A funeral will follow the service in the Beck Funeral Home Chapel, in Clayton, at 3:30 with Rev. Jeff Houston officiating.

Burial will follow in the Murrayville Assembly of God Cemetery at 5674 Bark Camp Road Murrayville, GA 30564 at 5:15 pm.

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.