William Earle Chase

SEPTEMBER 27, 1940 ~ MAY 4, 2019

It is with great sadness that the family of William Earle Chase announces his sudden passing, on Saturday, May 4, 2019. Born in Washington, D.C., Bill grew up in Macon, Georgia at the Methodist Home for Children and Youth. He graduated with honors from Lanier High School with an ROTC rank of Captain. He graduated from Emory University, where he was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity, with a major in chemistry. He served 3 years in the United States Navy as an officer and served aboard several ships including the U.S.S. Muliphen. After the Navy, he began his career of more than 30 years with the Eastman Chemical Company. Following his retirement, he and his wife, Joann, moved to Ocala, Florida, then to Macon, Georgia. In 2011, they move Clayton, Georgia, in the Blue Ridge Mountains. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club in Kingsport and Clayton. Bill was a member of the Clayton First United Methodist Church where he served on the staff parish committee and other capacities. Bill enjoyed his time with his son as a Boy Scout troop leader in Kingsport. He enjoyed sailing, fishing, travel, and writing. He co-edited Patches of the Quilt: True Stories from a Children’s Home. Bill also wrote numerous short stories and poems, including the poem “A Moon Dance Thing” to celebrate the recent eclipse.

Bill was always one to make friends wherever life led him. Most important to Bill was his family for which he held a great and never-ending love. He is survived by his wife of fifty years, Joann, his son Mark (Christina), granddaughter Rebecca, his brother Edwin (Carol), and twenty-four nieces and nephews, and many cousins.

A memorial service well be held for Bill on Saturday, May 11th, at Clayton First United Methodist Church, 71 South Main Street, Clayton, GA 30525. Visitation with the family will begin at 1pm in the church sanctuary with the service to begin at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in Bill’s memory to the Methodist Home for Children and Youth, 304 Pierce Avenue, Macon, GA 31204.

Mary Jean Barber

JANUARY 17, 1936 ~ MAY 3, 2019

Mary Jean Hopper Barber, age, 83 of Rabun Gap, Ga., passed away May 3, 2019. She was born January 17, 1936, the daughter of the late LD and Kate Ledford Hopper. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Barber; brother, Bruce Hopper.

She is survived by two sons, Jay Barber of Atlanta, GA., Kirk Barber (Penny) of Griffin, GA., one daughter Chrislee Barber Carden (Kevin) of Hapeville, GA., two grandchildren Blake Chapman Barber and Caroline Grace Barber.

Jean was a member of Betty’s Creek Baptist Church. She was employed as a teacher with the Fulton County School System, where she taught chemistry, physical science, and earth science. She was a past president of the Delta Kappa Gamma sorority. She also spent time working as an accountant. Jean was a loving mother and grandmother who will be greatly missed.

The family will receive friends on Sunday May 5, 2019 at the Beck Funeral Home from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday May 6, 2019 in the Chapel of the Beck Funeral Home with Rev. Don Samples officiating. Interment will follow at Rabun Memory Park.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Jean’s Memory to the Alzheimer’s Association 855 Abutment Road Suite 6 Dalton, GA 30721.

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.