Edgar Leatherwood, 94, of Murphy, passed away Monday, May 29, 2017, at Murphy Medical Center Nursing Home.
    He was a native of Clay County, but resided most of his life in Cherokee County. He was the son of the late Shade E. and Lillie Martin Leatherwood.
    Edgar was a U.S. Navy veteran. He was a retired gas deliveryman.
    Edgar was very active at Tomotla Baptist Church. He was chairman of the deacons, Sunday school superintendent, Sunday school teacher, sang in the choir and was janitor for the church for many years.
    He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ruth Clark Leatherwood; one son, Timothy Leatherwood of Milledgeville, Ga.; one daughter, Stephanie Tabor of Duluth, Ga.; two nephews, Jerry Lowe of Marble, and Johnny Lowe of Hickory; and special friend, Betty Garret of Murphy.
    Funeral services were held at 4 p.m. Thursday, June 1, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Pastor Harold Stiles officiated. Burial was in Tomotla Community Cemetery. Pallbearers were Allen Brown, Jim Palmer, Vernon Howard, Steve Golden, Mark Golden and Mitchell West.
    The family received friends from 2-4 p.m. Thursday, June 1, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Tomotla Community Cemetery, c/o John Johnson, 68 Hannah Lane, Murphy, NC 28906.
    You may send tributes to the Leatherwood family at www.townson-rose.com
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
 

    Casteel John “Cassey” Floyd was a lifelong resident and business owner in Cherokee County. He passed away after an extended illness on Wednesday, May 31, 2017, at age 84.
    He graduated from Hiwassee Dam High School, Young Harris College and also studied at Western Carolina University. He also served during the Korean War.
    He and his wife purchased Hiwassee Dam Boat Dock in 1955 and later changed the name to Harbor Cove Marina.
    He also had a long career as a safety engineer, where he lived in Greenville, S.C., Mobile, Ala., White Sulphur Springs, W.Va., St. Louis, Mo., Orangeburg, S.C., and Atlanta, Ga.
    He was a member of Reid’s Chapel United Methodist Church.
    He was pre-deceased by his parents, John Floyd and Nora Crain Floyd; brothers, George Floyd, Ernest Floyd, Paul Floyd and Clyde Floyd; and sisters, Gladys Walls and Mae Stephens.
    He is survived by his ex-wife, Mona Wilcox Floyd Keenum, and daughter, Andrea Lisa Floyd, both of Murphy; two grandsons, Andrew Garland and wife Bethany Helton Garland of Acworth, Ga., and Bradley Garland and wife Paige Bowman Garland of Julian; and four great-grandsons, Connor Garland, Chase Garland, Colton Garland and Caden Garland.
    The funeral service was held at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 3, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home. Following the funeral, there was a procession to Reid’s Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery, where he was buried with full military rites conducted by the VFW Post 10222, Joe Miller Elkin American Legion Post 96 and DAV Chapter 73 and American Legion Post 532 of Hayesville and VFW Post 6812. Ministers officiating the service were Mark Handy and Wayne Sutton. Pallbearers were Andrew Garland, Bradley Garland, Wesley Floyd, Bill McNabb, Ben McNabb and Evan McNabb.
    Visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. Friday, June 2, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home.
    You may send tributes to the Floyd family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Wayne Durrance, 71, of Murphy, passed away Thursday, June 1, 2017 at his residence.
    Mr. Durrance was born in Tampa, Fla., and resided there for 58 years. He became a resident of Murphy 13 years ago.
    He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force. Wayne was a police officer with the Tampa Police Department for 10 years and a detective with the Hillsborough Sheriff’s Department until his retirement in 2002.
    Mr. Durrance is survived by his wife of 49 years, Teresa Durrance; two sons, Blue Durrance of Murphy and Troy Durrance of Tampa, Fla.; and six grandchildren.
    A memorial service was held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 6, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. The Rev. Bo Phillips officiated. Military honors were conducted by the VFW Post No. 10222, Joe Miller Elkin American Legion Post No. 96 and DAV Chapter No. 73 and American Legion Post 532 of Hayesville and VFW Post 6812.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Four Seasons Hospice, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.
    You may send tributes to the Durrance family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Helen “Diane” Halasz of Murphy went to be with the Lord Monday, June 5, 2017, at age 84.
    She was born March 10, 1933, in Berea, Ohio, to Clyde and Helen Mohler.
    She was a career woman who always put her family first and a very loving mother and wife who loved to paint.
    You will always be a part of us, and will be terribly missed ... until we see you again.
    She is survived by her husband, Joseph Halasz of Murphy; sons, Curtis Fatig of Annapolis, Md., Michael Fatig of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., Matthew Fatig of Columbia, Md.; daughter, Carol Robinson of Murphy; stepson, Stephan Halasz of Dahlonega, Ga.; nine grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
    She was preceded in death by her brother, Clyde Mohler, and granddaughter, Michaela Robinson.
    There are no services planned at this time.
    Arrangements were entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy.
    You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest registry at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

    Margaret L. Fakadej, 77, of Murphy, passed away Sunday, June 4, 2017, at her daughter’s home in Plantation, Fla.
    Visitation will be held from noon-1 p.m. Thursday, June 8, at Landmark Funeral Home, followed by funeral Mass at 1:30 p.m. at Little Flower Catholic Church in Hollywood, Fla.
    Landmark Funeral Home in Hollywood, Fla., www.landmarkfuneralhome.com, is in charge of arrangements.

    Maxine Davidson Fish, 92, of Etowah and formerly of Murphy, passed away Wednesday, June 7, 2017, after a brief illness.
    She was preceded in death by her husband, B.J. Fish; her son, John William Fish; and her son-in-law, Wayne Mansfield.
    She is survived by her daughter, Nancy Mansfield of Tuscaloosa, Ala.; and daughter-in-law, Dianne Watson Fish of Etowah; four grandchildren, Ken Mansfield (Risa), Cheryl Ryan (David), Kim Frizzell (Billy), Karin Smith (Dwayne); nine great-grandchildren, Crystal Ryan, Wes Mansfield (Jamie), David Ryan (Jessica), Sonya Mansfield (Rhett) Ashley Frizzell (Joe), James Frizzell (Sarah), Zac Smith, Carson Frizzell, Eli Frizzell; and five great-great-grandchildren.
    Private graveside services will be held at a later date.

    Bobby Joe Radford, 77, of Murphy, passed away Monday, June 5, 2017, at his residence.
    He was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, and son of the late Ray and Mattie Brannon Radford.
    He was a construction worker, enjoyed farming and fishing. Bobby loved his family and being around people.
    He attended Old Fashion Baptist Church and Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church.
    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Faye Canipe Radford; brothers, J.C. Radford, Oliver Radford and Stanley Radford; and sisters, Kathryn Graham and Lucille Horton.
    He is survived by his son, Jesse Luke Radford and wife April of Murphy; daughters, Peggy Jo Patterson and husband Darryl of Hayesville, Glenda Clayton and husband Keith of Murphy, Lisa Hughes and husband Isaac of Murphy, and Barbie Radford of Brasstown; one brother, Harley Radford of Madisonville, Tenn.; grandchildren, Wesley Whitener, Tyler Whitener, Caleb Hughes, Raven Caldwell, Laura Luther, Elesha Rider, McKayla Rider and Joshua Rider; great-grandchildren, Logan Caldwell, Hadley Rider, Maverick Rider and Lilly Whitener; several nieces and nephews; and special friend, Charlie Rider.
    Funeral services were held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 6, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. The Revs. Hoyt Brown and Billy Rhodes officiated. Burial was in Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church Cemetery.
    The family received friends from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 6, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy.
    A special thanks to his caregivers, Hospice, Janet Norris, Pat Caldwell and Laura Estremeera.
    You may send tributes to the Radford family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Barry O’Neal Tyler, 49, of Marble, passed away Sunday, June 11, 2017.
    Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 15, at Hanging Dog Baptist Church Cemetery.
    Cochran Funeral Home, Murphy, www.cochranfuneralhomes.com, is in charge of arrangements.

    Tressie Louise May, 71, passed away Thursday, June 8, 2017, at Caromont Regional Medical Center in Gastonia.
    The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June14, in the Sisk-Butler Chapel. She will be laid to rest at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 15, at Aquone Cemetery on Wayah Road in Topton.
    Sisk-Butler Funeral & Cremation Services, www.siskbutler.com, Bessemer City, is in charge of arrangements.

    Margaret L. Fakadej, 77, of Murphy, passed away Sunday, June 4, 2017, at her daughter’s home in Plantation, Fla.
    Visitation will be held from noon-1 p.m. Thursday, June 8, at Landmark Funeral Home, followed by funeral Mass at 1:30 p.m. at Little Flower
Catholic Church in Hollywood, Fla.
    Landmark Funeral Home in Hollywood, Fla., www.landmarkfuneralhome.com, is in charge of arrangements.

    Angela Lynn Ledford-Jackson was born May 15, 1975, to Jennifer Jackson and James Ledford.
    Angela, 42, also had her stepdad, Eugene Harlan;  her “Gran;” Paulette Smart and “Di,” Dianne Panther all played an important part in her life.
    Angie, a graduate of Smokey Mountain High School, former tribal employee and a resident of the Birdtown Community, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, June 11, 2017.
    She is survived by her mother, father and stepdad; Jennifer Jackson, James Ledford and Eugene Harland; companion, Gavin Groenewald; a son, daughter and grandchild, James “Jay” Bradley, Antoinette (Tia) Mae Toineeta and Astrid Saylor; a sister, Ugina “Bean” Harlan-Pheasant, her husband, David Pheasant; a brother, Michael Harlan, his companion, Venessa Tiger; four nephews, Ethan Jackson, Michael Harlan Jr., Zavian Hyatt and Conner Pheasant; four nieces, Kendall Jackson, Annee Hyatt, Jacie Jackson-Bradley and Mica Harlan; 15 aunts, Paulette Smart, Sheila Arch, Annette Jackson, Rosalyn Jackson, Lula Jackson, Kimmy Jackson, Geraldine Thompson, Edith Crowe, Lou Ella Jackson, Shirley Oswald, Ethel Jackson, Ester Jackson, Susie Plummer, Renee Ledford and Regina Rosario; four uncles, Abe Queen, Kenny Panther, Gilliam Jackson, George Rosario Sr.; other close cousins, George Rosario Jr., Shauna Conseen-Teesatuskie, Nikki Waybrant, Abe Jackson, Sharlotte Jackson, Ceana Jackson, and many other cousins, family and friends.
    She was preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Edward “Frank” and Elizabeth Bigmeat Jackson; paternal grandparents, James Ledford and Nellie Goings Ledford.
    Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 16,  at Rock Springs Baptist Church. Pastors James (Bo) Parris and Greg Morgan will officiate with burial in the Bigmeat Cemetery.
    Angela will be taken to the church at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 15, by Crisp Funeral Home, Bryson City, to await the hour of service.

    Helen “Diane” Halasz of Murphy went to be with the Lord on Monday, June 5, 2017, at age 84.
    She was born March 10, 1933, in Berea, Ohio, to Clyde and Helen Mohler.
    She was a career woman who always put her family first, and a very loving mother and wife who loved to paint.
    You will always be a part of us, and will be terribly missed ... until we see you again.
    She is survived by her husband, Joseph Halasz of Murphy; sons, Curtis Fatig of Annapolis, Md., Michael Fatig of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., Matthew Fatig of Columbia, Md.; daughter, Carol Robinson of Murphy; stepson, Stephan Halasz of Dahlonega, Ga.; nine grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
    She was preceded in death by her brother, Clyde Mohler, and granddaughter, Michaela Robinson.
    There are no services planned at this time.
    Arrangements were entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy.
    You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest registry at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

    Joyce Ann Gentry Duckworth, 75, of Hayesville, passed away Friday, June 9, 2017, at Chatuge Regional Hospital in Hiawassee, Ga.
    She was a native of Cherokee County and of the Baptist faith. Joyce retired as a CNA from Murphy Medical Center.
    She was the daughter of the late Bertha Richardson Gentry and Bascom C. Gentry. Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred Ray Duckworth; three brothers and two sisters.
    She is survived by one daughter, Theresa Gail Gibson of Hayesville; one son, the Rev. Duane E. Duckworth and wife Dinah of Hayesville; three grandchildren, Brandon Duckworth and wife Erika of Pineville, Brittni Duckworth of Lake Wylie, S.C., and Alan Gibson of Murphy; one great-granddaughter, Emilee Grace Duckworth of Pineville; two brothers-in-law, William P. Connor of Pensacola, Fla., and Hubert Duckworth of Hayesville; and one sister-in-law, Clydie Rogers of Murphy.
    Graveside services were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 11, at Moss Cemetery in Marble. The Rev. Charles Shelton officiated. Pallbearers were Brandon Duckworth, Rusty Maxwell, Joe Jack Sellers, Rob Peck and Randy Nichols. Honorary pallbearers were John and Jeff Allen of Cottage Grove, Ore.
    You may send tributes to the Duckworth family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Bobby Joe Radford, 77, of Murphy, passed away Monday, June 5, 2017, at his residence.
    He was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, and son of the late Ray and Mattie Brannon Radford.
    He was a construction worker, enjoyed farming and fishing. Bobby loved his family and being around people.
    He attended Old Fashion Baptist Church and Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church.
    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Faye Canipe Radford; brothers, J.C. Radford, Oliver Radford and Stanley Radford; and sisters, Kathryn Graham and Lucille Horton.
    He is survived by his son, Jesse Luke Radford and wife April of Murphy; daughters, Peggy Jo Patterson and husband Darryl of Hayesville, Glenda Clayton and husband Keith of Murphy, Lisa Hughes and husband Isaac of Murphy, and Barbie Radford of Brasstown; one brother, Harley Radford of Madisonville, Tenn.; grandchildren, Wesley Whitener, Tyler Whitener, Caleb Hughes, Raven Caldwell, Laura Luther, Elesha Rider, McKayla Rider and Joshua Rider; great-grandchildren, Logan Caldwell, Hadley Rider, Maverick Rider and Lilly Whitener; several nieces and nephews; and special friend, Charlie Rider.
    Funeral services were held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 6, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. The Revs. Hoyt Brown and Billy Rhodes officiated. Burial was in Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church Cemetery.
    The family received friends from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 6, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy.
    A special thanks to his caregivers, Hospice, Janet Norris, Pat Caldwell and Laura Estremeera.
    You may send tributes to the Radford family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Maxine Davidson Fish, 92, of Etowah and formerly of Murphy, passed away Wednesday, June 7, 2017, after a brief illness.
    She was preceded in death by her husband, B.J. Fish; her son, John William Fish; and her son-in-law, Wayne Mansfield.
    She is survived by her daughter, Nancy Mansfield of Tuscaloosa, Ala.; and daughter-in-law, Dianne Watson Fish of Etowah; four grandchildren, Ken Mansfield (Risa), Cheryl Ryan (David), Kim Frizzell (Billy), Karin Smith (Dwayne); nine great-grandchildren, Crystal Ryan, Wes Mansfield (Jamie), David Ryan (Jessica), Sonya Mansfield (Rhett) Ashley Frizzell (Joe), James Frizzell (Sarah), Zac Smith, Carson Frizzell, Eli Frizzell; and five great-great-grandchildren.
    Private graveside services will be held at a later date.

    William Bruce McBrayer, 60, of Farner, Tenn., passed away Monday, June 12, 2017.
    Bruce was a native of the Copper Basin, Tenn., area and was preceded in death by his parents, Allen Fain and Maggie Josephine Farmer McBrayer, and a brother, J.B. McBrayer.
    He was a self-employed carpenter. Among his many talents, he enjoyed woodworking, cross stitch and other crafts. He was an accomplished musician who was well respected in the community.
    He was an ordained minister of 12 years and a member of Liberty Baptist Church.
    He is survived by his daughter, Sarah (Brent) Smith of Dunlap, Tenn.; siblings, Joyce Blackmon of Turtletown, Tenn., Blanche (Steve) Coleman of Murphy, Brenda (Greg) Ellis of Cleveland, Tenn.; grandchild, Ethan Newman; sister-in-law, Andrea McBrayer of Cleveland, Tenn.; five nieces, one nephew, and several great-nieces and nephews.
    A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 14, from Liberty Baptist Church with the Rev. Tim Dickey officiating. Music was by Janice Reid and Richard Taylor. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Bruce to Gideon’s International, c/o Polk County Gideon Camp, P.O. Box 151, Ocoee, TN 37361 or Farner Presbyterian Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Lawrence Hyatt, 6000 Highway 68, Farner, TN 37333.
    Condolences may be sent online to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com.
    Akins Funeral Home of Copperhill, Tenn., was in charge of arrangements.

    Michael Schuler of Blue Ridge, Ga., passed away Saturday, June 10, 2017, at the age of 35 years old.
    Born in Central Florida, he moved here from Fruitland Park, Fla.
    Mike went to school in Cherokee County and had lived in Blue Ridge, Ga., for the last 10 years.
    He loved his church family at the Blue Ridge Kingdom Hall in Georgia and playing his guitar.
    He is survived by his three daughters, Alex Schuler of Ducktown, Tenn., Emily Schuler and Rayna Schuler of Dalton, Ga.; his father, Frank (Big Frank) Schuler of Murphy; his mother, Cathy Schuler of Ocala, Fla.; and his brother, Charles Schuler of Las Vegas, Nev.

    Kathy Lynn Duncan, 54 of Murphy, passed away Wednesday, June 14, 2017, at her residence.    
    No services are planned.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home, www.townson-rose.com, was in charge of arrangements.

    Charles Walter Clemons, 75, of Hayesville, passed away Friday, June 16, 2017, at Chatuge Regional Nursing Home in Hiawassee, Ga.
    A graveside service was held at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 18, at Laurel Hills Memory Gardens in Young Harris, Ga.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home, www.townson-rose.com, was in charge of arrangements.

    Scott Scroggs, 56, of Warne, passed away Friday, June 16, 2017, at Chatuge Regional Hospital in Hiawassee, Ga.
    Scott was born Feb. 14, 1961, in Asheville, to the late Harold and Doris Scroggs. He was preceded in death by a brother, Harold Scroggs Jr., and an infant sister.
    He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Charity Moss Scroggs of Warne; one son, Cory Heath Scroggs of Warne; one grandson, Levi Lane; one brother, Tim Scroggs and wife Lea of Brasstown; two aunts; and a host of extended family and friends.
    Scott enjoyed walking and photography, and he was of the Baptist faith. He loved his family and his grandson, and helping others. He always had an encouraging word for anyone he talked to. His daily encouraging Facebook posts will be missed.
    A memorial service was  held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 8, at First Freewill Baptist Church in Hayesville with the Revs. Stewart Nicols, Kyle Cody and Chris Rumfelt officiating.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Charity Scroggs, 1518 Ford Road, Warne NC 28909 to help with incurring expenses.
    Arrangements have been entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy.
    You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest registry at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.