Erma Laverne Wright Walker, 71 of Murphy, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 13, 2017.
    She was born in Murphy to the late James R. Wright and Nettie Rogers Wright.
    She was a former employee Providence Hospital, Murphy Medical Center and Walmart.
    Erma treasured being with her grandchildren and taking them to church. She enjoyed gardening and her flowers. She took great pleasure in spending time with her family and going to antique car shows. Erma loved listening to music and watching her hummingbirds.
    In addition to her dad, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Tony Wright, Will Wright and Tim Wright, and one sister, Charlotte Coker.
    She is survived by her husband, Sherdie Eugene Walker; daughter, Elizabeth Anderson; son, Kenny Oliver and wife Sharon; daughter, Melissa Card and husband Mike; son, James Walker; daughter, Lori Kilby; and son, Ricky Walker and wife Melissa; 14 grandchildren, Jessica Walker, Kody and Tristen Kilby, Brandy, Breana, Brittley and Brailey Oliver, Andrea Walker Thomas, Kaylor and Ashlyn Card, Paige, Nathan, Amelia and Colin Walker; 12 great-grandchildren, Brayden and Bryson Seany, Skyler and Kylee Thomas, Jayden Card, Brantley Arrowood, Laci Anderson, Kayden, Kolton and Sadie Card, Nikolai Walker and Mikah Thorley; and her granddog, Little Boy Rascal and the late Angel. She also is survived by sisters and brothers, Jan and husband Ernest Garrett of Blairsville, Ga., Donnie Wright of Murphy, Netta and husband Monte McFaddin of Murphy, Adam and wife Tammy Wright of Murphy, Laura and husband Jeff Morrow of Fayetteville, Tyrone Wright and wife Valerie of Evansville, Ind., and Robin Wright and wife Rosemary of Murphy.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 16, at Peachtree United Methodist Church. Pastor Dick Richards officiated. Music was provided by great-nephew and niece Garrett and Jessie Holbrook, and friend Linda Golden. Burial was in Peachtree Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Nathan Walker, Kaylor Card, Tommy Thorley, Austin Thomas, Kyle Wright and Ricky Rodgers.
    The family received friends from 1-2 p.m. Friday, June 16, at Peachtree United Methodist Church.
    Memorials may be made to Peachtree United Methodist Church.
    Cochran Funeral Home, Murphy, was in charge of all arrangements.
    You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest registry at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

    Rhonda Kay Rowland Pratt, 51, of Murphy, passed away Friday, June 16, 2017, at her residence.
    She was born in Gwinnett County, Ga., to Frances Sue Beaver Rowland of Marble and the late James Clinton Rowland.
    Rhonda had worked for Coats America as a spinner and at the local domestic violence organization. She was very active in the Murphy High School Band Booster Club for several years and was a member of Rowland Hill Baptist Church in Marble. Rhonda also loved her two dogs, LuLu and Onyx.
    In addition to her mother, Rhonda is survived by her four children, Christopher Traub and wife Ashley of Marble,  Jesse Pratt, Heather Pratt and Allie Pratt, all of the home; one brother, James Michael Garrett and wife Linda of Spruce Pine; three sisters, Carolyn Rowland and husband Alvin of Marble, Debbie Fleming and husband Ronald of Brasstown, and Lesha Cornwell and husband Charlie of Marble; and two grandchildren, Carson Traub and Kyrie Traub.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, June 19, at Rowland Hill Baptist Church in Marble. The Revs. Donald Watkins and James Stalcup officiated. Burial was in New Prospect Cemetery in Murphy. Pallbearers were nephews, Jeffrey Rowland, James Rowland, Andrew Stancel, Joey Stancel, Anthony Garrett and Daniel Stancel.
    The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. Sunday, June 18, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy, where the body remained until placed in the church 30 minutes prior to the service hour.
    You may send tributes to the Pratt family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.
 

    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 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.

1944 – 2017
    Carol Ann McElhenny, 73, a current resident of Murphy, a former resident of Sarasota, Fla., and originally from Norwood, Pa., passed away peacefully Friday, June 16, 2017, at Arden Courts of Warminster in Hatboro, Pa., surrounded by her loving family.
    Carol Ann grew up in Norwood, Pa., the daughter of Irma and Jacob George. She was a graduate of Interboro High School.
    She married her former husband, Arthur Young from Prospect Park, Pa., in 1962.  They lived along the East Coast as Arthur was in the U.S. Navy.
    She later settled in Florida, where she met and married Samuel McElhenny in 1973.  Carol Ann lived in Sarasota, Fla., for 15 years before moving to Murphy.
    An accountant by profession, she was the franchise owner of four H&R Block offices in Murphy, Andrews,  Blue Ridge, Ga., and Copperhill, Tenn., for 30 years.
    She worked a lot. When not working, she enjoyed time spent on the lake and visiting her kids and granddaughter.
    She was preceded in death by her sister, Marjorie George, as well as her parents.
    Carol Ann is survived by her husband, Samuel McElhenny; her daughters, Kimberly Young of Chicago, and Tracy Young Cook (Thomas) of Murphy; her granddaughter, Taylor Dornik of Chicago; her sister, Linda George Jones (the late Ritt) of Swedesboro, N.J.; and her former husband, Arthur Young of Biloxi, Miss.
    Her funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 21, at Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, in Norwood, PA 19074.
    There will be a visitation time from 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, June 21, at the funeral home.
    Her burial will be in Arlington Cemetery in Drexel Hill, Pa.
    There will be a luncheon for family and friends at Lehman’s Tavern on Wanamaker Avenue in Essington immediately following her burial.
    In lieu of flowers, contributions made in her memory to The Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 would be appreciated.
    Condolences may be sent to griffithfuneralchapel@verizon.net.
    Arrangements are by the Griffith Funeral Chapel in Norwood, Pa., www.griffithfuneralchapel.com.

    Dennis Patrick Flannigan, 75, of Murphy, passed away Saturday, June 17, 2017, at his residence.
    Dennis was born and raised in Los Angeles, Calif., (Hollywood), son of Mildred Shearer and Albert Flannigan.
    Dennis owned his own slipcover company in Beverly Hills, where he worked most of his life until retirement. He had varied interests from sports, cars, motorcycles, to the horses, camping at the coast on the Pacific Ocean, where he grew up, and later moved to Murphy in 2005, where we enjoyed the calm, peaceful setting and environment. He could always be found bike riding or jogging at the ocean on a regular basis. He and his wife, Peggy, took many camping trips with the dogs up the coast to Carmel, Big Sur and Monterey, and Fort Bragg in northern California.
    His passion was the ocean, spending time with special friends from his childhood days and his family. His favorite time was being home relaxing in his chair, reading a good book and playing various computer games with his wife each night, and enjoying and loving their pets and the very serene setting that he quickly adapted to from the frantic and busy commute each day to his business, on and off freeways.
    With his Irish background, he spoke what he thought, defending fiercely those he loved and was the most decent, faithful and kindest man, always ready to reach out and help someone, yet reluctant to receive from others.
    He always will be remembered for his quick wit, big smile, and most of all, his generosity and kind soul.  He maintained all his special childhood friendships from Los Angeles, who communicated with him on a regular basis, and that meant the world to him.
    He was a member of Shepherd of the Mountains Church.
    He was the son of the late Albert Flannigan and Mildred Shearer.
    Surviving are his wife, Peggy, who he met in 1976 in Los Angeles and later married in 1986, doing much traveling in their camper at the Pacific Ocean, and later moved and settled in Murphy for their retirement years.
    Surviving are his sister, Margie Hardt and husband Herb in Bakersfield, Calif., and his brother, Bill Flannigan and wife Marge in Huntington Beach, Calif. Also, his two sons, Jimmy from El Segundo, Calif., and Michael, currently in Dubai; and his grandchildren, Jennifer, Ryan, Emma and Aiden. He also is survived by several nieces and nephews.
    Memorial services will be held in both California and Pennsylvania at a later date.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Dennis Patrick Flannigan to Shepherd of the Mountains Church, P.O. Box 1136, Murphy, NC  28906.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Danny “Chop” James Patterson, 63, of Murphy, passed away Tuesday, June 13, 2017, at his residence.
    He was a native of Union County, Ga., but lived most of his life in Cherokee County. Chop was the son of the late Bayless Lonzo and Helen Raper Patterson.
    He was a maintenance supervisor for the Town of Murphy. Chop enjoyed watching old westerns, painting art, gardening and fishing. He was certified in water maintenance and ordained in ministry.
    He is survived by his wife, Pam Patterson; three daughters, Tonya Marie Patterson Holbrook and husband Dain,  Tina Michelle Thrasher Cain and Melissa Stephanie Herron and husband Damon; brothers, David Patterson, Eddie “Pete” Patterson and Johnny Patterson and wife Judy; sister, Mary “Sissy” Warren and husband Mike; grandchildren, Thomas R. Cain, Shalees Roberts, Samone Lloyd, Gabe Holbrook and Seth Beaver; mother-in-law, Louise Reese; and six great-grandchildren.
    Funeral services were held at 6 p.m. Friday June16, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. The Revs. Leonard Hunter and Tommy Seay officiated. Burial was in Snow Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Dane Holbrook, Mike Reese, Johnny Hatchett, Mike Warren, Jess Deaver, Damon Herron and Jimmy Anderson. Honorary pallbearer was Thomas Cain.
    The family received friends from 4-6 p.m. Friday, June 16, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy.
    You may send tributes to the Patterson family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    James “Pat” Kilpatrick, 88 of Murphy, passed away Monday, June 19, 2017, at Pruitt Health Care in Blue Ridge, Ga.
    He was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County. Pat was the son of the late Fred Warren Kilpatrick Sr. and Blanche Fox Kilpatrick.
    He was a miner and mechanic on heavy equipment for Tennessee Chemical Co.
    Pat enjoyed golfing, yard work and spending time with his grandchildren. Pat enjoyed working for the Democratic Party for many years.
    He was a member of Ranger United Methodist Church.
    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant son, Keith Kilpatrick; grandson, Russell Kagan McCracken; one brother, Dale Kilpatrick; three sisters, Regina Ledford, Gladys Keenum and Ruth Moss; one sister-in-law, Louellen Kilpatrick; and two brothers-in-law, Joe Ledford and Johnny Keenum.
    He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Lou Jean Nation Kilpatrick; two daughters, Angela Kilpatrick McCracken and husband Elliott of Arden, and Terri Jo Perry and husband Mel of Tampa, Fla.; three brothers, Fred W. Kilpatrick Jr., Gary Kilpatrick and wife Betty, and Richard Kilpatrick and wife Lorraine, all of Murphy; three grandchildren, Ashley Katelyn McCracken of Boone, Synaca Norman and Jim Ross; two great-grandchildren, William and Thomas Ross; one sister-in-law, Bertha Kilpatrick of Arkansas; and one brother-in-law, Lanier Moss of Jasper, Ga.
    Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 24, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy. Pastor Tim Lee and the Rev. Aud Brown will officiate. Music will be provided by Aud and Becky Brown. Burial will be in Ranger United Methodist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Kevin Kilpatrick, Ricky Kilpatrick, Micheal Keenum, Dwayne Kilpatrick, Elliott McCracken, Clyde Collins and Greg Moore.
    The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday, June 23, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ranger United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Gary Kilpatrick, 156 Walker Road, Murphy, NC 28906.
    You may send tributes to the Kilpatrick family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

    Ronnie Ruben Young, 66, of Marble, passed away Tuesday, June 20, 2017, at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
    He was born in Detroit, Mich., to the late George and Nellie Rich Young.
    Ronnie was a delivery man for GNS Bait. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.
    Ronnie loved the Lord and his family. He was a deacon at Harmony Baptist Church.
    He is survived by his wife, Shirley Young; two sons, Dewayne Young of Andrews and Charles Young of Marble; two daughters, Patricia Bartlett of Andrews and Christy Cable of Marble; one brother, Dennis Young of Carthage, Tenn.; one sister, Loretta Porvencher of New Hampshire; 19 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
    Funeral services will be held at 8 p.m. Friday, June 23, at Townson-Rose Chapel in Andrews. Pastor Herman Bell and Elder Dennis Young will officiate.
    The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday, June 23, at Townson-Rose Chapel in Andrews.
    You may send tributes to the Young family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

    Cornelia June Rogers Miller, born June 12, 1934, in Morton, Miss., left us on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017. She died alone after a long battle with drug addiction and depression.
    She resided in Gainesville, Fla., and spent summers in Murphy until she, with her husband and son, moved to High Springs, Fla.
    She is survived by her husband, Robert William Miller,  86; and her son, Robert William Miller, 62 who lives at home. She also is survived by two daughters, Marilyn Miller and Suzanne Amos. Each child had three children, brighter and more attractive than the generation before them. All nine are a testimony to a life well lived. Of the nine grandchildren, there are six great-grandchildren and two in the making.
    We are thankful for the life that was issued forth because of June. We wish she could have appreciated the abundance of life she was given.
    Drugs were a major love in her life as June had no hobbies, made no contribution to society and rarely shared a kind word or deed in her life.
    Please let June Miller’s life be a cautionary tale. Addiction and hatred are no es bueno for the living. We speak for the majority of her family when we say her presence will not be missed by many, very few tears will be shed, and there will be no lamenting over her passing.
    Her family will remember June, and amongst ourselves we will remember her in our own way, which were mostly sad and troubling times throughout the years. We may have some fond memories of her, and perhaps we will think of those times, too.
    But we truly believe at the end of the day all of us will really only miss what we never had – a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. We hope she is finally at peace.
    As for the rest of us left behind, we hope this is the beginning of a time of healing and learning to be a family again.
    There will be no service, no prayers and no closure for the family she spent a lifetime tearing apart. We cannot come together in the end to see to it that her grandchildren and great-grandchildren can say their goodbyes. Her legacy is written.
    So, we say here for all of us, “Goodbye, Mom.”

    James “Pat” Kilpatrick, 88, of Murphy, passed away Monday, June 19, 2017, at Pruitt Health Care in Blue Ridge, Ga.
    He was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County. Pat was the son of the late Fred Warren Kilpatrick Sr. and Blanche Fox Kilpatrick.
    He was a miner and mechanic on heavy equipment for the Tennessee Chemical Co.
    Pat enjoyed golfing, yard work and spending time with his grandchildren. Pat enjoyed working for the Democratic Party for many years and was an avid Murphy Bulldog fan for many years.
    He was a member of Ranger United Methodist Church.
    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant son, Keith Kilpatrick; grandson, Russell Kagan McCracken; one brother, Dale Kilpatrick; three sisters, Regina Ledford, Gladys Keenum and Ruth Moss; one sister-in-law, Louellen Kilpatrick; and two brothers-in-law, Joe Ledford and Johnny Keenum.
    He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Lou Jean Nation Kilpatrick; two daughters, Angela Kilpatrick McCracken and husband Elliott of Arden, and Terri Jo Perry and husband Mel of Tampa, Fla.; three brothers, Fred W. Kilpatrick Jr., Gary Kilpatrick and wife Betty, and Richard Kilpatrick and wife Lorraine, all of Murphy; three grandchildren, Ashley Katelyn McCracken of Boone, Synaca Norman and Jim Ross; two great-grandchildren, William and Thomas Ross; one sister-in-law, Bertha Kilpatrick of Arkansas; and one brother-in-law, Lanier Moss of Jasper, Ga.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 24, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy. Pastor Tim Lee and the Rev. Aud Brown officiated. Music was provided by Aud and Becky Brown. Burial was in Ranger United Methodist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Kevin Kilpatrick, Rick Kilpatrick, Michael Keenum, Dwayne Kilpatrick, Joe Kilpatrick, Clyde Collins and Steve Chastain.
    The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday, June 23, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ranger United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Gary Kilpatrick, 156 Walker Road, Murphy, NC 28906.
    You may send tributes to the Kilpatrick family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Ronnie Ruben Young, 66, of Marble, passed away Tuesday, June 20, 2017, at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
    He was born in Detroit, Mich., to the late George and Nellie Rich Young.
    Ronnie was a delivery man for GNS Bait. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.
    Ronnie loved the Lord and his family. He was a deacon at Harmony Baptist Church.
    He is survived by his wife, Shirley Young; two sons, Dewayne Young of Andrews and Charles Young of Marble; two daughters, Patricia Bartlett of Andrews and Christy Cable of Marble; one brother, Dennis Young of Carthage, Tenn.; one sister, Loretta Porvencher of New Hampshire; 19 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
    Funeral services were held at 8 p.m. Friday, June 23, at Townson-Rose Chapel in Andrews. Pastor Herman Bell and Elder Dennis Young officiated.
    The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday, June 23, at Townson-Rose Chapel in Andrews.
    You may send tributes to the Young family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.

    Wanda Jalad, 91, of Murphy, passed away Friday, June 23, 2017, at her residence.
    She was a native of Wheeling, W.Va., and lived in Lake Worth, Fla., for 30 years before moving to Murphy in 1988.
    She was a secretary for McKesson Drug Co. for 20 years, retiring in 1980.
    Wanda was a member of St. William Catholic Church.
    She was the daughter of the late Roy St. Clair and Dora Lee Thorn Ray, and wife of the late Edward M. Jalad, who died Feb. 7, 2009.
    Surviving are a daughter, Jona Muckle and husband Gary of West Palm Beach, Fla.; a son, Michael E. Jalad and wife Nina of Murphy; and six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
    A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 29, at the Columbarium at St. William Catholic Church with Father Alex Ayala officiating.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Wanda Jalad to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington DC 20090-6011 or act.alz.org/donate.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Sandra Haines McKinney was born in Atlantic City, N.J., in 1946.
    She attended Atlantic City elementary public schools and Atlantic City High School. She then moved to Cullowhee to attend Western Carolina University. There she majored in art and graduated in 1966. While there, she married and became the mother to one son, Jesse.
    Sandy was an outstanding artist working in education, moving on to major corporate art and sharing her talent in New Jersey, North and South Carolina and Florida.
    In recent years, she lived in Murphy, where she worked at the senior center teaching art, crafts and art appreciation to her elderly students. Her paintings and gourd work were appreciated by those in the region. Many purchased her whimsical work.
    Sandy passed away Wednesday, June 21, 2017, after a series of medical complications.
    She attended Oak Forest Methodist Church, where she was active and had many close friends, who were very supportive during her illness.
    She will be missed by the Hayesville and Murphy communities.
    She is survived by her son, Jesse; her granddaughter, Kyla; her sister; and several nieces and nephews.
    A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 1, at Oak Forest Methodist Church, 990 Oak Forest Road in Hayesville. A reception will immediately follow the service.

    Vivaudou Rose Farmer, 92, of Murphy, passed away Sunday, June 25, 2017, at Murphy Medical Center Nursing Home.
    She was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, and daughter of the late Henry and Nina Radford Rose.
    Vivaudou was owner and operator of Murphy Quick Wash Laundry. She loved her customers. Vivaudou loved to talk and socialize with people. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. Vivaudou enjoyed being involved with her family’s activities.
    She was a member of Mount Nebo Baptist Church.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Chester Farmer, and second husband, Robert Irie Farmer; and five brothers, Clarence Rose, Thad Rose, David Rose, Bucky Rose and an infant brother.
    She is survived by two daughters, Becky Killian of Murphy, and Connie Geer of Inman, S.C.; two sisters, Yvonne West of Andrews and Nancy Dockery of Murphy; four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 27, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Pastor Harold Stiles officiated. Burial was in Unaka Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were grandsons, great-grandsons and nephews.
    The family received friends from noon-2 p.m. Tuesday, June 27, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Unaka Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Glen Crowe, 11931 Beaverdam Road, Murphy, NC 28906.
    You may send tributes to the Farmer family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.

    Billy A. Branch of Murphy, passed away Saturday, June 3, 2017, at the age of 90 years old.
    He was born in St. Petersburg, Fla., to the late Claude and Thelma Branch.
    Billy was a World War II U.S. Army veteran who served in the Asiatic Pacific.
    He was a member of VFW Post No. 10222 and Joe Miller Elkin Anerican Legion Post No. 96.
    Billy retired from a vast career in the field of respiratory therapy.
    He was a member of his beloved Ranger Baptist Church, for more than 30 years.
    In addition to his parents, Billy was preceded in death by his stepmother, Adrienne Branch; stepsister, Barbara Applegate, and young daughter, Elaine Branch, all of St. Petersburg, Fla.
    Surviving are his loving wife of 64 years, Beverly Branch; daughter, Sharon Branch; son, David (Jill) Branch, all of the Murphy area; two stepsisters, Adrienne Hughes of Elkins Park, Pa., and Judith (Tom) Barker of Montgomery, Ala.; in-laws, Joy (John)Dudinsky of St. Petersburg, Fla., and Patricia Harris of Plantation, Fla.; two granddaughters, Jessica (Cody) Young of Blairsville, Ga., and Jadrian (Bobby) Ledford of Murphy; four great-grandchildren; three nieces; three stepneices; seven nephews; two stepnephews; and many cousins, additional family and wonderful friends.
    A memorial service with graveside military rites will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 15, at Ranger Baptist Church.
 

    The Rev. Robert Paul Bauer Sr., 79, of Mill Street in Hayesville, passed away peacefully at his home Tuesday, June 20, 2017, surrounded by his loving family.
    He was born Feb. 17, 1938, in Yankton, S.D., the son of the late Hugo Bauer and Ruth Smith Bauer.
    Robert had been a pastor for many years and served as pastor of Bellview Community United Methodist Church until the time of his death.
    He was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and pastor.
    He was preceded in death by his parents and also a brother, Ronald Bauer.
    Surviving the Rev. Bauer are his loving wife and best friend of 46 years, Joanne Vivarttas Bauer of Hayesville; three sons and one daughter-in-law, Robert Paul Bauer Jr. of Hiawassee, Ga., Joel Andrew Bauer of Hayesville, Jonathan David and Tiffany Bauer of Hiawassee; seven grandchildren, Christina Moody, Christian, Kyla, Kara and Jonathan Bauer, Scott Meeks and Gavyn Moss; one great-grandchild, Malakai; a host of his church family;  many other relatives and friends also survive.
    A celebration of the Rev. Bauer’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday, July  9, at Bellview Community United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dennis Lewis officiating.
    The family will meet with friends following the services at the church.
    In lieu of flowers if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to Bellview Community United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1421, Murphy NC 28906 in Rev. Bauer’s memory.
    Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville is in charge of arrangements.
    You may sign the family guest book and send condolences online at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com.

    James Lewis Simonds, 92, of Blue Ridge, Ga., passed Sunday, June 25, 2017.  
    He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Elizabeth Abernathy Simonds; sons Byron (Kyle) Simonds and Lamar Simonds; sister, Peggy Simonds Lewis; four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.  
    He graduated from Murphy High School in 1943.
    A celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 28, at Epworth First Baptist Church.
    Interment followed in the church cemetery.
    You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

    James Lewis Simonds, 92, of Blue Ridge, Ga., passed away Sunday, June 25, 2017.
    He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Elizabeth Abernathy Simonds; son, Byron Simonds and his wife, Kyle, of Murfreesboro; son, Lamar Simonds of Ellijay, Ga.; sister Peggy Simonds Lewis of Fayetteville, Ga.; grandchildren, Morgan, Sheldon and Tyler Simonds, and Barrett Simonds Chandler and husband Josh; great-grandchildren, Katie Chandler and Josh Chandler Jr.; and many nieces and nephews.
    A celebration of his life took place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 28, at Epworth First Baptist Church with Dr. Tom Jordan officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery with military honors provided by the North Georgia Honor Guard. Pallbearers were William McClure, Harvey Franks, Ronnie Kimsey, Jimmy Foster, Sam Arthur and James Abernathy. Honorary pallbearers were deacons of Epworth First Baptist Church.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials may be made to the Epworth Community Club Scholarship Fund.
    Arrangements were entrusted to Finch-Cochran Funeral Home of McCaysville, Ga.
    You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

   The Rev. Robert Paul Bauer, Sr., 79, of Hayesville, known as “Pastor Paul,” and beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, minister and friend, left his earthly home Tuesday, June 20, 2017, to meet his Savior while surrounded by family and friends.
    Born in Yankton, S.D., on Feb. 17, 1938, Paul grew up in the small town of Springfield, S.D., on the Missouri River. He was the son of Hugo and Ruth Smith Bauer who owned the local grocery store where Paul learned many valuable lessons about people and integrity. South Dakota remained close to his heart throughout his life, and he often shared tales of the place and experiences there that guided his life.
    Graduating from Springfield High School in 1956, Paul went on to Marion College, now Indiana Wesleyan University, and served as president of the Athletic Society and the senior class.  He also traveled and sang with the Varsity Quartet.
    Following graduation from Nazarene Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Mo., he was ordained an elder in the United Methodist Church in Florida. After teaching adult and continuing education in Palm Beach County, and earning a second master’s degree in education at Florida Atlantic University, Paul entered full time ministry, serving numerous Florida churches.
    Paul and Joanne Vivarttas married at Juno Beach United Methodist Church in 1971 and served numerous congregations together throughout his life.  
    Notably, he was the founding pastor of Hobe Sound United Methodist Church and served at Trinity United Methodist Church in Palatka, First United Methodist Church Bartow and United Methodist Temple and Lakewood Park United Methodist Church in Lakeland, Fla.
    Paul considered himself an evangelical with a Bible-based ministry in teaching, preaching and music.
    Pastor Paul often sang hymns in services and is particularly remembered for his moving version of “The Lord’s Prayer” by many who still hear its echoes even decades later.
    He enjoyed participating in the Singing Preachers at the Cherokee County Gospel Songfest and was an active participant in United Methodist Men’s activities.
    Pastor Paul is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 46 years, Joanne Vivarrtas Bauer; three sons and one daughter-in-law, Robert Paul Bauer Jr. of Hiawassee, Ga., Joel Andrew Bauer of Hayesville, and Jonathan David Bauer Sr. and wife Tiffany Bauer of Hiawassee, Ga. He will be deeply missed by his precious grandchildren with whom he loved to joke and play, Christina Moody, Christian, Kyla, Kara and Jonathan Bauer Jr., Scott Meeks and Gavyn Moss; and one great-grandson, Malakai Moody.
    Other relatives include nephews Kevin and Kelly Bauer; niece Tammie Smith; and sister-in-law Ardis Bauer.
    Rev. Bauer was predeceased by his parents; his brother Ronald; and a beloved daughter-in-law, Toni Jaye Bauer (Robert Paul Bauer Jr.).
    A memorial service and celebration of Rev. Bauer’s life and ministry will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday, July 9, at Bellview United Methodist Church, 247 Moccasin Creek Road in Murphy, where he served since 2009, and will be warmly remembered by many grateful congregants and friends.
    The Rev. Dennis Lewis, pastor of Faith United Methodist Church in Fort Myers, Fla., who was guided and mentored in ministry by Pastor Paul, will conduct the service.
    The family will meet with friends following the service at the church.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Rev. Bauer’s memory be made to Bellview United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1425, Murphy, NC 28906.
    Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville is in charge of arrangements.  
    You may sign the family guest book and send condolences online at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com.