Clinton Lovingood, 81, of Marble, passed away Saturday, March 9, 201, at Murphy Rehab & Nursing.
     He was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, and the son of the late Wayne and Wilma Hancock Lovingood. Clinton was a member of Maltby Baptist Church. He was a former Sunday school superintendent and a former adult Sunday school teacher. Clinton was a past master of Marble Springs Masonic Lodge No. 439, Waynesville Chapter of the York Rite, Royal Arch No. 69 and Doric Council No. 20.
    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Kathy Moss Lovingood; and his son, Johnny Clinton Lovingood.
    He is survived by his son, Stacy Lovingood and wife Lisa of Marble; his daughter, Barbara Jean Hogsed and husband Malcolm of Andrews; brothers, Cecil Lovingood and wife Wanda of Marble, and Kenneth Lovingood and Toni of Anderson, S.C.; sisters, Carolyn Moss and Lois Johnson Lovingood; three grandchildren, Breeze Hogsed Cresmen, Nathan Hogsed, and Alyssa Lee; four great-grandchildren, Mackenna Cresmen, T.J. Long, Silas and Summer Lee; and several nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services were held 2 p.m. Monday, March 11, 2019, at Oak Grove Baptist Church. Preacher Darrell Dockery, pastor Kenny White, the Rev. Fred Lunsford and the Rev. Steve Wyke officiated. Burial was at Moss Cemetery in Marble. Pallbearers were Barry Lawrence, Steve Wyke, Jack Millsaps, Greg Lovingood, George VanBuskirk and Maurice West Jr. Honorary pallbearers were Doug Lovingood, Shylan Moss and Nathan Hogsed.
    The family received friends from noon-2 p.m. Monday, March 11, 2019, at Oak Grove Baptist Church.
    You may send tributes to the Lovingood family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all
arrangements.

    Linda Lee Schneidewind, 67, of Andrews, passed away Thursday, March 7, 2019, in a Murphy hospital.
    She was a native of Trego County, Kan., and lived in Newport News, Va., before moving to Cherokee County in 1989.
    For several years, Linda worked in retail sales. She was of the Christian faith. Linda had a big loving and giving heart and always helped others in need. Linda was like a mother to many people.
    She was the daughter of the late Charles and Anna McAtee Siek.
    Surviving are a daughter, Katrina DeHart and husband, Jackie of Andrews; a son, Charles Schneidewind and wife Misti of Niceville, Fla.; and six grandchildren, Logan Bear, Kenneth, Dylan, and Jada DeHart, and Elijah and Hannah Schneidewind.
    A memorial service will be held at a later date.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Linda Lee Schneidewind to the Valley River Humane Society, P.O. Box 658, Murphy, NC 28906.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews, is in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Della Mae Sherrill, 79, of Andrews, went home to be with the Lord after a lengthy illness on Sunday, March 10, 2019.
    She was a native of Bryson City, but moved to Andrews as a child, where she lived throughout her life. She was married on June 24, 1960, at Valleytown Baptist Church to her loving husband, Maurice Sherrill.
    She worked throughout her life alongside her husband in the family business. Della was an active member of Andrews First Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir and served on various committees. Della loved watching her nieces and nephews play sports, and she enjoyed cooking for her church family and many others. Della also enjoyed traveling with her husband and friends.
    She was the daughter of the late Lee and Ruby Bailey.
    Surviving are her husband of 59 years, Maurice Sherrill; a sister, Doris Anderson of Murphy; a brother, Wayne Bailey and wife, Sally of Andrews; and numerous nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, 2019, at Andrews First Baptist Church with Dr. Calvin Bobo officiating. The interment will be in Valleytown Cemetery.
    Pallbearers will be Mitch Waldroup, Bobby Grindstaff, Troy Crisp, Phillip Hodge, Danny Barton and Tim West.  Honorary pallbearers will be Michael McQuade, Ian McQuade, Terry Sherrill, Gary Stroud, Trevor Waldroup, Brett Gibson, Frank Wilson, Gary Kauffman, Donald Hogan, Wade Brooks, John Goins and Olen Clark.
    The family will receive friends from 1-2:45 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, 2019, at Andrews First Baptist Church prior to the services.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Della Mae Sherrill to the Kid’s Food Bags Ministry, Andrews First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 427, Andrews, NC 28901.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews, is in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Sue Peace Wayman, age 97, of Murphy, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 9, 2019.
    She was a native of Madisonville, Tenn., and later moved to Murphy in 1957 with her husband. She worked as a nurse’s aide at the old Providence hospital and Murphy Medical Center. Sue was an active member of the Ranger Community Club and had volunteered with the Meals on Wheels program.
    Sue enjoyed crocheting and quilting and enjoyed making quilts for her family. She loved working in her flowers, raking leaves, and took great pride in her yard and home. She was a member of Ranger Baptist Church.
    She was the daughter of the late Earl Hamilton and Betty Reagan Carter Peace, and wife of the late Clarence William Wayman Jr., who died Oct. 25, 1996. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Betty Warhurst, and an infant son, Jimmy Lee Wayman; a grandson, Keith Wayman; four sisters and three brothers.
    Surviving are a daughter, “Dennie” Dorinda Stearns of Murphy; two sons, Donnie Wayman and wife Sue of Spring City, Tenn., and Jack Wayman and wife, Karen of Murphy; a sister, Ruth Kirkland of Madisonville; nine grandchildren, Michael Isbill, Candace Hicks, Denise Comer, Dustin Wayman, Dawn Davis, Eric Sneed, Lori Slaker, Amy Wayman and Stuart Wayman; and 19 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services were held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at Ranger Baptist Church with the Revs. Jimmy Hogsed and Zack Orton officiating. The interment will be at noon Wednesday, March 13, 2019, at New Hope Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Madisonville.  
    Pallbearers were Michael Isbill, Eric Sneed, Dustin and Stuart Wayman, Danny Comer and Kenny Hicks. Honorary pallbearers were Curt Davis and Jake Slaker.
    The family received friends from 4-5:45 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at Ranger Baptist Church, Murphy prior to the service.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Sue Peace Wayman to:
    Lottie Moon, 3806 Monument Ave., Richmond, VA  23230; or Annie Armstrong, c/o North American Mission Board, P.O. Box 116543, Atlanta, GA 30368-6543.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, was in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

June 19, 1929-Feb. 22, 2019
    Rev. Dr. William Joseph “Bill” Thompson, 89, of La Grange, N.C., was called home to his Heavenly reward on Friday, Feb. 22, 2019.
    The youngest of nine children, Bill was born June 19, 1929, in Bradford, Ala., to the late Joseph Webster Thompson and Mary Jane Vaughn Thompson.
    A retired Southern Baptist minister, Bill was a graduate of Samford University in Birmingham, Ala.; Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky.; and Lexington Theological Seminary in Lexington, Ky. A lover of God’s Word, Bill was a renowned Bible, Hebrew and Greek scholar. A man of great faith and belief in his Lord, Bill never hesitated to share his love for the Lord and was truly passionate about leading others to the greatest relationship one can have, a relationship with Christ.
    Feeling a call from the Lord, Bill pastored his first church at age 18. During a faithful and distinguished career for the Lord, Bill pastored churches in Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina and West Virginia. Bill never met a stranger and quickly engaged others in conversation about believing in the Lord.
    The word passionate has often been used to describe Bill. He always gave his best effort and poured out his heart in all endeavors. Bill was competitive, tenacious and always played to win. Bill never stepped away from a challenge and always welcomed good, spirited competition.
    Bill loved traveling and never met a crossword puzzle he couldn’t solve. Always active, he loved flying, tennis, bicycling, fishing and swimming. Bill always was looking for a deal and true to form, would do his best to try and talk you into giving him an even better deal. We rejoice in our good memories.
    Bill loved piddling around the house. He loved working with his hands and enjoyed taking care of his vegetable garden. No one made better strawberry jam. He found great pleasure in tinkering on bicycles and anything with a motor.
    The Alabama Crimson Tide Football Team had no bigger fan than Bill. You didn’t have to be around Bill but for just a moment and chances are the subject of football came up. Outside of God and family, Bill probably loved nothing more than his Crimson Tide.
    A quality that aptly describes Bill is loyalty. If you had Bill as a friend, you had a friend for life. He was loyal in his call to serve his Lord. He was loyal as a husband, father and grandfather. The word personifies him.
    Bill was the pastor of First Baptist Church in Murphy from 1960-1967.
    A service to celebrate and remember Bill’s life was held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, at Rouse Funeral Home in La Grange.
    Bill is survived by his best friend and beloved wife of almost 71 years, Doris “Dot” Sadler Thompson; four children, Joseph Randall “Randy” Thompson, Rachel Thompson Marley and husband Donnie, William “Mark” Thompson and wife Sabrina, and Ruth Thompson Dale and husband Lee; five grandchildren, Amanda, Jessica, Jentry, Joshua and Micah; and one great-grandchild, Kaylee.

    Laura Mae Postell, 80, of Franklin, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 10, 2019.
    Laura was born August 19, 1938 in Topton to the late Arthur Herman Moose and Delores Lee Postell Montgomery. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant daughter, who died in 1960, a half-sister and two brothers-in-law.
    She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law: Horace “Arnie” and Abigail Braswell of Franklin; daughter and son-in-law: Velma Lee and Sheldon Jordan of Waltham, Maine; her six grandchildren – who affectionally called her “Memaw” – Horace “A.J.” and Drew Braswell, Lauralee (Tim) Hanna, Shellee Rose Jordan, Sheldon Lee Jordan and Daisy (Jack) Wentworth; eight great-grandchildren: Jordan, Logan, and Leela Mae Rivera, Marcus Seidell, Alyssa Lee Smith, Bentlee, Bradlee, and Brailee Jordan; one sister; one half-brother and sister-in-law; two half-sisters and brothers-in-law; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
    A private graveside service will be held at a later date in the Red Marble Baptist Church Cemetery in Topton.
    Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Condolences can be made to the family at www.maconfuneralhome.com.

    Vaud King, age 94 of Murphy, passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at her residence.
     She was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, and the daughter of the late McKinley and Minnie Headrick Stiles. Vaud was a lunchroom manager in the school system and a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church.
     In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon King; one son, Harold King; brothers, Harvey, Herman, Homer and Jack Stiles; and sisters, Norma Nix, Mae Roberts and Oma Taylor.
     She is survived by one son, Steve King; one brother, Claude Stiles; two sisters, Barbara Anderson and husband Edgar and Eunice Johnson; seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
     Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 16, 2019 at the Oak Grove Baptist Church. Pastors Ronnie Crisp and Randy Johnson officiated. Music was provided by Russell Anderson.
    Burial was in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were Kevin King, Clint Rankin, Jimmy Bailey, Chris Johnson, Danny Turner and Rodney Vice. Honorary pallbearers were Johnny Martin and Edgar Anderson.
     The family received friends from 5-8 p.m., Friday, March 15, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy where she will lie in state until being placed in the church one hour prior to the service hour.
     You may send tributes to the King family at www.townson-rose.com
     Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

   Dr. Walter Bryant Graham, 82, of Murphy, passed away Saturday, March 16, 2019, in a Murphy health-care facility.
    He was born and raised in Battle Creek, Mich., and joined the U.S. Air Force after graduating high school.  Walter was a Korean War-era veteran who served as a pharmacy tech. He later completed his undergraduate studies at Michigan State University and received his doctorate degree at the University of Florida. Walter completed his residency at Baylor University before returning to the University of Florida where he received his neurology doctorate.
    He began work in Bradenton, Fla., in 1970, where he had worked as a doctor of neurology until his retirement in 1999. Following retirement, he moved to Murphy in 2000. Walter enjoyed fishing in his younger years, gardening, and was a wonderful chef.
    He was the son of the late Wilfred and Elizabeth Bryant Graham. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Ann.
    Surviving are his wife of 46 years, Ann Nixon Graham; two daughters, Norma Banes and husband, David of Gainesville, Fla., and Kendra Dibble and husband, Lucius of Shelbourn, Vt.; two sons, Al Graham and wife, Yvonne of Bradenton, Fla., and Andrew Graham and wife, Jessica of McKinney, Texas; a sister, Marcia West and husband, Monty of Mich.; eight grandchildren, Kevin Banes, Heather Sullivan, Aaron and Nick Graham, Ava and Audrey Graham, Graham and Anna Dibble; and a great granddaughter, Riley Sullivan.
    A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Warren Edward Humphries, 63 of Vengeance Creek in Marble, passed away Thursday March 14, 2019, at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta following a brief illness.
    Humphries was born on Jan. 2, 1956, in Linden Hurst, NY., the son of the late Harold Humphries and the late Lorene Weckerle Humphries.
    He had made his home in the Marble area for the past 31 years. Warren was an avid guitar player and drummer. He was a painter by trade and loved painting. He was a loving husband, father, brother and grandfather. Warren was of the Christian faith.
    Surviving Warren are his loving wife and best friend of 28 years, Miranda (Mandy) Sharp Humphries of Marble, three sons and one daughter-in-law, Randy Humphries, Kevin and Krista Humphries all of California; Zackary Humphries of Marble, one daughter and son-in-law, Tiffany and Kevin Jackson of Hayesville, three sisters, Pam Hewett of Andrews, Verona and Venus Humphries both of Dalton, Ga.; two brothers, John and Joseph Humphries both of Dalton, five grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends also survive.
   A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday March 22, 2019, at the Grace Fellowship  Church with the Rev. Bo Phillips and Dr. Jack Hollowell officiating.
    Special music will be presented by Trudy and Sam Mason and the Fellowship Church Choir. In lieu of flowers if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to help defray expenses in Warren’s memory. The family will meet with friends Friday March 22, 2019, from 12:30-2 p.m. at the church.
    Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville, Ga., is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences online at
www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com.

    Corbert Cecil Luther, 71, of 190 Giles Luther Lane in Andrews, passed away peacefully at his home Thursday March 14, 2019, following an extended illness.
    Luther was born on April 29, 1947, in Andrews, the son of Bonnie Brendle Luther and the late Giles Luther.
    He was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County. Corbert was an avid farmer and skilled mechanic. He enjoyed woodworking and fishing in his spare time. He also enjoyed spending time with friends and family. He was a loving husband and brother.
    He was preceded in death by his father and also a brother, Hardy Luther. Corbert was a member of Valley River Baptist Church.
    Surviving Mr. Luther are his loving wife and best friend of 52 years, Marilyn Dean Luther of Andrews; his mother, Bonnie Brendle of Andrews; one sister and brother-in-law, Deborah and James Young of Andrews; a sister-in-law, Sheila Luther of Andrews, several nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends also survive.
   A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday March 23, 2019, at Faith Baptist Tabernacle with the Revs. Wayne Morgan and Eddie Harden officiating.
    Special music will be presented by Tommy Williams. Interment will follow in the Valley River Cemetery at a later date.
    In lieu of flowers if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to the Gideons for Bibles in Corbert’s memory. The family will meet with friends following the services.
    Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville, Ga., is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guestbook and send condolences online at
www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com.

    Laura Mae Postell, 80, of Franklin, passed away peacefully Sunday, March 10, 2019.
    Laura was born on Aug. 19, 1938, in Topton to the late Arthur Herman Moose and Delores Lee Postell Montgomery. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant daughter, who died in 1960, a half-sister and two brothers-in-law.
    She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law: Horace “Arnie” and Abigail Braswell of Franklin; daughter and son-in-law: Velma Lee and Sheldon Jordan of Waltham, Maine; her six grandchildren – who affectionately called her “Memaw” – Horace “A.J.” and Drew Braswell, Lauralee (Tim) Hanna, Shellee Rose Jordan, Sheldon Lee Jordan and Daisy (Jack) Wentworth; eight great-grandchildren: Jordan, Logan, and Leela Mae Rivera, Marcus Seidell, Alyssa Lee Smith, Bentlee, Bradlee, and Brailee Jordan; one sister; one half-brother and sister-in-law; two half-sisters and brothers-in-law; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
    A private graveside service will be held later in the Red Marble Baptist Church Cemetery in Topton.
    Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Condolences can be made to the family at www.maconfuneralhome.com.

    H.H. “Hap” Pullium passed away Friday, March 8, 2019, at home with family.
    Hap was born April 25, 1939, in Valley Town to Venison Pullium and Nettie Phillips Pullium.
    He attended Georgia Military for seven years, graduating in 1957. He attended the University of North Carolina and graduated from Baylor University in 1964. He worked as an administrative officer for the USDA food and nutrition service for 26 years.
    He is survived by his wife, Elaine Pullium, Nacogdoches; his sister Hope Pullium Nacogdoches; his son David Pullium Traci, Plano, Texas; his daughter Rebecca Brazil (Clint), Mesquite, Texas; his daughter Mikel Salsgiver, (Craig) Lucas,Texas; his step-daughter Christie hale Denver; his stepsons, Louis Callahan Cathy, Greenville, S.C., and Craig Callahan (Annette) Welsh, La.
    Grandchildren, Johnathon Willamson (Virginia), Franklin; Autumn Soeder (Dean), Plano Texas; Alexandra Hale , Denver; Lois and Griffin Callahan, Greenville; Patricia C. Francis Mathew, Greenville; Sarah Salsgiver, Lucas,Texas; and great-grandson Chandler Williamson, Franklin.
    His five fur babies, many nieces, nephews and cousins also miss him.
    He is predeceased by wife Gerry Pullium, Dallas Texas; parents Mr. and Mrs. Venision Pullium; brother Heyward Pullium, Andrews; and sisters Joy Longhurst; Andrews; and Faith Watts, Mariett Ga .
    Hap loved hunting, fishing, 42 dominoes and cards. He especially enjoyed being around his grandchildren, and nieces and nephews, teaching some of them how to fish and hunt.
    We would like to thank Accolade Hospice in particular Sara Moore Amanda Osteen and the Rev. Brian Tyre for the wonderful care they provided to Hap the last seven months. Also, thanks to Jordan Home Health Care and Dr. Hashim, who cared for him prior to Hospice.
    Hap’s Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 23, at New Hopes Methodist Church, 5301 E. Main St. (Highway 21) in Nacogdoches.
    In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Accolade Hospice or a charity of your choice.

    June 19, 1929-Feb. 22, 2019

    The Rev. Dr. William Joseph “Bill” Thompson, 89, of La Grange, was called home to his heavenly reward Friday, Feb. 22, 2019.
    The youngest of nine children, Bill was born June 19, 1929, in Bradford, Ala., to the late Joseph Webster Thompson and Mary Jane Vaughn Thompson.
    A retired Southern Baptist minister, Bill was a graduate of Samford University in Birmingham, Ala.; Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky.; and Lexington Theological Seminary in Lexington, Ky. A lover of God’s word, Bill was a renowned Bible, Hebrew and Greek scholar.
    A man of great faith and belief in his Lord, Bill never hesitated to share his love for the Lord and was truly passionate about leading others to the greatest relationship one can have – a relationship with Christ.
    Feeling a call from the Lord, Bill pastored his first church at age 18. During a faithful and distinguished career for the Lord, Bill pastored churches in Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina and West Virginia. Bill never met a stranger and quickly engaged others in conversation about believing in the Lord.
    The word passionate has often been used to describe Bill. He always gave his best effort and poured out his heart in all endeavors. Bill was competitive, tenacious and always played to win. Bill never stepped away from a challenge and always welcomed good, spirited competition.
    Bill loved traveling and never met a crossword puzzle he couldn’t solve. Always active, he loved flying, tennis, bicycling, fishing and swimming. Bill always was looking for a deal and, true to form, would do his best to try and talk you into giving him a better deal. We rejoice in our good memories.
    Bill loved piddling around the house. He loved working with his hands and enjoyed taking care of his vegetable garden. No one made better strawberry jam. He found great pleasure in tinkering on bicycles and anything with a motor.
    The Alabama Crimson Tide Football Team had no bigger fan than Bill. You didn’t have to be around Bill but for just a moment and chances are the subject of football came up. Outside of God and family, Bill probably loved nothing more than his Crimson Tide.
    A quality that aptly describes Bill is loyalty. If you had Bill as a friend, you had a friend for life. He was loyal in his call to serve his Lord. He was loyal as a husband, father and grandfather. The word personifies him.
    Bill was pastor of First Baptist Church in Murphy from 1960-67.
    A service to celebrate and remember Bill’s life was held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, at Rouse Funeral Home in La Grange.
    Bill is survived by his best friend and beloved wife of almost 71 years, Doris “Dot” Sadler Thompson; four children, Joseph Randall “Randy” Thompson, Rachel Thompson Marley and husband Donnie, William “Mark” Thompson and wife Sabrina, and Ruth Thompson Dale and husband Lee; five grandchildren, Amanda, Jessica, Jentry, Joshua and Micah; and one great-grandchild, Kaylee.

    Bill Watson, 89, of Marble, passed away Sunday, March 17, 2019, at Valley View Care Center in Andrews after a long illness.
     Bill was born on Nov. 15, 1929, to the late Ed and Bessie Garret Watson. He was a native and lifetime resident of Cherokee County.
    He was a retired carpenter and helped build many houses in Cherokee and surrounding counties. He was married to the love of his life, Carolyn Trull Watson for almost 62 years before her passing in 2012.
    He attended Oak Grove Baptist Church. Bill was an avid fisherman and loved the outdoors, caring for his animals, especially his beloved Great Pyrenees, Tojo.
    He was a great checker player and loved playing with his friends at Penland Senior Center.
    Bill was a wonderful Dad, Papaw, “Pop” and friend. He loved having visitors come by and never met a stranger. He will definitely be missed by many.
    In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by brother, James Watson.
    He is survived by two sons, Keith Watson and wife Anita of Marble, and Kevin Watson and wife Karen of Buffalo, S.D.; two brothers, Garland Watson of Andrews and Pete Watson of Blue Ridge, Ga.; one special granddaughter, Kasey of Leon, Iowa; and six great-grandchildren, Austin, Chandler, McClain, Tripp, Olivia and Jemma also of Leon.
    Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m., Wednesday, March 20, 2019, at the Oak Grove Baptist Church in Marble.
    The Rev. Randall Moss will officiate. Burial will be in Moss Cemetery.
    Pallbearers will be Keith and Kevin Watson, Randall Moss, Harold Rathbone, Cecil Lovingood and David Ricks. Honorary pallbearers will be Logan Ricks, David Simmons, Greg Simmons, Dylon Kephart and Bryan Watson.
     The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, 2019, at Oak Grove Baptist Church.
    In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Moss Cemetery, c/o Mary May, P.O. Box 100, Marble, NC 28905.
    You may send online tributes to the Watson family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all
arrangements.

    Betty Ruth Radcliffe Hays, age 87, Murphy, passed away Thursday Feb. 21.
    “Granny Betty” was a native of Thomaston, Ga., but had lived in West Palm Beach, Fla., before making her home in Murphy. She was preceded in death by her husband, the late Edwin John Hays.
    Granny Betty will be forever known as the beautiful lady with a fun sense of humor that loved children, pets and a beautiful yard.
    Survivors include one brother, Hugh Frank (Margie) Radcliffe of Comer,
Ga.,; three daughters, Janice (Greg) Walker of Roswell, Ga.,, Julie Lashley of West Palm, Fla., and Becky (Eric) Stubbs of Meridian, Miss.,; one step-son, Thomas Edwin Hays of Port St. Lucie, Fla.,; grandchildren, Whitney (Dave) Bryant of Johns Creek, Ga.,, Eric (Laine) Stubbs, Jr and Patrick (Alex) Stubbs of Meridian; great-grandchildren, James and Matthew Bryant, Weston Stubbs; step-grandchildren, Michael (Stephanie) Hays and Michelle (Ken) Marasco; and several step great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
    A celebration of life service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 30, 2019 at the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church.
    You may send tributes to the Hays family at www.townson-rose.com
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

    Dr. John Bill Brooks, age 89, passed away peacefully Saturday evening, March 9, 2019, at his home in Woodstock, Ga., surrounded by his loving family.
    Bill was born Aug. 9, 1929, to the late Walter Brooks and the late Cosbie Amburn Brooks in Isabella, Tenn. He was a member of Woodstock First Baptist Church and taught Sunday School for 25 years.
    He was a graduate of Murphy High School, earned his B.S. Degree from Western Carolina University, attended Emory University for 2 years, and was sponsored by the Center for Disease Control to receive his Ph.D. degree at Virginia Tech. He was employed by the C.D.C. for 40 years as a research scientist, working with research centers in Egypt, Greece, Germany, France, England, Argentina and St. Judes hospital in Memphis, Tenn.
    In 1991, he was awarded the Kimball Science Award for Excellence in Research and had 89 publications in the Journal of Medicine. He belonged to the Masonic Lodge in McCaysville, Ga., and proudly served his country in Germany during the Korean War.
    He grew up on Wolf Creek with his best friend, Troy Simonds. They were voted in high school as the most likely to be country music stars. Troy was successful in his love for music. But, as a young teenager, Bill remembered leaning on an oak tree at the edge of Wolf Creek Cemetery, chewing on a sassafrass stick wondering if he would ever amount to anything. Well, his dream in life was accomplished. He wanted to inspire others to take advantage of the opportunities that come their way in life.
    Dr. Brooks was preceded in death by his brothers, Clarence Brooks, Fred Brooks, and Cargus Brooks, and sisters, Cosbie Jones, Evelyn Boggs, and Frances Simonds. Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Mary Jane Hughes Brooks, two sons and daughters-in-law, Greer and Emelia Brooks of Woodstock, and Mark and Tammy Brooks of Murphy, six grandchildren, Amy Brooks, Wesley Brooks, Robin Brooks, Sean Brooks, David Brooks, and Lauren Brooks, one sister, Gretta Ross of Mineral Bluff, Ga., and several nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, 2019, from the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home Chapel of McCaysville, with eulogy by David Brooks. The Rev. Matthew McDaniel officiated. Music was by Ryan Norton. Pallbearers were Samuel Shields, Dan Hughes, Richard Martin, Phillip Shields, Steven Shields, and David Brooks. Honorary pallbearers were David Hughes, Blake Hughes, Greg Brooks, and Dan Ross.
    Interment followed in the Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery at Wolf Creek. Full military honors was provided by the North Georgia Honor Guard.
    The family received friends from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 14, at the funeral home.
    Arrangements entrusted to the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home of McCaysville, GA. You may send your condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

    Betty Ellen Lovell Myers, 89, of Brasstown, passed away Thursday, March 21, 2019, in Union County, Ga.
     She was born in Canton, Ohio but lived her life in Towns and Union County, as well as Clay County.
    She was the daughter of the late Arlen Boyd and Essie Mae Groves Lovell. Betty was a 1947 graduate and valedictorian of Towns County (Ga.) High School and attended Truett McConnell College.
    Betty was a member of Little Brasstown Baptist Church, where she had taught numerous Sunday school classes and the Girls Auxiliary. She also worked with the Juniors on Bible Memory Work and Sword Drill.
    Betty began a Home Bound Ministry at Little Brasstown Baptist Church and led the Friday night nursing home ministry service at Murphy Rehab & Nursing. She was a pianist beginning in the early 1940s playing for the church; she played and sang with her family as well as with the Brasstown Trio.
    Betty was a homemaker who enjoyed crafts using pine cones to make wreaths and making braided rugs. She loved to send cards to people on special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries to encourage them. Betty continued this ministry as long as she was able to do so. She was a loving mamaw, and famous for her biscuits and gravy and walnut pound cake.
    In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by two brothers, Leon Boyd Lovell and Melvin “Pat” Lovell; and one sister, Norma Jean Winters.
    She is survived by her husband of 70 years, three months and 10 days, Ralph Myers; one son, Dennis Myers and wife, Patsy of Brasstown; two daughters, Becky Brown and husband the Rev. Aud Brown of Brasstown and Linda Roberts and husband Fred of Blairsville, Ga.; two sisters, Arlene Thomas of Kennesaw, Ga., and Gwen Gunnells of Gainesville, Ga.,; 11 grandchildren, Tricia Hutchcraft and husband Bill, Sherry Baucom, Tiffany Willis and husband Daniel, Heath Myers and wife Krisa, Andrew Brown and wife Diana, Silas Brown and wife Sheba, Timothy Brown and Doug Roberts and wife Melissa, Jill Evans and husband Robbie, Jenny Noe and husband Jayme and Julie Pittman; and 22 great-grandchildren, Cole Myers, Creed Myers, Caleb Kephart, Casey Roberts, Cameron Roberts, Lexi Willis, Ali Willis, Lilly Brown, Ellie Brown, Asher Brown, Will Brown, Seylah Brown, Samuel Brown, Seth Brown, Rachel Pittman, Jonathan Pittman, Will Pittman, Jackson Pittman, Ashton Noe, Hannah Noe, Anna Cate Evans and Nate Evans.
    Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 23, 2019, at Little Brasstown Baptist Church. The Revs. Fred Lunsford and Aud Brown will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Andrew, Silas and Timothy Brown, Heath Myers, Doug Roberts, Bill Hutchcraft and Cole Myers. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the First Sunday School Class.
    The family will receive friends from noon-2 p.m. Saturday, March 23, 2019, at Little Brasstown Baptist Church.
    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Little Brasstown Baptist Church Benevolence Fund, P.O. Box 12, Brasstown, NC 28902, Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 or to Gideon’s International, P.O. Box 164, Murphy, NC 28906.
     You may send tributes to the Myers family at www.townson-rose.com.
     Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all
arrangements.

    Robert Marion Patterson, 77, of Murphy, passed away Friday, March 22, 2019, in a Chattanooga, Tenn.,
hospital.
    He was born in Polk County, Tenn., but lived most of his life in the Hiwassee Dam community. Robert worked locally for Rimco Manufacturing and later for Lockheed in Marietta, Ga.
    He had lived in Palmdale, Calif., while working with Lockheed & Northrup Grumman. Robert and his family had lived in Iran for a year while working for Bell Helicopter. He retired from Lockheed after 33 years.
    Robert was a member of Friendship Baptist Church.  He enjoyed gardening, working in the yard and fishing. He loved playing with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Robert enjoyed meeting new people and always found a friend to talk to.  
    He was the son of the late Claud and Ada Davis Patterson. He was also preceded in death by five brothers: Herbert, Kenneth, Wayne, Wendell and Jack Patterson.
    Surviving are his loving wife of 54 years, Pat Wright Patterson; two daughters, Pamela Timbs and husband, Jeff of Cartersville, Ga., and Penny Garrison and husband, Billy of Winston, Ga.; a son, Paul Patterson of Murphy; a special sister, Linda Dale Nickle of Postell, Tenn.; nine grandchildren, Heather, Ryan, Haleigh, Breanna, Paul, Pierce, Zachary, Caleb and Caitlyn; seven great-grandchildren, Savannah, Eli, Sophia, Ava, Susana, Malachi and Claire. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 29, 2019, at Friendship Baptist Church with the Revs. Steve Ware and Keith Allison officiating.
    The interment will be in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Adam Wright, Roger Campbell, Randy, Mark and Nick Patterson, Ryan Timbs and Caleb Garrison. Honorary pallbearers will be Paul Patterson, Thomas, Donnie, and Rex Wright, Joey Reid and Harold Helton.
    The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, March 28, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, where the body will be until placed in the church 30 minutes prior to the services.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, was in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Edwin Paul Walls, often called “Ed” by his friends, went to join the Lord on Tuesday, March 19, 2019, at Union General Hospital in Blairsville, Ga., after a long tough fight with several
illnesses.
    He had trouble breathing here and moved on to heaven, where the air is sweeter. While he was here, he lived a good life, worked hard to support his family and worshipped God in his own way. He gave God the credit for his long life.
    He will be missed by many people. He wanted to reach the 100 year mark and almost succeeded. He was 99 years, seven and one half months old. He couldn’t wait any longer.
    Among the things he did here was “fight for his country.” He was in the 38th Infantry Division. He said he joined up before we entered the war to be in the cavalry, but was put in the
Infantry when he arrived for training. Instead of riding, he was walking, carrying a machine gun.
    Edwin fought in World War II in Europe in the Battle of the Bulge. He received the Purple Heart and various other medals as he fought in France, Belgium and Germany. He volunteered to serve before the first draft for the war and stayed in until the war was over. He was very proud of his military service.
    After the war, he visited his pen pal in Cherokee County, and decided to stay here with his new wife, Gladys Floyd Walls. He was a Naval Guard at Hiwassee Dam, did some farming and
worked until retirement as a night guard for hatcheries in Blairsville and Hayesville. Although he was born in Arkansas, he grew up in Texas and often spoke about returning to Texas to live.
    He was a member of Bear Paw Baptist Church for several years. Ed liked to go visit with other churches and attended revival services around the area.
     Edwin was preceded in death by his parents, Marlin Walls and Beulah Fowler Walls of Texas and his wife, Gladys Floyd Walls.
    Edwin is survived by is sister, Leoma Ponton of Kyle, Texas; and five children, Roy Walls, Jane Walls and Mollie Walls of Murphy, Jean Murphy of Blairsville, and Judy Hinnant of  Wilmington; Edwin has nine grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 23, 2019, at Bear Paw Baptist Church. The Rev. Steve Ware officiated. Music was provided by the church family and the Taylor family.
    Burial was in the Reid’s Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the American Legion Post 96 Murphy, American Legion Post 532 Hayesville, VFW Post 6812 Hayesville and the Marine Corp. League in Marble. Pallbearers were grandsons, great-grandsons, husbands of grandchildren and friends. They are Roy Walls, Clayton Walls, Wesley Murphy,  Frank Mashburn, Mark Pilote, Elijay Searcy, Shawn Searcy and Tommy Taylor. Members of Bear Paw Baptist Church will be honorary pallbearers.
    The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 22, 2019, at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy.
    The family would like to thank Bear Paw Baptist Church members and all the many health professionals whose prayers and care allowed Edwin to have a higher quality of life the last few years. Thank you.
    You may send tributes to the Walls family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all
arrangements.

    Thomas James Nicklaus, 58, died suddenly, March 2, 2019, while driving home from work.
    He was born on Jan. 17, 1961. He was the oldest of three, parented by James Graver and Fawn Nicklaus in San Diego, Calif.
    He resided in Copperhill, Tenn.
    He was survived by his mother, Fawn Nicklaus; brother and sister, Timothy Graver and Terry Burt; children, Benjamin and Desiree Nicklaus; and his grandson, William Lewis; and his many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, and many cousins.
    He was an employee with Central Termite & Pest Control.
    A memorial has already been held, however donations can be made at the Hwy. 64 Gym or in person to Fawn Nicklaus or Tim Graver.