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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2016 MAINSTREET NEWSPAPERS Obituaries Jon Appleton Jon Appleton died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, Novem ber 27, 2016. Jon was born on August 9, 1934, in Louis ville, Ky. As an only child, he grew up in Bir mingham, Ala. Jon attended Samford Uni versity where he received a Bachelor of Arts in 1955. Jon was led into the ministry early in his life following his father’s footsteps. He attended the South ern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky. graduating in 1959. He later went to Auburn University for his Master of Art in 1968, and in 1976 was recognized with an honor ary doctorate from Judson College. On August 19, 1956, Jon married his beloved sweetheart, Virginia Bell Appleton and became a part of the large Joe Bell family. He quick ly formed close relationships with each member of the family becom ing a son, a brother and a cousin in his newly extended family. Nephew Jon Appleton Massey became like a son to him in his older years. From 1953 through 1961, Jon had several pastoral positions in Kentucky and in Gadsden, Ala. He was the pastor of the First Baptist Church in Opelika, Ala. from 1961 until 1968. Jon next was the Direc tor of the Department of Campus Ministry for the Alabama Baptist State Executive Board from 1968 until 1975. He proceeded from here to Athens, where he was the pastor of the First Baptist Church from 1976 until his retirement on April 15, 1999. After retirement, Jon remained busy as the executive director for the Classic Charities Inc. in Athens. He was an Adjunct Professor with Mercer University Studies Abroad Program, through which he was a guest lecturer at the South Wales Baptist College, University of Wales, Cardiff, Wales in 2001. Jon was also a member of the Institute of Animal Care and Use Committee with the University of Georgia. He served on the Board of Directors at St. Mary’s Health Care System in Athens. He was the moderator for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Georgia from 1997-1998. He was on the Advisory Council for the McAfee School of Theology, Mer cer University from 1996-2002. Jon continued to fill the pulpit in several different churches. Jon loved to play golf, read, study and travel. He spent a great deal of time in Highlands, N.C., working in his rose garden and help ing his wife in her shop. Jon was preceded in death by his mother and father, Kate and Zack Appleton. Survivors include his wife, the love of his life, Virginia Bell Appleton and his daughter and son-in-law, Catherine and Jack Peay of Highlands, N.C. He also has his sisters-in-law, Carolyn Massey, Joy Stephenson, Margaret Robinson; and brother-in-law, Robert Bell. Jon was a unique man. He had charisma that was mesmerizing, an open heart touching thousands of people throughout his life. Those who are fortunate enough to have known him and his love have received a most special gift. Jon lived life to its fullest and will be greatly missed, but he has left a footprint on this earth that will cer tainly be remembered and cherished indefinitely, a legacy. Donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Athens, Georgia. The memorial service was held on Wednesday, November 30, at the First Baptist Church in Athens, Ga. Online condolences may be offered at www.bernsteinfuneral- home.com. Bernstein Funeral Home, Athens, was in charge of arrangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. November 30, 2016. Kay Bennett Kay Bennett, 69, wife of Dwight P. Bennett, died Sunday, November 27, 2016. Born in Athens, she was the daughter of Nell Craft Everette of Winder and the late Harold Green Everette. She retired from the medical field as a medical administra tive assistant. Kay gradu ated from Truett McCo nnell Col lege, where she majored in music and was named Miss Truett McConnell in 1972. Survivors include her husband, Dwight P. Bennett; children, Micah (Terrell) Bennett, Watkinsville, and Cassi Bennett, Athens; grandchil dren, Noah, Michaela, Kyler and Korbyn Bennett and Bella, Sophia, Vivi and Cesca Cimillo. Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 1, at 11 a.m., at Lord & Stephens West Chapel with the Rev. Andy Scott officiat ing. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday, November 30. Burial will be held at Oconee Memorial Park. Lord & Stephens West is in charge of arrangements, www.lor- dandstephens.com Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. November 30, 2016. (12635) “Nelle” Berryman Nellie Ruth Berryman, 91, entered heaven peacefully at AnMed Health Medical Center in Anderson, S.C., surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, November 20, 2016. Born in Colbert, Madison County, Ga., on July 10, 1925, she was the youngest of eight children bom to T. Grover and B. Gertrude Meadow Eberhart. She married her beloved husband of 69 years, Ver non, on November 8, 1947. She was retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 28 years of service. Survivors include her husband, Vernon Nathaniel Berryman, and a number of nieces and nephews and their families, each one whom she loved dearly. Her adoration for her family was demonstrated by her generosity, nurturing, and hospital ity. She was a very devoted member of First Baptist Church of Hart well, where she served in various capacities in the Evangelon Sunday School Class and the Martha Bow ers Mission Group. She was a faith ful volunteer on the Kitchen Cook Team. She was also active in the Red Hats Club. “Nelle” was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Bill Eberhart, Carl Eberhart, Noel Eberhart, Ray mond Eberhart; and sisters, Clara Benton, Audie Porterfield, and Edna Taylor. The family is grateful to her faithful, loyal and loving caregivers, Rick and Ruth McCurry, Ruby Nell Turpin, John Moorhead and Econo my Drug Store, and others who have assisted during her recent journey of illness. They also thank the Hartwell EMS and the NICU unit at AnMed Health Medical Center. A celebration of Nellie Ruth’s life was held at the First Baptist Church of Hartwell on Wednes day, November 23, with the Rev. Mac McCurry, Dr. Steve Albanese, and the Rev. Carter Tucker officiat ing. Honorary pallbearers were members of the Evangelon Sun day School Class and “Nelle’s” sit ters. Burial was in the Nancy Hart Memorial Park. Memorials may be given in lov ing memory of Nellie Ruth Ber ryman to the First Baptist Church of Hartwell, 81 E. Howell Street, Hartwell, GA 30643. The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell was in charge of all arrangements. On-line condolences can be sent to the family at www.stricklandfh. com. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. November 30, 2016. Ret. Charles Brock DENVER, COLO. - Ret. Charles Virgil Brock, 70, formerly of Barrow County, passed away Sunday, November 20, 2016. Mr. Brock was preceded in death by his par ents, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence V. Brock; sis ters, Carolyn Eberhart and Linda Eng land; broth ers, Billy Brock and Cecil Brock. Survivors include his wife, Billy Jo Brock; son, Dr. Phillip Brock, Denver, Colo, and his wife, Sin Sin Brock; sis ters, Shirley Gordon, Winder, Judy Green and husband, Taz Green, St. Louis, Mo.; and a host of nieces and nephews. Charles had a long military career. He has traveled the world over from Germany to Paris, France and Korea and most every state in the United States. He served for 22 years. He was a loving husband and father. Funeral services will be held in his wife’s home town in Anniston, Ala., at a later date. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. November 30, 2016. Ester England AUBURN - land, loving wife, mother, sister and aunt, went to her heav enly home on November, 27, 2016. She was born April 21, 1946, the daughter of the late J. C. and Viola Boss of Bethlehem, Ga. Ester found the love of her life, Kenneth, in high school and they were married April 4, 1964. Terry was welcomed in 1966. Ester had many occupa tions in her life, including years of keeping books for Kenneth in his construction career, The Peoples Bank, Georgia Agri-Business Coun cil, Georgia Agri-Leaders, Barrow Bank and Trust, and the Homeport, but her most important calling was wife and mother. The highlight of her “Old Tim ers” career was her craft show in Gatlinburg and appearance on tele vision. The “Old Timers” were near life-size grandparent characters that each had their humorous “life stories” created by Ester to go with each adoption. Survivors include her husband of 52 years, Kenneth; son and daugh- ter-in-law, Terry and Cindy; brother and sister-in-law, Clinton “Sonny” and Reba Boss, and other loving family members. Funeral services were held Wednesday, November 30, from the chapel of Carter Funeral Home with pastors of Auburn First Baptist Church, Chris Parkin and Lee Sass, officiating. Interment was in the Bethabra Baptist Church Cemetery. Memorials may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter, 41 Perimeter Center East, Suite 550, Atlanta, Georgia 30346 or at ALZ.ORG Carter Funeral Home, Winder, was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.carterfhwinder. com Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. November 30, 2016. (12511) Pastor Harold Evans WINDER - Pastor Harold Leon ard Evans, 68, passed away Friday, November 25, 2016. He was a local pastor for over 25 years and also for Elizabeth Baptist Church, Hazlehurst, Ga., where he is a member. Harold was preceded in death by his parents, James Milton and Mary Elizabeth Bolton Evans. Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Brenda Owensby Evans, Winder; two daughters, Hara Sauls (Deric), Winder, and Jennifer Cart er (Andy), Dacula; a brother, Jeff Evans, Commerce; and four grand children, Dylan and Eli Sauls and Allison and Anna Carter. Funeral services were held Mon day, November 28, in the chapel of Smith Funeral Home. Interment was in Jackson Memorial Gardens. Smith Funeral Home, Winder, was entrusted with the arrange ments. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. November 30, 2016. (12690) Cornelius ‘Corney’ Fleeman III WINDER - Cornelius “Corney” Edward Fleeman III, 84, passed away Saturday, November 26, 2016. He was a member of Ebenezer United Methodist Church. Corney was a native of Jackson County and a graduate of Jefferson High School’s Class of 1949 and later in life a graduate of The University of Georgia with a BBA in Economics. He was a vet eran and served his country as a Crypto Special ist in The United States Army. Corney retired from Johns Manville as a training supervisor and traveled to many countries including Canada and England, training new employ ees for their duties. After a short retirement, he became the manager of Patrick’s Inert Landfill. He loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter. Mr. Fleeman was preceded in death by his parents, Cornelius Edward Fleeman, Jr. (C.E.) and Jo Nell Ber ryman Fleeman; and a step-daugh ter, Twyla Sim. Survivors include his loving wife of 39 years, Loma S. Flee man, Winder; two sons, Cornelius “Neil” E. Fleeman IV (Sharon), North Augusta, S.C. and Jonathan A. Fleeman, Sarasota, Fla.; a step son, John A. Sim, Innisfail, Alberta, Canada; two daughters, Susan E. Tuck (Steve), Canton, and Donna L. Cochran (John), Sauderton, Pa.; a brother, Samuel J. Fleeman (Bev erly), Gastonia, N.C.; seven grand children; seven great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and a special furry friend, Maxwell. There will be a celebration of life service held at 2 p.m. Thurs day, December 1, in the chapel of Smith Funeral Home in Winder, with the Rev. Roy Kiser officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. until funeral hour at the funeral home the day of the service. Interment will be at a later date in The Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Ga. The family would like to offer their sincere gratitude to St. Mary’s Hospital, St. Mary’s Hospice, the caregivers provided by Alliance, and Dr. Dwight Austin for their care that they provided to Corney. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Cancer Association or the Salvation Army. Smith Funeral Home, Winder, is entrusted with the arrangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. November 30, 2016 (12690-70.90) ‘Mike’Fowler Michael “Mike” Lane Fowler, 68, died Monday, November 21, 2016. A native of Dublin, Ga., he was the son of the late Bessie Hendricks and H. T. Fowler, Sr. He was pre ceded in death by a niece, Felicia Fowler Thompson. Mike graduated from the Uni versity of Georgia and taught for 30 years in Madison County and ten years at Athens Technical College. He will surely be remembered as a positive influence and father figure on his many, many students. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and had a special love for model trains. Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Betty Fowler; sister, Jackye (Herbert) McTier, Dublin; broth ers, Tommy (Melinda) Fowler, Dac ula, and Samuel (Diane) Fowler, Loganville; brother-in-law, James O. Thompson, Dublin; and many nieces and nephews. Memorial services were held Fri day, November 25, at the chapel of Lord and Stephens, EAST, with the Rev. Donnie Holliday officiating. Memorials may be made to Christian Campus Fellowship, 1080 South Milledge Ave., Athens, GA 30605, or a charity or organization of your choice. Lord and Stephens Funer al Home, EAST, Athens, was in charge of arrangements. w w w. lordandstephens .com Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. November 30, 2016. (12635) Viola Gerlach WINDER - Viola May Gerlach, 92, died Wednesday, November 23, 2016. She was a wife and homemaker. Born in Chicopee, Mass., Viola traveled to Alaska, Japan and other locations during her husband’s 21 years of military service. After retirement, they settled in Mt. Holly. N.J., living there for the next 42 years, raising their family. She spent the last 12 years, in Winder. Viola was preceded in death in 1977 by her husband, Andrew Ger lach; and her daughter, Wanda Ger lach in 1998. Survivors include her daughter, Violet Gerlach-Wanner; and son, Andrew Gerlach; daughter-in-law, Sharon Leslie; grandson, Hans Wanner; granddaughters, Megan Wanner and Kristine Wanner; and grandson, Shane Gerlach. No funeral services will be held. There will be a private memorial service for the family. Carter Funeral Home, Wind er, is in charge of arrangements where online condolences may be expressed at www.carterfhwinder. com Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. November 30, 2016. (12511) Mary Holland WINDER - Mary B. Holland, 93, passed away November 23, 2016. A native of Clover, S.C., she was the daughter of the late N. G. and Iona Currence Brandon. She was preceded in death by her first hus band, William Benny Hurley; and her second husband, Grady Hol land. Mrs. Holland was employed by General Motors Acceptance Cor poration as an accountant. Mrs. Holland had resided in Winder since 2010 and was a member of Scherer Memorial Presbyterian Church in Lake Wylie, S.C. Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Benny D. and Emily Hurley, Winder; grandchil dren and spouses, David and Susan na Hurley, Enterprise, Ore., John and Jennifer Hurley, Roswell, Beth and Tom Clement, Statham, and Rebecca and Steven James, Ring- gold; 20 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, Phillip and Delo res Brandon, Simpsonville, S.C.; sister and brother-in-law, Helen and Carl McJunkins, Lake Wylie, S.C. Funeral services were held Wednesday, November 30, from The Scherer Memorial Presbyterian Church in Lake Wylie, S.C. Inter ment was in the Bethel Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Lake Wiley, S.C. Memorials may be made to the Scherer Memorial Presbyterian Church, 4800 Charlotte Highway, Lake Wiley, SC 29710. Carter Funeral Home, Winder, was in charge of local arrange ments. Mrs. Holland’s remains were transported to Ford and Sons Funer al Home, 4820 Charlotte Highway, Lake Wylie, SC 29710. Online condolences may be expressed at www.carterfhwinder. com Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. November 30, 2016. (12511-56.50) Rerun: Carlton Martin WINDER - Carlton Martin, 57, died Thursday, November 10, 2016. Mr. Martin was born March 6, 1959, in Lawrenceville. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frankie and Lenora Morgan Carith- ers. Mr. Martin was an installer with J & J Heating of Monroe, Ga. and was of the Baptist denomina tion. Survivors include his wife, Janet M a u g h o n Martin, Winder; son, Trent Martin, Winder; daughters and sons-in-law, Regina and Amulfo Guzman, Pen dergrass, Shena and Josh Huskin, Maysville; step son and step daugh- ter-in-law, Chris and Christy Carter, Auburn; and ten grandchildren. Memorial services were held Sunday, November 13, from the chapel of Carter Funeral Home with the Rev. Darrell Gilmer officiating. Memorials may be made to the charity of choice. Carter Funeral Home, Winder, was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.carterfhwinder- corn. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. November 30, 2016. Bryan Patterson Bryan E. Patterson passed away suddenly on Monday, November 21, 2016, at the age of 47. Bom in Duluth, Ga. on March 16, 1969, he was the son of the late Lawrence E. and Mary C. Patter son of Statham. He was the former owner of Patterson Landscape and Maintenance. Survivors in addition to his mother include his wife, Hilary; children, Haley, Leigh Ana, Moira and Dawson; sister, Brittnie A. Pat terson; nephew, Trenton B. Patter son; and many uncles, aunts and cousins. Funeral services were held Sat urday, November 26, at the cha pel of Lord and Stephens, EAST. Interment was at Athens Memory Gardens. Lord and Stephens Funer al Home, EAST, Athens, was in charge of arrangements. www. lordandstephens .com Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. November 30, 2016. (12635) Damon Rink MAYSVILLE - Damon Karl Rink, 52, passed away Friday, November 18, 2016, at his resi dence. Mr. Rink was bom March 27, 1964, in Pontiac, Mich., the son of Betty Joyce Lowery Hecklinski of Maysville and the late Karl Har old Rink. Mr. Rink he had been employed by Razzi Corporation. He enjoyed mechanical work and woodworking. He was a member of Maysville Baptist Church. Survivors in addition to his mother include a son, Kyle Rink, Panama City, Fla.; daughter, Court ney Rink, Dawsonville; two sisters, Karen Davidson and her husband Rob, Pendergrass, and Stephanie Beard and her husband Tony, Johns Creek; brother, John Rink and his wife Sheri’, Johns Creek; grandson, Dylan Rink, Maysville; and numer ous nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, December 4, from the Holly Springs United Methodist Church with Pastor Todd Dudich Ester Boss Eng- officiating. The family will receive friends at the Church. Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences at www. evansfuneralhomeinc.com Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. November 30, 2016. (12588) Virginia Smith WINDER - Virginia Geraldine Smith, 89, passed away Tuesday, November 22, 2016, at Roswell Nursing and Rehabilitation in Roswell, following an extended ill ness. Born on November 19, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Maurice Elzie and Eula Von Payne Shehee. She was a homemaker, seamstress, and a member of First Baptist Church in Winder. Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by a daughter, Deborah Haun. Survivors include her hus band, Linton Smith, Sr., Winder; son, Steve Smith, Jr., Bethlehem; brother, Herman Elzie Shehee; sis ters, Sandra Johnson, Ashbum, and Athelene Rainey, Lawrenceville; three grandchildren; and one great grandchild. Funeral services were held Sun day, November 27, at Perry Funeral Chapel with interment at Rose Hill Cemetery. Perry Funeral Home, Ashbum, was in charge of arrangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. November 30, 2016. Lance Thomason HULL - Lance Thomason, 98, passed away on Sunday, November 27, 2016. He was the son of the late Ila Free and W.M. Thomason of Corne lia. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian Y. Thomason, whom he loved very dearly for 73 years; his son, Toney Lance Thomason and grandson Andrew Lance Thomason. He was the fifth child of a large family of three sisters and six brothers that all preceded him in death, Terry Erwin Thoma son, Ruby Lee Thomason Sla ton, Dixie Fay Thomason Palmer, Marion Jones Thomason, Lucille Thomason Palmer, Connie Aubrey Thomason, Edmond Ray Thoma son, Gerald Reynolds Thomason and Roy Watson Thomason. Survivors include many nieces and nephew who loved him dearly; and caregivers, Brenda Tarver, Col bert, for many years and Amanda Thigpen, Elberton. He was a member of Hull Baptist Church, where he served as deacon and choir leader for 15 years. Lance moved to Athens in 1940, he had his own repair shop from 1945 -1958. He started working for Westing- house as an electrician technician and retired in 1980. He is leaving behind a wealth of memories for those how knew and loved him dearly. Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 1, at 2 p.m., at Hull Baptist Church. His dear pas tor Randy Crowe, will officiate his services, leaving his worldly home for his home in Heaven to be with his Savior Jesus Christ and all his loved ones who have already gone to be with the Lord. Burial will be at Hull Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 12 until 2 p.m. at the church prior to the service. Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, East, Athens, is in charge of arrange ments. www.lordandstephens.com Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. November 30, 2016. (12635-62.35) C.B. Wagoner C. B. Wagoner, 88, died Monday, November 28, 2016. A native of Winston Salem, N.C., he was the son of the late Abbie Mims and Clyde Blackburn Wag oner, Sr. and was preceded in death by a son, Jerry Wagoner. C. B. was employed with Marilyn Shoe Store for 43 years. Following retirement, he owned and operated Wagoner ’ s Professional Cleaning for over 20 years. C. B. was a faithful member of Cornerstone Church of Athens for many years. Survivors include his wife, Sue; son, Mark (Patricia) Wagner, Nashville, Tenn.; daughters, Renee (Barry) Williams, Bogart, and Beth (Scott) Boswell, Watkinsville; daughter-in-law, Angie Wagoner, Watkinsville; nine grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be Thurs day, December 1, at 2 p.m. at the chapel of Lord and Stephens, EAST. Entombment will follow at Ever green Memorial Park. The fam ily will receive friends Wednesday, November 30, from 5 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, Athens, is in charge of arrangements, www.lordandste- phens.com Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. November 30, 2016. (12635) Bobby Watson JEFFERSON - Bobby Wat son, 84, passed away on Saturday, November 26, 2016. Mr. Watson was bom on October 31, 1932, in Jackson County, the son of the late June and Mamie Sheilds Watson. He was a refrigera tion air condition ammonia HVAC for Pilgrim Pride for 47 years. Mr. Watson also worked for Harrison Poultry for seven years. He was a member of New Salem Baptist Church in Jefferson. Mr. Watson was preceded in death by his wife, Mattie J. Watson; three brothers, Willie J. Watson, Crawford Wat son, and Robert Watson; step-son, Douglas Chandler; and grandson, Orlando Chandler. PAGE 11A-W Survivors include children, Deborah A. (Willie) Dan iels, Gaines ville, Randy (Shirley) Wat son, Jeffer son, Pamela (Reginald) Harris, Col bert, Danny (Joyce) Wat son, Jefferson, Nancy Lester, Jefferson, Rogers (Jeanette) Chan dler, Jefferson, Mattie Lois Walk er, Jefferson, and Janice Sheilds, Jefferson; 19 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great- grandchildren; and brothers, Billy Watson and Charlie Watson. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, November 29, in the New Salem Baptist Church in Jefferson, with the Rev. Ronald Watson, Pastor Jeffery Chandler and Pastor Hazell Quarles officiating. Interment was in the Evans Memory Gardens. Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences at www. evansfuneralhomeinc .com Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. November 30, 2016. (12588) John Whitten COMMERCE - John Charles Whitten, 62, died Friday, November 25, 2016, at his residence. Mr. Whitten was bom in Paints- ville, Ky., the son of the late Jay Whitten, Sr. and Helen Marie Dan iels Whitten. He was a Real Estate Broker for Chap man Hall Realtors, and a veteran of the United States Navy. Survivors include his sisters, Joyce Whitten, Hendersonville, N.C., and Margie Koger, Roanoke, Va.; brother, Jay Whitten, Roanoke, Va.; and special friend, Suzanne Hill, Townville, S.C. A memorial service was held Sunday, November 27, at the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home with Mr. Keith Burchett officiating. Donations may be made to Humane Society of Jackson County, PO. Box 567, Jefferson, GA 30549. Little-Ward Funeral Home, Com merce, was in charge of arrange ments. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. November 30, 2016. (12297) Charles Hardy Jr. COMMERCE - Charles Lamb- din Hardy, Jr., fondly known as “Buzzie”, died on Monday, Novem ber 28, 2016. He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Paula Niven Hardy. Born In Gainesville on Septem ber 1, 1941, he was the son of the late Charles L a m b d i n Hardy, Sr. and Anne Dunlap Hardy. He was a 1959 gradu ate of Gainesville High School. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of Georgia in 1965, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fra ternity. Mr. Hardy was publisher of The Commerce News and Banks County Journal from 1978 through 1987 until they were sold to the Jackson Herald. He formed and operated Commerce Printing and Office Sup ply from 1987 until his retirement in 2013. Mr. Hardy was a member of the Commerce Volunteer Fire Depart ment for 33 years retiring as Cap tain. He was a 45-year Legion of Honor member of the Commerce Kiwanis Club serving as Presi dent in 1973. Mr. Hardy served as President of the Commerce Boost er Club, a member of the Parents Council at Brenau Women’s Col lege (now University) and member of the Commerce Jaycees. He was also a member of the Jackson Coun ty Chamber of Commerce Execu tive Committee, the Jackson County Chamber Alliance, the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia, the Municipal Gas Authority of Georgia and the Georgia Municipal Asso ciation. He was an avid member of the Boy Scouts of America. He began his scouting career in the Gaines ville First Baptist Church Troop 26. He served as Scoutmaster for Troop 35 in Commerce from 1980 until 1985. He was also a vigil member of the Order of the Arrow as well as a Silver Beaver. He received two Wood Badge beads from the North east Georgia Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Mr. Hardy gave many years of faithful, loyal and dedicated service to the people of his community by serving as Mayor of the City of Commerce for 22 years. He was a member of the Com merce First Baptist Church since 1963. Mr. Hardy is survived by his three children, Tracey Hardy New comer, Charles Lambdin Hardy III and his wife, Sabrina, and Ellen Hardy Shea and her husband, Peter; grandchildren, Elizabeth Clare Newcomer, Charles Issac Newcom er, Anna Caroline Hardy, Lambdin Barrett Hardy, Annie Perry Shea and Mary Maguire Shea; his sister, Georgia Hardy Luck; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Mr. Hardy was preceded in death by his brother, Albert S. Hardy, II. Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, December 1, at the Commerce First Baptist Church with Dr. Carlton Allen officiating. The family will receive friends at the church Thursday from 1:30 until 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mr. Hardy’s memory to Northeast Georgia Council of the Boy Scouts of America, 148 Boy Scout Trail, Pendergrass, GA 30567, or the First Baptist Church of Commerce, 1345 North Elm Street, Commerce, Georgia 30529. Little-Ward Funeral Home, Com merce, is in charge of arrangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. November 30, 2016.