About The times. (Gainesville, Ga.) 1972-current | View Entire Issue (April 15, 2020)
6A Midweek Edition - April 15-16, 2020 The Times, Gainesville, Georgia | gainesvilletimes.com LOCA^STATE Ga. virus deaths top 500; mask law targeting Klan waived JOHN SPINK I Associated Press A group of masked individuals left the Georgia World Congress Center on Monday, April 13, after Gov. Brian Kemp announced Easter Sunday that the state will convert part of the sprawling Georgia World Congress Center into a 200-bed hospital for coronavirus patients, as Christians observed the holiest day for the faith by largely abiding by the governor’s pleas to stay home and watch services online. BY RUSS BYNUM Associated Press SAVANNAH — Coronavirus deaths topped 500 Tuesday in Geor gia, where the governor has taken action to ensure the wearing of protective masks at grocery stores and other public places doesn’t violate a law passed decades ago to unmask the Ku Klux Klan. The Georgia Department of Public health reported 524 deaths linked to the coronavirus state wide, while confirmed infections rose above 14,500. Infection rates remain highest in mostly rural southwest Georgia, where Dough erty County leads the state with 78 deaths. Statewide, more than half of of deaths where race is known are among blacks, who make up roughly a third of the population. The dead include an administra tor at a Georgia prison. The state Department of Corrections said in a statement Tuesday that Roger Hodge, deputy warden for security at Calhoun State Prison in south west Georgia, had died from “com plications related to COVID-19.” On Monday, Republican Gov. Brian Kemp declared a pandemic exemption from a 1951 state law that prohibits wearing masks in public after some black offi cials warned that some African Americans, fearing harassment by police, might not cover their faces for protection. The anti-mask law makes it a misdemeanor to wear “a mask, hood” or other face covering to “conceal the identity of the wearer” on public property. Geor gia passed the law to prevent Klan members from wearing hoods dur ing public rallies and marches. With the federal Centers for Disease Control now encourag ing Americans to wear masks that cover the mouth and nose in pub lic, Kemp signed an order Monday that says the anti-mask law can’t be enforced against people covering their faces as protection against the virus. Kemp told a news conference he wanted to ensure that “people can follow the guidance of pub lic health officials without fear of prosecution” amid the global pandemic. Kemp thanked Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms for rais ing concerns about the anti-mask law. Last week, Bottoms ordered Atlanta police to suspend enforce ment of the law State Sen. Nikema Williams of Atlanta, who heads the Georgia Democratic Party, had also urged Kemp to take action. In a letter Friday, Williams told Kemp she feared racial profiling by police “will only get worse for people of color who wear homemade cloth coverings.” Even if Kemp hadn’t taken action, it would have been illegal for police to bring charges against anyone peacefully wearing a mask for protection. Georgia courts have long interpreted the anti-mask law to apply only to people conceal ing their faces for purposes of intimidation. In 1990, the Georgia Supreme Court rejected a Klan member’s argument in a lawsuit that the law “criminalizes a substantial amount of innocent behavior.” The court ruled the law applied “only to mask-wearing conduct” that “provokes a reasonable appre hension of intimidation, threats or violence.” Obituaries Wallace Bouchard, Jr. March 25, 1945-April 6, 2020 Mr. Wallace Bouchard, Jr., age 75, of Gainesville, Georgia, passed away Monday, April 6, 2020. A private family graveside service will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery. Wallace was born March 25, 1945 in Gainesville, Georgia. He was the son of the late Wallace Bouchard, Sr. and Blanche (Satterfield) Bouchard. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Gay and A1 Harkins. Wallace attended Murrayville Baptist Church and was retired from Conagra Corporation. He was a Vietnam Veteran, proudly serving in the United States Army. Wallace loved his family and friends. He spent all of his days supporting his children and grandchildren at their various events. He was a true and loyal friend to all who knew him. Wallace is survived by his loving wife, Anne (White) Bouchard of Gainesville; daughter and son-in-law, Allison and Chris Conley; son, Brandon Bouchard; grandson, Cale Conley and granddaughter, Madison Bouchard. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or the Wounded Warrior Project RO. Box 758516 Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516, both of which were near and dear to his heart. Memorial Park Funeral Home North Riverside Chapel, 989 Riverside Dr. is in charge of arrangements. MEMORIAL PARK Funeral Homes a Cemeteries Oie &xmc$ gainesvilletimes.com Honestly local. Obituary Notices are updated daily on GainesvilleTimes.com Sign up at gainesvilletimes.com/register to receive the latest news and obituaries from our daily email newsletter. Betty Jo Tanner Orr Died April 11, 2020 Betty Jo Tanner Orr, age 89, of Gainesville, passed away on Saturday, April 11. She was preceded in death by her husband, William E. Orr (Bill) and is survived by her children, Jack and Kim Orr, Commerce; Cindy and Jeff Renfer, Johnson City, TN; Joel and Deb Orr, Grayson; seven grandchildren, Djuana and Scott Utzman, Ryan Renfer, Jordan and Taylor Orr, Jamie and Cara Orr; four great grandchildren; one great -great-grandchild; sister, Peggy Tanner Miller, Flowery Branch; several sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins. Mrs. Orr was born on June 1, 1930. She was a graduate of Flowery Branch High School in Flowery Branch. She was a homemaker who loved cooking, baking and predominantly was proud being with family and friends and was an involved member of First Baptist Church Flowery Branch. A Celebration of Life will be held with a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church Flowery Branch, 5106 Spring Street, Flowery Branch, GA 30542, in memory of Betty Jo Orr. To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www. flaniganfuneralhome. com. Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133. Mildred Vaughters Died April 13, 2020 Mildred Vaughters, 74, of Dawsonville passed away Monday April 13, following a period of declining health. Born August 12, 1945, in Lumpkin County, to the late Raleigh and Bonnie Grizzle Fortner, she had lived in Dawson County most of her life. Along with her husband, they owned and operated Vaughters Tractor Company. Mildred enjoyed playing golf and gardening. A member of Bethel Baptist Church, she was also preceded in death by her brother and sister in law, Melvin and Janie Fortner. Surviving are her husband of 51 years, Albert Vaughters, Dawsonville; sister and brother-in-law, Virginia and Neal Gilreath, Cleveland; sister-in- law, Helen V Bearden, Dawsonville; brother- in-law and sister-in-law, Clayton and Mahala Vaughters, Dawsonville; and a number of other relatives. Because of the current social environment, the family will hold a private service. Condolences may be expressed at www. beardenfuneralhome. com. Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA. Theron Robertson (Rob) Ledford Died April 7, 2020 Theron Robertson (Rob) Ledford passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2020 at Tucson Medical Center in Tucson, AZ. He was 88. Rob was born in 1931 in Gainesville, GA, where he resided until 2014, when he relocated to Tucson to be close to his daughter. He was a graduate of Gainesville High School, class of 1947. In 1954, he graduated from Mercer University, where he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Ledford was an active member of the Gainesville community, supporting local arts, with a special fondness for the Gainesville Symphony Orchestra, where he served on the board of directors. He was recognized around town for his trademark pipe, affable demeanor, and gift for conversation. He was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Gainesville, where he served as a Sunday school teacher, Brotherhood president, and deacon. In 1976, he published a history of FBC, “On Fire for Christ: A History.” His love of writing served him well as a Public Information Officer for the State Highway Department, the Georgia Poultry Federation, and the City of Gainesville until his retirement in 1996. Rob lived a full life, driving cross-country several times to take in our National Parks and other scenic and historical destinations. His love of his Scottish heritage and history took him to Edinburgh in 2001. He celebrated his 72nd and 76th birthdays with tandem skydives and his 80th with a glider flight, nourishing his love of planes and flight. Preceded in death by his parents, Theron (Pat) and Nell Ledford. He is survived by his daughters, Laurie Dianne Ledford of Tucson, AZ and Anna Ledford Anafi of Seattle, WA, and grandson, Benjamin Zev Anafi of Seattle, WA. Rob leaves behind indelible memories and love in the hearts of many. Death Notices August Benjamin Castaneda Died April 12, 2020 August Benjamin Castaneda, infant son of Angel & Josefina Guerrero Castaneda, died Sunday, April 12. No services are planned at this time. Arrangements by Ward’s Funeral Home, Gainesville. Bob Frasier Armour Died April 12, 2020 Bob Frasier Armour, age 91, of Hall County, died Sunday, April 12. Private graveside services will be held at Westview Cemetery. Arrangements by Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, South Chapel, Baldwin. Carolyn Jean Haggard Died April 11, 2020 Carolyn Jean Haggard, age 82, died Saturday, April 11. No formal service will be held at this time.Arrangements by Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce. Claude Allen Ivey Died April 9, 2020 Claude Allen Ivey, age 85, of Alpharetta, died Thursday, April 9. The family will have a private funeral service. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory, Cumming. Daniel “Danny” Overstreet Died April 3 2020 Daniel “Danny” Overstreet, age 78, of Auburn, died Friday, April 3. No services will be held. Arrangements by Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford. David Rulon Miller Died April 4, 2020 David Rulon Miller, age 88, of Hoschton, died Saturday, April 4. A celebration of life and memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Lawson Funeral Home, Hoschton. Doris Helen Taylor Died April 9, 2020 Doris Helen Taylor, age 78, of Cornelia, died Thursday, April 9. Private Family Services will be held at Yonah Memorial Gardens. Arrangements by Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, North Chapel, Demorest. Jean Marie Rayburn Womack Died April 8, 2020 Jean Marie Rayburn Womack died Wednesday, April 8. A “Celebration of Jean’s Life” will be held at a later date. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home, Cumming. John Edward Brown Died April 9, 2020 John Edward Brown, age 82, of Suwanee, died Thursday, April 9. No services are scheduled at this time. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home, Cumming. Joyce Barnes Died April 13, 2020 Joyce Barnes, age 84, of Gainesville, died Monday, April 13. Private burial services will be held at a later date at Alta Vista Cemetery. Arrangements by Ward’s Funeral Home, Gainesville. Judith Lillian Borak Died April 12, 2020 Judith Lillian Borak, age 67, of Cumming, died Sunday, April 12. No services are scheduled at this time. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home, Cumming. Kenneth Hugh Turpin, Died April 9, 2020 Kenneth Hugh Turpin, age 81 of Clarkesville, died on Thursday, April 9. Graveside services willwere held at 3:00 p.m. Monday, April 13, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery in Turnerville, with consideration of the CDC recommendations and Governor Kemp’s mandate regarding social distancing. Arrangements by McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia. Lena Edna Forrester Brady Died April 11, 2020 Lena Edna Forrester Brady, age 88, of Cornelia, died Saturday, April 11. A private family graveside service will be held at Yonah Memorial Gardens in Demorest. Arrangements by Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, North Chapel, Demorest. Louise Vance Manning Died April 10, 2020 Louise Vance Manning, age 98, of Hoschton, died Friday, April 10. No formal service will be held in Georgia. Arrangements by Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford. Marshall Farris Shaheen Died April 9, 2020 Marshall Farris Shaheen, 89, of Cumming, died Thursday, April 9. Services will be at a later date and internment will be at Sawnee View Memorial Gardens. Arrangments by McDonald and Son Funeral Home, Cumming. Randall Dan Saxton Died April 11, 2020 Randall Dan Saxton, age 63, of Winder, died Saturday, April 11. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford. Roy Myers, Jr. Died April 12, 2020 Roy Myers, Jr., age 90, died Sunday, April 12. A private service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Hamilton Mill Memorial Chapel, Buford. Scott Michael Kimel Died March 21, 2020 Scott Michael Kimel, age 47, of Smyrna, died Saturday, March 21. Services will be held on a later date. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home, Cumming. Sirena Michele Pruitt Died April 9, 2020 Sirena Michele Pruitt, age 42, of Gainesville, died Thursday, April 9. The family will have a private graveside service at Mayfield Baptist Church and will have a memorial service at a later date. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory, Cumming. Tommy Delain Clark Died April 9, 2020 Tommy Delain Clark, age 72, of Murrayville, died Thursday, April 9. Due to the COVID-19 situation, a memorial service will be held at a later date at the residence. Arrangements by Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, Gainesville. NOTICE: NEW DEADLINES Death notices are printed free as a public service by The Times. More information can be provided in paid obituaries. The rate is $100 for the first 100 words in print, and $50 per additional 100 words (or any part thereof). This includes an online notice where friends and families can post condolences for 30 days. Deadline for publication is as follows: To run Wednesday, submit by 3 p.m. Monday. To run Saturday, submit by 3 p.m. Thursday. Death notices and obituaries are accepted only from funeral homes. They should be emailed to obits@gainesvilletimes. com. We no longer accept death notices or obituaries by fax. All submissions will appear in The Times and online at gainesvilletimes.com. For additional information regarding obituaries or death notices please email obits@gainesvilletimes. com, or call 770-718- 3419.
