Anthony (Tony) Kopera, 63, passed away at his residence in Marble, NC, on Friday, August 13, 2010.

Originally from Rome, NY, and later Decatur, AL, Tony spent some 24 years in New Orleans, LA, then Nantahala, NC, before settling full-time in the Murphy area in 1997.As a graduate of Loyola Law School in New Orleans, he was an attorney for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for more than 11 years. During that time, he also enjoyed renovating historic homes in the New Orleans Garden District, and later restoring distinctive automobiles.

He had a sense of adventure, and found his deity in nature. Ecologically informed and concerned, Tony was an avid advocate in preserving our planet. As a sense of personal expression, he took great pleasure in creating many diverse forms of art. From early childhood, he hunted and collected Indian artifacts, a passion that later developed into the study of archeology, anthropology, sociology and political science and continued throughout his entire life. Known for his analytical perspective, he embraced the truth. At the very heart of his being was his holistic approach to health and well-being. He leaves this life feeling full, rich and satisfied.

He is survived by two sons, Robert Martin Kopera, whose wife is Catherine Kopera, of Bronxville, NY, and Charles Michael Martin Kopera of Birmingham, AL; one sister, Irene Kopera Tee, and her husband, John Tee, and one niece, Lauren Ann Tee, all of Atlanta, GA. He was the son of Faye Waters Kopera of Murphy, NC, and the late Frank Anthony Kopera.

The family received friends on Friday, August 20, 2010, at St. William Catholic Church in Murphy from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m., with the Memorial service at 1:00 p.m., followed by a reception. Interment was in the Valleytown Cemetery in Andrews at 6:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Murphy Public Library, 9 Blumenthal Street, Murphy, NC 28906, in Tony’s memory.

Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville was in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences on line at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com

Mr. J. P.  Queen, age 85 of  the Epworth Community, passed away Wednesday, June 2, 2010, at his residence .  Mr. Queen was born in Fannin County, November 11, 1924, the son of the late Carl J. and Gradie Green Queen.  He was one of thirteen men from Fannin County who served together in the Navy on the USS Biloxi during WWII.  Mr. Queen retired from Tenn. Chemical Company and was an active member of First Baptist Church of Epworth.

Survivors include: wife, Frances Williams Queen, son and daughter-in- law, Mike and Billie Queen; daughter and son- in-law, Andrea & Roy Plummer; sister and brother- in- law, Evon & Roy Pitts; granddaughter and husband, Jenna & Derek Saxon; grandchildren, Chris Smith, Kim Caraway, Dawn Smith, and Khyrs Evans.

Funeral services were held Friday, June 4, 2010 at  2:00 pm from the First Baptist Church of Epworth with Dr. Tom Jordan officiating.  Music was provided by  Rev. Doug Simonds, John Marshall and Tammy Mason. Interment followed in the church cemetery. The following gentlemen were asked to serve as pallbearers: Van Williams, Tommy Webb, Junior Mason, Brett Dennis, Marks Pitts, and Kenneth Ross.  Military Honors will be by the North GA Honor Guard.

In leiu of flowers the family has requested that donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Epworth Music Fund at P.O. Box 187 Epworth, GA 30541.

Arrangements have been entrusted to The Finch-Cochran Funeral Home of McCaysville, GA.  You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com

Chamber After Hours at Christy Lee’s May 25 was an opportunity for chamber members, business owners and others to network and re-connect. More than 150 attended the event, sponsored by the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce.

05/16/10  Joshua Leon Brinson, Young Harris, Ga., age 31. Charges: Driving under the influence, failure to maintain lane.

05/16/10  Michele Lynn Carney, Young Harris, Ga., age 40. Charges: Maintaining disorderly house; possession of owl; disorderly conduct, possession on marijuana, possession/manufacture/intent to distribute, etc.

05/17/10  Elizabeth Ann Brinson, Young Harris, Ga., age 52. Charges: Driving under the influence.

05/18/10  Chastity Brook Casey, Hiawassee Ga., age 28. Charges: Use of communication facility.

05/18/10  Tiffany Dawn Woddall, Young Harris, Ga., age 24. Charges: Driving while license suspended, safety belts.

05/21/10  Donovan Daniel Duvall, Hiawassee, Ga., age 21. Charges: Serve weekends.

05/21/10  Edward James Giddens, Hinesville, Ga., age 30. Charges: Driving under the influence, basic rules, open container/passenger area of, etc.

05/21/10  Amanda Hope Hunter, Hiawassee, Ga., age 25. Charges: Hold for Habersham County, Ga.

05/23/10  Henry Grady Walker, Conyers, Ga., age 21. Theft by shoplifting.