Mr.Clyde Dee York age 77 of Hicks Gap Rd.Blairsville formerly of Pavo,GA.passed away on Friday July 9,2010 in the Union County Nursing Home following an extended illness.Mr.York was born on July 3,1933 in Senica,SC.,the son of the late Arvil York and the late Bertie Mae Graham York.He was a veteran of the US Army.He was a loving father,brother and grandfather.Mr.York was a member of the Nazarene Church in Moultrie,GA.

Surviving Mr.York are three sons and two daughter in laws,Tim and Robin York of Loganville,GA.,Kendall York of Pavo,GA.,Greg and Linda York of Pavo,one daughter and son in law,Alisa and Robbie Green of Blairsville,one brother and sister in law,Eddie and Susan York of Quitman,GA.,six grandchildren,Hannah,Becca,Sam,Crystal,Haley and Haden,many other relatives and friends also survive.

Graveside services will be held on Tuesday July 13,2010 at 10:30am from the Pavo Cemetery in Pavo,GA.with the Rev.Sherman B.Hall Jr. officiating.Military Honors will be presented the American Legion.The family met with friends following the services.

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

Carlton Leon Spiva, 83, died in his home in Blairsville, Georgia – as was his specific wish – on Thursday, July 15, 2010 after a three year battle with prostate cancer.

A humble, modest man of dignity and courage, Leon was born on January 14, 1927 in Blairsville Georgia to Bessie Lee Duckworth and Guy Cook Spiva.  He grew up with 9 brothers and sisters and was preceded in death by Willa Mae Carlisle 1921-1989., Guy Walter (Walt) Spiva  1923-1998, Ulric Winston (‘Eric) Spiva, 1925- 1999, Dorothy Louise (Dot) Spiva, 1929- 2006, Earnest Edgar (Ed) Spiva  1931- 1966, Francis Paul (Spud) Spiva, 1935- 1999 and Shirley Ann Spiva 1938-1981. He is survived by John Newton Spiva, 76 and James Larry Spiva, 72.

Leon married Opal Francine Culver of Atlanta, Georgia on March 6, 1954 in Dalton, Georgia. Upon bringing his new bride, a 5 ft.,80 lb. redhead to live with him in Blairsville, Leon became the subject of local rumor that he had “robbed the cradle”. Opal, however, was 20 years old when they married. Over the course of their 56 year marriage, they built a home together and raised seven children through good times and bad.Leon worked his entire life as a builder and mason, gaining respect and recogniton in the community for his knowledge and craftsmanship. During his retirement years, he enjoyed gardening and crafting one of a kind furniture and novelty pieces in wood.  Each of his children’s homes hold one or more treasured handmade tables, beds, cabinets or custom pieces dear to their hearts. His grandchildren remember Grandpa’s handmade puzzle boxes including the “snake” box with a plastic snake that unexpectedly popped out to “bite” you when opened and the “lost quarter” box that would inexplicably make your quarter disappear with no visable means of retrieval. He was a resourceful and creative artisan; thoroughly enjoying each unique challenge while never repeating a project or design.  Once asked why he didn’t produce these fine pieces to sell, he replied, “If I made them to sell, I wouldn’t enjoy doing it anymore.”

Leon is survived by his wife, Opal Francine Spiva, seven children and 22 grandchildren: Anna Francine (Fran), married to Alexander (Alec)  Booth of Commerce, Georgia and their children Christina, 22 and Will, 20, Brenda Sue married to Gene Major of Leslie, Michigan and their children, Courtney, 20, Lindsey, 18, Madison, 14 and Clayton, 9, Robert Leon (Robert) and his children Brandon, 21, and Cody, 16, Rebecca Lynn  (Becky) married to Ronnie Maney of Hayesville, North Carolina and their children, Ashley, 24 Erin, 20, and Dena,17, Randolph Dean (Randy)  Married to Penni Mackel of Blairsville and their children, Emelia, 16, Soren, 13, Miranda, 11, Nevin, 8, Nia, 5 and Anaya 2, Diana Faye, (Diane) married to Byron McCombs of Blairsville and their children Matthew 21, Morgan,18, Rhett,15 and Parker,12 and Anthony Ray (Ray) Spiva, married to Amy Morris of Douglasville, Georgia and their son, Rex Bailey, 1.  Leon enjoyed teaching his grandchildren the finer points of fishing and hearing about their latest catch as well as sharing stories about “the good ole’ days”. In May he celebrated the second oldest grandchild’s graduation from college and heard the youngest say “Papa” and “Nana” for the first time. Apart from his knowledge and infinite abilities, Leon will be sorely missed for his skilled storytelling and inexhaustible humor, which brought so much laughter and joy to his family over the years.

Services for Carlton Leon Spiva were held at Mountain View Funeral Home on Monday, July 19, 2010 at 11:00am. The eulogy was delivered by nephew, Jerry Spiva with accompanying readings by daughters, Brenda Major and Becky Maney.  Pallbearers included three nephews, James Spiva, David Phillips and Chuck Martin as well as three grandsons, Will Booth, Matthew McCombs and Cody Spiva.  Donations in Leon’s memory can be made to the Hospice Foundation of America, 1710 Rhode Island Ave, NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036 or online at https://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?Action=GC&CID=691 as well as American Cancer Society, Gainesville Office, 2565 Thompson Bridge Road, Suite 114, Gainesvile, Georgia 30501 or online https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate/donateonlinenow/index

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

For Carlton Leon Spiva – blessed husband, loving father and grandfather, respected mason, accomplished artisan, humorist and beloved man: a favored poem:

Excerpt from “A Song of Joy, Part II”
by Byron Herbert Reece
And we two turning,
Death and I

Mr.John Walter Skwira Jr.Age 57 of John Smith Rd.East Blairsville formerly of Spring Hill,FL.passed away on Sunday July 18,2010 in the N.E.GA.Medical Center in Gainesville following a brief illness.Mr.Skwira was born on Dec.28,1952 in South Amboy,NJ.,the son of the late John Walter Skwira and the late Blanche Dodge Skwira. “The most lovable man with a boyish figure”…..John was a metal fabricator by trade.His favorite past time was his Harley Davidson which he loved to ride,especially bike week.He loved spending time with his many friends and family.He lived life to the fullest.John was a loving husband,father,brother and grandfather.John was of the Catholic faith.

Surviving John are his loving wife of twenty two years,Lynn Hawthorne Skwira of Blairsville,one son and daughter in law,John W.and Lisa Skwira III of Clementon,NJ.,one daughter and son in law,Jennifer and Anthony Comunale of Old Bridge,NJ.,one step son and daughter in law,Michael and Jennifer Ordonez,one step daughter,Carrie Ordonez all of Waretown,NJ.,two sisters,Blanche and Jo Ann Skwira both of Blairsville,nine grandchildren,Kyle,Ryan,Patrick,Brody,Cara,Joey,Conner,Emily and Elayna,several nieces,nepews,many other relatives and friends also survive.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in New Jersey.In lieu of flowers if you wish,the family requests that memorials may be made to the Union General Hospital Auxiliary in John’s memory.The family will meet with friends at the funeral home on Monday evening from 4-5pm.

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

Mrs.Frances(Better known as Judy)Mackinnon Reid age 92 of Blairsville passed away on Wednesday July 15,2010 in the Union County Nursing Home following an extended illness.Mrs.Reid was born on June 14,1918 in Arlington,NJ.,the daughter of the late William Halliwell and the late Frances Schmerhorn Halliwell.Judy had lived at Branan Lodge for twenty seven years before moving to Union County Nursing Home in April 2008.She attended four years of college majoring in art.Judy loved to paint portraits.She was preceded in death by her husband,Guy Reid,one infant child,one brother,William and three sisters,Katherine,Cynthia and Frances.Mrs.Reid was a member of St.Clare’s Episcopal Church.

Mrs.Reid is survived by a host of extended family and friends at the Union County Nursing Home,where she was loved dearly and will be missed by all.

A memorial service will be held at the nursing home at a later date.In lieu of flowers if you wish,Judy wanted donations to be made to St.Clare’s Episcopal Church in her memory.

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

Patricia West Dent Krick, age 73, passed peacefully to her Lord and Savior at Emory University Hospital on July 11, 2010, after a brief illness.  She was the loving wife of Charles S. Krick III of Blairsville, Georgia.    She was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, William Henry Dent, and by a son, Michael Kenyon Dent.

Mrs. Krick was born March 21, 1937, in Sandersville, Georgia.  Her parents were the late Jesse Kenyon West and the late Ella Bennett West.  She graduated from Morgan County High School and was Valedictorian of the Class of 1955.  She attended Young Harris College with the Class of 1957 and went on to graduate with Honors earning a BBA in accounting from Georgia College in Milledgeville.

As a young wife and mother in Fort Valley, Georgia, she was an active member of Fort Valley Presbyterian Church.  She was a gifted pianist and served as the Director and accompanist of The Children’s Choir.  She was a member of Women of the Church, a Vacation Bible School teacher, and faithfully played the piano for Sunday and special services.  She was a devoted mother and very supportive as a volunteer in her children’s activities including Cub Scouts, Little League, and recreational sports.   She was an excellent cook and enjoyed entertaining in her home and hosting Bridge Club and family friends.

As the children reached school age, she was employed by Woolfolk Chemical Company in the accounting department, and in later years went on to serve as Chief Financial Officer of W Supply Company in Macon and was the owner of The Flower Basket florist in Warner Robins, Georgia.

She was a faithful alumna of Young Harris College and served as the longtime class coordinator for the Class of 1957.  With retirement and a move to Blairsville in the mountains of North Georgia, she remained a devoted grandmother as well as a member of the Friends of the Library Board and the Misty Mountain Quilters Guild where she served as treasurer for both organizations.  Mrs. Krick was an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Blairsville where she served on the Board of Directors and was a dedicated and faithful volunteer for Meals On Wheels and numerous community groups.  She attended Hayesville Presbyterian Church where again she shared her God-given talents in the music department.

In addition to her husband, Mrs. Krick is survived by her sons, Dr. Jeffrey J. Dent and his wife, Vera Lynn Fryhofer Dent of Augusta; William Henry Dent, Jr. and his wife, Cheri Thomas Dent of Fayetteville; Joseph West Dent and his wife, Amy Hightower Dent of Albany, Georgia; grandchildren William Michael Dent, Virginia Ellen Dent, William Henry Dent III, Savannah Bell Dent, Mary Larkin Carden, and Gracen Amelia Carden; sisters, Barbara West Bone and her husband, the Rev. Bob L. Bone; Ann West Atkinson and her husband, Robert T. Atkinson, all of Young Harris; a brother, Jesse Kenyon West, Jr. of  Jacksonville, Alabama; and eleven nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July17, 2010, in the Chapel at Mountain View Funeral Home in Blairsville, with the Rev. Linda Abel and the Rev. Bob L. Bone officiating.  The family will receive friends following the service.  Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, July 18, 2010, at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Fort Valley, Georgia.  If so desired, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hayesville Presbyterian Church, 73 Hiawassee Street, Hayesville, North Carolina, 28904, or to a charity of choice.

Charles Elliott Hill went home to be with the Lord Thursday, June 15, 2010.

Charles was born in Union County, Georgia on May 13, 1937, son of the late Frank and Pearl Elliott Hill. He was a graduate of the University of Georgia School of Pharmacy and owned Hill-Lance Drugs with his life-long friend, Jack Lance.

Charles was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, a member and deacon of First Baptist Church of Blairsville and a member of Allegheny Masonic Lodge, #114, F & AM.  Charles had also authored a book about local history and was a pilot. He served for many years on the Board of Union General Hospital and was a Director of United Community Bank and a member of the United Community Holding Company. Charles had laso been a member of Jimmy Carter’s Peanut Brigade.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a daughter, Gina Hill Collins.

Surviving family members include his wife, Jacquelyn Lance Hill;  a son, Elliott Hill, of Blairsville; daughter and son-in-law, Stacy and Stephen Duran, of Atlanta; grandchildren: Matthew Collins, Cory Collins, Charles Hill, III, Lance Hill, Andelin Hill, Corinne Hill, and Lily Duran.

Funeral services were held for Sunday, July 18, 2010, at 3:00 p.m., at First Baptist Church of Blairsville, with Rev. Bethel Buchanan, Rev. Danny Parris, and Dr. Fred Lodge officiating. Special music was presented by Minister R. Terry Hooper.  The following gentlemen served as pallbearers: Jack Lance, Billy Decker, Hoyt Raper, Paul Thompson, David Gowder, and Jimmy Tallent.  Burial was at Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery, with Masonic Graveside Rites.  .

If you wish, memorial contributions may be directed to First Baptist Church of Blairsville Building Fund, P.O. Box 2058, Blairsville, Georgia 30514.

Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home – Blairsville Chapel.  Please join us in remembering Charles by visiting our memorial at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.  Through this site you may share your thoughts and fond memories with the family.

Little James Marcelo Helstrom age 23 months of Skeenah Gap Rd.Suches,GA. went to be with Jesus on Saturday July 10,2010 from injuries received from an ATV accident.James was born on July 15,2008 in Union County,the son of Eric Helstrom and Mercy Macadildig Helstrom.He loved to laugh and was always full of energy.He enjoyed riding four wheelers,backhoes and trucks.James loved to be tickled and loved to play with his cars and trucks,tractors,toy rides and fire trucks.He was preceded in death by a brother,Tyler Helstrom.James and his parents attended the New Life Family Church.

Surviving James are his parents,Eric and Mercy Helstrom of

Suches,grandparents,Harold and Norine Helstrom of Suches,Marcelo and Dominga of the Phillipines,uncles and aunts,Michael and Virginia Helstrom of Suches,Aaron and Brenda Helstrom of Wood Bridge,VA.,Christine and Kevin Gervais of Woodstock,GA.,Evangeline Macadildig,Josephine and Graham Holmes,Michelle and Chris Hinton,Helen and Roberto Ramayrat,Jonathan Macadildig,Jehiel and Lynlyn,Joseph and Ernicita,John Mark and Malcelo Macadildig Jr,Venica Macadildig. all of the Phillipines,many other relatives also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Friday July 16,2010 at 10:00am from the Mountain View Chapel with the Rev.Don Parmely officiating.Special music will be presented by Michelle Collins and Rachel Todd.The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers,Michael and Aaron Helstrom,Kevin Bird and Tommy Frias.Interment will follow in the Meadow View Cemetery.The family will meet with friends at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. If you wish,donations may be made to a trust fund set up at United Community Bank.

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

age 23 months of Skeenah Gap Rd.Suches,GA. went to be with Jesus on Saturday July 10,2010 from injuries received from an ATV accident.James was born on July 15,2008 in Union County,the son of Eric Helstrom and Mercy Macadildig Helstrom.He loved to laugh and was always full of energy.He enjoyed riding four wheelers,backhoes and trucks.James loved to be tickled and loved to play with his cars and trucks,tractors,toy rides and fire trucks.He was preceded in death by a brother,Tyler Helstrom.James and his parents attended the New Life Family Church.

Surviving James are his parents,Eric and Mercy Helstrom of

Suches,grandparents,Harold and Norine Helstrom of Suches,Marcelo and Dominga of the Phillipines,uncles and aunts,Michael and Virginia Helstrom of Suches,Aaron and Brenda Helstrom of Wood Bridge,VA.,Christine and Kevin Gervais of Woodstock,GA.,Evangeline Macadildig,Josephine and Graham Holmes,Michelle and Chris Hinton,Helen and Roberto Ramayrat,Jonathan Macadildig,Jehiel and Lynlyn,Joseph and Ernicita,John Mark and Malcelo Macadildig Jr,Venica Macadildig. all of the Phillipines,many other relatives also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Friday July 16,2010 at 10:00am from the Mountain View Chapel with the Rev.Don Parmely officiating.Special music will be presented by Michelle Collins and Rachel Todd.The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers,Michael and Aaron Helstrom,Kevin Bird and Tommy Frias.Interment will follow in the Meadow View Cemetery.The family will meet with friends at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. If you wish,donations may be made to a trust fund set up at United Community Bank.

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

Mr.Steven Howard Cox age 64 of Bowers Circle Blairsville passed away on Monday July 12, 2010 in the Union General Hospital following an extended illness.Mr.Cox was born on Sept.7,1945 in New Port News,VA.,the son of Willie Mae Moore Cox and the late Charlie Hampton Cox.Steve was a 1965 graduate of Greene Central High School in Snow Hill,NC.He was a veteran of the US Air Force and had retired from Delta Airlines in 1997 with over twenty seven years of service.Steve and his wife,Delga sang gospel music all over the tri state area.He loved people and will be missed by his many friends.Mr.Cox was a member of Saints Delight Baptist Church.

Surviving Mr.Cox are his loving wife of twenty three years,Delga Turner Cox of Blairsville,mother and step father,Willie Mae and James(Bud)Wooten of Snow Hill,NC.,one brother and sister in law,Charles and Joyce Cox of Lorida,FL.,one sister and brother in law,Mary and Harold Sutton of Snow Hill,NC.,his adopted grandchildren,Brianna,Damon,Lyndsey,Haley and Dalton Gibbs,a host of cousins,niece,nephews,many other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday July 15,2010 at 2:00pm from the Mountain View Chapel with the Rev.Carl Morrow and Rev.Aud Brown officiating.Special music will be presented by Looking Up and Sandy Payton.The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers,Daryll and Daniel Gibbs,Brandon Turner,Louis Mckinney,Roger Turner and Cecil Smith.Interment will follow in the Laurel Hills Cemetery.Military Honors will be conducted by the North GA.Honor Guard.The family will meet with friends at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 6-9pm.

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

William R. Burnette

Mr. William R. Burnette, better known as “Russell”, age 64 of Blairsville, Georgia, passed away Friday, July 16, 2010 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, Georgia.

Russell was born September 5, 1945 in Blairsville to the late Virgil and Agnes Young Burnette. He was a member of  Youngstown Baptist Church.

Survivors include: companion, Cynthia Sosebee; daughters, Lisa Burnette of Young Harris, Georgia and Sonya Burnette of Blairsville;  six grandchildren and  eight great grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Monday, July 19, 2010 at 2 P.M. from Cochran Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jeremy Henderson officiating. Music was provided by, Ned Wilcoxon, Keith and Kelly Brewer. Interment was in Liberty Baptist Chruch Cemetery. Pallbearers were the following gentlemen:  Bobby Davis, Bill Davis, Bill Ledford, Charles Murphy, Gary Sosebee and Bud Murphy.

Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville.  Please join us in remembering Russell by visiting our website at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com, where you may share memories with the family.