Randy Herman Whitehead

April 13, 1944 – January 30, 2019

Mr. Herman Edward “Randy” Whitehead, age 74, of Dahlonega passed away Wednesday, January 30, 2019.

Mr. Whitehead was born in Jackson County on April 13, 1944 to the late Luther and Nellie Childers Whitehead. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters-in-law Calvin and Ruth Whitehead, Eugene and Florine Whitehead, and Jewell and Lottie Whitehead; sisters and brothers-in-law Louise and Olin Stewart, and Janette and R.M. Townsley. Mr. Whitehead loved to hunt and fish. He loved to garden and can his fresh vegetables. He loved his children and grandchildren who called him “Papa-Grandma”. Mr. Whitehead was a member of Philippi Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Cynthia Whitehead; sons Dwayne Whitehead and Ronald Whitehead; and son and daughter-in-law Shane and Michelle Whitehead, all of Dahlonega; also six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 PM Saturday, February 2, 2019 at Philippi Baptist Church. The Rev. Jason Fuller and the Rev. Albert Whitlock will officiate. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM Friday and again Saturday from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM at the funeral home.

To share a memory of Mr. Whitehead or a condolence with the family visit andersonunderwood.com.

Kelly Melaragno

August 21, 1961 – January 21, 2019

Kelly Wood Melaragno died Monday January 21st, 2019, she was born in Gaffney SC.
Mrs. Don Melaragno is survived by her loving family; husband: Don Melaragno,
children: Jared and Jordan Melaragno and daughter-in-law Éowyn, her parents James and Irene Wood, brothers: Jaime (And Julie) and Jason (and Angel) Wood, extended family; George and Esther Melaragno, Anna and Bryan Wilkins, Steve and Connie Melaragno, Diana and Darrell Reid, Karen and Terry Mabry, and Scott and Kim Melaragno and their families.

Kelly graduated Gaffney High School in 1978 and went on to attend the University of South Carolina. Kelly married the love of her life, Don, on March 14th, 1981 at Buford Street United Methodist Church (BSUMC), where Kelly has been a member since childhood. Kelly devoted her life to being Don’s love, partner, best friend, as well as building a beautiful home, and being a cool, fun, and steadfast mom to their two sons.

Kelly worked as the church secretary at BSUMC for several years where she brightened the lives of members every day. Kelly had a zest for life and always had a new idea. After moving to Georgia in 2011, Kelly developed a passion for reimagining antiques and collectibles and eventually took co-ownership of store called The Red Hound in Commerce, GA.

Kelly leaves a legacy of fierce family loyalty, life-long friendships, and will always be known for her smile and laugh, bringing sunshine and light to all of those around her.

Kelly’s family will hold a memorial service at BSUMC on Saturday, February 2 at 2:00pm, located at 120 E Buford St in Gaffney, SC. To honor Kelly’s wish and celebrate her legacy, there will be a celebration of her life held at Cherokee National Golf Course immediately following the service, located at 442 Cherokee National Hwy, Gaffney, SC.

Elizabeth Louise Thompson

January 29, 1960 – January 17, 2019

Mrs. Elizabeth Louise “Betty” Thompson, age 58, passed away Thursday, January 17, 2019.

Betty was born in Greenville, SC on January 29, 1960.  She was preceded in death by her father Brown William Case, sisters Vyranda Case Falin and Deborah Ruth Case Campbell.  Betty was family oriented and loved her family very much, especially her grandchildren. Betty was a member of a close knit family.  She loved to travel.

Survivors include her husband Vincent “Gene” Thompson, Winder; daughter Meshia Addis, Greenville, SC; son and daughter-in-law Shane and Nakitta Thompson, Greenville, SC; mother Betty Louise Johnson Case, Travelers Rest, SC; brothers and sisters-in-law Steve and Mary Case, William and Lucy Case, and Paul and Deborah Case, Greenwood, SC; brother and sister-in law Chester and Janice Case, Travelers Rest, SC; sister Lois Case Whitfield; sisters and brothers-in-law Suzanne Selinda Case and Mark Mneimneh, and Rosemary Case and Jack Dupree, Traveler’s Rest, SC; grandchildren Kendall and Lilly Addis, Bristol and Knox Thompson and Dylan and Crista Addis.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, January 26, 2019 at Christ Fellowship in Travelers Rest, SC.

To share a memory of Betty or a condolence with the family visit andersonunderwood.com.

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home of Dahlonega, formerly Banister Funeral Home

July 27, 1951 – December 21, 2018

Mrs. Regina Crystal Ravan, age 67, of Dahlonega passed away Friday, December 21, 2018.

Regina was a native and lifelong resident of Lumpkin County. She was born on July 27, 1951 to the late Barney and Ellene Trammell Odom.  Regina was a member of Siloam Baptist Church.  She was a devoted and loving caregiver. Regina was affectionately called “Nanny” by her grandson.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law Leigh Ann and John Gaddis; grandson Evan Gaddis, both of Dahlonega; brother and sister-in-law Larry and Shirley Odom, Dahlonega; nephew Matthew Odom and niece Emily Timms (Eric).

Funeral services are scheduled for 3:00 PM Sunday, December 23, 2018 at the chapel of Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home.  The Rev. Eric Timms will officiate. A private interment will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM Saturday at the funeral home.

To share a memory of Regina or a condolence with the family visit andersonunderwood.com.

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home of Dahlonega, formerly Banister Funeral Home

May 25, 1944 – December 09, 2018

On Sunday, December 9, 2018, James Hubert Seabolt of Dawsonville, passed away peacefully at the age of 74.

James was born and raised in Lumpkin County but his heart and soul belonged to Montana where he loved to hunt, fish and be outside with nature.

James was the devoted son of the late Nettie Seabolt. He will be loved and remembered forever by his family; Paige and Lamar Reeves, Hamilton, Montana, Todd Seabolt, Spokane, Washington, Tony and DeVonna Seabolt, Dawsonville, and granddaughters, Piper and Sheyenne Seabolt.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at Dahlonega Funeral Home with Rev. Joe Gaines officiating. The family will receive friends also on Saturday from noon until the hour of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and also please cheer for Georgia Tech. James would have wanted it that way.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.dahlonegafuneralhome.com

Arrangements by the professional staff of Dahlonega Funeral Home 20 Gibson Road Dahlonega GA 30533 706-864-DOVE (3683) A division of McDonald & Son Funeral Home

January 16, 1930 – December 14, 2018

Mrs. Gertrude Cantrell Avery, age 88, of Dahlonega passed away Friday, December 14, 2018.

Mrs. Avery was born in Cornelia, GA on January 16, 1930 to the late Will and Leila Garrett Cantrell.  In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her beloved husband George Avery, infant daughter Trudy Carol Avery, brother Charles Cantrell, sister Ann Rainwater, sister-in-law Ruth Cantrell, sister-in-law Beth Cantrell, and sister-in-law Virginia Avery.

Gertrude and her husband founded Dahlonega Equipment and Supply Company in 1962 and she was involved with the day to day operations of the company until his passing in 1990. Gertrude truly was devoted to her family and to making everyone she met feel like family. She loved and adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren and they affectionately called her “Mamaw”. Gertrude served on the Lumpkin County School board from 1976 to 1982 and was constantly involved in supporting activities and fund raisers in the community. She loved her church, Dahlonega Baptist, and helped to provide the land the current church building sits on today

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law JoAnn and Tom Rainey, Dahlonega; son and daughter-in-law Stacy and Tammy Avery, Dahlonega; grandchildren Jennifer Rainey, Christopher Rainey (Donna), Jessica Rudasill (Evan), Catherine Avery, and Caitlin Avery; great grandchildren Andrew Rainey and Zoe Avery Rudasill; brother James Cantrell, brother and sister-in-law Cammie and Pat Cantrell, sister Billie Cantrell, all of Dahlonega; brother-in-law Joe Avery, Sugar Hill;  several beloved nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services are scheduled for 1:00 PM Monday, December 17, 2018 at the Dahlonega Baptist Church. Dr. Bill Hutcheson will officiate.  Interment will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM Sunday at Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home.

Flowers are optional, or you may make contributions to Dahlonega Baptist Church, 234 Hawkins St., Dahlonega, GA 30533.

To share a memory of Gertrude or a condolence with the family visit andersonunderwood.com.

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home of Dahlonega, formerly Banister Funeral Home

February 26, 1940 – November 28, 2018

Opal Sue Dempsey age 78 of Dahlonega passed away on November 28, 2018 following an extended illness. Mrs. Dempsey was a long time Dahlonega resident and loved doing word searches and puzzles, she will always be her families “Cinderella”.

Mrs. Dempsey is preceded by her parents Joe & Mammie Holtzclaw, and her husband Lewis Dempsey, Sr.

Mrs. Dempsey is survived by her children Luegenia Dempsey of Dahlonega, Naomi Haynes (Roy) of Dahlonega, Lewis Dempsey Jr. (Donna) of Flowery Branch, and Vanessa Satterfield (Gene) of Dahlonega; sisters and brothers Libby Thompson (Bill), Joe Holtzclaw (Joy), Dorris Wallace (Jim), Mildred Davis, jerry Holtzclaw (Sheryl); grandchildren, Heather Bafile (Ridge), Steven Haynes, Corey Drew, Stephanie Satterfield, Dustin Satterfiled, Brooke Dempsey (Alex Camp), and Hannah Wright; four great grandchildren and numerous other relatives also survive.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday December 1, 2018 at 11 am in the chapel of Dahlonega Funeral Home with interment at Yellow Creek Baptist Church in Murrayville, GA. Family will receive friends on Friday November 30, 2018 from 5-9pm at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.dahlonegafuneralhome.com

Arrangements by the professional staff of Dahlonega Funeral Home 20 Gibson Road Dahlonega GA 30533 706-864-DOVE (3683). A division of McDonald Family Funeral Homes.

July 07, 1938 – October 29, 2018

I would like to announce the death of Annie Sue Wiley age 80 of Dahlonega. Annie Sue Jones Wiley went into the arms of Jesus on October 29, 2018. Annie Sue Wiley was a Christian and loved everyone. She attended different churches but went to Community Chapel for years. She was a member of Damascus Baptist Church in Dahlonega.

Annie Sue was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Rada Armour Jones, husband Damon owe Wiley, brothers Paul, Mitchell, CN, Bartley, Bill, Carl, Carlton, and sister Betty Jo. She is survived by her only brother J.B. Jones.

Annie Sue did not have any children of her own but she loved each and every one of her nephews and nieces with all her heart. Annie Sue was a second mama to Ann Hester Truelove and Blake, Sarah, and Ryley were like grandchildren to her and she claimed Lee as her own. Jody Jarrard Anderson was a special niece that she got to be a part of her life since 2010 and she adored her and her three sons.

Annie Sue retired from Burlington Industries of Dahlonega where she worked for 48 years. Aunt Sue took care of everybody in her family. She loved all her babies and enjoyed watching them grow.

Visitation will be held Thursday November 1, 2018 from 2pm until 8pm at Dahlonega Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be held on Friday November 2, 2018 at 3pm in the chapel of Dahlonega Funeral Home, burial will follow at Damascus Baptist Church in Dahlonega with officiating done by her nephews Neal Jones and Dalton Delozier.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.dahlonegaffuneralhome.com

Arrangements by the professional staff of Dahlonega Funeral Home 20 Gibson Road Dahlonega, GA 30533 706-864-DOVE (3683)

Ro Etheridge

January 27, 1933 – May 19, 2019

Mr. Gaines “Ro” Etheridge, age 86, of Dahlonega passed away Sunday, May 19, 2019.

Mr. Etheridge was born in Uriah, Alabama on January 27,1933 to the late John Roan and Ethel Wilson Etheridge. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Evelyn Thompson Etheridge, brothers Ralph Etheridge, and Lamar Etheridge, sisters Jewell Lowery, Mary Nell Norsworthy, Hazel Phillips, and Helen Sargent. Mr. Etheridge was of the Baptist Faith. He was retired from Prime Pump. Mr. Etheridge was affectionately called “Pa” by his family. He loved to hunt and fish.

Survivors include his children Kenneth R. and Reatha Etheridge, Suches, Teresa Turner and Byron Blackburn, Dahlonega, Keith E. and Denise Etheridge, Dahlonega, and Margaret Etheridge, Murrayville; brother and sister-in-law Johnny Steve and Vera Etheridge, Dahlonega; sister Thelma Phillips, Alabama; sister and brother-in-law Margie and Richard Bohr, North Carolina; twelve grandchildren, twenty-three great-grandchildren, eight great-great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 PM Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at the chapel of Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home. The Rev. Lyman Caldwell and the Rev. Daniel Etheridge will officiate. Interment will follow in Dahlonega Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM Monday at the funeral home.

To share a memory of Mr. Etheridge or a condolence with the family visit andersonunderwood.com.

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home of Dahlonega

Ruth Ward

June 05, 1930 – May 17, 2019

Mrs. Ruth Ward, age 88, of Dahlonega passed away Friday, May 17, 2019.

Mrs. Ward was born in Fannin County on June 5, 1930 to the late William and Nancy Kendall Hughes. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Freeman Ward, sisters Chloe Culley, Odell Hicks, Dean Dean, and Owa Allen. Mrs. Ward retired from Pinetree/Burlington Industries with 36 years of dedicated work. She was a member of Sugar Hill Baptist Church in Fannin County and she attended Philippi Baptist Church. Mrs. Ward was deeply loved by her family and her grandchildren, who affectionately called her “Granny Ruth”. She loved quilting and bird watching. When her health allowed, Mrs. Ward loved gardening.

Survivors include her children Roger and Shirley Ward, and Charles Randall “Randy” and Joanne Ward, all of Dahlonega; grandchildren Lisa and Clark Rider and Michelle and Shane Whitehead; great-grandchildren Chelseay and Chris Frith, and Avery Whitehead; great-great-grandson Austin Frith; and brother Clyde Hughes.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 AM Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at the chapel of Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home. The Rev. Jason Fuller will officiate. Interment will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Monday at the funeral home.

To share a memory of Mrs. Ward or a condolence with the family visit andersonunderwood.com.

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home of Dahlonega

Cora Kathleen Fitts

January 09, 1928 – May 09, 2019

Mrs. Cora Kathleen Fitts, age 91, of Dahlonega passed away May 9, 2019.

Mrs. Fitts was born in Union County on January 9, 1928 to the late Homer and Mabel Wilkins Gooch. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Ralph Fitts; sister Blondene Bryan; brothers Glen Gooch, William Gooch, Tom Gooch, Ervin Gooch, and Ned Gooch.

Mrs. Fitts retired from Burlington Pine Tree Plant after thirty years of service as a spinner operator. She was a volunteer at the Lumpkin County Senior Center and enjoyed gardening, quilting and canning. Mrs. Fitts was a member of The Fountain Church of God of Prophecy in Dahlonega. She was affectionately known as “Mema”.

Mrs. Fitts is survived by her daughter Betty Fitts, Dahlonega; son Ralph E. “Buzz” Fitts, Dahlonega; sisters Inez Crook of Jackson, Clara Kidd of Gainesville, Mary Ann Mayfield of Buckhead, and Sandra Bailey of McDonough.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, May 14, 2019 in the chapel of Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home. The Reverend Bo Robinson will officiate. Interment will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM.

To share a memory of Kathleen or a condolence with the family visit andersonunderwood.com.

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home of Dahlonega

John Henry Lee Jr.

April 12, 1943 – May 04, 2019

Mr. John Henry Lee, Jr., age 76, of Villa Rica, GA passed away Saturday, May 4, 2019.

John was born in Opelika, AL on April 12, 1943 to the late John Henry Lee, Sr. and Montine Harrington Lee Day. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his step-father Olin Day, son-in-law Jim Freeman and granddaughter Courtney Rose Anderson.

John was a successful businessman and entrepreneur. His work career started early in his dad’s hardware store in Lanett, AL. He then served his country honorably in the United States Army as a medic and medical assistant. After completing his military service, John opened a wholesale merchandise business. Later he changed to a retail business opening Lee’s Clothing and Discount Store in Douglasville, GA. His business flourished and remained successful until he closed it to retire in January of 2019. John and his wife Janice worked side-by-side every day during the entire life of the business.

John was a loving husband and father. Although he had a strong work ethic, he never sacrificed quality time with his children. That quality time included long days on the lake and four-wheeling in the mud. Following the birth of his first grandchild, John’s name quickly changed to “Granddaddy” – a name which he proudly accepted.

Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Janice Harrison Lee, Villa Rica, GA; daughter and son-in-law Tania and Kevin Lightsey, Cleveland, GA; son and daughter-in-law John and Leanne Lee, Colleyville, TX; daughter and son-in-law Jenny and Chris Anderson, Cleveland, GA; son Jason Lee, Villa Rica, GA; step-sister and brother-in-law Barb and Brian Niccum, Durango, CO; grandchildren Ryan and Chelsea Freeman, Alex and Brandon Ward, Jessica Lee, John Henry Lee, IV, Bailey Anderson, Jacob Anderson, Tyler Anderson, Chesnee Freeman, Emma Lightsey, Davin Lightsey, and Sydney Lee; great-grandchildren Brayden Freeman, Skip Freeman, Zane Ward, and Sawyer Ward; and several other relatives.

Funeral services are scheduled for 7:00 PM Friday, May 10, 2019 at the chapel of Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home. The Rev. Chris Anderson and John’s eldest son John Henry Lee, III will officiate. He will be laid to rest at 2:00 PM Saturday in West Point, GA at West Point Cemetery with full military honors. John’s family will receive friends from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM Friday at the funeral home.

To share a memory of John or a condolence with the family visit andersonunderwood.com.

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home of Dahlonega

Jason “Biscuit” Holubitsky

July 18, 1978 – March 10, 2019

Jason “Biscuit” Holubitsky, age 40, of Cumming, Georgia passed away Sunday, March 10, 2019. Family will receive friends Thursday, March 14 from 6 to 9 PM and Friday, March 15 from 11 – 2 PM with a service following at 2PM in the Chapel of Dahlonega Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Dahlonega Memorial Park. Jason was a fanatic super sports fan. His favorite teams were the Georgia Bulldogs, the Atlanta Falcons, and the Atlanta Braves. He is survived by his life partner Andrea Dochnal, of Cumming, Georgia; children Kelton Holubitsky; Marley Holubitsky; Hendrix Holubitsky; parents Dr. and Mrs. Todd Holubitsky, of Dahlonega, Georgia; sister and brother-in-law Savannah and Caleb Poole, of Dahlonega, Georgia; maternal grandparents Loyce and Cloyse Hicks, of Cumming, Georgia; paternal grandparents George and Sally Holubitsky, of Winnipeg, Canada; maternal uncles and their spouses Eddie and Rhonda Hicks, Cumming, Georgia; Steve and Linda Hicks, of Monroe, Georgia; paternal aunt and her husband Marcie and Doug Baird, of Calgary, Canada; Andrea’s parents Lana Dochnal, San Antonio, Texas; Alfred Dochnal, of California. Care and trust place in the professional staff of Dahlonega Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 20 Gibson Road, Dahlonega, Georgia 30533 706-864-DOVE (3683) www.dahlonegafuneralhome.com

Kenneth Gordon Carnes Jr.

March 15, 1927 – February 23, 2019

Full obit to follow