Walker County Messenger

Peggy Lucille Ball, 73, of LaFayette, passed away Saturday, October 16, 2021. She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Eugene Ball; daughter, Brenda Wrape; son, Terry Dewayne Ball; parents, Robert Crider and Christina Bailey Crider; eight sisters; one brother; and special friends, Cathey and Robert Stiles. Survivors include her daughters, Martha Ball and Sheena (David) English; son, Doug Ball; nine grandchildren; three great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; special nieces, Angie Rhudy and Amanda Hamilton; special friends, Laura Eldridge, Rob Stiles, and Wil Stiles. Graveside service will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at White Cemetery with Pastor Tim Redden...

Audrey B. Snyder, 89, of LaFayette, passed away Sunday, October 10, 2021. She was preceded in death by her husband, Mack Snyder; parents, Ray and Lillie B. Littlejohn; sister, Betty Phillips; and brother, Charles Ray Littlejohn. Survivors include her daughter, Beth (Jim) Ramey; sons, Starlin (Shelia) Snyder, and Steve (Michelle) Snyder; six grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; sister, Dot (Stacy) Snyder; and several nieces and nephews. Graveside service will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 14, 2021, at Chattooga Baptist Church Cemetery with Pastor Mike Wallin officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday from 4 p.m. until 5 p.m. Arrangements are by...

Roger Neal, 87, of West Armuchee community passed away Saturday, October 9, 2021. Mr. Neal was the youngest of eight children born to the late William Pierce Neal and Mary Alice Dunwoody Neal of West Armuchee Valley. Along with his parents and six siblings, he had a son, Pierce Houston Neal, who preceded him in death. A lifelong resident of the area, Mr. Neal was well known in LaFayette. A graduate of the former West Armuchee High School in West Armuchee Valley, Mr. Neal's first job was as a seasonal employee with the U.S. Forest Service on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. He later worked at Barwick Mills in LaFayette and was a proud veteran who served in the U.S. Army during the...

Robert "Bob" Thomas Hill Sr., 87, of Rock Spring, passed away Saturday, October 9, 2021. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Debra Yvonne Heiskell; parents, Judson and Thelma Hill; sister, LaMay Ridley; brothers, Ben, Bill, and Jimmy Hill; and son-in-law, Charles Garrett. Survivors include his children, Robert (Helen) Hill Jr., Melanie Hill Garrett, Barry Hill, and Michael Hill; former wife, Doris Hill; 11 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; sisters, Frances Hosey, Ann Sizemore, and Cheryl Hill; brothers, Steve and Danny Hill; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, October 14, 2021, in the Wilbanks Memorial Chapel...

Lana Stephens Paradise, 66, of Chickamauga, passed away Monday, October 4, 2021. She was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Paradise; and parents, Harold and Bessie Stephens. Survivors include her son, Jesse (Heather) Paradise; grandchild, Caden Paradise; lifelong friends, Susie Hames, Phyllis Scott, Gail Foster, Sandra Guthrie, and Debbie Daniels; and cousin, Mike (Peggy) Hicks. Graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, October 8, 2021, at Coulter Cemetery with Ronnie Millican officiating. Pallbearers are Jeremy Garrett, Josh Daniels, Eric Jones, Tracey Green, Rob Stoker, and Caden Paradise. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday from 6 p.m. until 9...

Bobbie Newman Brock, 82, of LaFayette went home to be with her Lord Sunday, October 3, 2021. Bobbie was born December 22, 1938 in Charleston, TN to the late James Milas and Katherine Pauline Newman. She has been a resident of the North Georgia area for almost 50 years and was member of Redeemed Ministries. She worked many years as a spinning operator for Candlewick Carpet Mill and Shaw. The only thing Bobbie loved more than tending to her farm was taking care of and spending time with her precious family. She is preceded by her loving husband of 46 years, James Brock; son, Michael Jeffrey Brock; siblings, James Edward, Neva Ruth Burnham, Christine Elizabeth Newman and Jerry Herman...

Judy Watson Baker peacefully passed from this life to her eternal life with Jesus Christ on September 30, 2021. She spent the last days of her 82 years in her home, under the extraordinary care of her loving husband and hospice. Growing up in LaFayette, Judy attended LaFayette High School and then the University of Georgia where she received her bachelor's degree in Education. Beautiful Judy married the handsome Russell (Buddy) Baker in June 1963. They had two children and eventually moved from LaFayette to Chickamauga in 1971. Judy taught in several area schools throughout her years including Osburn Elementary, Happy Valley Elementary, and Chickamauga Elementary. She enjoyed being in the...

Willa Dean Butler, 84, of Chickamauga, passed away Saturday, September 25, 2021. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Butler; parents, Morgan M. Shadrick and Lillie Ann O'Kelley Shadrick; siblings, Dorothy Wooten, Thelma Terrell, Buddy Shadrick, Margaret Barfield, and Charles, Gene, Tommy, and Jimmy Shadrick. Survivors include her daughter, Robin (Ricky) Elsberry; sons, Tim (Shannon) Butler, and Michael Butler; grandchildren, Melissa (Michael) Ramey, Marie Elsberry, Brett (Jerrica) Butler, and Cheyenne Butler; six great grandchildren; brother, Ronnie Shadrick; and several nieces and nephews. Services will be private. Interment at Coulter Cemetery. Arrangements are by...

Helen Jackson Allen (94) of LaFayette, GA came into this world August 20, 1927 in Fayetteville, GA and arrived in the presence of Our Lord September 22, 2021 after a battle with cancer. She passed peacefully surrounded by family. The third child of the late George W. and Cora (Hartley) Jackson, she lost her last living sibling, Reese Jackson (97) only three weeks ago. She was a graduate of Fayette County High School and worked as a bookkeeper at various businesses, but her primary passion was being a loving wife and mother to her 4 children. Helen was a member of First Baptist Church of LaFayette, GA for 68 years, where her husband, Jack Allen, served as a deacon. At age 46, she became a...

Joseph Wade King, 76, of LaFayette, passed away on Tuesday, September 21, 2021. Mr. King was a veteran of the Vietnam War having served with the 4th Infantry Division from 1966 - 1968. He graduated from Sevier County High School in 1962 and received a Bachelor of Science in Forestry degree from the University of Tennessee. He retired from the U.S. Forest Service in 2000 as a District Ranger on the Chattahoochee National Forest. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Buford King and Ethel Temple King; brothers, Samuel Albert King and David Temple King; and nephew, Matt King. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Paula Meadows King of LaFayette, GA; son, Dr. Logan S. King and...

Shirley Deen Long, 75, of LaFayette, passed away Monday, September 20, 2021. She was a member of Noble Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Eugene Long; and her parents, Joe Willie Chapman and Pauline Hammitt Chapman. She is survived by her son, Tony Long; grandchildren, Brandon, Dawson, Aaron, and Cassondra Long; great grandson, Brayden Long; ; sister, Paula (Randall) Anderson; brother, Freddie Chapman; niece, Natasha Walton; and great niece, Michaelie Anderson. Funeral service will be held 4 p.m. Saturday, September 25, 2021, in the Wilbanks Memorial Chapel with Ministers Jack Byers and Tommy Pettyjohn officiating. Interment at LaFayette Memory...

Walter "Dink" Franklin Fugate, 87, passed away on Saturday, September 18, 2021. A celebration of life will be held on September 22, 2021 at 4:00 pm at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Smarr, GA. The family will receive friends from 2-4 in the Fellowship Hall, prior to the service. Rev. Keith Harris and Rev. Claire Yoder will officiate. Burial will be private. Mr. Fugate, the son of the late Walter Thomas Fugate and Doris Shields Fugate, was born December 3, 1933 in Chickamauga, GA. His daughter, Lori Ann Fugate-Brock, preceded him in death. He was a graduate of Gordon Lee High School, the University of Georgia and the University of Chattanooga, where he received his Bachelors and...

It is with heavy hearts that the family and friends of Jason Statts sadly announce the passing of their dear family member, friend, renowned artist, graphic designer, musician, and Savannah icon, Jason Statts. Jason passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Hospice Savannah on September 17th at 12:24 am. He is survived by his mother Janet Statts, older sister Misty Statts and younger brother Aaron Statts, Acworth, GA and stepsisters Jennifer Chadwick and Krista Briggs. He was preceded in death by his father Ronnie Statts and stepmom Glennis Briggs, Dallas, GA; grandparents Ralph & Margaret Statts, LaFayette, GA; and beloved role models/grandparents Wilma Ramsey Cameron and Julius...

Rose Irene Hegwood Dukes, age 85, of LaFayette, passed away Wednesday, September 15, 2021. She was preceded in death by husbands, Charles A. Jackson and Bob Dukes; daughters, Glenna Jo Jackson, and Karen Brown; son, Timbo Jackson; grandsons, Daniel and Kevin Hathorn; parents, Louie and Alverna Hegwood; step-mother, Mildred Hegwood; sisters, Geneva Crane and Barbara Mann; brothers, Marvin (Curly) Hegwood, Larry (Red) Hegwood, Greg Hegwood, and Luther "Sonny" Hegwood. Survivors include daughters, Lynn Brown and Lisa (Keith) Wilder; and sons, Andy Jackson and Ken (Sandra) Jackson. Multiple grandchildren, great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews also survive. Visitation will be held at...

Lucille Ellison Childers, age 88, passed away Wednesday, September 15, 2021. She was preceded in death by her husband, Willie "Pee Wee" Childers; daughters, Virginia and Allene Ellison; parents, Harve and Cuie Edwards; sisters, Fay Burrow, Bonnie May Kelley, Ronnie Canupp; and brothers, Tommy Edwards, Vonzo and Lonzo Edwards, and John Edwards. Survivors include daughters, Patsy (David) Ellison Craig and Ruth (Cecil) Ellison Anderson; sons, Gene Ellison and fianc?e Katrina Stoker, and Rex Ellison; grandchildren, Shane Eaton, LaDare Bradley, Brandy Adams, Jessica Reece, Rocky Blalock, Matt Craig, Dustin Craig, Alena Loveless, Joshua Pendergraft, Erik Ellison, and Eric Anderson; 20 great...

Mrs. Cordia Geneva Cochran Parker, 85, of Sylvania passed away at Syl-View Rehabilitation & Memory Care Center in the company of her three daughters. She was the daughter of Lee Darnell and Ida Ballinger Cochran. She was born and raised in Walker County, LaFayette, GA, where she was a member of the Gordon Lake Wesleyan Church and later attended Four Square Church. She was a retired textile worker and relocated to Screven County in 1983. She is preceded in death by her parents, her siblings; Peggy Cummings, Joe Cochran, Mary C. Scheuermeier, Rose C. Holbrook, and Gayle C. Medina, son-in-law, Warren David Smith II, and great grandson, Hudson Warren Smith. She is survived by her...

Lorene Lee Sharp, age 85, of LaFayette, passed away Saturday, September 4, 2021. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dewey Sharp; parents, Berry Lee Laws and Alma Young Laws; sisters, Marilyn Callahan and Eloise Laws; brother, Dennis "Dink" Laws. She is survived by her daughter, Joanie Sharp White; grandchildren, Bronny White, Kristy White, John White, Lora Evens, Julie Davis, Andy Ingram, Daniel White, Jonah White; 12 great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Edna Sharp; and several nieces and nephews. Graveside service will be held 4 p.m. Thursday, September 9, 2021, at LaFayette Memory Gardens with Pastor Josh Daniel officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home prior to...

Jerry Allen Farner, age 72, of LaFayette, passed away Friday, September 3, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents, J.D. and Nellie Pittman; grandson, Jacob Hayes; and great granddaughter, Selah Grace Hamilton. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Peggy Farner; daughters, Missy (Patrick) Morgan, Pam (Tony) Hayes, and Annette (Brian) Hamilton; grandchildren, Alex, Andrea, ?Quest, Adyen, Abby, Andre, Sophia, Benson, Tobias, Anyah, Justin, Josh, Tyler and Abbie, and Delaney; great grandchildren, McKinley Faith, Lake, Lauren Kate, and Kylan; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Monday, September 6, 2021, in the Wilbanks Memorial Chapel with...

Rodney John Swanson, beloved husband of Marilyn Nungesser Swanson, passed into heaven September 2, 2021. Rod was born in Little Falls, MN, on September 12, 1939. He married Marilyn Nungesser in 1961, and they were married nearly 60 years. They were blessed with three children: Mark, Pam, and Reid. In Minnesota, Rod taught high school and became a stockbroker. In 1985, they moved to San Antonio, TX, where Rod worked at USAA as a financial services manager. He and Marilyn traveled to 43 countries and six continents. In 2007, they moved to the Chattanooga, TN area to be close to four of their ten grandchildren. Rod loved life, loved his wife and family, loved to play games, and loved to...

Rodney John Swanson, beloved husband of Marilyn Nungesser Swanson, passed into heaven Sept. 2, 2021. Rod was born in Little Falls, MN, on, Sept. 12, 1939. He married Marilyn Nungesser in 1961; and they were married nearly 60 years. They were blessed with three children - Mark, Pam, and Reid. In Minnesota Rod taught high school and then became a stockbroker. In 1985 they moved to San Antonio, TX, where Rod worked at USAA as a financial services manager. He and Marilyn traveled to 43 countries and six continents. In 2007 Rod and Marilyn moved to the Chattanooga, TN area because their son Reid and family were there. Rod loved life, loved to play games, and loved to tell jokes. Rod loved...

Martha "Tiny" Waycasie, age 80, of LaFayette, passed away Friday, August 27, 2021. She is survived by her daughter, Lena Woody; sons, James C. Waycasie, Brian (Misty) Waycasie, and Harold C. Waycasie II.; grandchildren, Michelle Mann Harris, Shaunta Hambrick, Bridget Lively, Danielle Brown, and Brooke Waycasie; nine great grandchildren; one great-great grandchildren; sisters, Eula Ledford, Patsy Lowry, Marie Buffington, Pauline (Joe) Cowan, Brenda Blair, Marilyn Holt, Mona Bartlett Crowder, and Cheryl (John) Millican; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, September 2, 2021, in the Wilbanks Memorial Chapel with Pastor Billy Black...