The Toccoa Record

Charles Robert Langston Jr., 88, passed away Saturday, July 9th, 2022 at Cottingham Hospice House, Seneca, SC. His dear wife of 69 years, Pauline Gurley Langston, preceded him in death. Charles was born on September 7th, 1933, in Carnesville, Georgia and was the son of Charles Robert and Mary Lou Langston. He graduated from North Georgia College in Dahlonega, Ga. Following graduation, he began a career that would span over 30 years with Coats and Clark Manufacturing. He started his work in Toccoa, Ga, and later moved to open and manage the Coats and Clark Plastics Division in Seneca, SC. Charles and his parents had over 100 years of Coats and Clark Company service. Charles was a committed,...

Sally Ann Studley, 81, wife of Milton "Skip" Studley, passed away on Friday, June 24th, 2022 at her residence, surrounded by her loving family. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Sally was the daughter of the late Oscar B. Fischer and Alma Mertz Fischer. Sally was a very active member at St. Mary's Catholic Church, a member of the ladies' guild. Sally's greatest passion was for her church and her devotion to her religion, she enjoyed beautiful flowers, reading and crossword puzzles. Sally is survived by her beloved husband Milton "Skip" Studley of 60 years; daughter, Dawn Hospelhorn (Joe Strickland); two grandchildren, Randie Nichole McAlister (Ian) and Michael Studley Hospelhorn (Angelica); one...

Ira Bradford Lee, Jr. "I.B.", passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family, on June 18, 2022, at the age of 91. Ira was the beloved husband of the late Ola Belle Lee of Toccoa, GA, and the son of the late Ira B. Lee, Sr., and the late Carrie B. Lee, both natives of Westminster, SC. Ira was born in Westminster, SC, on November 3, 1930, where he lived until he left to join the U.S. Navy. Ira was a veteran of seven years of naval service, during which time he served in the Korean War, traveled the world on the U.S.S. Missouri, among other ships, and garnered multiple service medals. Ira was most recently a resident of Pawleys Island, SC, where he moved after retirement. He retired...

Mark Lynn Wheeler, 61, passed away on Friday, April 29 th, 2022 at Greenville Memorial Hospital. Born in Toccoa, Georgia, Mark was the son of the late Clyde Hubert Wheeler and Osteen Marcus Wheeler. Mark was a carpenter, enjoyed woodworking for many years and he worked for Coats & Clark, and also worked for the city of Toccoa in the maintenance department. Mark was always ready to share a laugh and a smile. Mark is survived by his daughters, Cassie Leanne Reid and Jennifer Lynn Wheeler; brother, Bruce Wheeler; and sister, Barbara Wheeler Bayliss; four grandchildren, Kenzelee Divinagracia, Beckham Divinagracia, Braylon Bennett and Banks Bennett. A graveside service will be held 2:00...

Mrs. Camille R. Higginbotham age 83 of Blairsville passed away peacefully on Friday April 1, 2022 at her home following an extended illness. Mrs. Higginbotham was born on August 11, 1938 in Toccoa, GA., the daughter of the late Jack Richardson and the late Grace Hitt Richardson. Camille was a member of First United Methodist Church of Blairsville. She loved playing cards, mahjong and going to FUMC Oasis where she was very active. She was a social butterfly who never met a stranger. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Surviving Mrs. Higginbotham are her three children, Joni and Ken Hinton of Blairsville, Russ and Jean Higginbotham of Bonaire, GA., Beth and Goodwin...

Reverend Swayne LaFayette Poole, age 79 of Griffin, Georgia passed away peacefully after an extended illness at Brightmoor Hospice on Sunday, January 2, 2022. Rev. Poole, known to many as "Preacher Poole", was born in Banks County, Georgia on May 5, 1942. He was preceded in death by his parents Benjamin L. Poole and Margie Lillian Poole, along with brothers Jerry and Ronnie. Rev. Poole was a loving husband, father and grandfather, known affectionately to his family as "Papa". Survivors include, his wife of 60 1/2 years, Vivian C. Poole; son, Gregory Poole, and his wife, Andrea and children, Emilee, Jonathan, and Benjamin; son, Mark Poole and his wife, Rita and children, Abbey and...

Julia Ann Sellers, Whitner, Smith, Hermanson, age 83 of Macon, passed away on Monday, November 15, 2021, at The Oaks Scenic View in Baldwin, Georgia. Julia enjoyed her roses and gardening and was always ready to wet her hook to catch a fish. She was a "cut up," loving to play jokes and pranks on her friends and family. Born in Mount Airy, Georgia on November 11, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Roosevelt and Lizzie Mae Owens Sellers. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by husbands Grant Smith and Jud Hermanson; her brothers Henry Harvey "Buddy" Sellers, Leon Sellers, and Frank Sellers; and sister Willie Blanch Sellers. Surviving are sons Greg Whitner...

Thomas Bertrand Hamilton "Tom", age 63, of Monroe, GA, passed away on September 8, 2021. Tom was born in Cleveland, Ohio on October 29, 1957 to Patricia Ann Kane Hamilton and James Gregory Hamilton, Sr. He was his older brother Jim's first and best birthday present. Tom graduated from Stephens County High School and despite physical challenges and pain related to his having been born with Spina Bifida, Tom achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Following high school, Tom attended the University of Georgia. He was a "Triple Dawg" earning an undergraduate degree in psychology, a masters degree in Vocational Rehabilitation and a Law Degree. All these degrees combined with his compassion and...

Jesse Hicks Cook, Jr., age 84, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday night, May 21,2021. He was born on August 25,1936 in Sumter SC. He was a 1955 graduate of Toccoa High School. He sustained a spinal cord injury in 1955 that left him a paraplegic but faced this injury with determination, perseverance, hope and faith. He was a resident of Smyrna for over 60 years and repaired watches for his customers in the Smyrna community for over 30 years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joann Lord Cook, as well as his parents Henrietta Camp Cook and Jesse Hicks Cook, Sr. . He is survived by his son, Christopher Cook, sister, Barbara Edwards and brother, Jack Cook as well as numerous...

Mr. Michael Vance Brown, age 66, of Buford, Georgia, passed away Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton. A celebration of life service will be held 2:00 pm Thursday, May 13, 2021 at Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel. Michael was born July 21, 1954 in Atlanta, Georgia. He was the son of the late Donald Lee Brown and Shirley (Smith) Brown. He was also preceded in death by a son, David Brown. He graduated from Berkmar High School, Piedmont College, and Southern Christian University. He was retired from Reedsville Prison. He was an avid artist, working with stained glass. He loved his Church, children and his family. Michael is survived by his son, Kevin...

Neville Alfred King April 19, 1940 ~ March 19, 2021 Mr. Neville Alfred King, age 80 of Pendergrass, Georgia, passed away Friday, March 19, 2021 at Northside Hospital Forsyth. Funeral Services are scheduled for 10:00 am Thursday, March 25, 2021 at Lanier Christian Church with interment to follow in Stephens Memorial Gardens in Toccoa. The family will receive friends from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel Gainesville, GA. Mr. King was born April 19, 1940 in Guyana, South America. He was the son of the late S. Jones and Muriel King. Neville is survived by his loving wife, Averil (Osborne) King; daughters, Heather King, Coralie...

Virgie Parker Kiser Bagwell, 81, passed away on Monday, March 15, 2021 at Memorial University Medical Center. She was born in Gainesville, GA, daughter of the late Joe W. and Sarah Loretta Christopher Parker. For many years, Mrs. Bagwell resided in Toccoa, GA where she was employed at Patterson Pump. She later moved to Savannah and retired as an Engineering Assistant from Great Dane Trailers. She loved to travel, was an accomplished artist and above all was and adoring wife, mother and grandmother. Surviving is her husband of 23 years, Don Bagwell of Savannah; three sons and daughters-in-law, Tony Kiser (Tomi) of Bishop, GA; Joe Kiser, Jr. (Kim) of Toccoa, GA; Tim Kiser (Christine)...

Kathryn Wheeler Dobbins, 62, wife of Dr. Thomas Roy Dobbins, passed away Tuesday, February 23, 2021, at Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital. Born in Toccoa, Georgia, she was the daughter of Forrest Wheeler and the late Carol Damron "Toots" Wheeler. Kathy received her bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Appalachian State University and a master's degree from Clemson University. She began her 38 years in education at Anderson School District 5 as a teacher and later as an administrator, where she found her true love and proudest accomplishment in a program called AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination). Kathy's love and devotion for her students and teachers were never...

With glory to God, Wanda Willis Cain of Gainesville entered into eternal life February 16, 2021. Born on May 27th, 1940, in Bremen, Georgia, she began a life of love and service to the Lord Jesus Christ, which she maintained until meeting him face-to-face. She spent her formative years in Tallapoosa, Georgia, and graduated from Tallapoosa High School. She was also a graduate of Truett-McConnell College and retired from Stephens County Board of Education. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rev. Tatum Wayne Cain, PhD, and her parents, Calvin Thomas Willis and Alta Merritt Willis of Tallapoosa, Georgia, along with other precious family members from Haralson County. Wanda is...

William Lloyd Head, age 90, of Martin, GA, passed away on Thursday, January 14, 2021. He was born in Atlanta, Georgia on August 26, 1930, son of the late Joseph Bankston Head and the late Cora Lloyd Head. He served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. William retired from Chevron as Operation Manager of large Gasoline Distribution Plant. He loved fishing and doing small engine repairs. He is survived by his son: Joseph Charles Head and his wife, Jackie; grandchildren: Brandon Head and his wife, Tara, Brian "Buzz" Head, William L. Head, III, Karen Fitzpatrick and her husband, Jimmy; great-grandson: Liam Head; several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was...

Joseph Payton "Pat" Smith, Jr., was born April 16, 1942 in Toccoa, Stephens County, Georgia. After graduating in 1960 from Toccoa High School, Pat enlisted in the United States Air Force and after serving four years, he joined the Atlanta Police Department, Atlanta, Georgia working from Uniform Division then advancing to the Detective Division in various squads. He was a graduate of Georgia State University with an AA and BA in Criminal Justice. In 1972 he joined the Investigative Staff at District Attorney Office, Atlanta Judicial Circuit, Atlanta, GA where he served as Criminal Investigator and Intelligence Agent until his retirement in 1991. He was a graduate of the 133 rd FBI National...

Charlotte Louise Brock Grogan, 92, of Gainesville, died December 29, 2020 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center. Born May 15, 1928 to the late Lorena Estelle Boleman Brock and Major Glenn Brock, Sr., she is preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Wilford Grogan, Sr, and siblings Telford Carroll Brock, Marella Brock Tanner, Major Glenn Brock, Jr. Nelda Jean Brock, Mary Donna Brock Miller, Charles William Brock, Horace Russell Brock, and Hiram Jackson (Jack) Brock. Charlotte was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She attended elementary school in Candler, Ga, graduated from Lyman Hall High School, and attended Piedmont College where she played basketball. In...

GROVER CLEVELAND Toccoa - Grover Bill Cleveland, 88, formerly of Westminster, husband of Stella Smith Cleveland, passed away, October 20, 2020 at Stephens County Hospital in Georgia. Born Habersham County, Georgia, he was the son of the late Lewis and Angeline Burton Cleveland. Mr. Cleveland was a United States Air Force veteran serving during the Korean Conflict, retiring from Tugalo Gas Company as a crane operator. He was a member for many years at Faith Baptist Church in Westminster and was a member of Rock Creek Baptist Church in Toccoa, Georgia. In addition to his wife, Stella Smith Cleveland; Mr. Cleveland is survived by sons, James Herrin of Banks County, Georgia, Watson Herrin of...

Mary Ruth Gibson, age 83, of Acworth, GA, passed away on Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at Tranquil Gardens Assisted Living. She was born on June 4, 1937 in Taccoa, GA to her late parents, T. Lake Meeks and Marjorie Frances Smith Meeks. Ms. Gibson worked as a teacher for many years at many different school systems. She was a faithful member of Wildwood Baptist Church in Acworth. Ms. Gibson was a loving mother, grandmother, and friend who will be missed by all who knew and loved her. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, James Howard Gibson. Ms. Gibson is survived by her loving children; Margie Gibson of Acworth, GA. Linda and her husband Tom Olley of...

Geneva Payne, age 88 of Lilburn, GA died peacefully on Friday, June 5, 2020, at home surrounded by family. Geneva was born in Stephens County, GA on April 16, 1932 and graduated Stephens County High School. She moved to Atlanta in 1959 and worked for Cotton Producers in Accounts Receivable. After a break to start a family, she worked over 12 years with H&R Block as an Assistant Bookkeeper where she formed many lasting friendships. She later worked for Ellman's and Service Merchandise, Dental One Associates, and Dr. Mark P. Benner, D.D.S. She was a loyal employee and always treated everyone she encountered with respect and kindness. Geneva was a devoted and loving wife, mother,...

Mr. David Lee Brown, age 45, of Peachtree City, Georgia, passed away Saturday, April 18, 2020. Private graveside services were held Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at Westminster Memorial Park Peachtree City, Georgia. David was born September 6, 1974 in Atlanta, Georgia. He was a native of Toccoa, Georgia but loved and called Peachtree City home. He graduated from Stephens County High in 1993. He was a star student and at the top of his class. He received a full academic scholarship to the University of Georgia where he graduated in 1997. David was a loving husband, father and son. He was a hopeless romantic, writing poetry, creating and appreciating art and music. He lived life to the...