OBITUARIES
Billy Ray Hixon, 79 LaFayette
Billy Ray Hixon, of LaFayette, Ga., passed away Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016. He was 79.
He was a lifelong resident of North Georgia and was a member of Christian Home Baptist Church.
He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and retired from the Dollar General Store, LaFayette in 2014.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray Hixon and Lillian Cole Jones; daughter, Paula Irene Moore and sister, Wanda Lewis.
Survivors include: His son, Mark Hixon of LaFayette; brother, Charles Jones of Chickamauga; grandchildren, Brittney Rodgers of White, Ga., Alex Martin and Zach Gilreath; five greatgrandchildren; several nieces and nephews and special friends, Helen Gladden, Nancy Debord and Nanette Hawkins.
Visitation: Monday, Nov. 7, from 5-8 p.m. and prior to leaving for the graveside Tuesday.
Graveside service: Tuesday, Nov. 8, at 1 p.m. in Coulter Cemetery, with Bro. Eddie White officiating.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society or St. Jude’s Hospital.
Online guestbook available at wilsonfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements: Wilson Funeral HomeLaFayette.
Marie V. Wallace, 91 Rossville
Marie V. Wallace, of Rossville, Ga., passed away Monday, Nov. 7, 2016. She was 91.
She lived most of her younger life in Louisiana then moved to Florida where she was very active in her church and senior clubs. Marie was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Guy and Julie Wallace; children, Gloria Ann Brown and Kerlin Wallace; brothers, Kenneth, Carroll, Guy Jr., and Robert Wallace.
Survivors include: Her daughter, Julie Bordelon of Dallas, Texas; sisters, Elaine (James) Crowder of Rossville, Ga., Beverly Wallace of Grays River, Wash.; grandson, Lewis Solomon and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation: Tuesday, Nov. 8, from 5-8 p.m. and prior to the service Wednesday at the funeral home.
Funeral service: Wednesday, Nov. 9, at 11 a.m. in chapel with Pastor Chris Sheets officiating.
Online guestbook available at wilsonfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements: W. L. Wilson & Sons Funeral Homes, Fort Oglethorpe.
Dorothy Ruth Baker Fortier, 90 East Ridge
Dorothy Ruth Baker Fortier, of East Ridge, Tenn., passed away Monday, Nov. 7, 2016, in a local healthcare facility. She was 90.
Dorothy, a native of Trion, Ga., was born Aug. 25, 1926, to the late Bredner B. Burton and Nancy Ella Walls. She lived the greater part of her life in the East Ridge, Tenn. area.
Her greatest enjoyment in life was being a mother to her children. She was always there for anyone who needed help. She is known for her sweet nature and kindness.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Bredner B. Burton and Nancy Ella Walls; her first husband, Raymond Arthur Baker; second husband, Wilber Fortier; son, Denny R. Baker; daughter-in-law, Denise Baker and sonin-law, Robert McLeroy.
Survivors include: Her daughters, Pat Billingsley, Annette Sue McLeroy Matthews, Ella Joy Kennedy and Brenda Gail Rotters; nine grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
There will be no visitation at the funeral home.
Funeral service for Ms. Fortier will be private.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Martin Boyd Christian Home and Caris Hospice for their compassionate care for Dorothy during her illness.
Online guestbook available at lanesouthcrestchapel.com.
Arrangements: South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home and Crematory, at the end of historic Missionary Ridge, Rossville.
Michael Andrew Wade, 54 Fort Oglethorpe
Michael Andrew “Drew” Wade, of Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., went home to be with his Lord and Savior Thursday, Nov. 8, 2016, surrounded by his family. He was 54.
Mr. Wade was born in Waynesboro, Pa., Jan. 18, 1962, to the late Carl A. and Joyce Betty Wade.
He was a 1980 graduate of Ooltewah High School and has spent the greater part of his life in the North Georgia area.
He was employed with Lowes, SherwinWilliams and most recently, Advanced Auto Parts.
He was of the Baptist faith.
Mr. Wade loved to play his guitar, write music and make people laugh. He was known for making an impact in many lives with his inspiration, love, teambuilding, genuineness, compassion and love for God. Mr. Wade loved his family and friends and will be truly missed.
Mr. Wade is preceded in death by his parents, Carl A. and Joyce Betty Wade and his father and motherin-law, Frank and Mary Jo Howell.
Survivors include: His loving wife of 16 years, Penny Evon Wade; son, Austin Wade; daughters, Ashley (Seay) Wade, Abigail (Seay) Wade and Amber Wade; brother, Dewayne Wade; sister, Diane Henry; numerous nieces and nephews and special friends.
Visitation: Friday, Nov. 11, 4-8 p.m. at the South Crest Chapel.
Funeral service: Saturday, Nov. 12, at 11 a.m. at Lane South Crest Chapel with Bro. Wayne Craig officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Lane Funeral Home, 833 Chickamauga Avenue, Rossville, Ga. 30741, in memory of Mr. Wade.
Online guestbook available at lanesouthcrestchapel.com.
Arrangements: South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home and Crematory, at the end of historic Missionary Ridge, Rossville.
James Edward Steele, 54 LaFayette
James Edward “Big Ed” Steele, of LaFayette, Ga., passed away Monday, Nov. 7, 2016. He was 54.
He was employed by Centry Fire Protection for 35 years.
He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Steele; grandparents, Doyle and Ada Ballard and Luther and Mary Steele.
Survivors include: His wife, Jeannie Carrington Steele; daughter, Ashley Paradise of LaFayette; son, Shayne (Wendy) Marshall of Chickamauga; mother, Hazel Ballard Dover; sister, Lisa (Clayton) Lee; brother, Tony (Kristi) Steele all of LaFayette; grandchildren, Ashley, Sarah, Alyssa, Kyla, Riley, Brooke, Cherish, Tyler, Adora, Breia and Caden; greatgrandchild, Ava and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation: Friday, Nov. 11, from 5-9 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. until time of service.
Funeral service: Saturday, Nov. 12, at 2 p.m. in the Wilbanks Memorial Chapel. No interment. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the family to help with expenses.
Online guestbook available at walliswilbanksfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements: Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home.
Lamar Humphreys Eddings Sr., 73 Rossville
Lamar Humphreys Eddings Sr., of Rossville, Ga., passed away Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016, in a local hospital. He was 73.
Mr. Eddings was born May 19, 1943, and has been a lifelong resident of the Chattanooga area.
His family will miss his hilariously, outlandish stories and quick-witted comebacks.
Mr. Eddings retired from BASF in Chattanooga, where he served as a chemical operator with 20 years of service.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Louise Eddings and his beloved pug, Lucy Lu.
Survivors include: His wife Brenda; three children, Lamar (Angela) Eddings Jr., Lynette (Preston) Dorsey and Shannon (Cannon) Witt; seven grandchildren, Lindsey (Troy), Lauren (Jason), Ryan (Angel), Megan (Scott), Taylor, Kaleigh and Matthew; six greatgrandchildren, Jordyn, Skyler, Nolan, Teddie, Chandler and Avaleigh; and two pugs, Buck and Toby.
Visitation: Thursday, Nov. 10, from 4-7 p.m. at the South Crest Chapel.
Funeral service: Thursday, Nov. 10, at 7:30 p.m. at the South Crest Chapel with Pastor Marsha Brown officiating.
Burial: Private, at Forest Hills Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to your favorite charity organization.
Online guestbook available at lanesouthcrestchapel.com.
Arrangements: South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home and Crematory, at the end of historic Missionary Ridge, Rossville.
Edna Ruth Ray Harris, 95
Edna Ruth Ray Harris, passed away Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016. She was 95.
The fourth of 12 children, Ruth was born June 28, 1921, in Cherokee County, Ala., to the late Porter Alvin Ray and Della Rhinehart Ray. She was married to Walter G. Harris on June 28, 1946. Shortly thereafter, they moved to the Dry Valley area of Rossville, Ga., where they lived the remainder of their lives.
Ruth was a member of Chattanooga Valley Baptist Church and worked in the textile industry at StandardCoosa-Thatcher until her retirement in 1987.
Ruth was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and greatgrandmother. She will be remembered for her determination, hard work and patience in raising beautiful gardens and flowers. She was known as a talented quilter and her delicious meals and special desserts made all holidays special to her family. She was a blessing to all who knew her.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband; five sisters, Mae Nixon, Louise Gaylor, Willie Lee Broome, June Prestwood and Bobbie Crane; two brothers, Ernest Clyde Ray and George Thomas Ray and son-in-law, Clifford Lee Hobbs.
Survivors include; Her daughter, Glenda Kay Harris Hobbs of LaFayette; son, Dennis Ray (Tina) Harris of Rossville; granddaughters, Heather (Lee) Holloway of LaFayette and Hollie (Josh) Fowler of Chatsworth; greatgrandchildren, Alex and Daniel Holloway of LaFayette, and Hayden and Harper Fowler of Chatsworth; sisters, Maggie Tallent and Beatrice Reynolds of Rhinehart, Alabama; brothers, Porter Alvin Ray Jr. of Rhinehart, Ala., and Bobby Eugene Ray of Portland, Oregon and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation: Sunday, Nov. 6. from 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Funeral services: Monday, Nov. 7, at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Cathy Meyer and pastor Ken Waddell officiating.
Burial: Mt. Zion Cemetery in Rhinehart, Ala.
Pallbearers: Dennis Harris, Ronnie Holloway, Chris Jenkins, Lamar Nixon, Tony Reynolds and Charles Tallent.
Honorary pallbearers: Ruth’s great-grandsons Alex and Daniel Holloway.
Online guestbook available at walliswilbanksfuneralhome.com
Arrangements: Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home.
Rhonda K. Patrick, 53 Rossville
Rhonda K. Patrick, of Rossville, Ga., passed away Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016, at her residence. She was 53.
She was a longtime employee of Waffle House in Ft. Oglethorpe and is survived by her children, Nicole Thompson and Dusty Scott.
Private family services will be held.
Online guestbook available at lanesouthcrestchapel.com.
Arrangements: South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home & Crematory, at the end of historic Missionary Ridge, Rossville.
Rebecca Ann Tumlin Mahan Buchanan, 74 LaFayette
Rebecca “Becky” Ann Tumlin Mahan Buchanan, of LaFayette, Ga., passed away Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016. She was 74.
Becky was a loving wife, mother, sister, best friend, and a loving nanny to many children through the years. Everyone that knew her loved her. Above all, she loved the Lord, her family, and her church family at Linwood Baptist Church where she was a member.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Turner Mahan; parents, T.L. Tumlin and Leona Wilkerson Tumlin and sister, June Russell.
Survivors include: Her husband, James “Jim” Buchanan; daughter, Kim Harrell (Stuart O’Brien); step-daughters, Wendy Harris and Lori Nicison all of LaFayette; sisters, Joyce (Kendall) Hall, Susie Smith and Ruby Trammell all of LaFayette; four stepgrandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Graveside service: Tuesday, Nov. 8, at 3 p.m. at Trinity Cemetery with Pastor Jon Alverson officiating.
Pallbearers: Mackie Morrison, Frankie Jones, Jerry Young, Neal Florence, Tim Fickey, and Tony Trammell.
Honorary pallbearers are the men and women
of Linwood Baptist Church.
Online guestbook available at walliswilbanksfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are by Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home.
Kelton Luther Russell, 74 LaFayette
Kelton Luther Russell, of LaFayette, Ga., passed away Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016, surrounded by his family. He was 74.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Russell; daughter, Deborah Russell; parents, Jesse and Minnie Cherry Russell and brother, Buster Russell.
Survivors include: His daughters, Tammy Vann of Summerville, Sharon Gaddis of LaFayette and Nichole Russell of Trion; son, Todd Russell of Trion; sisters, Imogene Phillips of Dalton and Inez Henderson of LaFayette; brothers, Randy Russell, Richard Russell and Edward Russell all of LaFayette; 15 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation: Tuesday, Nov.8, from 6-9 p.m. at the funeral home.
Funeral service: Wednesday, Nov. 9, at 3 p.m. in the Wilbanks Memorial Chapel with Pastor Marty Bugg officiating.
Burial: Naomi Cemetery.
Pallbearers: Stacy Young, Brian Wallin, Billy Lee, Mike Lee, Richie Russell, and Matt Colbert.
Online guestbook available at walliswilbanksfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are by Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home.
Melba Irene Rhinehart Cordell, 88 LaFayette
Melba Irene Rhinehart Cordell, of LaFayette, Ga., passed away Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016. She was 88.
She was a member of Community Baptist Church in Rock Spring.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Cordell; son, Larry Cordell; grandson, Richard Cordell Jr.; parents, Clifford and Viola Greene Rhinehart and sisters, Jimmie Chandler and Pat Rogers.
Survivors include; Her daughters, Ann (Frank) Yates of Rock Spring and Marilyn (John) Shaw of Lake Park, Ga.; sons, Richard (Gloria) Cordell, Tim (JoAnn) Cordell, Gary (Debbie) Cordell and Gene Cordell all of LaFayette; sister, Bobbie Gilreath of Rock Spring; brothers, Lewis (Vickie) Rhinehart and Leon (Linda) Rhinehart all of LaFayette; 16 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation:
Wednesday, Nov. 9, from 6-9 p.m. at the funeral home.
Funeral service: Thursday, Nov. 10, at 2 p.m. with at Wilbanks Memorial Chapel with pastors Mike Angel and Malcolm Harris officiating.
Interment in CrestLawn Cemetery.
Online guestbook available at walliswilbanksfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are by Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home.
Sanford Lamont Gordy, 55 LaFayette
Sanford “Monty” Lamont Gordy, of LaFayette, Ga., passed away Monday, Nov. 7, 2016. He was 55.
Monty was a veteran of the U.S. Army.
He as preceded in death by his grandson, Damon Lamont Johnson and parents, Sanford N. “Sarge” and Martha Joyce Brown Gordy.
Survivors include: His daughter, Tonya (Dustin) Johnson; son, Steven (Paige) Gordy; sisters, JoAnne (Lio) Barcenas, Karen (Mark) Gordy Payton, Royce Jean Gordy all of LaFayette and Viola Elayne Gordy of Chattanooga; grandchildren, Leah Ponder, Valerie Johnson and Greylynn Gordy and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation: Wednesday, Nov. 9, from 2-9 p.m. at the funeral home.
Funeral service: Thursday, Nov. 10, at 11 a.m. at Wilbanks Memorial Chapel with Pastor Russell Swafford officiating.
Burial: Anderson Memorial Gardens in Ringgold.
Pallbearers are nephews and friends.
Online guestbook available at walliswilbanksfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are by Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home.
Rhonda Elaine Matthews, age 55 LaFayette
Rhonda Elaine Matthews, of LaFayette, Ga., passed away Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016, surrounded by her loving family. She was 55.
She was preceded in death by her father, Loyd Strickland.
Survivors include: Her husband, Justin Ward Matthews; daughters, Jennifer
(Nate) McClure and Megan Matthews; son, Jeremiah (Telina) Matthews; mother, Janice (George) Hixon; sister, Carol (Guss) Robinson; brother, Jimco (Rhonda) Strickland; grandchildren, Marlee, Piper, Zander and Brianna and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation: Thursday, Nov. 10, from 6-9 p.m. at Center Grove Baptist Church and Friday from noon until time of service.
Funeral service: Friday, Nov. 11, at 2 p.m. at Center Grove Baptist Church with Pastors David Brown and Chris Hulsey officiating.
Burial: LaFayette Cemetery.
Online guestbook available at walliswilbanksfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are by Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home.
Steven Leslie Weekly Sr., 64 Ringgold
Steven Leslie Weekly Sr., of Ringgold, Ga., passed away Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016. He was 64.
A native of Columbus, Ind., he lived in the Ringgold area for the past 36 years. He was owner-operator for 13 years at Glenn R. Ellis Trucking where he worked for a total of 20 years.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Lory Damsel and Marjorie Elizabeth Meredith Weekly; brother, Mark Ivan Weekly and great-niece, Meredith Leann Jesse.
Survivors include: His loving wife, Janice Moore Weekly of Ringgold; three children, Steven Weekly Jr. of Ringgold, Nathan (Tara) Weekly of Ringgold and Lori Weekly of Ringgold; brother, William Michael Weekly of Columbus, Ind.; six grandchildren, one great-grandson and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation: Saturday, Nov. 12, from noon3 p.m. at the funeral home.
Funeral services: Saturday, Nov. 12, at 3 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Chaplain Matthew Webb officiating.
Online guestbook available at wilsonfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements: Wilson Funeral Home Wallis-Stewart Chapel