OBITUARIES
NORTH, Dick
Richard B. (“Dick”) North, a lifetime resident of Rossville, passed away on July 23, 2020, after a brief illness. He was 88 years old.
Dick was born on September 10, 1931, the son of Grace and John Henry North. He was the 6th of 7 North brothers who were a force in local athletics in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s. He attended Rossville High School, where he played on the varsity football and basketball teams. He was a member of the Rossville basketball team that won the 1946 Georgia State championship. He was the captain of the basketball team his senior year. In 1994, Dick was inducted by the Rossville High School Alumni Association into its Sports Hall of Fame.
After high school, Dick attended the University of Chattanooga on an R.O.T.C. scholarship. He was a member of the Moccasins varsity basketball team, and a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity (of which he served as president). During college, he also traveled the southeast playing on the Peerless Woolens softball team. He graduated with a B.S. degree from the University of Chattanooga in 1954.
Soon after college, he married the late Anna Mildred Washington North, and they celebrated their 59th anniversary shortly before her death in 2014.
Following graduation, Dick served in the United States Army. He was an of - tillery Battalion. After leaving active duty in 1956, he served in the U.S. Army reserves, achieving the rank of Captain. He also then became the Manager of G & M Furniture Company (and later the owner of the store, which he renamed North Furniture Company), where - ty years.
Dick was extremely active in the community. He was a member of the Walker County School Board from 1959 until 1970, and served a term as Chairman of the Board. He served as President of the North Georgia Athlet high school football games throughout north Georgia. He belonged to Rossville Lodge No. 397, F. & A. M., and the Alahambra Shriners of Chattanooga.
In addition to his wife and his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Frederick L. North (and his late wife, Roberta), John H. North, Jr., William L. North, Harold L. North (and his late wife, Frances), and M. Lamar North; and by his sisters Frances Monds (Leroy) and Elizabeth Jane North. He is survived by a daughter Terri A. North; a son Richard B. North, Jr. (Claudia); two grandchildren, Richard B. North III and Margaret A. (Maggie) Ramsey (Kevin); a brother Ben L. North (Mildred); sisters-in law Maxine North and Mary North; and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind three dedicated caregivers, Connie Daniels, Dee Myers, and Renette Camp, who brightened
The family will hold a private burial service, with a memorial service at a later - tributions can be made to McFarland United Methodist Church (101 East Gordon Ave., Rossville, GA 30741), where Dick was a lifelong member.
Arrangements by Heritage Funeral Home & Crematory,
PURYEAR, William Mitchell
William Mitchell Puryear, age 83, of Lafayette, Georgia passed away Wednesday, July 22, 2020. He was born on February 27, 1937. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Ward Puryear and Martha Frances Puryear; brothers, Anson Puryear, and Richard Puryear.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret Puryear; daughter and son in law, Barbara and Jody Virkstin; sister and brother in law, Bridget and Stone Lloyd; grandchildren, Ashley and Tyler; niece, Renee Moneta and her husband David; nephew, Glenn Stone and his wife, Myra; and great nieces and great nephews also survive.
A service will be scheduled at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to independently owned and operated Dalton Funeral Home, 620 S. Glenwood Ave. Dalton, GA 30721; 706-5295371.
“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of those depths.”
— Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
On Saturday, Aug. 8, from 10 a.m. to noon, visit the Catoosa County Baptist Association at 72 Old Mill Lane in Ringgold for their drive-thru Back To School Backpack And Supplies