Obituaries

Irving Lynn Keck

Irving Lynn Keck

Irving Lynn Keck

Mr. Irving Lynn Keck “Lynn,” 80, of Talking Rock, died Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020, of natural causes.  He was a member of King of Kings Lutheran Church. He was born Nov. 8, 1940, in Memphis, Tenn., to Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Keck. He graduated from Central High School in Memphis in 1958.
Mrs. Norma June Shellenberger

Mrs. Norma June Shellenberger

Mrs. Norma June Shellenberger

Mrs. Norma June Shellenberger, 85, of Ellijay, died Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, at Hamilton Medical Center. She was born in Youngstown, Ohio, June 1, 1935.  She is preceded in death by parents; and husband, Paul Shellenberger.
Thomas M. Smith III

Thomas M. Smith III

Thomas M. Smith III

Thomas M. Smith III, LTC (ret.), 74, of Ellijay, died Friday, Dec. 18, 2020. He was born in DeKalb County June 3, 1946, to the late Tom and Margaret Murrah Smith. He is preceded in death by brother, Wyche Smith; and sister, Annette Smith.
Mrs. Anita Burke Kendall

Mrs. Anita Burke Kendall

Mrs. Anita Burke Kendall

Mrs. Anita Burke Kendall, 63, of Ellijay, died Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020. She was born Aug. 20, 1957, in Copperhill, Tenn. She was employed by Appalachian Tech and was a member of Roopmill Baptist Church in Woodstock.  She is preceded in death by daughter, Amanda Heaton.
Rev. James E. ‘Big Jim’ Holsonback

Rev. James E. ‘Big Jim’ Holsonback

Rev. James E. ‘Big Jim’ Holsonback

The Rev. James E. “Big Jim” Holsonback, 68, of Epworth, passed away peacefully in his sleep Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020. He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. But most of all, he was a true servant of God.
Mrs. Jacqueline ‘Jacque’ Phillips Holloway

Mrs. Jacqueline ‘Jacque’ Phillips Holloway

Mrs. Jacqueline ‘Jacque’ Phillips Holloway

Mrs. Jacqueline “Jacque” Phillips Holloway, 81, of Cherry Log, died Friday, Dec. 18, 2020. She was born Aug. 9, 1937, in Fulton County, to the late Clyde and Noda Mae Phillips.
Esnet Garcia-Carmona

Esnet Garcia-Carmona

Esnet Garcia-Carmona

Mr. Esnet Garcia-Carmona, 21, of Ellijay, died Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, following injuries received in an automobile accident. He was born Jan. 15, 1999, in Bahias de Huatulco Oaxaca, Mexico. He was a graduate of Gilmer High School, class of 2017, and worked as a painter.
Michael ‘Mike’ David King

Michael ‘Mike’ David King

Michael ‘Mike’ David King

Mr. Michael ‘’Mike’’ David King, 45, of Ellijay died Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020. He was born March 22 1975, in Akron, Ohio, to Mary Ellis Jones and James Jones. He graduated from Chattahoochee Tech and was a maintenance manager employed by the First American Resources.
Shirley Mae Watts

Shirley Mae Watts

Shirley Mae Watts

Shirley Mae Watts, 75, of Cherry Log, died Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020. She was born June 11, 1945, to the late Ernest Jackson and Mary Ruth McCray Chapman in Baltimore, Md.
Rev. John Wesley ‘Johnny’ Payne

Rev. John Wesley ‘Johnny’ Payne

Rev. John Wesley ‘Johnny’ Payne

The Rev. John Wesley “Johnny” Payne, 81, of Ellijay, died Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020. He was born Oct. 10, 1939, in Blue Ridge, to the late William and Thelma Higdon Payne.   He was active in the church community including serving as a minister at Dover’s Chapel.