Shirley G. Anderson

Shirley G. Anderson, 82, of Hayesville, passed away Saturday, May 11, 2019 in a Blairsville, Georgia care facility. She was raised in Towns County, but had lived in Marietta, Georgia for 37 years before retiring to Hayesville in 1988. She was a member of Downings Creek Baptist Church. She was a member of the Shooting Creek Fire Department Auxillary.

She was the daughter of the late James and Ola Gribble and wife of the later Ralph Anderson who died November 1, 1992.

Surviving are two daughters, Kimberly Lutkenhouse of Apex, North Carolina and Lori Anderson and husband, Michael Perry of Marietta, Georgia; three sisters, Shelby Anderson of Hayesville, Ethelene Bennett of Niceville, Florida, and Linda Powell and husband, Paul of Marietta, Georgia; a brother, Allan Gribble and wife, Mary of Hiawassee, Georgia; and two grandchildren, Alexander and Nicholas Lutkenhouse. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville with Rev. Denny Moss officiating. The interment was in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.

The family received friends from 12:00-1:45 p.m. Wednesday at the Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville prior to the service.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of all arrangements.

Mary Catherine “Katie” Clevenger Hardin

Mary Catherine “Katie” Clevenger Hardin, age 95, died Monday, May 6, 2019 at East Georgia Regional Medical Center in Statesboro. Katie was the oldest of twelve siblings born to Ricky and Alma Reed Clevenger. She lived in Salem, Ohio for several years and in 1989 married Paul Hardin. They made their home in Andrews, North Carolina. After her husband passed away in N.C., Doctor Larry Ackerman and Patricia were very supportive and helpful for Mary and she was so grateful and loved them both dearly. In 2016 she moved to Statesboro to be closer to her family. Katie loved people and always had a smile on her face. She enjoyed going to flea markets and yard sales. She was a member of the Valleytown Baptist Church in Andrews, North Carolina.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and her eleven siblings.

Surviving are her stepson and his wife, Ricky and Patricia Hardin of Statesboro; four grandchildren, Scott Hardin of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Lisa (Rich) Kesseg of Homeworth, Ohio, Karen (Billy) Mills of Metter, Georgia and Kevin Hickman of Bothell, West Virginia; eight great-grandchildren, Courtney, Alex, and Chloe Hardin, Julianna, Wesley, and Leann Kesseg, Dakota Brown and Hannah Mills; and her beloved dog, Sofie.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, June 23, 2019 in Valleytown Cemetery with the Rev. Eric Byrd officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Mary Catherine “Katie” Clevenger Hardin to the Valleytown Cemetery Fund, c/o Andrews Town Hall, 1101 Main Street, Andrews, NC 28901. Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews in charge of local arrangements.

Evelyn Mize Hiland

Evelyn Mize Hiland, age 86, of Sylvania, Alabama took God’s hand Tuesday evening, May 7, 2019. She was a native and lifetime resident of DeKalb County, Alabama. Evelyn was widowed as a young mother of three children, ages ten, eight, and two, by her first husband, Sidney Mize. Facing hardship, she managed to remain strong for her children. For over ten years, she worked three jobs in order to provide for her children and allowed her family to thrive. She was blessed to have met Bill Hiland, whom she married in 1976 and had 34 wonderful years of marriage. Evelyn was a sweet spirit who enjoyed cooking, working in her flowers, but her greatest love was her family. She was full of love for everyone in her life and that love was reflected in the outpouring of cards and phone calls throughout her time of need. Evelyn was of the Church of God faith.

She was the daughter of the late William Calhoun and Liddy Irene Jolley Mattox. She was also preceded in death by her second husband, Bill Hiland; a great-granddaughter, Elin Mize; two sisters, Clare Mauldin and Mary Simpson; and two brothers, Ed and Levall Mattox.

Surviving are four daughters, Margaret Freel and husband, Scott of Murphy, Linda Bailey of Frankfort, Kentucky, Doris Mims of Columbia, South Carolina, and Annette Treece of Scottsboro, Alabama; two sons, Terry Mize and wife, Gale of Fyffe, Alabama and Mack Hiland of Murphy; a sister, Virginia Peek of Cedartown, Georgia; six grandchildren, Sonny Johnson, Derrick Bailey, Darren Bailey, DeShaun Bailey, Tyler Mize, and Brandi Wooten; ten great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 3pm CST on Saturday, May 11, 2019 from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 1-3pm CST from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel. Revs. Melvin Dawson and Gary Haymon officiating, The interment will be in Lusk Chapel Cemetery. Grandchildren will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Kenneth Mattox, Roy Mauldin, Buddy Peek, Emmitt Peek, Barry Mauldin, and Danny Simpson.

Marie Sunday Potenzo Jones

Marie Sunday Potenzo Jones, 92, of Bethlehem, Georgia, formerly of Andrews, passed away Monday, May 6, 2019 in a Braselton, Georgia hospital. She was a native of Chicago, Illinois and lived in California before moving to Andrews in 1957, where she resided for nearly 50 years. Marie was owner and operator of Mid Nite Electric and she ran the business after the death of her husband, Harold. They were also charter board members for Mountain Home Nursing Service. Marie also worked for the nutritional program for the elderly as well as volunteering with Andrews Public Library. She was a lifelong devout Catholic.

She was the daughter of the late Antonio and Serafina DeBenedictis Potenzo and the wife of the late James Harold Jones, who died January 9, 1984. She was the youngest of 11 children and was preceded in death by three sisters, Dolores Brown, Delia Morton, and Felicia “Fritzie” Fries; and seven brothers, Barney, Rocco, Andrew, and Thomas Potenzo, and Louis, Freddie, and Andrew Faiella.

Surviving are a daughter, Jana Jones Rennick and husband, Tom of Hanover, Pennsylvania; three sons, James H. Jones II and wife, Nell of Hendersonville, Andrew K. Jones and wife, Doretha of Hayesville, and Anthony P. Jones and wife, Karmen of Athens, Georgia; four grandchildren, Sara McClure, Andrew Jones II, Laura Rennick, and Janine Jones; five great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 9, 2019 in the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews with Rev. Dr. Maggie Rourk officiating. The interment was in Valleytown Cemetery. Pallbearers were Steve Blalock, Dewey Bugg, Cecil Edmonds, Ed Holcomb, Andrew Jones II, Terry Jones, Todd McClure, and Jim Rogers. Honorary pallbearers were Anthony El-Khouri and Drew Faiella.

The family received friends from 6-8 Wednesday evening at the Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Marie Sunday Potenzo Jones to the Andrews Public Library, 871 Main Street, Andrews, NC 28901.

Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews in charge of all arrangements.

Gail Irene Day Bateman

Gail Irene Day Bateman, 76 of Andrews passed away Sunday, May 5th, 2019 surrounded by her family. Gail was a member of Mountain View Baptist Church. Gail was a homemaker, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She never met a stranger, and made friends where ever she went.

She was preceded in death by her parents William and Leuna Grant Day, stepfather John Wright, her sister Darlene Day Hatchet, and infant sister Margie Day.

Those left to treasure her memory include her husband of 59 years, Ted Bateman; her sister Dot Day Allison and husband Terry of Andrews; children: Suzy Rose and husband Darryl of Sylva, Tammie Johnson and husband Steve, Cindy Bryson, and Kenny Bateman all of Andrews. Grandchildren: Amber Bath, Candace Bradley, Brett Bateman, Autumn Bateman, Maci Rose, Devin Bryson, Madi Rose, Kaden Bryson, and Tristan Bryson, as well as 13 great grandchildren.

To honor her legacy, the family held a graveside memorial service Wednesday May 8th, 2019 at 2pm at Valleytown Cemetery in Andrews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to: American Cancer Society, 154 Milestone Way, Greenville, SC 29615.

Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews in charge of all arrangements.

Sue Peace Wayman

Sue Peace Wayman, age 97, of Murphy, went home to be with the Lord Saturday, March 9, 2019. She was a native of Madisonville, Tennessee and later moved to Murphy in 1957 with her husband. She had worked as a nurse’s aide at the old Providence hospital and Murphy Medical Center. Sue was an active member of the Ranger Community Club and had volunteered with the Meals on Wheels program. Sue enjoyed crocheting and quilting and enjoyed making quilts for her family. She loved working in her flowers, raking leaves, and took great pride in her yard and home. She was a member of Ranger Baptist Church.

She was the daughter of the late Earl Hamilton and Betty Reagan Carter Peace and wife of the late Clarence William Wayman, Jr. who died October 25, 1996. She was also preceded in death by a daughter Betty Warhurst and an infant son, Jimmy Lee Wayman, a grandson, Keith Wayman, four sisters and three brothers.

Surviving are a daughter, “Dennie” Dorinda Stearns of Murphy; two sons, Donnie Wayman and wife, Sue of Spring City, Tennessee and Jack Wayman and wife, Karen of Murphy; a sister, Ruth Kirkland of Madisonville, Tennessee; nine grandchildren, Michael Isbill, Candace Hicks, Denise Comer, Dustin Wayman, Dawn Davis, Eric Sneed, Lori Slaker, Amy Wayman, and Stuart Wayman; and nineteen great grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at Ranger Baptist Church, Murphy, NC with Rev. Jimmy Hogsed and Rev. Zack Orton officiating. The interment was at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at New Hope Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Madisonville, Tennessee. Pallbearers were Michael Isbill, Eric Sneed, Dustin and Stuart Wayman, Danny Comer, and Kenny Hicks. Honorary pallbearers were Curt Davis and Jake Slaker.

The family received friends from 4:00-5:45 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at Ranger Baptist Church prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Sue Peace Wayman to Lottie Moon, 3806 Monument Avenue, Richmond, VA 23230 or Annie Armstrong, c/o North American Mission Board, PO Box 116543, Atlanta, GA 30368-6543.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

Sandra McClure Head

Sandra McClure Head, age 68, of Murphy, formerly of Hayesville, passed away Friday, March 8, 2019 in an Asheville hospital. She was a native of Clay County, where she had lived most of her life. Sandra had worked at an administrative assistant for Clay County Department of Social Services for 30 years until her retirement. She was a member of Chatuge Assembly of God. Sandra will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

She was the daughter of the late Norman “Jay Red” and Virginia Swanson McClure.

Surviving are her husband of 18 years, Danny Head of Murphy; two daughters, Amanda Edwards of Buford, Georgia and Heather Henderson of Charlotte, North Carolina; a son, James Head and wife, Gail of Murphy; two sisters, Susie Rogers and husband, Matt of Hayesville and Sarah Brown and husband, Jim of Salisbury, North Carolina; three brothers, Herbert McClure and wife, Pam of Zebulon, North Carolina, Michael McClure and Dwight McClure and wife, Teresa, all of Hayesville; five grandchildren, Andrew, Chase, and Madelyn Edwards, Alex and Raveyn Head; and a great grandchild, Angel. She is also survived by four nieces and four nephews.

A memorial service was held at 6:00 p.m. Monday, March 11, 2019 at Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville with Rev. Aud Brown officiating.

The family received friends from 5:00-5:50 p.m. Monday at the Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Sandra McClure Head to the American Cancer Society, 154 Milestone Way, Greenville, SC 29615.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of all arrangements.

Clarence Woody

Clarence Woody, age 85, of Hayesville, passed away Friday, March 8, 2019 at a Hayesville care facility. He was a native and lifetime resident of Clay County. Clarence had served in the United States Army before returning to the family farm in 1957. There he worked with his father for the remainder of his life where he became a successful poultry farmer. Clarence had also worked for the United States Postal Service for 22 years as a rural mail carrier retiring in 1995. Clarence was of the Baptist faith and had been a past member of Clay Lodge #301. Clarence was an avid fisherman and enjoyed watching and bragging on his children and grandchildren in all of their activities and accomplishments.

He was the son of the late Claude Forrest and Mattie Ledford Woody. He was also preceded in death by a son, Dennis Ray “Denny” Woody; an infant granddaughter, Mattie Jo Woody; four sisters, Madge Woody, Doris Lewis, Dorothy Curtis, and Clyde Rogers; and a brother, Carl Woody.

Surviving are his wife of 65 years, Joann Hogsed Woody of Hayesville; three daughters, Debbie Patterson and husband, Wade of Roswell, Georgia, Clara Reffit and husband, Gary of Hayesville, and Vickie Benson and husband, Wade of Hayesville; a sister, Audrey Cole and husband, Walt of Hayesville; 15 grandchildren, Clint, Reid, Clay, Stacy, Chad, Joseph, and Megan Woody; Kim Bedgood and Kevin Patterson; Joni Clement, Taylor Baker, and Hope and Robin Reffit; and Tyler and Rachel Benson; and 23 great grandchildren. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews; and beloved granddaughters and grandsons-in-law.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville with Rev. Jackie Sellers officiating. The interment was in Eagle Fork Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were grandsons and honorary pallbearers were granddaughters.

The family received friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at the Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Clarence Woody to the Eagle Fork Baptist Church Cemetery, c/o Debra Burch, 198 Burnt Schoolhouse Rd, Hayesville, NC 28904.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of all arrangements

Linda Lee Schneidewind

Linda Lee Schneidewind, 67, of Andrews passed away Thursday, March 7, 2019 in a Murphy hospital. She was a native of Trego County, Kansas and lived in Newport News, Virginia before moving to Cherokee County in 1989. For several years, Linda worked in retail sales. She was of the Christian faith. Linda had a big loving and giving heart and always helped others in need. Linda was like a mother to many people.

She was the daughter of the late Charles and Anna McAtee Siek.

Surviving are a daughter, Katrina DeHart and husband, Jackie of Andrews; a son, Charles Schneidewind and wife, Misti of Niceville, Florida; and six grandchildren, Logan Bear, Kenneth, Dylan, and Jada DeHart, and Elijah and Hannah Schneidewind.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Linda Lee Schneidewind to the Valley River Humane Society, PO Box 658, Murphy, NC 28906.

Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews in charge of arrangements.

Lois C. White

Lois C. White, 75, of Hayesville passed away Thursday, March 7, 2019 in a Murphy care facility. She was a native and lifetime resident of Clay County. Lois was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Lois put her friends and family before herself throughout her entire life. She enjoyed working in her flowers and garden, and also bird watching. She was of the Baptist faith.

She was the daughter of the late March Monroe and Etna Edith Earley Coker and the wife of the late J.C. White, who died September 19, 1996. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Hope Reynolds.

Surviving are a daughter, Holly Lundquist of Hayesville; a sister, Laura Brown of Warne; two brothers, Archie Coker and Vic Coker, both of Warne; two grandchildren, Kenneth Mason of Atlanta and Cory Edwards of Hayesville; and six great-granddaughters.

No services are planned at this time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Lois C. White to Holly Lundquist, PO Box 885, Hayesville, NC 28904.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of arrangements.

Mike Ables

Mike Ables, 69, of Hayesville went home to be with his Lord and Savior Thursday, March 7, 2019. He was a native of Apopka, Florida, where he lived most of his life and was a graduate of Apopka Memorial High School Class of “67”. Mike began his career as a volunteer firefighter before becoming a professional firefighter. Mike retired in 1983 following 18 years on the job. Mike and his wife later owned and operated their own retail florist for 20 years. He moved to Hayesville in 2007, where he was a faithful member of Moss Memorial Baptist Church and worked in Vacation Bible School. He was a sports fan and loved watching his granddaughter play lacrosse the most. Mike enjoyed Civil War Reenactments and gospel music. Mike never met a stranger and was known as the local weatherman and walking encyclopedia and “a wealth of useless information”.

Mike loved the Lord and his prayer and hope were that family, friends, and all would come to the knowledge of the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

He was the son of the late James Preston and Frances Wylie Ables. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Patricia Ables.

Surviving are his wife of 35 years, Mary Tryon Ables; a daughter, Mendy Ables Hendren of Longwood, Florida; a son, Matthew Nelson Stephens and wife, Carly of Apopka, Florida; five grandchildren, Madison Jane Hendren, Skyla Rose Griswold, Blane Joseph Stephens, Faith Mary Stephens, and Trinity Mae Stephens; a special sister-in-law, Barbara Jean Caruthers of Hiawassee, Georgia; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services were held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, March 17, 2019 in the Moss Memorial Baptist Church with the Revs. Charles Shelton, Johnny Foster, Derek Tilley, and Eddie Duckworth officiating. The interment was in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were Preston Woody, Mike Dalton, Carl Maxwell, Paul Rohs, Billy Swofford, and Joe Jack Sellers.

The family received friends from 1-2:45 Sunday afternoon, March 17 at the Moss Memorial Baptist Church prior to the services.

Memorials can be made to Moss Memorial Baptist Church, PO Box 1198, Hayesville, NC 28904 to help with funeral expenses.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of all arrangements.

Terry Samuel Silvers

Terry Samuel Silvers, age 52, of Hiawassee, Georgia, died Saturday, February 23, 2019. He was a native and lifetime resident of Clay County. Terry was a carpenter. He loved football, racing, and his family.

He was the son of R.J. Silvers of Hiawassee, Georgia and the late Sally Louetta Moss. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Kenneth Lynn Silvers.

Surviving, in addition to his father, are three daughters, Terra Silvers of Hayesville, Alisha Silvers of Virginia, and Autumn Silvers of Ball Ground, Georgia; two sons, C.J. Silvers of Hiawassee and Tyler Arrendale of Charleston, South Carolina; three sisters, Linda Jean Setser of Jasper, Georgia, Debra Davis of Blue Ridge, Georgia, and Nancy Ledford of Hiawassee; three brothers, Larry Silvers of Hayesville, and Travis Silvers and Denny Mark Silvers, both of Hiawassee; and 13 grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 27, 2019 in the Hayesville Church of Christ with the Rev. Robert Seibert officiating. The interment will be in Philadelphia Baptist Church Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be Brandon, Kenny, and A.J. Silvers, Dustin Ledford, Chris and Mitchell Davis, and Brad Chastain.

The family will receive friends from 12-2 Wednesday afternoon at the Hayesville Church of Christ prior to the services.

Bessie Smith Carter

Bessie Smith Carter, 100, of Murphy passed away Monday, March 4, 2019 in a Murphy care facility. She was a native of Tate, Georgia, but lived in Murphy most of her life, since 1937. Bessie was a dedicated member of the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where she served as past church secretary, Sunday School teacher, Missionary Circle treasurer, and secretary of the Sunday School Association. Bessie loved everyone and enjoyed cooking and feeding her friends and family.

She was the daughter of the late Tom Henry and Arena Roach Smith and wife of the late Nathaniel Robert “Shike” Carter, who died July 17, 1997. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Julia Buchanan; and a son, Wilburn M. “W.M.” Smith. She was the last surviving of her 13 siblings.

Surviving are a son, Harry Pickens of Murphy; a special niece and nephew, whom she helped raise, Vivian Pickens and Richard Pickens, both of Murphy; ten grandchildren, Mary Allen, Ann Smith, Lena Smith, Frances Green, Wilburn Smith Jr., Mark Pickens, Kendra Pickens, Kendall Pickens, Gerald Buchanan, and John Buchanan; 29 great-grandchildren, 32 great-great-grandchildren, and two great-great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 9, 2019 in the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy with the Revs. John P. Webb and Louis Grant officiating. The interment was in the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Eddie Blount, Dwight Bennett, Tyrea and Kevon Allen, and Benny and Jake Smith. Honorary pallbearers were Andre and Joseph Smith.

The family received friends from 12-1:45 Saturday afternoon at the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy prior to the services.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

Salvatore Joseph “Sal” DeVito

Salvatore Joseph “Sal” DeVito, 72, of Murphy passed away Monday, February 25, 2019 at his residence. He was a native of Brooklyn, New York, but lived in Lake Worth, Florida before moving to Murphy in 1992. Sal had been a plumber for more than 50 years. Sal played softball for a local league for more than 20 years.

He was the son of the late Salvatore Joseph DeVito Sr. and Rose M. Tristaino DeVito. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Rocco Varvaro.

Surviving are his wife, Lois Faulkner DeVito; two sons, Salvatore Joseph DeVito III of East Tawas, Michigan and Anthony Augustus DeVito of Winter Haven, Florida; a brother, Michael Varvaro of Brooksville, Florida; and six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at Vista Realty, 75 Pine Lane, Murphy, North Carolina with Rev. Joy Stein officiating.

Jean Dickey White

Jean Dickey White, 93, of Murphy passed away Sunday, March 3, 2019 in a Clay County care facility. She was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County. Jean was an assistant to the superintendent for Cherokee County Schools in her younger years. Jean was the sole surviving charter member of the Archibald D. Murphey Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was also a member of the Murphy Presbyterian Church. Jean enjoyed reading cookbooks and spending time with friends and family.

She was the daughter of the late W.S. and Kate Gentry Dickey and the wife of the late Robert Murray White, who died June 4, 1970. She was also preceded in death by an infant sister, Mary Catherine Dickey; and two brothers, Dr. Harry Dickey and Jack Dickey.

Surviving are a daughter, Sherry Crisp and husband, Robert of Hayesville; two step-grandsons, Josh Crisp and Jarrod Crisp, both of Atlanta; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 6, 2019 in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy with the Rev. Johnny Foster officiating. The interment was in Sunset Cemetery. Pallbearers were Jasen West, Steve, Jonathan, and Tony Dickey, Sam Davis, and Charlie Spence.

The family received friends from 12-1:45 Wednesday afternoon at the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy prior to the services.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Jean Dickey White to the Valley River Humane Society, PO Box 658, Murphy, NC 28906 or the Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington D.C. 20090-6011.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

Richard Babcock Smith

Richard Babcock Smith, age 79, of Murphy passed away Saturday, February 23, 2019 in a Blairsville, Georgia hospital. He was a native of Providence, Rhode Island, but had lived most of his life in Neptune City, New Jersey before moving to Murphy in 2000. Richard was a veteran of the United States Navy. He had been a commercial truck driver for over 40 years, last driving for McDonald’s in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Richard was a member of St. William Catholic Church and the Marine Corps League, Cherokee County Detachment.

He was the son of the late Albert V. and Nancy E. Babcock Smith.

Surviving are his wife of 29 years, Michele Murphy Smith; a step daughter, Stephanie Mansfield Ambrosio and husband, Joe of Wall Township, New Jersey; a step son, Brian J. Mansfield and wife, Lisa of Neptune, New Jersey; and two step grandsons.

Funeral mass will be held at 12:00 p.m. Friday, March, 1, 2019 in St. William Catholic Church with Father Alex Ayala and Deacon Carl Hubbell officiating. Military honors will follow the service at the columbarium.

The family will receive friends from 11:00-11:50 a.m. prior to the service and also following the service at the St. William Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Richard Babcock Smith to: St. Jude Children’s Hospital, PO Box 1000, Department 142, Memphis, TN 36148 or to Covenant House, Time Square Station, PO Box 731, New York, NY 10108-0900.