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Obituaries for November 9, 2023; William Bell• John Chastain• Lamar Childers• Bob Dickerson• Becky Hughes• Kenneth Massey• Bob Van Horn

William Bell

            Mr. William Nathan Bell, 64, of Rockmart, GA, passed away Sunday, October 29, 2023.

            Mr. Bell was born on June 4, 1959, son of the late Wilton and Marie Bell. He had recently moved to Rockmart from Talking Rock, GA, where he had spent a total of 25 years between Talking Rock and Jasper, GA. Mr. Bell received his Bachelor’s Degree from Auburn University and was an owner-operator of Automotive Equipment Sales. He was the former chairman of the GOP in Pickens County and was of the Baptist faith. Mr. Bell was an old car enthusiast and loved working in his garden. He always cherished the time he got to spend with his family.

            In addition to his parents, Mr. Bell was preceded in death by three brothers, Kenny, Sam, and Wayne Bell, and a sister, Patricia Ann.

            Mr. Bell is survived by his loving wife, Janet Ives Bell, whom he married August 20, 1983; daughter, Dr. Jessica Bell of Acworth, GA; brother, Randy Bell; sister, Linda Tolbert. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

            A Celebration of Life for Mr. Bell was held on Sunday afternoon, November 5, 2023, at 5 p.m. in the chapel of Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home. Dr. Jessica Bell, his daughter, will deliver the eulogy.

            Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home & Crematory has charge of the arrangements for Mr. William Nathan Bell.

Bob Van Horn

            Robert (Bob) Earl Van Horn, 92, passed away November 5, 2023, surrounded by family in his home. Born December 26, 1930, in Bridgeport, WV to Freda Sayres Van Horn and Carl Haines VanHorn.  His wife, Janice and his grandson Brian Greer preceded him in death. Survivors include his four daughters, Karen Waters (Roger) of Orange Park, FL, Sherry Schillaci (Rick) of Jasper, GA, Cindy Scurry (Dray) of Erie, CO and Valerie Bates (Fritz) of Jasper, GA; four granddaughters, Kinsey Lallathin (Matt), Kalee Humphrey, Katie Bell (John), Lindsey Hannah (Brandon), four great granddaughters, Charlee Bell, Madison Hannah, Collins Hannah and Lyla Bell. Also surviving is his sister. Patty Edwards of Shinnston, WV and many nieces and nephews.

            Bob was raised in the coal mine area of Bridgeport, West Virginia, the oldest of 7 siblings, and was the first of his family to graduate from high school. Soon after graduation, he joined the Coast Guard and was stationed in Miami, FL. He served three years before leaving the service and marrying Janice Ayres after a blind date and three-week courtship. Throughout their 63 years of marriage, they enjoyed raising a family, camping across America, volunteering, and spoiling their grandchildren. 

            He worked for BellSouth in both Florida and West Virginia before retiring in 1989 from his 38-year career. Bob retired while living in Brooksville, FL. Soon after retirement they moved to Murphy, NC where he and Janice built their mountain dream home.  In 1997, they moved to Cartersville, GA to be close to their grandson Brian. They quickly settled in and became members of Rowland Springs Baptist Church. Having a heart for service, he was always volunteering for organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross, National Park Service, Telephone Pioneers of America and Pickens Animal Rescue in Jasper, GA. 

            Professionally, Bob was a very dedicated, loyal employee and his reliability and knowledge made him very valuable to the team. Personally, he always put family first, showed extreme patience, a giver of great hugs, supportive and always the first one to show up to help on any project. He enjoyed maintaining his lawn, working outside, wood working, crossword puzzles, traveling and studying the Bible.

            As a father, he was one of the very best. Adored by his girls, admired by his family and a friend to all that met him. Bob was a true gentleman, a patriotic citizen, an active member of his Sunday School and a friendly neighbor. Always with a smile and joke to share, he enjoyed socializing and having friends visit. Later in retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his dog and watching the Braves on TV. Bob lived a simple yet fulfilling life, investing in what truly matters, his relationships with other people and with Jesus Christ.

Bob’s positive attitude, humility, devotion to his family, commitment to service, and love of God and nature will continue to be an inspiration to his family.

            A service will be held on Sunday, November 12, 2023, 2 p.m. at Rowland Springs Baptist Church in Cartersville, GA. The family welcomes all his friends and neighbors to join in celebrating Bob’s incredible life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the building fund of Rowland Springs Baptist Church, 79 Rowland Springs Rd., Cartersville, GA 30121.  A burial at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton will be held at a later date.

Becky Hughes

            Rebecca Hughes, 56, of Waleska, Georgia passed away Thursday, October 12, 2023. She was born November 27, 1966 to Mack and Willie Mae Turner in Tate, Georgia.

            Becky is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Margie and Richard Alfieri of Ellijay; brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Deb Turner of Jasper; brother Danny Turner of Jasper; brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Marilina Turner of Jasper, two nieces, three nephews, and several cousins. 

            Becky was preceded in death by her parents, Mack and Willie Mae Turner of Jasper.       

            A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of Roper Funeral Home.

            The family will receive friends at Roper Funeral Home, Saturday, November 11 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

            Arrangements are entrusted to the staff of Roper Funeral Home and Crematory. 

Kenneth Massey

            Kenneth Massey, 76, of Jasper passed away Friday, November 3, 2023 at Piedmont Mountainside Hospital in Jasper.  He was born December 4, 1946 in Jasper. 

            Kenny is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Dennis Noland of Talking Rock; his son and daughter-in-law, Chris and Andrea Massey of Dallas; granddaughter, Jordan and Adam Deberardinis of Talking Rock; grandson, Zachary Enyart of Dallas; granddaughter, Caitlyn Enyart of Dallas; sister, Ann Collins of Jasper; and brother, Tommy Massey of Jasper.  Several nieces, nephews, and other family members also survive.

            He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Sue Massey; mother, Evelyn Parker; father, Tom Massey; and brother, Bobby Massey.    

            Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Sunday, November 5, 2023 in the Chapel of Roper Funeral Home. Interment followed at Sunrise Memorial Gardens.

            Arrangements are entrusted to the staff of Roper Funeral Home and Crematory. 

John Chastain

            John D. Chastain, 79, peacefully passed away on November 4, 2023, at Select Hospital in Augusta, concluding a courageous 75-day battle against multiple health issues.

            Born to John H. and Virgina Chastain of Talking Rock, he was the eldest among four siblings. John’s formative years were adorned with cherished moments spent with grandparents and relatives in the Ryo and Fairmount communities. Anyone accompanying him on Route 53 West into Gordon County could anticipate a detour down Tennessee Street, where he would passionately share stories of beloved people and cherished experiences. His narratives often included the tale of Elvis passing through Fairmount on Highway 411.

            John pursued education at Mount Berry School for Boys, Clarksville Technical College, and Kennesaw State University. His career commenced at Lockheed and later WAGA-TV5 in Atlanta, where he dedicated 25 years to diverse roles in news coverage and production. He had the privilege of attending remarkable events such as Presidential Inaugurations and the homecoming of Iranian hostages, always having captivating experiences to share and countless friends he treasured.

            Upon retiring from WAGA-TV5, he became the owner/operator of Talking Rock Communications, a satellite uplinking company, for 22 years. With his son Michael managing TRC’s operations, John entered a well-deserved “retirement” phase, indulging in his passions: golf, ham radio, western literature, and traveling with his beloved wife and family. John and his wife shared 40 blissful years of marriage and were on the brink of celebrating their 41st anniversary.

            Affectionately known as Granddad, John held a special place in the hearts of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a beacon of encouragement and a staunch supporter of his children’s pursuits. His children’s spouses were cherished and valued members of the family. John actively participated in church activities, passionately sharing his faith, often distributing copies of “Muscle and Shovel” in the hope of spreading the Truth.  He worked on various projects at Northside Church of Christ over the last forty years.

            We are profoundly grateful for the time we had with him. His absence leaves an irreplaceable void. Big John, a gentle giant and a friend to all who knew him, will be dearly missed, leaving behind fond memories and a legacy of love.

            Survivors include his wife, Jean M. Chastain of Jasper; daughter and son-in-law, Destini and Matthew Shope; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Rhonda Chastain; grandchildren, Mallory and Michael Young, Chris Logan, Ryan and Taylor-Anne Chastain, Brooklyn and Kyser Hamilton, Jadyn and Brandon Wilson, Tyler Lohman; great-grandchildren, Hadley and Harper Hamilton, Jacob and Keegan Wilson; brothers, Jerry and Kaye Chastain, Charles and Kathy Chastain; sister and brother-in-law, JoAnne and Charlie Tomblin.  A host of other relatives also survive.

            Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 2 p.m. from the chapel of Roper Funeral Home with Butch Jones and Terry Burress officiating.   Interment will follow in Sunrise Memorial Gardens.

            The family will be receiving friends at Roper Funeral Home Wednesday from 9 a.m. until the funeral hour.

            Arrangements are entrusted to the staff of Roper Funeral Home and Crematory. 

Lamar Childers

            Gary Lamar Childers, 77, of Jasper, Georgia passed away Sunday, November 5, 2023 at Piedmont Mountainside Hospital. He was born February 19, 1946 to Delmer and Clara Mae Childers in Jasper.

            Lamar is survived by his wife, Mildred Doris Childers of Jasper; daughter and son-in-law, Connie and Buddy Goforth of Ellijay; daughter, Teline Simmons of Jasper; granddaughters, Kassie Dean of Kalispell, Montana, Lexi and Isaiah Hopper of Tacoma, Washington, Adrienne Goforth of Ellijay, Amelia Goforth of Chatsworth; great-grandson, Grainger Jackson of Chatsworth; and sister, Regina Dean of Jasper.  Several nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive.

            He was preceded in death by his parents, Delmer and Clara Mae Childers; brothers, Doyle Childers, Dean Childers, Athel Childers, Quillen Childers; sisters, Adez Johnson, Elaine Thomason, Juanita Haynes, and Delia Mae Long.

            Funeral services will be held 2 p.m., Thursday, November 9, 2023 at Jerusalem Baptist Church with Terry Dean, Nathan Smith, and Jon Page officiating.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Miles Childers, Tim Childers, Mike Collett, Jamie Haynes, Randy Horton and J D Jarvis.  Honorary Pallbearers are Brad Dean, Scott Dean, Jerry Long, and Michael Thomason.

            The family will be receiving friends at Roper Funeral Home, Wednesday, November 8, 2023 from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m. and Thursday, November 9, 2023 from 9 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

            Arrangements are entrusted to the staff of Roper Funeral Home and Crematory. 

Bob Dickerson

            Braxton E. (Bob) Dickerson passed away on August 27, 2023. He was preceded by his wife of 47 years, Helen Tatum Dickerson. 

            He served in the U.S Navy for 13 years as a photographer; attended Georgia State in Atlanta graduating with a business degree and was a great lover of music.

            He is survived by his sister, Glenda D. Bridges, Braselton,Ga;  sisters-in-law,  Teresa T. Abernathy (Wayne) and Lynnette T. Whitley (George), Fair Hope, AL.;  and Sharon Tatum; nephews,  Judson B. Bridges, Braselton, GA, Jonathan B. Bridges (Kelly), McCalla, AL., Brent Abernathy (Kateri) and Robert Tatum (Tiffany);  niece, Rhonda Ladd (Joel);  great nephew,  Benjamin Matthew Bridges, (McCalla, AL.) and Ansil Tatum; great niece,  Isabelle Anna Bridges (McCalla, AL.);  grand niece,  Franci Tatum; cousin,  David Solomon and very special friend, Martha Atherton.

            Cremation Society of Atlanta was in charge of arrangements. 

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