James Long
Mr. James Larry Long, lovingly known to most as JL, passed away on September 20, 2026, at the age of 79. Born on April 27, 1947, in Woodstock, Georgia, JL was the son of the late Earl Long and Thelma Mabry Long.
JL was a simple man in the most meaningful way. Tender‑hearted, humble, loving, and caring. He spent 29 devoted years with his late wife, Brenda, building a life filled with love, hard work, and family. He took pride in his carpentry and woodwork, finding joy in creating things with his hands. JL loved fishing, his Ford trucks, riding his tractor, building birdhouses, the color red, his overalls, and his chewing tobacco and the quiet moments that made life meaningful. His loyal dog, Sweetpea, was his best friend and constant companion. He was a devoted husband, father, and Paw Paw. Though the world may use the word “stepchildren,” JL never did, those were his girls, and he loved them as his own, without hesitation or difference.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Brenda Jean Long.
Left to cherish his memory are his son and daughter‑in‑law, Larry and Jessica Long; his daughters and sons‑in‑law, Lyn and Gerald Folds, Denise and Jon Shipp, and Christina and Richard Russell. JL is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 14 great‑grandchildren, and 1 great‑great‑grandchild, all of whom will carry his love forward.
The family will receive friends at Cagle Funeral Home on on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, from 9 a.m. until the service hour. JL’s funeral service will be held in the Robert A. Cagle Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 2 p.m. with Gerald Folds officiating.
Interment will follow at Sunrise Memorial Gardens in Jasper. Serving as Pallbearers will be: Larry Long, Corben Cantrell, Ricky Russell, Jesse Aldridge, Michael Entreken, and Nathan Shipp.
JL lived his life with a tender heart, steady hands, and a love that never wavered. His kindness, his simple joys, and the way he cared for his family will remain in the hearts of all who knew him. Though he will be deeply missed, the love he shared will stay with his family forever.
Cagle Funeral Home is proudly serving the Long family.
Norman Kirk
Norman Kirk, 97, of Jasper, Georgia passed away Saturday, September 19, 2026.
Norman is survived by his son, Michael Kirk of Alabama; grandson, Dwayne and Amanda Kirk of Ellijay; granddaughter, Lorie and Bill Higdon of Jasper; great-grandchildren, Mary Jo and Justin Dillard of Jasper, Lane and Dusty Nations of Jasper; great-great-grandchildren, Benson Dillard of Jasper, Blaklee Dillard of Jasper, Jackson Nations of Jasper, and Allie Nations of Jasper; sisters, Marie Stevens of Holly Springs, Shirley Grant of Jasper; brother, Joe Kirk of Talking Rock; brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Kathleen Kirk of Talking Rock. Other family members also survive.
Norman was preceded in death by his daughter, Sandra Johnson; grandson, Cole Johnson; sister, Jessie Godfrey; and brothers, Bennie Kirk, Hobby Kirk, and Donnie Kirk.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, September 23, 2026 in the Chapel of Roper Funeral Home with Jeremy Mullinax officiating. The interment will follow in the Talking Rock Baptist Church Cemetery at 3914 Hwy 136 West; Talking Rock, Georgia 30175.
The family will be receiving friends at Roper Funeral Home on Wednesday from 9 a.m. until the funeral hour.
Arrangements are entrusted to the staff of Roper Funeral Home and Crematory.
Geraldine Bell
Geraldine Bell, 78, of Talking Rock, Georgia, passed away Friday, September 18, 2026 at Pruitt Health in Jasper. She was born June 20, 1948 to Slagle and Jessie Mullins in Ellijay, Georgia.
Mrs. Bell is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Richard and Sandra Powell of Talking Rock, David Bell of Talking Rock, Daniel and Christi Bell of Talking Rock, Donald and Tonya Bell of Talking Rock, Douglas Bell of Talking Rock; brother and sister-in-law, Guy and Betty Mullins of Jasper; grandchildren, Josh and Lauren Powell, Holly and Dylan Ellis, Shaun and Hannah Bell, Adam and Emily Bell, Brooke Bell, Brandon Bell, Landon Bell, Lacey Bell, Cole Bell; and several great-grandchildren. Many nieces, nephews and other family members also survive.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bee Bell and son, Larry Powell.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Sunday, September 20, 2026 at Ball Creek Baptist Church with Reverend Harold Cantrell and Reverend Wallace Parks officiating. Interment followed in the Ball Creek Baptist Church Cemetery at 11340 Highway 136 West; Talking Rock, Georgia 30175.
The family accepted flowers or memorial donations may be made to Ball Creek Baptist Church Cemetery Fund.
Arrangements are entrusted to the staff of Roper Funeral Home and Crematory.
Irvin Burdett Sr.
Irvin Burdett Sr., 82, of Jasper, Georgia, passed away in the morning on Monday, September 14, 2026. Irvin was born on October 26, 1943 in Atlanta, Georgia to Alec and Daisy Pearl Scott Burdett.
Irvin is survived by his wife, Connie Burdett of Jasper; daughter and son-in-law, Sheila and Doug Morris of Ellijay; son and daughter-in-law, Irvin Jr and Stephanie Burdett of Talking Rock; grandchildren, Steven and Codi Pierce of Jasper, Nikki and Lee Hensley of Ellijay, Kevin and Brianna Pierce of Buford, Ryan and Will Eubanks of Jasper, Jade and Noah Ralston of Ellijay, Casey Burdett of Talking Rock, and Katie Burdett of Talking Rock. Fifteen great-grandchildren, three brothers, four sisters, and other family members also survive.
Irvin was preceded in death by his parents, Alec and Daisy Pearl Burdett; daughter, Martha Diane Burdett; great-grandchild, Rhylie Pierce; three brothers and four sisters.
Services were held Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 2 p.m. from the chapel of Roper Funeral Home with Steve Reeves, Steven Pierce, and Daniel Reeves officiating. Interment followed at Lake Forest Memorial Park.
Arrangements are entrusted to the staff of Roper Funeral Home and Crematory.
Jimmy Herod
Jimmy Herod, 72, of Jasper, Georgia passed away Monday, September 14, 2026.
Survivors include his Wife, Deborah Herod; two children, four grandchildren, sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary Ann and Rodney Hannah and Vivian Lorraine and Mike Entz.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Margaret Herod and his brother, Raiden Dillinger Herod.
The family will hold a Celebration of Life at a later date.
Arrangements are entrusted to the staff of Roper Funeral Home and Crematory.
Tom Judkins
Hugh Thomas (Tom) Judkins, of Tate, passed away on Sunday, September 13, 2026 with family by his side. Coach Judkins was a lifelong educator and a coach of many different sports, most notably football and wrestling. He coached and taught in Pickens County from 1981 until the mid 2010s.
Born on June 15, 1947, Tom was a native of Blount County, Tennessee. He was drafted while in college to serve in Vietnam. He served with the 101st Airborne in the A Shau Valley and was a veteran of the battle for Hill 937, also known as Hamburger Hill. He received a Bronze Star and a Distinguished Service Medal. Later in life he actively connected with his former fellow soldiers, attending reunions throughout the country, proud of the men that he served with.
Following Vietnam, he attended Georgia College and State University. An avid fisherman, he studied Ichthyology before eventually earning an education degree in Science and Physical Education. Upon graduation, he began a 40 plus year career in education in 1973 at Putnam County High School. He and his family made stops in Baldwin County and Atkinson County before finally settling in Pickens County in 1981.
His coaching career included football, wrestling, basketball, and track and field. He coached Georgia State Champions in both track and wrestling at his various stops. At Pickens High, Coach Judkins was involved in football, with two years as the Head Coach. He started the wrestling program at Pickens High School, and in the early days would oversee wrestling practice then head immediately to coach 8th grade basketball.
While at Pickens High, he taught a variety of subjects, including science and math. Moving to the Physical Education Department, he was Department Head for many years. Coach Judkins then moved to his most rewarding work, teaching students job and life skills, eventually working with students with special needs and finding them employment and transitioning these students into the work force.
Tom was preceded in death by his father H.G. (Jud) Judkins, mother Edna Kidd Judkins, brother Bill Judkins and sister Anne Sowders.
Tom is survived by his wife of 56 years, Linda, and children John (Stephanie) Judkins and Mary Judkins. He was a proud grandfather to his three grandsons Dylan Ball, Aidan Mullins and Foster Judkins. Additionally, he is mourned by his sister, Polly Tipton; niece, Erin (Justin) Jones; nephews, Anderson (Katie) Kerr, Greg (Michelle) Judkins and Jeff Judkins; along with extended family.
Coach Judkins once told a co-worker contemplating a job change that “It’s not the place that is special, it is the people.” His family is grateful for all the people…the students, the coaches, the co-workers, the administrators, the athletes, the friends…that made this statement so true.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you send a donation via Venmo to @pickenswrestlingboosterclub to help with the rising costs of participation fees for high school athletes. Coach Judkins was concerned that a student willing to participate wouldn’t have the chance just because of financial situations and the wrestling boosters have graciously agreed to distribute those contributions to athletes in all sports.
Services will be held Friday, September 25, 2026, 3 p.m. at the Jasper United Methodist Church. Interment will be October 8, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. at Georgia National Cemetery with Military Honors.
Arrangements are entrusted to the staff of Roper Funeral Home and Crematory.
Glenn Terry
Mr. Glenn Randall Terry, 92, of Canton, Georgia, passed away on September 21, 2026. Glenn was born in Alpharetta, Georgia, on January 1, 1934, to the late Herbert Terry and Stella Thomas Terry.
He built a full and loving life with his wife, Martha, and spent many years driving a truck out on the road before retiring. Glenn was happiest living a simple, steady life, raising his goats, driving his truck, and being surrounded by the family he loved most.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Glenn is survived by his wife, Martha Terry; his sons and daughter‑in‑law, Steve and Polly Cagle, and Tyron Terry; and his daughter, Lucinda Terry. His grandchildren include Krystal and Lamar Simonds, Tori Hughes, Bruce and Whitney Cagle, John Cagle, and Dillion and Samantha. He is also blessed with many great‑grandchildren and one great‑great grandchild. Glenn is further survived by his brothers and sister‑in‑law, Kenneth Terry, and James and Starr Terry.
Per Glenn’s wishes, he will be cremated, and a private memorial service will be held at a later date.
Cagle Funeral Home is proudly serving the Terry family.
Betty Smith
Betty Smith, 77, of Jasper, Georgia, passed away Monday, September 14, 2026 at her home.
Betty is survived by her children, Chris Henry (Michelle) of Farragut, Tennessee, Lorie Fleming of Jasper, Lisa Fazio (Jim) of Jasper; grandchildren, Michael Henry, Andrew Henry (Shelby), Parker Fleming, Charlie Joe Fleming; companion, Herbie Wofford; sisters, Catherine Jordan and Karen Padgett Lee.
Funeral services were held Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 11 a.m. in the Chapel of Roper Funeral Home with Rev. Danny Townsend, Rev. Jim Crews, and Rev. Terry Dean officiating. Interment followrf at Lake Forest Memorial Park.
The family would like to send a special thanks to Amedisys Hospice for their excellent care.
rrangements are entrusted to the Staff of Roper Funeral Home and Crematory.
Jacob Graner
Jacob Graner, 28, of Jasper, Georgia, passed away at home on Saturday, September 12, 2026. He is survived by his beloved wife, Natalie and their boys, Elijah James and Mason Blaine.
Jacob and Natalie met in high school and within months of dating, they knew they were soulmates. He became her husband, her best friend and the love of her life. They shared 10 beautiful years together, two sons, a home and a shared faith.
He was, above all, a loving and dedicated husband and father. Family meant everything to Jacob. He adored Natalie and he showed it in small, meaningful ways. Last week, for Natalie’s first day back at work after maternity leave, Jacob sent her off with flowers and a good-luck balloon. Being a dad to two-year-old Eli and four-month-old Mason gave him great joy. He poured his whole heart into fatherhood and cherished every moment. He was a man of strong faith and that faith shaped his marriage and the way he and Natalie were raising their boys.
Jacob grew up in Dripping Springs, Texas, the son of Walt and Victoria Graner and brother to Grace and Daniel. He loved spending time at his family’s lake house, fishing with his dad and brother, driving the boat and just being on the water. He cherished time with his parents, siblings, grandparents and extended family and always looked forward to the next time everyone would be together.
He was a four-year football letterman at Dripping Springs High School and threw discus and shot put for the track team, qualifying for the state meet as a senior. His talent carried him to the University of Texas at San Antonio, where he played Division I football for the Roadrunners from 2016 to 2019 as an offensive lineman. He wore #79, a number that will always hold a special meaning to everyone who loved Jacob. Years later, his teammates still talk about his infectious laugh.
Here in Georgia, Jacob was building a full life with Natalie and the boys. Natalie’s family had become his own. He was close with her twin sister, Savannah and husband Alex ‘Snyder’ and loved being an uncle to their children, Charlotte and Luke. He thought of Natalie’s brother, Alex, as a brother of his own. Weekends often meant time with his in-laws, Deena and Jason at their place in Big Canoe, the family gathered around and a game on in the background. He would often take Eli down to the water’s edge to throw rocks, the kind of small, unhurried afternoon Jacob loved. He was always up for a little friendly competition, whether a game of football, a round of ping-pong or a night of bowling. This was the life he was building: close, easy and full of the people he loved.
Jacob earned his degree in business from UTSA and was building a career at Soliant as an Account Executive. He loved his work and the people he worked alongside and had recently enjoyed a Braves game with a group of colleagues.
He spent his last evening at home with Natalie, sharing frozen pizza and watching the third Lord of the Rings movie while the boys slept. It was a perfect evening that Natalie will hold dear to her heart.
And Jacob gave the best hugs. Everyone loved Jacob.
Survivors include his wife, Natalie Graner, and their sons, Elijah Graner and Mason Graner, of Jasper; his parents, Walt and Victoria Graner of Dripping Springs, Texas; his sister, Grace Graner (Mathew O’Brien) of Portland, Oregon; his brother, Daniel Graner (Holly Lingenfelter) of Dripping Springs, Texas; his grandparents, Wallace and Sue Graner of Rollingwood, Texas, and Shirley and Patrick Wilson of Tampa, Florida; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jason and Deena Wilson of Jasper; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Savannah and Alex Snyder of Punta Gorda, Florida; his brother-in-law, Alex Wilson of Jasper; his uncle, Mike Chapa of Las Vegas, Nevada; his aunt and uncle, Veronica and Dan Beaudoin of Bristol, Connecticut; his aunts, Tricia Chapa and Sandy Davis of Austin, Texas; his aunt and uncle, Sheri and Tim Graner of Austin, Texas; his aunt and uncle, Kim and Vern Graner of Round Rock, Texas; his aunt, Yolanda Chapa of Garden Ridge, Texas; his aunt and uncle, Ashley and Steve Walko of New Paltz, New York; and his aunt and uncle, Mara and Ryan Campbell of North Dakota, along with many cousins and extended family who loved him.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ricardo and Susie Chapa of McAllen, Texas, and his uncle, Ricardo Chapa, Jr., of Seguin, Texas.
A Funeral Mass was celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church, 991 Kilough Church Road, Dawsonville, Georgia, with Father Dan Rogaczewski officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to the college fund established for Jacob’s sons at http://spot.fund/225d1lrsc. (Copy and Paste into browser) or you can leave deposits at Roper Funeral Home and Crematory.
Arrangements are entrusted to the staff of Roper Funeral Home and Crematory.
Sarah Cleo Patterson
Apr 20, 1931 — Sep 7, 2026
Sarah Cleo Patterson, 95, of Calhoun, Georgia, passed away on Monday, September 7, 2026. She was born on April 20, 1931, to the late Carl and Addie Mae Buttrum. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Rev. Alfred Patterson; infant daughter, Brenda Lou Patterson; brothers, CP Buttrum, Otis Buttrum, Raymond Buttrum; and sister, Virginia Chastain.
Sarah was a member of Ball Creek Baptist Church. She enjoyed gardening, playing bingo, and spending time with her family. Sarah retired from Carriage Industries.
She is survived by her sons, Mitchell Patterson (Judy) and Rickey Patterson (Beverly Minter); daughter, Joyce Phillips; grandchildren, Laura Darnell (Brent), Wayne Patterson (Lori), Chad Phillips (Jessica), Daniel Patterson, Sarah Hill (Tyler), Wesley Patterson (Katelynn Claunch); bonus grandchildren, Tyleigh Minter and Caleb Minter; great-grandchildren, Bryanna Darnell (Joey Ulibarri), Olivia Hill, Brantley Phillips, and Bogan Phillips.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home.
The funeral service will be held on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 11:00 AM from the Chapel of Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home with Bro. Mitchell Patterson and Bro. Gerald Siniard officiating. Burial will follow in Chandler Cemetery. Pallbearers are Sarah’s grandsons and great-grandsons.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Affinis Hospice and Gordon Health and Rehab for their care.
Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home of Calhoun, Georgia, is in charge of the arrangements for Sarah Cleo Patterson.
John Spitznagel
John Keith Spitznagel, M.D. passed away peacefully January 14, 2026, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina,
surrounded by his family. He was 102 years old.
John was born April 11, 1923, in Peoria, Illinois, and raised in Indianapolis where he graduated from
Shortridge High School. He received his undergraduate degree from Columbia University in1943 and MD
degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1946. He completed his
internship at the Johns Hopkins Hospital and his residency at the Barnes Hospital of Washington
University. He spent a year as a Visiting Investigator at the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research in
New York.
He served in several positions in the Army, including as an instructor in basic sciences at Walter Reed
Hospital, as the Assistant Chief of Medicine in the 114 Field Hospital in Kyushu, Japan, and as the Chief of
Medicine at the U.S. Army Hospital, Fort Bragg, NC, rising to the rank of Lt. Colonel.
In 1957, John joined the University of North Carolina Medical School, Chapel Hill, NC in the departments
of Internal Medicine and Bacteriology, rising to the rank of Professor. During that time, he treated
patients, instructed medical students and resident physicians, and conducted laboratory research funded
by the National Institute of Health. John became internationally known for his research on the
mechanisms used by white blood cells to combat bacterial infections.
In 1979, John joined Emory University as the Chair of Microbiology and Immunology. John retired from
Emory in 1999 as Professor Emeritus. He is honored with the Spitznagel Annual Seminar on Host
defense, given by an internationally known investigator. Throughout his career, John was the recipient of
multiple honors, served on medical research review committees, published over 275 research reports,
and been an editor of multiple medical journals.
John married Anne Moulton Sirch in 1947. John was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and a
generous mentor to his extended family, welcoming spouses and grandchildren fully into the family
circle. He and Anne hosted frequent, joyful gatherings at their retirement home in Jasper, Georgia,
creating a warm and enduring center for their family. John was an avid reader, traveler, fly-fisherman,
hiker, and flutist. He and Anne were founding members of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Family in
Jasper.
After retiring and moving to Jasper, John joined with other medical professionals in the community and
members of their church to found the Good Samaritan Health and Wellness Center. This volunteer-run
clinic has been instrumental in improving the quality of life for the area’s uninsured, treating thousands
of people for ailments that would otherwise go untreated and lead to advanced disease. Today, 24 years
after its founding in 2002, The Good Samaritan Health and Wellness Center is a Federally Qualified
Health Center (FQHC) continuing its mission “to provide quality, compassionate, and complete
healthcare for all in an atmosphere of dignity and respect.”
John was pre-deceased by his wife, Anne in 2012, and is survived by his five children John Spitznagel Jr.
(Susie), Jean Hetherington (Seth), Margaret Harkness (Donald), Elizabeth Kopin (Alan), and Paul
Spitznagel (Kim), 14 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
In memory of John Keith Spitznagel, donations can be made to the Good Samaritan Health and Wellness Center, 175 Samaritan Drive, Jasper, Ga. 30143.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on October 3, 2026 at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Family located at 202 Griffiths Rd., Jasper, Ga. 30143.
