Published: September 06, 2007 03:52 pm         

Sept. 7, 2007 obituaries

Charles E. Bailey

Sept. 11, 1945 — Sept. 3, 2007

Veteran Republican campaigner Charles (Charlie) Eugene Bailey passed away Monday, Labor Day, Sept. 3, 2007 at 10:35 a.m. following neurological complications from several strokes and ultimate heart failure. He was 61.

Bailey was born Sept. 11, 1945 and raised in Crossville, TN.

“My father taught me many lessons during my life that I will never forget,” said Kevin Bailey, his youngest son. “He taught me to always be a gentleman and be there for people in their time of need.

“He taught us to work hard and treat people fairly.

“The people of Georgia have lost a great political leader because even when he lost his campaign he was always there to help others.”

Bailey was a lifelong Republican and one of the founding members of the modern Republican Party in Georgia. He played a role in the election of many Republican candidates and himself mounted four separate campaigns for Secretary of State. In 2002, he won the Republican primary for Secretary of State and carried the party’s banner in the general election.

“Charlie was passionate about public service,” said Senator David Shafer, whose friendship with Bailey began in 1996 when they both ran for Secretary of State. “He was a tireless campaigner. He cared about people and loved politics. He was an honest and decent man, and he will be missed.”

Bailey’s longtime friend, Jay Rogers, said, “Charlie Bailey was a very loyal, passionate, and true friend who enjoyed Tennessee and Falcons football and was fun to be with; I have lost a dear friend.”

He is survived by his three children, two step-children, and their families; first born son Charles E. Bailey, Jr., daughter Anne M. (Bailey) Mattis and Ben Mattis, her children Michael and Courtney Mattis (and his great-grandchild Cassie Mattis), and Charlie’s second son, Kevin M. Bailey and his fiancée Annie Harris.

Bailey was active in church and community. He served as Georgia President of Pop Warner Football and Lieutenant Governor of Optimist International. He was active in the American Cancer Society, Habitat for Humanity and his children’s school activities, including band, sports and Scouts. He was a member of Roswell United Methodist Church, North Georgia Emmaus Community, Friends of Disabled Adults and Children, and Promise Keepers.

There will be a memorial service on Friday, Sept. 7, at for all who would like to attend with welcoming of friends an hour before the service and food donated from Williamson Bros. Barbecue and fellowship afterward. This will be held at Roswell United Methodist Church, located at 814 Mimosa Boulevard, Roswell, GA 30075 (http://www.rumc.com). The time will be at 4 p.m. The family has asked that no flowers be given. Memorial gifts may be given to Friends of Disabled Adults and Children, FODAC 4900 Lewis Road, Stone Mountain, GA 30083 (http://www.fodac.org). Lauren McDonald of McDonald and Son Funeral Home and Crematory in Cumming assisted with arrangements.



Patricia D. Harris

Nov. 9, 1953 — Aug. 31, 2007

Patricia Delane Harris, 53, of Crossville, passed away Aug. 31, 2007. A memorial service was held Sept. 4 at Bethlehem Baptist Church, with Pastor Gary Robbins officiating.

Mrs. Harris was born Nov. 9, 1953, in Sanford, FL, the daughter of Amos Eldridge and Sarah Elizabeth Tanton Eldridge.

She was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church and had been a secretary before becoming disabled. She enjoyed reading, plants and especially spending time with her family and friends.

Survivors include her husband, Jerry Harris of Crossville; son, Eric Hugh Schmit of Crossville; granddaughter, Danielle Nicole Smith; father, Amos Eldridge of Crossville; brother, James Lee Franklin of Clearwater, FL; and sister, Laura Foss of Orlando, FL.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Sarah Elizabeth Tanton Eldridge.

Crossville Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. was in charge of the arrangements.



Fred Hunter

Nov. 23, 1937 — Aug. 30, 2007

Fred Hunter, 69, of Marietta, passed away Aug. 30, 2007. Funeral services were conducted Sept. 1 at Mt. Union Missionary Baptist Church, with the Rev. Jay Neal officiating. Burial was in Campground Cemetery.

Mr. Hunter was born Nov. 23, 1937, in Dayton, OH, the son of Clarence Hunter and Velva (England) Hunter.

He was retired as a machinist and worked for Master Vibrator.

Survivors include his son, Steve Hunter of Lafayette, GA; daughters, Tammy Neese of Marietta, GA, and Kim Brock of Crossville; grandchildren, Stephanie Burnette, Alexandria Neese, Erica Neese, Michael Neese, Megan Neese, Ethan Hunter and Victoria Hunter; great-grandchild, Brooklyn Burnette; brothers, David Hunter of Dayton, TN and Donald Hunter of Crossville; and sister, Shirley Dawson of Dayton, OH.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley (Livesay) Hunter.

Pallbearers were Steve Hunter, Ethan Hunter, Tim Neese, Michael Neese, Hack Walker and Tom Walker.

Jennings Funeral Home of Jamestown was in charge of the arrangements.



Robert G. Lansford

Oct. 6, 1915 — Sept. 1, 2007

Robert Gurstle Lansford, 91, of Crossville, passed away Sept. 1, 2007. Funeral services were conducted Sept. 4 from the chapel of Bilbrey Funeral Home, with Bro. Harold Parrigin officiating. Interment was in Green Acres Memory Gardens.

Mr. Lansford was born Oct. 6, 1915, in Brotherton, Putnam County, the son of John Wade and Louisa (Lee) Lansford.

He was a farmer and a member of Woodlawn Methodist Church. He served in the United States Army and was a veteran of World War II.

Survivors include his sons, Gary Lansford of Crossville, Bob Lansford of Jacksonville, Jim Lansford of Cookeville and Jack Lansford of Franklin, NC; sister, Dimple Jackson of Algood; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Edna Gwendolyn (Smith) Lansford; sisters, Laura West, Cecil West and Opal Bilbrey; and brother, Bill Lansford.

Pallbearers were John Lansford, Thomas Lansford, Will Lansford, Rick Lansford, Christopher Lansford and Bill Byers.

Bilbrey Funeral Home, Inc. was in charge of the arrangements.



Nora J. G. Vallance

Aug. 20, 1930 — Sept. 1, 2007

Nora Jean Goodsir (Halls) Vallance always had a song in her heart and her voice.

Originally a soprano and later an alto, Mrs. Vallance sang solos from her grade school graduation at Ford School in Highland Park, MI, to Westminster Presbyterian Church, which she helped found, in Fairfield Glade.

The voice was sadly silenced on Sept. 1, 2007. when Mrs. Vallance passed away following a long illness at Cumberland Medical Center. She was 77.

“Nora had a unique passion for life and a lovely voice,” said her husband of 55 years, James Vallance. “She was a completely compassionate person and worked through our church at trying to aid the less fortunate.”

Mrs. Vallance was born Aug. 20, 1930, in Edinburgh, Scotland. Afterwards, she and her mother, also Nora, returned to the United States by sea. Mrs. Vallance grew up in Highland Park. She was a graduate of Highland Park High School and attended Highland Park Junior College.

Mr. and Mrs. Vallance were married on June 21, 1952, in Michigan. While her husband finished college, Mrs. Vallance worked as a secretary in the Engineering Department at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI.

In between raising two children, Mrs. Vallance worked as a number of secretarial positions, the last 16 years at Caterpillar, Inc. in Peoria, IL, before retiring.

After retiring, the Vallances moved to Fairfield Glade where they were instrumental in founding the Westminster Presbyterian Church. A memorial was held at the church Sept. 3. Burial was in the Fairfield Glade Methodist Church Memorial Garden.

Besides her husband, Mrs. Vallance is survived by a daughter, Audrey of Savoy, IL; son, George of Bartonville, IL; sister, Margaret of Troy, MI; brother, William of Pleasant Ridge, MI; two grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 6807 Peavine Rd., Ste. 101, Crossville, TN 38558.

Bilbrey Funeral Home, Inc. was in charge of the arrangements.



James Williams

Aug. 7, 1923 — Aug. 31, 2007

James Williams, 84, of Crossville passed away Aug. 31, 2007. Funeral services were held Sunday, Sept. 2, at 3 p.m. from the chapel of Hood Funeral Home. Pastor Jeffrey Rice officiated with burial in Smith’s Chapel Cemetery.

Mr. Williams was born Aug. 7, 1923 in Jackson County, TN, the son of Mines and Viola Burroughs Williams. He had worked as a steel worker with General Processing and was a member of the Church of God.

He lived in the Smith’s Chapel Community where everyone knew him as “Bodie.” You could often see him and his precious dog, Herbie, going for walks. Later, he moved to Crossville with his sister and brother-in-law, Judy and Marvin. He loved to fish and watch wrestling. He also enjoyed gardening and canning vegetables.

Mr. Williams was a very special brother-in-law and a wonderful uncle. He was surrounded by the love of his family. So much joy and happiness was shared between them. We know that he lived a good life and kept the faith along the way. We find comfort knowing he is now reunited with his loving wife, Betty, in a place where there is no more sickness and pain.

Mr. Williams is survived by sisters Alene Dixon and Jean Flat, both of Jackson County; special sisters and brothers-in-law, Judy and Marvin Waldo, Danny and Elsie Parks, Doris and Elzie Miller, Wilma Lawson, Frances Fish and Nancy and Tommy Williams, all of Crossville; nephews Travis Waldo, Little Danny and Daniel Parks, Stanley, Vernon and Michael Miller, Donnie, Lonnie, Scottie and Stevie Parks, Rocky, Ricky, Jimmy, Randy and Marty Fish, Gary, Tim and Jeffery Williams and Larry, David and Junior Lawson; nieces, Renea Hedgecoth, Sherry Parks, Sharon Crockett, Joy Flagg, Sharon Lynn, Cathy, Connie, Donna and Lisa Fish, Misty and Tina Williams and Geraldine and Willene Lawson; and very special great-niece Kailee Renee Waldo.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 32 years, Betty Jean Parks Williams; brothers, Oscar, Robert, Hurman and Vestle Williams, and sisters, May Haney, Ruby Young and Mable Williams.

Pallbearers were Stevie Parks, Scottie Parks, Lonnie Parks, Darrell Parks, Ray Goney, Craig Flagg, Vernon Miller and Stanley Miller.

Hood Funeral Home and Crematory, LLC was in charge of the arrangements.

www.hoodfuneralhome.com