Obituaries from the Weekend, January 18, 2025 E-Edition

Joseph Champion, Jr.

Mr. Joseph Luster “Joe” Champion Jr., age 75, of Fairmount, departed this life Wednesday Jan. 15, 2025 at his residence. He was born July 31, 1949 in Calhoun. He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph Champion Sr. and Floy Lee Davenport Champion, several brothers and sisters, grandson Randy Wilson.
He is survived by his daughters; Sherry Champion Wilson of Fairmount, Lisa Champion Gill of Calhoun; granddaughter, Alexandra and Chase Hall of Trion; grandson, Carson England of Fairmount; brothers and sister-in-law, Billy Champion, Jack and Gail Champion, Von Champion all of Fairmount; godson, Dylan Young; special friends, Mary Ann Bohannon, Katherine Brown of Sugar Valley; several nieces and nephews.

Services will be announced at a later date.

Ponders Fairmount Chapel, 2566 Hwy 411, and Fairmount, Georgia. 706-337-3784. YOUR SELECTED INDEPENDENT FUNERAL HOME

Billy Hensley

Billy Van Hensley, a beloved member of his community, passed away on Jan. 15, 2025, at Morning Pointe Assisted Living. He was born on Aug. 5, 1935, in Hill City, Ga.

Billy dedicated many years of his life the textile industry at Dixie Bell, where he skillfully mixed chemicals for carpet production. His strong work ethic was evident, as he proudly never missed a day of work throughout his career. He also served his country for 20 years in the National Guard, where he worked as a medic.

Outside of work, Billy was an avid hunter who enjoyed turkey and deer hunting, fishing and racing his infamous dirt track car, “Easter Egg.” He found joy in spending time at The Pocket, surrounded by nature. Billy was known for his generosity and would give you the shirt off his back. His love for his grandchildren, Lauren and Victoria “Tori,” was especially profound, and he was always ready to share his warmth and kindness with them.

Billy is preceded in death by his parents, Luke Hensley and Floy Ingle Hensley; his late wife Georgia Mae Priest Hensley; and his siblings, Jim Hensley and Mildred Aaron.

He is survived by his daughters, Janet Hensley Hopper and her husband Rusty of Sugar Valley; and Kim Hensley Holcomb and her husband Thomas Rodney of Resaca; two granddaughters, Lauren Hopper of Atlanta and Victoria “Tori” Ainsley and her husband Matthew of Canton; his brother Arthur Hensley, and his brother Jack Hensley.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the dedicated staff at Homespun Hospice and Morning Pointe Assisted Living for their compassionate care and support.

Friends and family gathered at Thomas Funeral Home in Calhoun, for a visitation on Jan. 17, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM with Rev. Kent Bailey and Rev. Stacy Hensley officiating. He will be remembered for his generous spirit and unwavering love for those he cherished.

You may leave the family online condolences at www.thomasfuneralhomecalhoun.com

Thomas Funeral Home has proudly been entrusted with the care of Billy Van Hensley.

Patricia Hilgeman

Patricia Jean Hilgeman, age 69, of Resaca, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025.

Patricia was born on March 28, 1955, in Forrest Park, Ga., the daughter of the late James Howard Jones and Dessie “Bobbie” Hester Jones. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by a brother, James “Jimbo” Jones.

Patricia worked as the Office Manager for Brent Stepp Construction where she dedicated over 46 years working for the Stepp family. She was also a respected leader, as the past Georgia District #1 Director for the National Barrel Horse Association. Alongside her husband, Carl Hilgeman, Patricia nurtured a love for quarter horses, raising them for more than 20 years.

Patricia leaves behind her loving husband, Carl Hilgeman; their son, Clay Lawrence Hilgeman; and grandsons, Waylon Lamar Hilgeman and Aiden Crowe. She is also survived by her brother, Ronald McDonald; sister, Brenda Jones; nephews, Brian Edwards, Brent Edwards, and “Little Ronny” McDonald; and nieces, Brittany Jones and Mendy Morton.

The family will receive friends at Thomas Funeral Home on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, from 2 PM to 5 PM.
Funeral Services to celebrate the life of Patricia will be held on Jan. 20, 2025, at 1 PM from the Chapel of Thomas Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Haven of Rest Memorial Park.

Pallbearers serving include Ricky Moore, Nathan Nicholson, Mike Baker, Cody Adams, Brandon Mullinax, and Justin McNabb.

You may leave the family online condolences at www.thomasfuneralhomecalhoun.com

Thomas Funeral Home has proudly been entrusted with the care of Patricia Jean McDonald Hilgeman.

Linda McDaniel

Mrs. Linda Reid McDaniel, 79, of Calhoun, passed away early Friday at AdventHealth Gordon following a period of declining health.

She was born in Moore County, North Carolina, on Sept. 14, 1945, the daughter of the late Henry Arnold “Nick” Reid and Vernie Pearl Luck Reid. She graduated from Moore County High School and later became an Optician for Dr. Leon Gresham in Calhoun and Hogshead, Lusk, and Smith Optometrist in Dalton before retirement. She was of the Christian Faith, loved her family, and enjoyed being outdoors, tending her flowers and many plants.

Survivors include her husband, Philip McDaniel of Calhoun; son, Mark Dunn, and his wife, Debbie of Calhoun; step-son, Flipper McDaniel of Calhoun; grandson, Bryce Dunn, and his wife Whitney; great-granddaughter Paytin Dunn; sister, Terry Manasco of Moore County, N.C.; niece, Kristy Hudson, and great-niece, Hali Hudson.

A service to celebrate her life will be held Sunday, January 19th, at 3:00 PM in the chapel of Max Brannon & Sons Funeral Home, with Rev. Ken Young and Rev. Shane Parrott officiating. Interment will follow in Fain Cemetery. Pallbearers will include Clint Smith, Lane Bennett, Larry Ward, Alan Holcomb, Lewis Stanley, and Ranal Young.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, January 19th, from 1:00 PM until the funeral hour of 3:00 P.M.

The Brannon family and staff are honored to serve the family of Linda Reid McDaniel of Calhoun.

Dr. Verne Newhouse

Dr. Verne Fredrick Newhouse, a beloved father, grandfather, and accomplished entomologist, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2025, at the age of 94.

Born on May 7, 1930, in Tulsa, Okla., Dr. Newhouse was the son of Verne B. Newhouse and Elma Lillian Banks. He was the cherished brother of Marjorie Merjanian and Caroline Elizabeth Williams.

Dr. Newhouse’s life was a testament to curiosity, passion, and a profound connection to the natural world. He was an accomplished entomologist who dedicated 7 years of service to the Rocky Mountain Lab, and then 25 years of his career to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). His expertise in the study of insects, particularly those of medical importance, earned him the respect of his peers and the gratitude of the communities his work helped protect.

In addition to his professional achievements, Dr. Newhouse was a man of many interests. He had a deep love for the outdoors and a special affinity for the creatures that inhabited it. His passions extended beyond his work, and he was a talented musician, learning to play the bagpipes later in life. Dr. Newhouse was an active participant in the Highland Games and took great pride in his Scottish heritage.
Dr. Newhouse was first married to Hazel Delorse Johnson, and together they raised five children: Michael, Daniel, Bruce, Lauri, and David. He later married Joyce Winterscheid, and welcomed her daughter Claudia into his family with love and devotion.

Dr. Newhouse was preceded in death by his parents, Verne and Elma; his sisters, Marjorie and Caroline; and his first wife, Hazel.

Dr. Newhouse is survived by his children: Michael Newhouse and his wife Kim, Daniel Newhouse and his wife Lisa, Bruce Newhouse and his wife Carolyn, Lauri Gray, and David Newhouse, and his stepdaughter, Claudia Moore. He is survived by 14 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren, and numerous friends who were touched by his kindness, wisdom, and vibrant spirit.

Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Arlington Memorial Park, in Sandy Springs, where Dr. Newhouse will be honored in the presence of family and friends. He will be entombed along with his first wife Hazel, and with Joyce, his second wife. Rev. Mark Baskin will officiate the service, and in keeping with Dr. Newhouse’s wishes, a bagpiper will be present to celebrate his Scottish heritage.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made The Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org ) or a nature conservatory where you find peace and beauty.

Dr. Verne Fredrick Newhouse leaves behind a legacy of scientific achievement, familial love, and a passion for life that will continue to inspire all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.

Thomas Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Dr. Verne F. Newhouse at this difficult time.

Judy Tilley

Judy Diane Tilley, best known as Ahmommy to her children and grandchildren, 66, of Sugar Valley, passed away after a long courageous battle with cancer, on Jan. 13, 2025, at 11:42 a.m. surrounded by her loving family.

Judy was born on July 27, 1958, to Ann Davies Waters and Floyd Waters in Calhoun. After she finished Calhoun High School she became a dental assistant. She worked in many aspects of dentistry at Calhoun Dental Associates. She was office manager and kept everything running smoothly on a daily basis. She and her husband Dr. Larry Tilley retired from Calhoun Dental Associates in 2024. She also managed a dental consulting company through Landmark Healthcare that allowed her to travel, lecture and train dentists and assistants around the country.

She is survived by her loving husband Dr. Larry Tilley; her bonus children and their spouses Jennifer Hayes (Chris), Lauren Howard (Kent), Chris Tilley (Nina), and Katie Derrick (Blake); beloved grandchildren, Caleb Hayes (Abigail), Aaron Hayes, Anna Kathryn Hayes, Isabelle Howard, Mac Howard, Emma Tilley, Elin Tilley, Sam Tilley, Gracey Derrick, and Reid Derrick, and one great grandson Lincoln Hayes; sisters, Tamara Faye Burchete (Keith) and Deborah Diane Whaley (Terry); brothers, Jeffrey Verllon Waters (Angie), Matthew Cox Jr. (Kerrie), Jimmy Lee Cox (Barentha) and Michel Dean Cox; many nieces and nephews; and one wonderful best friend, co-mother, Jerri Landrum. They both kept our family together with a bond that only mothers could create.

Judy was preceded in death by her loving sons Grayson Tilley and Jamie Tilley; mother, Ann Davies Johnson; father, Floyd Waters; sisters, Quincy Suellen Shoemaker, Kathy Regina Hodge, Shannon Leigh Cox, and Violete Elaine Waters; and one brother Charles Floyd Waters.

Judy never met a single person who did not love her instantly. Her smile and laugh were contagious. She always thought of others before herself. She was a gracious and humble giver, expecting nothing in return. She loved her husband’s family as they were her own. When you look at acts of kindness, love, but most importantly forgiveness, you would have to see our family.

Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, January 18th, at 2:00 p.m. from Calhoun First Baptist Church, with burial to follow in Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends before the service on Saturday from Noon until the funeral hour.

The Brannon family and staff are honored to serve the family of Judy Diane Tilley.