Mr. Jerry Richard Prince, Sr., age 80, of Summerville, Georgia, died Monday, December 25, 2023 at his residence. Mr. Prince was born October 29, 1943 in Summerville Georgia, son of the late Frank N. Prince, Sr. and Juanita Keith Prince. He was a member of the Summerville United Methodist Church and served on several church boards. The Prince Family owned and operated the Western Auto Associate Store in Summerville for over 40 years. Prior to his retirement, he was employed by PFG Milton’s Food service in Oakwood, GA. He loved boating with friends and woodworking. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Frank N. Prince, Jr., and Ronald K. Prince; two granddaughters, Erin Madison Prince and Jacklyn Elaine Allen.

Survivors include his wife, Elaine Rollins Prince; son, Richard (Kristin) Prince; daughter, Martha (Bryant) Allen; son, John (Jennifer) Prince; grandchildren, J.R. (Angie) Prince, Lauren (Corey) Keith, Elizabeth Allen, Gracee Prince, Lora Prince, Nicholas Prince and four great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, December 29th at 2:00 p.m. from the J.D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Rev. J. Wesley Privett and Rev. Larry Rollins officiating, interment in Smith Chapel Cemetery, Ringgold, GA. Active Pallbearers J.R. Prince, Nicholas Prince, William Crouch, Randy Pauley, Steve Weaver, and Ben Housch; Honorary Pallbearers, Jim Woodard, Phil Cavin, Carlton Andrews, Jerry Willingham, Ralph Wright, Lefty Norton and Milford Morgan.

The Family will receive friends at the Funeral Home, Friday from 12 p.m. until the hour of service. The family requests no flowers and suggest contributions to the Summerville United Methodist Church or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Jerry Richard Prince, Sr. who passed away Monday.

Mr. L. Vernon Hayes, age 97 of Summerville, Georgia, passed away Monday, December 25, 2023 at his residence. He was born in Chattooga County on May 26, 1926, son of the late E. Cidney Hayes and Sally Walton Hayes. Mr. Hayes was owner and operator of Hayes Muffler Shop for many years before retirement and Baptist by faith. In addition to parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, the late Ruth Davenport Hayes; son, the late James V. Hayes and grandson, the late Matt Hayes.

Surviving are his children, Thelma Hall and David McCullough, Kathy Jarrett and Mike Jarrett, Allen L. Hayes and Troyce Hayes; grandchildren, Jamie Rollins, Amanda Parker, Charlie Jarrett, Jeff Jarrett, Chris Jarrett, Jesse Hayes, and Lonnie Hayes; 14 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, December 28, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home, with Rev. Kenneth Jennings officiating; Graveside and interment at 3:00 P.M. in the New Antioch Cemetery, Blue Ridge, Georgia. Active Pallbearers will be Charlie Jarrett, Jeff Jarrett, Chris Jarrett, Jesse Hayes, Lonnie Hayes, Ken Rollins, and Derek Parker.

Visitation will be Thursday from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Earle Rainwater Funeral Home. The family requests no flowers nor food, contributions may be made to the local food pantry in Mr. Hayes memory.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. L. Vernon Hayes.

Mr. Billy Claude Ivester, age 86, of Summerville, GA, died Monday, December 25, 2023, at his residence.

Mr. Ivester was born May 4, 1937, in Carnesville, GA, son of the late Bruce and Clara Horbin Ivester. He was Baptist by faith, and prior to his retirement, was employed with Black and Meek Milling. Mr. Ivester was also a veteran of the United States Army.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, Opal Ivester and Hollis Ivester; adopted daughter, Fairy Zaidia.

Survivors include his wife, Rebecca Ivester; sons, Terry Ivester, Billy Ivester, Brian Sage, and Curtis Ragsdale; daughters, Dianne Chapman, Sandra Armistead; a sister, Betty Phillips; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Graveside services with military honors will be held at 12:00 Noon Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at West Hill Cemetery with Rev. Kevin J. Norton officiating. Pallbearers will be Austin Kellar, Justice Kellar, Ryan Kellar, Allan McGuire, Joseph Tyler Pearson, and Chase Slater.

Mr. Ivester will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 10:30 until 11:30 A.M. on Wednesday.

To share your condolences with the family online, please visit our website at www.masonfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are provided by Mason Funeral Home- Summerville, GA.