Dawson County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report 10/6 – 10/13
Arrest Reports, Police & Government October 14, 2019
Arrest report provided by the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office. The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 35-01-18) allows for FetchYourNews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Dawson County. Those arrests are posted on FetchYourNews.com for viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.

Louise Vaughters: Obituary
Obituaries October 4, 2019
Louise Vaughters, 91, of Dawsonville passed away Thursday September 26, 2019 at her residence following a period of declining health.
Born February 28, 1928 to the late John and Ora Disharoon, she was a lifelong resident of Dawson County. A devoted homemaker, she lived her entire life taking care of her family. Louise was a member of Bethel Baptist Church and was also preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Lloyd Flem Vaughters; grandsons, Keith Evans, Christopher Lloyd Parker; son in law, Ronnie Tanner; grandson in law, Eddy DeCoursey; sisters, Mary Reed, Ophie Dodd; and brothers, Hoyt Disharoon and Clyde Disharoon. Her family wishes to extend their love and gratitude to Louise’s special caregiver and best friend, Terri Reece.
Surviving are her children, Mildred and Cleve Evans, Dawsonville, Vivian Tanner, Dahlonega, Linda and Mark Byrd, Dahlonega, Clark Vaughters, Dawsonville, Marty and David Parker, Dawsonville; grandchildren, Cheryl and Rocky Hughes, Angela and Shane Barron, Frank Tanner, Blake Tanner and his fiancé, Elizabeth Duncan, Calvin and Kayla Byrd, Anna and Trey Weatherford, Joshua Vaughters, Zach and Morgan Vaughters, Jordan Vaughters, Jarrad and Christina Parker, Derrick and Ali Parker; great grandchildren, Brody Tanner, Ethan Parker, Jacob Parker, Graham Parker, Rocksy and Rick Smith, Sawyer Byrd, Rylie Byrd, Ellis Weatherford, Davis Vaughters, Hunter Vaughters; great great grandchildren, Rori Smith, Ronan Smith; and a number of other relatives.
Funeral services will be held Sunday September 29, 2019 at 2 o’clock at Bethel Baptist Church. Rev. Jason Hamby and Rev. Stephen Davis will officiate. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends Saturday from 5 until 8 at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Clayton Vaughters, 3165 Highway 136 West, Dawsonville, GA 30534.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com.
Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.
Robert M. (Bob) Compton: Obituary
Obituaries September 24, 2019
Robert M. (Bob) Compton, 87, of Dawsonville, GA passed away September 22, 2019 at St. Ives Memory Care in Johns Creek, GA following a period of declining health.
He was born December 16, 1931 in Paris, TN. After living in Memphis, Chattanooga, Atlanta and Marietta, he moved to Dawson County in 1989.
Bob Compton was a 1955 graduate of Georgia Tech with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. While at Tech he was a member of the Lamba Chi Alpha Fraternity. Upon graduation he served two years in the US Army Reserves and then moved to Chattanooga, TN, where he was employed by Combustion Engineering. He moved his family to Atlanta in 1968 when he became the Purchasing Manager for JJ Finnigan Company. He retired from Atlanta Metal Products in 1989. After his retirement, Bob enjoyed volunteering with the Dawsonville Lions Club, serving as treasurer for several years. He was honored with a life membership to the club in 2009.
During his long active life Bob enjoyed being an assistant scoutmaster for his sons’ Boy Scout troop, collecting electric trains and cheering on his beloved Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.
His parents Robert M. and Verna Compton of Paris, TN preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years Georgia (Maisie) Compton; children Ada and husband Gary Holley of Dawsonville, Ernest and wife Shelly Compton of Savannah, George and wife Lori Compton of Flowery Branch, William (Bill) and wife Emily Compton of Atlanta; grandchildren Josh and wife Anna Holley of Rincon, James Holley of Sanford, NC, Lee and wife Kristen Holley of Cordele, Courtney, Allie, Joanie and RJ Compton of Flowery Branch, Zode and Stephen Compton of Atlanta, two great granddaughters; sister Ann and John Buxton of Memphis, TN; a niece and nephew.
The family would like to thank the staff of St. Ives Memory Care Home in Johns Creek and Dynamic Hospice for the excellent care Bob received in his final years.
The family will receive friends at Bearden Funeral Home, 334 Highway 53 East, Dawsonville, GA on Thursday, September 26, 2019 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
A graveside service will be held at Westview Cemetery, Atlanta, GA on Friday, September 27, 2019 at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dawsonville Lions Charities Inc., PO Box 408, Dawsonville, GA 30534.
Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA
Dwayne Jones: Obituary
Obituaries September 18, 2019
Dwayne Jones, 57, of Ball Ground passed away Tuesday September 17, 2019.
Born December 10, 1961, he lived in Cherokee County for 16 years having moved from Forsyth County. Mr. Jones worked as a heavy equipment operator for Duckett Grading. He enjoyed fishing and playing video games with his grandchildren. Dwayne was a member of Zion Hill Baptist Church and was preceded in death by his mother, Coliene Nichols, and his sister, Pamela Jones.
Surviving are his special friend, Mary Ellen Case, Ball Ground; father and stepmother, Walter and Judy Jones, Carnesville; sisters and brother in law, Heather and Chris Roland, Dawsonville, Stephanie Lingerfelt, Carnesville, Jennifer Jones, Carnesville; adopted daughter and son in law, Michelle and Steve Duckett, Ball Ground; grandchildren, Penny and Michael Kent, Richard and Brittany Gaydon, Randy and Amanda Gaydon, Josh Gaydon; 10 great grandchildren; aunt, Sally Dishroom; and a number of other relatives.
A memorial service will be held Thursday September 19, 2019 at 2 o’clock at Zion Hill Baptist Church.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com.
Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.
DAWSON COUNTY FIRE RULED ARSON
News September 4, 2019
For Immediate Release – September 4, 2019
ATLANTA – A fire investigator with the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner’s Office has determined that an
RV fire which occurred just before midnight on Monday, September 2, in Dawson County was intentionally set.
“The RV was parked at 476 Henry Pirkle Drive in Dawsonville, Georgia, when the fire began,” said Safety Fire
Commissioner John F. King. “It appears that the aluminum 60’s model RV was broken into before the fire was set.
No utilities were connected at the time and major damage occurred to the RV.”

Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King is asking anyone with knowledge about this fire to call the Arson Hotline at
1‐800‐282‐5804. Rewards are offered of up to $10,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the
arsonist(s). Calls are taken 24 hours a day and callers can choose to remain anonymous.
The Dawson County Fire Department is assisting with this investigation.
JoAnn Poole: Obituary
Obituaries August 29, 2019
JoAnn Poole, 85, of Dawsonville, GA passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Wednesday August 28, 2019 at her residence following a period of declining health.
Born January 16, 1934 in San Francisco, California to the late John and Mary Gray, she had lived in Dawson County for the past 3 years having moved from Blairsville, GA. She began her career as an administrative assistant at Ft. Benning and retired from aircraft maintenance and repair following 20 years of service. She worked at N.A.R.F. at Cherry Point and the Pensacola Naval Air Station. JoAnn was an accomplished artist and had a passion for gardening. She was a member of Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church in Dawsonville and was a former member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Blairsville. She was very devoted to her family and her faith.
Surviving are her children, Randy Poole, Newnan, GA, Vicki Adkison, Blairsville, GA, John Poole, Normal, IL, Joe and Jacqueline Poole, Ellijay, GA, Cindy and Bill Elliott, Dawsonville, GA; grandchildren, Marlee Perry, Cristen Agent, Trey Poole, Stevie Adkison Whicker, Josh Adkison, Ashlynn Poole, Addy Jo Poole, Chase Elliott, Brittany Elliott, Starr Elliott; great grandchildren, Andrew Perry, Grayson Perry, Noah Agent, Easton Whicker, Payton Whicker, Kennedy Norton, Champ Bryant; sisters, Rosemary Karam, New Bern, NC, Doris Willis, Beaufort, NC; and a number of other relatives.
The family is planning a private memorial mass and JoAnn will be interred in the family plot at St. Paul Catholic Church Cemetery in New Bern, NC.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church, 991 Kilough Church Rd, Dawsonville, GA. 30534
Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com.
Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.
Dawson County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report 8/19 – 8/25
Arrest Reports, Police & Government August 26, 2019
Arrest report provided by the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office. The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 35-01-18) allows for FetchYourNews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Dawson County. Those arrests are posted on FetchYourNews.com for viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.

Norma Pirkle McClure: Obituary
Obituaries July 25, 2019
Norma Pirkle McClure, 84, of Dawsonville passed away Thursday July 18, 2019 at Northside Forsyth Hospital following a period of declining health.
Born March 13, 1935 in Hall County to the late Henry and Verdell Pirkle, she lived most of her life in Dawson County. Mrs. McClure retired as the office manager for Southeastern Freezer following 30 years of service. Norma was affectionally known as the “Biscuit Queen” for her biscuit making for the Kilough Community and Fire Station #3 at the annual Fall Festival in Dawsonville. She also enjoyed quilting and playing piano at church. A member of the Order of Easter Star, she was of the Baptist faith and was also preceded in death by a sister, Dortha Lowman Sosebee, and brothers, Ralph Pirkle and John Pirkle.
Surviving are her son and daughter in law, Jerry and Cathy McClure, Dawsonville; daughter and son in law, Sandra and Johnny McBrayer, Dawsonville; grandchildren, Jason and Heidi McClure, Tiffany and Cody Young, Brooke and Jason Williams, Christopher and Amy McBrayer; nine great grandchildren; sister in law, Wilda Pirkle, Dawsonville; and a number of other relatives.
Funeral services will be held Sunday July 21, 2019 at 3 o’clock at Bearden Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Stephen Davis and Rev. Tommy Ross will officiate. Interment will follow in the Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Saturday from 2 until 8 at the funeral home.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com.
Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.
Dawson County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report 6/22 – 6/26
Arrest Reports, Police & Government July 2, 2019
Arrest report provided by the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office. The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 35-01-18) allows for FetchYourNews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Dawson County. Those arrests are posted on FetchYourNews.com for viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.






Hunter Brayden Land: Obituary
Obituaries May 28, 2019
Hunter Brayden Land
Hunter Brayden Land, 6, of Dawsonville passed away Saturday May 4, 2019 at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Scottish Rite.
Surviving are his mother, Crystal Gooch, Dawsonville; father, Michael Land, Dawsonville; sister, Chloe Land, Dawsonville; brother, Jacob Land, Dawsonville; grandparents, Donna Gooch, Dawsonville, Jean Land, Cumming, Sam Gooch, Dawsonville; and great grandmother, Judy Hemmic, Dawsonville.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday May 8, 2019 at 2 o’clock at Bearden Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. William Blackwell will officiate. Interment will follow in the Sweetwater Baptist Church cemetery.
The family will receive friends Wednesday May 8, 2019 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to assist with final expenses.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com.
Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.
Donna Dixon: Obituary
Obituaries November 23, 2019
Donna Dixon, 53, of Dawsonville passed away Sunday November 17, 2019.
Born December 19, 1965 in Logansport, LA, she had lived in Dawson County for the past 30 years. Donna was a homemaker and was preceded in death by a daughter, Holli Abercrombie, her mother and several sisters and brothers.
Surviving are her husband of 26 years, Alan Dixon, Dawsonville; son, Brandon Abercrombie, Cleveland; granddaughter, Ava Abercrombie; and a sister, Ann Flowers, Ruston, LA.
A celebration of life visitation will be held Saturday November 23, 2019 from 12 noon until 2 p.m. at Bearden Funeral Home.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com.
Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.
Douglas L. Stowers: Obituary
Obituaries November 3, 2019
Douglas L. Stowers, 82, of Dawsonville passed away Friday November 1, 2019 at his residence following a period of declining health.
Born December 20, 1936 to the late Harry and Dola Stowers, Douglas was a lifelong resident of Dawson County. A member of Cross Roads Baptist Church, he was a loving and devoted daddy and papa. Mr. Stowers was preceded in death by his wife, Ethell M. Stowers; daughter in law, Lisa Stowers; brothers, Lewis Stowers and Vernon Stowers.
Surviving are his daughters, Gayla Gay, Kim Stowers; sons, Paul Stowers, Joel Stowers, Jason Stowers, all of Dawsonville; sister and brother in law, Elaine and Hugh Holcomb of Gainesville; grandchildren, Whitney Gay, Alex Gay, Evan Stowers, Eli Stowers, Erica Martin, Tyler Stowers, Shandee Stowers; great-grandchildren, Caroline Grace Suggs, Chase Stowers; several nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, November 3, 2019 at 2 p.m. at Bearden Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Ruel Martin and Rev. Josh Coker will officiate. Interment will follow in Cross Roads Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday November 2 from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com.
Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.
SFC, Wayne G. Watkins: Obituary
Obituaries October 29, 2019
SFC, Wayne G. Watkins, U. S. Army retired, 74, of Dawsonville passed away Tuesday October 29, 2019 at his residence.
Born June 8, 1945 in Cleveland, Ohio, he had lived in Dawson County since 2004 having moved from Hinesville, GA. Wayne retired as a Sergeant First Class from the U. S. Army where he served for 20 years. He served 2 tours in Vietnam as a Combat Infantryman and was awarded 21 medals including the Bronze Star and the Silver Star. Wayne was very active in the Vietnam Veterans of America and first joined the VVA Savannah Chapter # 671 in 1992. He helped organize and founded the Liberty Chapter #789 in Hinesville and the Dawson County Chapter #970 in 2005. Wayne served in leadership positions in each chapter where he was a member and also served two terms as President of the Georgia State Council and on the Conference of State Presidents at the national level. Mr. Watkins was a graduate of Leadership Dawson and was very active in many organizations that serve Dawson County as well as the surrounding counties. He served as a deacon of Grace Presbyterian Church.
Surviving are his wife of 46 years, Carol Watkins, Dawsonville; son, Scott Watkins, Texas; and a grandson, William Scott Lavalliere.
A memorial service will be held Friday November 1, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Grace Presbyterian Church. Rev. David Jordan will officiate.
Interment services will be held Tuesday November 5, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at Georgia Nation Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Grace Presbyterian Church, P. O. Box 201, Dawsonville, GA 30534, or to the VVA Chapter #970, P. O. Box 1205, Dawsonville, GA 30534.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com.
Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.
Ralph Samples: Obituary
Obituaries October 4, 2019
Ralph Samples, 92, of Dawsonville passed away Wednesday October 2, 2019 at his residence following a period of declining health.
Born April 12, 1927 in Chamblee, Georgia to the late Newman and Julia Samples, he had lived in Dawson County since 1955. Mr. Samples retired as a mail carrier for the U. S. Postal Service following 36 years of service. Upon moving to Dawson County, he and his wife established a cattle and poultry farm but also grew seine and large vegetable gardens. Ralph enjoyed hunting, fishing, and stamp and coin collecting. He was a U. S. Navy veteran of WWII and was a member of McKee’s Chapel United Methodist Church. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Alice Samples; daughter, Virginia Shealy; grandson, Mikel Kollar; sister, Betty Jean; and brothers, Asa and W. Z. “Buck”.
Surviving are his children, Ray Samples, Dawsonville, Mary Samples Clayton, Douglasville, Margaret and Larry Kollar, Dawsonville; son in law, Stephen Shealy, Dawsonville; 10 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and a number of other relatives.
Funeral services will be held Saturday October 5, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. at Bearden Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Newman Samples will officiate. Interment will follow in the McKee’s Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Friday from 3 until 8 at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the McKee’s Chapel United Methodist Church, 2754 Elliott Family Parkway, Dawsonville, GA 30534.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com.
Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.
Thelma Jean Jerls: Obituary
Obituaries September 12, 2019
Thelma Jean Jerls, 73, of Dawsonville passed away Monday September 9, 2019 at her residence following a period of declining health.
Born January 1, 1946 to the late R. B. and Ruby Whitmire, Thelma was a lifelong resident of Dawson County. A loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother, her family was absolutely the most important part of her life. She lived a lifetime of service to her family, friends and community. Early in life she was employed at Ivan Allen in Gainesville. A talented cook, she also worked in the lunchroom at Dawson County School, held numerous positions at McDonalds in Dawsonville and was beloved by her husband’s coworkers for her desserts and treats. Thelma was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Jerls; son, Rusty Berry Jerls; brother, Herbert Whitmire; sisters, Judy Coker, Joyce Spain; and brother in law, Kenneth Long.
Surviving are her sons and daughter in law, Robb and Trudy Jerls, Acworth, Rick Jerls, Tennessee; grandsons, Cory Jerls, Jesse Jerls; sister, Laura Dean Long, Dawsonville; brother and sister in law, Guy Rufus and Sarah Whitmire, Tennessee; sister in law, Janice Whitmire, Dawsonville; brothers in law, Bob Coker, Dawsonville, Charlie Spain, Dawsonville; a number of nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Funeral services will be held Saturday September 14, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Bearden Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Leonard W. Ridings will officiate. Interment will follow in Sawnee View Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday September 13 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Teeny Tears, www.teenytears.org, a service providing blankets and supplies to families who have lost an infant child.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com.
Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.
Ronnie G. Abercrombie: Obituary
Obituaries August 28, 2019
Ronnie G. Abercrombie, 64, of Dawsonville passed away Friday August 23, 2019 at his residence following a period of declining health.
Born March 29, 1955 in Waltham, Massachusetts to the late Bill and Dot Abercrombie, he had lived in Dawson County for the past 17 years having moved from Cumming. Ronnie retired as a welder for Supreme Metal. He was a U. S. Marine Corps Sergeant of the Vietnam era. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and was an avid hunter and also enjoyed fishing, camping, and everything outdoors. Ronnie was also preceded in death by a brother, Billy G. Abercrombie, Jr.
Surviving are his wife of 44 years, Jennifer Abercrombie, Dawsonville; children, Heather Griffin, Kennesaw, Brandice and Tommy Edwards, Gadsden, AL; Shubael Abercrombie, Paulding Co., Jessie Abercrombie, Dawsonville; Sydney and Kyle Ulmer, Rydal, GA; nine grandchildren; sister and brother in law, Susie and Carlton Patterson, Copperhill, TN; brother and sister in law, Gary and Rena Abercrombie, Ducktown, TN; and a number of other relatives.
Funeral services will be held Friday August 30, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. at the Georgia National Cemetery. Rev. Charlie Rhodes will officiate.
The family will receive friends Thursday from 4 until 8 at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. stjude.org
Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com.
Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.


