Elbert Hoyt Free

Elbert Hoyt Free, age 62 of Demorest, passed away Wednesday, May 13, 2009, at his residence following a sudden illness.

Born in Habersham County, GA, on June 23, 1946, he was the son of the late Elbert Grady and Mary Geneva Free. Mr. Free attended Faith Tabernacle Baptist Church. He enjoyed working on cars, car shows, and having meals with his family. He was an Army veteran of the Vietnam Conflict. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a daughter, Salena Free.

Surviving are daughter and son-in-law, Lisa & Earl Nix of Gillsville; step-daughter, Yvonne Free of Mt. Airy; former wife, Phyllis Free of Mt. Airy; sisters, Joann Chapman & Betty Tyler of Clarkesville; grandchildren, Chris Crane & Celita Crane of Mt. Airy, Dillon Nix & Bria Nix of Gillsville; great-grandchildren, Jonathan Sixtos of Mt. Airy, Casey Crane of Cleveland and also three nieces and two nephews.

Funeral services are 11:00 am Saturday, May 16, 2009, from Faith Tabernacle Baptist Church with Pastor Jack Hicks and Rev. Scott Slaton officiating. Interment will follow in the Hazel Creek Baptist Church Cemetery with full military honors provided by the VFW Post #7720, American Legion Post #84 and the Rabun County DAV Chapter #15. The family will receive friends, at the funeral home, from 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm on Thursday and from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm & 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm on Friday. Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to Faith Tabernacle Baptist Church, 137 Midway Crossing Cornelia Ga. 30531-5729

An online guest register is available at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com.

McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia (706.778.8668) is in charge of arrangements.