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Love Funeral Home, 1402 N Thornton Avenue, Dalton, GA (2026)

02/16/2026

Mr. Cliff Hudgens Weeks, Sr., age 87, of Dalton, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
Cliff was born on Christmas Day, 1938, in Blue Ridge, Georgia, to the late Mr. Junior and Mrs. Willie Weeks.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years, Mrs. Ruby Long Weeks. He is further preceded in death by his son, Cliff Weeks, Jr.; his sister and brother-in-law, Inez and Marc Cianca; his sister and brother-in-law, Wanda and Marvin Jones; and his brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Ruby Weeks.
He is survived by his children, Susan (Ernest) Lofty, Lisa (Eddie, dec.) Davis, and Marc (Carol) Weeks, and his daughter-in-law, Melinda Weeks.
He is further survived by his grandchildren, Jennifer (Jonathan) Melton, Kyle (Lindsay) Lofty, Wendy (Chris) Garrison, Ashley (Clay) Winters, Tyler (Adrienne) Weeks, Cody (Karen) Weeks, and Marci (Trent) Smyth; his great-grandchildren, Josie, Jasper, Nola, Clay, Austin (Emily), Peyton (Cole), J.C., Jonathan, Roxy, Rowan, Nixon; and his great-great-grandchildren, Gracie, Kopeland, and Millie. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
He is also survived by his special group of friends who know who they are.
Funeral services to honor and celebrate Cliff's life will be conducted on Friday, February 20, 2026, at 4:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Love Funeral Home with Dr. Bruce Beach officiating. He will be laid to rest next to his wife at Whitfield Memorial Gardens.
Friends are invited to visit with the family at Love Funeral Home on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 2:00 P.M. until the service hour.
Condolences and messages of sympathy may be expressed for Mr. Cliff Weeks's family through Love Funeral Home's online guestbook.

02/16/2026

Aubrey Lee Harrell, 74, of Calhoun, Georgia, passed away Saturday, February 14, 2026 at Hamilton Medical Center in Dalton, GA.
Born in Manchester, Tennessee on July 14, 1951, he grew up in Bell Buckle, Tennessee before making Dalton area his home. Aubrey worked in lawn and tree services and was known for operating his Christmas tree stand each year. He was always hardworking with a generous spirit and had a special love for his dogs.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Aubrey and Nancy Harrell, and his brothers, Richard and Joe Harrell.
Survivors include his daughters, Amy Traylor (Jason) of Wichita Falls, Texas and Rachel Farris (Bret) of Ooltewah, Tennessee; four grandchildren, Eric (Lauren) of Hampstead, Maryland, Kayla (Ryan) of Spring Hill, Tennessee, Luke and Sarah of Ooltewah, Tennessee; four great-grandchildren, Chayce, Brooklyn, Riley, and Lydia; and siblings, Kenneth Harrell (Wanda) of Alfred, Florida, Wayne Harrell (Margaret) of Maryville, Tennessee, Denny Harrell (Marilyn) of Resaca, Clarence (Ray) Harrell of Calhoun, Georgia, and Shirley Lusk (Steve) of Manchester, Tennessee.
Visitation will be held Thursday, February 20, 2026 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Love Funeral Home in Dalton. The funeral service will be Friday, February 21, 2026 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., also at Love Funeral Home.
Condolences and messages of sympathy may be expressed for Mr. Aubrey Lee Harrell's family through Love Funeral Home's online guestbook.

02/13/2026

Our mom is healed, whole, and at rest.
We begin here, because this is where peace lives.
Peggy Alberston walked with us on this earth for 89 full years. February 5, 2026, she stepped gently into her eternal home.
To know Mom was to know a woman of strength, certainty, and unmistakable presence. She lived fully and unapologetically. Those who loved her always knew what she was thinking—whether she said it out loud or not. The look on her face always said it all.
Our mom loved being the center of attention. That often made her a perfect target for family jokes, which she usually met with a knowing look that made it clear she was still very much in charge. She liked being the boss and didn’t care much for being told what to do.
Mom lived with discipline and didn’t always understand those of us who didn’t. Order mattered to her. Beds were always made, everything had its place, and she expected the same standards from everyone else. Her home reflected who she was—intentional, well cared for, and run with a firm but loving hand. You could always see Mom’s presence in her home because things were just… right.
When we think of our mom as she truly was, we picture her outside—her yard perfectly manicured, flowers lovingly tended. We see the pride she took in caring for her home. Even after hip surgery and a long, difficult recovery, she insisted on pushing her own lawn mower. Independence mattered to her. She fought to hold onto it, right to the end.
Mom had a deep love for her pets—dogs and cats who were never “just animals,” but constant companions and a source of comfort. One of the quiet heartbreaks along the way was the loss of Max, her beloved dog. By then, Mom was well into the disease and could not fully understand what was happening. Saying goodbye to him was a deeply painful moment, layered into an already tender journey.
This disease that marked her final days was not who she was. It changed her in ways that were heartbreaking to witness. Loving her through that decline was one of the hardest things our family has ever done. But she fought with the same determination that defined her life, and we choose to remember her for the woman she had always been—not the woman the illness was trying to define.
There is one relationship that deserves special mention. Maddie, Mom’s great-granddaughter, cared for her day by day. In the beginning, Mom resisted her help. Maddie was Mom’s great-granddaughter after all, and no way could Mom have Maddie “bossing her around”. Over time, a beautiful transformation took place. Maddie became the person Mom looked to for comfort, reassurance, and protection—a quiet reversal of roles filled with grace. Mom helped take care of Maddie when she was a child, and in mom’s final days, Maddie became the gentle and protective caregiver that Mom needed. Maddie’s life began with remarkable strength, and nearly twenty years later, that same strength helped carry our mom peacefully home.
Mom loved her family—there is no doubt of that. She leaves behind several generations who will carry her forward through shared memories, familiar stories, and moments that will always make us smile.
While we are heartbroken by her loss, we are deeply grateful. We are grateful for her life, her strength, and the many people God placed in our path to help us bear the load when it felt too heavy. Through every hard day, He was with us—steady, faithful, and present.
Our mom is healed now. And though we miss her more than words can say, we carry her in our hearts forever.
If you would like to honor her life, we invite you to do so in simple, meaningful ways: support research toward a cure for dementia, plant a flower in her honor, hug your people a little tighter, adopt a rescue, or use your God-given talents to make the world a better place. The simple things mattered most to her—and they still do.
Peggy will be laid to rest in a graveside service on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 2:00 P.M. in the Church Cemetery at Pine Grove Baptist Church. Her family will host a catered reception in the church's fellowship hall immediately following the service. All those who would like to pay their final respects, as well as fellowship with and show support for the family, are invited to attend.
Condolences and messages of sympathy may be expressed for Peggy's family through Love Funeral Home's online guestbook.

02/12/2026

Carolyn H. Stewart, 95, of Gwinnett County passed peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
Born December 5, 1930, she grew up near Dalton, graduating Murray County High School in 1948, but lived in the Atlanta area most of her adult life. She was the only child of Emil and Frank Hoereth.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Rogers Stewart, whom she married Christmas Eve, 1958.
Carolyn had been a member of Mountain Park First Baptist Church since 1961. She was grateful for the care she received at Del Mar Gardens in Lawrenceville, Ga for the past eight years.
Carolyn is survived by her cousin, Ruth Wood of Chatsworth, and several other distant relatives.
A graveside service will be held at 1 PM on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at West Hill Cemetery.
Condolences and messages of sympathy may be expressed for Carolyn's family through Love Funeral Home's online guestbook.

02/11/2026

Adah Lee Petty was born sleeping and entered the arms of Jesus on February 8, 2026, forever cherished by her loving family.
Though her time on earth was brief, Adah Lee’s life was filled with immeasurable love and hope. In the quiet moments of anticipation, her family dreamed of her smile, her laugh, and the joy she would bring into their lives. Those dreams will forever be held tenderly in their hearts.
Adah is the precious daughter of Eva Petty and Dustin Horton, and beloved little sister to Oliver Petty. She is also survived by her grandparents, Marcia Petty, Rhonda Tucker and Charles Horton as well as other family, Osmo Petty II and Michael Cage. Adah is preceded in death by her grandfather, Osmo Petty.
Though they never heard her cry or saw her grow, Adah Lee’s life has left an eternal imprint. Her tiny footprints will remain forever in her family's hearts.
Funeral services will be held at 12:30 PM on Saturday in the chapel of Love Funeral Home. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 11:30 until 12:30. Adah will be laid to rest in West Hill Cemetery.

02/10/2026

Funeral services for Jefferson “Jeff” Davis Thomas, III, 95, of Cairo, GA, are at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Clark Funeral Home Chapel, Cairo, GA. Rev. Ron McCaskill will officiate. Military Honors will be presented at the Chapel.
Graveside services will be at West Hill Cemetery, Dalton, GA, at 2:00 P.M. on Monday, February 16, 2026. The family will receive friends prior to the graveside service at Love Funeral Home from 1:00 P.M. until 1:45 P.M.
Mr. Thomas passed away at Magnolia Place Senior Living, Cairo, GA, on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
Mr. Thomas was born on November 1, 1930, in Dalton, GA, to the late Jefferson Thomas, Jr. and Bertha Vining Thomas. He grew up as a country boy on a 40-acre farm and led an idyllic childhood, attending Dalton High School where he excelled in both academics and athletics, participating in high school basketball, track and football. He served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1949 through 1952, and he married his childhood sweetheart, Laura Andrews Thomas, in 1951, who preceded him in death on December 21, 2009.
In 1956, he graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and started his long career in the fields of aerospace and communications, spanning four decades and across several states. He was at Cape Canaveral Florida during the space race of the late 1950s and then moved to Southern Nevada in the mid 1960’s where he worked at the Nevada Test Site and Area 51 during the cold war. His career ended in Los Angeles, CA working with surveillance satellites. He retired in 1989 to Atlanta, GA where he wrote his memoirs and personally explored the entire Peachtree Creek basin before moving to the area of Cairo, GA and Tallahassee, FL in 2015.
Survivors include: children, Michael Herndon Thomas (Kathleen) of Tallahassee, FL, Catherine T. Sana (Peyman) of San Diego, CA, Jefferson Davis Thomas, IV (Kerry) of Quincy, FL, Robert Bruce Thomas (Ginna) of Davis, CA; 9 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren; and 2 nieces and a nephew.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and a brother, Bert Thomas.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mr. Thomas’ memory to: The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, https://www.marineheritage.org/.

02/09/2026

Rhonda S. MacClary, 68, passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at her residence.

Rhonda will be laid to rest in West Hill Cemetery.

02/08/2026

Marilyn Ann Ottinger, of Dalton, Georgia, went home to be with her Savior, Jesus Christ, leaving behind a life marked by faith, love, and selfless service.
Marilyn was born on January 18, 1941, in Houston, Texas, to Edward and Mary Ziegler. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, she was known for her deep compassion for others, her fierce and abiding love for her family, and her unwavering commitment to the Lord. Her faith was the foundation of her life and guided every role she filled.
Marilyn faithfully served her church and community for many years, living out her belief in Christ through acts of kindness, hospitality, and prayer. She was a woman of quiet strength and steadfast faith, always pointing others toward grace, hope, and God’s love.
She shared 63 beautiful years of marriage with her beloved husband and college sweetheart, Melvyn Ottinger. Together, they built a Christ-centered home rooted in love, devotion, and service. Marilyn found her greatest earthly joy in her family and cherished every moment spent with her children and grandchildren.
Marilyn is survived by her husband, Melvyn Ottinger; her children, Mandy Floyd (Jay) and Mark Ottinger (Tona); and her eight grandchildren: Justin Floyd (fiancé Maxi Riese), Madison Floyd, Camden Ottinger, Mackie Ottinger, Dax Ottinger, Griffin Ottinger, Mae Ottinger, and Mallie Landis (Caden).
A celebration of Marilyn’s life will be held on Tuesday, February 10th, at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Dalton, Georgia, with visitation from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to First Baptist Church (Attn: Wednesday Night Meals) and/or the Melvyn and Marilyn Ottinger Basketball Scholarship at Dalton State College.
Marilyn’s life was a testimony of faith, and while she will be deeply missed, her family rejoices in the promise of eternal life and the hope of reunion in Christ.

02/06/2026

Sean Edmond Sneary, age 70, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2026, at Pruitt Health in Ft. Oglethorpe, GA. Sean was born in New Orleans, LA, November 1, 1955, a son of the late Phyllis Weber Sneary and Dr. Eugene Chester Sneary. Sean lived in many places, including New Orleans LA, Northfield MN, Jefferson City TN, Macon GA, Greenville SC, Carrollton GA and Dalton GA, moving with his family as his father advanced in his teaching profession.
Sean touched many lives with his optimism and good natured spirit. Despite his lifelong challenge of having an intellectual disability, he was blessed with a family and caregivers along the way who supported his needs and encouraged his interests. His parents were especially fierce advocates for Sean’s support and needs during a time when the gifts of individuals with disabilities were not often recognized. Most recently, Sean, was a person who was served at Cross Plains Community Partner, where he was able to explore many interests including art, bowling, swimming, playing softball at the Miracle Field, going to antique car shows, and hanging out with his friends. He enjoyed learning about and seeing fire trucks, emergency vehicles, and big rigs. He loved hats and had a large collection. And most of all he loved being with his family and taking special reunion or birthday trips each year.
He is survived by his brothers Kevin (wife Linda) Sneary of Chattanooga TN, JIm ( wife Debbie) Sneary of Tunnel Hill GA, and sister Shellie (husband J) Sneary of Panama City Beach FL. He was an uncle and a great uncle to many nieces and nephews. Sean is also survived by his loving home caregivers, Miriam Upshaw and Randy Austin, whom Sean came to love as family.
Sean’s family will always be grateful for the love and support he has received from caregivers and advocates over the years, especially from the staff at Cross Plains Community Partner, HIghland Rivers, and Pruitt Health Services therapists and staff.
A reception for the family and friends of Sean Sneary will be held on February 15, 2 pm - 3:30, at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in the parish hall. St. Mark's is located at 901 W. Emery St. Dalton, GA. A private burial service in the St. Mark’s Memorial Garden will be held at a later date.

02/05/2026

Christopher Ryan Vaughn, age 45, passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, devotion, and quiet strength that will be felt for generations. He was a beloved husband, a devoted father, and a cherished son, brother, and friend. Though his life was far too short, it was rich in purpose and love.
Ryan is survived by his wife, Leia Andrews Vaughn, his partner in life and best friend, with whom he shared a deep bond built on love, respect, and unwavering support. Together they raised their two treasured daughters, Hadley Elizabeth Vaughn and Lillian Grey Vaughn, both age 10, who were the center of his world. Being their father was his greatest joy and proudest role, and he poured his heart into guiding, protecting, and loving them every single day.
He is also survived by father, Allan Craig Vaughn and mother, Kim Kinnamon, sisters Jade Vaughn and Paige Hart, Brother Tyson Lewallyn (Megan Lewallyn), grandfather Alvin Vaughn, several nieces and nephews, and many extended family members who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lois Vaughn, Ishmael Kinnamon, and his wife, Betty Kinnamon.
Ryan was known for his steady presence and kind heart. He had a way of making people feel safe, heard, and valued, often without saying much at all. His sense of humor—gentle, playful—and his thoughtful nature left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He believed deeply in showing up for the people he loved and did so consistently and selflessly.
As a husband, Ryan was loyal, supportive, and deeply committed to his family. As a father, he was patient, attentive, and endlessly proud. Whether he was coaching their teams, helping with homework, attending school events, reading bedtime stories, planning family outings, or simply being present, he made sure his girls always knew how loved they were. His guidance and love will continue to shape their lives in countless ways.
Ryan worked as President of Georgia Carpet Industries, where he was respected for his dedication, integrity, and strong work ethic. He took pride in his work and believed in doing things the right way. Outside of work, he enjoyed watching sports, —Go Dawgs—playing video games, and competitively playing pickleball with friends; he also found peace and happiness in simple moments with family and friends.
Those who knew Ryan will remember him as someone who could be relied upon in any situation. He was generous with his time, loyal in his relationships, and deeply committed to the people he loved. His absence leaves an immeasurable void, but his influence and love remain ever-present.
A Celebration of Ryan’s life will be held at Crosspoint Church 2681 Underwood St, Dalton, GA 30721, where family and friends will gather to honor and remember him. Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 7th, 2026, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm; Celebration of Life to follow at 2:30. In place of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society in his memory. Ryan will be profoundly missed, always loved, and never forgotten. His life was a gift, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

02/03/2026

February is National Heart Month, a meaningful reminder to care for both our physical hearts and the emotional bonds that connect us. 💗

We see every day how love, memories, and legacy live on through the hearts of families and friends. This month, we encourage you to prioritize your well-being, celebrate the people you love, and nurture the connections that matter most.

01/30/2026

Mr. William Thomas 'Tom' Rector, Jr., age 79, of Dalton, Georgia, passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, January 26, 2026.
Tom was born on Sunday, June 30, 1946, in Rockwood, Tennessee, to the late Mr. William Thomas 'Billy' Rector, Sr., and the late Mrs. Amanda Jane Rector.
One of Tom's greatest passions in life was coaching. An avid sports fan, he coached the Tunnel Hill Reds for 10 years, and developed numerous meaningful, lasting relationships with his players who were truly an extension of his family. Outside of sports and his love for coaching, Tom was also a member of the Tunnel Hill Lions Club.
In addition to his parents, Tom is preceded in death by his sisters, Louise Moore and Elizabeth 'Liz' Richardson; his in-laws, Willard and Mary Holloway; and his precious grandson, William Tyler 'Will' Rector.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Mrs. Linda Joyce Rector, whom he married on Sunday, February 9, 1969.
Tom is further survived by his sons, Jeff (Renee) Rector and Tommy (Jessica) Rector, as well as his daughters, Tina Rivers, Michele Townsend, Angie Mashburn, and Shanda (Seth) Short. He is also survived by his ten grandchildren: Patten Rector, Tristian Ray, Kennedy (Dylan) Viars, Tanner Jackson, Sypher Barkley, Todrick (Heather) Rivers, Brittany (Kaiser) Simpson, Luke (Katherine) Rector, Jacob (Brittany) Rector, and Amanda (Karavin) Dew. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Doug (Darla) Holloway, as well as his great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Friends are cordially invited to visit with Tom's family on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 5:30 P.M. until 7:30 P.M. at Love Funeral Home.
Condolences and messages of sympathy may be expressed for Tom's family through Love Funeral Home's online guestbook.

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