DEMOREST - Elbert Hoyt Free, 62, died Wednesday, May 13, 2009, at his residence following a sudden illness.
Born in Habersham County, on June 23, 1946, he was the son of the late Elbert Grady and Mary Geneva Free and attended Faith Tabernacle Baptist Church. He enjoyed working on cars, car shows, and having meals with his family, loved ones added. He was an Army veteran of the Vietnam Conflict. Mr. Free was preceded in death by a daughter, Salena Free.
Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Earl Nix, Gillsville; stepdaughter, Yvonne Free, Mt. Airy; former wife, Phyllis Free, Mt. Airy; sisters, Joann Chapman and Betty Tyler, Clarkesville; grandchildren, Chris Crane and Celita Crane, Mt. Airy, Dillon Nix and Bria Nix, Gillsville; great-grandchildren, Jonathan Sixtos, Mt. Airy, Casey Crane, Cleveland; three nieces; and two nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 16, from Faith Tabernacle Baptist Church with Pastor Jack Hicks and the Rev. Scott Slaton officiating. Burial will be in the Hazel Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 until 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, and from 2 until 4 p.m. and 7 until 9 p.m. on Friday, May 15.
Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to Faith Tabernacle Baptist Church, 137 Midway Crossing, Cornelia, Ga. 30531-5729
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia is in charge of arrangements.