Clifton Neal Efird

Mr. Clifton Neal Efird, 68, of Blairsville, Ga., died at his residence on Sunday, November 12, 2006, after an extended illness.

Neal was born April 16, 1938 in Kinston, N.C., to the late Benton Blalock Efird and Ada Wimpey Efird Plott. Preceding him in death was his step-father, Albert Jake Plott.

Neal was a faithful and dedicated member of First Baptist Church of Blairsville for 35 years. He served as a Deacon, including Chairman of the Board of Deacons, and he served on the Music Committee, chairing it as well. Neal was on the Music Committee when the church called Reverend Terry Hooper as music director. He also was a member of the Allegheny Masonic Lodge, F & AM.

Neal was employed by John H Harland for a number of years before moving back to his beloved home in the mountains in 1971. He opened Efird's Restaurant, which he operated for five years. While operating Efird's Restaurant, he began working for the Georgia Department of Transportation. After a short tenure, he obtained a lateral transfer to the Game and Fish Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, becoming the Wildlife Manager of Cooper's Creek, which he loved!

Neal never gave up his love for the outdoors, hunting and fishing, and the mountains he had been surrounded by all his life. He had a tremendous faith in God which seemed to grow even stronger after a near death experience six years ago. Although he was very weak and frail, he never turned down an opportunity to share his deep love for his precious Saviour and the many blessings He bestowed upon him and his family. His tremendous sense of humor and love of people always left one feeling a little more light-hearted. Neal's memory will live on in our hearts, and may we all be a blessing to others as he was to us.

Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Patsy Puett Efird; son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Kathy Efird; daughter and son-inlaw, Susan and Tommy Brown, all of Blairsville; daughter and son-in-law, Lynn and Dean Staples of Gainesville, Ga.; grandchildren, Whitney and

Blake Brown, Michael

and Matthew Efird, and

Courtney and

Mackenzie Staples; sister

and brother-in-law,

Geraldine and Gerard O'Brien; sister-in-law and brother in-law Peggy and Ernest Norton; niece, Anita O'Brien; nephews, Reverend Craig O'Brien, Chris Norton, and Jonathan Norton; several great nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.

Funeral services were held Thursday, November 16, 2006 at 2 p.m. from the First Baptist Church of Blairsville with the Rev. Danny Parris and Rev. B. A. Buchanan officiating. The body was in-state at the church Thursday. Special music was presented by Minister of Music R. Terry Hooper and Joshua Craig on the bagpipes. Interment followed in Harmony Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Hoyt Raper, Bud Akins, Jack Boles, Chris Miller, Harold Dyer and Eugene Roper.

The family received friends at the funeral home from 6-9, Wednesday, November 15.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials may be made to either First Baptist Church of Blairsville Music Ministry or to the First Baptist Church of Blairsville Building Fund, P.O. Box 2058, Blairsville, Georgia 30514; or to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 521, Blairsville, Georgia 30514.

The Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville was in charge of arrangements. You may view Neal's Video Tribute, send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes. com.