Thomas O'Hagan DuPree

Mr. Thomas O'Hagan DuPree, Jr., 89, of Blairsville, Ga., died Thursday, January 24, 2008.

Mr. DuPree was the son of a North Carolina family who moved to Miami, Fla., in 1923 when he was 4 years old. He graduated from Miami Senior High School in 1937 and was headed to the University of Florida when his summer employer offered him a business partnership which led to a very successful 50 year career as a contractor and flooring subcontractor in Florida and Georgia. Taking leave of his business during WWII he joined the Army Air Corps as a young officer and piloted B24 missions over both Europe and Asia. After the war he returned to Miami to his business and growing family.

Mr. DuPree discovered the north Georgia mountains during the 70s and traveled there frequently. Subsequently, he built a home there. By 1988 he had retired and moved to Blairsville permanently.

His passions included anything automotive. He raced sports cars competitively until he was in his early 60s and he always enjoyed "call of the open road" as he traveled in his various motor

homes through or to all 49 continental

United States and much of Canada.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Susan Shafer DuPree of

Blairsville; sons, Daniel

DuPree of Atlanta, Joseph DuPree of Fernandina Beach, Fla.; daughter, Anne Jones of Chicago, Ill.; step-daughter, Pamela Easley of Hendersonville, N.C.; sister, Ysobel Litchfield of Washington, N.C.; sister, Jeanne Patterson of Miami, Fla.; grandchildren: Joseph DuPree, Bradford DuPree, Tommy DuPree, Caitlan DuPree, Boone DuPree, Susan Jones, Mary Jones, and Laura Anne Jones.

If you wish, the family suggests that Memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Association,225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, Illinois 60601-7633

Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville is in charge of arrangements. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.