Raymond J. Durkee

Mr. Raymond J. Durkee died Jan. 21, 2008.

He was born Feb. 27, 1923 in Lynn, Mass., the first child of Leslie R. and Marion H. Durkee. Mr. Durkee had been a member of the Nazarene Church, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Air Force Sergeants Assn., and the Retired Enlisted Assn.

He is survived by his wife, Marion,of the home; brother and spouse, Leon and June Durkee of Seabrook, N.H.; sister-in-law, Joy Durkee of Phoenix, Ariz.; his children and their spouses; Robert and Karen Durkee of Lantana, Fla., Carol and Avery Mason of Blairsville, and Susan and Tommy Murphy of Blairsville; grandchildren (and spouses) Bobby and Shelley Durkee, Tommy Murphy Jr., Tonya and Christopher Woodard, Jesse Mason, Jordan Mason; great grandchild, Silas Raymond Woodard; many other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2008 from the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Ivan Rexroth and Rev. Danny Bohler officiating. Special music was presented by MaryNell Yahl, Mildred LeCroy and Hwy 76. Pallbearers were Robert Durkee Jr., Tommy Murphy Jr., Jesse and Jordan Mason, Christopher Woodard and Brian Nix. Honorary pallbearers were Edgar Mason, Harold Betts, Veron Scharer, French Trogden, Toby Laster and Otto Jordan. Interment followed in the Union Memory Gardens cemetery with the North GA. Honor Guard conducting military honors.

Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville in charge of the arrangements.