Mr. James Lawton Farist: Obituary

Mr. James Lawton Farist age 94 of Blairsville, GA died Monday April 20, 2015. Mr. Farist was born June 5, 1920 in Gilmer County, son of the late, Emory and Maude Waddell Farist. He was retired diesel mechanic having worked many years for Anderson Motor Company, he was an accomplished musician having taught himself to play the fiddle at the age of 48. He was a cast member of The Reach of Song an Appalachian Drama in which he played the fiddle. He also performed in Hiawassee for many years at the Fiddlers Convention and in The Atlanta Production of Appalachian Christmas. He was a member of the Ebenezer Baptist Church. He is preceded in death by his parents, son, Ronnie Farist, brothers, Milford and Elmer Farist, and sister, Gertrude Reece.

Survivors Include: son and daughter in-law, Larry and Susan Farist, of Blairsville, GA; sisters, Bernice Garrett, of Calhoun, GA and Eunice Davenport, of Ellijay, GA; 3 grandchildren, Scott Farist, Shawn Farist and Julie Ledford; 4 great grandchildren, Levi Farist, Luke Farist, Josh Ledford and Katelyn Ledford.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday April 22nd at 11am from the Chapel of Bernhardt Funeral Home with Rev. Euel Reece and Rev. Russell Burt officiating. Interment will follow in the Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Tuesday April 21st from 3pm until 9pm at the funeral home.

Flowers are accepted or donations may be sent to the Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery Fund c/o Forster McArthur at 170 Dogwood Road, Ellijay, GA 30540 In Memory of Mr. Farist.