Mr. Irad Eugene Whitlow, age 83, of Blue Ridge passed away on Monday January 14, 2008 at his home following an extended illness. Born in Fannin County, GA he was the son of the late Henry William and Posey Cook Whitlow. Mr. Whitlow worked for the Tennessee Chemical Company as a Foreman for the pellet plant. Mr. Whitlow was a member of the First Baptist Church of Epworth serving as a deacon, was a member of the church choir and had worked in the Youth Ministry in the 1970s; he was instrumental in various remodeling and building projects at the church. He was a fifty year member of McCay Lodge #423 F&AM. Mr. Whitlow was a United States Army veteran serving in the Army Engineers. He enjoyed boating and yard work. Mr. Whitlow loved the Christmas season and was especially proud of the Christmas lights with which he decorated his home. His lighting display had become a Community Christmas tradition and he especially enjoyed fellowshipping when visitors dropped by to see his home. Survivors include his wife of sixty five years, Sibyle L. Whitlow of the home; sons and daughter-in-laws, Terry and Patricia Whitlow of Stockbridge, GA, Tim and Betsy Whitlow of Ranger, GA and Dana and Kathy Whitlow of Alpharetta, GA; sisters, Lucille Twiggs of Blue Ridge and Kathleen Taylor of Clinton, TN; grandchildren, Stacy Whitlow, Jason Whitlow, Marla Hooper, Erin Myers, Angie Giddens, Jeff Whitlow, Elizabeth Whitlow and Stephanie Whitlow; great-grandchildren, Brody Whitlow, Brayden Whitlow, Eli Whitlow, Jack Whitlow, Joseph Hooper, Samuel Hooper, Natalie Giddens, Evan Giddens, Landon Myers and Will Myers. Funeral services were conducted Wednesday January 16, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. from the First Baptist Church of Epworth with Dr. Tom Jordan officiating. Music will be provided by Doug Simonds. Interment followed in the Epworth Baptist Church Cemetery. The following gentlemen served as pallbearers: Stacy Whitlow, Jason Whitlow, Jeff Whitlow, Van Williams, Clifton Williams, Bob Adams, Doyce Loudermilk and Donald Loudermilk. The following gentlemen served as honorary pallbearers: Junior Mason, Carl Ed Abernathy, Elvin Williams, Kenneth Ross, Frank Daves, Glenn Nicholson, Clyde Bailey and J.P. Queen. For those desiring, contributions in memory of Mr. Whitlow may be made to the First Baptist church of Epworth Building and Cemetery fund at P.O. Box 397 Epworth, GA 30541 or to United Hospice at 5004 Appalachian Hwy. Suite 4 Blue Ridge, GA 30513. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge in charge of arrangements.