Jacob Desmond 'Deb' Arp, age 86, of McCaysville, Ga., died Saturday, June 25, 2011, at Fannin Regional Hospital in Blue Ridge, Ga. He was a native and lifelong resident of the Copper Basin, son of the late Frank and Mamie Sparks Arp. Mr. Arp was retired from the Cities Service Company, having worked as a machinist and as a safety engineer. He was a member and deacon of the First Baptist Church in McCaysville-Copperhill having served the church in several capacities. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. 9th Army as a Tec-4 in the European theater. He was in the 97th Signal Battalion and served with the 82nd Airborne Division at the Battle of the Bulge, earning three battle stars. He was currently serving as a councilman in the city of McCaysville. He was preceded in death by an infant son, Robbie Desmond Arp, who was born and died while Deb was overseas during the war. He is survived by his wife Kathleen (Hughes) Arp of the home; two daughters and sons-in-law, Melba and Doug Akins of Epworth, and Marsha and Doug Davenport of McCaysville, one son, Richard Arp of Ringgold, Ga., two sisters, Coleen and Gene Wright of Copperhill, Tenn. and Katherine Armstrong of Quitman, Texas, one brother, Robert and Peggy Arp of McCaysville, two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Josh (Dottie) Arp and Mrs. Raymond (Jackie) Arp both of McCaysville, nine grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends.Funeral services were at First Baptist Church of McCaysville/Copperhill at 2:00 PM Tuesday, June 28, 2011, with Rev. Harry Gilbert and Rev. Matthew McDaniel officiating. Interment was at Crestlawn Cemetery with military honors by the North Georgia Honor Guard. The following gentlemen served as pallbearers: Chet Akins, Nathan Davenport, Jacob Arp, Jim Carson, Clive Oliver, and Troy Simonds. Honorary pallbearers were Buddy Finch, Tommy Quintrell, Bill Rymer, Eddie Massengale, Brownie Pittman, Butch Pittman, Employees of McCaysville City Hall, Deacons of First Baptist Church, and members of the Hoover Sunday School Class. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, McCaysville-Copperhill, P.O. Box 867, McCaysville, Ga., 30555. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge was in charge of the arrangements. .