Richard and Heather Gazaway

Richard Andersen Gazaway Jr., age 38, and Heather Nichole Stover Gazaway, age 35, of Blue Ridge,  went home to be with the Lord Friday, January 28, 2022.

They were members of Damascus Baptist Church and were married there in 2006. Each of them had an undeniable and deep love for one another and their two daughters, Skylar and Riley.

Richard was born in Austell, Georgia, October 12, 1983, to Richard Andersen Gazaway Sr., and Patricia Elaine Price Gazaway. He graduated from Fannin County High School in 2002. Richard was a gentle soul that will be remembered for his big heart, his desire to keep everyone he knew and loved safe, and his deep sense of knowing right and wrong. He worked hard to make a better life for his family. He loved Blue Ridge and the mountains. He worked as a deputy for the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Gazaway Sr., and Patricia and Steve Henry Whitaker; and grandparents, Walter and Juanita Price and Norris and Marie Gazaway.

Heather was born in Blue Ridge, April 5, 1986, to Wayne Kenneth Stover and Glenda Sue Rhodes Stover. She graduated from Fannin County High School in 2004. She was a devoted wife and mother. She was proud to be the wife of a law enforcement officer. Heather was preceded in death by her grandparents, David and Grace Stover; and uncle, Michael David Stover.

Surviving Richard and Heather are their children, Skylar Grace Gazaway and Riley Madison Gazaway; Heather’s parents, Wayne and Glenda Stover; Heather’s brother, David Stover; Richard’s sister and brother-in-law, Dawn and Gregg Jameson; Richard’s brothers, Richard Gazaway III, and Robert Wyatt Gazaway; Heather’s grandparents, Elb and Carolyn Rhodes; their niece, Teeghan Annabelle Jameson; Heather’s aunts and uncles, Junior Rhodes, Tonya and Nick Brown, and Krystal Rhodes; Richard’s aunts and uncles, Keith and Brenda Barnes, Ellen Underwood, Jackie Ginn; Heather’s cousins, Nichaelia Rhodes, J.T. Thrasher, Bradley and Linsey Setser and Bryson Setser; and a large extended family and special church family.

Funeral services were conducted Saturday, February 5, 2022, at 2 p.m. from the Akins-Cobb Chapel with Rev. Brian Contardi and Rev. Darvin Couch officiating. Music was provided by Jonathan Thompson and Tara Contardi. Interment followed in the Damascus Baptist Church Cemetery.

Heather’s pallbearers were David Lewis, Mark Young, Mark Chastain, Drew Anderson, Daniel Allen and Johnny Ensley. Richard’s pallbearers were Darvin Couch, Mathew Karry, Jared Wood, Eric McQuigg, John Kinser, Scott Galloway and Joel Pack. Honorary pallbearers were the men of Damascus Baptist Church and the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office.

Memorial contributions may be made to funds for their daughters, Skylar and Riley, at the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office, United Community Bank, or Mountain Valley Bank.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinsfuneralhome.com.

Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations, of Blue Ridge, was in charge of the arrangements.