Paul F. Helton, 79, of Dawsonville, died Jan. 22, 2014.

Born Nov. 24, 1934 to the late J.W. and Mary Helton, he lived most of his life in Dawson County. Paul retired from the U.S.D.A. after 33 years of service, after which he was employed by the Dawson County Government for more than 10 years.

He was a U.S. Army veteran and was a member of Etowah Lodge No. 222 F&AM for more than 40 years.

His sisters, Jessie Smith, Ruby Cooper, Hazel Castleberry; and brothers, Roy Helton and R.C. Helton, preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Eva Helton; sons, Rick Helton and Charles Helton, all of Dawsonville; various other relatives also survive.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Jan. 24 in the Bearden Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Tommy Ross and C.B. Martin officiating. Interment followed in the Yellow Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

Bearden Funeral Home of Dawsonville was in charge of the arrangements.