D.L. Dayton

Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee announces services for Mr. D.L. Dayton, age 74, of Hiawassee, Georgia, who passed away on Sunday, June 2, 2013 in Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville.

Mr. Dayton was a native of Hiawassee, a son of the late D.B. Dayton and the late Sadie Arrowood Dayton. Besides his parents, he had been preceded in death by brothers: Donnie, Ronnie and Dannie Dayton; and a sister, Vonnell Allen. DL. was a man of many talents, a jack of all trades. He knew about carpentry and mechanics. He drove a truck for a living, for a while. He was a small business owner, specializing in everything from antiques, clothing, plants and produce. There were sides of D.L. that some people never saw. He helped those in need by bringing fruit and vegetables to families in need of food. If you came to his produce stand and didn't have the money to pay, he would tell you to take the food anyway. Despite the fact that D.L. towered over him, a small toy poodle named Rover held a special place in D.L's heart. D.L. loved playing the guitar and singing for his kids. He would sing gospel songs like "Amazing Grace," "I'll Fly Away," and "Are You Washed in the Blood." He played songs from Hee-Haw like, "Where Oh Where Are You Tonight?" and "You Get A Line and I'll Get a Pole." He sang country songs like "Amanda," "Folsom Prison Blues," and "Ring of Fire." Anytime you saw him, D.L. always had a Coke in his hand. He loved Chevy trucks and cars and NASCAR racing. But the best part of D.L.'s story is that before he passed away, he got right with God and is in heaven now. It's not how you start the race that counts, It's how you finish!

Mr. Dayton will be greatly missed by all who knew him, especially his loving family members: son and daughter-in-law, Darnell and Sherri Dayton; daughter and son-in-law, Melissa and Paul Carter; son, Greg Dayton; son, Anthony Thompson; daughter and son-in-law, Christi and Scott Queen; son Jonathan Dayton, and son, Douglas Wright; sister and brother-in-law, Elaine and Warren Bonner and sister Mae Lane Holcombe; nieces and nephews: Jason Bonner, Scott Bonner, Mark Allen, Kim Farmer, Dana Adams, and Shane Holcombe; nineteen grandchildren and three great grandchildren also survive.

A Gathering of Remembrance for D.L. will be held at Cochran Funeral Home in Hiawassee on Friday evening, June 7, 2013, between the hours of 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. With special remembrances being shared at 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the funeral home to offset funeral expenses.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee. Please share your fond memories and sign the guest registry on our website, www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.