James Rufus Everett

Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville announces the death and funeral services for

James Rufus Everett

Celebration of a life well lived

Local well-known businessman Rufus Everett, age 83, stepped into eternity to join his loved ones on June 14, 2020. Born to Charlie and Eva Mae Addington Everett on November 24, 1936, Rufus inherited a strong work ethic and practical business sense from his dad and a deep, unwavering, sustaining faith in GOD from his mother. Rufus' career in auto collision repair and vehicle rebuilding began in the 1950's, and his shop at the intersection at the Highway 76 west and Airport Road became a mainstay in the industry. He strived to be professional, honest, fair, and Christian in his business dealings as he was in his life. He wore his testimony as comfortably as he wore his shop uniform.

Rufus was never too busy to stop his own work to help someone else with a project as individuals stopped in the shop for his expertise, or to use his tools. Sometimes the word "overkill' comes to mind. He carried ideas and his work to the nth degree. He didn't quit until his job was as perfect as he could make it and satisfy himself.

Though he did not embrace formal education, Rufus had a vast store of practical skills. He attended grammar school at Mt. Pleasant and a brief time at Union County High School in the 1950's. Going to school was difficult for Rufus, as he much preferred working outdoors. As an adult, he attended North Georgia Technical School in Clarksville where he excelled, worked a full-time job on the family farm, and began his shop business. Opening the Everett's Body Shop in 1965, Rufus and his business were recognized for his excellent work and attention for more than 50 years.

Preceding him in death were his beloved wife Nancy, to whom he had been married to 38 years; his parents, and his brother-in-law, Hobert Payne.

Those left to treasure Rufus's memory are his sister Evelyn Payne; niece and her husband Rachel and Marshall Lance; their sons, Chris and Amanda Anderson and children, and Matt Lance; nephew Gary Payne, and his daughter, Krista and David Adams and daughter, Alayna.

Loving and caring for Rufus as their brother, uncle, and friend are his in-law family, who cherish his memory: Gwenelda and Larry Connally, Bruce and Mazie Gray, and Sherry and Morris Brown. Nieces and nephews include Laina and Donald Elliott and children; Anna and Robby Roxbury and daughter, Katy; and Jon Jones and children; Clay and Carly Dorsett and children; and Bethany and Steve Garner, Mason and Jennifer Dorsett and children. A large number of cousins also survive.

Until his health declined and his body tired, Rufus was a very active, involved, hard-working member of Ivy Log Baptist Church, where he had attended for more than 40 years. Long before he became a member of the congregation, he took care of a great deal of maintenance of church facilities. He also served as a trustee and an usher for the church. He, along with his wife, Nancy, were co-founders and charter members of the Good Neighbors Auto Club and served in a variety of offices in the group, coordinating their annual October car show and summer meeting location for many years. Rufus held membership in Allegheny Masonic Lodge F&AM#114, the Appalachian Shriners, and Royal Arch at the Yaraab Temple of Atlanta.

Rufus loved to travel and had been to most states, Canada, Mexico and the Holy Lands in the Middle East. He prided himself on always being prepared with tools or whatever he might need. He especially enjoyed his travels out West to spend time with his uncles and to Alaska, about which he loved to talk. He had taken in many World's Fair Exhibitions, the Rose Bowl Parade, Disney World, New York's subway, camel riding in Egypt, Miami's South Beach, as well as many local and far-flung attractions.

Funeral services for Rufus are scheduled for Wednesday, June 17, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel at Cochran Funeral Home in Blairsville with his close friend, Rev. Jerry Karnes, conducting the services. Visitation to celebrate a man who truly lived a life in God's service will be held between 5 and 9 p.m. on Tuesday evening, June 16, 2020. Music will be provided by Ivy Log Baptist Church Choir. Burial will be in Ivy Log Baptist Church, with graveside services officiated by Rev. Tony Black.

Pallbearers chosen for enduring friendship and love are Chris Anderson, Clay Dorsett, Donald Elliott, Steve Garner, Jonathan Jones, and Robby Roxbury. Serving as honorary pallbearers are: Wayne Roberts, Paul Puett, Jr., Larry King, and Larry Lunsford.

For those wishing to, memorial donations may be directed to Ivy Log Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, or to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery Fund.

Arrangements for Rufus Everett entrusted to the friendship, care, and compassion of Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville, who have also been his friends. Please share your condolences and fond memories with the family at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.