Roger Eschol Futch passed away peacefully on August 6, 2024 at The Retreat in Jasper, Georgia, with his loving family.

He was born September 21, 1945 to Heavard Eschol Futch and Janet Futch Gibson in Denton Georgia.

He graduated from Jeff Davis County High School in 1963.  At the age of 17, Roger enlisted in the United States Navy and was stationed several places during his duty serving our country.  He always credited his accomplishments in the communications industry to his service as a Naval Reconnaissance Navigator flying in the Skyraider Battalion from 1963 until 1966.

After completing his tour with the Navy, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia and begin his telephone career with AT&T Long Lines.  While living in Atlanta he met his wife,  Ann Payne at Glen Haven Baptist Church.  Roger and Ann were married on April 8, 1967, and shortly thereafter moved to Ellijay where he became the 9th employee of Mr. Albert E. and Marion Harrison, owners of the Ellijay Telephone Company.

During his tenure at Ellijay Telephone Company he served on various committees for the Georgia Telephone Association, the US Carrier Telecom, Georgia PCS Management, LLC, the Ellijay Chamber of Commerce and was appointed by Gov. Sonny Perdue to the State Construction Low Voltage Contractors Licensing Board of Georgia.  He retired from ETC in 2015 as the Chief Operating Officer after 47 years of full time service.

While living in Ellijay, in 1969 Roger and Ann helped Ann's parents, Leonard and Della Payne, expand R & A Orchards.  And in 1972 the R & A Orchards Apple House was opened where it stands today.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years Ann, son Andy (Jennifer) Futch, and daughter Rhonda (Jeb) Chatham. His grandchildren, Erin Chatham (Carson) Weatherford, Abi Chatham, Amanda Futch (Sam) Davis, Jessica Futch, Anna Futch and Jacob Futch.  One great-grandchild Waylon Davis.  A loving sister, Peggy Joyner, a special cousin Lynn Herrington, his longtime Assistant Cora Payne and other family members survive.

Roger was a member of the Ebenezer Baptist Church, a Mason in the Oak Bowery Lodge #81, a member of Cartecay Community, and a friend and mentor to many.

Funeral services will be Saturday, August 10 at 2:00 pm at the Ebenezer Baptist Church with Rev. Russell Burt officiating.  Serving as Pallbearers will be Jacob Futch, Brent Dotson, Mark Holden, Billy Jones, Stacy Pettit, Frankie Rigdon, Chad Seiverling and Jason Smith.

The family will receive friends on Friday, August 9th, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

The family will accept flowers or donations made to the Cartecay UMC Cemetery Fund in care of Renee Walker, 7629 Hwy 52 East, Ellijay, Ga. 30536 or the Hospice Angels Foundation.

Bernhardt Funeral Home is in charge of these arrangements.