David S. "Famous Dave" Heller, 78, of Dawsonville, died Oct. 17, 2008 at his residence following an extended illness.

Born in Newark, N.J., he lived in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. for 42 years before moving to Dawson County 5 years ago.

He was a retired technician with General Electric, with 37 years of service.

He served in the New Jersey National Guard for 10 years and was an accomplished artist specializing in oils.

Mr. Heller was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Barbara Heller of Dawsonville; children, David and Vicki Heller of Dawsonville, Cheryl and Dusty Hassell of Dacula, Mark and Deborah Heller of Loganville; sister, Ruth Cordenzo of Bloomfield, N.J.; brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert and Judy Heller of Chittenango, N.Y., Fred and Pat Heller of Somerset, N.J., Johnny and Sally Heller of Arizona; grandchildren, Candace and Michael Fleming, Caitlin Hassell, Devin Heller, Jennifer Heller, Kalie Heller, Shelby Heller and Dylan Heller; various other relatives also survive.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, Oct. 22 at noon at Bearden Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. David Gravitt officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, 855 Abutment Road, Suite 6, Dalton, GA 30721 or to the Bowen Art Center, P.O. Box 849, Dawsonville, GA 30534.

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