Dr. John H. East Jr., 69, of Dahlonega, died Feb. 8, 2016.

Born Aug. 10, 1946, in Norfolk, Va., to the late John H. and Evelyn East, Dr. East had lived in Dawson County since 2002, having moved from Atlanta.

He earned his medical degree from the Emory School of Medicine and served as chief anesthesiologist at the V.A. Medical Center in Decatur for more than 20 years.

A U.S. Naval Reserve veteran, John was an avid lover of animals and especially enjoyed goat farming.

Through the years he possessed a passion for boating, photography, hiking, camping and travel to Alaska.

His first wife, Louise East; three infant children; and a brother, Chuck East, preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife, Beth East of Dahlonega; daughter, Virginia East of Norfolk, Va.; various other relatives also survive.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Feb. 14 in the Bearden Funeral Home Chapel with the Pastor Ricky Stepp officiating.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Dawson County Humane Society, 633 Martin Rd., Dawsonville, GA 30534 or to Backpack Buddies, c/o New Life church of God, P.O. Box 917, Dawsonville, GA 30534.

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