Irrel B. “Fuzzy” Finch, 75, of Dawsonville, died June 4, 2012.

Born Feb. 6, 1937, in Bethlehem to the late James and Maenether Finch, he had lived in Dawson County for the past 15 years having moved from Cumming.

Mr. Finch retired as a Systems Engineer for AT&T.

He was a member of the CWA Union and one of the founding members of the Atlanta Chapter. After retiring he became president of the RMC.

In his later years he affectionately became known as Santa Claus.

With his wife Mrs. Claus, they brought Christmas joy to countless numbers of children through their work at the North Georgia Premium Outlet Mall and many of the local churches.

He was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church.

His wife, Lullean W. Finch, preceded him in death.

Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Renee and Charles Downs of Dawsonville; son, Charles E. Finch of Dawsonville; sister and brother-in-law, Martha Dean and J.W. Bearden of Ballground; grandchildren, Kelly Watley, C.J. Finch; various other relatives also survive.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. June 8 at Bethel United Methodist Church with the remains placed in state at 10:30 a.m.

Dr. Orin Sampson and the Rev. Emory Brackman officiated. Interment followed at New Pentecost Methodist Church Cemetery in Winder.

In lieu of flowers, donations were requested made to the American Cancer Society.

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