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OBITUARIES PAGE

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Morgan Zimmerman Bunnell (Class of 1973)

Morgan Zimmerman Bunnell, (ASI Class of 1973), age 70, passed away Thursday, March 7, 2024 at the Scenic Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Herculaneum, Missouri.

He was born on Saturday, February 20, 1954, in Lee County, North Carolina, to the late Thomas and Calle Bunnell.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Karen Bunnell; two sisters, Shirley Jean Thompson, and Frances Harris; brother, Victor Bunnell; niece, Vicki Wilson; and a great-niece, Nichole McIntosh. He is survived by three brothers, Lloyd Bunnell (Juanita), of Bostic, Tim Bunnell (Linda), of Peoria, IL, and Toney Bunnell (Patty Coyne), of Clearwater, FL; and a host of nieces and nephews which includes a special niece, Carla “Carlina” Hermann (Steve), of Festus, MO.

A private memorial service will be held at a late

 

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Leslie Forney (Class of 1972)

Leslie Forney, (ASI Class of 1973) 69 of Union Mills Passed on Jan 9, 2024 at Rutherford Regional Medical Center. Services will be held at 2pm on Saturday, Jan 20 in the Chapel of Ulysses D Miller Funeral Services.

 

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Betty Jean Morgan Bailey (Class of 1944)

Betty Jean Morgan Bailey, age 97 (ASI Class of 1944), of Union Mills, NC passed away peacefully in her home on March 20, 2024. Betty was a native of Rutherford County.

She was preceded in death by husband Jake Bailey, parents Lee and Molly Proctor Morgan, son Alan Ray Bailey, brothers Hobert Morgan (Iadree) and Don Morgan (Emmy), sisters Dixie Morgan and Lois Moore (George “Bug”). Betty was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother; her unfailing love lifted her family up and made them strong. She was also an outstanding registered nurse, spending a long, rewarding career in service at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children Dale Whitfield (Dave), Ronald Bailey (Sandi), Karen Senter (Wally), Catherine Bailey and James A. Bailey (Tamara); a brother Ivy Morgan (Doris) and a sister Delma Collins (Danny); grandchildren Jason Bailey, Robert Bailey David Levi Whitfield, Wil Whitfield, Alan Slavich, Wally Senter III and Jake Senter; greatgrandchildren Darrian Bailey, Will Bailey, Austin Whitfield, David Glen Whitfield, Cash Slavich and Marley Slavich.

A service to celebrate the life of Betty Jean Morgan Bailey will be held at 11 a.m. on Sunday, March 24, 2024 at Shingle Hollow Congregational Holiness Church, with Reverend Jamie Pascarella officiating. The burial will follow in the church cemetery. Mrs. Bailey will lie in state 30 minutes prior to the service.

The family respectfully ask that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Shingle Hollow CongregationalHoliness Church, 2466 Cove Road, Rutherfordton, NC 28139.

 

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Horace Martin Whisnant (Class of 1958)

Horace Martin Whisnant, (ASI Class of 1958) age 85 of Forest City, died Wednesday, March 27, 2024.  Horace was born on April 7, 1938, in Rutherford County and he was a son of the late Millard and Gussie Terry Whisnant. 

Horace was a dedicated schoolteacher having received his Bachelor of Science degree from Western Carolina University and his Masters of Education from Appalachian State University.  Teaching was his passion and he taught 7th and 8th grade students at Union Mills School until his retirement in 1993.  He was a lifelong Baptist who enjoyed sports, especially the North Carolina Tarheels. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Elise Whisnant in 1999, brothers, Norris Whisnant, Ralph Whisnant, and Paul Terry as well as a sister, Juanita Padgett.Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Brenda Williams Whisnant of the home, his daughters, Tina Whisnant Sinicki and husband Tim of Vestal, New York, and Denise Whisnant of Rutherfordton, his brother, Steve Whisnant of Florida, and three grandchildren, Allison, Tanner, and Ashley Sinicki,

The funeral service will be held at 11 o’clock on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, in The Padgett and King Chapel.  Interment will follow at the Rutherfordton City Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 10 until 11 o’clock prior to the service at the mortuary. 

The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at padgettking.com 

 

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Debra Conrad Melton  (Class of 1976)

Debora Conard "Debbie” Melton, age 65 of Ellenboro, North Carolina (ASI Class of 1976) went to her heavenly home on Tuesday, October 24, 2023.  Debbie was born on November 17, 1957, in Haywood County and was a daughter of the late Charles Jerry Conrad and Estalee Conrad Waters.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Steve Conrad, and Buddy Conrad.  She was a faithful member of Wilson Baptist Church where she held various positions throughout the years. 

Debbie worked for Mastercraft Fabrics for 22 years and more recently at Isothermal Community College.  She loved her family and her church family, and she enjoyed cooking and baking, especially for a crowd.

Those left to cherish her memory include her loving husband, Ronnie Melton of the home, her daughter, Denise Melton Simpson and her son-in-law, Matthew Simpson, granddaughters, Blair Simpson, and Brynlee Simpson all of Indian Trail, North Carolina, her brothers, Kennie Duckett (Joyce) of Rutherfordton, Dewayne Conard (Debbie) of Union Mills, and sister, Jeannie Waters of Rutherfordton.

A visitation will be held from 6 until 8 o’clock on Thursday evening, October 26, 2023, at The Padgett and King Mortuary.  The family will gather privately for interment at Wilson Baptist Church Cemetery, officiated by the Reverend Curtis McDaniel. 

Memorials may be made to Appendix Cancer/PMP Research Foundation, 491 Baltimore Pike #177, Springfield, PA, 19064-3810 or Wilson Baptist Church, 3617 Whiteside Road, Forest City, NC 28043.


The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com

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Patsy Allen Moore  (Class of 1951)

 

Patsy "Pat" Moore Allen, 90, of Union Mills (ASI Class of 1951) passed away on July 31st, 2023, at Fair Haven in Bostic. A native of Rutherford County, she was the daughter of the late George A. Moore, Sr. and Christeen Withrow Moore.

She is survived by one brother, Robert A. Moore of Gilkey. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her longtime friend and companion Mildred R. Henderson; her three brothers, W. Verdayne Moore, George A. Moore Jr. and Wyath R. Moore and her sisters, Thelma E. Moore, Edith M. Harrill Hammett, Estelle Honeycutt, Mary Sue Randall, and Iris Newton.

Patsy retired from Bellsouth/AT&T where she was employed for many years. She loved her pets, gardening, and supporting her community.

Interment will be at Tanner Grove United Methodist Church. There will be no service.

 

Beverly Jaynes Walker  (Class of 1970)

Beverly Jaynes Walker (ASI Class of 1970)  Passed away on July 24, 2023 at Duke University Hospital.  She was preceded in death by her parents  J W & Meldona Jaynes, her husband Billy Walker, her children  Chuck & Julia Walker, siblings Kenneth, Jerry, Virginia, Charles, Hazel,  Howard, David, Larry, Vicky.  She is survived  by  Bill, Roy & Ruby also nieces and nephews. 

There will be no formal  service per her request.

 

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Kenneth Wayne Causby  (Class of 1971)

Kenneth Wayne Causby, 70, (ASI Class of 1971) passed away on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at his residence.

Kenneth was born September 13, 1952 in Burke County to the late Benjamin L. Causby and Mildred Crump Causby. He served in the United States Air Force and worked as a land surveyor.

He is survived by his son, Zebulon Causby; and siblings, Johnny Causby, Michael Causby, Deborah Keys, and Sheila Walker.

No services are scheduled at this time.

Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory in Valdese is assisting the family.

 

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Peggy Nanney St Clair  (Class of 1950)

Peggy Nanney St. Clair, of Union Mills (ASI Class of 1950) went to be with her Heavenly Father on Thursday, July 13, 2023. She was a resident of Fair Haven in Forest City. Peggy attended Alexander Schools in Union Mills and went on to study business at Mars Hill College. She was the owner and operator of the Strawberry Knoll Craft Shop for many years and enjoyed teaching various crafts. She enjoyed the many people who took the classes and remained friends with them after the business closed. Peggy was also the secretary at Round Hill Baptist Church for decades and also was custodian. She loved the church and spent many hours not only doing her job but always keeping flower arrangements in the sanctuary and many other special things. She was there “every time the door opened” for her entire life. She made sure all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren knew the importance of Jesus in their lives.

She was preceded in death by her parents, T.E. and Annie Nanney, her husband of 62 years, Leon St. Clair, and her sisters, Jeannie Nanney and Laura Evelyn Wallace.

Surviving Peggy are her daughter, Chiketa Collins (L.R. Rusty) and Brian St. Clair (Anna); her grandchildren, Greg Russell (Jenny), Jeremy Russell, Chris St. Clair (Tess), Aaron St. Clair, Gena Shelton (Ronald) and Gary Collins, as well as eleven great grandchildren.

Services will be held at Round Hill Baptist Church in Union Mills on Sunday, July 16, 2023 at 3PM. Visitation will be at 2 PM at the church. Burial will be in Round Hill Baptist Church cemetery. Officiating the service will be Rev. Mike Jones and Jimmy Koone.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Round Hill Baptist Church, 147 Liberty Hill Church Road, Union Mills, NC 28167.

The family would like to thank Fair Haven of Forest City for the excellent and loving care given to their loved one these past four years. Special thanks to her favorite nurse, Wendy, who took such good care of her.

 

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Raymond Grant Seward (Class of 1968)

Raymond Grant Seward (ASI Class of 1968) passed away on June 2 in the presence of his son Nathan and Jesus in Colorado. He was born on July 30, 1948 in Halifax, NC. He attended ASI from 1961 until he graduated in 1968.  He was a great athlete in baseball and basketball.

Ray was preceded in death by his mother Mary Seward and father Erby Seward.

Ray is survived by his son Nathan Seward, Daughter-in-law Joanna and stepchildren, Janelle and Pam Brinson.  He was blessed to have six grandchildren; Lailah, Elias, Tobias, Libbie, (Seward), Austin and Daryl (Brinson).  He is also survived by his two older sisters, Tonya Gray and Sarah Carpenter; two nephews (Wayne and Todd) and his niece (Tracy).  He had many more extended family members still living in Virginia and North Carolina.

Ray attended Springs First Church in Colorado Springs.  He love many things in his life and the WORD of GOD was at the top of that list.  His family came in a close second, continued by many more friends and followers of the F.L.O.C.K (Fellow Lovers of Christ's Kingdom).  As a young man he loved his 1968 Plymouth Road Runner and as an older man he gave his life to serve the Lord, He graduated from the Nazarene Bible College with a Bachelors degree in biblical studies.

 

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Alice Jean Blankenship Edwards (Class of 1950)

North Augusta- Funeral Services for Mrs. Alice Edwards,86, (ASI Class of 1950) who entered into rest August 12, 2019 will be conducted Saturday morning at 10:30 from the Sweetwater Baptist Church. Dr. Paul W. Noe officiating. Interment in the Sweetwater Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church Friday evening from 6 until 8.

Alice Jean Blankenship Edwards was born on February 23, 1933 in Union Mills North Carolina. She graduated high school from Alexander School and was the Valedictorian of her class. She received her Registered Nurse license from the state of North Carolina after graduating with a diploma in nursing from Rutherford Hospital

.On June 14, 1953 Alice married Dr. Tilman Keith Edwards. Together they sailed for Nigeria, West Africa where they built a home, grew a family, and served as medical missionaries from 1957-1968. While in Nigeria, Alice worked as the operating room supervisor for the Baptist Hospital of Ogbomoso, now known as Bowen University Training Hospital (BUTH). She also served as the visiting nurse for Kersey Children's Home, an orphanage.
After returning from the mission field, Alice, Keith, and family settled in Bluefield, West Virginia. Alice worked alongside her husband in his medical practice. She became a nurse practitioner and assisted her husband both in surgery and as the office manager.
During her years in Bluefield, Alice and her family were active members of First Baptist Church. Also during that time, she had the honor of being chosen as the president of the West Virginia Medical Auxiliary and a national vice president of the American Medical Auxiliary.
After Dr. Edwards retired from his medical practice he and Alice moved to North Augusta, SC to spend their retirement years nearer their children. They became active members of Sweetwater Baptist Church where both taught Sunday School classes.
Just a couple of Sundays ago, Alice sat in her usual chair teaching the class she loved so much. God called her home suddenly, and though all of her friends and family rejoice in the knowledge that she is with Jesus, everyone who knew her misses her.

Alice lived a long and full life. She was a force to reckon with, but also one of the sweetest people who ever walked this earth. She went full steam ahead from the moment she was born until the day God called her home. Everything and everyone who ever had the privilege of coming in contact with her was blessed by it. She had a wonderful life and the world is a better place because Alice Jean spent time in

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 66 years, Dr. Tilman Keith Edwards, her four children, Abel Solademi (Abike), Benjy Edwards (Deb), Alisa Smith (Malbert), Harriet Michael (John), and Marianne Phillips (Kent) along with 14 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.
Proverbs 31 describes a wife of noble character. Verse 28 says, "Her children will rise up and call her blessed: her husband also and he praises her."
Yes, they did. And they still do...along with everyone else who ever knew her.

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Paul "Gil" Hampton (Class of 1972)

Gil Hampton (ASI Class of 1972) passed away on April 17, 2023. Gil was the beloved husband of June (Shepard) Hampton, son of JoAnn (Hampton) Koster, brother, uncle, great-uncle and dear friend to many. His beautiful heart and love for life, family and friends will be his legacy. Also, his bad jokes and enduring laughter.

He will be forever and deeply missed.

 

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Martha Flack Lovelace (Class of 1948)

Martha Romaine Flack Lovelace (ASI Class of 1948), age 93, of Union Mills passed away Monday at Mission Hospital in Asheville. Martha was a native of Rutherford County, a retired textile employee and a member of Piney Knob Baptist Church.

Those preceding her in death include her husband William Charles “Shorty” Lovelace; parents John E. Flack Sr. and Melinda Stokes Koon Flack; daughter Judy Crawford, grandson Matt Crawford and 11 brothers and sisters.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter Debbie Crawford (Alvin), son in law Donald Crawford; grandchildren Missy Rhoads (Jon), Kasey Wilson (David), Martha Ann McEntyre (Andy) and Kari Marsh; great grandchildren Ryan Pilgrim, Aryanna Rhoads, Emilie Rhoads, Zach Wilson, Katie Rutt, McKenzie Thompson, Patrick Thompson, Samuel Wilson, Nathaniel Thompson and Gretchen Toney.

A celebration of the life of Martha Lovelace will be 11 AM Saturday April 29, 2023 at Piney Knob Baptist Church with Rev. Carroll Flack, Rev. Rick Wall and Rev. Casey Stockton officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5-7 PM Friday at Piney Knob Baptist Church.

Memorial donations may be made to Piney Knob Baptist Church. 1534 Piney Knob Rd. Rutherfordton, NC 28139
The family will be at the home of a granddaughter Missy Rhoads 989 Coney Island Rd Union Mills, NC

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Betty Jo Dunlap Snyder (Class of 1958)

Betty Jo Dunlap Snyder, (ASI Class of 1958) 83 years loved, of Greensboro, NC, went to be with her Lord and Savior on December 15th, 2022 following a valiant battle with dementia. 

She was born in High Point, NC to the late Joseph Roosevelt and Margaret Silen Safriet Dunlap. Betty worked as the head cash vault teller at NCNB and Bank of America, before retiring.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her precious brother, Jerry Lee Dunlap of Piedmont, SC.She is survived by her son, Dino Douglas Wilson of Liberty, NC; granddaughter, Lisa Marie Greeson of Liberty, NC; siblings, Peggy Elaine Tallent (Jim) of Piedmont, SC, and John Keith Dunlap (Janice) of Piedmont, SC; and a host of nieces and nephews and extended family.

Betty had a special ability to always find the good in every situation and used it to make every lemon into lemonade. She had a wickedly funny sense of humor and loved her family immensely. She will be truly missed by all those she loved.

Arrangements were provided by Triad Cremation & Funeral Services, Greensboro, NC.

 

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Martha Kaye Monteith Briscoe (Class of 1964)

Martha Kaye Monteith Briscoe, age 77, of Union Mills (ASI Class of 1964) passed away Saturday at her home. Kaye was a native of Rutherford County, retired teacher’s assistant, member of Round Hill Baptist Church, daughter of the late Howard and Ethel Stewart Monteith, widow of John Willie Briscoe; mother of the late Jeana Harrill and sister to the late Gayle, Patsy and Steve Monteith

Those left to cherish her memory are her son Lowell Briscoe of Raleigh, NC; grandson John Lawrence Briscoe, twin brother Billy Ray Monteith and a number of extended family members.

A graveside service will be held 2 PM Wednesday March 1 at Round Hill Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Mike Jones officiating.
Memorials may be made to Round Hill Baptist Church or The Juvenile Diabetes Association.
Crowe’s Mortuary is assisting the Briscoe family.

 

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Annie Mae Edney (Class of 1957)

We are sad to announce that on March 8, 2023, at the age of 86, Annie Mae Edney of Holly Springs, North Carolina (ASI Class of 1957) passed away. Family and friends can send flowers and condolences in memory of the loved one. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Annie Mae Edney to pay them a last tribute.

She was predeceased by : her parents, Bailus Edgar and Lizzie Adalae Beatty Edney; her niece Karen Edney; and her nephew Ricky Edney. She is survived by : her brother Willie (Barbara Edney); her nephew Danny (Donna Edney); her niece Lora (Keith Bailey); her great-nieces and great-nephews, Jessica Bailey, Brandi Nanney, Breanna Byers, Joshua Bailey and Bryson Edney; and also, Amos, Asher Bailey, Channing Nanney, Alexis, Alyssa Nanney, Earl and Shirley Campbell.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 10th 2023 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Padgett & King Mortuary & Crematory (227 E Main St, Forest City, NC 28043). A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 10th 2023 at 3:00 PM at the same location. A committal service will be held on Friday, March 10th 2023 at 4:15 PM at the Adaville Baptist Church Cemetery (268 Piney Ridge Rd, Spindale, NC 28160).

 

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Rev. Bob Edwards

Reverend Bobby Edwards, age 87 (ASI Lifetime Friend) of Union Mills went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, December 26, 2022.  Bob, as he was known was born on February 19, 1935, in the mountains of Western North Carolina in Graham County and was a son of the late Monroe and Rosalie West Edwards.  Growing up in Stecoah, he was a graduate of Stecoah Valley High School and he later attended Fruitland Bible Institute where he was a graduate. 

Bob served his country honorably in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. 

He worked for 21 years for General Fireproofing as a supervisor until the plant was closed.  He then worked for Watts Regulator which became Regtrol and finally at Torrington where he retired.

Bob’s faith was so important to him and was a faithful member of Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church.  Bob has served in many capacities in his church life over the years as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher and on church committees.   He was also a member of Western Star Masonic Lodge, No. 91, AF&AM. 

Bob was a faithful husband, father and grandfather and he enjoyed every minute spent with is family.  He also enjoyed outdoor activities including hunting and fishing. 

His sister, Amy Edwards and his brother , T.J. Edwards (ASI Principal and Teacher) preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Naomi Lammonds Edwards  (ASI Class of 1961) of the home, his son, Dr. David Edwards and wife Kelly, his daughters, Stephanie Edwards McLean and husband Glenn, Susan Edwards Floberg, and Amy Edwards Shepherd and husband Terry, his grandchildren, Pattersen Roman, Jaxon Floberg and Josiah Shepherd, great-grandson, Chapter Roman, his brother, Alvin Edwards, and his sisters, June Edwards Hyde and Ann Edwards.

The funeral service will be held at 2 o’clock on Saturday, December 31, 2022, in the Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church with the Reverend Paul White, Jr. and the Reverend Jason Toney officiating.  The family will receive friends from 12 noon until 1:45 in the Sanctuary prior to the service.  Interment will be private for the family in the Edwards Family Cemetery.

Memorials in his memory may be made to Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church, 801 Mt. Lebanon Church Road, Bostic, North Carolina 28018.
 

The Padgett and King Mortuary is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com 

 

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Albert Dean Stanley Russell (Class of 1971)

Albert D. Russell, 66,(ASI Class of 1971) of Jacksonville died Jan. 18, 2018, at his residence. Survivors include son, Michael Russell; and daughter, Sanda Heger, both of Jacksonville. Other survivors are a brother Mike (ASI Class of 1966) and a sister Patricia Anne (ASI Class of 1968).  Albert retired from the Marine Corps as a Master Gunnery Sergeant (MGySgt) after 23 years. His rank is the 9th and highest enlisted grade in the United States Marine Corps. 

Graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 26 at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.
Arrangements by Saunders Funeral Home.

 

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Lois Jean (Lane) Condrey (Class of 1952)

Lois Jean Lane Condrey, 89, (ASI Class of 1952) of Union Mills passed away Monday, December 5, 2022 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills. A native of McDowell County, she was the daughter of the late Abner and Lillie Elmore Lane. Lois was a retired seamstress and a member of Camp Creek Baptist Church.

Left to cherish her memories are her son, Hal Condrey and wife Sandy of Bostic; daughter Jean Kelly and husband Jeff of Winston Salem; grandchildren Sarah Kelly and Matthew Kelly; sisters Joann Epley, Ruby Crowder, Glenna Warlick, Becky Kanipe, and Gail Culbreth. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Hal Stephen Condrey; brothers, Earl Lane and Johnny Lane and sister Ruth Wease.

Funeral services will be held 2 PM Friday, December 9, 2022 at Camp Creek Baptist Church, 1801 Camp Creek Road, Union Mills, NC with Rev. Tony McCraw and Rev. Kenneth Kanipe officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Camp Creek Baptist Church, 145 Josephs Road, Union Mills, NC 28167.

 

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Jessica Nealette (Spradley) Taylor

Mrs. Jessica Nealette Taylor "Cricket", age 74, (former ASI student) passed away on Saturday November 12, 2022 at her home.  She was born on February 19, 1948 in Charlotte to the late Thomas and Lorraine Spradley.  Nealette was a longtime textile employee where she made many close friends.  She also enjoyed her road trips with Jerry and Puddles.

  In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her first husband Teddy Blanton, and her daughter Shelia Taylor.  Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 42 years Jerry Taylor, her dog Puddles, her daughters: Rita Hulett of Dallas, Lisa Stiles of Greenville, SC, Alice Crowe (Samual) of Easley, SC, and Tracie Blanton of Gastonia.  Her son Teddy Blanton Jr. (Donna) of Kings Mountain.  Her grandchildren: Natasha Newman, Justin Tench, Andy Tench, Shaney Crews, Michael Crews, Lauren Blanton, Jamie Blanton, Shane Blanton, Mikayla Colvin, Alfred Duncan, Todd Crowe, Tony Crowe, Nikki Crowe, Jonathon Stiles, Jason Stiles, and Jasmine Dameron, as well as numerous Great Grandchildren.

 A service to celebrate her life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday November 18, 2022 at Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly.  The family will receive friends from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday November 17, 2022 also at the Funeral Home.  The family would like to extend a special thanks to Tracie Blanton for all of her help during the final days.

 

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James "Stub" Ammons (Class of 1960)

James “Stub” Ammons, age 80, (ASI Class of 1960) of Ellenboro, passed away Friday, October 7, 2022 at his residence.

James was born Wednesday, July 22, 1942, in Rutherford County to the late Arthur Kermit Ammons and Annie Sue Ferguson Ammons. He was a graduate of ASI (Union Mills) High School, class of 1960 and attended Isothermal Community College. He worked as a maintenance supervisor for ICC for several years and as an electrician for Union Carbide, Cone Mills and Delta Electric. James was an avid gardener and fisherman. He attended High Shoal Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Kermit Wayne “Buck” Ammons, Richard Ammons and a sister, Carol Thompson.

Left to cherish fond memories are his wife of nineteen years, Betty Martin Ammons; daughter, Amy Marie Metcalf (Roger) of Union Mills; son, Richard Ammons of Spindale; stepchildren, Barbara Turner of Gaffney, Debra Hughey (Roger) of Gaffney, Kelly Peeler of Spartanburg, Kevin Martin of Gaffney; two sisters, Carrie Jane Ammons of Spindale and Brenda Mills (Gary) of the Oakland Community. He is also survived by numerous grand and great grandchildren and his fur babies, Spanky and Maggie

The funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Monday, October 10, 2022, at the Harrelson Funeral Chapel with Reverend Shane Adkins officiating. Interment will follow in the Centennial Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time at the funeral Memorial donations are requested to High Shoal Baptist Church, PO Box 386, Henrietta, NC 28076.

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Robert F. "Bob" Viands

WILMINGTON — Robert F. Viands, 82, a/k/a “Bob” (former ASI student) and also affectionately known as “Wata” by Family and Friends died in Lower Cape Fear Life Care Center in Wilmington, NC on August 05, 2022.

Bob, son of the late Richard Moore Viands and Anne Allen Viands was born in Washington D.C. He was preceded in death by brother Richard Viands.

Survivors include his wife of 61 Years, Sarah (ASI Class of 1963) ; Daughters Candace Swaim (Mark)Winston-Salem NC, & Kimberly Tausch (Mike) of Jacksonville NC, Grandsons Justin Swaim (Mandy) of Tampa Fl., Chandler Swaim USAF Clovis NM, Austin Tausch (Taylor)USAF Shreveport LA, Noah Tausch of Raleigh NC, Great Grand-daughter Audrey Swaim, Brothers Charles Viands of Brandon Fl and George Viands of Asheville NC along with many loved Nieces and Nephews.  Bob's brothers (George, Charles and Robert) all attended ASI at sometime.

Bob served in the US Army from 1961-1963 and was stationed at Ft. Jackson, SC and Seoul Korea.

The Family would like to express their gratitude for the compassionate and loving care given to Bob through the V/A Hospitals at Fayetteville NC and Durham NC and the loving support of the nursing staff and home health professionals of Lower Cape Fear Life Care.

In lieu of flowers, the Family suggests that Memorial Gifts be made to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare in Wilmington NC or to the American Bible Society.

 

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Barbara Jane Hood 

Barbara Jane Hood, 67, of 527 Queen Ann St., (former ASI Student) passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2014, at her residence. A native of Alamance County, she was the daughter of Waverly Thomas Hood and Verna Saultz Hood, both deceased. She was retired from AT&T and was of the Baptist faith. She was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America and a substitute teacher for Alamance-Burlington School System. She had a love for all animals, especially her fur babies, Chloe, Amazing, Ceja and Gracie.

In addition to her fiancé and soul mate Mr. Richard Diamond, survivors include her sons, Timothy Wayne Moore and wife Renee Strider Moore of Graham and Kevin Eugene Smith and Kimberly Johnson of Burlington; a daughter, Kimberly Moore Olgetree and husband William Olgetree of Detroit, Mich.; a niece Julie Hood Guerrero; and seven granddaughters; one grandson and four great-grandchildren; a loving Aunt Doris Johnson and cousin Tommy Johnson. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her brother Waverly Thomas (Tommy) Hood Jr. and a grandson, Christian Brincefield.

The funeral service will be held on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2014, at 2 p.m. in the McClure Funeral Chapel in Graham officiated by the Rev. Norman Fargis. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday Nov. 1, 2014, from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care Center of Alamance-Caswell, 918 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215.The family would like to thank the staff of Hospice for their special care of Miss Barbara Jane Hood, especially Phoebe and Rosa.

 

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Thelma Conner Dotson  (Class of 1967)

Thelma C. H. Dotson, age 73, (ASI Class of 1967) of Union Mills passed away Tuesday August 16, 2022 in her childhood home surrounded by her family. Thelma was a native of Rutherford County and the daughter of the late Hicks Dewitt Conner Sr and the late Carrie Lee Yelton Conner. She was a member of Grace Tabernacle and was a retired dietary supervisor for White Oak Manor for over 30 years. Her hobbies included cooking, cross stitching, gardening, planting roses, drawing, writing, singing old church hymns, watching westerns and spending time with her family. She loved family gatherings and catching up on lost time.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by husband Frank Henry Dotson, a daughter Donna Elaine Hodge, her son Andrew franklin Hodge, brothers Ronald Conner, James Donald Conner (Dorothy), and Larry Joe Conner (Nora).
Those left to cherish her memory include her children Wanda Hodge, Jennifer Dotson and Billy Joe Hodge (Betty); grandchildren Ashley (David), Elizabeth (Danny), Jessica, Timothy (Nicole), Gage, Damien, Memphis and Thomas; great grandchildren Grayson, J.J. and Alyiah; sisters Brenda Splawn (Bill) and Mary (Sis) Bailey (Floyd; brothers Hicks Dewitt Conner Jr. (Deb) and Sam Conner (Katherine)

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

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Mrianne Miller Johnson (Class of 1947)

Marianne Elizabeth Miller Johnson (92) of Holly Hill, Florida, (ASI Class of 1947) passed away peacefully in Stuart F. Meyer Hospice House in Palm Coast, FL, with her children by her side on May 26, 2022. Marianne was born on September 16, 1929, in Greenville, SC to Tilman and Bessie Norris Miller.

Marianne was very self-determined, beautiful, and talented. As a teenager at boarding school in North Carolina, with her life-long friend, Pat Kelley, she played basketball and wrote poetry. A child of the Depression, she learned to play piano while at the Baptist Children's Home, and she and her older brother, Allan, would sing together. She sang with the Sweet Adelines for many years. She sewed, painted, refurbished furniture, and read extensively. She was a member of the Eastern Star and Methodist Church.

In September of 1952, Marianne flew to Seattle, Washington to marry Air Force serviceman Russell L. Johnson, whom she had known while briefly living in Asheville, North Carolina with her mother and stepfather, James Hudgens. After Russell's service ended, they returned to Asheville, NC to raise two children before divorcing. She retired in 1998 after forty some years with the U.S. Weather Bureau as a computer operator and moved to Daytona Beach, Florida to be near her daughter and to enjoy the sun and the beach

Marianne is survived by her daughter, Mitzi Johnson Coats of Ormond Beach, FL, her son, Michael B. Johnson, of Asheville, NC, and her sweet cat, Grace.
The family would like to thank her caregivers and neighbors of the last few years. She did not wish for a service; condolences may be sent to: 55 Kenilworth Avenue, Ormond Beach, FL 32174.

 

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Brenda Harris Bates (Class of 1964)

Brenda Harris Bates, 75, (ASI Class of 1964) of Gastonia passed away January 23, 2022. She was born July 14, 1946 in McDowell County, North Carolina, a daughter of the late Von Ray Harris and Eunice Atkins Harris.

Brenda was raised in Lincolnton and was a graduate of Lincolnton High School. She was a Certified Public Accountant and would do anything for anyone. Brenda was a member of New Hope Baptist Church. Brenda loved spending time with her grandchildren and was known as "Nana B" to many. She was a loving sister, mother and grandmother and will be missed by many.

Brenda is survived by her sons, Von Heavner and wife, Ashley of Gastonia, NC, and Jeffrey Heavner and wife, Cathy of Polkton, NC; brother, Ronald Ray Harris and wife, Dottie of Hickory, NC; grandsons, Nicolas Heavner, Nash Heavner, and Dalton Heavner; nephew, Ronald "Buddy" Ray Harris, II; and extended Bates family. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 27 years, John T. (J.D.) Bates.           

A graveside service will be held at 12:00 pm in Gaston Memorial Park on Thursday, January 27, 2022 with Rev. Brandon McKoy officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New Hope Baptist Church, 2024 Redbud Dr, Gastonia, NC 28056.

 

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Thomas Bryant (Class of 1967)

Thomas Bryant (ASI Class of 1967) passed away in 2021.  No further details at this time.

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Louise Houston Bagnall  (Teacher)

Louise Bagnall, (Mrs. B.D. Bagnall) 98 of Brushville, PA passed away on Tuesday, February 8, 2022.

She was predeceased by her parents Sam and Frankie Houston; husband Beverly D. Bagnall; two brothers Willard and Ronald Houston; and sister Jeanett Pyle.

Louise is survived by her children William D. & Gloria Bagnall of Brandon, MS; Richard D. & Pamela Bagnall of Susquehanna, PA; grandchildren Jennifer & Michael Drought of Rosedale, MD, Julie Thibodeaux of Brandon, MS, Jaime Bagnall of Brandon MS; great grandchildren Colton, Hunter, Addison, and Ryland; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Louise grew up in Miller County South Georgia. After high school she attended Berry College in Rome GA and continued to the Appalachian State University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Education. She began teaching in Alexander Schools in Union Mills, NC, and retired from the Windsor Central School District, Windsor, NY after many years of teaching. Louise enjoyed gardening and tending to her lawn. She loved to read was active in the Susquehanna Branch Library. She was also a devoted member of Christ Episcopal Church in Susquehanna; PA. Louise will be dearly missed by all her loving family and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at 11 am at Christ Episcopal Church, 1107 W Main St. Susquehanna, PA.

The family will receive friends at the Church on Saturday, February 12, 2022, from 10am to 11am.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Susquehanna Branch Library, 83 Erie Blvd Suite C. Susquehanna, PA 18847 or the Christ Episcopal Church, PO Box 222, Susquehanna, PA, 18847.

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George White  (Class of 1965)

George White, (ASI Class of 1965) May 14, 1946 ~ October 5, 2021, age 75, of Shelby, passed away Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.  George was born Tuesday, May 14, 1946 in Rutherford County to the late Reid White and Eva Mae Ferguson White. He was a graduate of Alexander High School, class of 1965. George was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served honorably during the Vietnam War. He worked as a Line Technician for Duke Power for thirty-five years before retirement and was a member of Centennial United Methodist Church in Union Mills.  He enjoyed coaching Little League baseball for many years.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Frank and John White.

Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Chris White (Tina) of Shelby; granddaughter, Anna White and grandson, Trevor White; two sisters, Hilda Conner of Spartanburg and Martha Green of Forest City.

 A memorial service will be conducted at 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 9, 2021 with Reverend Jack Crain officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, P.O. Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043.

 

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John William Kelly, Jr.  (Class of 1965)

John William Kelly Jr, 74, of Mill Spring, (ASI Class of 1965) passed away Thursday, April 15, 2021 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills. A native of Rutherford County, he was the son of the late John William Kelly Sr and Mildred Condrey Kelly. Mr. Kelly was a furniture manufacturing supervisor, he served in the US Navy, and a member of Grassy Knob Baptist Church. He is survived by his sons, Shawn Kelly and Aaron Kelly and wife Cindy; grandchildren, Nikki, Mikaela, and Kathy. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Maxine Burnett Kelly and a grandson Joshua Kelly. Graveside services will be conducted 2PM Sunday, April 18, 2021 at Grassy Knob Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Roberts and Rev. Todd Lawter officiating.

 

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TJ Edwards  (Teacher and Principal)

TJ Edwards, age 90, (former Teacher and Principal of ASI) of Union Mills NC passed away on December 25th at Rutherford Regional Medical Center. TJ was the son of the late Monroe and Rosa Lee West Edwards, and the husband to the late Rilla Edwards. TJ was a graduate of Western Carolina and spent his career working within the education system. Left to cherish his memory are his son Jay, daughters Joy, Lynne, and Pam. 5 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren. Services will be private. Online condolences may be made at www.crowemortuary.com.

 

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Margaret Thomason Sanders  (Class of 1949)

Margaret Thomason Sanders, 88, (ASI Class of 1949) of Mooresville, died at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte, Monday, Nov. 16, 2020, after a brief illness.

Margaret was born Nov. 27, 1931, in Rutherford County, to the late George Henry Grady Thomason and Rose Ellen "Bessie" Thomason. In addition to her parents, Margaret was preceded by her husband of 50 years, Oscar Samuel Sanders Jr.; siblings, Stella Thomason Morrow, Jim "Buster" Thomason, Sarah Thomason Gaines, Nellie Thomason Cato, Levi "Buddy" Thomason, Dovie Jean Thomason Walker, and Franklin Thomason.

Margaret is survived by her sister, Rebecca Thomason Lowery of Salisbury; brother, George Thomason of Union Mills; stepson, Carl Samuel Sanders, of Charleston, S.C.; her Goldendoodle, Stella, whom she adored; and many nieces and nephews who dearly loved their Aunt Margaret.

The family wishes to express their eternal thanks to Margaret's niece, Brenda Ellen Gaines, for the loving attention and care that she provided to Aunt Margaret over the past years. Brenda's constant love and nurturing brought laughter and tremendous happiness to Margaret's later years.

Margaret was a lifetime resident of North Carolina, born in rural Rutherford County, and the sixth of 10 children. After graduation, with honors, from Alexander Schools, Inc., Margaret moved to Charlotte and resided with her sister, Sarah, until marriage.

Margaret and Sam met in 1955, while working in the movie industry, he with Paramount Pictures, and she with 20th Century Fox. They resided in Charlotte for the first 18 years of their marriage, then moved to Lake Norman where they enjoyed boating, beautiful sunsets and the many faces of nature. It was here Sam renewed his interest in art and Margaret developed her interest in writing. She mentioned to Sam that she would like for him to do illustrations for some of her poems and nothing more was said about it. Sam died Feb. 9, 2007, and months later Margaret discovered that he had left a last gift for her - a collection of watercolors for some of her poems. Margaret then penned and published Roses, Bluebirds and Expressions of Love in 2009.

Some of her writings, along with her husband's illustrations, have been exhibited at the Mooresville library.

A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, November 23 in Mooresville, NC.

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Sanders family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Margaret Sanders please visit our Sympathy Store.


 

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Frances Martha Lee Norris Hudspeth (Class of 1967)

Frances Martha Lee Norris Hudspeth, 72, (ASI Class of 1967) passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2020, March 5, 1948 - July 5, 2020  Gastonia, NC

The Hudspeth Family have entrusted arrangements to Boston's - Roseboro's Mortuary. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of France Hudspeth, please visit our floral store.

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Andrew Keck III     

Andrew G. Keck. III, "Andy," 71, of Ruther Glen, Va.,(former ASI Student),  passed away on Thursday, May 7, 2020. He was born in Richmond, Va., and was retired from Luck Stone. Andy was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew G. Keck Jr. (Hannah) and Flossie F. Campbell (Robert); siblings, Jimmy Campbell, Bobby Campbell, Eddie Campbell and Jackie Campbell.

He is survived by his son, Andrew G. Keck IV (Diana); and adopted son, Brian Jolly (Melissa); three grandsons, William Heller, Ethan Keck and Andrew Millner; and 13 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Virginia Keck Blaska and Rosemary Tipton; brothers, Eric Keck (Brenda), Michael Campbell and Mike Dedeian (Bonnie).

Andy loved sharing his wonderful sense of humor with his loved ones. He was a very special man who was loved by many and will be greatly missed, leaving behind many cherished memories. Due to the current Coronavirus restrictions, there will be a private graveside service at the family farm in Providence Forge, Va. Please visit www.vincentfh.com to post tributes and read memories.

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Nancy Hensley  (Class of 1959) 

We are sad to announce that on October 2, 2019 we had to say goodbye to Nancy Hensley (ASI Class 0f 1959) (Forest City, North Carolina). You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family. You may also light a candle in honor of Nancy Hensley.

She was predeceased by : her parents, Wilson Norris and Dorothy Boege Norris; her husband Jimmy Hensley; and her great grandchild Landon Monteith. She is survived by : her children, Donna Monteith (Robert Wolfe) of Rutherfordton, Sonya Monteith (Julius Greene) of Forest City, Dwayne Monteith of Rutherfordton, Randy Monteith (Renee) of Rutherfordton, Michael Monteith (Amy) of Spindale and Richard Monteith (Melissa) of South Dakota. She is also survived by five brothers, two sisters, thirteen grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.

Memorial donations are requested to SMA Foundation, 126 E. 56th St, 30th FL, New York, NY, 10022.

 

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Buddy Young  (Class of 1962)

James William "Buddy" Young Sr. (ASI Class of 1962), age 75, of Boiling Springs, NC passed away on April 12, 2020.

He was predeceased by his parents Leroy Daniel Young Sr. and Dorothy C Young, grandparents Simon and Ester Conner and James and Alice Young all from Union Mills, NC; brother-in-law, Bobby Dean Curtis of Forest City, NC.

Buddy is survived by his loving wife, Deborah B. "Debbie" Young of the home; his sons, James William "Jamie" (Jill) Young Jr., and Joseph Daniel "Jody" (Ashley) Young, of Florence, SC; and a daughter Jennifer Lynn Putnam of Hickory, NC; his grandchildren, Andrew Faile, Eliza Young, Connor Young of Florence, SC; Ari Godfrey and Niya Godfrey of Hickory, NC; a sister, Carolyn Curtis of Forest City, NC and a brother, Lee (Mary) Young Jr. of Smyrna, TN; along with a number of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The family will be holding a private service at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Forest City. Buddy will be available for viewing prior to the service throughout the day Wednesday, April 15 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice House of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150.

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Earl Lane

Earl Heath Lane age 88 (former ASI student) passed away Monday, February 24, 2020 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills in Forest City, NC. A native of Rutherford County, he was the son of Abner Robert Lane and Lillie Elmore Lane and was a retired car dealer. He also worked as a supervisor for a number of years at Stonecutter Mills. Earl was a member of Second Baptist Church, Rutherfordton NC, Western Star Masonic Lodge #91 and was a Shriner.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie Harris Lane and three siblings, Kathleen Lane, Ruth Wesse, and Johnny Lane. He is survived by one daughter, Cathy Crawford and her husband Greg; one grandson Taber Hyde and his wife Nicole; six siblings, Lois Condrey, JoAnne Epley, Ruby Crowder, Glenna Warlick, Rebecca Kanipe and Gail Culbreth.

A celebration of life will be held 3:30 PM, Thursday, February 27, 2020 at Second Baptist Church, 191 Green Street, Rutherfordton, NC 28139 with Dr. Keith Stephenson officiating. The family will receive friends thirty minutes prior to the service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills P.O. Box 336 Forest City NC 28043.

 

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Estalee Waters   (Staff)

Estalee Duckett Waters, age 84, of Union Mills passed away Saturday July 13, 2019 at her home. She was a native of Haywood County and the daughter of the late Norman and Lorena Bramlett Duckett. Estalee was retired from the State of North Carolina and also from the textile industry. She was a member of the White Oak Baptist Church in Haywood County. Left to cherish her memory are 4 sons; Kenny Duckett, Dewayne, Buddy and Steve Conard ; daughters Debbie Melton and Jeannie Waters along with a number of grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is also preceded in death by a sister Wilsie Cook and brothers Luther and Ralph Duckett .

Funeral services will be 2 PM Monday July 15 at Crowe’s Funeral Chapel with Rev. Ronnie Hodge officiating. Burial will follow in the Round Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1-2 PM prior to the service. The family request memorials be made to the Rutherford County Honor Guard C/O Veterans Service Office 303 Fairground Rd. Spindale, NC 28160.

Crowe’s Mortuary is assisting the Waters Family.

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Alpha Flack Parker (Class of 1950)

Alpha Flack Parker, age 88 (ASI Class of 1950), went home to be with the Lord, Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at Accordius Health in Rutherfordton, NC. She was a native of Rutherford County and the daughter of the late Elza Ja and Martha Flack. She loved to travel, especially to the beach, and loved doing word search puzzles. Alpha was a member of Piney Mountain Baptist Church and will be remembered as a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her husband W. K. Parker, one son Robert Edward Parker, one grandson, one great grandson, many brothers and step brothers and many sisters and step sisters.

Alpha is survived by one son, Jeff I. Parker and his wife Priscilla, two daughters, Frances Parker Padgett and her husband Charles, Kim Parker and her husband Toby Crain.

The visitation will be from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm on Thursday, June 11, 2020 at Eggers Funeral Home of Cliffside. The funeral service will be at 1:00 pm in Eggers Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Terry Padgett officiating. Interment will be at Rutherford County memorial Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.eggersfuneralhome.com. Eggers Funeral Home of Cliffside is in charge of the arrangements.

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Ira Lee Johnson Adkins  (Class of 1953)

Ira Lee Briscoe Adkins, age 77 (ASI Class of 1953), of Rutherfordton, NC, died Monday, February 4, 2013, at White Oak Manor Nursing Home.

She was the daughter of the late Tommy Johnson and Effie Mae Guffey Johnson. She was a native of Rutherford County. She was a member of Oak Springs Baptist Church. Ira Lee was first married to the late Doyle Briscoe. She was preceded in death by a sister Lucy Vickers.

She is survived by her husband Wayne Adkins. One Daughter: Crystal B. Holbert and her husband Wesley of Tryon. Three Step-sons; Tim Adkins and his wife Tracy of Shiloh. John Adkins and his wife Rhonda of Mooresboro. Chris Adkins and his wife Lisa of Ruth. Two Step-daughters; Sheila Hall and her husband Curtis of Rutherfordton. Lisa Davis and her husband David of Caroleen One Sister: Frances Heaton Bailey and her husband Bill of Morganton . One Grandchild: Jessica Fitch and her husband Jo. Three Great-Grandchildren; Morgan, Kyle and Mason.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Tuesday, at McMahan's Funeral Home. Funeral service will be at Oak Springs Baptist Church at 3:00 PM, Wednesday, February 6, 2013 with Rev. Don Hollifield and Rev. Darold Crawford. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Online guest register at www.mcmahansfuneralhome.com McMahan's Funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of the arrangements.

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Alice Blankenship Edwards (Class of 1950)

Mrs. Alice Edwards,86, (ASI Class of 1950) who entered into rest August 12, 2019 will be conducted Saturday morning at 10:30 from the Sweetwater Baptist Church. Dr. Paul W. Noe officiating. Interment in the Sweetwater Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church Friday evening from 6 until 8.

Alice Jean Blankenship Edwards was born on February 23, 1933 in Union Mills North Carolina. She graduated high school from Alexander School and was the Valedictorian of her class. She received her Registered Nurse license from the state of North Carolina after graduating with a diploma in nursing from Rutherford Hospital.

On June 14, 1953 Alice married Dr. Tilman Keith Edwards. Together they sailed for Nigeria, West Africa where they built a home, grew a family, and served as medical missionaries from 1957-1968. While in Nigeria, Alice worked as the operating room supervisor for the Baptist Hospital of Ogbomoso, now known as Bowen University Training Hospital (BUTH). She also served as the visiting nurse for Kersey Children's Home, an orphanage.

After returning from the mission field, Alice, Keith, and family settled in Bluefield, West Virginia. Alice worked alongside her husband in his medical practice. She became a nurse practitioner and assisted her husband both in surgery and as the office manager.

During her years in Bluefield, Alice and her family were active members of First Baptist Church. Also during that time, she had the honor of being chosen as the president of the West Virginia Medical Auxiliary and a national vice president of the American Medical Auxiliary.

After Dr. Edwards retired from his medical practice he and Alice moved to North Augusta, SC to spend their retirement years nearer their children. They became active members of Sweetwater Baptist Church where both taught Sunday School classes.

Just a couple of Sundays ago, Alice sat in her usual chair teaching the class she loved so much. God called her home suddenly, and though all of her friends and family rejoice in the knowledge that she is with Jesus, everyone who knew her misses her.

Alice lived a long and full life. She was a force to reckon with, but also one of the sweetest people who ever walked this earth. She went full steam ahead from the moment she was born until the day God called her home. Everything and everyone who ever had the privilege of coming in contact with her was blessed by it. She had a wonderful life and the world is a better place because Alice Jean spent time in it.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 66 years, Dr. Tilman Keith Edwards, her four children, Abel Solademi (Abike), Benjy Edwards (Deb), Alisa Smith (Malbert), Harriet Michael (John), and Marianne Phillips (Kent) along with 14 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

Proverbs 31 describes a wife of noble character. Verse 28 says, "Her children will rise up and call her blessed: her husband also and he praises her."

Yes, they did. And they still do...along with everyone else who ever knew her.

 

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Sandra Hill McDaniel (Class of 1963)

Sandra Hill McDaniel “Sandy” Mrs. McDaniel, 67,(ASI Class of 1963) of Charlotte, NC, went to her heavenly home, Monday, December 10, 2012 at her residence, after a long battle with Parkinsonism. Sandy was born August 21, 1945 to the late Isaac Gibson Hill and Estelle Sewell Hill and Mr. and Mrs. Ed Kerley of Huntersville.

She grew up in Charlotte and Huntersville and attended middle school in Huntersville, NC and graduated from North Mecklenburg High School. One of her most treasured achievements was to be inducted into the Charlotte Area Shaggers Hall of Fame. Before her illness, she was an avid shagger and supporter of shag events in Charlotte and North Myrtle Beach. She loved shopping, going to the beach and listening to beach music She worked for years for Jim Barnett Contracting, Sonic Automotive, and Finish Line Events and was a member of Grace Baptist Church.

The McDaniel family will gather to greet friends from 12Noon until 1:45 PM, Thursday, December 13, 2012 at McEwen Funeral Service at Sharon. A service to celebrate her life will follow at 2:00 PM in the Chapel. Burial will follow in Sharon Memorial Park. Sandy is survived by her husband of 47 years, Phil McDaniel of the home; sister, Carol Church and her husband, Johnny of Huntersville, NC; nephew, Jerry Church and wife, Becky and their children: Presley and Ava Church; niece, Leslie Hall and husband, Mark of Lexington, NC and their children: John, Madeline and Zach. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her only son, Scott McDaniel in 1996. The family would like to express its gratitude for the thoughtfulness that will linger in our memories for years to come to: longtime friend, Martha Honeycutt for her monthly visits, the Gentiva Home Health, the kind Nurses of Hospice and Palliative Care of Charlotte Region and to all the family members and friends who have expressed their sympathy and support during our time of sorrow. Memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Charlotte Region, 1420 E. 7th Street, Charlotte, NC 28204, National Parkinson Foundation, Inc. 1501 N.W. 9th Avenue / Bob Hope Road, Miami, Florida 33136-1494 or The Humane Society of Charlotte, 2700 Toomey Ave., Charlotte, NC 28203. Notes of encouragement and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mcewenfs.com.McEwen Funeral Service at Sharon Memorial Park, 5716 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC 28212.

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Bettie Bolinger Parker  (Class of 1943)

Bettie Alice Bollinger Parker, 87, (ASI Class of 1943) of Weaverville, died on Thursday, December 19, 2013, at her residence. A native of Statesville, Mrs. Parker was the daughter of the late Victor and Bertie Morrison Bollinger. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Alvin Burgin Parker; son, Burgin Parker, II; brother, Victor Bollinger; a grandchild, and a great-grandchild. Mrs. Parker was a dedicated member of Reems Creek Beech Presbyterian Church. She is survived by her daughter, Vicki Keith and husband Trent; son, Mark Parker and wife Annette; nine grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. A funeral service for Mrs. Parker will be on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the Groce Funeral Home chapel on Patton Ave. with the Rev. Jay Ravuck officiating. Interment will follow at Green Hills Cemetery. Her family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at  the funeral home. 

 

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Ronald Scoggin  (Class of 1954)

 

Ronald Scoggin (ASI Class of 1954) was born on March 7, 1936 and passed away in October 2019. Ronald was a medic in the United States Army and retired from Drexel Heritage in 2001. The family will receive friends from 2:00pm to 3:00pm, Friday, October 11, 2019 at Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center. Visitation: Oct. 11, 2019 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. Visitation Directions Service: Oct. 11, 2019 3 p.m. Service Directions You are invited to send personal condolences to the families using the form below. The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care or to Grace Heights Nursing Home.

 

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Joyce Scoggin Tate *(Class of 1950)

Joyce Scoggin (ASI Class of 1950) was born on February 14, 1933 and passed away on Wednesday, November 5, 2014.Joyce was a resident of Rutherfordton, North Carolina at the time of passing.Joyce was married to Bobby.

 

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Alvis Nanney (Class of 1951)

Alvis R. Nanney, age 86, (ASI Class of 1951) passed away peacefully on July 9 surrounded by his family. It is rare that one sees all children, grandchildren and great grandchildren before making the journey home. He was born in Union Mills, NC on November 3, 1932, the son of Fred M. and Mettie M. Nanney.

Mr. Nanney is survived by his wife, Annie S. Nanney, his sons A. Ray Nanney Jr. (Merri) of Cayce, Wayne Nanney(Melanie) of Columbia and Brian Nanney (Lischer).ofLexington He is also survived by granddaughters, Ashleigh Feaster , Erin Nanney, Rebecca Nanney , grandsons Braden Nanney and Craig Nanney. 2 great grandchildren, Peyton Feaster and Anna Reese Feaster, also survive Mr. Nanney. His parents, his brothers Lowell, and Arnold, his sisters Gladys Nanney and Eunice Allen, preceded Mr Nanney in death. Great-granddaughter Maddison Feaster also preceded Mr Nanney in death.

 After graduating from Alexander High School, in Union Mills, Mr Nanney graduated from Coyne Electronics School in Chicago, IL. He made a lengthy career in this field, culminating with his retirement in 2005 at the age of 72 from the University of South Carolina Dept. of Biology. He served in the military in 2 branches, the first in US Army, active duty during the Korean Conflict, USA Reserve until 1958 and then with the Dept. of the Air Force with SC Air National Guard until 1968 attaining the rank of Tech Sgt. He lived and worked in Columbia for 63 years and worked through the years with companies such as Zenith, Bell and Howell as well as ATT. Nothing brought him more pleasure than church, family, neighbors and baseball. He followed the USC Gamecocks and the Atlanta Braves. He leaves us a legacy of a fundamental foundation built on faith in the risen Lord, a strong work ethic, a sense of personal responsibility and general positive outlook on life. He never looked back and second-guessed a decision, he never met a stranger and he always had Werthers Originals in his pocket for those he met.

 The family will be receiving visitors at Moseley Funeral & Cremation Service, West Columbia, Friday, July 12, from 6-8pm. The Funeral is planned for Saturday, July 13 at 2 pm at Westside Baptist Church, West Columbia and Burial will be at Southland Memorial Gardens also in West Columbia. 

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Samuel Calhoun Snipes, Sr. (Class of 1947)

Samuel Calhoun Snipes, Sr. (ASI Class of 1947) born in Sunshine, NC on November 15, 1928 passed away on April 7, 2020 and resided in Atlanta, GA.

 

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 Betty Jo Stephens White (Class of 1949)

Betty Stephens White (ASI Class of 1949) was born August 6, 1931, and changed her residence to a mansion in Heaven on April 20, 2020. She was born in Charlotte, NC and was preceded in death by her father, James O. Stephens and Mother Beatrice Kirkpatrick Stephens. She recently celebrated 70 years of marriage to Oscar W. White. Betty loved and was loved by her family; she was Mom or Maw Maw to anybody who needed one.

Betty retired from Eckerd Drug Company at Eastland Mall after 25 years of service. She ran an in home day care prior to working for Eckerd. She was an avid baseball fan of the Atlanta Braves and always looked forward to baseball season where she could tell you every name and batting average of every player on the team. She enjoyed talking about baseball with former Atlanta player Grady Little on Sunday mornings at church. Betty was a long time member of Hickory Grove Baptist church and loved her Sunday school class and all the people in her class. She was a member of Eastern Star for many years. She loved shopping, dressing up and was always a diva. Bragging on her family was one of her favorite things to do, everyone she met she told them, I have two children, five grandchildren – 3 nurses, a firefighter, and an engineer and eleven great grandchildren.

Betty is survived by her husband of 70 years, Oscar (Big O); her children, Brenda Walker (CB), Tom White (Donna), Bonus Son John Foster (Linda); her siblings, Ted Stephens (Debbie) and James Stephens (Violet); the apples of her eye, her grandchildren, Tiffany Batchelor (Mark), Andy Walker (Allison), Ashley Walling (Kevin), April Greer (Gary) and Casey White (Angela); and great grandchildren, Caroline, Connor, Chloe Walling Garrison, Caden, Brady Greer, Alex, Austin Walker, Lilly, Thomas and Anna White.

Thank you for praying, bringing food, sending cards, phone calls and letting Betty know she was loved and will be missed. She loved seeing and hearing from you.

A Celebration of Life service will held 2:00 pm Saturday, July 11, 2020, at Hickory Grove Baptist Church with Rev. John Harrill and Dr. Joe Brown officiating. The family will be available starting at 12:30 pm prior to the service if you wish to speak with them.

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones.” (Psalms 116:15)

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 Jack Levern Hargett (Class of 1975)

Jack Levern Hargett, born August 3, 1957 (ASI Class of 1975) passed away on November 23, 2019 in Mint Hill, NC.

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 Mary Hazel Jaynes Dodd

Mary Hazel Dodd, age 86, (former ASI student)  of Union Mills, NC passed away Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at her residence.

Mary was born June 16, 1934 in Rutherford County to the late J.W. Jaynes and Meldona Guffey Jaynes. She was of the Baptist Faith and loved taking care of her family. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by six brothers, Kenneth, Jerry, David, Howard, Larry and Charles Jaynes and two sisters, Virginia Metcalf and Vickie Cox.

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Carol Herring of Union Mills and two sons, Richard Duncan (Gloria) of Bill’s Creek and Charles “Bud” Duncan (Glenda) of Union Mills; five siblings, Ruby Winstead, Roy Jaynes, Bill Jaynes, Beverly Walker and Teresa Jaynes. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren

A graveside service will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2020 at the Round Hill Baptist Church Cemetery with Reverend Jonathan Lankford officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to Shriners Hospital, Greenville, SC,  https://donate.lovetotherescue.org

June 16, 1934 ~ June 23, 2020 (age 86)

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Stephen Patton Stallcup  (Teacher)

 Stephen Patton Stallcup 74, (former ASI Teacher), of Covington. Georgia passed away on August 20, 2019.

He was the son of the late Harold Kenneth Stallcup and Nancy Blanton Stallcup of Forest City NC.  Steve was born in Shelby, NC and lived in Forest City until he graduated from high school.  He attended Wofford College and graduated in 1967 with a BA Degree.  He was a member of the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity.  He later attended Appalachian University and received his Masters of Education Degree.  Steve taught history at Avondale High School in Decatur and coached the boys basketball team.  He then moved to Newton County High School where he finished his 35 years of teaching.

He married Sandy Daughtry in 1972 and raised two wpnderful daughters, Shelley Betz and Stacy Tidwell.  He is survived by 5 grandchildren:  Riley Betz, Katelyn Betz, Ansley Betz, Dylan Tidwell and Colton Tidwell.  In addition to his parents he was predeceased by a twin brother Larry Stallcup.

His hobbies were watching the Braves, the UNC Tarheels and fishing with friends.  He enjoyed tennis, reading and politics.      

 

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Dorothy Watkins Banks (Class 0f 1950)

Dorothy Watkins Banks  82,( ASI Class of 1950) passed away on August 2, 2012 at Palm Gardens in Port St. Lucie, FL.

Born in Washington, DC, she lived in Port St. Lucie for 10 years coming from Coral Springs, FL.She was a homemaker and of Baptist faith.

Dorothy is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, William; sons Calvin and his wife Alice of Elberton, GA, Terry and his wife Sharon of Port St. Lucie; daughter, Sherry Levesque of Lorton, VA; brother Charles Watkins of Islip NY; granddaughters, Danielle, Nicole, Meghan; grandson, Jonathan; and, great grandsons, Caleb and Aaron.

Friends and family may call on Monday, August 6, 2012 from 6:00-9:00 pm at Aycock Funeral Home in Stuart. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at 11:00 am at the Aycock Stuart Chapel. Interment will follow at Fernhill Memorial Gardens in Stuart, FL.

Memorial contributions may be made in her honor to Parkinson’s Disease Foundation of South Florida, 201 E. Sample Road, Deerfield Beach, FL 33064.

 

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Glenn S. Hutchins (Class of 1951)

Glenn S. Hutchins (ASI Class of 1951),born on December 25, 1933 and passed away on Sunday, February 4, 2018. Glenn was a resident of Rutherfordton, North Carolina at the time of passing. The funeral service will be 1:00 PM Friday, February 9, 2018 at McMahan's Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend John Edwards and Reverend Billy Bostic officiating. Interment will be at Eternal Hills Memorial Park.

  ****** 

Brenda Lynch Johnson  (Class of 1972)

Brenda Lynch Johnson, 60, (ASI Class of 1972) passed away on April 5, 2014.  The wake will be one hour prior to the service which will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at Mount Pleasant C>M>E> Church, Union Mills, NC.

Thompson's Mortuary 7 Chapel, Inc is serving the family.


 

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Margie McDaniel Kneece (Class of 1950)

 Margie McDaniel Kneece, 79 , (ASI Class of 1950), born September 25, 1932 passed away on May 21, 2012.

Services for Margie McDaniel Kneece, 79, will be conducted 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at Bethel Baptist Church with the Rev. Josh Davison officiating. Burial will follow in Batesburg Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service at the church from 2:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. Memorials may be made to Bethel Baptist Church, P.O. Box 68, Monetta, SC 29105 or to the American Cancer Society, 128 Stonemark Lane, Columbia SC, 29210. Barr-Price Funeral Home and Crematorium, Historic Batesburg-Leesville Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Kneece, widow of Julian Pace Kneece, Jr. passed away Monday, May 21, 2012. Born in Lake Lure, NC she was the daughter of the late Luther Edward and Elizabeth Searcy McDaniel. She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church and was a homemaker.

Surviving are sons, Julian Pace (Barbara) Kneece, III and Terry (Susanne) Kneece, both of Aiken; daughters, Lynda (Gary) Smallen of Myrtle Beach and Tonya (Joe) Watson of Monetta; grandchildren, Jason Smallen, Jeph (Lauren) Watson , Reid (Reagan) Watson, Lindsay Kneece, Michael (Elizabeth) Kneece, Stephen (Alley) Kneece; great-grandchildren Caleigh and Ava Watson. She was predeceased by a grandson, Julian Pace "Jake" Kneece, IV.

 

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Marion “Jack” Nanney (Class of 1952)

Marion Albert “Jack” Nanney, 86, (ASI Class of 1952), of Union Mills, was welcomed home Saturday, July 11, 2020. The service, with military honors, will be held at Round Hill Baptist Church Cemetery, Thursday, July 16th at 10 a.m. Those attending are asked to wear masks and observe social distancing.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents Walter Dewey and Fannie Koon Nanney, his sister Louise Crowe, brother, Alvin Nanney, grandson Chase McKinney, and granddaughter Brittany Nanney. He is survived by his wife Barbara Searcy Nanney; five daughters Jackie & Randy Wallace, Natalie & Leonard Archer, Kaye & Mark McKinney, Stacey Moulin, and Merri Nanney; eleven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, one brother Hugh Nanney (Colene), two sisters Nadine Rippey and Annette Shehan.

Jack served his country in the U.S. Navy. He also advocated for his fellow servicemen by encouraging family members of POW/MIA’s to submit DNA, so that the remains of these veterans can be identified and returned home to their families. His legacy as a father included formal adoptions and mentoring of young people. He encouraged them to love God, love their country, serve their church and community, and nurture their families with the love, understanding, and guidance that he personally embodied throughout his life. The family asks you to consider donations to: UMAR, 5350 77 Center Drive, Suite 201, Charlotte, NC 28217 (please indicate “In Memory of Jack Nanney”) or Hospice of the Carolina Foothills P.O. Box 336 Forest City, NC 28043. Online condolences may be made at www.crowemortuary.com.

 

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Paul Richard Splawn

Paul Richard Splawn, ( former ASI student) of Forest City, NC, born September died Thursday, July 4, 2013, at his residence in Forest City. He was the son of Richard Wiseman Splawn and Eula Mary Murray. He is survived by Son: Brian Keith Splawn, One Brother:Roy D. Splawn, Forest City, NC. Arrangements are being handled by McMahan's Funeral Home & Cremation Services and no formal services are going to be held.

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Daisy Walker Yelton

Daisy Lee Walker Yelton, age 81, (former ASi student), of Rutherfordton, NC, died Friday, September 14, 2018 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.

Born December 9, 1936 in Watauga County, she was a daughter of the late Clarence Walker and Colleen Terry.

A memorial service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 20, 2018 at the Westminster Baptist Church. Inurnment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time at the church.

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Nell Holler Givens (Class of 1939)

 Mrs. Nell Holler Givens, 92,  (ASI Class 0f 1939) went to be with her Lord on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2014. A Celebration of life later.

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Barbara Jane Hood

Barbara Jane Hood, (former ASI Student) passed away on Wednesday, October 29, 2014. Barbara was a resident of Graham, North Carolina at the time of her passing. The funeral service will be held on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2014, at 2 p.m. in the McClure Funeral Chapel in Graham officiated by the Rev. Norman Fargis. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday Nov. 1, 2014, from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care Center of Alamance-Caswell, 918 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215.

  ******

Peggy Hoyle

Peggy Hoyle, age 79, (former ASI Student),  of Rutherfordton, died Friday, February 20, 2015, at her residence.  She was the daughter of the late Jim Hunsinger and the late Mattie Lou Hollifield Hunsinger and the late Mattie Lou Hollifield Hunsinger

She is survived by her husband: Roy Hoyle. One daughter: Tracy Barry One Son: Keith Hoyle

The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Friday, February 27, 2015 at McMahan's Funeral Home. The memorial service will be at McMahan's Funeral Home Chapel at 11:00 AM, Friday, February 27, 2015. In Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to The American Diabetes Association, 1701 N. Beauregard St. Alexandria, VA 22311.

 

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 Joyce Strother Coates   (Class of 1949)

Joyce Strother Coates, (ASI Class of 1949),  was born on November 10, 1931 and passed away on Saturday, April 16, 2011. Joyce was a resident of Colonial Beach, Virginia at the time of passing. Joyce was married to Frank JR.

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Billy F. Throneburg

Bill Throneburg, (former ASI studen6), loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 27, 2015. Bill was born in Maiden, North Carolina, to Ruey O. Murray and Yates F. Throneburg, and was preceded in death by his parents, brother James and wife Beverly.

Always an avid student, Bill anticipated his WWII service by completing a certificate program at North Carolina State University in Chemical Engineering. He entered the U.S. Army in 1944 and was discharged as a Technical Sergeant in the Chemical Corps, having served in the Okinawa campaign.

Before and during his years as an engineering student at NC State, Bill was a notable presence in the minor league/VFW local teams as a scrappy infielder. His meager earnings, and the GI Bill, paid his college tuition. A passionate man of the Wolfpack, Bill had an ongoing, good-natured feud with Uncle Webb and brother James about the relative merits of the Duke Blue Devils.

Bill joined Hercules Inc. and met the love of his life, Beverly Bowles, when they both worked at Radford Arsenal. They married in 1952 and celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on August 9, 2014.

Bill's career with Hercules took the family to Kingston, N.Y. (occasional ball games with workmates at the Polo Grounds, Ebbets Field and Yankee Stadium) - then to Allegany Ballistics Laboratory (ABL) in Cumberland, Maryland. A final transfer to Bacchus Works in 1961 brought the family to Salt Lake City.

His early work as a ballistics/process engineer with propellants ensured a successful transition to the U.S Navy Polaris, Poseidon and Trident programs. Bill worked for many years as Navy Programs Manager, concluding his Hercules career as Safety/Quality Director. One of his yearly highlights was time spent with the old ABL gang. Always approachable, fair-minded and thoughtful, Bill had the enduring respect of all.

No greater Jazz (or Utes) fan could be found, and Bill and wife Bev's support was well-known.

The family cabin in Midway was as much a home as their Holladay residence. Bill took pride in the hands-on work he dedicated to the cabin's construction. Friends and family were always invited for visiting, fishing, bridge games, sleep-overs and barbeques.

Bill is survived by son William (Peg), daughter Patricia, and granddaughters Katherine and Keelia. The family would especially like to thank the entire staff of Sunrise at Sandy for the devotion and care shown for Bill and Bev throughout their nine-year stay. Also, thanks to Brighton Hospice, HealthSouth Hospital and Intermountain Medical Center for their critically needed care.

A memorial celebration of Bill's life will be held Saturday, January 2, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Holladay United Church of Christ, 2631 East Murray Holladay Road, Holladay, UT 84117. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Utah (855 East 4800 South, Suite 100, Salt Lake City, UT 84107), or Holladay United Church of Christ.

 

  ******

Gerald Dunn Meyers  (Class of 1951)

Gerald (Jerry) Dunn Meyers, age 85, (ASI Class of 1951), joined his wife Martha on October 12, 2018. He was born in Passaic, NJ on August 18, 1933.

Mr. Meyers graduated from Alexander schools in Union Mills, NC. After graduating, he joined the Army and went to Korea. After his tour was complete with the Army, he joined the Air Force and spent two tours in Vietnam with the Red Horse Construction Division and served on the Texas Towers off the New England Coast.

He was manager of Tega Cay Marina for many years. Jerry was a life member of DAV.

Palmetto Funeral Home of Fort Mill is serving the family.

 

 

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James B. Dobbins  (Class of 1959)

James "Jimmy" Buchanan Dobbins, 76, (ASI Class of 1959) went to be with the Lord on Monday, May 21, 2018 at Greenville Memorial Hospital surrounded by his loving family and close friends.

Born in Union Mills, NC, he was the son of the late William A. and Esther Buchanan Dobbins. Jimmy proudly served his country in the US Army and retired from Duke Power in 1998 after 20+ years of service. He was a Mason, member of the Sam Poe Lodge #284 and Monaghan Baptist Church.

At the age of 22, he married Brenda Arrowood, whom he has loved and adored for the past 53 years. From this loving union came a daughter, Natalie Dobbins-Belt, who is definitely a "Daddy's Girl". He has a granddaughter, Catherine Ashley Belt, who loved spending every minute she could with her Papa and also twin grandsons, Brad and Blake Belt, who looked up to their Papa. Also surviving are a sister, Doris Dobbins Glance and a brother, Frank Dobbins and wife Frances.

Because of this wonderful man, his wife, daughter and grandchildren have been blessed beyond measure. Jimmy was extremely loved, respected, and appreciated by all whose lives he touched. He generously helped anyone in need even a stranger, because he never met a stranger.

Along with his parents, Jimmy was predeceased by sisters: Elouise Dobbins Hill and Evelyn Dobbins Stairs; brothers: William B. Dobbins and an infant brother who passed at birth.

Visitation will be Thursday afternoon, May 24, 2018 from 1:30 until 2:45 p.m. at the Howze Mortuary. A service will follow the visitation at 3 p.m. in The Howze Mortuary Chapel. Burial will be at Mountain View Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Tribute Program, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908. As many of you know, Jimmy had a special place in his heart for children.

The family will be at the home of his daughter, Natalie Dobbins-Belt.

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Coleen Robinson Mathews

Coleen Robinson Mathews, age 92, (former ASI student), passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 8, 2020 at the John F. Keever Solace Center in Asheville.

Coleen was born on January 10, 1928 in Canton, North Carolina, the daughter of Paul Porter Robinson and Velma Murr Robinson.  In 1948 she married Cohen Mathews, also of Canton, who died in May 2015.  In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her only sibling, Maxine Lambert Elkins, who died in October 1997.

Coleen was active in the United Methodist Church, in the Order of the Eastern Star, and had been employed by the Haywood County School System. 

As a member of Sonoma Chapter 254 of the Order of the Eastern Star, she served for over 20 years as secretary of that chapter and was Worthy Matron and a Grand Officer.

In 1964 Coleen began working for the Haywood County School System.  She was employed as secretary at Bethel School in Waynesville, then accepted a position as bookkeeper at the Central Office.  She retired from the Haywood County School System with over 20 years of service.

Coleen was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir and taught a Sunday School class.  Later she became a member of Cruso United Methodist Church and served there for several years as secretary of the United Methodist Women.

Coleen is survived by four children, Wanda Taylor, of Canton, Michael H. Mathews, of Charlotte, Ricky P. Mathews (Deb Okuma), of Knoxville, Tennessee and Barbara Morris, of Bethel; eight grandchildren, Amity Taylor (James Clark), of Austin, Texas, Emmaline Taylor, of Arlington, Virginia, Gabe Mathews (Ashley Epps), of Brentwood, Tennessee, Haley Mathews Jonas (Chris), of Charlotte, Brandy Mathews and Tasha Mathews, both of Canton, Dakota Mathews (Vodi Stinnett-Cameron), of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Savannah Morris Pope (Bradley), of Canton; and nine great-grandchildren.

In view of the current pandemic crisis, there will be no indoor visitation or services.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2020 at Crawford/Ray Memorial Gardens, in Clyde with Reverend Peter Constantian, current minister of Cruso United Methodist Church and Reverend Aryn Ruebel, former pastor of Cruso United Methodist Church will be officiating.  The family members will greet friends at the graveside following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Coleen’s memory may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 950 West Farris Road, Greenville, SC 29605 or ShrinersHospitalsForChildren.org.

The care of Mrs. Mathews has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Homes. 

 

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Steven Lee Conard

Steven Lee Conard, 55, (former ASI student), passed away on Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at his home. He is predeceased by his parents, Charles Conard and Estealle Duckett Waters. 

Steven leaves behind to cherish his memories his wife, Patsy Conard; daughters, Trina Conard, Kimberly Conard (Broderick) and Brandy Ledford (Chuck); grandchildren, Jalique Cash, Elijah Cash, Mason Conard, Braylon Conard, Adalynn Conard, Bryon Lisenby and Madison Ledford. 

A Funeral Service will be held at Trinity Baptist Church, 746 Trinity Church Road, Mooresboro on Saturday, August 31, 2019 at 1:00 PM with Rev. Paul Toney officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service.

Arrangements entrusted to Robert Morgan Funeral and Cremation Service, LLC of Boiling Springs, NC.

Online condolences may be made at www.rsmorganfsl.com.

 

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Marinda Mae "Tinsey" Conner Bell

Marinda “Tinsey” Conner, 80, (former ASI student), of Union Mills passed away Monday, September 21, 2020, at Willow Ridge Health and Rehab. A native of Rutherford County, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Nancy Radford Bell.

Left to cherish her memories are her sons, Ray Conner and wife Elaine and Gary Conner and wife Rita; granddaughter Megan Snethen and husband Justin; and great grandsons Hayden and Raylen Snethen. Marinda was also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Conner, and siblings Mildred Flack, Betty Dowdle, Ellen Simpson and James Bell.

A graveside service will be held 11AM Thursday September 24, 2020 at Round Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. The family requests that everyone attending please wear a mask. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Union Mills Learning Center, PO Box 210 Union Mills, NC 28167.

 

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Sam Flack  (Class of 1950)

Sam Flack, 69, (ASI Class of 1950), of 521 Coney Island Road, Union Mills, NC died Saturday , February 19, 2000 at his home.

Sam was a native of Union Mills and was a son of the late Elzaja  Wellington Flack and Martha Jane Arrowood Flack. He was a member of Round Hill Baptist Church in Union Mills . He retired from Broyhill Furniture as a forklift operator.

He is survived by six sons, Jay Flack of Allenhurst, Georgia, Curtis Flack, Jimmy Flack, Norman Flack, Roscoe Flack and Woodrow Flack, all of Hillsborough, NC; two daughters, Edith Flack Greene and Geraldine Flack Koone both of Rutherfordton; two brothers, Jason Flack and Paul Edwin Flack both of Union Mills; two sisters, Alpha Parker of Forest City and Nell Rice of Conover; 15 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Round Hill Baptist Church with the Reverend Michael Johnson and Reverend Kenneth Lytle officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Crowe’s Mortuary. 

The family will be at the home of a daughter, Geraldine Koone, at 355 Mountain Creek Road, Rutherfordton.

\

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Frances Flack

Frances Marie Sorrells Flack, 67, (former ASI student), of 230S Lonnie Circle, Hillsborough, NC died Tuesday, January 25, 2005.

She was a daughter of the late Lloyd and Addie Sorrells, and the widow of Sam Flack. She retired from Greenwich Mills and attended Friendly Hills Baptist Church. 

She is survived by two daughters, Edith Flack Greene and Geraldine Flack Koone both of Rutherfordton; six sons, Woodrow Flack, Roscoe Flack, Jimmy Flack, Curtis Flack and Norman Flack all of Hillsborough, and Jay Flack of Allenhurst, Georgia;  one sister, Mary Lucas of Burlington; one brother, Herbert Russell of Alabama; 15 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at Gilkey Church of God in Rutherfordton. Burial will follow in the Round Hill Baptist Church cemetery in Union Mills. The Rev. Kenneth Lytle will officiate. Visitation will be held Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Walker’s Funeral Home in Hillsborough, NC.

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Clem Rayborn Thrift  (Class of 1934)

Clem Rayborn Thrift of Dallas, (ASI Class of 1934),Texas died on April 7, 2020. He was born in Thomasville, NC on January 27, 1927 to Clyde Ritchel Thrift and Martha Geneva Westmoreland, He passed away at his home holding the hand of his bride of 44 plus years.

When Clem was 16 years old he begged his mother to sign saying he was 17 so he could join the Navy and fight in World War II for his mother and his country. He proudly served in the Atlantic and Pacific aboard the USS HOLT (DE 706). He was a HOLT plank-holder as he was there from its commission on June 9, 1944. Clem always said he “grew up in the Navy” because he was just a boy when he joined. On the ship, he was surrounded by men of wide-ranging ages and life experiences who he otherwise would not have met. He always said he learned lessons about life during his service. As he signed up for “minority cruise” (unbeknown to him) he was still in the Navy when the war was over. “Good-bye Regular Navy” was often said to him by shipmates getting out of the service on points at the end of the war. He further served his country aboard the USS Scania (AKSA 40) doing mail runs in the Pacific as well as serving during the Korean Conflict in the US Air Force as part of crash rescue boat teams. 

Back in civilian life, he met and married Virginia Lea Ridgley in Kansas in 1947. Together they had four daughters, Bonnie, Becky, Claudia and Debbie. After their divorce, he met and married Dorothy Kathryn McKillip in 1975 while he was studying for the ministry of Unity Village Missouri. They lived an adventurous life together. In addition to traveling the world together, they lived in Missouri, Alabama, North Carolina and Rio de Janeiro Brazil before settling in Dallas, Texas in 1980.

His training in the Navy as an electrician’s mate, stood him a good stead in civilian life as it led to a 40-plus year career in fire protection and safety. He retired from Sedgwick/Fred S. James Insurance Brokerage as a vice-president in 1989.

Life -long learning was key to his mental acuity even in his last days. Clem graduated from college at 70 years of age. He loved to read, often devouring four or five non-fiction books a week. His wife often said if his eyes ever failed , she’d just have to “take him behind the barn and shoot him” as he loved reading that much. Ever entertaining, he would break out in song (not letting the actual words get in the way) or make up rhyming poems out of thin air (although he was never able to rhyme with “orange”) his sense of humor was enjoyed by those who knew him. Clem never met a stranger and was always willing to stop and visit with anyone.

His interest in medicine and all things medical began when he was 12 years old in 1939 when he found a copy of Morris Fishbein, M.D. Modern Home Medical Advisor. He shared some of the knowledge gained from this book with Adolph Kiefer, 1936 Olympic World  champion backstroke swimmer, under whom he served while awaiting his OGU (outgoing unit) orders. Many years later, after his retirement, when Kathryn began her studies of the lymphatic system and began teaching Dr. Vodder’s Manual Lymph Drainage, he became keenly interested in the lymphatic system and lymphedema. As a result, he often accompanied her when she taught all across the United States. While attending the didactic portions of her classes, he often would share additional information much to the delight of her students. Kathryn called him her “auxiliary brain.” he attended many international conferences on lymphedema and was well-known in that community for 30 years.

Hse was predeceased by his parents, his first wife, and his two older daughters, Bonnie and Becky. Surviving to relish his memory are his wife, Kathryn; his daughters, Claudia and Debbie; granddaughter, Jennifer, her husband, Brandon, and their three daughters, Ridgley, Brooke, and Sarah Kate, grandson, Josh, granddaughter, Natalie, her husband, Nathan, and their children Alexandra, Isaiah, and Asher, and sister-in-law, Barbara; and his “brown-eyed son,” Jesus; as well as a complement of friends from all parts of the world.

Funeral plans are pending but should be after January 20th. (once this pandemic passes, he will be at the DFW National Cemetery.) **his death was not a result of the pandemic.

 

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Woodrow Samuel Flack (Class of 1972)

Woodrow Samuel Flack (ASI Class of 1972) was born on April 27th, 1954. He passed away on August 6th, 2020 at Duke Regional Hospital after a long battle with multiple health issues.

He grew up in Union Mills, NC. He graduated from R S Central High School in 1972. One of his proud accomplishments was joining the United States Army. He served from 1972-1976. He was then employed at Greenwich Mills. After the mill closed, in the late 90's, he started his own business, Woody's Odd jobs which served the community for over 20 years.

He is proceeded in death by his father Sam Flack, his mother Frances Sorrell Flack and his granddaughter Corbyn Elizabeth Reign Colbert. He is survived by his seven siblings, Elzaja Flack, Edith Greene Foy, Geraldine Koone, Roscoe Flack, James Flack, Curtis Flack and Norman Flack. His daughters, Anna Flack, Mary Flack Piocuda, and Grace Flack. As well as his 11 grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Walker's Funeral Home in Hillsborough on Sunday, August 9th from 3-5pm. He will be laid to rest at Round Hill Baptist Cemetery in Union Mills, NC on August 11th, 2020. Graveside services will be at 12pm. Crowe’s Mortuary is assisting the family of Woodrow Samuel Flack.

In lieu of flowers please donate in memory to K9s for Warriors, or to the Wounded Warrior Project

To send flowers to the family of Woodrow Samuel Flack, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

 

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Michael Alton Nalley (Class of 1973)

Michael Alton Nalley, (ASI Class of 1973), passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2020 at the age of 64. Born in Gastonia on September 28, 1955, Michael was the son of the late Roy Alton Nalley and Margaret Evelyn Turner Nalley.

Michael retired from Freightliner after 24 years of service. While at Freightliner, he served as a union rep. Michael was an avid motorcyclist and a member of the Gaston Harley Owners Group where he served as assistant director.

Michael is survived by his beloved wife of 21 years, Wanda Poteat Nalley; daughter, Crystal Parker; sisters and brothers-in-law, Myra and Don Whitworth, and Cindy and JB Laboon; three grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

At the request of Michael, there will be no services.

Condolences may be sent to the Nalley family at www.mcleanfuneral.com

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Michael may be sent to the American Diabetes Association, 2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 900, Arlington, VA 22202

McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia is serving the Nalley family.

 

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Carolyn Patsy Ball Stodghill (Class of 1961)

Carolyn Patsy Stodghill, 77, (ASI Class of 1961) passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, at Mission Memorial Campus.

A native of Buncombe County, Patsy was the daughter of the late Cletus and Blanche Blazer Ball. She was also preceded in death by her son, Norman Stodghill.

Patsy was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, who will be greatly missed.

Left to cherish Patsy’s memory are her husband of 47 years, William Stodghill of Candler; her daughters, Shirley Ann Stodghill of Asheville and Denise Michelle Mitchell of Big River, California; a sister, Audrey Carson of Parker, Arizona; six grandchildren, Jason Biggs, Desiree Biggs, Nicolas Loefler, Heather Loefler, Jessica Biggs and Sean Toomey; seven great-grandchildren, Sierra Chambers, Elena Vecchio, Dade Biggs, Travion Chambers, Khloe Vecchio, Lyric Biggs and Raine Drennan; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park Chapel of Faith with the Reverend Dan McCurry officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00 to 1:00 prior to the service. Interment will follow the service at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Dakota Indian Foundation, 209 N. Mains Street, PO Box 340, Chamberlain, SD 57325.

The care of Mrs. Stodghill has been entrusted to Forest Lawn Funeral Homes and an online memorial register is available at “Obituaries” at www.forestlawnfuneral.com.

 

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Allen Wayne Hampton (Class of 1967)

Allen Wayne Hampton, Sr., 72, (ASI Class of 1967) passed away peacefully at home on Saturday February 15, 2020. Allen was a family man who was devoted to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He proudly served the United States in the U. S. Army as a member of the 173 and 82 Airborne. He loved to fish and be outdoors. Allen loved to take long drives. He had a special place in his heart for his dogs – especially Sassy. He enjoyed all sports and he was definitely a Panthers, UNC-Tar Heels and Atlanta Braves fan. Allen never met a stranger. He was very sociable and would strike up a conversation with anyone. Professionally he was a steel fabricator. He will be dearly missed by all that knew and loved him.

Allen is the son of the late Roselle (Salyer) and Wade Hampton. Allen was the last of his siblings. He is preceded in death by two sisters and seven brothers.

Left to cherish their memories of Allen and to carry on his legacy are his daughter; Amanda Dawn Rowland and sons; Robert Hampton, Allen “Wayne” Hampton, Jr. and his wife Vicky, Adam Dewayne Hampton and his wife Misty and Aaron Michael Hampton. Missing their grandfather are Devin, Dalton, Caitlyn, Jonathan, Jessica, Travis, Elizabeth “Libby”, Kira and Michaela. He leave behind his two great-grandchildren; Kayson and Ainsley. Grieving the loss of Allen is his ex-wife, mother of his children and “best friend” Edna Maney.

A celebration of Allen’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday February 17, 2020 at Carothers Funeral Home Chapel – Stanley, 412 South Main Street, Stanley, North Carolina. The family will receive friends from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm before the service at the funeral home. Pastor Jason Marlowe will offer words of encouragement and hope to family and friends that gather to remember Allen. Devin Rushing, Dalton Rushing, Chris Maney, Jessie Bolen, Andrew Bone and Josh Chapman will serve as pallbearers.

The United States Army and the Gaston County Honor Guard will accord full military honors to Allen at the graveside. The committal and burial will follow the chapel service at Forest Lawn Cemetery and Mausoleum, 2858 NC-150, Lincolnton.

Donations in Allen’s name may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care, Charlotte Region, Lincolnton Office, PO Box 470408, Charlotte, NC 28247 or https://www.hpccr.org/give.

Fond memories of Allen and condolences for the family may be left at www.carothersfuneralhomestanley.com. The staff at Carothers Funeral Home in Stanley is honored to serve the Hampton family.

 

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Thomas Gerald Lathan (Class of 1952)

Thomas Gerald Lathan (ASI Class of 1952) passed away peacefully at home on February 3, 2020. He was born December 25, 1935; he was 84 years young.


Jerry graduated from Union Mills Boarding School, Union Mills, NC. He and his twin brother Terry (ASI Class of 1952) received a great education there.
Jerry was retired from Bell South as a manager with 39 years’ service. He was a Chief Master Sgt. with 38 years in the NC Air National Guard service and was a Senior Enlisted Advisor. Jerry was always very proud of and dedicated to his service in the military. He was a Flight Engineer as well.


After retirement he flew as a corporate pilot for Keffer Auto Dealership. He loved telling that he flew Mother Theresa and Joe Gibbs.
He was a proud member of Steele Creek Masonic Lodge for 50 years, of the Oasis Shrine, and of Park Street UMC in Belmont. He loved his Pathfinders Sunday School Class. He was always loving and caring for others and had a wonderful sense of humor. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren.
He is survived by his loving wife, Brenda; daughters, Kim and Lynn; stepmom, Dot; step-son Tom and wife Jennifer; grandchildren Brooke, Madelyn and John; wonderful nieces and nephews.


The family will receive friends from 11:30 am until 12:45 pm, Saturday, February 8, 2020 in the Family Life Center at Park Street UMC. A Memorial Service will follow at 1pm, in the sanctuary at Park Street UMC. Inurnment in the church's columbarium will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Park Street UMC, Belmont, or Shriner's Hospital.
Condolence messages may be sent online at www.McLeanFuneral.com. McLean Funeral Directors of Belmont is serving the Lathan family.

To send flowers to the family of Thomas Gerald Lathan, please visit Tribute Store.

 

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Teresa Mae Bryant Cox (Class of 1976)

Former N.C resident Teresa Bryant Cox (December 3, 1958 ~ January 8, 2020) , (ASI Class of 1976)’ 61 died January 8, 2020 at home in Rural Hall, North Carolina.

Mrs. Cox was born December 3rd,1958 in Catawba County to Flora Janette Cline and Jessie Bryant, Sr. In her younger years, she was a lifeguard to infants and worked in Social Services for many years. Teresa was always dedicated to the people around her; She was a loving and devoted wife and mother. She was also known for her big heart, Kindness, and willingness to help others as well as her humor and high spirits.

She is preceded in death by her husband Robert Cox , sister Peggy Thomason, and brother Gene Bryant. She is survived by her son Zebulon Causby, grandchildren Addin Causby and Sara Bennett, sisters Doris Carswell, Kelly Cline, and Libby Bryant as well as her brothers Jessie (Buddy) Bryant, Charlie Cline, and Wayne Cline. At her request, no services will be held.

 

 

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Bertha Woods Bishop (Class of 1961)

Bertha Woods Bishop, 76, (ASI Class of 1961) of Marshall, passed away on December 24, 2019. She was the wife of the late Warner Bishop and daughter of the late Leona Woods Hedden. Mrs. Bishop loved spending time with her family and friends, helping others and reading.

She is survived by her children, Etiska Jackson (Jayme), Dewitt Bishop (Ginger), Dale Bishop (Kim), Dean Bishop (Jennifer); grandchildren, Roy, Morgan, Chesney, and Taylor Bishop, and Brittney Wright; and great grandchild, Brantley. Also surviving is her special adoptive family, Carolyn, Steve, Tanner and Bud Franklin; her sisters, Janice Davis and Rose Abernathy; brother, Dale Hedden; sisters-in-law, Gail Hedden, Faye Bishop, Dessie White; brothers-in-law, Ronnie and Colon Bishop; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 2pm Saturday, December 28, 2019, at Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral Service. Reverends Keith Watkins and Dennis Anderson will officiate. Burial will follow in Mt. Zion Baptist Church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ronnie Norris, Clifford Bishop, Frankie and James White, Tanner Franklin and Noah Seay, and Bud Franklin will serve as honorary pallbearer. The family will receive friends from 5-7pm Friday at the funeral home.

At other times, the family will be at Mrs. Bishop's home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at 
www.blueridgefuneralservice.org.

 

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Tommy Ray Poe (Class of 1968)

Tommy Ray Poe (ASI Class of 1968) passed away in July 2019. There are no details.  Could not find an obituary. Tommy had two brothers that attended ASI. Robert Poe (ASI Class of 1967 and Ronald Poe ASI Class of 1969).

 

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James Donald Conner, Sr (Class of 1956)

James Donald Conner, Sr., (ASI Class of 1956) husband of Hilda White Conner, died Tuesday, August 6, 2019.

Born July 19, 1938 in Rutherfordton, NC, Don was a son of the late S.J. and Esther Hodge Conner. Don found his niche in the education system. He was a teacher and Principal in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school system for 12 years, the Principal at West View Elementary for 18 years, and a teacher at Woodland Heights Elementary for 9 years. Don was member of Round Hill Baptist Church in Union Mills, NC.

“You only go through this life one time, better enjoy it while it lasts” and “If I was any better, I’d have to take something for it” are two things that Don always said and were a reflection of his life.

In addition to his wife, Don is survived by his son, Don Conner, Jr. and his wife, Linda, of Moore, SC; his daughter, Kathy Conner of Cross Hill, SC; grandchildren, Katie Freeman, Kellie Gault, Alex Causby, Ridge Conner, Ashton Conner, and Andrew Krawczyk; great grandchildren, Annie Conner, Emmie Freeman, Lillie Freeman, and Quinn Gault; and a sister in-law, Tinsey Conner of Union Mills, NC.

He was predeceased by his brothers, Hicks, Jay, Jonas, and Frank Conner; and sisters, Dorothy C. Young, Francis C. White, and Nancy Conner.            The family will receive friends Friday, August 9th, 2-3:30PM at Dunbar Funeral Home.Funeral services will follow at 3:30 in the Chapel, officiated by Reverend Matt Freeman and Reverend Monty King.Burial will be held in Heritage Memorial Gardens.The family will be at the home of his son, Don, Jr.       

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Impact Community Church, Building Fund, P O Box 39, Duncan, SC 29334

 

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Albert O'neal Mullins, Jr (Class of 1967)

Albert O'Neal Mullins,  (ASI Class of 1967) Passed away in 2012 in Augusta, SC.  No other details available.

 

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Frank Everette Dobbins  (Class of 1956)

Frank Everette Dobbins, age 80,(ASI Class of 1956) of Brevard, passed away on Wednesday, May 22, 2019. 

He was the son of the late William and Esther Buchanan Dobbins. In addition to her parents, one daughter, Mary Frances Dobbins, two sisters, Evelyn Stairs and Elouise Hill, two brothers, William Dobbins and James Dobbins and one grandson, John Adams. 

Frank was a loving husband, father, brother and grandfather. 

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Frances Dobbins, two sons, Brian Dobbins and wife Patricia of Raleigh and Sean Dobbins and wife Christina of Brevard, one sister Doris Glance of Rutherfordton and grandchildren, Jacob, Jimmy, Vickie, Zachary, Rebekah, Robert “Elwood” and Rachel. 

Memorial services will be held 2pm, Saturday, June 1, 2019 at Moody-Connolly Funeral Home. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. 
Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com
Moody-Connolly Funeral Home, 181 S. Caldwell Street, Brevard, NC 28712.

 

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Steven Randall "Sugar Bear" Ferguson (Class of 1969)

Steven Randall Ferguson, Sr., 67, (ASI Class of 196) of Augusta passed away February 18, 2019 surrounded with love.

Steve was born in Huntington, WV to Alethia Ferguson and the late Leo Ferguson. After graduating ASI High School in 1969 and attending Piedmont College, Steve moved to the CSRA. He married Terry (Partridge) 28 years ago and settled in Thomson, GA. He is survived by his mother, wife, daughters Jennifer (Adam) Hart, Joy (Bowles) Charlie and sons Justin Ferguson (Nicole) and Matthew Ferguson, sister Sandy Landrum (Tommy), brother Marc Ferguson and several grandchildren. Steve is preceded in death by his son Steven R. Ferguson, Jr., brother Mike Ferguson and his father. Steve had a lifelong love of music beginning with learning to play the drums and singing at an early age. This led him to a career with various groups including recording artists The Southern Comfort Band. His desire to entertain through music gave him opportunities to DJ weddings, parties, and on radio. Steve has been a voice in radio for over 30 years. His commitment to music and community garnered him multiple awards and recognition both locally and nationally. He was a friend to so many and loved by all.

Visitation will be held Thursday, February 21st from 6pm-8pm at Beggs Funeral Home. The funeral will take place Friday, February 22nd at 3pm Beggs Funeral Home with the Rev. Bobby Farmer officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the GoFundMe.com account set up in Steve's honor.

Beggs Funeral Home, 799 Cobbham Rd., Thomson, Georgia is honored to serve the family of Steve Ferguson

 

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Jerry E. Campbell (Class of 1968)

Reverend Jerry E. Campbell, age 69, (ASI Class of 1968) of Rutherfordton, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 surrounded by his loving family at his home. He was a native of Rutherford County and the son of the late Edward Lee Campbell and the late Annie Lee Campbell. He was a member of Piney Knob Baptist Church where he had served as pastor in the past. He had also served as pastor at Cross Memorial Baptist Church in Morganton, NC and at Montford Cove Missionary Baptist Church. In the last few years Jerry had served as assistant choir director and Sunday school teacher at Piney Knob Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by a son in law Jamey Arrowood.

He is survived by his loving wife of forty five years; Gladys Greene Campbell . 

Two Daughters: Robin Campbell Arrowood and Erin Campbell McSwain and her husband Heath.

One Sister:  Barbara Conner and her husband James

Four Brothers:  Bobby Campbell and his wife Linda Sue, Donald Campbell, Ronnie Campbell and his wife Marilyn, and Buddy Campbell and his wife Barbara

Four Grandchildren: Chase McSwain, Peyton Arrowood, Jesse Arrowood and Turner McSwain

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Saturday, October 27, 2018 at McMahan's Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at Piney Knob Baptist Church at 3:00 PM, Sunday, October 28, 2018 with Reverend Michael Brown, Reverend Dr. Keith Stephenson and Reverend George Whitmire officiating. Interment will be at Piney Knob Baptist Church Cemetery. The body will lie in state thirty minutes prior to the service in the sanctuary. Memorials may be made to The Missions at Piney Knob Baptist Church at 1534 Piney Knob Rd. Rutherfordton, NC 28139 or to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills at P.O. Box 336 Forest City, NC 28043. Online guest register at www.mcmahansfuneralhome.com. McMahan's Funeral Home & Cremation Services in charge of the arrangements.

 

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Gerald Dunn Meyers (Class of 1951)

Gerald (Jerry) Dunn Meyers, age 85 (ASI Class of 1951), joined his wife Martha on October 12, 2018. He was born in Passaic, NJ on August 18, 1933.

Mr. Meyers graduated from Alexander schools in Union Mills, NC. After graduating, he joined the Army and went to Korea. After his tour was complete with the Army, he joined the Air Force and spent two tours in Vietnam with the Red Horse Construction Division and served on the Texas Towers off the New England Coast.

He was manager of Tega Cay Marina for many years. Jerry was a life member of DAV.

A Graveside Service will be held at 1:00 PM, Wednesday, October 17, 2018 at Forest Lawn East Cemetery, 4700 Forest Lawn Drive, Matthews, NC 28104 with full military honors.

Online condolences may be directed to: www.palmettofh.com.

 

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 Frances Johnson Heaton Bailey (Class of 1950)

Frances Johnson Heaton Bailey, age 85 (ASI Class of 1950), of Columbus, NC, died Saturday, September 29, 2018, at Ridge Rest Assisted Living in Columbus, NC. 

She was the daughter of the late Thomas J. Johnson and the late Mae Guffey Johnson and native of Rutherford County. She was first married to the late Memory Heaton and they made their home in Rutherfordton for many years. She later married the late William "Bill" Bailey and moved to Morganton. Frances was a lifelong member of Oak Springs Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by two sisters; Lucy Vickers and Ira Briscoe Adkins.

She is survived by: two nieces Crystal B. Holbert of Tryon and Jody Owens of Rutherfordton.

Two Step-sons: Harold Bailey of Hickory and Rodger Bailey of Morganton. 

The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, Wednesday, October 3, 2018 at Oak Springs Baptist Church prior to the service. The Funeral service will be at Oak Springs Baptist Church at 3:00 PM, Wednesday, October 3, 2018 with Reverend Alvin Allen and Reverend Don Hollifield officiating. Interment will be at Oak Springs Baptist Church Cemetery. A guest register is available at www.mcmahansfuneralhome.com. McMahan's Funeral Home & Cremation Services in charge of arrangements.

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Kolen Flack (Class of 1944)

Kolen Flack, age 92, (ASI Class of 1944) passed away Saturday, September 15, 2018 at Memorial Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC.

Kolen was born in Rutherford County, NC to the late John and Malinda Flack. He is also preceded in death by his wife Mildred Bell Flack, five brothers, and four sisters. Kolen proudly served our country during 
WWII in the US Navy. He later retired from the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. Kolen was a member of Western Star #91, AF&AM, a 70-gallon blood donor, and a lifelong member of Round Hill Baptist Church.

Surviving Kolen are his sons: John Jodie of Union Mills, NC and Randy Lee of Asheville, NC; sisters: Martha Lovelace and Thalia Shook, both of Union Mills, NC; four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Kolen is also survived by Betty Morgan Bailey. Her love and companionship kept him young, strong, and happy.

A Memorial Service will be held 2:00 PM, Friday, October 5, 2018 at Round Hill Baptist Church, 6585 Hudlow Rd, Union Mills, NC. Memorials can be made to Round Hill Baptist Church C/O Peggy St. Clair, 142 Ferguson Ridge Rd, Union Mills, NC 28167.

Condolences can be made to the family at 
www.ashevilleareaalternative.com

 

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Ruby Plantinga

Ruby M. Plantinga, age 82 of Cottontown, (former ASI Student)  passed away Friday, August 3, 2018.  Visitation will be Sunday, August 5th from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Monday, August 6th from 11:00 a.m. until time of service at 1:00 p.m. at Alexander Family Heritage Funeral Home (100 Albert Gallatin Avenue).  Funeral Service will be Monday, August 6th at 1:00 p.m. at Alexander Family Heritage Funeral Home chapel with Dr. Howie Cantrell officiating. Entombment will follow the service at Sumner Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, with family serving as pallbearers.

Mrs. Plantinga was born August 30, 1935 in Marshall, N.C. to the late James Bascombe Payne and Eula Jarrett Payne.  In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by husband of 57 ½ years, John J. “Jack” Plantinga, Sr.; brother, James Bascombe Payne, Jr.; and grandson, Jeff Jones III.  She is survived by sister, Nellie Payne of Charlotte, N.C.; son, John J. Plantinga, Jr. (Mindi) of Gallatin; daughters, Sandy Jones (Tommy) of Hermitage, Judy Brawner (Ron) of Gallatin, and Joyce Slawson (Randy) of Gallatin; grandchildren, Katie Witten (Doug), John Plantinga III (Caitlin), Tiffany Jones, James Brawner, Matthew Brawner (Heather), Justin Kitchens, Selena Poteete (Robert), Jennifer Moten (Jerry); granddaughter-in-law, Heather Jones; great-grandchildren, Mason Witten, Ben Witten, Ruby Kate Witten, Deacon Green, Gunner Plantinga, Dylan Dalton, Hayden Dalton, Ryan Rulo, Destynie Jones, Mykinzie Jones, Jeff Jones IV, Nicholas Jones, Addison Brawner, Hudson Brawner, Paige Poteete, Alex Poteete, Zac Poteete, and Jaxen Moten; niece, Patsy Worley; and nephew, Chris Payne.

Mrs. Plantinga was a Registered Nurse at Roseland Community Hospital and South Suburban Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (PO Box 1000, Dept. 142 Memphis, TN, 38101-9908). Online condolences may be submitted at alexanderheritagefh.com.  Alexander Family Heritage Funeral Home has been honored with arrangements.

 

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Jonas Burt Conner

Jonas Burl Conner, age 90 of Union Mills, NC (former ASI Student) passed away on September 23rd 2018. Jonas was the son of the late Simon Jacob Conner and Esther Sarah Hodge Conner. In addition to his parents Jonas was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Hall Conner; sister Dorothy Young; sister Frances White; brother Jay Conner; brother Frank Conner; brother Hicks Conner; grandson Jeff Street; and son-in-law Frank Melton. Left to cherish his memory are his son Dean (ASI Class of 1964) and wife Jeannie Conner (ASI Class of 1964); son Edward (ASI Class of 1975) and wife Karyn Conner; daughter Pat Street (ASI Class of 1966) and husband Claude; daughter Barbara Moore (ASI Class of 1968) and husband Steve; daughter Judy Melton (ASI Class of 1969); brother Don Conner (ASI Class of 1956); 13 grandchildren; and 16 great grandchildren.

Services will be held at 2:00PM on Tuesday September 25th 2018 at Crowe’s Mortuary the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Round Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. Donations may be made to Yokefellow at 132 Blanton St, Spindale, NC 28160.Online condolences may be made at www.crowemortuary.com.

 

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Hattie Lord Ervin (Class of 1943)

Hattie Lord Ervin, 91, (ASI Class of 1943) of Fairview passed away Thursday, November 30, 2017.
Mrs. Ervin was born March 27, 1926 in Buncombe County to the late Robert and Blanche Foster Lord. She retired from the Alcohol Rehabilitation Center in Black Mountain as a Registered Nurse. Hattie was a member of East Asheville United Methodist Church.


In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Gene Ervin and two sisters.
Hattie is survived by her son, Edd Ervin and wife, Cindy of Spartanburg; grandchildren, Lynette Ervin and Mark Ervin and wife, Jessica.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Monday, December 4, 2017 at 3:00pm at East Asheville United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Sky View Memorial Park.

 

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Frances Flack Phillips (Class of 1943)

Frances Flack Phillips,(ASI Class of 1943)  formerly of Shelby, age 93, died Tuesday, June 12, 2018 in Fayetteville.  Frances was born on February 28, 1925 in Rutherford County to the late John Flack and Melinda Koon Flack.  Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Hugh Phillips, five brothers and three sisters.

Frances is survived by her son, John Thomas Phillips of Sevierville, TN, two daughters, Jackie  Poston of Hendersonville and Susan Byers and husband Tom of Fayetteville; two sisters Thalia Shook and Martha Lovelace and one brother Kolen Flack all of Union Mills; five grandchildren, Audrey Asprogiannis of Sevierville, TN, Brent Poston and wife Molly of Sanford, Ginger Barnwell and husband Joel of Arden, Carroll Herndon and wife Elizabeth of Cary and Larry French, II and wife Sabrina of Middletown, CT; and thirteen great grandchildren, Sarah and James Asprogiannis of Sevierville, TN; Josie and Clark Poston of Sanford, Georgianna and Jared Barnwell of Arden, Larry III and Lacey French of Middletown, CT; Kyrsten Byers of Dover, FL, Thomas III, Ella and Riley Byers and Jerry Cummings, II of Fayetteville.

Frances was a member of Zoar Baptist Church in Shelby, NC.  She worked at JP Stevens Textile Mill and Doran Mills as a weaver.  She was a member of the Shelby Chapter of Eastern Star and the North Carolina Blue Bird Society.  Frances loved nature, gardening and traveling with her niece, Christine Ammons to Blue Bird meetings.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Fayetteville from 2:00 to 5:00 pm on June 24, 2018 at the home of Tom and Susan Byers, 6415 Whitehall Drive with Rev. Richard Bowen officiating.   Burial will be at Cleveland Memorial Park on July 6, 2018.  The family will receive friends on July 6, 2018 from 12 to 1 pm at Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the charity of your choice or to the Hospice agency that assisted the family; Promise Foundation, Cape Fear Valley Hospice, 3450 Walsh Parkway, Fayetteville, NC 28311.

 

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Don Doggett  (ASI Class of 1943)

Don Fauntleroy Doggett, 93, (ASI Class of 1943) of Marion, NC passed away Friday, August 31, 2018. A native of Rutherford County, he was the son of the late Charlie and Della Vickers Doggett. He was a carpenter and a 32nd Degree Mason. Don was a US Army veteran of WWII and a POW. He was loved as if a member of First Baptist Church of Marion.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Juanita Doggett (ASI Class of 1969) and Margaret Doggett Stevens (ASI Class of 1971) and husband Randy; grandson Jamie Stevens and wife Kasey; great granddaughter Lillie. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys B. Doggett and brothers, Spence Doggett and Walton Doggett.

Graveside services will be held 11:30 AM Tuesday, September 4, 2018 at Eternal Hills Memorial Park, 1565 Oakland Road, Forest City, NC with Pastor Jerry Lewis officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Rutherford County Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 10 AM until 11 AM at Crowe’s Mortuary, 118 College Avenue Rutherfordton.

Flowers are welcomed and contributions are requested to McDowell County Chamber of Commerce LINC High School Scholarship Fund, First Baptist Church of Marion Bus Fund, or Grace Community Church Building Fund.

Special thanks for the excellent care to Rose Hill Assisted Living facility, McDowell Hospital and Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.

 

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Rev. Richard Davis Smith, Jr. (Former Pastor of Round Hill Baptist Church)

                                                                                                                                       

Rev. Richard Davis Smith, Jr. (former Pastor of Round Hill Baptist Church) Born June 26, 1929 and died October 29, 2015.  Richard was the son of the late W.J. and Banna Ostwalt Smith of Charlotte NC. He was predeceased by his parents and brothers W.J. Smith Jr., his wife Terry and their son Scott and John Edwin Smith and his wife Liz.


Richard graduated from Central High School in Charlotte, Wake Forest College and Southeastern Baptist Seminary at Wake Forest. He joined the Navy at 17 and served for 18 months on LSM 491 in the Pacific. He was honorably discharged in July of 1946. He was pastor of Spring Branch Baptist Church in Sampson County, Round Hill Baptist Church in Rutherford County and in 1961 he begin serving at the Baptist State Convention of NC-in the Sunday School Department, then the Church Building & Planning Department and retired in 1991 as the Business Manager after 30 years of service. After retiring he served as interim pastor of a number of churches and as pastor of Carolina Pines Baptist Church, Raleigh. In his retirement years he enjoyed organic gardening, growing German Johnson tomatoes, Butternut Squash, and green beans. Richard loved God, the church, his family, his country and he loved people. He saw the best in everyone; he was a true “people person”.


He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jean Paylor Smith, his two children Richard Davis Smith, Jr and his wife Marie Jones Brevard NC; his daughter Beckie Smith Leone of Greensboro and her two children Heather Holden Crawshaw of Raleigh and Andrew Davis Leone of Greensboro. He also had four step-grandchildren: James Leone and Jodi Leone Sheldon of Raleigh and John and Jason Leone of Greensboro – children of John Leone (deceased). He had five nephews: Ken, Jack , Todd and Jed Smith and Mike Paylor and two nieces: Shelley Hobson and Dale Henslee-SmithA memorial service will be held Monday at 2pm at Forest Hills Baptist Church at 201 Dixie Trail. Visitation will be at 1pm in the Gathering Place. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Forest Hills Baptist Church or Raleigh Rescue Mission.
The family wishes to express gratitude to Dr Mark Yoffe, Dr Mary Jones, Transitions (Hospice) and Home Instead Senior Care.

 

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Charles S. Doggett  (Class of 1943)

DoggettCharles S. Doggett, age 93 of Oakland, Michigan (ASI Class of 1943) passed away August 12, 2017.   Beloved husband of the late Catherine. Dearest father of Spencer (Rhonda)Doggett and Bruce (Jennifer) Doggett. Loving grandfather of Angela (Leo), Maxwell (Brittany), Sarah and Hannah. Proud great grandfather of Emiliano and Kieran. Dear brother of Donald (the late Gladys) Doggett and the late Walton (the late Gladys) Doggett.

Visitation Wednesday 9:00am until 11:00am time of funeral at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, Inc., 36900 Schoenherr at Metro Parkway (16 Mile). Entombment Cadillac Memorial Gardens East Cemetery, Clinton, Michigan. Memorials to Michigan VFW appreciated. Share memories with the family at their "On-Line Guestbook" @ WujekCalcaterra.com.

 

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Ronald A. C. Shrank (Class of 1962)

Ronald A.C. Shrank, ASI Class of 1962 passed away on November 15, 2000.  He was born March 15,1944.  He was a Veteran Army Warrant Officer (CW2) and was buried in Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery Black Mountain, Buncombe County, North Carolina.

 

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James "Jimmy" Buchanan Dobbins (Class of 1959)

 JAMES "JIMMY" BUCHANAN DOBBINS, 76, Travelers Rest, SC (ASI Class of 1959) went to be with the Lord on Monday, May 21, 2018 at Greenville Memorial Hospital surrounded by his loving family and close friends.

Born in Union Mills, NC, he was the son of the late William A. and Esther Buchanan Dobbins. Jimmy proudly served his country in the US Army and retired from Duke Power in 1998 after 20+ years of service. He was a Mason, member of the Sam Poe Lodge #284 and Monaghan Baptist Church.

At the age of 22, he married Brenda Arrowood, whom he has loved and adored for the past 53 years. From this loving union came a daughter, Natalie Dobbins-Belt, who is definitely a "Daddy's Girl". He has a granddaughter, Catherine Ashley Belt, who loved spending every minute she could with her Papa and also twin grandsons, Brad and Blake Belt, who looked up to their Papa. Also surviving are a sister, Doris Dobbins Glance and a brother, Frank Dobbins and wife Frances.

Because of this wonderful man, his wife, daughter and grandchildren have been blessed beyond measure. Jimmy was extremely loved, respected, and appreciated by all whose lives he touched. He generously helped anyone in need, even a stranger, because he never met a stranger. 

Along with his parents, Jimmy was predeceased by sisters: Elouise Dobbins Hill and Evelyn Dobbins (ASI Class of 1941) Stairs; brothers: William B. Dobbins (ASI Class of 1947) and an infant brother who passed at birth.

Visitation will be Thursday afternoon, May 24, 2018 from 1:30 until 2:45 p.m. at the Howze Mortuary. A service will follow the visitation at 3 p.m. in The Howze Mortuary Chapel.

Burial will be at Mountain View Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Tribute Program, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908. As many of you know, Jimmy had a special place in his heart for children.

 

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Doris Baynard Craig Ingram  (Class of 1954)

Doris Baynard Craig Ingram – (ASI Class of 1954), age 82, of Rutherfordton, died Thursday, May 17, 2018, at Hospice House of Rutherford County.
She was the daughter of the late Jessie Baynard and the late Lela Hudson Baynard. She was the widow to the late Lee Maxtell Craig and Hugh Ingram (ASI Class of 1954)
She is survived by: one daughter: Sandi Hill; two sons: Kerry Craig and Kenny Craig;
one sister: Hazel Baynard Radford (ASI Class of ’52); eight grandchildren; Nine Great-Grandchildren
At the request of the family all services were private

 

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Beverly Meyers "Bev" Kocak  (Class of 1954)


Beverly Meyers "Bev" Kocak (1936 - 2018) ( ASI Class of 1954) passed away March 18, 2018.

Beverly was born on April 1, 1936 to the late Gabriel W. (Zwicker) Meyers and Mary Frances Dunn in Passaic, New Jersey. She was proceeded in death by her husband, Dr. Theodore "Ted" Kocak, grandson James Joseph "Joey" Kocak and sister Patricia "Patty" Baugh and brother Randy Meyers. She is survived by her daughters, Alison and Patricia Kocak (Charlotte, NC) and her sons, T.J. Kocak and wife Mary (Knoxville, TN), Michael "Randy" and his wife Veronica (Charlotte, NC) and William "Sonny" and his wife Jo (Charlotte, NC) and her grandchildren Ted and wife Lindsey (Knoxville, TN), Rebecca and Andrew (Knoxville, TN) Drew (Los Angeles, CA) Michael, Maria, James, Jacob and Philomena Kocak (all of Charlotte, NC). She is also survived by her brothers, Gerald "Jerry" Meyers (ASI Class of 1951) (Charlotte, NC) Bruce Meyers (ASI Class of 1955) and his wife Gay (New Bern, NC) and many nieces and nephews who loved her. Bev was also proceeded in death by friend Shirley Bowen and survived by her friends Mona Streitman (Charlotte, NC) and Peggy Litschert (Grassy Creek, NC). Beverly had many "adopted' children.

Her early years were lived in High Point NC and after her parents died, she lived with her siblings at Alexander Schools in Union Mills, NC. After high school graduation, she moved to Jacksonville, FL. She was working for State Farm when she met her husband, Ted. Ted was in a wedding she had attended. When he called her the next day to ask for a date, Bev asked him if he was the "tall good looking one, or the short stocky one?". He was the short stocky one and six weeks later they were engaged. 

To know Beverly, was to love her. Her family always came first. One could depend on her honest opinion. She had a positive and generous spirit. Her grandchildren, nieces and nephews claim she gave the best hugs and they loved her rebel spirit. Bev loved the beach, sports and most of all chocolate. Good chocolate. Her infamous candy drawer will never be forgotten. 

The family would like to thank Dr. George Raad and Dr. Daniel Tierney and their staff, both of whom provided exemplary care over many years. We would like to acknowledge the compassionate services provided by Hospice & Palliative Care of South Charlotte. Last but not least, the family would like to thank her caregivers Marlene Gregory, Juliet Borucki and Marisia Cannon. The patience they showed mom and the personal care they provided was above reproach. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to any children's charity of your choice

Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 24, 2018 from 9:30 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 10:30 a.m., at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 3016 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28211 with Father Frank O'Rourke, Celebrant. Interment will follow the service at Forest Lawn East Cemetery.


 

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Benjamin Jack Winslow

Benjamin Jack Winslow (1931-2017) former student of ASI (Class Unknown) on the evening of November 25, Jack suddenly departed this earth for a better place. The Lord called him home and he went.

 
Jack was born in North Carolina to Joseph and Sybil Elizabeth Winslow in 1931. He spent part of his childhood in the Methodist Home for Children Orphanage where he met many lifelong friends. He enlisted in the US Navy and served on an aircraft carrier during the Korean War. While in the Navy, he met his future bride, Alberta "Bert" in Vancouver, BC, Canada. They married in 1955. He worked as a fireman and later became self employed in the fire suppression industry. He was a proud Mason and Shriner and belonged to the Progress Lodge and El Kalah Shrine. He recently received his 50 year membership pin in his Masonic Lodge.
He is preceded in death by his wife, parents, brother and two sisters. He is survived by his two daughters, Jackie (Rob) Hibbard and Barbara (Stephen) Hiatt, grandchildren, Anna and Julia Hibbard, Alex and Zanny Hiatt. Sister Sarah Forsland and Sister-in-Law Marie Winslow as well as numerous nieces, nephews and countless friends.


He loved all of his family and friends very much. He was always telling jokes and was a lifelong prankster. He could often be found tinkering in his shop "whistling while he worked". He was industrious, creative and artistic and always had some kind of project going even up until the end.
Graveside services will be held on Saturday, December 16 at 11:00 am at Mount Olivet Cemetery 1342 E. 500 S. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, December 17 from 12:00 pm until 3:30 pm at the Cottonwood Country Club 1780 E. Lakewood Dr. Holladay, Utah.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the 
Shriners Hospital for Children or the Methodist Home for Children in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Many thanks to the South Salt Lake Paramedics and St Mark's Hospital ER and ICU Staff for their valiant efforts and kind compassion. Also thanks to his many caregivers through the VA Healthcare system and his dear neighbor, Boyd as well as many friends who have been there for us throughout the years. Many thanks to Dad's angel (you know who you are) who selflessly helped Dad through thick and thin.



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Theresa Elayne Barrett (Class of 1969)

Theresa Elaine Barrett, (ASI class of 1969) died December 30, 2017 in New Jersey after a long bout with cancer.  She was born  August 3, 1951. She was living in Highland, NJ.  Visitation and funeral services were held in Mount Calvary Missionary Church, New Brunswick, New Jersey on January 4, 2018.  Buckland Funeral Home in Somerville, NJ was in charge of the arrangements.

 

 Marie Ruth Jones (Class of 1966)

Marie “Ruth” Jones, 70, ASI Class of 1966,  passed away on Sunday, June 25, 2017. She was born on January 8, 1947 in Union County, daughter to the late Harry and Naomi Connell Jones. She is also preceded in death by her brother David Jones. 

Ruth is survived by her sister Jane Lambert, husband Don of Locust NC. 

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Gordon Funeral Service & Crematory is caring for the Jones family.

 

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Rilla Caye Lequire Edwards (ASI Teacher)

Rilla Lequire Edwards, 86, of Union Mills, went to be with the Lord, Friday, September 1, 2017 while being cared for by Hospice of Rutherford County. A native of Graham County, she was the daughter of the late Johnny and Lelia Crisp Lequire. Rilla retired from Rutherfordton Elementary School as a librarian.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband of 66 years, TJ Edwards of the home; son Jay Edwards; daughters, Joy Hunsucker, Lynne Flack and Pam Edwards; five grandchildren and ten great grand children; and sisters Maxine Summers and Beryl McElrath.

Funeral services will be 2PM Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at Round Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Michael Jones officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the church sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043 or Round Hill Baptist Church, 6611 Hudlow Road, Union Mills, NC 28167.

 

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Pearl Gold Barnette (ASI Teacher)

Pearl Gold Barnette, age 92, of Rutherfordton passed away Monday March 27, 2017 at Oak Grove Assisted Living. Pearl was a native of Cleveland County, widow of James Benjamin (Ben) Barnette and daughter of the late Dan and Luna Spangler Gold. 


Pearl was a retired home economics teacher, having taught at Alexander Schools for 32 years after graduating from Appalachian State University. Her church and the community she lived in were an important part of Pearl’s life. She was an active member of the Fellowship Baptist Church where she taught the Ladies Sunday School Class and participated in the WMU. 


The Union Mills Community where she lived and taught for many years was always close to her heart. She was a charter member of the Union Mills Community Club, receiving an award for services and leadership in the years if 1974 and 1984, pertaining to the Western N.C. development of the program.
In 1989, the G. E. Biddix award was presented to her for contributions to the county development program. Pearl was also actively involved in the local Girl Scout program, receiving the Woman of Distinction Award in 1992. Former students from the years 1946-1978 honored Pearl at the Union Mills Learning Center and she was also inducted into the Rutherford County Board of Education Hall of Fame.


In addition to her husband and parents she was preceded in death by a brother Rush Fortune Gold and sisters Pauline Johnson and Edith Ward.
Left to cherish her memory is her sister Nell Hendrick of Shelby and sister in law Grace Lucas of Blacksburg, SC and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. 


Funeral services will be 2 PM Wednesday March 29, 2017 at Fellowship Baptist Church with Rev. Terry White and Rev. Matthew Sparks officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1-2 PM Wednesday prior to the service.
Memorials may be made to Fellowship Baptist Church210 Silver’s Lake Rd. Rutherfordton, NC or Round Hill Baptist Church 6611 Hudlow Rd. Union Mills, NC 28167.
Online condolences may be made at www.crowemortuary.com

Pearl Barnette Tribute

 

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Gayle Monteith Flack (ASI Class of 1958)

Gayle Monteith Flack, (ASI Class of 1958) age 76, widow of Jason Flack of Horn Mill Rd. Union Mills went to be with the Lord on Saturday March 18, 2017 while at Rutherford Regional Medical Center. In addition to her husband Jason she was preceded in death by her parents Howard Teeter Monteith and Ethel Stewart Monteith.

Left to cherish her memory are her son Jerry Martin and wife Thelma of Union Mills, daughters Kathy Cavender and husband Rick of Union Mills, Laura Conner and husband Andy of Lake lure; 9 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 PM Wednesday March 22, 2017 at Round Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Michael Jones officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1-2 PM prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to Round Hill Baptist Church 6585 Hudlow Rd. Union Mills, NC 28167
Online condolences at www.crowemortuary.com

 

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Hugh Ingram (ASI Class of 1954)

Hugh Ingram (ASI Class of 1954). of Rutherfordton, died February 14, 2017.  He is survived by his wife Doris Ingram of Liberty, NC; daughter Deann Leonard of Charlotte; three grandchildren; one great grandchild, several step children and step grand children and two sisters, Elizabeth White of High Point and Louise Heflin of Florida.  He was preceded in death by sisters Peggy McMurry of Florida and Betty Ann Arrington of Virginia.

Hugh was a US Air Force Veteran and former resident of Alexander Schools in Union Mills, NC.

Memorial Services will be held at 2 PM Sunday at Union Mills Presbyterian Church.  Military honors will be provided by the Rutherford County Honor Guard.

 

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Alfred Jason Flack (ASI Class of 1957)

Mr. Alfred Jason Flack age 77, ASI Class of 1957, of Horn Mill Road went to be with The Lord on Saturday January 28th 2017 while being cared for at White Oak Manor in Tryon, NC. A native of Rutherford County he is a son of the late Elzaja Wellington Flack and the late Martha Jane Arrowood Flack. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by one son Earl Jason Flack. He was retired from Fast Food Industry in Forest City, NC.


Jason is survived by his wife Gayle Monteith Flack of the home, son Jerry Martin and wife Thelma of Union Mills, daughter Kathy Cavender and husband Rick of Union Mills, daughter Laura Conner and husband Andy of Lake Lure, thirteen grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren and one sister Alpha Parker of Forest City, NC.


Funeral services will be held 2 PM Tuesday January 31, 2017 at Round Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Michael Jones and Rev. Jeffrey Parker officiating. Concluding services will be held in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 – 2 PM Tuesday at Round Hill Baptist Church.


In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Round Hill Baptist Church 6585 Hudlow Road Union Mills, NC 28167. Online condolences may be made at www.crowemortuary.com. Crowe’s Mortuary is assisting the family of Alfred Jason Flack. 

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Jack Lewis Flack (Class of 1939)

Mr. Jack Lewis Flack, age 95, passed away at his home on Saturday, December 17, 2016.
Born in Union Mills, NC, Jack will be remembered for his love of family, his tireless commitment to his business, Spindale Tire, and service to his community. 

An active and dependable member of Spindale United Methodist Church, he was a loyal member of the Wesley Sunday School Class, where in earlier years, he had taught. It was through his church activities that he became active in the “Lunch Buddy” program at Spindale Elementary School.
As a young man, Jack served as a volunteer with the Spindale Fire Department. He was a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge, a Shriner and Rotarian. 

After graduating from Alexander School in Union Mills, he soon joined the U.S. Army serving his country during WWII as a sergeant with the Second Armored Division. Jack participated in military action in Northern Africa, Sicily, Normandy, Northern France and Belgium. He was involved in the fighting at St. Lo and other actions during the Battle of the Bulge and received a number of medals including the Bronze Star.
Jack was a charming storyteller who enjoyed entertaining visitors at his home or office and will be remembered fondly by family and numerous friends.

Jack was the son of the late Roscoe C. Flack, Sr. and Hattie Lovelace Flack and the widower of Thelma Edwards Flack to whom he was married 70 years. In addition to his parents and wife he was also preceded by one brother, Roscoe C. Flack, Jr.; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Katherine and Joe Justice, Nancy and Gilmer Edwards and Leonard Yelton. 

He is survived by one son Ken and wife Lucy of Rutherfordton, NC; one daughter Kathy Flack Cabaniss of Spindale, NC; grandchildren Katelyn Cabaniss, John L. Flack, Patrick Flack and wife Jamie, great grandson Jameson; sister-in-law Naomi Edwards Yelton and a number of nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held 11 AM Wednesday December 21, 2016 at Spindale United Methodist Church 381 Mill Street, Spindale, NC with Rev. Ross O’Neal officiating. The family will receive friends in the family life center immediately following the service. A private burial will be held at Eternal Hills Memorial Park at a later time.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Spindale United Methodist Church P.O. Box 241 Spindale, NC 28160, Hospice of Rutherford County P.O. Box 336 Forest City NC 28043 or to the church of your choice.

 

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Ona "Charlie" Chapman Ganeau (Class of 1976)

Ona "Charlie" Chapman Ganeau 58, passed away peacefully at the Hospice House of Rutherfordton on January 2, 2017.  She was born on February 24, 1958 in Georgia.  She was preceded in death by her parents.  She is survived by her husband, Andy; one daughter, Christina Terry Braun; two grandsons, Lucas and Benjamin and one sister, Loretta  Frisby.

All arrangements are private per family request and are being handled by Crowe's Mortuary & Chapel Funeral home in Rutherfordton, North Carolina        118 US 74A Bypass Hwy, Rutherfordton, NC 28139 (828) 286-2304.  Contributions to help the family should be made directly to the Funeral Home.  They will accept donations via credit card on the phone or mail it to the funeral home.

 

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Robert Lee "Bobby" Owens (Class of 1969)

Robert Lee Owens, Sr., 65, passed away peacefully at home on December 30, 2016. He was born on June 26, 1951 in Gaston County, NC to the late Leona Keever and James Clifford Owens, Sr.

He was preceded in death by his brothers Clyde and Larry Bell; sisters Mary Maness and Faye Columbia; granddaughter Alexandria Nicole McKinney.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife Pat Owens; son Robert Lee Owens, Jr. of York, SC; daughter Rebecca McKinney and husband Greg of York, SC; brothers Jimmy Owens, Jr. and Donnie Owens and wife Brenda all of Gastonia, David Owens of Dallas; grandchildren Cameron, Tanner, Landen, and Weston McKinney and Gracie and Bobby Owens.

The family will receive friends from 11 am to 12 pm on Monday January 2, 2017 at Sisk-Butler Funeral & Cremation Services, Bessemer City.

His funeral service will be held at 12:00 pm Monday, January 2, 2017 at the Chapel of Sisk-Butler Funeral & Cremation Services with Rev Mike Wilson officiating.

Interment will follow in Gaston Memorial Park, Gastonia

 

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Annie Bertha Dowdle (Class of 1952)

Bertha Dowdle of Union Mills, died Monday, November 28, 2016 at Oak Grove Health Care Center. A native of Rutherford County, she was the daughter of the late Lester E. Dowdle Sr and Ethel Arrowood Dowdle. She was a member of Thermal City United Methodist Church.

She is survived by her brothers, Johnny R. Dowdle, Tommy L. Dowdle and Dewey Raymond Dowdle, all of Union Mills; and a favorite aunt to her nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, Robert Earl Dowdle, Lester E. Dowdle Jr, Robey C. Dowdle and Billy Dowdle; sister Juanita D. Nanney and Bertha’s companion of 29 years, Joe Taylor.

Graveside services will be held 3PM Friday, December 2, 2016 at Round Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Jimmy Koone and Rev. Jack Bridges officiating. The family will receive friends after the service at Thermal City United Methodist Church. 

Because of her love of children, memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105
.

 

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Wyona Lambeth Johnson (Class of 1947)
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Mrs. Wyona Dorothea Lambeth Johnson, 86, March 20, 1930 - October 10, 2016 (ASI Class of 1947) of 2805 Hayes Drive, Hillsborough, NC, was received by her Lord and Savior on October 10, 2016. Born in Guilford County, NC, she was the daughter of the late Robert Walter Lambeth and the late Nina Perkins Peterso

She was preceded in death by her husband Dwight Wellons Johnson Jr (DW). DW was a calming presence for her during trying times. He was her protector and comforter. Mrs. Johnson was a graduate of Alexander Schools Incorporated in Union Mills, North Carolina. Later in life, she worked at Erwin Cotton Mills which later became Burlington Industries, in Durham, NC. She was well-known for being a champion Chinese checker player and loved baking and sewing. She was a master canner and taught canning at the Durham County Agricultural Extension Service. Mrs. Johnson was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She adored her grandchildren, who called her Granny, and was never at a loss of words when asked about them. Mrs. Johnson never did anything half way. When a task needed to be done, she did it to perfection. Mrs. Johnson was also an avid reader, who encouraged her children in intellectual growth and exploration. Her son Mike attributes his love of history and learning to their frequent trips to the Durham library and to various historical sites. In additional to her parents and husband,

Mrs.Johnson was also preceded in death by a bother, Robert Winfred Lambeth. She is survived by daughter Patsy Jean Johnson Oates and husband Ayden Jasper Oates Jr. of Fuquay Varina, NC. Son Robert Tyson Johnson and wife Karr Lynn of Leasburg, NC and Michael Andre Johnson and wife Donna, of Mebane, NC. She has 5 grandchildren: Melissa Oates Heilicser and husband Micah, Dwight Wellons Johnson III, Frances-Kate Dorothea Johnson, Katherine Johnson Wrenn and husband Tyler, and Stewart McKinnon Johnson. She also has 3 great-grandchildren: Elena Jean Heilicser, Owen Jasper Heilicser and Jeffrey Tyler Wrenn Jr.

Visitation will be Thursday, October 13th from 6-7:30 @ McClure Funeral & Cremation Services. A reception will follow at the home of Mike and Donna Johnson, 205 North & Seventh Street, Mebane. Funeral service will be Friday, October 14th at 11:00am in the chapel @ McClure Funeral & Cremation Services followed by a graveside service at Woodlawn Cemetery in Durham, North Carolina. Any friends and family that do not plan to attend the graveside service, are welcome to relax at the home of Mike and Donna Johnson. At the conclusion of the graveside service, we will join you there for a meal.

 

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William "Bill" Dobbins (Class of 1947)

William "Bill" Dobbins, age 90, (ASI Class 0f 1947) of Rutherfordton, died Sunday, October 2, 2016, at his home.

He was a Native of Union Mills in Rutherford County. Bill was the son of the late Addie Dobbins and the late Esther Buchannan Dobbins. Bill was a U.S. Navy Veteran of WWII and took part in the U.S. invasion of Normandy, France during WWII.

He is survived by his wife: Joyce Baynard Dobbins. Three Sons: Charles Dobbins, Shelley Dobbins and Jimmy Shehan
One Sister:  Doris Glance Two Brothers:  Jimmy Dobbins and Frank Dobbins

Six Granddaughters, two Grandsons and six Great-Grandchildren

The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, Wednesday, October 5, 2016 at McMahan's Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at McMahan's Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, October 5, 2016 with Reverend Chris Kennedy officiating. Interment will be at Round Hill Baptist Church Cemetery with military honors given by the Rutherford County Honor Guard

 

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Carolyn Hall Crain (Class of 1955)

Carolyn Hall Crain, age 79, (ASI Class of 1955) of Union Mills passed away Wednesday at her home. Carolyn was a native of Rutherford County, a retired book keeper and a member of Gilkey Church of God.


Left to cherish her memory are her husband Marion Crain; daughters Marilyn (Jerry) McEntyre and Marlene (Richard) Hollifield; grandchildren Andy and Alan McEntyre, Carla Kennedy and Michael Hollifield; 6 great grandchildren and a sister Marie (Joe) Smith.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents Gilkey and Zora Bell Harris Hall; brothers G. A, Daniel and Virgil Hall; sisters Nell Underwood, Mabel Gragg and Ruth Rhodes.


Funeral services will be held 3 PM Friday at Gilkey Church of God with Rev. Chris Kennedy and Rev. Herman Toney officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM Thursday at Crowe's Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of Rutherford County P.O. Box 336 Forest City, NC 28043

 

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Boyce Briscoe Hensley (Class of 1966)

Boyce Briscoe Hensley, 67, (ASI Class of 1966) of Spartanburg, SC died Saturday, September 10, 2016 at home. Born July 23, 1949 in Rutherfordton, NC, he was the son of the late Pansy Briscoe Hensley.

Boyce was a member of United Baptist Church, where he was a former Deacon, Sunday School teacher, choir member, RA leader and director of Young at Heart.

He was the salutatorian of Alexander High School Class of 1966 and he received his Master of Arts Degree in Business with secondary and Junior College teacher certification from Appalachian State University. He was named Technical Educator of the Year 1981-1982 at Spartanburg Technical College. As former Director of Spartanburg County Baptist Network Senior Adults and a member of South Carolina Technical Education Association, he was retired from Spartanburg Technical College where he was the Department Head of Computer Technology.

Survivors include his wife, Mary McElroy Hensley of 43 years; sons, Jeff Hensley (Sheila) of Simpsonville, SC; Chris Hensley of Mt. Pleasant, SC; Greg Hensley (Tammy) of Moore, SC; grandchildren, Samuel, Abby, Rowan, Leighton, Riley, Ryder; brother, Arnold Hensley of Union Mills, NC; sister in laws, Nancy Hensley of Rutherfordton, NC and Marie Hensley of Bostic, NC. He was also predeceased by brothers, Bruce Hensley and Gene Hensley; and a sister in law, Lois Hensley.

Visitation will be 4:30 – 5:45 PM Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at United Baptist Church, 7319 Valley Falls Rd, Spartanburg, SC 29303. Funeral service will follow at 6:00 PM at United Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. Robert Emory and the Rev. Robert Toney. Burial will be 2:00 PM, Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at Oak Springs Baptist Church Cemetery, 2591 Rock Road, Rutherfordton, NC 28139.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to United Baptist Church Building Fund, 7319 Valley Falls Rd, Spartanburg, SC 29303 or to Boyce Hensley Achievement Award Scholarship at Spartanburg Community College, 107 Community College Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29303.
 



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Michael Dean Barrett (Class of 1971)

Michael Dean Barrett, ASI Class of 1971, born January 29, 1953, passed away on 17 August 2016 following a two year illness.   He was the fourth child of the late William Henry Sr and Lucille Severson Barrett of Asheville, N C.


Michael‘s younger years were spent at Alexander School Inc. in Union Mills, NC. Upon leaving school he entered the military (Air Force) where he trained Military Police Dogs. Showing and sharing his love of dogs with a specific fondness for German Shepard's. His work as a Dog trainer was proudly shown by K9 actors in several movies such as but not limited to the 1980s film "The Private Eyes" as well as the Chuck Norris film "Missing in Action"
He later attended Mortuary school, becoming a funeral director.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents William Henry Sr and Lucille Severson Barrett, Sister Jeanette Barrett Huddle, Brother In-law Charles David Revis Sr. and Nephew Willard Eugene Levon Revis.

He is survived by his loving wife of 13 years Mena Cyphas Barrett of Rowlett, Texas, his four daughters Christina McSurley (Dan) of Crowne Point, IN, Shelly Barrett, Melissa Barrett Bradley, (Wayne) and, Melanie Barrett, of Hendersonville NC and a Stepdaughter Nikky A. Aryerty (Phillip), of Accra Ghana. Mike was blessed with nine grandchildren Devon, Andriana, and Nikoli McSurley of Crowne Points IN, Taylor and Megan Pope, and Liam Barrett of Hendersonville, NC and Genius,  Philomere, and Phillip Jr. Aryerty of Accra, Ghana. He had two nephews;  Luis Huddle of Baton Rouge LA, and Charles David Revis Jr. of Shelby NC. He leaves behind a brother William Henry Barrett Jr of Hendersonville NC, and two Sisters; Theresa Elaine Barrett of Highland Park NJ, and Darlene Francis Barrett Revis of Shelby NC.


The family will receive friends Thursday September 8th 2016 from 3pm till 9pm at Evergreen Memorial Funeral Home of Dallas, Texas.  Funeral Services will be held Friday September 9th at 11:00am at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery (chapel) with burial to follow.  In keeping with African Tradition a “Celebration of Life” will be held Saturday September 10, 2015 8pm. at the home of Mena Barrett (wife of deceased) 3202 Hillcrest Drive Rowlett Texas.   Family and friends will attend House of Prayer Church on Sunday Morning at 10am for a memorial.

The family is being served by Evergreen Memorial Funeral Home of Dallas Texas.

 

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Elizabeth McDaniel Hendrix (Class of 1941)

Mary Elizabeth "Lib" Hendrix, age 91,(ASI Class of 1941)  of Gilkey Community died Tuesday, August 11, 2015, at Mission Hospitals in Asheville, NC. 

She was a native of Rutherford County and the daughter of the late Rector Mills McDaniel and the late Sally Lynch McDaniel. Lib worked with the Stamey Corp. at age 16 then went to work for B.C. Moore and managed Moselle Smith's Dress Shop until she retired. She was also active in her family business untill her passing. Lib was a member of Union Mills Presbyterian Church and was the oldest living member until her passing. She was the widow of the late Monteith "Mon" Monroe Hendrix and was preceded in death by her brothers James McDaniel, William "Penny" McDaniel and Charles McDaniel.

She is survived by: One Son:  Ronnie Hendrix and wife Connie of Gilkey.

Four Grand Children: Monty Hendrix and wife Ellen, Kellie Coffey and husband Matt, Joshua Hendrix and Jordan Hendrix

Four Great-Grand Children:: Gabriel Hendrix, Selby Hendrix, Madison Coffey and Jackson Coffey.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Thursday, August 13, 2015 at McMahan's Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at Union Mills Presbyterian Church at 10:00 AM, Friday, August 14, 2015 with Reverend Jimmy Koone officiating. Mrs. Hendrix will be laid to rest beside her husband at Round Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Union Mills.
Memorials may be made to Union Mills Presbyterian Church at 2378 Centennial Rd. Union Mills, NC 28167.

 

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Jacqueline "Jackie" Osborne (Class of 1953)

Jacqueline "Jackie" Osborne, (ASI Class of 1953) age 84, of New Bern, died February 22, 2015 at Care Bridge Assisted Living. She was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church and was active with the Joy Choir.

She is survived by her brother George Osborne of Pollocksville, NC and her sister Lucy Whitely of Riverside, CA.

Funeral Services will be Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 2:00 PM at Carpenter's Funeral and Cremation Services with burial to follow at Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery in Cherryville, NC.

January 4, 1931 - February 22, 2015 
New Bern, North Carolina | Age 84

 

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Mary Ann Holler Lee (Class of 1947)

Mary Ann Holler Lee (ASI Class of 1947), age 85, of Matthews, passed away peacefully September 17, 2015.
She was born in Union Mills, N.C., to the late O.J. and Mary Forney Holler on October 23, 1929.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Tom S. Lee, Jr., and seven siblings.
She is survived by her son, Thomas Michael Lee and wife Anne of Weddington, N.C.; daughter, Lisa Lee Sweet of Indian Trail, N.C.; four grandsons, Adam, Eric and wife Kelly, William and Daniel

Mary Ann worked at Union County Social Services, and also in the Union County School system. She also volunteered at Guardian Ad Litem, American Cancer Society and several other charities in the community. Mary Ann was a graduate of Montreat College.
A service to celebrate Mary Ann's life will be at 1:00 P.M., Saturday, September 19, 2015 at Central United Methodist Church in Monroe. Visitation will immediately follow the service in Central Hall. Burial will be private.
Memorial contributions can be given to Union Mills Presbyterian Church, C/O Susan Ward, 2378 Centennial Road, Union Mills, N.C., 28167.

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Margaret Elaine Wadding (Class of 1947)

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Margaret Elaine Wedding (ASI Class of 1947), of Indian Head, MD passed away on June 5, 2015 in her home surrounded by family and friends. She was 83 years young. Born July 19, 1931 in Spartanburg, SC she was the daughter of William Earle and Edna Barnett Hendrix. 

She spent her childhood in the south with early pleasant memories. She was a member of the Brownie's and was a Girl Scout. She was also a member of the original Mickey Mouse Club. As a young girl she attended the Helen Attaway School of Dance, sang on the radio and perform on stage at the State Theater. After losing her parents at an early age she moved to Union Mills, NC, where she attended Alexander School. She was a right guard on the Wolverines Basketball Team, #13.

She graduated early at age of 16 in 1947 and immediately enrolled in the Rutherford School of Nursing. In 1949 she joined Casualty Hospital as an Emergency Room nurse and spent the next 11 years working and continuing her studies in nursing eventually receiving a Bachelor of Science.

She was an active member of the Maryland Emergency Medical Services and along with her husband William "Bill", served for over 45 years. She is quoted to say: "I have loved the opportunity to be in a position to try and help others. I have been extremely blessed by every encounter I've had over the many years serving my community."

In May of 1997, at the age of 66, she graduated from the Charles County Community College with the first Associate Applied Science Degree in Emergency Medical Services. In June 1999 she was awarded the "Josiah A. Hunt, M.D. Award". The award is the highest award conferred on an individual within the Maryland Emergency Medical Services Community. In June 2000 she was awarded the "Chesapeake Society of Fire and Rescue Instructors Frances L. Brannigan Instructor of the Year Award".

In 2009, the MICU established the "Elaine Wedding (Rookie of the Year) Award" and the first recipient was Chris Hollingsworth. On November 8, 2014 the Medic Unit recognized her decades of service at the new Building Dedication Ceremony where family, friends, volunteers, paramedics, and Government officials gathered at the station, established in 1978, to honor her. She was quoted to say, "I wanted to contribute, I wanted to be somebody. To account and say, where can I help? Give me something to do."

She was very passionate and protective of the Charles County Mobile Intensive Care Unit, where she was a founding and charter member. In the spring of 2015, she completed studies to retain her paramedic certification and was the oldest paramedic in Maryland, both State and National.

Beloved by family, friends, co-workers, students, and acquaintances, she was know as "Mitzie", "Miss EMS", "Mama", or simply "Grammy". Predeceased by both parents, 2 brothers, William Earle and Charles Norwood, and 1 son, David Lee; she is survived by her lifetime partner, friend, and husband, William "Bill" Wedding, her brother Richard Wayne Hendrix, 5 children (Ed, Danny, Lynda Janyce, Michael, and Robyn), and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visitation on Monday, June 8, 2015 from 5PM to 8PM with Fire/EMS and Prayers beginning at 7PM at the La Plata Volunteer Fire Department, 911 Washington Avenue La Plata, MD 20646.

Funeral Mass will be offered on Tuesday, June 9, 2015 beginning at 10AM at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 201 St. Mary's Avenue La Plata, MD 20646. Interment to follow at Nanjemoy Baptist Church, 3030 Baptist Church Road Nanjemoy, MD 20662.

 

 

Cheryl Lee Runyon Turner (Class of 1970)

Cheryl Lee Runyon Turner, (ASI Class of 1970) passed away today,(November 5, 1949 -  June 28, 2016) at the age of 66.  Cheryl was preceded in death by her husband;  Ira Frank Turner (ASI Class of 1970), her parents;  Ralph and Oral Lee Runyon, one sister; Ruth Elaine Runyon Meadows (ASI Class of 1967), and three brothers; Charles, Ralph, Jr. (Pat) and Johnny. Pat and Johnny both attended ASI for a short time. She is survived by one daughter; Jocelyn Turner Geouge, five grandchildren and one sister; Betty Tolley (Lonnie).  All arrangements are to be private.

 

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Juanita Whisnant Padgett  (Class of 1957)

Mrs. Juanita Irene Whisnant Padgett, 75, (ASI Class 0f 1957) of Shelby, passed away Saturday, June 11, 2016, at her residence with her husband and grandson by her side.


Born March 7, 1941 in Rutherford County, Mrs. Padgett was the daughter of the late Millard Whisnant and Gussie Terry Whisnant and was preceded in death by brothers; Paul Terry, Ralph Whisnant and Norris Whisnant; daughter-in-law, Tawanna Padgett; sister-in-laws, Mildred Terry and Jewel Whisnant; and a niece, Elise Whisnant. 


She is survived by her husband, Rush Leander Padgett of the home; children, Dennis Padgett of Shelby, Roger Padgett of Shelby, Randy Page and wife Karen of Boiling Springs and Eddie Ray Padgett Sr. and wife Donna of Shelby; grandchildren, Rush D. Padgett and wife Courtney, Arianna Padgett, Maria Padgett and husband Jonathan Davis, Eddie Padgett Jr., Dawn Bowen, Kristy Page, Katie Pratt and husband Dewayne, Chloe Page and Sadie Page; beloved great grandchildren, Rush C. Padgett and Ryder D. Padgett; two brothers, Horace Whisnant and wife Brenda of Rutherford County and Steve W. Padgett and wife Vanessa of Daytona Beach, Florida; sister-in-law, Ethel Whisnant; and numerous special nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Padgett was a member of Beaver Dam Baptist Church where she spent a lot of time with her Sunday school group, the youth, and the children. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and her great grandchildren. She enjoyed clogging, gardening, and being outdoors. Juanita will always be remembered for her spirited sense of humor, quick wit, and generous heart. 


Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 14, 2016, at Beaver Dam Baptist Church. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. 
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Men on Mission, Beaver Dam Baptist Church, 123 Beaver Dam Church Road,  Shelby NC 28152.
Online condolences may be made at www.clevelandfuneralservices.com.
Arrangements by Cleveland Funeral Services & Crematory.

 

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Kermit Wayne Ammons  (Class of 1956)

Kermit Wayne Ammons, “Buck” as he was known by his family and friends was born November 15, 1937 and died at Hospice House on May 29, 2016.

He is survived by his wife, Christine Briscoe Ammons of Union Mills, by son Wayne Ammons and wife Judy of Forest City, son Richard Ammons of Lake Lure, son Joel Ammons and fiancé Julie Hayes of Union Mills, daughter Cynthia Ammons and husband Brice Kaminski of Fort Worth, TX, granddaughter Haley Perry and husband Aaron of Fletcher, granddaughter Diamond Hunt of Rutherfordton, great-granddaughters Isla Perry, Evie Perry, and Elizabeth Trout, great-grandson Brendan Hunt, brother James Ammons and wife Betty of Dobbinsville, sister Cindy Ammons and her husband Tommy Kimbell of Spindale, and sister Brenda Mills and husband Gary of Rutherfordton.

He was preceded in death by his parents Kermit and Annie Sue Ferguson Ammons, one brother Richard Ammons, one sister Carol Thompson and one grandson Brent Ammons.

Buck worked many years in the local textile mills and was a member of his boyhood church Centennial Methodist. His retirement years gave him ample time to enjoy gardening. His family and friends enjoyed watermelons, tomatoes, and other vegetables that he grew. His Georgia-Bell peach tree had peaches that many said were the most wonderful peaches ever eaten.

There will be a celebration of his life in July of this year held by his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Centennial Methodist Church 1491 Centennial Road, Union Mills NC 28167, Round Hill Baptist Church 6611 Hudlow Road, Union Mills, NC 28167, or Hospice of Rutherford County P.O. Box 336 Forest City, NC 28043.  

 

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Howard Lane (Class of 1958)

Howard Lane, age 75, (ASI Class of 1958) of Union Mills, NC, died Wednesday, May 11, 2016, at Rutherford Regional Medical Center. 

He was a native of Rutherford County and the son of the late Mal Thomas Lane and the late Mary Lee Davis Lane. He was a member of Cane Creek Baptist Church in Union Mills and served faithfully as a Sunday School teacher, Deacon and on various other committees. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of three years and a Retired U.S. National Guard Veteran with 20 years’ service. Howard Retired from Great Lakes Carbon in Morganton, NC with 26 years of service. Howard was a loving father, husband, grandfather and a friend to all. He loved to collect antiques but most of all he loved the Lord and loved to witness to others about the Lord. He was preceded in death by one brother James Lane.

He is survived by his wife: Betty Lane.  One Daughter:  Debra Hawkins and husband Jamie of Shiloh One Son:  Chris Lane and wife Lesa of Union Mills
Two Sisters:  Estelle Honeycutt and Betty Jo Anderson and husband Charles. Two Brothers:  Ernest Lane and Randall Lane
Four Grandchildren: Courtney Hawkins, Landen Lane, Cassie Hawkins and Harrison Lane and a number of nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Friday, May 13, 2016 at McMahan's Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at Cane Creek Baptist Church in Union Mills at 3:00 PM, Saturday, May 14, 2016 with Rev. Danny Camp Jr. and Rev Jerry Campbell officiating. Interment will be at Cane Creek Baptist Church Cemetery with Military Honors by the Rutherford County Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Cane Creek Baptist Church Youth Fund at 151 Cane Creek Mt. Rd. Union Mills , NC 28167. The family is gathering at the home of Betty Lane. An online guest register/tribute wall os available atwww.mcmahansfuneralhome.com. McMahan's Funeral Home and Cremation Services in charge of the arrangements.

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Ronnie Andrew Lynch (Class of 1968)

Ronnie Andrew Lynch, age 66, (ASI Class of 1968) of Union Mills, NC passed away on May 1st 2016. Ronnie was the son of the late Mattie Ann Lynch and the late Claude Forney. Ronnie was retired from Rutherford Regional Medical Center where he enjoyed a long career as a CNA for 39 years.

 Left to cherish his memory are his wife Sandra Lynch; daughter Stephanie Lynch; daughter Brandy Lynch (Dion Murphy); grandson’s Deontay Lynch; Kylik Lynch; Dion Murphy; granddaughter Savannah Murphy; Sisters Vesteen Logan (Clarence), Judy Meeks (Robert), Deborah Lynch, Alma Forney, Carylon Lynch, and Clara Goode; brothers Rev. Lee Lynch (Loretta), and Ralph Forney. In addition to his parents Ronnie was preceded in death by his brothers William “Sonny” Lynch; Clyde Lynch; Chester Lynch; and twin sister Reba Lynch Washington.

Services will be held at 2:00PM on Friday May the 6th 2016 at Union Hill AME Zion Church, a viewing will be held thirty minutes prior to the church service. Burial will follow at the Union Hill AME Zion Church Cemetery. A quite hour will be held on Thursday May the 5th from 6-8 at Crowe’s Mortuary. Online condolences maybe made at www.crowemortuary.com.

 

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Sarah Katherine Gillis "Sue" Gillis Smith (Class of 1968)

 

Sarah “Sue” Catherine Gillis Smith *(ASI Class of 1968) September 2, 1949 ~ April 27, 2016 (age 66) of Shannon died Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at Southeastern Regional Medical Center at the age of 66..

Mrs. Smith was born in Cumberland County on September 2, 1949. She was preceded in death by her father, Walter Malcom Gillis.

She is survived by her husband, Paul Smith; four daughters, Sheryl Dittman, Terry Rexrhoad, Lisa Archer, Cindy Barboa; her mother, Marion Gillis Black; four grandchildren.

No services are scheduled at this time.

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Lester Earl Dowdle, Jr.

 

Lester Earl Dowdle, Jr.(ASI Alumni)  age 85 passed away Tuesday December 29, 2015 while being cared for at Hospice House. Lester was a veteran of the U.S. Army and was a former employee of Broyhill Furniture Company.

He was preceded in death by his wife Betty Bell Dowdle, parents Lester Earl Dowdle, Sr. & Ethel Arrowood Dowdle, one sister Juanita Nanney, two brothers Earl & Robby Dowdle and one grandson Jason Dowdle.

Left to cherish his memory are two sons – Roger Bell and Kenneth Dowdle; one daughter Robin Parton; five grandchildren – Christa Richardson, Lindsay Jones, Rainy Edmonson, William Edmonson and Petty Officer 2nd Class (USN) Robert P. Dowdle; fourteen great grandchildren; three brothers Johnny Dowdle, Raymond Dowdle and Tommy Dowdle; one sister Bertha Dowdle; a number of other family members and friends.

Funeral services will be held 11 AM Friday January 1, 2016 at Crowe’s Funeral Chapel with Rev. Allen Marsh officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Rutherford County Hospice P.O. Box 336 Forest City, NC 28043 or to Thermal City United Methodist Church C/O Rev. Alan Marsh 187 Gilkey School Rd Rutherfordton NC.

 

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Lillian Mashburn Walker (Class of 1944)

 

Lillian Beatrice Mashburn Walker, age 88 of Rutherfordton, NC passed away on April the 20th 2016. Lillian was the daughter of Dewey S. Mashburn and Annie Cowan Mashburn.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Raymond Walker, and Sons David and Greg Walker. Left to cherish her memory is her son Jeffery Paul Walker; Nephews John and James Parker; a niece Susan Lane.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00PM on Sunday April the 24th 2016 at Crowe’s Mortuary. The family will receive friends following the service. Online condolences may be made at www.crowemortuary.com.

 

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Onie "Clint" Towell (Class of 1952)

Onie Clinton Towell, 78, a Kannapolis native, passed away on November 10, 2015. 

Mr. Towell was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He worked as a Charlotte Policeman for 28 years and then as court security in Charlotte and Statesville for 15 years. He was also a member of Westford UMC in Concord, NC.

He is survived by his wife Dean, of 56 years; his daughter Kathy Philips and her husband Michael; brother Guy N. Towell and his wife Eleanore.
He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Onie Towell and Bernice Cook.

A visitation with the family will be on Friday, November 13, 2015 from 11am-1pm at McEwen Funeral Service, Mint Hill Chapel, 7428 Matthews- Mint Hill Rd in Mint Hill. A funeral service will immediately follow in the chapel.

 

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Carroll Baynard (Class of 1965)

Carroll Baynard Sr. (ASI Class of 1965), age 68 of Rutherfordton, died Tuesday, December 8, 2015, at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center.

He was a native of Rutherford County and the son of the late Archie Zeb Baynard and the late Nancy Sue Head Baynard. He was a U.S. Army Veteran and a loving family man. Carroll loved doing anything outdoors and was a devoted husband to Glenda for 48 years. He was also preceded in death by two brothers; Odell and Dazel Baynard and one sister Modene Sisk.

He is survived by his wife Glenda Baynard; two sons: Carroll Baynard II and Shane Baynard (Susan); four sisters: Una Glance (Eddie), Joyce Dobbins (Bill), Kay Webb (Jackie) and Frieda Parker; two brothers: Marshall Baynard (Rita) and David Baynard (Lynn); and four grandchildren: Amanda Baynard, Holly Baynard, Allison Baynard and Corey Baynard.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Thursday, December 10, 2015 at McMahan's Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at Second Baptist Church of Rutherfordton Family Life Center at 1:00 PM, Friday, December 11, 2015 with Rev. Dr. Keith Stephenson officiating. Interment will be at Gilkey United Methodist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials should be made to the charity of your choice. An online guest register/tribute wall is available at www.mcmahansfunerahome.com. McMahan's Funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of the arrangements.

 

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 Dovie Jean “Snookie” Thomason Walker (Class of 1952)

Mrs. Dovie Jean “Snookie” Thomason Walker, 81, (ASI Class of 1952) Grovetown, GA entered into rest on Thursday, December 4, 2014 at University Hospital.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm on Monday, December 8, 2014 in the Platt’s Belair Road Chapel with Rev. Dennis Dickey officiating. Interment will follow at Bellevue Memorial Gardens.

Born November 20, 1933 in Union Mills, NC, she was a graduate of Alexander Schools Incorporated of Union Mills, NC and the Spartanburg General Hospital School of Nursing and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing in 1955. She was a BSN nurse at the V.A. Hospital in Augusta, GA, where she retired and also worked at Spartanburg University and at Talmadge Hospital of Augusta. A loving, hardworking, much loved mother, who always put her family first and raised all of her children to be Christians. She was an avid gardener and especially loved roses and azaleas. Mrs. Walker was a charter member of the Martinez Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gilliam Allen Walker, daughter, Pamela Gail Walker, parents, George Henry Grady and Rose Ellen “Bessie” Edney Thomason. She was the third youngest of 10 children and was also preceded in death by 3 brothers, James Lee Thomason, Levi Caldwell Thomason and Franklin McArthur Thomason and 3 sisters, Sarah Ellen Gaines, Nellie Aileen Cato and Stella Mae Morrow.

She is survived by 3 sons, Timothy Scott Walker, David Brian Walker and Gregory Allen Walker, four daughters, Angela Dawn Avret (James, Deceased), Leslie Kay Coffee (Johnnie, Deceased), Letitia Renee Darisse and Jennifer Lynn Walker (Greg Avery), brother, George Grady Thomason, sisters, Hattie Rebecca Lowery, Margaret Christine Sanders, 4 grandchildren, Sarah Sivley (Justin), Scott Alan Walker (Samantha), Jessica Lynn Walker and Austin Riley Walker and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, December 7, 2014 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Platt’s Belair Road.

 

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Donald Kelly

Mr. Donald Bruce Kelly (ASI Alumni), age 72 went home to be with The Lord on Thursday September 17, 2015 while at Hospice House in Forest City, NC. A native of Rutherford County he was a son of the late John William Kelly, Sr. and Mildred Condrey Kelly. Donald was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church and a retired textile employee.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Brenda Kelly of the home, children Melony Owens, Timothy Owens and wife Dana, Joy Johnson and husband Rick, David Bruce Kelly, Sr. and David Bruce Kelly, Jr.; one brother John William Kelly, Jr. and wife Maxine, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.


A memorial service will be held 2 PM Sunday September 20, 2015 at Macedonia Baptist Church in Nebo, NC with Rev. Ernie Cole and Rev. Steven Painter officiating. The family will greet friends in the church fellowship hall following the memorial service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Rutherford County Hospice P.O. Box 336 Forest City NC 28043 or to Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery Fund 1372 Macedonia Church Loop, Nebo NC 28761.

 

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Robert Ray "Bob" Thomas (Class of 1962)

Robert Ray (Bob) Thomas (ASI Class of 1962), of Kinston, NC, retired Vice-President of Management Recruiters of Kinston, entrepreneur and writer, died Saturday, August 22, 2015 at 1:40am in Rocky Mount, NC, following complications from respiratory illness.

He was born in Charlotte, NC on January 23, 1943, to Margie Crowell Allen Thomas and William E. Thomas, Sr. He grew up in Charlotte, graduated from West Mecklenburg High School and attended Gardner Webb College. He served four years in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam conflict. He traveled all over the world for assignments as an electronics technician, but he was based at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City. While stationed in Oklahoma City he met his first wife Leona Michelle Wells and they had one son, William Todd Thomas.

He left Oklahoma City for New Orleans and a job with Schwinn Bicycle Company. He stayed in New Orleans until 1978 when he moved to Kinston to open the stereo store Sounds Fantastic in Vernon Park Mall with his brother Bill. After the store closed he went to work with his brother as an Executive Recruiter at Management Recruiters of Kinston.

Shortly after arriving in Kinston he met and married Kristi Ellen Harbage. Bob and Kristi shared an interest in handmade art and fine crafts. In his spare time Bob was an accomplished potter and wood worker, while Kristi enjoyed expressing her artistic side with handmade jewelry. After 13 years at Management Recruiters, Bob and Kristi decided to "quit the rat race and move to the beach". They quit their jobs, sold their house and moved to Swansboro, NC and opened Kristi's Gallery. They displayed and sold fine arts & crafts representing the work of hundreds of artists from across the USA.

Always an engaging storyteller, a monthly update to his artists turned into a monthly newsletter about the gallery, Swansboro and life in general. He had discovered a love of writing, he satisfied this inner craving to express himself by writing the Gallery Newsletter, an occasional contribution to the local newspaper in Swansboro and in 1998 his short story "Who was that Masked Man?" was published in "A 5th Portion of Chicken Soup for the Soul" He continued writing entertaining short stories throughout the rest of his life, many of which were published on various on-line sites, he eventually started his own blog to share his stories at www.bobthomaswrites.com.

In 2003 he tried his hand at retirement. He moved back to Oklahoma City to be near his son Todd, but it only took a few months for him to realize that he was not ready to retire. He returned to Kinston where he finished his professional life as Vice-President of Management Recruiters before finally retiring in 2013.

He is survived by one son, William Todd Thomas (Denise) of Oklahoma City, OK, one brother, William E. Thomas, Jr. (Mary Ellen) of Savannah, GA, two nephews, Kevin William Thomas (Chris) of Raleigh, NC, and Timothy Evan Thomas (Kathy) of Alpharetta, GA, one grand-nephew, Evan Gardner Thomas, and one grand-niece, Maggie Olivia Thomas, both of Alpharetta, GA. He is also survived by his loving ex-wife, Kristi Harbage Thomas of Charlotte, NC, who provided significant comfort and care during his final months.

He is also survived by, and often expressed his love for, his cousins: Tina Austin, Linda Jones, Pamela Ventura, Pete Ventura, and Frank Polites. He would want to be remembered to a dear friend, O. Kay Jackson.

He is preceded in death and will be welcomed with open arms by his loving parents Bill and Margie, his first wife Michele and his best friend George Lapas. His final resting place will be with his parents in the city where he was born at Forest Lawn West Cemetery in Charlotte, NC.

A Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Howard-Carter Funeral Home, 1608 West Vernon Avenue, Kinston, NC, 28502 with Chaplain Allen Ham officiating.

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Susan Grace Hill

Susan Grace Hill (ASI Alumni), 51, of Rutherfordton, died Tuesday, Feb. 15 at Hospice House. A native of Rutherford County, she was a daughter of Palmer Charles Hall of Rutherfordton and Eunice Styles Murray of Ellenboro. She was a former winder tender in the textile industry and a member of Plain View Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by two daughters, Jamie Hill of Union, SC and Rebecca Hill of Forest City; sister Donna Hill of Shelby; and step-father Steve Murray of Ellenboro.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Feb 19 at 2 PM at Crowe’s Mortuary with Rev. Marshall Dill and Clyde Lovelace officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043.

 

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Joseph "Ray" Ferguson (Class of 1964)

 

Joseph "Ray" Ferguson (ASI Class of 1964) , age 69, of Rutherfordton, died Saturday, August 15, 2015, at Hospice House of Rutherford County in Forest City, NC. 

He was a native of Rutherford County and the son of the late Joseph William Ferguson. Ray was a member of Centennial United Methodist Church and a good Christian man. Ray had a big heart and loved helping people. He was a barber for forty years, loved to sing and had a great sense of humor. He also loved to build things but most of all he cherished his family. Ray was preceded in death by one son Scottie Ray Ferguson. 

He is survived by his mother, Helen Ferguson; two daughters, Sandy Helton of Ellenboro and Amy Ferguson of Forest City; one brother, Jeff Ferguson of Bostic; two grandchildren, Ashley Lovelace (Avery) of Bostic and Madison Jennings; and one great-grandchild, Mary-Grace Reagan Lovelace.


The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, Wednesday, August 19, 2015 at Centennial United Methodist Church. The funeral service will be at Centennial United Methodist Church at 3:00 PM, Wednesday, August 19, 2015 with Rev. Allen Marsh officiating.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County at P.O. Box 336 Forest City, NC 28043. An online guest register/tribute wall is available at www.mcmahansfuneralhome.com. McMahan's Funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of the arrangements.
 

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Richard Eugene Bernard (Class of 1965)

Richard Eugene Bernard, ASI Class of 1965, passed away in November of 2014.  Richard also graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  President: Bernard Graphic Design Associates  September 1979 – Present (36 years) 4305 Cosby Rd, Powhatan, VA 23139

 

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Marjorie Flack Buchanan (Class of 1940)

Marjorie Flack Buchanan (November 5, 1922 - January 29, 2015) Fort Mill, SC

Mrs. Marjorie Flack Buchanan, 92, ASI Class of 1940, died Thursday, January 29, 2015, at White Oak Manor, Rock Hill, SC.

Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Fort Mill Funeral Home for family and close friends. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the funeral home.

A native of Union Mills, NC, Mrs. Buchanan was a daughter of the late John Edward Flack and Malinda Koon Flack. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Fort Mill. She loved playing and watching basketball. She was the widow of Worth C. Buchanan.

Surviving are two sons, Clyde Buchanan and his wife, Pat and Ted Buchanan, and his wife, Gail; one brother, Kolen Flack; three sisters, Frances Phillips, Thalia Shook, and Martha Lovelace; three grandchildren, Noel Buchanan, Ben Buchanan and Julia Bales and her husband, Marshall; and two great-grandchildren, Carli and Hayden Buchanan; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by five brothers, Austin Flack, Justin Flack, John Flack Jr., Neal Flack, and Pete Flack; and two sisters, Beth Poinbexter and Alla Briscoe.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Home Instead for the care that they gave for several years, the staff at White Oak Manor of Rock Hill, and the hospice staff from Hospice and Community Care. We would also like to thank Rev. Ralph Riley from First Baptist Church of Fort Mill.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice and Community Care, PO Box 993, Rock Hill, SC 29731 or charity of your choice.

 

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Howard Steven Monteith (Class of 1959)

Howard Steven Monteith, age 72, (ASI Class of 1959) of 3469 Hudlow Rd Rutherfordton passed away Friday at Hospice House. Steve was a native of Rutherford County, retired truck driver for Overnight and a member of Round Hill Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents Howard Paul and Ethel Dorie Stewart Monteith, his wife Reba Nell Monteith, a daughter Audrey Monteith and a sister Patricia Caldwell.  Left to cherish his memory are his children Donna Monteith of Rutherfordton, Lynn Monteith of Forest City, Dwayne Monteith of Rutherfordton, Randy Monteith of Rutherfordton, Michael Monteith of Spindale, Ricky Monteith of South Dakota, Stephanie Field of Rutherfordton, Cheyenne Monteith of South Carolina, Roxanne Monteith of Forest City and Delight Hoyle of Forest City; sisters Gayle Flack and Kaye Briscoe of Union Mills and a brother Ray Monteith of Forest City; 22 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be conducted 11 AM Monday at Round Hill Baptist Church with the Rev. John Bridges and Rev. Roger Hudgins officiating. The family will receive friends from 10-11 AM prior to the service.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County P.O. Box 336 Forest City, NC 28043.

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Virginia "Tillie" Nordmann Gilreath (Class of 1948)

Virginia Nordmann "Tillie" Gilreath, ASI Class of 1948, a native of Charlotte, and a resident of Ocean Isle Beach, died Friday, April 24, 2015, in hospice care in Wilmington. Born June 13, 1930, Virginia "Tillie" was the eldest of 14 children born to Virginia and Richard Nordmann of Queens Road West. She attended Lenoir Rhyne College. She was married to the late Edwin Gilreath of Charlotte and they had a daughter, "the delight of her life," Debra Gilreath Morgan of Charlotte.

Virginia lived a full and happy life. She earned her pilot's license and was checked out on twin-engine airplanes. She would fly in one of her three airplanes in the Powder Puff Derbies, The Angel Derby and the Air Race Classic. She received two safety awards for outstanding safe flying by the A.O.P.A. She was on the board of directors of the North Carolina-area flying club. She served as vice chairman, secretary and news reporter for her 99 Lady Pilot's Chapter of the International Organization. She was also a charter member of the Blue Ridge Chapter, The 99s, an elite group of 7,000 women pilots, the Piedmont Carolina Flying Club and the Arrow Flying Club and, a member of the Lions Club of Calabash. Virginia was an accomplished pianist, an avid boater and at the time of her death had completed half of her autobiography. She loved "investigating the facts" and wrote copious, newsy letters to family and friends.

She is survived by her daughter, Debra G. Morgan; her son-in-law, Bob Morgan; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; her siblings, Shirley N. Hill of Matthews, Jeanette N. Lee, Linda N. Smith of Charlotte, Frieda N. Porter of Atlanta, Paul Nordmann, Henry Nordmann of Conway, S.C., and Ronnie Nordmann of Summerton, S.C.; and scores of nieces and nephews. Virginia stated the greatest moment in life came when she committed her life to the Lord Jesus Christ. She said her faith, the Bible and prayer are all anyone needs to have peace of mind. As she took her last breath, her daughter and sisters were singing to her, "Jesus Loves Me." The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 30, at St. Luke's Lutheran Church on Park Road, Charlotte. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. at the same location. Her internment will be at Forest Lawn West at 4601 Freedom Drive, Charlotte. Arrangements are in the care of Forest Lawn West Funeral and Cremation Service. Online condolences may be placed at www.forestlawnwest.com.

 

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Ann Rhom Burleson (Class of 1971)

Alice Ann Burleson, age 62, of Marion, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 21, 2015 at Memorial Campus of Mission Hospital in Asheville.  Born in Rutherfordton, NC on October 17, 1952, she was the daughter of the late Roy and Jennie Rhom.  Ann, who was employed as a registered nurse at The McDowell Hospital, took great pride in helping others.  

Her love for the Lord was evident through her dedication and faithfulness as a member of Faith Baptist Church.  Deeply loved by her family, she was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend.  She was preceded in death by, in addition to her parents, one sister, Martha Eisenhower. 

Mrs. Burleson is survived by her husband of 43 years, Rev. Kenneth Burleson; one son, Robbie Daniel Burleson and his wife, Brooke of Marion; one brother, Dennis Rhom of Rutherfordton; one sister, April Crook of Rutherfordton; two granddaughters, Sara Grace Burleson and Caroline Elizabeth Rice and a number of nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. at Faith Baptist Church with Revs. Ken Burleson, T-Jay Addison and Bob McCurry officiating.  A committal service will follow at West Court Cemetery with Rev. Jimmy Upton officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., prior to the service, at the church.

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Mildred Elizabeth Flack Kincaid (Class of 1939)

Mildred Elizabeth Flack Kincaid, 93, died Friday, February 20, 2015.  She was born in Rutherford County, NC on October 1, 1921 to the late Ike and Texie Flack. Mrs. Kincaid was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William Howard Kincaid, Sr.; her son, William Howard Kincaid, Jr.; five brothers; and one sister.

Mildred is survived by her granddaughter, Kathy Kincaid Farris of Raleigh, NC; great-grandchildren, Kathryn Farris, William Farris, and Anna Farris; and a sister, Shirley Mace.

A memorial service for Mrs. Kincaid will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sossoman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 2608, Morganton, NC 28680 to assist with funeral expenses.

 

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James Joseph Dunn (Class of 1965)

Farmville, NC James Joseph Dunn, age 69, born March 21, 1945 and died Friday, January 23, 2015.  James was 1965 graduate of Alexander Schools, Inc, Union Mill, N.C.  James was a US Navy Veteran. A memorial service will be held Saturday at 2:00 P.M. at the Church Street Chapel of the Farmville Funeral Home by Rev. Bruce Jones. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

Mr. Dunn was a veteran of the Vietnam War having served in the U.S. Navy.

He is survived by a son, Bobby Dunn.

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Gloria Coward Rodriguez (Class of 1963)

Gloria Coward Rodriguez age 23, born July 4, 1945 passed away and was buried in San Antonio, Texas on July 30, 1968.  No other information is available.

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Larry Joe Conner

Larry Joe Conner age 67 (ASI Alumni) of Bobby McKinney Road passed away at his home Monday January 26, 2015. A native of Rutherford County he is a son of the Late Hicks and Carrie Yelton Conner and was formerly employed in textiles.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Nora Jane Conner and his children Earl Flack, Jimmy Conner, Ronnie Conner and Lisa Conner. He is survived by three brothers-Donald Conner of Union Mills, NC; Dewitt Conner and wife Debbie of Union Mills, NC and Sam Conner and wife Kathryn of Nebo, NC; three sisters-Thelma Dotson of Union Mills, NC; Brenda Splawn and husband Bill of Union Mills, NC and Mary Bailey and husband Floyd of Nebo, NC. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5 – 7 PM Wednesday January 28, 2015 at Crowe’s Mortuary in Rutherfordton, NC. Funeral services will be held 4 PM Thursday January 29, 2015 at Crowe’s Funeral Chapel with Rev. Linda Perrigan officiating. A private burial will be held later at Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery in McDowell County. The family will be gathering at the home of Brenda Splawn 174 Antler Trail Union Mills, NC 28167.

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Gladys Hodge England (Class of 1949)

Gladys H. England, age 85, of Forest City, died Wednesday, December 31, 2014 at Forest City Health and Rehabilitation Center.
Born September 7, 1929 in Polk County, she was a daughter of the late Collett Hodge and Martha Ann Gibbs Hodge. Gladys was a graduate of Union Mills High School and a homemaker. She was a member of Forest Lake Baptist Church and especially enjoyed spending time with family and taking trips to the Coast.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by five sisters and one brother.
Survivors include one son, William C. England III and wife, Annette of Forest City; daughter, Glenda Dysart and husband, Wade of Mt. Gilead, NC; two grandsons, William C. "Billy" England IV of Hendersonville, TN and Travis Ian England and wife, Ashton of Mooresboro, NC. She is also survived by one great-grandson, Jaxon Bayne England.
A graveside service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 2, 2015 at Eternal Hills Memorial Park with Reverend Wayne Toney officiating. There will be no formal visitation.
Memorial donations are suggested to Hospice of Rutherford County, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043 or to the Activity Fund c/o Sarah Johnson, Forest City Health and Rehab Center, 830 Bethany Church Road, Forest City, NC 28043.

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Melinda Apperson Pemberton (Class of 1976)

Melinda Apperson Pemberton, ASI Class of 1976 died on Oct 29,2014. At her request there will not be a funeral. Please remember her daughters Leslie & Ally and her 3 grandchildren in your prayers. She is also survived by her sister Ann Apperson of Fort Lauderdale, Fl and a brother Mark Apperson of Winston Salem NC

 

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Gary Michael Ruppe (Class of 1967)

Gary Michael Ruppe “Mike” age 65, (ASI Class of 1967) of Union Mills, NC passed away on Saturday October the 18th 2014. Mike was the son of the late Ralph Roberts and Beulah Mae Dobbins Ruppe. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Karen Ruppe; daughter Karen Michelle Ruppe and fiancé Al Irizarry of New York; Son Gary Michael Ruppe II and wife Jenny of Union Mills, NC; daughter Kristy Ruppe Craddock and husband John of Greensboro, NC; Grandchildren Kaitlyn Marie Ruppe, Gary Michael Ruppe III, Kelvin Pelzy Ruppe, Kennedy Isla Craddock; Siblings Jim Ruppe, J. Marshall Ruppe and Margit, Maxine and Hubert Adair, T. Howard Ruppe, John Ruppe, Steve and Ginger Ruppe, Carol Axom.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother Norris Ruppe, and sisters Patricia Baynard, and Glynna Ledbetter. Mike loved woodworking, gardening, and enjoying the outdoors. He was a lifelong animal lover and enjoyed rescuing pets.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Rutherford Humane Society, 531 Railroad Ave Rutherfordton, NC 28139. The family will receive friends from 5-7 Thursday night at Crowe’s Mortuary and Crematory. Online condolences may be made at www.crowemortuary.com.

 

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Shirley Ann Penley Chambers (Class of 1964)

Burlington, NC - Shirley Penley Chambers (ASI Class of 1964), age 61, of Daniely Water Wheel Road went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 5, 2008 at Alamance Regional Medical Center. She was a native of Buncombe County and the daughter of the late Charles M. and Elizabeth Creech Penley, Sr.

Shirley was the former owner and operator of Shirley's Day Care where she loved and touched the lives of numerous children for over 40 years. She was a member of the Burlington Shag Club and was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, sister and a special friend to so many.

Survivors include her sons and daughter-in-law, Wayne Chambers, Jr. and his wife, Tracy and Michael Lynn Chambers all of Burlington; daughters and sons-in-law, Stacy C. Morton and her husband, Michael of Trinity, Anna Chambers of Seneca, South Carolina, Joni R. McPhetridge and her husband, Todd of Zebulon; eight grandchildren; special friend, Allen Revis of Danville, Virginia; sister, Sandra Moore of Burlington; brother and sister-in-law, Daniel Penley and his wife, Bobbi of Greenville, South Carolina. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Charles and Tommy Penley; mother-in-law, Ruby Dell Crumpton Chambers.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at the Lowe Funeral Home Chapel by Rev. Darrell Massey and the burial will follow at Alamance Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home and other times at the home of her son, Wayne Chambers, Jr., 2065 Altamahaw-Union Ridge Road, Burlington, NC 27217.

Memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care Center of Alamance-Caswell, 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215

 

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Sylvia Ann Thomas Snow (Class of 1964)

Sylvia Ann Thomas Snow (ASI Class of 1964), age 34 of Atlanta, GA, died unexpectedly Sunday January 11, 1981.  A native of Buncombe County, NC, she had been a resident of the Atlanta area for the past eight years.  She was the daughter of Paul Thomas of Greenville, ,SC and the late Nell Wright Thomas.

Surviving in addition to her father are a son Jonathan Snow of Asheville, NC and a foster mother, Mary Ball of Asheville.

Services will be held in the Asheville chapel of Penland Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Cane Creek Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 pm Tuesday at the funeral home and at other times a the residence of Mary Ball on Reynolds School Road in Asheville;

 

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Laura Louise Watson Murphy (Class of 1964)

Laura Louise Watson Murphy (ASI Class of 1964), age 50 passed away on October 5, 1994 in Raleigh, NC.  Laura was a homemaker.  She was the daughter of Robert Alexander Watson and Spicey Turmire.  No other details are available.

 

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Lila Nanney Hamilton (Class of 1939)

Lila Nanney Hamilton, 91(ASI Class of 1939), died July 9, 2014, at Agape' Hospice. Visitation will be Sunday, July 20, from 2:00 until 3:30pm at Oakland Baptist Church, 1067 Oakland Ave., Rock Hill, SC. A Memorial service will follow at 4:00pm. Born in Rutherford County, NC, Mrs. Hamilton was the daughter of the late C.Y. and Zinnie S. Nanney.

She was preceded in death by her husband J. Allen Hamilton to whom she was married more than 50 years and by her brother, C.Y. Nanney, Jr. She was a charter member of Oakland Baptist Church, serving actively in missions, as a deacon and more than 60 years caring for children in the nursery. A particular joy was keeping in contact with many of their "adopted" Winthrop students. Mrs. Hamilton attended Mars Hill College, Appalachian State University and was a proud Winthrop College graduate (1943). She retired after 35 years working in Celanese chemical lab and enjoyed world travels.

Survivors include a niece, Jane Nanney Exner, and a number of special nieces and nephews by marriage. Memorials may be made to Oakland Baptist Church Ministry Center Benevolent Fund or to the Agape' Senior Foundation, 1624 Main St., Columbia, SC 29201. Special thanks to friends and family as well as staff of Piedmont Medical Center, Agape' Assisted Living (York) and Agape' Post Acute Care Center/Hospice for care and encouragement provided these past several months. Online condolences may be registered at http://www.basscares.com/. Bass-Cauthen is in charge.

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David Nanney (Class of 1956)

David Randall Nanney age 76 (ASI Class of 1956) of Nanneytown Road Union Mills went home to be with The Lord on Tuesday August 12, 2014 while being cared for at Rutherford Regional Medical Center. A native of Rutherford County NC he was a former employee of Stonecutter Mill, a member of Round Hill Baptist Church and a member of The Hillbilly Tractor Pullers.

David was preceded in death by his parents David Jesse Nanney and Hettie Lane Nanney Church as well as a son Ricky William Nanney, step father Robert Church, and brothers Johnny and Ernest Nanney.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife Louise Lewis Nanney of the home, one daughter Marie Young and husband Donald of Asheville, NC; one brother Raymond Nanney (ASI Class of 1965) and wife Dianne; two sisters Mary Page Nanney (ASI Class of 1968) and husband Lloyd (ASI Class of 1966) and Faye Flynn (ASI Class of 1963) and husband Hubert (ASI Class of 1962); grandchildren Don-Michael Young, Jeffery Nanney and Michael Church, three great grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews as well as a host of other family and friends.

Funeral services will be held 3 PM Friday August 15, 2014 at Round Hill Baptist Church with the family receiving friends from 2 – 3 PM prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Round Hill Baptist Church, 6611 Hudlow Road, Union Mills, NC 28167.

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Joe L. Taylor (Class of 1950)

Joe L. Taylor, 83, ASI Class of 1950, died unexpectedly at his Union Mills home on Friday, October 24, 2014.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Cora M. Taylor and brother, Thomas E. Taylor. 
He is survived by his long-time companion of 29 years Bertha Dowdle, brother, John (Joann) and his sister, Ruby T. Miller-Ousley (Clinton).

Joe is also survived by three nieces, Robbin O'Neal (Bob), Becky Elias (Jim), Lee Andrea Miller and nephews Donald Miller (Amanda) and Tommy Joe Taylor. He will also be missed by his faithful dog, Odie named after an army buddy.
Joe served in the army during the Korean War and was an avid reader of books pertaining to that war. 
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 PM on Tuesday October 28, 2014 at Crowe’s Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow in Eternal Hills Memorial Park with military honors provided by the Rutherford County Veterans Honor Guard. The family will receive friend 1 hour prior to the service. 

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Joan Pinkston (Class of 1961)

Rev. Joan Pinkston (ASI Class of 1961) was born on March 7, 1943 and passed away on May 27, 2012. Joan was a resident of Altamonte Springs, Florida.

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Marvin Griffin (Class of 1960)

Marvin E. Griffin, Sr.(ASI Class of 1960), age 71, of Union Mills, NC, died Saturday, July 19, 2014, at Rutherford Regional Medical Center. He was the son of the late Emmett and Stella Guffey Griffin. He was a native of Rutherford County. He loved to work with and help children at Shriners Hospitals. Marvin was a member of Union Mills Presbyterian Church. He was an active member of Masonic Lodge #460 Cliffside for 36 years and he retired from Duke Energy.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Lane Griffin; one daughter, Teresa Griffin Lother and her husband Michael; one son, Marvin Eugene Griffin Jr. and Lisa Perkins and two grandchildren, Tiffany Lother and Seth Griffin.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, Friday, July 25, 2014 prior to the service at Union Mills Presbyterian Church. The Funeral service will be at Union Mills Presbyterian Church at 2:00 PM, Friday, July 25, 2014 with Rev. Bart Shaw and Rev. Jimmy Koone officiating. Interment will be at Union Mills Presbyterian Cemetery with full Masonic Rites provided by the Cliffside lodge. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital; 950 West Faris Rd. Greenville, SC 29605.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the first responders, EMT's, the emergency department including the nurses, staff, and Dr. Singh; their emergency readiness and care were greatly appreciated by the family. Online guest register/tribute wall at www.mcmahansfuneralhome.com.

McMahan's Funeral Home & Cremation Services in charge of arrangements.

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Charlotte Proden  (Class of 1966)

Mrs. Charlotte Proden Balint (ASI Class of 1966), 55, loving daughter of Mildred Pacheco Nunnery , entered into rest on Tuesday, January 6, 2004 at the residence in Augusta, GA. Other survivors include her brother, Charles Proden, Jr. of Grovetown; sister, Colleen lane of Johnston, S.C. She was predeceased by her father Charles Proden, Sr. Mrs. Balint was born in Nashville, Tenn. and had worked for Paradine Corp. as a electronic technician. She was of the Catholic faith. Funeral services will be private. Hatcher Funeral Home-Augusta

 

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Audrey Lochinger Eggleston (Class of 1944)

Fort Mitchell, KY-P. Audrey Lochinger Eggleston, 87(ASI Class lf 1944), passed away on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Florence, KY, following a sudden illness. Born June 5, 1926, in Mecklenburg County, NC, she was the daughter of the late Harry and Talma McAllister Lochinger. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Homer Alfred Eggleston, Sr. on Mar. 4, 2010.

Mrs. Eggleston worked for the I.R.S. for many years and was a member of the VFW Ralph Fulton Post 6423.

Survivors include: two daughters, Maxine Newman of Florence, KY and Jeanette Scott of Beckley; two sons, Al Eggleston of Fort Mitchell, KY and Johnny Eggleston of Union, KY; two sisters, Lillian Gallop and Lucille Durham both of Rocklin, CA; 13 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Dec. 28, at the Lobban Funeral Home Chapel, Alderson, where the Rev. Frank Jones officiated.

Burial was in the Mt. Zion Cemetery, Alderson.

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Donald Talmadge Barrett (Class of 1954)

SPARTANBURG, SC-- Donald Talmadge Barrett, 77, of 250 South Hudson Barksdale Boulevard, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 11, 2011, at Elizabeth House in Flat Rock, NC. Born November 22, 1933 in Murrayville, GA, he was the son of the late Horace G. and Edna Long Barrett, and was reared in Greenville, SC, and in Kings Mountain, NC.

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Leroi F. Bell (Class of 1950)

LeRoi F. Bell III, 81, (ASI Class of 1950) (June 5, 1932 - May 9, 2014) a USAR retired master sergeant and owner of Bell Real Estate, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, Friday, May 9th, 2014.

Preceded in death by his mother Minnie Era Bell.

He is survived by his wife, Wanda, and three children, Mary (Keith), Pam (Steve), Ralph (Pam), six grandchildren, Joey, Ben, Brittney, Aaron, Preston, Andrew, two great grandchildren, Braelyn and Brennah, sister, Marlene, nephews, Robert (Cathy), Brad (Geraldine), James, niece, Margie (Lewis), great niece, Tina, great great niece, Katelyn, and Uncle David.
Roy was a master gardener who shared his bountiful harvests with his family, friends, and the community. He dearly loved his little spot on the hill.

We are all very thankful and proud to have had him in our lives.
A very special thanks to all who helped make his final wishes come true, Woody (Judy), Shirley (Greg), Terry a special friend, and Renee, his Hosparus nurse.

 

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Justyn Marie Carter (Class of 1945)

Justyn Marie Carter, 77, passed away Dec. 25, 2005, at Beacon Place, Greensboro, NC.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, at Buchanan Baptist Church. Rev. Todd Roberts will officiate.

Ms. Carter attended Mars Hill and Elon College on a full music scholarship. Among her accomplishments, Ms. Carter performed and toured with the NC Symphony, the Raleigh Oratorio Society, starred as Mae West in "Garters ‘n Gals", and designed and created some of her own costumes, in addition to original debutante and bridal gowns.

Ms. Carter lived in NY City 25 years where she was employed with Stanley Simon & Assoc., Bangor Punta Corp. and Revlon, Inc. In NY, Ms. Carter had the opportunity to perform under the direction of Leonard Bernstein, and at Carnegie Hall under the direction of Hugh Ross in "Schola Cantorum". After returning to Greensboro, Ms. Carter's 4-original needlework design books were published under the pseudonym of "Justyn Marie Creations". She retired as Media Specialist from the Holt Group Advertising Agency.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Reuben F. and Susan Hatley Carter; brothers
R. Marvin and James L. Carter. She is survived by nieces, Diane Carter Wilson and Karen Carter Hodgin; sisters-in-law, Mary R. Carter and Sara B. Carter.

She was known and loved by her family and friends as the original "Auntie Mame", and never disappointed them in that expectation

 

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Sara Blanton Fitzpatrick Johnson (Teacher)

Sara Blanton Johnston  (October 11, 1924 – June 4, 2014) of Forest City, North Carolina died Wednesday, June 4, 2014 at Hospice House of Forest City. A resident of Rutherford County for most of her life, she was an active participant in the community. After retiring from teaching in the Rutherford County School System she became a member of the DAR, volunteered with the Rutherford Hospital Auxiliary, and worked diligently at the Lincoln Center. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Forest City and along with her late husband, Grayson Johnston, devoted countless hours of her time. Sara also loved singing in the church choir. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, Claude Hudson Blanton and Mildred Cofield Blanton, sister Nancy Stalcup and brother, John Blanton.

Survivors include her daughter, Melissa Fitzpatrick of Black Mountain, NC, her grandson, Nathan Umstead of Raleigh, her great-grandson, Ivan Gray Umstead, of Raleigh, and brother, Claude Blanton, Jr. of Wilmington, NC.

A memorial service will be held at one o'clock on Friday, June 6, 2014 in the First Presbyterian Church with Reverend Becky Stanley officiating. Visitation will follow the service at the church. Interment will be held privately for the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County, Post Office Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043. The Padgett and King Mortuary is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com

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Chris E. Johnson (Summer School Teacher/Summer Recreation Director)

Tryon, NC  – Chris E. Johnson (February 16, 1936 - April 21, 2014) After a battle with Alzheimer’s and a brief illness, Chris Johnson passed away at the Hospice House in Landrum, S.C. April 21, 2014.  He is preceded in death by his parents, James Elmer and Mary Foster Johnson, and siblings Valerie London, Ruth Tezza, James E. Johnson II, and Dean Johnson.  He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Eloise Thompson Johnson (ASI Class of 1960) of Tryon, daughter and son-in-law Bob and Christa Johnson Whittaker of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, son Damon Johnson of Shelby North Carolina, and granddaughters Helena Whittaker of Orlando, Florida, Sydney Whittaker of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, and Taytem and Maggie Johnson of Columbus, North Carolina, and siblings Patricia Martin and Clark Johnson of Maryland, and Gail Null of Charlotte.

Chris was born and raised Polk County, graduated from Tryon High School in 1954 and attended East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C.   After starting his teaching career in Eastern North Carolina, he taught in Tryon Schools from 1966 to 1992, teaching several generations, and leaving a lasting legacy as an educator and mentor. In addition to teaching, he drove a school bus for most of his career, logging perhaps thousands of miles all across Polk County. He served as president of the Polk County Jaycees and was a past member of Jeff L. Nelson Lodge.

Chris will be remembered for his love of life and sense of humor. He was an avid gardener and loved to share his bounty with friends and family.  He lived a rich and full life and thoroughly enjoyed his retirement, traveling with his wife to all fifty states and delighting in his four granddaughter

Chris taught Summer School, planned and carried out summer recreation activities for students residing at ASI,  His wife Eloise was the substitute house parent while the regular house parent was on vacation.  This was every summer for four years starting in June 1971.

Chris wished for no funeral or memorial service because he only wanted to be remembered with laughter and joy, so the family is honoring his request.  Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 31 College Place, Suite D320, Asheville, NC 28801-2644 or to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, 130 Forest Glen Dr. Columbus, NC 28722.   

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Frances Williams Sheppard (Class of 1943)

Frances Williams Sheppard (ASI Class of 1943), age 89 of Bostic, North Carolina died Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at Autumn Care Center in Forest City. She was born November 7, 1924 in Appling Georgia and was a daughter of the late B. D. Williams and Isabella Arrowood Williams. Frances was a homemaker and the wife of the late Reverend T. A. Sheppard. She was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Forest City where she was a former member of the choir, a graduate of Gardner-Webb College and received a degree in History from Carson-Newman College. Frances was the consummate Pastor's wife, supporting her husband as he ministered churches in Granite Falls, NC, Lancaster, SC, Indian Trail, NC and Hodges, SC. She was truly a devoted wife, and loving mother and grandmother. She also enjoyed gardening and was an avid bird watcher. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Faye Washburn, Iva Williams, Bernice Williams and Dorothy Briscoe.

Survivors include two sons, John Sheppard and wife Sonya of Ware Shoals, SC, Brent Sheppard and wife Helen of Morganton, NC, a brother, Paul Williams and wife Wanda of Raleigh, a sister, Hazel Shires of Forest City, and four grandchildren, Lauren Abercrombie, Mary Sheppard, Martha Sheppard, and Anna Sheppard, and two great-grandchildren, Layla Gorman and Vera Abercrombie.

The funeral will be held at two o'clock Friday, March 21, 2014 in the First Baptist Church of Forest City with Reverend J. Anthony Spencer officiating. Interment will follow in the Eternal Hills Memorial Park. Visitation will be from one until two o'clock prior to the service in the Family Fellowship Hall. Memorials may be made to the Music Ministry of First Baptist Church, 211 West Main Street, Forest City, NC 28043. The Padgett and King Mortuary is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com

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Billy Wayne Conner (Class of 1964)

Mr. Billy Wayne Conner age 67 of Bobby McKinney Road went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday April 9, 2014 while being cared for at Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC. A native of Rutherford County; Billy was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, a member of the Baptist faith and a former employee of Mastercraft and Lowe’s. Left to cherish his memory are his daughter Connie Conner Martin and her husband Jerry; three grandchildren – Chassidy Conner, Tiffani Martin and Genia Martin; one great granddaughter Destyni Humphreys; one sister Nancy Conner Spicer and a number of other relatives and friends. Billy was preceded in death by his parents Hicks and Ethel Hall Conner, one son Gene Conner and one brother Bobby Conner.

Funeral services will be held 2 PM Saturday April 12, 2014 at Crowe's Funeral Chapel with Rev. Bill Alley and Rev. Linda Perrigan officiating.  Concluding services will be held at Round Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 1-2 PM Saturday April 12, 2014 at Crowe's Mortuary.

 

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Brenda Lynch Johnson (Class of 1972)

Brenda Lynch Johnson,60 of Union Mills died Saturday, April 5, 2014.  Funeral services will be held at 2 pm Friday, April 11, 2014 at  Mt Pleasant CME Church in Union Mills.  The body will lie in state one hour prior to service.  Thompson’s Mortuary & Chapel is serving the family.

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Robert Justine Flack (Class of 1960)

Robert J. Flack ASI Class of 1960 October 6, 1941 - March 15, 2014, age 72, passed away Saturday, March 15, 2014 in Sebring, Florida. Mr. Flack was born in Union Mills, North Carolina to Justin and Juline (Lord) Flack. Mr. Flack worked for General Motors, he served in the United States Army during Vietnam, he played and coached in the Men’s Senior Softball League, he was a member of the First Baptist Church in Avon Park, he loved fishing, NASCAR, all sports, he helped with the Royal Ambassadors at First Baptist Church, he volunteered his time delivering produce to the needy and had been a resident of Avon Park since 1997 coming from Dayton, Ohio

He is survived by his wife-Rada Flack of Avon Park, Florida; sons-Austin Flack of Avon Park, Florida and Aaron Flack (Angela) of Forest City, North Carolina; sisters-Nell Pope (Coy) of Green Hill, North Carolina, Justine Haynes (Roy) of Green Hill, North Carolina and Marie Flack of Columbia, South Carolina; brother-Albert Flack of Gilkey, North Carolina and numerous extended family.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 19, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church with funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m. with Dr. Howard Leman officiating. Burial will be in Sarasota National Cemetery on Thursday, March 20, 2014 at 12:30 p.m.

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Henry Herman White (Class of 1967)

Henry Herman White III, 64, of Statesville, passed away Monday, June 24, 2013 at his home. He was born October 11, 1948 in Morehead City, NC and was the son of the late Henry H. White, Jr. and Doris Varner White.

Mr. White attended Western Carolina University and on December 29, 2001 he married Virginia “Ginny” Graham White, who survives. He was a self employed sign maker until his health started to decline in addition to his wife he is survived by a mother-in-law, Frances Graham, of Statesville.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Gordon Hospice House, 2341 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625.Online condolences may be made to the family at nicholsonfunerals.com

Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.

 

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William Douglas Davis (Class of 1964)

William Douglas "Bill" Davis, age 67, a retired Raleigh police officer died Thursday morning, December 12, 2012 in WakeMed of Raleigh. Born July 17, 1945 in Durham County, he was a US Navy veteran and a member of St Ann Catholic Church near Clayton.


A memorial service will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. Sunday in St. Ann Catholic Church. The family will receive friends from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Saturday at the Parrish Funeral Home in Selma.


Surviving are his wife, Frankie Barbour Davis; daughters, Joely Jernigan of East Dundee, IL, Marie Foxworth and husband Gene and Annie Davis all of Smithfield and six grandchildren.

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Charles Thomas Weddle (Class of 1967)

Charles Thomas “Tommy”,  Weddle Sr., age 66 of Dayton, passed away January 16, 2014. He was born September 3, 1947 in Durham, NC to the late Charles F. and Hattie L. Weddle. In addition to his parents, Tommy was preceded in death by his brother, Lee Weddle.

Tommy is survived by his wife and companion of 17 years, Glenna Weddle; son, Charles Thomas “TJ” Weddle, Jr.; step-sons, Joey and Dylan Chapman; dear friends, Joe Elam, Harold Shephard, Mark Murray and his friends and the staff at Dixie Lounge and and his best friend, surrogate Dad & brother Steve Monteith

Tommy was a veteran of the U.S. Army, Vietnam War. He retired from Ibsco after 20 years of service as a Iron Worker. Tommy was an avid race car fan, fisherman and NASCAR enthusiast.


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Nelle Watson McCurry (Class of 1948)

Nelle Watson McCurry, 84, of Clay Street, Forest City, died Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at Hospice House of Forest City. A native of Rutherford County, she was the daughter of the late James G. Watson and Mattie Young Watson. Mrs. McCurry retired from Tanner Company, was a homemaker, and a member of First Baptist Church, Forest City, where she was a member of the Love Circle Sunday school class and she also taught the 4 and 5 year old Sunday school class for many years.

Survivors include her husband, Earl McCurry of the home, a son, Mark McCurry and wife Beverly of Forest City, a daughter, Connie McCurry Champion and husband Max, of Forest City, granddaughters, Amy Bland and husband Clint of Ellenboro, and Emily Sain and husband John of Forest City, and four great grandchildren, Carson, Abby, and Griffin Bland, and Rylan Sain. She was preceded in death by three sisters and two brothers.

The funeral service will be held at 2 pm, Thursday, January 16, 2014 in the First Baptist Church with Dr. Barry Keys officiating. Interment will follow in the Cool Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:30 until 2 pm Thursday prior to the service in the church Fellowship Hall. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County, P.O. Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043; First Baptist Church, 211 West Main Street, Forest City, NC 28043; or Florence Baptist Church, 201 South Broadway Street, Forest City, NC 28043.

The Padgett & King Mortuary is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at http://www.padgettking.com/.

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Mittie Johnson Hutchins

Mittie Johnson Hutchins, age 97, of Rutherfordton, died Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at White Oak Manor. A native of Rutherford County, she was the daughter of the late John Henry and Millie Melton Johnson. She was retired from Broyhill Industries and a charter member of Westminster Baptist Church.

Left to cherish her memories are her daughters Edna (Hutchins) Ledbetter (ASI – ’50) and husband Max of Rutherfordton, Helen (Hutchins) Prince (ASI –’52) and husband Bill of Rutherfordton, Bonnie (Hutchins) Edwards (ASI –’59) and husband Clyde of Charlotte, Jean (Hutchins) Harrill (ASI – ’68) and husband Ronnie of Forest City; sons Bobby Hutchins (ASI – DNG?)  and wife Jeannette of Forest City, Clyde Hutchins (ASI – DNG) and wife DJ of Rutherfordton, Coy Hutchins (ASI – ’66) and wife Sandra of Rutherfordton; eleven grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren and one great great grandchild; sister Myrtle Miller and husband Wayne of Linwood, NC. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Broadus Hutchins.

Funeral services will be held 2PM Thursday, December 12, 2013 at Westminster Baptist Church with Rev. Clifford Bradshaw and Rev. Aaron Vess officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Westminster Baptist Church, 348 Clements Road, Rutherfordton, NC 28139.

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John White

John White, age 76, (ASI Alumni) of Union Mills, NC, died December 8, 2013 at the Hospice House of Rutherford County.  Born December 1, 1937 in Rutherford County, NC, he was a son of the late Reid White and Eva Mae Ferguson White. He worked for Stonecutter Mills most of his life and was a member of Centennial United Methodist Church. He enjoyed coaching Little League baseball and hunting. He coached Rutherfordton Little Baseball for twenty-five years.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother, Frank White.

Survivors include two sons, Greg White and wife, Sheri and Todd White and wife, Melissa all of Union Mills; two sisters, Hilda Conner and husband, Don of Spartanburg, SC and Martha Greene and husband, Lloyd of Bostic; brother, George White of Bostic and two grandchildren, Brooks White and Haley White

.
Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at the Centennial United Methodist Church with Reverend Jack Crain officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time at the church.
Memorial donations are suggested to Hospice of Rutherford County, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28

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Melvin Lawrence Chewning (Class of 1950)

Melvin Lawrence Chewning, 81, died Nov. 24, 2013. Funeral, 2 p.m. Monday, Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church, Atlanta. Floral Hills Funeral Home, Tucker.

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Ruth Elaine Runyon Meadows (Class of 1967)

Ruth Elaine Runyon Meadows (February 27, 1947 - October 25, 2013) passed away on Friday, October 25, 2013 at her home in Richmond, Virginia. All arrangements are private per her last wishes.

 

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Richard Jonathan Apperson (Class of 1976)


Mr. Richard J. Apperson, 56, of Winston-Salem, Dec 11, 1956 - Aug 28, 2013 passed away Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home. He was the son of Wallace G. Apperson and stepson of Trudie Bowman Apperson. He is survived by his brother, Mark, and sisters, Roxanne and Melinda (Class of 1976). Visitation will be held from 6 - 8 p.m. Friday, August 30, 2013 at the home, 1909 Shelby Lane, Winston-Salem.

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Arch Wayne Rockroth

Arch Wayne Rothrock of Lewisville (ASI Alumni) passed from this Earth on Thursday, August 22, 2013 after a short illness. He was a beloved husband and father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Arch is survived by his wife (of 52 years) Brenda, daughter Kelly (Wood) and her husband Alan, son Kent and his wife Stasia, and grandson Jacob Wood.

He is also survived by his brothers Terry, Lynn, and Charles, his sister Doris (Holder); and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Arch was born on October 24, 1942 to the late Reuben and Vivian (Campbell) Rothrock of Lewisville. Arch was truly a people-person and enjoyed meeting and talking to everyone. He was a member of the Church of Christ at Shacktown and loved his church family dearly. He enjoyed reading biographies and American History, woodworking, and dining out on Friday nights. His passing leaves a tremendous void in the lives of his family who take comfort in remembering the laughs and fun they shared every time they were together.

 A graveside service will be conducted Sunday at 4:00 pm at Shacktown Church of Christ Cemetery with Brother Steve McCollum and Brother Steve Johnson officiating. The family will receive friends Saturday from 6:00 until 8:00 pm at Hayworth-Miller Lewisville Chapel. Memorials may be made to Shacktown Church of Christ, 2605 Shacktown Road, Yadkinville, NC 27055. The family would like to express thanks for the wonderful, compassionate care Arch received at Forsyth Medical Center. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.

 

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Willie Alma Jolley (Teacher/Secretary)

MOORESBORO - Willie Alma Jolley, 89, of McCraw Road, Mooresboro, died on Friday, August 30, 2013 at her residence. A native of Cleveland County, she was born on July 07, 1924, a daughter of the late L.J. and Mary Etta McCraw Jolley. She attended Gardner-Webb College, Limestone College, Meredith College, and Carver School of Missions and Social Work. Mrs. Jolley retired from Rutherford County Schools as a Reading Coordinator. She was a member of Prospect Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brothers, Ernest, Ramon, Otha, R.D., Ara, Elmer, and Hamon Jolley; her sisters, Vernie Mae and Trubie Jolley and Verdie Jolley Womack. She is also preceded in death by three nephews. She is survived by five nieces and three nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 3:15pm on Sunday, September 01, 2013 at Prospect Baptist Church with the Rev. Ernie Cole and the Rev. Keith Dixon officiating. Burial will follow at Cherokee Creek Baptist Church of Gaffney. Visitation will be held from 2:00pm-3:00pm at the church.

 

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Iris Moore Newton (Class of 1943)

Iris Moore Newton,86, of Forest City, died Friday, January 18, 2013 at her home. Iris was born February 15, 1926 in Rutherford County NC and was a daughter of the late George Adams and Christeen Withrow Moore. She was a member of Union Mills Presbyterian Church and was a retired textile inspector. She also worked as a CNA home care giver. In her spare time, Iris enjoyed working in the flower garden as well as spending time with her friends at the Senior Center.
Iris is survived by her husband, Ted Hoover Newton of the home; daughter, Susan Baynard Ward and husband Keith of Union Mills; grandchild Leslie Baynard; great grandchildren Jordan Carroll and Taylor Baynard; step-grandchildren Chad Newton and wife Lynn; Todd Newton; step great-granddaughter Brooklyn Newton; brothers and sisters, Bob Moore, Pat Allen,Estelle Honeycutt, Mildred Henderson, Mary Sue Randall. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by children Christy Gail Baynard and Douglas Scott Baynard; siblings Verdane Moore, Butch Moore, George "Bug" Moore Jr, Edith Harrill and Thelma Moore.


Funeral services will be held 3 PM Sunday, January 20 at Union Mills Presbyterian Church with Rev. Tom and Rev. Pat Queen officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:30-3:00 PM prior to the service at the church.


Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to the Rutherford County Senior Center, 193 Callahan Koon Road, Spindale, NC 28160.
A special thanks to the Angels of Care, Cindy Brooks, Carol Aldrich, Sereatha Shelton, Carolyn Moore, June Love and Candace Butler.

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  Dazel Baynard

Dazel Baynard, 71, (ASI Alumni) of Union Mills, died on Tuesday, July 9, 2013, at his home. He was a native of Rutherford County and the son of the late Zeb and Sue Baynard. Dazel was a retired carpenter and of the Methodist Faith. He was preceded in death by a brother Odell Baynard and a sister Modene Sisk.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years Sandra Baynard;  one daughter: Tonya Mitchell of Rutherfordton; one granddaughter:  Briana English of Rutherfordton;  four sisters: Joyce Dobbins of Gilkey  (ASI Class of ’56), Una Glance of Forest City (ASI Class of ’67), Frieda Parker of Union Mills (ASI Class of ’69) and Kay Webb of Boiling Springs, SC; three brothers:  Marshall Baynard of Forest City (ASI Class of ’62), Carroll Baynard of Rutherfordton (ASI Class of ’65) and David Baynard of Rutherfordton

The family will receive friends from 5 to 6 PM on Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at McMahan's Funeral Home of Rutherfordton, NC.  A memorial service will follow in McMahan's Funeral Home Chapel at 6 PM with Tracy Wilson officiating. An online guest register and obituary is available at www.mcmahansfuneralhome.com. McMahan's Funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of the arrangements.

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    Elouise Dobbins Hill (Class of 1941)

Elouise Dobbins Hill passed away this March 31,2013 at the age of 90.

 

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    Barbara Farthing Bonham (Class of 1957)

Barbara F. Bonham of Summerville, SC  died Tuesday, November 13, 2012. The relatives and friends of Mr. and Mrs. Danial C. Bonham are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial for the latter at 9:00 AM Friday, November 16, 2012, from St. Theresa the Little Flower Catholic Church. Final interment will take place at a later date. In Lieu of Flowers, Donations in her name can be made to St. Theresa the Little Flower Catholic Church, 11001 Dorchester Rd, Summerville SC, 29485. Condolences may be offered at www.jamesamcalister.com. JAMES A. McALISTER Funerals & Cremation, 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 29407. (843) 766-1365. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ Charleston

 

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Vicki Lynn Bowen Owens (Class of 1976)

Vicki Lynn Owens, age 54, of Union Mills, died Wednesday, Nov. 7. A native of Bowling Green, KY, she was the daughter of Bill Bowen and the late Ruby Cashion Bowen. Vicki was a medical secretary for the NC Department of Corrections and a member of Cane Creek Baptist Church.
Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Charles Owens of the home; father, Bill Bowen of Morganton; two sons, Billy Jack Lovelace of Asheville and David Kyle Lovelace of Spindale; daughter Leslie Hudson of Golden Valley; and ten grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held 3 PM Tuesday, November 13 at Cane Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Danny Camp and Rev. Donald Crawford officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cane Creek Baptist Church New Building Fund, 151 Cane Creek Mountain Road, Union Mills, NC 28167.

 

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John Thurston Newberry (Class of 1959)

CONWAY, S.C. - John Thurston Newberry, 72, formerly of Lumberton, N.C., died Thursday, Aug. 16, 2012. He was an Army veteran. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Floyd Mortuary & Crematory in Lumberton and other time at the home. Survived by: Sons, Brian and Scott; brothers, Robert, Thomas, Mitchell and Michael; and three grandchildren

 

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Charles Crawford Caison, Sr. (Class of 1951)

Charles Crawford Caison Sr. of Archdale, passed away Monday, June 11, 2012. He was 79 years young. Charles was known by all who knew him as a generous, kind, extremely intelligent, easy going, man with a wonderful sense of humor who loved to laugh. He was known to be a good and loving father, and loved and cherished very much by his children and all of his family. He was loved very much by all who knew him and will genuinely be missed by friends and family.

Born on February 26, 1933 in
Wilmington, in New Hanover County, Charles' ambitious life was full of accomplishments. He started his journey with a career in the U.S. Navy, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree from High Point College. He later earned his MBA from Duke University, Fuqua School of Business, and he spent most of his working career in Business Information Systems. He later began an entirely new career as an attorney after earning his Juris Doctorate from North Carolina Central University.

He is preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his daughters Elaine Caison of Archdale and Cheri Caison McCullough and her husband Vince of Lexington, NC; sons, Charles Crawford Caison, Jr. of San Francisco, CA, David Caison of Camden, NC and four grandchildren: Charles, Samantha, Chase, and Connall.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday at 10am in the chapel of Sechrest Funeral Service in Archdale. Family will receive friends immediately after the service.

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 Josephine “Jo” Barbour May  (Class of 1943) 

Evelyn Josephine “Jo” Barbour May, 85, (sister to Shirley Barbour Griesbach, ASI Class of ’45) passed away at her home on Tuesday, June 20, 2012 (in Concord, NC).

A memorial celebration service will be held on Sunday, June 24th, at 4:00 pm at Forest Hill Methodist Church, officiated by Rev. David Hockett and Rev. Suzanne Dornsmith.  The family will receive friends immediately after the service in the Fellowship Center of the church celebrating with red balloons, cake, and ice cream per Jo’s request.  At other times the family will receive friends at her home, 839 McGregor Dr. NE, Concord, NC.  A private family graveside service will be held on Monday morning.

Jo was born September 16, 1926 in Durham, NC, a daughter of the late Roosevelt P. Barber and Evelyn M. Barber.  She was married for nineteen years to the late Ted Horton May until his passing in 1970.

Jo completed her nurses training at Mercy Hospital in 1949.  She was employed as a Registered Nurse at Cabarrus Memorial Hospital for twenty four years until Multiple Sclerosis (MS) forced her retirement.  Some of her community activities included serving as a Cub Scout leader and member of the Business and Professional Women’s club.  She was awarded the title Cabarrus County Business and Professional Women’s Club “Woman of the Year” in 1966.  She was an active member of Forest Hill United Methodist Church and the Methodist Women as long as her health allowed.  When she became disabled with MS, she found other ways to serve from home by taking on telephone duties of the church such as arranging funeral dinners, recruiting Sunday morning greeters, and coordinating three telephone prayer chains.

Survivors include four children, Jim May of Concord; Beverly M. Maulden and husband, David of the home; Steve May and wife, Melody of China Grove; Patricia M. Griffin and husband, Byrch of Maple Hill, NC; eight grandchildren, Jimmy May, Mary May, Charles ‘Chuck’ Maulden, Jonathan Maulden and wife, Lindsey, Taylor May, Regan May, Leah G. Willis and husband, Allan, Graham Griffin and wife, Nina; three great grandchildren; sister, Shirley B. Griesbach and husband, Henry L. of Wisconsin; four nieces and nephews, Sandy G. Whitesides, Henry L. Griesbach III, David Griesbach, and Janet Griesbach.

The family requests that memorials may be made to Forest Hill United Methodist Church, 265 Union Street, N, Concord, NC 28025; Hospice & Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081; or National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 3101 Industrial Drive, Suite 210, Raleigh, NC 27609.  Please include her name with the memorial.

Wilkinson Funeral Home, Concord, NC handled the arrangements. 

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Jerome Holler  (Class of 1947)

Jerome ”Mossie” Holler, age 85, of Union Mills died Thursday, June 14 at White Oak Manor. Jerome was born May 1, 1927 to Orestus Jerome and Mary Mansfield Forney Holler. He attended Lees McRae College and NC State University. He served in the US Army, was a former county commissioner and a member and elder of Union Mills Presbyterian Church. Jerome dedicated his life to serving his community through the Union Mills Community Club, Union Mills Presbyterian Church and the Senior Citizens. He was a dairy farmer and owner of Bordens and Sealtest milk distributorships.

He is survived by three daughters, Ann Smawley and husband Doug of Rutherfordton, Darnell Scafe and husband Greg of Signal Mountain, TN, Beverly McCurry and husband Mark of Forest City; son Bob Holler and wife Angie of Rutherfordton; seven grandchildren, Ryan Scafe and wife Lindsey, Austin Scafe, Emily Sain and husband John, Sanna Smawley, Elizabeth Smawley, and Natalie Brown, Brittany Maxwell and husband Jordan; four great grandchildren, Olivia Brown, Knox Scafe, Josie Maxwell and Brenden Maxwell; two sisters Nell Givens of Rock Hill, SC and Mary Ann Lee of Matthews, NC. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Beth Cooksey Holler, grandson, Bradley Holler, brothers, Albert Jerome Holler and Dan F. Holler, sisters Elizabeth Orr, Nancy Holler, and Margaret Wood.

Funeral services will be 11 AM Saturday at Union Mills Presbyterian Church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 5 until 7 PM at Crowe’s Mortuary in Rutherfordton.

In lieu of flowers donations are suggested to Union Mills Presbyterian Church, 2378 Centennial Road, Union Mills, NC 28167.

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Eva Mae Ferguson White (Class of 1936)

Eva Mae Ferguson White, 96, of Union Mills died on Tuesday, February 14, 2012, at The Hospice House of Rutherford County. She was born on May 15, 1915 and was the daughter of the late Harrison and Bessie Smart Ferguson and was the widow of Reid White. She was preceded in death by a son Frank White and sisters Annie Sue Ferguson Ammons and Nancy Ferguson and brothers Frank Ferguson and Joe Ferguson. She was the oldest member of Centennial United Methodist Church and was a former employee of Doncaster.

Mother of John White (ASI, DNG), Hilda White Conner (ASI Class of ’58), George White (ASI Class of ’65), and Martha White Green (ASI Class of ’65)

She is survived by two daughters Hilda White Conner and husband Don of Moore SC and Martha White Green and husband Lloyd of Bostic. Two sons John White of Union Mills and George White of Bostic. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren.

 
The visitation will be held from 6 to 8 pm on Wednesday February 15 at McMahan's Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at 2 PM on Thursday February 16, 2012 at McMahan's Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Paul White, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Centennial Methodist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Centennial United Methodist Church
c/o Robert Guffey; 1491 Centennial Rd.; Union Mill, N.C. 28167 or to Hospice of Rutherford County P.O. Box 336 Forest City NC 28043.  Family at home of Martha Green; 3285 Pearidge Road; Bostic. Online guest register at
www.mcmahansfuneralhome.com McMahan's Funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of the arrangements.

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Bernice J. Williams (Class of 1940)

Bernice J. Williams age 89, of Forest City, NC, died Monday, February 13, 2012, at the Hospice House of Rutherford County. She was a native of Columbia County Georgia and was the daughter of the late B.D. and Isabella Arrowood Williams. Bernice retired as a High School English Teacher and was an accomplished artist. She was a member of Alexander Baptist Church, She was preceded in death by sisters Iva Williams, Faye Williams Washburn, Cleo Williams and Nell Williams and a brother Starr Williams.

Sister of Faye Williams Washburn (ASI Class of ’35), Iva Williams (ASI Class of ’40), Frances Williams Shepard (ASI Class of ’43), Paul D. Williams (ASI Class of ’48), and Dorothy Williams Briscoe, (ASI Class of ’50).  Other members of the family may have attended ASI, but I do not have any further information.

She is survived by three sisters:  Frances Sheppard of Bostic, Hazel W. Shires of Forest City,  & Dorothy W. Briscoe and husband Jack of Forest City and one brother:  Paul D. Williams and wife Wanda of Raleigh, NC.

Twelve Nieces and Nephews and many grandnieces and grandnephews.

A graveside service will be at Eternal Hills Memorial Park at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, February 15, 2012 with the Rev. Don Hollifield officiating. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County P.O. Box 336 Forest City NC 28043. Online guest register at www.mcmahansfuneralhome.com McMahans Funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of the arrangements.

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Sylvia Hunt Brewer (Class of 1960)

Mrs. Sylvia Kathryn Hunt Brewer, 70, (ASI Class of 1960) of 2571 Ardsley Drive, died on Thursday, January 19, 2012.
Mrs. Brewer was a native and lifelong resident of Durham. She retired from Olsten Temporary Services. She was preceded in death by her father, Alvis Hunt, step-father, Gaither Parrish and brother, Ronnie Hunt.

She is survived by her husband, Don Brewer; her mother, Helen Parrish of Durham; two daughters, Ellen Harward and husband, Doug of Durham and Patricia Brewer and friend, Jeremy of Durham; one brother, Kenneth Hunt of Durham; sister, Andrea Hunt of Durham; grandchildren, Matthew Brewer, Ryan Harward, Brendan, Harward, Grace Harward, Austen Futrell and Alexa Riley.

Funeral services will be held on Monday at 12 noon at Hudson Funeral Chapel. Dr. Clay Waters will officiate. Burial will be in Brier Creek Memorial Gardens.  The family will receive friends on Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. at Hudson Funeral Home and other times at the home, 2571 Ardsley Drive.

Memorials: Flowers are acceptable or donations can be made to Duke Home Care and Hospice, 4321 Medical Park Drive, Suite 101, Durham, NC 27704.

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Debbie Evans Mitchem (Class of 1972)

Debbie Evans Mitchem, 56, passed away Nov. 19, 2009, at her residence.  She was born Oct. 28, 1953, in Charlotte, daughter of the late Raymond and Edna Hester Evans.

A memorial service was held at Spiritual Guidance Church, Mount Holly, officiated by the Rev. Tim Small.

She is survived by her husband, John Daniel "Danny" Mitchem of the home; sons and daughters-in-law, John Daniel Mitchem Jr. and Teresa Mitchem, Shannon Doyle Mitchem and Dawn Mitchem, all of Mount Holly; daughters and sons-in-law, Leslie and John Zizza of Gastonia, Lindy Leigh Mitchem and Johnny Howell of Belmont; seven grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Kathy Pope, Suzie Wyatt (Class of 1969) and Lynn Sisk (Class of 1971 DNG).

 

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Bennie Sue Evans Wyatt (Class of 1969)

Benny Sue Evans Wyatt 45, 813 Furman St., died Nov. 22 1995 at Gaston Memorial Hospital, Gastonia.  She was a native of Gaston County, daughter of the late Raymond Evans and Edna Hester; retired textile worker.
    

SURVIVORS; Husband James Wyatt; daughter Jennifer Lynn Wyatt, Dallas; son, James Andy Wyatt; Dallas; sisters, Lynn Marie Sisk, Bessemer City; Debbie Mitchem, Stanley; brothers, Don Evans, Gastonia, Scott Evans, Columbia, S.C.

 

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Alvin Ernest Nanney (Class of 1943)

Alvin Ernest Nanney, 86, of Union Mills, died Sunday, September 4 at Hospice House. A native of Rutherford County, he was the son of the late Walter Dewey and Fannie Koon Nanney. He was a US Army veteran of WWII and was a former welder for General Fireproofing and also worked as head of maintenance at White Oak Manor. He was a member of Round Hill Baptist Church, member of Union Mills Fire Department and Rutherford County Traffic Control.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Hazel Bostic Nanney of the home; one son, Steve Nanney of Union Mills; two brothers, Jack Nanney of Union Mills and Hugh Nanney of Union Mills; two sisters, Nadine Rippy of Rutherfordton and Annette Shehan of Spindale; one grandchild, Kayla Nanney of Union Mills. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Louise Crowe.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 7 at 2 PM at Round Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Lynn Williamson officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with Military Honors accorded by the Rutherford County Veterans Honor Guard. The family will receive friends Tuesday, Sept. 6 from 6 PM until 8 PM at Crowe’s Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043.

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Charles Alton Blankenship

Charles Alton Blankenship 84, (ASI Alumni – DNG) of Marion, passed away Saturday, Aug. 27, 2011 at Mission Hospital in Asheville. Alton was born in Rutherford County on March 1, 1927 and was a son of the late Ellis Garland Blankenship and Betty Koon Blankenship. He was a member of Pleasant Gardens Baptist Church for over 57 years, where he served as a deacon. He retired from Marion Manufacturing Company and was a self employed floor finisher and later was a craftsman, working at The Biltmore Estate. He was known for his brooms and walking sticks. He enjoyed working in his garden and sharing his produce with other people. He loved people and everyone who knew him became his friend. He will be missed by many people, especially his friends at the Tailgate Market.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Reba Mae Hoppes Blankenship and a brother, John Garland Blankenship. Left to cherish the memory of Alton are his wife, Beulah Wilson Blankenship, of the home; two daughters, Betty Thornton and her husband, Dan and Kaye Thompson and her husband, David, all of Marion; two sisters, Alice Blankenship Edwards (ASI Class of 1950) and her husband, Keith of Edgefield, S.C. and Mildred Blankenship Gragg (ASI Class of 1954) and her husband, Bill of Landis; four grandchildren, Caroline, Rebecca, Daniel and Benji; six great-grandchildren, Adair, Tavish, Davis, Jack, Harper and Mattie Marie; a number of nieces, nephews and cousins; and a special friend and "adopted" son, Bobby Laudermilk.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, Aug. 31, at Pleasant Gardens Baptist Church with the Revs. Dan Thornton and Harold Webb officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m., prior to the service, at the church. Interment will be in McDowell Memorial Park. Flowers are accepted and appreciated. Those desiring to make a memorial donation are asked to consider Rathbun Center, 121 Sherwood Rd., Asheville, NC 28803. Westmoreland Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. An online register is available under OBITUARIES at www. westmorelandfuneralhome.com.

 

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Ruth Hall Rhodes (Class of 1947)

Mrs. Ruth Hall Rhodes age 83 of Union Mills, NC passed away Saturday July 30, 2011 at Hospice House of Forest City. A native of Rutherford County she was the daughter of the late Gilkey Hall and Zora Harris Hall, member of Round Hill Baptist Church and a retired seamstress.

Left to cherish her memory are one daughter Rachel Dowdle and husband Dewey Raymond of Union Mills, one son Billy Ray Rhodes and wife Tracy of Old Fort, three sisters – Carolyn Crain of Union Mills, Marie Smith of Bostic and Mabel Glenn Gragg of Hickory. She is also survived by her grandchildren – Anthony Dowdle, Christopher Rhodes, Michael Rhodes, Destini Rhodes and Shilah Rose. Great grandchildren – Nhilah Warren, Scarlett Rhodes and Adessa Conner.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Julius Rhodes, one sister Nell Underwood and three brothers G.A., Daniel and Virgil Hall.

A celebration of life will be held 4 PM Monday August 1, 2011 at Crowe’s Funeral Chapel with Rev. Lynn Williamson and Rev. Allen Marsh officiating. Interment will be in the cemetery of Round Hill Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 2 – 4 PM Monday at Crowe’s Mortuary.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County POB 336 Forest City NC 28043
.

 

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Frances Maie Hutchins Matheny (Class of 1951)

Frances Maie Hutchins Matheny, age 79 of Forest City went home to be with her Lord, Saturday May 28, 2011 at Rutherford Hospital. A native of Rutherford County and a graduate of Union Mills High School, she was a daughter of the late Ligie and Lela Smart Hutchins; and widow of the late Glenn Wylie Matheny. She was an active member of Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church in Forest City and served as a nursery teacher for many years.

Survivors include a daughter, Debbie Jones and husband Jerry of Rutherfordton; a son, Wayne Matheny and wife Tammy of Forest City; two grandchildren, Nick Jones and wife Maggie of Forest City and Allison Jones of Rutherfordton; one great grandson, Jacob Wylie Jones; three brothers, Glenn Hutchins and wife Polly, and Charles Hutchins, all of Rutherfordton, and Arnold Hutchins and wife Linda of Monroe, GA; two sisters, Annie Ledbetter and husband Roger of Boiling Springs, NC and Beverly Adair and husband Tony of Forest City and many loving nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by three brothers, Ray Hutchins, MSgt Arthur Hutchins, and Joseph Hutchins, and two sisters Alma Kurkendall Webb, and Mary Sue Conner.

Funeral services will be held two o' clock in the afternoon Tuesday, May 31, 2011 in the Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from six until eight o' clock Monday at The Padgett & King Mortuary. The family will be at her home, 249 Turner Street, Forest City. Memorials may be made to the General Fund of Pleasant Grove UMC, P.O. Box 880, Forest City, NC 28043. The Padgett & King Mortuary is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com.

Note:  All of her brothers and sisters attended ASI.

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Rae C. Padgett (Class of 1948)

Rae C. Padgett (ASI Class of ’48) died early this morning. Funeral Monday Taylorsville First Baptist Church at 2:00 PM. Burial in Charlotte Tues at 11:AM.
For more details, contact Robert E Padgett (Class 1952)
Phone: 336.226.6606(H) 336.214.8755(C)
Email: repadgett@triad.rr.co
m

 

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Warren Wayne Creson (Class of 1960)

Warren Wayne “Cresie” Creson (ASI Class of ’60), age 64, of Union Mills, NC, died Monday, February 28, 2011 at the VA Medical Center in Salisbury, N. C. He was born in Rutherford County on July 2, 1946 and was a son of the late Chester and Rosie Harris Creson. Cresie attended Cross Memorial Baptist Church, where he was a choir member. He retired from Duke Energy after 35 years. He was a veteran, having served as a U.S. Army Airborne Infantry Soldier. He was a member of The Gideon’s International. He will be remembered by his family as a hardworking man, who loved his family and friends, as well as an avid outdoorsman. Two sisters precede Cresie in death; Jeanette Lowman (ASI Class of ’69) and Lula Mae Metcalf.

Saddened by the loss of Cresie are his wife of 46 years, Jacquelyn Smith Creson; three children: Tony Creson and wife Leigh Ann of Roxboro, NC; Mitchell Creson and wife Robin of Marion; and Evan Creson and wife Ana Karina of Barranquilla, Colombia, S.A.; one brother, Paul B. Creson of Indiana; three sisters: Mabel Parker (ASI Class of ’55?) of Union Mills, Joyce Lowman (ASI Class of ’58) of Lenoir and Carolyn Lane of Glen Alpine; two grandchildren, Dafney Creson and Anabella Creson.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at Westmoreland Funeral Home, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held Thursday, March 3, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Cross Memorial Baptist Church. Officiating the service are Rev. Doug Prevette of Cross Memorial Baptist Church, Marion, NC, and Rev. Mike Young of Westport Baptist Church, Denver, NC. Interment will be in Cross Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Gideon’s International, P.O. Box 1788, Marion, N. C. 28752 or Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Rd SW, Liburn, GA 30047.

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Nancy Malan Rutty  (Class of 1966)

Nancy M. Rutty 66, daughter of the late Josephine "Bunny" and Malan "Dick" Rutty, passed away peacefully to be with the Lord on March 20, 2011. She is survived by her two sisters, Marty Palmore (Buddy) and Malan Rutty; nephew, Wray Palmore (Evelyn) and Anne Stublen (Neal); and five great- nephews and nieces. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday March 24, at the Church of the Brethren, 7612 Wanymala Road, Richmond, Va. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bon Secours Hospice, 8580 Magellan Parkway, Richmond, Va. 23227

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 Lester Yancey  (Class of 1944)

Lester Yancey died February 17, 2011 in Mesquite, TX.  No funeral services were held.  His wife, Ola Mae Yancey, died July 29, 2004, in Mesquite, TX.  Lester was survived by one daughter, Debbie Winn. Laurel Oaks Funeral Home in Mesquite assisted the family.    I do have the phone number of the daughter – in case any of you would like to call her.

Visitation for Lester Yancey will be held at Laurel Oaks on Saturday  2/26 from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.  Graveside services for family will be held on Monday the 28th at 10:00 am. Lester Yancey leaves behind daughter Debbie Winn, 2 grandchildren Randy and James Winn and 2 great grandchildren Bryce and Britany Winn.  Mr. Yancey was preceded in death by Father Clyde Yancey, Mother Minnie Yancey and 10 siblings.

 

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 Albert Lee "Jake" Derr (Class of 1947)

Albert Lee "Jake" Derr of Durham passed away peacefully on Feb. 3, 2011, after a two-month illness. He was an avid lover of life, and no matter what he was facing, even until death; his response was always "everything is beautiful." He was born on Oct. 1, 1923. He lived in Durham most of his life and served his country overseas on both World War II and the Korean War. He also served actively in the U.S. Coast Guard. In 1951, with temperatures at 45 degrees below zero, he fought in Operation Dog. Corporal Derr's company, located in the Chosin Reservoir, took a stronghold from the North Koreans. The enemy tried to regain the stronghold twice and failed. Because of this success and five other successful operations in enemy territory, Corporal Derr was awarded eight medals by the U.S. Marine Corps for gallantry and bravery.

Corporal Derr's patriotism was passed to his son, Dennis Lee Derr, who served with the U.S. Marines during the Vietnam War Era and also to grandson, Lance Corporal Samual Ira Derr, who is currently serving with the U.S. Marines in Twenty Nine Palms (Mojave Viper), Calif.
Mr. Derr is survived by his daughter, Barbara Derr Riley of Hillsborough; son, Dennis Lee Derr (Ellen), also of Hillsborough; brothers and sisters; grandchildren: Tammy Wilmoth (Jeffrey) of Bahama, Anthony Bryan Riley (Christi) of Hillsborough, Brandy Derr of Raleigh and Samuel Ira Derr (Kendra) of Twenty Nine Palms, Calif.; great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

There will be a viewing at the First Pentecostal Church, 2008 W. Carver St., Durham, on Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2011, from 7 to 9 p.m.
His final resting place will be in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va.
Family requests flowers be omitted.

 

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James Donald Hall (Class of 1967)

Jimmy Hall passed away on Wednesday, December 22, 2010 after suffering with dementia for several years.  Known to all of us as Jimmy, he was an all around athlete and was a starter on the ASI basketball team for 1965/66 and wore number 21.  He did not graduate with his class.

 

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 David Hutchins (Class of 1956)

David Ray Hutchins, 72, of Forest City, died Tuesday, December 21 at Hospice House. A native of Rutherford County, he was a son of the late Liege and Lela Smart Hutchins. He was a retired supervisor for General Fireproofing, worked at Forest City Golf Course for many years, and was a US Army veteran. Ray was an avid Forest City Owls fan, an East Rutherford Athletic Booster and enjoyed cuckoo clocks and flea markets. He was a member of Second Baptist Church.


Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Sandra Vickers Hutchins of the home; two daughters, Julie Hutchins Gentry and husband Dean of Eden, NC and Shannon Mitchell Colpa and husband Carel of Rutherfordton; three sisters, Frances Matheny of Forest City, Annie Ledbetter of Boiling Springs, NC and Beverly Adair of Forest City; and three brothers, Glen Hutchins of Rutherfordton, Charles Hutchins of Rutherfordton, Arnold Hutchins of Georgia. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two sisters Sue Conner and Alma Webb and two brothers Joe Hutchins and Arthur Hutchins.


Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 23 at 1 PM at Second Baptist Church in Rutherfordton with Dr. Keith Stevenson officiating. The body will lie in state thirty minutes prior to the service. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County, PO Box 336 Forest City, NC 28043 or Second Baptist Church Card Ministry, 191 Green Street, Rutherfordton, NC 28139.

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Helen Craig Byrd (Class of 1933)

Mrs. Helen Virginia Craig Byrd, 95, of Shelby, died on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at Sterling House of Shelby.  A native of Gaston Co., NC, she was the daughter of the late Rev. Walter Boone Craig and Willie Bell Stradley Craig.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, George Vernon Byrd, Sr.; by an infant daughter, Beverly Kaye Byrd; by brothers, Garth Winston Craig and Paul Samuel Craig; by sisters, Grace Edna Craig Lee, Claire Bell Craig Lovelace, and Willie Ruth Craig Black. 

She was retired from Cleveland County Department of Social Services.  She also was a member of First Baptist Church since 1938 where she taught Sunday School for over 50 years.  She served as an officer in the Baptist Women’s Group; a visitor in the Extension Department; a Leader in the First Baptist Church Prayer Program; a leader in the Baptist Training Union.  She also taught Bible Study at Sterling House.
 

Mrs. Byrd is survived by her sons, George Vernon Byrd, Jr. and wife Valerie of Homer, Alaska and Barry Ellis Byrd and his wife Ann of North Port, Washington; by three grandchildren, Trista Hopkins and husband Troy, Matthew Abel Byrd, and Andrew Steven Byrd and wife Holly; and by four great-grandchildren.
 
A funeral service celebrating the life of Mrs. Byrd will be held at First Baptist Church in Shelby on Thursday, September 2, 2010 at 2:00 PM with the Rev. Tony Tench officiating.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 prior to the service.  Interment will follow at Cleveland Memorial Park. 
 
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church; 120 North Lafayette Street; Shelby, NC 28150

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Peter Jason "Pete" Flack Sr. (Class of 1949)

Peter Jason "Pete" Flack Sr., Class of '49, 78 of Union Mills died Saturday, Aug. 7, 2010 at his home.

A native of Rutherford County, he was the son of the late John E. Flack and Malinda Stokes Koon Flack.

He worked for Broyhill for 20 years and retired from Torrington. He was also an Army veteran. He was a member of Round Hill Baptist Church where he was a former deacon and Sunday School teacher.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Betty Jean Sisk Flack; three sons, Peter Jr., and Tracy Flack of Union Mills and Keith Flack of Shingle Hollow; one brother, Kolen Flack of Union Mills; four sisters, Thalia Shook and Martha Lovelace of Union Mills, Marjorie Buchanan of Fort Mill, S.C., and Frances Phillips of Shelby; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at Round Hill Baptist Church at 11 a.m. Monday with the Revs. Carroll Flack and Lynn Williamson officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill cemetery with military honors. The family will be receiving friends on hour prior to the service. The family will be at 360 Coney Island Rd.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Relay for Life.

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Rita Anderson Hardin (Class of 1965)

Rita Jo Hardin Anderson, age 63, of Forest City, NC, died Tuesday, August 3, 2010, at Hospice House of Rutherford County in Forest City, NC. She was a member of Centennial United Methodist Church and attended Spindale United Methodist Church.

Rita was a graduate of King's College in Charlotte, NC. A native of Rutherford County, She was the daughter of the late Bronson and Martha Watson Anderson.

Survivors include, One Daughter: Stacie Hardin Duvall and husband David, Fayetteville, NC One Step-son Marty Hardin and wife Kathy of Saratoga Springs, NY One Brother: Tim Anderson and wife Cindy, Granite Falls, NC Seven Grand Children Two Great-Grand Children

A memorial service will be held at Centennial United Methodist Church at 2:00 PM, Sunday, August 15, 2010. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Centennial United Methodist Church c/o Robert Y. Guffey; 1491 Centennial Road; Union Mills, NC 28167

 

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James W. (Jim) Kelly  (Class of 1944)

James W. “Jim” Kelly, 82, of Seacrest, Florida, passed away July 2, 2010. He was born on December 12, 1927 in Winter Haven, Florida to the late Percy and Miriam Kelly. He was preceded in death by his sister, Marge Reel and brother, Dick Kelly.

Jim was a graduate of Wake Forest University and spent his entire career in the pharmaceutical industry. He served his country in the Navy during World War II and the Korean Conflict.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Anne; daughter, Valerie Arnold (Terry) of Tyler, Texas, and son, Joe Kelly of Cumming, Georgia; stepdaughter, Robin Serrett (Harry) of Peachtree City, Georgia; stepson, Gregory June of Hackettstown, New Jersey; six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

 The family will receive friends at Wilson Funeral Home on Monday, July 5, 2010 from 3 to 5 p.m. Burial will be in Westminster Memorial Gardens in Peachtree City, Georgia.

                                                                                                                                                             

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Sibyl Toney White (Class of 1944)

SIBYL TONEY WHITE, 83, of Stanley died January 3, 2010 at her residence. She was born in Rutherford Co, NC, daughter of the late Julius Marvin and Kittie Virginia Hutchins Toney, and was preceded in death by her husband Willard Gurney White, and a brother Julius Calvin Toney.

She was retired as a Quality Control inspector with Holt Hosiery Mills in Glen Raven NC., and was a member of First Baptist Church in Stanley.

Survivors include two sons Willard Theron White and wife Helen of Morganton, Michael Grant White and wife Carolyn of Gastonia, a daughter Karen White Elmore and husband Joe of Mt Holly, a sister Marcelle Toney Stone of Rutherfordton, a brother Johnny Herbert Toney and wife Kathryn of Bostic; seven grandchildren and a great grandchild.

Funeral service conducted by the Reverend Billy Shaw will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday January 9, 2010 at the First Baptist Church in Stanley. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in Alamance Memorial Park in Burlington.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Family Life Center, 409 Old NC 27, Stanley NC 28164, or to the Willard and Sibyl White Endowment Fund, c/o Alamance Community College, 1247 Jimmie Kerr Road, Graham, NC 27253.

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Lucy Eula Johnson Vickers (Class of 1950)

LUCY EULA JOHNSON VICKERS, 79, of Union Mills, died Thursday, June 17, 2010, at Willow Ridge in Rutherfordton.  A native of Rutherford County, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Jefferson Johnson and the late Effie Mae Guffey Johnson.   She was a member of the Oak Springs Baptist Church and was secretary for Goforth Exterminating Co. She also worked at the pen factory in Rutherfordton and John Segal Moving and Storage.

She is survived by her husband, Joe Vickers; one daughter, Nancy JoAnn “Jody” Owens of Rutherfordton; two sisters; Ira Lee Adkins of Rutherfordton and Frances Bailey of Morganton; one grandchild; and one great-grandchild.

Funeral services will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at Oak Springs Baptist Church with the Revs. Don Hollifield and Tom Frady officiating. The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County P.O. Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043.


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Gladys Briscoe Doggett

Marion-Gladys Briscoe Doggett, (attended ASI) age 85, formerly of Rutherford County passed away Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2010 at Autumn Care of Marion. She is survived by her husband, Don Doggett (ASI, class of ’43); two children, Juanita Doggett  (ASI, class of ’69) of Marion and Margaret Doggett Stevens and husband, Randy, of Old Fort; brothers, Jack Briscoe of Forest City and Dean Briscoe of Hickory; grandchildren, Jamie and Kasey Stevens of Old Fort.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Forest and Clara Simpson Briscoe; two brothers, Doyle and Forney Briscoe; and sisters, Pansy Hensley and Lucille Toney. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010 at Crowe's Funeral Chapel Rutherfordton with Rev. Bruce Ward officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Concluding services will be held at Sunset Memorial Park in Forest City.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: First Baptist Church of Marion Youth Mission Trip, 99 N. Main St., Marion, NC 28752 or to Grace Community Church Winter Heating Fund, 5182 U.S. 70 West, Marion NC 28752. The family will be meeting at the home of Juanita Doggett.

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Eva Smith Bowman (Class of 1957)

Eva Smith Bowman, 71, of Spruce Pine passed away Tuesday December 8, 2009 in the Blue Ridge Regional Hospital. She worked as a CNA and was a member of the Minneapolis Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband Greg Bowman of the home, three sons; Dewey Vance of Oklahoma, Norman Vance of Forest City, NC and James Anderson of Altmore, AL and a foster sister Carolyn Atchley of Gilkey, NC. She is also survived by four grandchildren. Funeral services for Mrs. Bowman will be conducted at 2:00 pm Friday December 11, 2009 in the Minneapolis Baptist Church with the Rev. Brian Griffith officiating. 

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 pm Thursday evening at the funeral home. Condolences may be e-mailed by going to our website; www.webbfh.com. selecting obituaries, and clicking on the name you wish to view and sign the guestbook. Webb Funeral Home in Spruce Pine, NC is assisting the Bowman family.

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Reverend Charles Nanney (Class of 1937)

The Rev. Charles Nanney, 88, of Henderson Circle, Forest City, died Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, at his home. A native of Union Mills, he was a son of the late Albert and Harriett Ellis Byrd Nanney, and the widow of Rachel Johnson Nanney. He was a retired Baptist minister and veteran of the Air Corps, serving in the Pacific during World War II.

He is survived by three daughters, Judith, Lisa and Tracy; two grandsons; and four great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 7 in the Round Hill Baptist Church cemetery, Union Mills. A memorial service will follow at 1 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Rutherfordton. An additional memorial service will take place at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15, at Hampton Heights Baptist Church, Greenville, S.C.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Union Mills Learning Center, P.O. Box 210, Union Mills, NC 28167; to Round Hill Baptist Church, 6585 Hudlow Road, Union Mills, NC 28167; or to First Baptist Church of Rutherfordton, 246 N. Main St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139.

Crowe’s Mortuary and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.


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Cooper Warr (Class of 1968)

Mr. Thomas Cooper Warr III,, 56, of Ellenwood, GA. died Oct. 9, 2006. The body was cremated. Memorial service was October 14, 2006 at St. Joseph Episcopal Church, McDonough; Cremation Society of Georgia.  Better known to all as Cooper, he was part of the Class of 1968 but did not graduate at ASI according to my records.

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Maxine Hargett Deal (Class of 1976)

Maxine died this week and was buried on Thursday at Cane Creek Baptist Church.  She had a heart transplant many years ago. She died of ovarian cancer. (April 29, 2007)

 

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Grant Lloyd (Class of 1962)

Grant Lloyd passed away about 3 weeks ago.  Grant was the son of Lucille and brother of Iris (Class of 1967) Lucille ran the store there on campus. Iris is the only surviving family member. (April 11, 2007)

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Thelma Bowie Fox (Class of 1929)

Thelma Bowie Fox died in October 2006 at her home in Maine. She was a member of the graduating Class of 1929.

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Azylee Guffey White (Class of 1952)

Azylee White, the secretary of Alexander School, Inc. died last night (Thursday) April 5, 2007 at approximately 10 pm.  Azylee had Alzheimer's and has been going downhill for the past year or two.  She died at home.  She was the wife of Don White and mother of Mark and Mike White.  Those who went to school there should remember her as a loving, caring, happy person  She was always ready to help anyone.  She will be sorely missed by her family and friends even though towards the end she didn't know too many people. 

In case you would like to send a card to the family.

Mrs. Azylee White (husband: Donald)
1850 Centennial Road
Union Mills, NC 28167-9794
Telephone:  828-286-9648

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Joseph T. Gayhardt V. (Class of 1968)

Mr. Joseph T. Gayhardt V left us on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2006 to be with our other loved ones with the Lord. He was the son of the late Joseph T. Gayhardt IV . He is survived by his mother, Hava Gayhardt of Winterville; daughters, Misty Garris of Greenville, Jeannie Casanova and Jennifer Gayhardt of Wilmington; sons, Adam Gayhardt of Greenville, Stephen Mathis of Asheville and their families. He is also survived by eight loving grandchildren; four sisters; three brothers; and their families