Jerry Truhlar, 95

Jerry Truhlar, 95, of Carolina Village in Hendersonville died Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013, at Carolina Village Medical Center.

Shuler Funeral Home will announce arrangements.

Read More »

Vera Bell Wilson

Vera Bell Wilson, 85, of Mountain Home died Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013 at the Elizabeth House after a brief illness.

A native of Henderson County, she was born on Nov. 1, 1927, to the late James E. Bell and Della Byrd Bell. She was also preceded in death by her husband, John F. Wilson.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staffs at Brian Center and the Elizabeth House for their kindness and compassion in the care of Vera.

She is survived by her son, John D. Wilson of Mountain Home; two brothers, Albert Bell of Etowah, Earl Bell of Apex; and two sisters, Betty Snyder of Etowah and Beatrice Norris of Etowah.

At the request of Mrs. Wilson no services are being planned.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.

Read More »

Jayne Louise Knight O'Neal, 69

Jayne Louise Knight O'Neal, 69, noted Hendersonville philanthropist and animal advocate, of Cummings Cove, passed away October 23, 2013 surrounded by her family and beloved pets.

Born in Southbridge, Mass., to Wilson and Louise Knight, she was raised in southern California and graduated from Monrovia High School. She attended Pasadena City College before becoming a flight attendant for National Airlines in Miami, Fla.

She was married to well-known Miami developer, including the development of Cummings Cove in Hendersonville, Maston Greene O'Neal for 28 years. Jayne never met a stranger and always helped others, but her passion in life was to help animals. She worked tirelessly for close to 30 years to raise money for the Blue Ridge Humane Society as a Board Member, chaired numerous fund raisers, was responsible for funding the Spay and Neutering Program and volunteered at the Humane Society thrift shop once a week. She also appeared on Channel 13 with Julie Wunder for the Pet Pals Adoption program.

Jayne leaves behind many friends and family members who will miss her smiling face and positive attitude she displayed throughout her long battle with cancer. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Maston Greene O'Neal.

She is survived by her sister Cynthia K. Johnston and husband Jerry and nephew Jerry, Jr. of Montgomery, Texas; step-mother Miriam R. Knight of El Monte, Calif.; daughters Tracy Stewart and husband Fred of Atlanta, and Rory Beck of Kansas; and son Shane O'Neal of Texas; ten grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Pat O'Neal and wife Gayann of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. and Hendersonville; cousins Ethelind Schwarts of S.C., Nancy Lawrence of Texas and Robert Knight of Mass.

A private memorial service will be held for close friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jayne K. O'Neal Animal Assistance Fund at the Blue Ridge Humane Society, 1214 Greenville Highway, Hendersonville, NC 28792 or to the American Cancer Society, in Jayne's memory.

To sign the online register book, visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Read More »

Alice Snow Strickland

Alice Snow Strickland, 82, of Hendersonville passed away peacefully the morning of Oct. 29, 2013, at Sunnybrook Assisted Living, surrounded by the love of her entire family, as well as, the love of her "Sunnybrook family".

She was born on April 18, 1931, in Reidsville to the late John and Ruth Ferguson Snow. From a very young age she excelled both academically and athletically in school. During her senior year at Ruffin High School, Alice, who was nicknamed "Skeeter" by her friends, played on the State Championship winning Girl's Basketball Team. After graduating from the Baptist School of Nursing in Winston Salem, she began her nursing career at The Baptist Hospital in Winston Salem. One of her patient's included her future father- in -law, Mr. William H. Strickland, Sr.

In March of 1952, Alice met the love of her life, Dr. William H. Strickland, Jr., a medical student at Bowman Gray School of Medicine. They both knew that their lives would be forever joined as one when they took their marriage vows six months later on Sept. 29, 1952, in Winston Salem. After their marriage, being skilled in numerous fields of nursing she continued her career in private duty nursing and at Craig Air Force Base during her husband Bill's military service to our country. Alice and Dr. Strickland moved to Hendersonville in 1958.

She supported her husband of 60 years in his busy medical practice as they reared their four children. Alice was especially proud of the very close relationship with all of her grandchildren, who will treasure the happy memories they hold. Always a woman of strength and courage, Alice can be remembered for such events in the community like serving endless hours as a nurse during the aftermath of the 1967 Piedmont Airlines crash that claimed numerous lives as well as many Red Cross Blood Drives and other community events. She also became very active in numerous organizations including the Medical Wives Auxiliary Club, of which she was a past president of the local chapter, the Henderson County Junior League, the Hendersonville Country Club and the Hendersonville Cotillion Club. Members of the Cotillion will fondly remember the sparkle in her eyes as she and her husband handsomely made their way across the dance floor.

She is survived by her husband, William H. Strickland, MD; her four children, Donna Marie Strickland of Jupiter, Fla., William Keith Strickland and his wife, Marti, of Elon, Virginia Lynne Strickland of Hendersonville, and Dr. John Snow Strickland, DDS and his wife, Katie, of Hendersonville; seven grandchildren, Major William Phillip Pearsall, USAF, and his wife, Jennifer, Megan Marie Pearsall and her husband, Captain Anthony James Cannone, USAF, Meredith Brooks Strickland, Margaret Caroline Strickland, Kaitlyn Mabrey Capps, Royster Snow Strickland, Grace McKenzie Strickland; three great-grandchildren, Riley Jane Pearsall, Raegan Lee Pearsall, and Charles William Cannone.

At the family's request a private memorial service will be held.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to, Four Compassion for Life, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731 and Women's Medical Auxiliary of Hendersonville, Box 2, 800 N. Justice Street Hendersonville, NC 28791

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.

Read More »

Richard J. "Dick" Hora

Richard J. "Dick" Hora, 78, of Hendersonville, formerly of Parma, Ohio; Brunswick, Maine; San Diego; Norfolk, Va.; and several naval vessels, passed away on Monday, Oct. 28, 2013.

He was born on May 22, 1935, and raised by the late John A. and Marie M. Hora in Parma, Ohio.

After four years of service in the United States Navy, he met his future wife, Barbara Eppler, in English class at Baldwin Wallace College. He wasn't interested in English very much longer. Soon thereafter he re-enlisted and continued his naval career as an aviation electrician and instructor. His service ultimately spanned 26 years, 11 deployments, four continents, and every meridian of the globe except two. He retired in 1979 as a Master Chief Petty Officer. After moving to Hendersonville with his family following his retirement from the Navy, he began a second career as an electrician and tester at Westinghouse Corporation in Arden (now Eaton). He retired in 2000.

Dick enjoyed the bright sun of the beach, jazz music, taking care of his family, current events, NASCAR, his 24 pound Maine coon cat named "Awesome", political humor, bad TV, and a good polish sausage.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Barbara, with whom he built a family of three daughters and seven grandchildren: Wendi Connelly of Hendersonville, grandsons, Patrick of Ft. Walton Beach, FL, and Ryan and Tim, and granddaughter, Kelly of Hendersonville; daughter, Amy McConnell and granddaughters, Allison and Tara of Virginia Beach, Va.; and daughter, Julie Williams, husband Charles, and son Ben of Mills River.

A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013, at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dan Martin officiating. A reception will follow. At a later date, his ashes will be both interred at the church and cast at sea from the deck of a Norfolk-based aircraft carrier, where Master Chief Hora is sure at least 5000 sailors will be thinking of him that day.

Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church Music Department, 204 6th Avenue West, Hendersonville, NC 28739.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.

Read More »

Dorothy Scott Vick, 87

Dorothy Scott Vick, 87, of Hendersonville passed away Monday, Oct. 28, 2013 at her home.

She was born March 19, 1926, in Macon County to the late George D. And Minnie C. Scott. There she spent her childhood. After finishing school and receiving her degree at High Point College she went into the teaching profession. In 1949 she married Rufus G. Vick, Agriculture Extension Agent in Clay County where they resided.
After the birth of their two children, she gave her time to family and home.

She was widowed at 38 with two small children, Mark 10 and Marie 7. Then they moved to Franklin. Her life was devoted to raising her children, both of which obtained a college degree. When they left home she became an avid church worker with women's organizations, Alter Guilds and bazaars. Her main interest was music (singing and piano), participating in church choirs (both choral and bell) and various choral groups in the community. She also enjoyed gardening and needle work which she shared generously with the church.

In 1993 she moved to Henderson County where she spent her elderly years.

At her request no services are planned.

Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

Read More »

William "Carnel" Lewis, 72

William "Carnel" Lewis, 72, of Hendersonville went home to be with the Lord on Monday, Oct. 28, 2013.\

Born in Yancey County, he was the son of the late William Arthur Lewis and Martha Ann Lewis Edwards of Burnsville. He was also preceded in death by his son, Edgar "Scotty" Dean Lewis; two brothers, David Lewis and Eddie Wayne Lewis; a grandson, James Beck; and two great-nephews, Calob and Kade.

Carnel was an excellent printer, working for forty years at Cranston Print Works. He dedicated his love and time to his family. Carnel enjoyed his horses and spreading Christmas cheer as he sang "Blue Christmas" while selling Christmas trees at the Farmers' Market.

He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Betty L. Lewis of Hendersonville; his son, Donnie Lewis and wife, Debbie, and their children, Michelle and Nichole; and his daughter, Connie Lewis and boyfriend, Rick Grasty, and her children, Kyle, Koty and Kayla; Cindy Swing, Anita Bowen, and Tommy Bowen. The oldest of 13 children, he is survived by Janette Ballinger of Hendersonville; Patsy and Everett Allen of Tennessee; Jack and Milly Lewis; Shelby and Terry Ledford; June and Tony Honeycutt, all of Burnsville; Johnnie and Eddie Batchelor of Apex; Carol and Rod Champion of Kings Mountain; Kim Lewis; Ramona and David McCurry; and Jeff Lewis, all of Burnsville; 17 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013, in the Kirby Memorial Chapel of Shuler Funeral Home. The Revs. Waylon Ledford, Billy Ballinger and Eddie Clayton will officiate. The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. A private ceremony will be held in the family cemetery in Burnsville at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 120 Executive Park Bldg. 1, Asheville, NC 28801.

An online guest book and sympathy card are available at www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Read More »

Edith Collins Oates

Edith Collins Oates passed away at the age of 94 at the Elizabeth House in Flat Rock on Monday, Oct. 28, 2013.

She was a lifelong Henderson County resident, having been born Sept. 2, 1919, in Hendersonville to the late Bessie Clayton Collins and Carroll Collins. She was also predeceased by her loving husband of 63 years, Robert T. Oates, Jr. who died in February 2002; a brother Harold Collins; and a son Larry A. Oates, who died in May of 2004.

Edith was a member of the First Baptist Church of Hendersonville for more than 50 years and prior to that was a member of Valley Hill Baptist Church. She was a seamstress for Ruth Originals (Ruth of Carolina) and a sales associate for several local stores during her working career.

She is survived by one sister, Ruby Collins Oates; one brother Max Collins and his wife Margaret of Hendersonville; one son Ronald W. Oates and wife Jean of Hendersonville; one daughter Janice Oates Crawford and husband Don of Lilburn, Ga.; six grandchildren Alan Oates and Brian Oates (Lynn) both of Marietta, Ga., Stephanie Merchiore (Chris) of Atlanta, Lisa Lennkh (Matthias) of London, Michael Crawford (Jessica) of McDonough, Ga., and David Crawford (Lauren) of Valdosta, Ga.; seven great-grandchildren, Brycen and Emilee Grace Oates, Alexandre Lennkh, Brooke and Blake Crawford, and Ava and Jack Crawford; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and special friends.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013, in the Kirby Chapel of Shuler Funeral Home. Rev. Wally Shamburger will officiate. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow the service at Shepherd Memorial Park.

The family wishes to sincerely thank the caregivers at Dr. William R. Moffitt's office of Hendersonville and the Elizabeth House of Flat Rock. Also, special thanks to the friends and neighbors in Brooklyn Manor that have so faithfully shown their concern and love for Edith.

Flowers are welcome or donations to Four Season Elizabeth House, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731 will be greatly appreciated.

To sign the online register book visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Read More »

Michael B. "Spanky" Longshore, 53

Michael B. "Spanky" Longshore, 53, passed away peacefully on Oct. 19, 2013, while surrounded by loving family and friends at Mission Hospital, after losing a courageous battle against cancer.

He was born April 19, 1960, in Buncombe County to Janice Bagwell Mickle and the late James Dennis Longshore.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Gerri Longshore and two year old daughter Judi Longshore, of the home; a brother, Randy Longshore of Hendersonville; a sister, Suzanne Davis (Brian) of Flat Rock; three nieces Karen Ruff (Eric), Jaiden Davis, and Mackenzie Davis; two nephews Scott Longshore and Cory Davis; a great nephew, Kristian Ruff; an uncle, L M Bagwell (Becky); an aunt, Virginia McDaniel (Rick); and dear friends Norman Cannon, David "Fletch" Fletcher, and Mark and Denise Webb and a host of other friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Mack and Kate Bagwell and Herbert and Mary Longshore, stepfather Leon Mickle, nephew Andrew Longshore, and beloved friend Rick Byrd.

Mike was a professional truck driver and drove all over the United States. Most recently, he drove for G B Enterprises for over 10 years and thought of his employers and coworkers as family. He was a member of Dana Baptist Church. He enjoyed fishing, watching movies with his Judi Bug, and talking to people. He was very generous to his loved ones, was always full of energy, and lived an abundant life. He never met a stranger.

A celebration of Mike's life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013, at Dana Baptist Church, 377 Ridge Road, Hendersonville. Visitation with the family and reception hosted by the Church will precede the service at noon.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Michael Longshore Trust at Home Trust Bank, PO Box 1047, Hendersonville, NC 28793 or to Dana Baptist Church.

Arrangements are being handled by Jackson Funeral Service and Crematory.

The family would like to extend sincere appreciation to Rev. Dan Blackwell, Pastor Kemuel Pruitt, Dr. Mikhail Vinogradov, Dr. Oliver Binns, Dr. Paul Ahearne, the staff at Mission Hospital Heart Center, and the Hospice Pallative Care Team at Mission.

Read More »

Charles Nathan Thompson, 83

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend and mentor, Charles Nathan Thompson has hiked his last mountain and paddled his last river. Nath 83, directed Camp Carolina for boys for 50 years in Brevard. He passed away Sunday, Oct. 27, 2013.

Nath is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Brumback Thompson; daughter Kimbrough Thompson Tayloe and husband Ryal Woodall Tayloe of Wilimington; son Charles Nathan Thompson Jr. and partner Linda Seebantz of Ojo Caliente, N.M.; son Alfred Brumback Thompson and wife Mary Eccles Cheatham Thompson of Brevard; and grandchildren Ryal Woodall Tayloe Jr. and Laura Kline Tayloe, Nathan Thompson Tayloe, Mary Rosser Tayloe, Alfred Brumback Thompson Jr. and Mary Brenning Thompson.

A service will be held at noon Saturday, Nov., 30, 2013, at Camp Carolina in Brevard.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: The Nath Thompson Scholarship Fund, Camp Carolina P.O. Box 919 Brevard NC 28712, Hospice, or a charity of your choice.

"He rides among the greatest ever to touch the earth" Neal Killam.

Jackson Funeral Service is assisting the Thompson family.

Read More »

Beatrice Alexander, 92

Beatrice Alexander, 92, of Hendersonville passed away Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Read More »

Muriel Corwin Philo, 96

Muriel Corwin Philo, 96, of Hendersonville died Friday, Oct. 18, 2013 at Life Care Center.

Surviving are her two sons, Arthur Brown and wife Maureen of Etowah and Terry Brown and wife Barbara of Louisville, KY; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

No local services are planned.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Read More »

J.D. Wiggins, 98

J.D. Wiggins, 98, of Mountain Home passed away Thursday, Oct. 17, 2013.

He was a son of the late Joseph Crayton and Samantha Hamrick Wiggins. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his first wife, Thelma Wiggins and second wife, Ruby Wiggin; a daughter, Peggy Goode; a sister, Molly Bostic and a daughter-in-law, Helen Wiggins.

Mr. Wiggins proudly served his country with the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Arkansas. He was a truck driver for 40 years and was an avid gardener. He was a loving father and will be dearly missed.

He is survived by two sons, Larry Wiggins of Hendersonville and David Wiggins and his wife Henrietta of Etowah; three step-children, Gail Nix, Geraldine McSwain and Ted Williams; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Pastor Darin Pace will officiate. The family will receive from 1:30-3 p.m.. Sunday at Shuler Funeral Home.

A sympathy card or online register book is available by visiting www.shulerfuneralhome.com

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Read More »

Hans J. Kaiser, 83

Hans J. Kaiser, 83, of Hendersonville passed away, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2013, at Hendersonville Health and Rehab.

Hans was born in Nordhausen, Germany, married his wife Edith in 1953 and immigrated to the United States in 1957. He retired from General Motors Technical Center as a Tool and Die Maker. He was an accomplished Metal Sculptor and Pyrographer which he enjoyed during his retirement. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his loving wife of almost 60 years, Edith Kaiser; one son, Hans S. Kaiser of Sterling Heights, Mich.; one daughter, Elke Rickard and her husband, Michael of Charlotte; one grandson, Hans Zachary Kaiser of Sterling Heights, Mich.; two granddaughters, Jackie and Jessica Kaiser both of Sterling Heights, Mich., and a brother, Helmut Kaiser of Frankfurt, Germany.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hans Helmut Kaiser and Frieda Leibeling Kaiser.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2013, at Grace Lutheran Church with Pastor Ken Langsdorf officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the IAM Interfaith Assistance Ministries, PO Box 2562, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Eric Byrd and his staff and the staff of Hendersonville Health and Rehab.

Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

Read More »

Robert L. Tate, Lisa Apodaca's father, of Forest City

FOREST CITY — Robert Lewis Tate, 78, of U.S. Highway 221 South, Forest City, died Friday, Oct. 18, at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, a day and a half after suffering a medical condition while driving on U.S. 221.

Tate was the father of Lisa Tate Apodaca, the wife of state Sen. Tom Apodaca of Hendersonville.

The Forest City Daily Courier reported that Mr. Tate suffered a medical condition that caused his car to go off the road. He was taken by ambulance to the Spartanburg hospital.
Born March 26, 1935, in Rutherford County to the late Roy and Ethel Alexander Tate, he was retired from Stonecutter Mills Corporation, where he was Superintendent of Preparation. He was a member of New Bethel Baptist Church and served as a deacon and on various church committees. He served 12 years in the North Carolina National Guard. A former board member of the Shiloh-Danieltown-Oakland Volunteer Fire Department, he was currently serving as Treasurer of the Fireman's Relief Fund.

Tate was a true sportsman and an avid quail hunter.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, William V. Tate, and his sisters Pauline Tate, Jean Carpenter and Christine White. Robert was a devoted husband and a loving father and grandfather.
Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Toms Tate, of the home, a daughter, Lisa Tate Apodaca and her husband, Sen. Tom Apodaca, of Hendersonville; a sister, Lois Tate Goode and her husband Francis of Rutherfordton, and two grandchildren, Brandon Apodaca and Tate Apodaca, both of Hendersonville.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20, at New Bethel Baptist Church with the Revs. Stephen Matheny and Ad Hopper officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends following the graveside service at the church on Sunday afternoon.
Memorials may be made to New Bethel Baptist Church Building Fund, 223 New Bethel Church Road, Forest City, NC 28043. The Padgett and King Mortuary of Forest City is in charge of arrangements. An online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com.

Read More »

Dr. William Wesley Hill, 73

Dr. William Wesley Hill, 73, of Demopolis, Ala., passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2013. He was born March 14, 1940, in Edneyville.

Dr. Hill is survived by his wife, Barbara Oates Hill of Demopolis, Ala.; his children Dr. William W. Hill II (Spouse, Dana Hill) of Demopolis and Holly Hill Beckham (Spouse, Tom Beckham) of Cornelius; his seven grandchildren (Jonathan Strickland, William Hill III, Sydney Hill, Meredith Hill, Amelia Grace Hill, Tucker Beckham, and Trevor Beckham); and his sister, Peggy Hill Messer of Edneyville. He is also survived by his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Kimberly Hill Strickland and his parents, Sidney and Grace Hill of Edneyville.

Visitation will be from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18, 2013, at Kirk Funeral Home in Demopolis, Ala.. The Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013, at the First United Methodist Church of Demopolis. The Burial Service will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 21, 2013, at Mount Moriah Baptist Church, Edneyville. Visitation at Mount Moriah will be from 9:30-10:30 before the service.

The Hill Family would like to especially thank the wonderful caregivers who have helped care for Wesley over the last 4½ years.

A devoted husband and father, and a passionate educator, Wesley served as Superintendent of Demopolis City Schools from 1980 to 2007. At the time of his retirement, he was the longest serving Superintendent in the state of Alabama.

Born in Hendersonville, Wesley was one of the best basketball players in Western North Carolina playing for Edneyville High School in the late 1950s. He was an all-sports athlete playing baseball and football.

In college, Wesley received a bachelor's degree from Appalachian State University, a master's degree from Western Carolina University, and a doctorate degree from the University of Alabama. It was at the University of Alabama from 1969-1972 where he and his family began a lifelong passion for the Crimson Tide of Alabama. Even when he moved away from the state of Alabama for several years, Wesley and family were never too far from Alabama football often traveling back to the state of Alabama purely for a ball game.

After college, Wesley taught school and coached all sports, and when he coached, he delivered, winning area and district championships in basketball in the state of South Carolina. This pride and devotion to excellence was not lost with his wife, children, and grandchildren who are avidly involved with athletics to this day.

As the Superintendent of Demopolis City Schools, Dr. Hill took great pride in high school athletics and the goal of excellence. He never missed an event. He believed that students should be involved in youth activities, not just sports.

Dr. Hill's other interests included his support of the Boy Scouts of American. He was an Eagle Scout in Edneyville and was a lifelong supporter of the Boy Scouts of America in Demopolis, Ala. Wesley was a member of First United Methodist Church of Demopolis where he sang in the choir and taught Sunday school for more than 30 years. He served in Rotary International for more than 35 years and was awarded the Paul Harris Award in 2002. In 2007, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Chamber of Commerce of Demopolis for his outstanding service to the school system and community.

Dr. Hill enjoyed playing golf and attending athletic events at all levels. He enjoyed taking trips around the USA and several foreign countries with his wife of 50 years. He also took many memorable trips with his children and grandchildren.

If you wish to send a memorial, please consider the Demopolis City Schools Foundation, P.O. Box 1338, 102 East Washington Street, Demopolis, AL 36732; Phone: (334) 289-2226; Fax: (334) 289-2207; E-mail: dcsf@westal.net.

Jackson Funeral Service is in charge of local arrangements. Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or to PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

Read More »

Patricia Collins Merrell

Patricia "Pat" Collins Merrell of Etowah passed away peacefully at home on Oct. 16, 2013 surrounded by her family and friends.

Pat was born May 5, 1934 in Greenville, S.C., to Clyde and Lillie Collins. Pat was married for 60 years to William Joseph Merrell who passed away in 2012. Pat's last few months were some of her happiest because she was continuously surrounded by her family and friends, sharing loving moments and laughter. Pat was an avid reader and the Bible was always her favorite book.

Pat is survived by her son, Michael Joseph Merrell and wife Bonnie of Etowah; grandson, Michael Joseph Merrell II and wife Chasity; great-grandson, Brody Merrell all of Winston-Salem; and sister, Norma Higgins of Ocala, Fla.

Memorial contributions may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 581 S. Allen Rd., Flat Rock, NC 28731.

An online guest book is available at www.shulerfuneral home.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Read More »

Albertie "Bertie" Wyman Shealy

Albertie "Bertie" Wyman Shealy, 95, of Hendersonville died on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2013.

A native of Aiken, S.C., she was born on Aug. 17, 1918, to the late Dr. E. Holbrook Wyman and Albertie Lucas Wyman. Her mother died in an automobile accident when she was 12 years old. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Fred Gray Shealy, Sr.; her son, Dr. Fred G. Shealy, Jr. and her son-in-law, Coach Jim Pardue.

She graduated from Aiken High School and went to Winthrop Collage. Soon after she eloped with Fred and lived in Anderson, S.C. She worked while rearing her children. She sold Avon, and managed the S & H Green Stamp Store in Seneca. She played the organ at the Seneca Baptist Church for many years.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Rosalind "Rosie" Wyman Pardue of Hendersonville; her four grandchildren, Kimberly Peeler of Boiling Springs, S.C., F. Gray Shealy III of Washington, D.C., Heather Elizabeth Shealy of Charlestown, S.C., R. Wells Shealy of Flat Rock; two great-grandchildren, Tillman, Cayce Peeler, and her daughter-in-law, Susan Shealy of Flat Rock.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2013, at Shepherd Memorial Park's Mausoleum Chapel with John Lampley officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial contributions be made to the Jim Pardue Memorial Scholarship c/o Henderson County Education Foundation, PO BOX 1267, Hendersonville, NC 28793. This will be given to a senior boy at Hendersonville High School excelling in basketball or baseball needing financial assistance to pursue a college education.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.

Read More »

John Boynton Davenport, 94

John Boynton Davenport was born Sept. 11, 1919 in Watertown, N.Y., to Sherman and Jane Davenport. He died Oct. 13, 2013, at Carolina Village in Hendersonville.

John attended the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., graduating in February 1941. He was assigned to the battleship Oklahoma and was stationed at Pearl Harbor when it was attacked on Dec. 7, 1941. After surviving the attack on Pearl Harbor, John was assigned to various other ships during World War II and after the war was over, including USS San Juan, USS Monterey, USS Fresno, and the USS Charles R. Ware.

After the war, John served in various state-side military service positions including time in England and Germany. He retired from the service in 1965 as a Captain. During his career he received the Bronze Star for service on the USS Monterey from 1943 – 1945 and the Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service from 1958 – 1960.

John obtained a Master's Degree in Mathematics from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, S.D., in 1966. He taught two years at St. Cloud University in St. Cloud, Minn., and then was Associate Professor of Mathematics at Duchess Community College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. for

20 years. He retired to Hendersonville in 1988.

John is survived by this wife, Barbara. They were married for 67 years.

A private service is being planned. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Carolina Village, Inc., 600 Carolina Village Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792.

An online guest book and sympathy card are available at www.forestlawnfh@gmail.com.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Read More »

V. Ellen Killeen, 88

V. Ellen Killeen of Hendersonville, formerly Estero, Fla., and Bloomfield Hills, Mich., died Thursday, Oct.11, 2013, of congestive heart failure. She was 88 years old.

She was born in Springfield, Ohio, to Laura May and Harry Basil Langs. She moved to North Carolina in 2011 to live with her daughter, Anne K. Allen and son-in-law, Robert E. Allen.

As a young woman Ellen loved and was a student of classical and sacred music. Her love of opera included a role in the Michigan Opera Theater.

Ellen received a bachelor's degree with honors in religion and humanities from Madonna College and earned masters of theological studies from St. John's Seminary in Plymouth, Mich.. During her time in Florida she was bestowed an honorary secular Franciscan and taught a series of classes at St. Williams Church in Naples.

She shared her love of literature, music, faith, self improvement and all things beautiful with her children and grandchildren.

She leaves her daughter Anne K. Allen, her sons Mark E. Murray and James B. Killeen, her step- children Alan R. Killeen and Karen L. Anderson; grandsons Cameron Murray, twins Brigham and Kelly Killeen; and grandchildren Tracy Hostetler and Todd Monfils. Great grandchildren Maya and Fynn Murray also survive her. She is preceded in death by her parents, sister and husband Alan B. Killeen.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, 2013 at St. James Episcopal Church, Hendersonville, with Rev. Joel G. Hafer and Rev. Eunice R. Dunlap officiating. Ellen will be buried at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013, at Acacia Park Cemetery, Beverly Hills, Mich. The family will receive friends from 2 until 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2013, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Thomas Merton Society, Bellarmine University, 2001 Newbury Road, Louisville, KY 40205.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

Read More »