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Obituaries

December 2015 Archive

George Newton Fowler, 89,

George Newton Fowler, 89, of Hoopers Creek went home to be with the Lord on December 27, at 6:55 pm. He was born May 29, 1926, the son of Tina Hyder and Jasper Vernon Fowler. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Edna Carney; four brothers, Creswell, Steve, D.J. and Eugene; and five sisters, Misphia, Lettie Mae, Harriett, Belvia and Fairlee.

George served as a drill sergeant in the US Army from November 1944 to November 1946. He retired from the NC Department of Transportation as Regional Supervisor after 28 years of service. George was very active in both his community and in his church. He was instrumental in establishing the Fletcher Fire Department and the Fletcher Elementary PTA, of which he was the first President. He also served in both Hoopers Creek Baptist Church and Fletcher First Baptist Church as Sunday School Superintendent and Sunday School Teacher for over 50 years.

George had a farm and raised Poll Hereford Cattle. He was a hard worker and kept his place well-manicured. He also loved working on and restoring vintage automobiles. He was a friend to all who knew him and he will be greatly missed.

George is survived by his loving family, his two children, Dewena F. Garren (husband Wayne) and Michael George Fowler (wife Anna Lee); five grandchildren, Jennifer Garren, Cameron Garren (wife Serita), Matthew Fowler, Melissa Fowler Warren, and Mark Fowler; four great-grandchildren, James and Allyson Garren, Emily Hopkins, Brandon Warren; and two great-great grandchildren, Ruby Garren and Colby Hopkins. George is also survived by three brothers, Stanford, Onie (Toad) and Porter. Other grandchildren through marriage are Steve Robbins (wife Sara). Jason Littrell (wife Jennettie), and Kimberly McGuiness Ogle; and great-grandchildren, Madisen Gentry, Caleb, Tori, and Ethan Littrell, Sydney Robbins and Eli and Emma Ogle.

A funeral service will be held at 2 PM Thursday, December 31, 2015 at Fletcher First Baptist Church. The Reverends Roy Waldrop and Gunn Davis will officiate. Burial will follow at Hoopers Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM Wednesday at Fletcher First Baptist Church.

To offer condolences online, please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Cheryle L. Fisher, 68,

Cheryle L. Fisher, 68,

Cheryle L. Fisher, 68, of East Flat Rock, NC passed away Monday, December 28, 2015.

She was born in Dayton, Ohio and had lived in Henderson County for the past 25 years. She was the daughter of the late Dale E. Meredith Sr. and Helen Fisher Meredith and was also preceded in death by a grandson, Edmund Odell Dampier and a brother, Dale E. Meredith Jr.

She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Lynn and Eddie Dampier of Houston, TX; a son, John T. Fisher II of Houston, TX; a
daughter and son-in-law, Freda and Cliff Summey of Hendersonville, NC; five grandchildren; three great grandchildren; three brothers and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Cheryle’s life will be held at a later date.

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

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William “Bill” Lee Pace, 93

East Flat Rock- William “Bill” Lee Pace, 93, died on Saturday, December 26, 2015 at the Elizabeth House surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his parents; J. Willie and Alice G. Anders Pace.

Bill was a native of Henderson County and in June of 1944 married the love of his life, Jeanne in Spartanburg, SC. Together they raised two daughters and two sons while he was a self employed building and painting contractor. He served many customers over the years through his business Ace Building and Painting. He enjoyed playing the trombone for over 80 years and had perfect attendance in the Rotary Club for over 60 years. Bill was active in the Hendersonville Symphony, and Buddy-K Band and the Community band. He enjoyed playing golf but especially loved to read his Bible. He loved to tell jokes and stories to anybody that would listen, as he never met a stranger, but nothing topped the love he had for his family and Henderson County. Local history has it that he was a descendant of Solomon Jones who was a pioneer road builder of Western North Carolina and Henderson County.

He is survived by his wife Jeanne and their two daughters; Alice-Marie Darnell and her husband Tony of Huntersville, NC, and Karen Davis and her husband Gene of Mills River, NC and two sons; Bill Pace, Jr. and his wife Carolyn of Raleigh, NC and Terry Pace and his wife Becky of Winston Salem, NC, two brothers; Roy Lee Johnson and his wife Peggy of East Flat Rock, NC and Robert Johnson and his wife Barbara of Woodruff, SC and one sister; Julia Ann Mullis and her husband Jake of Macon, GA. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews plus several step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM in the Mausoleum Chapel at Shepherd Memorial Park with Chaplain John Mason officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 1:45 PM prior to the service at the Park.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to the Rotary Club of Hendersonville – Charitable Corporation at P.O. Box 901, Hendersonville, NC 28793 or of the donor’s choice.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

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Frances Blackwell “Fran” Alley

Frances Blackwell “Fran” Alley died peacefully on December 8 after a long life. Fran was born in Tryon, N.C., on June 20, 1921, the second of six children. She lived the longest of all of her siblings. During WWII, Fran enlisted in the Woman’s Air Corp, where she served as a control tower operator and was honored as a “WAC of the Week” during her service. After WWII, Fran met and married William (Bill) Alley, a WWII pilot. Fran and Bill were married for 57 years, until Bill’s death in 2007. Fran and Bill had two children to whom, along with her husband, she was completely devoted. They lived all over the country, though they spent most of their time in North Palm Beach, FL. After Bill’s death, Fran moved to Tucson to be closer to Kristen and her husband, Davis Golding and remained there until her death. Fran will be remembered for her great character, her Southern grace and her unflagging sense of humor: she could look straight ahead with one eye and cross the other much to the amazement and delight of any observer. Fran leaves behind two very sad children, John Alley and Kristen Alley, and a very sad son in law, Davis Golding. Services to celebrate Fran’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 30, at Thos. Shepherd’s Church Street Chapel, with burial services to follow immediately in Shepherd Memorial Park. An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

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John Ramsey, 63

John Ramsey, 63, of Dana, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, December 21, 2015 at his residence following a period of declining health. A native of Cleveland County, he was the son of the late Guy and Nan Ramsey. He had resided in Henderson County for the past 27 years.

John was a farmer for many years, and then went on to own a John Deere dealership. He thoroughly enjoyed farming and was very good at it. He was a member of the Apple Country Antique Tractor Club and the International Antique Tractor Club. John loved being around people and could easily strike up a conversation with folks. He was a natural salesman, and enjoyed helping customers find what product was right for them. He greatly cherished the time he was able to spend with his family.

He is survived by his son Kyle Ramsey and his wife Julie of Dana; as well as his wife, Dian Ramsey of Morganton.

A visitation will be held from 10-11:30 am on Saturday, December 26, 2015 at Shuler Funeral Home. A funeral service will then be held at 2:30 pm at Trinity Baptist Church in Mooresboro, N.C. with Pastor Michael Frazier and Pastor Eric Ingle officiating. The family will receive friends for 30 minutes prior to the service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

An online register book is available by visiting www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Doris Youngblood Owens, 79

Doris Youngblood Owens, 79, of Fairview, NC, died Wednesday, December 23, 2015 at Fleshers of Fairview Health and Retirement Center. She was born on February 12, 1936 to the late Tom and Daisy Bell Corn Youngblood. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, James Warren Owens on April 1, 2009.

She is survived by her daughters, Mendy Branks and her husband, Gary, of Fletcher, and Jan Allen and her husband, Ray, of Summerfield, NC; a son, Jimmy Owens and his wife, Lisa, of Hendersonville; eight grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

A Funeral Service will be at 4:00 PM on Saturday, December 26, 2015 at Shepherds Church Street Chapel with the Rev. Phillip Youngblood officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will be private at a later date.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

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Juanita Nunez Merrill, 92

Juanita Nunez Merrill, 92, died Monday, December 21, 2015 at her home.

A native of Louisiana, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Ella Nunez. She is also preceded in death by her husband Charles W. Merrill who died November 19, 2010; two brothers, Cut Nunez and James Nunez; two sisters, Estelle Coogler and Pat Callens.

She met her late husband in Louisiana in 1941 and was married on May 13, 1945 before moving to North Carolina. Juanita was a member of Hendersonville First United Methodist Church, and taught the kindergarten Sunday school class for over 30 years. She enjoyed gardening, loved to read, loved to attend grandchildren’s events, volunteered for hospice in the early 1980’s, and loved her family.

She is survived by five children, John Merrill and his fiancé Sallie of Newport News, VA, Robert Merrill and his wife Jenna of Murphy, NC, Jay Merrill and his wife Leslie of Hendersonville, Ann Davis and his husband Jan of Asheville, and Jonita O’Connell and her fiancé Larry of Hendersonville; two sisters, Rhea Pershing of LaFayette, LA and Marjorie Mayfield of Carriere, MS; six grandchildren, Richard Davis and his wife Stacy of Asheville, Michael Merrill and his wife Molly of Pendleton, SC, Wesley Merrill of Wilmington, NC, Thomas O’Connell of Houston, TX, Caroline Merrill of Wilmington, NC and Misty Faulkner and her husband Gabe of San Marcus, CA; one great grandchild, Nolan Charles Merrill of Pendleton, SC; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, December 26, 2015 at Hendersonville First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Mark Ralls officiating. Entombment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park with Rev. Elijah Cockman officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to: Four Season’s Compassion-for-Life, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731 or Marge Kahrer Children’s Ministry Fund, c/o Hendersonville First United Methodist Church, 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 are in charge of arrangements.

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Burgess Lee Smith, 84

Burgess Lee Smith, 84, of Hendersonville, NC, peacefully passed away on Thursday, December 17, 2015, at Four Seasons Elizabeth House Hospice.
He is survived by his longtime companion, Mary Lou Atkin, his three daughters, Teresa Zuraw and her husband, Peter, of Murrells Inlet, SC, Dana Smith and her husband, Brandon, of San Francisco, CA and Kristen Smith of Beverly Hills, CA, his grandson, Michael Sigmon of Charleston, SC and his great-grandson, Jamison Sigmon, also of Charleston. Memorials may be made to Four Seasons Elizabeth House, 581 South Allen Rd., Flat Rock, NC 28731, Opportunity House of Hendersonville (opportunityhouse.org)or to The American Cancer Society.

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

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Floyd Eric Bush

Floyd Eric Bush

Floyd Eric Bush “Eric” passed away into the presence of our Lord on Friday, December 18, 2015. Beloved husband of Roxanne Bush for 32 years; loving father of Adam Floyd (Laura) Bush, Heather Roxanne Bush, and Matthew Eric Bush; dear son of Linnie Jean (nee Blair) Bush and the late Floyd Ray Bush; brother of Karen (Robert) Eckardt, Bret (Cindy) Bush, Lynnette (Dean) Clouse, and Michael (Rosa) Bush; uncle of Emily (David) Yann, Erica (Jonathan) Pinter, Ethan Eckardt, Bobbie Jean (Ryan) Baker, Sarah (Justin) Riedel, Noah and Micaiah Clouse, and Alan and Reagan Bush. Eric cherished his many friends and valued coworkers.

Eric’s love and compassion for others was fueled by his love of Christ and evident through devotion to his family and acts of service to others. He enjoyed sharing his love of outdoors and adventure with his children and siblings through hiking, kayaking, fishing trips to Canada, and more. Eric was a true jack-of-all-trades, able to fix almost anything. He loved others by working alongside them and giving his time to teach others about his hobbies and passions.

Eric served others through his work in social services for 31 years. He served as Director of Henderson County Department of Social Services, Director of Duplin County Department of Social Services, and Director of Marion County Children Services in Marion, Ohio. Committed to volunteering to help those less fortunate, Eric served on the boards of Western Carolina Community Action, Boys and Girls Club Henderson County, Duplin County Partnership for Children, and Boys and Girls Club of Marion County. In addition, Eric served as the President of Habitat for Humanity of Duplin County, Treasurer of El Centro Latino de Duplin, and other state committees devoted to helping others. Eric enjoyed giving of his time as District Commissioner, Harding Area District, Boy Scouts of America, and Assistant Scoutmaster, Troop 26, Marion, Ohio.

Visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00pm on Monday, December 21, at Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors, 125 South Church Street, in Hendersonville, NC. Service in remembrance and celebration of his life will be held at 2:00pm Tuesday, December 22, at Biltmore Baptist Church-Hendersonville, 103 Education Drive in Flat Rock, NC.

Contributions to honor Eric’s memory may be made in his name to the Boys and Girls Club of Henderson County and Compassion International.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.

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Bobby Lee Reese Vaughn, 45

Bobby Lee Reese Vaughn, 45, of Zirconia, died Friday, December 18, 2015 at his home. Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Mr. Reese Vaughn by visiting www.tmcfunding.com. To offer online condolences, please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com.
Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Zanie “Mildred” Gordon Ward, 86

Zanie “Mildred” Gordon Ward, age 86, of Zirconia, died on Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at Margaret R. Pardee Hospital. She was preceded in death by her husband Max McKinley Ward, a sister, Ruth Ledbetter, three brothers; Oscar Gordon, Paul Gordon and Reverend Walter Gordon and her parents; Ed and Dora Gordon.

Mildred was a homemaker and taught Sunday school for 29 years. She survived cancer five times. She was a Christian who loved her family, friends, and her church family. She was a member of Grace Missionary Independent Baptist Church of Saluda.

She is survived by a daughter Lisa Maxine Ward of Zirconia, a sister, Martha Revis and her husband Vance McRee “Mac” Revis, two brothers; Frank Gordon of Hendersonville, and Eddie Gordon II and his wife Portia of Saluda.

A Funeral Service will be at 2:00 PM, Saturday, December 19, 2015 at Grace Missionary Independent Baptist Church of Saluda with Reverend Travis Joe Maybin and her Pastor Robin Morrow officiating. Burial will follow in Shepherd Memorial Park. Music will be provided by Debbie Reemes Ford and the Robert Ballard Family.

The family will receive friends Friday evening 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Home.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

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Leslie “Les” Jones III, 58

Leslie “Les” Jones III, 58, of Zirconia, passed away Tuesday, December 15, 2015. He was a native of Henderson County and lived his entire life in the Jones Junction. He worked for GE for 35 years.
Les is survived by his daughter, Heather Jones; son, grandchild, Avery Jones; Chris Jones; the mother of his children, Susie Jones; brother, Mike Jones (Kathy); sister, Michelle Jones;, father, Leslie Jones Jr; mother, Helen Osteen Jones; several nieces and nephews; and was loved and will be missed by many friends.
A graveside service will be at 2PM Saturday, December 19, 2015 in the Mt. Olivet Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8PM Friday at Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel.
Please visit forestlawnhendersonville.com for online condolences.
Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Herman Woodrow Lancaster, 102

Herman Woodrow Lancaster, age 102 of Flat Rock died Thursday, December 10th, 2015 at Hendersonville Health and Rehab. He was born November 5, 1913 in Henderson County, a son of the late Virgil Roscoe Lancaster and Nora Lee Marlow Lancaster. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Nellie Montieth Lancaster in 2013; seven brothers, Paul, Ernest, Horace, Roscoe, Guy, George, and Jay Lancaster; and two sisters, Bernice Pryor and Sue Price.

He was a lifelong brick mason and was the oldest member of the Hedrick-Rhodes VFW Post 5206. He was an Army Veteran of World War II.

He is survived by his brother, James B. Lancaster of Hendersonville; and sister, Betty Lancaster Holmes of Hendersonville; and a number of nieces and nephews; and a good friend and former employer, Jerry Bayne.

A Funeral Service will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday, December 13th, 2015 in the Mausoleum Chapel of Shepherd Memorial Park with Military Honors presented by the Hedrick-Rhodes VFW Post 5206. Burial will follow in the cemetery. No formal visitation is planned.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.

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George Agnew Maddox, 86

George Agnew Maddox, 86

George Agnew Maddox, 86, of Hendersonville passed away Friday, December 4, 2015.
He was a native of Dearborn, MI and a son of the late Clifford and Marion Maddox.
Despite having no formal college education George rose steadily in his chosen profession of automobile engineering and manufacturing to group vice president of American Motors and president of AM General. He enjoyed 30 years of retirement.
He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Phyllis Claire Maddox; daughter, Laurie Ann Maddox of Flat Rock; son, Merle Maddox and wife Susan of SC; and his grandchildren, Oliver and Madeline Maddox.
A memorial service will be at 1:00 pm, Saturday, December 12, 2015 in the Kirby Memorial Chapel of Shuler Funeral Home with Rev. Susan Maddox officiating.
To offer condolences online, please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Christopher Blake Seymour

Christopher Blake Seymour went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday December 8, 2015 @ the Elizabeth house with his daughter by his side. He was the son of the late Charles E. Seymour and survived by his mother Doris C. Seymour. He was also proceeded in death by his beloved son Blake Christopher Seymour, grandson Blake Tyler Flood, brother Russ Seymour, and nephew Paul Russell Seymour.
He is survived by his loving daughter Ilah Rose Seymour, brother Randy Seymour, two sisters Cindy Jacoby and husband Steve, and Pam Whitmire. Two nieces Amber Baldwin and husband Jared and Christina Whitmire. One great niece Cassie Baldwin.
A memorial service will be held 3pm @ Bat Cave Baptist Church on Friday Dec. 11, 2015. Family will receive friends prior to the service from 1-3pm.
Memorials can be made to Four Seasons Hospice and Pallative Care 571 S. Allen rd Flat Rock, NC 28731.
Condolence cards can be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or P.O. Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Barbara A. McGraw, 79,

Barbara A. McGraw, 79,

Barbara A. McGraw, 79, of Hendersonville, passed away Friday, December 4, 2015.
She was a native of Henderson County and a daughter of the late James and Annie Enloe Pittillo. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Bob McGraw; son, Billy E. McGraw; sister, Linda Gillenwater; brother-in-law, Roy Gillenwater; and brothers, Reed and Sonny Pittillo.
Barbara partnered with her husband Bob in business and in life, with the Pisgah Fish Camp, then named McGraws Seafood & Steakhouse and then B&B Trucking. She was a wonderful cook and homemaker. Barbara spent her entire life in Henderson County and held her life here and her family close in her heart. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and will be missed by all.
Survivors include her daughter, Barbara Hill and husband Billy; sons, Richard McGraw and wife Tracy, Greg McGraw and wife Racheal, Danny McGraw and wife Teresa, Chris McGraw and wife Linda; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brother, Johnny R. McGraw; and several nieces.
A funeral will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 8, 2015 in the Kirby Chapel of Shuler Funeral Home with Rev. Steve Jones officiating. Burial will follow in Shepherd Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.
To offer condolences online please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Irene Peachey, 86

Irene Peachey, 86, left this earth for heaven on December 5th, 2015. She had arrived on September 16 in a Kansas farmhouse to Rachel and Albert Nisly. She had four older siblings- William, Enos, Alvin and Susie. Later Ruth and Daniel joined the family. When Irene was seven, her family moved to Kalona, Iowa. Then on to Oregon several years later.
Irene attended Eastern Mennonite College in Virginia and then went to teach at Belleville Mennonite School in Pennsylvania. There she met David Peachey and was married on August 26th, 1960. Being a dairy farmer’s wife for the next 33 years, with a relocation to Colby, Wisconsin, required barn chores, fieldwork and homemaking. They raised five children – Donnita, David married to Kathy, Sandra married to Randy, Jessica and Edwin married to Tracy. She has fifteen grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. David died in 1993. In 2004, Irene retired to North Carolina to be near family. Throughout her life, she enjoyed many good friendships, reading, studying the Bible, watching birds and working in the garden or her flower beds. Irene was friendly and knew how to reach out to people in conversation and compassion.
Visitation will be from 5:30 to 8:00 PM on Tues. at Jackson Funeral Service, Hendersonville. A memorial service will be held 10:30 AM on Wed. at United Covenant Mennonite Church, Etowah.

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Delbert “Del” “Mickey” Marr, 82

Hendersonville-
Delbert “Del” “Mickey” Marr, 82, of Hendersonville passed away Sunday, November 29, 2015 at his residence. He was a son of the late Georgianna Thibodeau and Linwood Marr. He was also preceded in death by his son, Joseph Kenneth Marr.
Del served in the US Navy and was a member of Immaculate Conception Church. He retired from government service after 30 years and was a member of Trout Unlimited. Prior to moving to Hendersonville, he resided in both Wayne and West Milford, NJ. In West Milford he was active in St. Joseph’s Church as well as the Knights of Columbus, where he was a Past Grand Knight. He was an avid reader and fisherman who greatly enjoyed the outdoors and sports.
Survivors include his loving wife of 55 years, Ann Marie Schmidt Marr; son, Marty Marr of NJ; daughter, Mary Marr of Hendersonville; sister, Lynne Talaga and husband Marshall; and nephews, Brent and Lee Talaga.
A funeral service will be held at 10am Friday, December 4, 2015 in the chapel of Forest Lawn Funeral Home. The family invites all to attend a reception following the service. Funeral mass and burial will be at a later date in New Jersey.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Interfaith Assistance Ministries, PO Box 2562, Hendersonville, NC 28793.
To offer online condolences,please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com.
Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Paul D Nickell, 80

Paul D Nickell, 80, passed away peacefully at home Saturday, November 28, 2015. Born in Alton, Illinois he was the son of the late John and Nora Nickell of Edwardsville, Illinois.

After graduation from Erskine College in 1956, Paul was recruited by the Milwaukee Braves, Pittsburg Pirates, and Detroit Tiger organizations. Signing a Triple A contract with the Tigers, he played parts of two seasons with the Durham Bulls. After leaving professional baseball, he coached baseball at East High, bringing that school its first conference championship in any sport in 1969. In the spring of 2015 his former players invited him to dinner and an East High baseball home game where they presented the school with a trophy to replace the missing one. In the mid-70’s he purchased Brookwood Golf Club in Arden which he operated for over twenty five years.

In 1999 Paul was inducted into the Erskine College Flying Fleet Hall of Fame and the Citation includes the following: “Nickell, as an outfielder, hit .477 during his junior year in 1955, setting a modern single-season record that would stand for 14 years. It is still today the fourth-highest average ever compiled by an Erskine batter and is the second highest with a wooden bat. His senior year he was the number one pitcher and hitter for the Fleet, leading the team in home runs, batting average, and strikeouts. He served as president of the Erskine student body, a responsibility he handled with distinction.”

Paul was a member of First United Methodist Church and in the 1960’s and 70’s served as an usher and was a member of the Pastor/Parish Committee.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years this December 17, the former Sara Lee Allen; three sons, Gregory, Philip, and Andrew; and three grandchildren, Sara, Elijah, and Noah.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11 am Saturday, December 5, 2015 in the Kirby Memorial Chapel of Shuler Funeral Home with the Reverend Steve Jones, Hospice chaplain, officiating. Following the service, the family will receive friends at the home in Hickory Hill.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731, or the Erskine College Flying Fleet Athletic Organization, PO Box 338, Due West, SC 29639.

To offer condolences online, please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Alice Weeks

Mrs. Weekes passed peacefully away Friday, November 27, 2015 at Pardee Hospital in Hendersonville, NC. Alice Weekes was born December 27, 1925 in Queens, NY, the daughter of Albert and Signe Moore. She was married to John T Weekes on February 27, 1949 and celebrated 66 years this year.

She is survived by her husband John Weekes, and sons, Peter Weekes of Columbus, OH, and Chris Weekes of Brunswick ME, and 4 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.

A private internment will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of your choice may be made.

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