Joseph F. “Joe” Kinney, 82

Joseph F. “Joe” Kinney, age 82 of Flat Rock, died Monday, May 22nd, 2017 at Margaret R. Pardee Memorial Hospital. Joe was born August 27th, 1934 in Brooklyn, New York; a son of the late, Joseph F. and Sarah Riley Kinney.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York; Joe was a graduate of Brooklyn Preparatory High School and St. Peter’s College, Jersey City, NJ in 1956 Jesuit Schools, with a degree in Marketing. He was a true Jesuit product and was always so proud of his Jesuit education. He always said “you can always spot a Jesuit educated student, they never back down, they always stand their ground”. He joined the Empire Trust Company (now Bank of NY Mellon) in 1956 after graduation from St. Peter’s. He worked his way up to Vice President of Corporate Trust Administration where he was a New Business Officer, requiring him to travel extensively. Joe lived in Hillsborough, New Jersey with his wife, Joan for many years before his retirement in 1990. In 1992 they relocated to Flat Rock where they continued to enjoy each other’s company surrounded by the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina.
Joe was an avid and competitive golfer who enjoyed the challenges of any course that he played. He was a faithful player every weekend and never turned down any other available tee time. He loved playing with his DEAR friend, Joe Morrow. He loved reading his daily newspapers, the NYT, WSJ which he had read faithfully for over 50 years as well as his local paper. His extensive knowledge of not only national but international topics provided him the ability to discuss and banter intelligently over them all. . He was a true sports fan of all major events, but was well known for being not only a diehard New York Giants football fan, but as a loyal St. Louis Cardinal baseball fan. Having the Red Cardinal as the North Carolina Bird suited him just fine.
He was a wonderful loving husband to his wife, Joan. They were married for 54 wonderful and interesting years. They traveled extensively together.
In addition to his wife, Joan; Joe is survived by his very close surrogate family who has been a big part of his and Joan’s life as well as his many friends. He was loved by many.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 31st, 2017 in the Sanctuary of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church celebrated by Father Martin Schratz. Entombment will be at a later date in Florida.
His family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Home. A Rosary will be said at 4:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Brooklyn Prep Alumni Association, 2540 Hughes Avenue, Bronx, N.Y. 10458.
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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Louise J. Henderson, 85

Louise J. Henderson, 85, went to her heavenly home on Saturday, May 27th, where she will join her husband Reverend Lonnie Henderson.

She was preceded by her parents, Grayson and Effie Tabor Jackson; and her brothers, Clyde, Lloyd, Grady, Paul and Carroll Jackson.

Always proud of her family, she is survived by her children, Roberta Sitton (Tom), Nada Shook (David), and Doug Henderson (Phyllis).

Mom had six grandchildren, Todd and Bryan McMurray, Blake and Brad Sitton, Julie and Josh Henderson, and eleven great grandchildren and sister-in-law, Olivia Jackson. Her church friends were her extended family.

The family will receive friends at 1:00 pm on May 31st at Jackson Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow in the Chapel at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Four Season Compassion for Life, 581 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

The family expresses sincere thanks to the wonderful and loving professional staff of Hendersonville Health and Rehab, Four Seasons Palliative Care and Four Seasons Compassion for Life, for their dedicated and compassionate care of our Mom.

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

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Robert Doughton Hodges, 89

Robert Doughton Hodges, 89, passed away May 9, 2017 at Sunnybrook Assisted Living, Hendersonville, NC.
He was born August 11, 1927 in Watauga Co, NC to Finley P. and Carrie Miller Hodges. He was one of five children raised during the Great Depression. Known early on as “R.D.,” or to many in later life as “Governor,” (after Luther Hodges, NC governor), he grew up attending school taught by his grandfather in a one-room school house. The Hodges family lived on a working farm, logging and sawmilling timber by oxen in what is now the town of Boone, NC. After he finished high school, R.D. enlisted in the Army, where he earned the rank of Master Sergeant, serving in the last year of World War II, as well as the Korean Conflict. He loved the Army, teaching cooking to recruits and playing on the Army football team.
After serving in the Army, R.D. returned to Boone, where he met and married his wife, Mary Kathleen Coston, of Edneyville, N.C. They moved to Raleigh where he enrolled at N.C. State College. R.D. received his degree in animal husbandry, at which time he and Kathleen moved to Hendersonville, NC, where they made their lifelong home. On his arrival to Henderson County, R.D. taught agriculture to farm Veterans, one of the very first classes for what would become known as “Blue Ridge Technical College.” R.D. also worked as a close advisor to Ms. Sadie Patton on her vision for what she wanted “Blue Ridge Tech” to become on land she donated to Henderson County for the school. R.D. worked for many years for William Francis, Sr. of Francis & Wright, for whom he had great admiration.
Later, R.D. became superintendent of International Minerals & Chemicals, a position he held for many years, serving farmers in WNC. Following that, he went to work for the NC Extension Service & Dwight W. Bennett and Grover Westmoreland as an agricultural agent until his retirement, although he continued to work for Extension even after his retirement. In the Extension Service, R.D. devoted his time to helping farmers succeed. He was instrumental in forming Farm City Day and the Master Gardener program. He presented a nightly radio program for WHKP on agriculture, led apple bus tours in Henderson County, and represented Henderson County apple growers at the NC State Fair for many, many years. R.D. was Grand Marshal of the 1983 King Apple Parade. He was also a great supporter of 4-H youth. R.D. dedicated his life to serving the farmer and citizens of Henderson County. He also enjoyed delivering Meals on Wheels, working on his farm and raising Angus beef cattle. He had great joy being a member of the Roy Johnson Sunday School class and the First United Methodist Church, where he served as head usher for many, many years.
R.D. was predeceased by his daughter, Anne Hodges Woodle; a brother, Charles Hodges; sisters, Emmo Wilfong and Willie Dixon.
He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Coston; son, Robert E. Hodges and wife, Pam Whitmire Hodges of Flat Rock; “baby” sister, Patty Marion of Dobson, NC, as well as many nieces, nephews and their children. R.D. loved all his extended family very much.
A celebration of his life will be held at 2pm, Saturday, June 3, 2017 at the First United Methodist Church. Please direct any gifts or memorials to the First United Methodist Church, 204 6th Ave W., Hendersonville, NC 28739.
To offer online condolences, please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Leonard Lee Owensby Sr., 89

Leonard Lee Owensby Sr., 89, of Fletcher, NC passed away Saturday,
May 13, 2017 at the Elizabeth House.

He was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County. He was
preceded in death by his parents, Mark and Dale Gosnell Owensby, a son,
Leonard “Buster” Owensby Jr., his daughter, Patricia Howard, four
sisters, Beulah Garren, Sue Martin, Wilma “Teet” Fender and Francis
Lindsey and a brother, Wilford Owensby.

He was a retired truck driver.

He is survived by three sisters, Pearl Pressley of Hoopers Creek,
Evelyn Bowles of Arden and Judy McCrary of Penrose; two nieces, Sheila
and Andrea Owensby; two nephews, Tony Lindsey and Charles Virgil McCrary
III.

A graveside service will be held 2:00 PM Monday, May 15th at
Hoopers Creek Community Cemetery.

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

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Betty Crane Calloway

Betty Crane Calloway passed to her rest at her home, May 06, 2017 after an extended illness. She was cared for by her loving husband, Oral E. Calloway and is survived by her three sons, Randall Calloway of Hendersonville, Kenneth Calloway of Rogers City MI and Richard Calloway and his wife Mary of Hendersonville, one brother, Donald Crane and his wife Dianna of MD. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to : The Hendersonville SDA Church Women’s Ministry – 2301 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville, NC 28791. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Carlton E. Cypher, Jr., 74

Carlton E. Cypher, Jr., 74, of Hendersonville passed away Sunday, May 7, 2017 at Elizabeth House after an extended illness. The son of the late Carlton E. Cypher, Sr. and Manuela Henning Cypher, he was also the husband of the late Caryle J. Cypher who died in 2012. Carlton was a Master Sergeant with the Air Force, retiring after twenty years of service. He worked with Rockwell International and retired from Meritor Inc. in 2004.

Survivors include his daughter, Lisa Cypher; a grandson, Joshua Cypher and his wife, Rachel; and faithful companions, Chip and Jack.

No local service is planned.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hendersonville High School Marching Band, 311 8th Ave. W., Hendersonville, NC 28791.

Please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com for online condolences.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Emma Jean McGraw, 83

Emma Jean McGraw, 83, of Saluda, passed away Monday, May 8, 2017 at Regency Hospital of Greenville, SC. She was born in rural Madison County, NC near Lonesome Mtn. Road to the late Marion “Tobe” and Grace Chandler Gosnell. She was also preceded in death by four brothers, Dedrick, Haynes, Marvin, and Marion Gosnell, Jr.; two sisters, Rosa Lee Smith and Mildred Heatherly.
Emma attended Saluda schools and was baptized at Fork Creek Baptist Church in Saluda October 1951. As a seamstress, she worked at Mountain Top, Kellwood, and Lewyn Associates before working at Autumn Care Nursing Home. She also enjoyed restoring her 1800’s farmhouse in Woodruff, SC. She was handy with tools and could drive anything. Emma was proud of her Corvette. Multiple myeloma was discovered seventeen years ago. Mom made weekly trips for treatment and in the past five years she endured three strokes. She was a good loving wife and mother.
She was never heard to complain or say why me? In March, 2017 she got the flu and needed a ventilator and the last month of her life was spent at Regency Hospital in Greenville, SC. She was making progress weaning from the ventilator, smiling, eyes open and she knew her family. Her heart failed and she died with her family at her side. She is survived by her husband, Carl Lee McGraw; son, Carl Edward McGraw; daughter, Sandra Watkins; grandson, Brandon Case; great-grandson, Gauge Case; sister, Barbara Jayne; sister-in-law, Barbara Gosnell; and her dog, Ginger.
A funeral service will be held at 2pm Saturday, May 13, 2017 at Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Dr. Randall Marshall officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6-8:00pm Friday in the Chapel.
Please visit www.forestlawnhendersonville.com for online condolences.
Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

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Edward “Eddy” Ray Stinnett, 59

Edward “Eddy” Ray Stinnett, 59, of Mills River passed away on Tuesday, May 2, 2017. He was a son of Ocie Davis Stinnett and the late Ed Ray Stinnett.

Eddy was a retired tool and die maker and avid gun enthusiast. He was a finalist in the Alvin York Sharp Shooting Competition as well as an award-winning wood carver. He also greatly enjoyed fishing and writing poetry.

In addition to his mother, survivors include his sisters, Libby Bryson and Rena Hamilton, both of Etowah; brother, Tim Stinnett and wife Marie of Hendersonville; nieces and nephews, Kimberly, Kristin, Jody, Kyle and Drue; and great-niece, Gracie.

A memorial service will be held at 2pm Saturday, May 6, 2017 in the chapel of Shuler Funeral Home with Rev. Davis Hooper officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Eliada Homes, 2 Compton Dr., Asheville, NC 28806.

To offer online condolences please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

, of Mills River passed away on Tuesday, May 2, 2017. He was a son of Ocie Davis Stinnett and the late Ed Ray Stinnett.
Eddy was a retired tool and die maker and avid gun enthusiast. He was a finalist in the Alvin York Sharp Shooting Competition as well as an award-winning wood carver. He also greatly enjoyed fishing and writing poetry.
In addition to his mother, survivors include his sisters, Libby Bryson and Rena Hamilton, both of Etowah; brother, Tim Stinnett and wife Marie of Hendersonville; nieces and nephews, Kimberly, Kristin, Jody, Kyle and Drue; and great-niece, Gracie.
A memorial service will be held at 2pm Saturday, May 6, 2017 in the chapel of Shuler Funeral Home with Rev. Davis Hooper officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Eliada Homes, 2 Compton Dr., Asheville, NC 28806.
To offer online condolences please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com.
Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Wallace D. Michener, 92,

Wallace D. Michener, 92, of Hendersonville died Saturday, April 29, 2017, at Pardee Hospital.
He was born September 18, 1924 in Ottumwa, Iowa, a son of the late Alfred Charles Michener Sr, and the late Genevieve Daggett Michener. He graduated from Ottumwa High School and attended Iowa State University and Northwestern University in Iowa before serving in World War II.
He served as a rifleman with the 101st Infantry Regiment of the 26th (Yankee) division until captured in the Lorraine Campaign in November 1944. He was released by a Russian tank column in early May 1945.
After his military service, he received his bachelor’s degree from Grinnell College and a MBA from the University of Minnesota. While attending Grinnell he met his wife Janet Ryden and they were married in 1948. He joined the Marathon Corporation in Wisconsin, and retired in 1981 as corporate compensation manager of American Can Company in Connecticut, moving to Hendersonville in 1982.
He began playing golf in 1934 and was fortunate to be able to play through 2012, with time off for military service. He was active in instrumental music in high school and enjoyed returning to music after retirement. He played with the Hendersonville Symphony and was a charter member of the Buddy K Band and the Community Band.
He was a lifelong Episcopalian, active throughout most of his life as vestry member, warden, lay reader, financial office, bell ringer, and fund raiser.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Janet Ryden Michener; his brother, Alfred Charles Michener Jr; and a son, Jimmy Michener.
He is survived by his daughter, Ann Marie Michener of Asheville; by his son, John Wallace Michener and his wife Julie Clare Michener of Minneapolis; and by nephews David Michener of New Jersey and Robert Michener of California; and by a niece, Susan Michener of West Virginia; and by his dear later-life friend Mary Edwards.
A memorial service will be held at 11am, Thursday May 4, 2017 at St. James Episcopal Church. The Rev. Joel Hafer will officiate. At his request his body will be donated to the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, and his ashes will be buried later in the St. James Memorial Garden.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to St. James Church, 766 North Main St. Hendersonville NC 28739 or the Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra, 228 Sixth Avenue East, Hendersonville NC 28792.
To offer online condolences please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com.
Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Kenneth (Yogi) P. Goins, 73

Kenneth (Yogi) P. Goins, 73 of Flat Rock, N.C. passed away April 26, 2017. He was born June 18, 1943 in Lumberton, N.C. He is preceded in death by his parents Pressley R. Goins and Dora Mae Goins and daughter Tracy Goins. Yogi worked in the entertainment business as a tour bus driver for various well known musicians for 12 years and Crown Petroleum in Charlotte, N.C. He was a member of the Masonic Westgate Lodge No. 738 in Charlotte, N.C., and was affiliated with the Zodiac and Highlighter's Club of Charlotte, N.C.

Survivors include daughter Candace G. Auten, husband Greg Auten, granddaughter Patsy Auten, son, Todd Goins, wife Elena Goins, grandson Tristan Goins, sister Linda G. Woollen, husband Michael E. Woollen, Peggy Goins, Kevin and Jessica Sweet, Bobby, Stacia , Lylah and Sydney Hoelscher and his friends known as "The Hood" of Flat Rock.

A memorial service to honor Yogi will be held June 17, 2017 from 12:00-2:00 at 214 Highland Golf Dr. Flat Rock, N.C.

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

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