Ethlyn Sims Byrd, 70

Ethlyn Sims Byrd, 70, of Hendersonville died Friday, March 21, 2014 at Pardee Memorial Hospital.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors will announce arrangements.

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Arthur Jay Conrad, 68

Arthur Jay Conrad, 68, of Flat Rock, died peacefully on March 22 at his home after a fight with cancer.

 His is survived by his wife of 34 years, Helen; three children, Frank, Justin, and Tiffany; eight grand-children; three great-grandchildren; a huge loving extended family; and his beloved golden retriever, Annie. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank, Sr. and Hazel Nickolina Conrad.

Art was his family's bold counselor. He was a native of New Rochelle, NY, and a graduate of Southwest Miami Senior High School. He joined the United States Air Force in 1962; moved to North Carolina in 1975; and retired from Borg Warner in Arden in 2006.

The family would like to thank the Hospice team who cared for Art during his last days. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 S. Allen Rd Flat Rock, NC 28731.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Art's life at his home on Thursday afternoon at 5 pm. And as Art always said, "Don't bite anybody!"

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences can be made online at www.forestlawnhendersonville.com

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Carroll W Wilkie, 86

ROCK HILL, S.C. — Former N.C. State Senator, Carroll "Papa" Weldon Wilkie, 86, formerly of Fletcher, NC, passed away on March 20, 2014 at his home at Agapé Senior Assisted Living, Rock Hill, SC.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, 2014, at Hooper's Creek Baptist Church in Hooper's Creek, NC, with Reverend Charles Magnet officiating. Family will receive friends one hour prior to services. Burial will immediately follow at Hooper's Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

Born in Fletcher, NC, Carroll was the son of the late Grover and Jennie Dockings Wilkie and the widower of Elizabeth Anne Wright Wilkie. He was a 1950 graduate of Western Carolina Teachers College (Western Carolina University) where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Education. A United States Army Veteran of World War II, he retired as District Supervisor with the United States Department of Agriculture serving all of Western North Carolina. Carroll was a former North Carolina State Senator from 1968-1970, a position to which his widow was also later elected and served from 1972-1974. He was a member of Oak Forest Baptist Church in Hooper's Creek.

Carroll had a genuine heart for people. His constant service to others was contagious through the multiple communities he called home. He truly did not know a stranger. His compassion and virtue for people less fortunate was the foundation of his character. His dedication to Hooper's Creek community, Henderson County and the State of North Carolina was unsurmountable. His foresight and tireless effort helped change the lives of many people he came in contact with. His passions were his vegetable garden, politics, Duke Blue Devils and his family. He never wavered from his vision and stayed true to his faith. Per his request, he will have the phrase placed on his and his wife's headstone, "We tried to make a difference in the lives of people."

Surviving are his son, Stephen Wilkie and wife Jan of Hendersonville, N.C.; his daughter, Beckie Cunningham and husband Chuck of Rock Hill; three grandchildren, Kerry Wilkie and wife Jamie, Cassie Wilkie and Cameron Cunningham; and his great-granddaughter, Lauren Wilkie.

In addition to his parents and wife, Carroll was preceded in death by nine brothers and sisters.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Patel with Carolina Blood and Cancer, Agapé Senior Primary Care and the staff of Agapé Senior Assisted Living and Agapé Hospice for your care, compassion, and love of our Papa. The family also wishes to thank Joe Rhodes, who is with Shuler Funeral Home, for going out of his way to help us during our time of sorrow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Oak Forest Baptist Church Building Fund, 484 Jackson Road, Fletcher, NC 28732.

Condolences may be made on-line at www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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John P. Wold, 90

John P. Wold, 90, of Hendersonville died Thursday, March 20, 2014, at Carolina Village.

John was born Dec. 16, 1923 in Mobridge, S.D., to the late Edwin and Sophia Giese Wold.

John P. Wold was the product of a small prairie town in Western South Dakota where he learned the values of hard work and service to others. After a year at South Dakota School of mines, John received an appointment to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and served on tankers and ammunition ships deck officer during World War II. After the war, he returned to college and graduated from North Dakota State with a degree in civil engineering and received his masters degree in civil-environmental engineering from MIT.

After graduation he worked on proposed flood control and power project in the New York – New England area as an officer in the USPHS assigned to the Corps of Engineers. Frustrated with government work, he joined Shell Chemical in the technical department and plant operations for a period of 10 years. John left Shell to begin a career of managing a series of under performing companies in under ground utility construction, cross country pipe lining, ship building, off shore fabrication, and international heavy marine construction. Based on his problem solving experiences in those companies and as a registered professional engineer, he formed an engineering consulting firm dealing with claims, disputes, expert witness in construction litigation and the completion of major defaulted construction projects throughout the United States.

During his career, he served on numerous boards and committees for civic, trade, church, and engineering organizations and was the recipient of several outstanding achievement awards for his professional achievements.

After 25 years of problem solving, he sold his consulting business and retired to North Carolina to play golf and enjoy gardening.

One of his highlights in his senior years was his inclusion in the Henderson County Honor Air trip to Washington, DC, in 2008.

John is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Neal Wold; son Paul Wold of Daytona Beach, Fla.; sister Grace McCalley of San Diego, Calif.

Committal services will be 10 a.m. Friday, March 28, 2014, at Western North Carolina State Veterans Cemetery. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, March 28, 2014, at Carolina Village with Bishop Bill Folwell officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Four Seasons Hospice 571 S. Allen Rd Flat Rock, NC 28731.

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.

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David M. Shadron, 72

David M. Shadron, 72, of Laurel Park passed away Tuesday, March 18, 2014, at Elizabeth House, following a brief, acute illness.

Mr. Shadron is survived by his wife of 30 years, Susan Mangrum, and daughter, Sandi Shadron and husband Wayne Holten of Dallas and one sister, Janie Holbach and husband Jim Rocks of Chicago; a number of beloved nieces and nephews in Chicago, Florida, and Arizona. And, Ned, his four-footed best friend.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Bill Shadron, and daughter, Victoria Shadron.

Mr. Shadron retired to the Hendersonville area in 2000, after 39 years with A.M. Multigraphics, having lived and worked in Chicago, Kansas City, and Cincinnati, Ohio.

Mr. Shadron loved music and played classical guitar. He was a proud member of the Parlour Players. Mr. Shadron was an avid golfer and community volunteer. Mr. Shadron was an elder at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Hendersonville where he sang in the choir and gave generously of his time and talents. Mr. Shadron could often be seen tooling around town and (speeding) in Laurel Park in his treasured 1980 MG Roadster. His generous personality and humor will be missed.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 23, 2014, at Trinity Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity's Community Music Center.

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.

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Lucyanne Staley, 91

Lucyanne Staley, 91, of Hendersonville, beloved mother, died Sunday, March 16, 2014, at Carolina Village following a lengthy illness.

She was a native of Lakewood, Ohio, and a daughter of the late Howard and Margaret Isham. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Charles Staley, Jr. who died in 2000; and her daughter, Daphne Staley who died in September 2013.

She was a graduate of Chatham College in Pittsburgh, where she had formal training as a singer and developed her lifelong love of music.

She is survived by her children, Craig Staley and his wife Deborah of Springfield, Ill., Brad Staley of Boca Raton, Fla., and Valerie Staley of Puyallup, Wash..

A private memorial service is planned among her children.

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.

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Virginia May Davis, 86

Virginia May Davis, 86, of Candler died Wednesday, March 19, 2014, at Pisgah Manor Nursing Home.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors will announce arrangements.

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Suzanne Hahn Olmsted, 77

Suzanne Hahn Olmsted, 77, passed away peacefully with family at her side on Saturday, March 15, 2014, at Elizabeth House in Hendersonville after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

Suzanne was a lover of all creatures great and small. She will be missed by her two horses, Henry and Hopi, as well as the wild critters she enjoyed watching and feeding at her home. Dogs were also a significant part of her life. She taught dog obedience and was the breeder of many champion dobermans and whippets through her own Mikater Kennels. Suzanne also helped train therapy dogs and belonged to the Doberman Society of America.

Suzanne led an active and holistic lifestyle. An avid reader, she also enjoyed entertaining, cooking, and cultural events. The Hendersonville Symphony and the Flat Rock Playhouse Productions were regular favorites, escorted by her Prince Charming (Patrick McHenry). She rode her horses often at either Biltmore Estate in Asheville or DuPont Forest.She had a large group of friends she rode with and traversed many miles and hours enjoying picnics and the great North Carolina weather.

The highlight of the past eight years were the many cruises Suzanne was able to enjoy with the "Handy Dandy Cruise Guy" (Patrick McHenry) He introduced her to 4 continents, a multitude of countries all in high style while at sea. Suzanne was also fortunate to ride horses in eight countries around the world.

Suzanne was born in Cedar Rapids to Cedric and Jane Hahn. She graduated from University of Iowa and used her education degree to teach first grade for 5 years at Pierce Elementary in Centerville, Iowa. Residences included Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Leesburg, Va.; and Hendersonville.

She was the "Elegant Woman" who will be mourned by her loving partner of 8 years, Patrick McHenry. She is survived by two brothers Richard Hahn, Rennie Hahn; three children, Michael (Linda) Sullivan and Kate Lathrop, both of Plano, Texas, and Erin Sullivan of Christiansburg, Va.; and step-son Charlie Olmsted (Sterling, Va); her grandchildren: Megan Sullivan, Jared Lathrop, Caleb Lathrop, Noah Lathrop, Byron Sullivan, Alex Sullivan, and Clare Sullivan. She is preceded in death by her husband of 27 years, George Olmsted Jr; sister Sondra Honsell and parents.

The family extends gratitude to all friends and staff of Four Seasons Compassion for Life.

Family and close friends are gathering for a private celebration of life.

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

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

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Melba Needham, 96

Melba Needham, 96, passed on March 13, 2014, at Emeritus at Oak Hollow Memory Care Facility.

Mrs. Needham was born in Maynardville, Tenn., to the late Mack and Pearl Snodderly. After secretarial school in Knoxville, she married Bruce Needham on Sept. 11, 1937. Melba lived in Knoxville, Tenn., Corbin, Ky.,, and Hendersonville, where her husband managed the JCPenney store until his retirement in 1976. She and her husband moved to Texas in 2013.

A devoted daughter, mother, wife, and friend, Melba loved her Lord, family visits, giving, and traveling. She was active in the PTA and Ossoli Women's Club in Corbin, and taught Sunday School and kept crib babies at her church in Hendersonville. She tutored elementary school students in reading at Fletcher Elementary School. A special highlight of her life included a church trip to Egypt and the Holy Land.

Her family members extend special thanks to the loving staff of Emeritus at Oak Hollow and Grace Hospice in Texas and to those of Pine Park and First Baptist Church in Hendersonville.

Melba Needham was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Keck of Ohio.

Survivors include her husband of 76 years, Bruce Needham, age 98; son, John Needham and wife,Dolaine, of Richmond, Ky.; daughter, Diana Williams and husband, Tom, of Euless, Texas; grandchildren, Bryan Needham and Mark Needham of Ky., Tara Bowman and husband, Chad, and Joy Swacker of Texas; three great-grandchildren, William, Benjamin and John Paul Bowman; nephew, Doug Keck, and niece, Judy Byrd, of Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Alzheimer's Association (2630 West Frwy, Ste. 100, Fort Worth, TX 76102, orwww.alz.org), to First Baptist Church of Hendersonville, or to a hospice of the donor's choice.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, March 24, 2014, at Thos. Shepherd & Son Church Street Chapel with Dr. Ryan Pack and Rev. Wally Shamburger officiating; special music by Dr. Pat Corn. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, March 23, 2014, at Thos. Shepherd and Son Funeral Directors.

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.

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Rev. Leander W. (Billy) Ruth Jr.

Heaven welcomed a soldier of the cross home on March 19th! He fought a good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith. Rev. Leander W. (Billy) Ruth Jr. faithfully served as a minister and pastor for over 50 years in both North and South Carolina.

He had been pastor of Community Bible Church in the Upward Community of Henderson County for the past 30 years. He served his country in the US Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1957 as Airman First Class. He often wove comparative illustrations of a warrior in God's Army with that of military personnel in our armed services.

His favorite comment when things were getting tough was "Praise the Lord, the Devil is a loser anyway" and we fully expect that he shouted that as he crossed over.

He was a direct descendant of the nation's first Surgeon General under George Washington: Dr. William Rickman. Dr. Rickman was the father of Jesse Rickman, a Revolutionary War hero and one of the early fore-fathers of many families in Mills River and surrounding areas.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 55 years: Dicy McCraw Ruth; his parents Leander W. Ruth Sr. and Addie Bishop Ruth, his baby sister Nellie Ruth, and his step mother Jane Drake Ruth.

He is survived by his son Clifford Ruth and daughter Lavonna Ruth both of Flat Rock; three sisters Virginia Ruth Davis of Mills River, Rebecca Ruth Knight of Dallas TX, Carol Ruth Faulkner of High Point and a step brother James Drake of Suwanee, GA; two aunts, Sarah Ducker of Mills River and Luna Souther of Fletcher; and an uncle, Daniel (Buddy) Mehaffey of Edneyville. In addition he is survived by two special nieces that he consider his "granddaughters"; Katlyn McCraw and Allison Pressley. They always called him "Boppy", a name that stuck with him and was used by other family members.

Services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 22, at Upward Kelly Memorial (Holiness Baptist) Church on Upward Road. Burial will follow in the Jones Family Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Henderson County Honor Guard. Visitation will be for 2 hours prior to the service. At other times family and friends are meeting at the home of daughter Lavonna 50 Ivy Bluff Drive, Flat Rock.

In honor of his ministry donations may be made to the Gideons International to provide bibles to the world. The local address is: Hendersonville Camp, PO Box 6284, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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

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William Jerry Patty, 67

William Jerry Patty, 67, of Mills River passed away Monday, March 17, 2014.

A native and lifelong resident of Henderson County, he was the son of Nancy Patty and the late William "Bill" Patty.

William served in both the US Army and Navy and was a long-term truck driver. He was a classic car and motorcycle enthusiast as well as an avid pool player.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his daughter, Tracy Patty; grandson, Brendan Patty; brother, Larry Patty; sister, Evelyn Patty Tolhurst; and nephew, Cody Tolhurst.

A service will be held at a later date.

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

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Lucile Wright Smith, 99

Lucile Wright Smith, 99, of Hendersonville passed away Wednesday, March 19, 2014, at Spring Arbor.

Mrs. Smith was a native of Holly Springs, Miss., the daughter of E. Clyde and Laura Elise Holmes Wright. She attended Mississippi State College for Women and earned a bachelor's degree in English from Ole Miss. She was a retired English teacher of Ponca City, Okla.

She and her daughter, Elise Pratt, moved to Hendersonville in 2006 from St. Simon's Island, Ga., and have been members of Cummings Memorial United Methodist Church. Mrs. Smith has been a member of the United Methodist Women, Daughters of the American Revolution, Tri Delta, Delta Kappa Gamma, and A.A.U.W. She served as a Red Cross volunteer, a Boy Scout den mother and a Brownie Scout leader. She loved to dance, was a supporter of Big Band Music, played bridge and loved children. She handled life as a true southern belle and was sitting on "ready" for the next thing life has in store.

Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by her second husband, Jodie Smith, her first husband and father of her children, Pleasant Eugene Irby, son-in-law, Robert Gibb Pratt, brothers-in-law; Pratt, Craft and Bud Irby, and sister-in-law, Leola Rice.

Mrs. Smith is survived by her son, Michael E. Irby and wife, Constance of Edmond, Okla.; daughter, Elise Irby Pratt of Hendersonville; step-son, Robert Smith and wife, Sharon of Villa Rica, Ga.; step-daughter, Anna Morey and husband, George of Shelburne Falls, Mass.; 5 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cummings Memorial United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 759, Horse Shoe, NC 28742.

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.

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Madeline A. Kamin, 87

Madeline A. Kamin, 87, of Hendersonville passed away Monday, March 17, 2014, at Pardee Memorial Hospital following a brief illness.

A native of Brooklyn, NY, she lived in Valley Stream, NY, prior to moving to Henderson County in 1987. She was the wife of the late Edward N. Kamin who died in 2000.

Madeline was District Administrative manager with Liberty Mutual Insurance Company of Lynbrook, NY, for 45 years, retiring in 1987. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. During WWII, she was a Lieutenant in the National Security Women's Corp (NSWC), doing volunteer work with the Coast Guard and USO. Madeline was President of the Mountain Valley Home Owners Association in 1989.

Survivors include her nephew, Gary Smith of Flushing, NY; brother-in-law, Bergen Smith of Etowah; cousins, Edwin and Diane Warnitz of Vero Beach FL; two nieces, Lisa Carroll and Leslie Reese, both of Knoxville TN; four great-nieces, Kimberly Dipaola, Brianne Buggy, Kaitlin and Jillian Smith; and numerous nieces and nephews in Germany.

A Rite of Committal will be at 3 p.m. Thursday, March 20, 2014, in the Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel. Father Martin will officiate. The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m. prior to the service in the chapel. Private entombment will follow in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park Mausoleum.

Memorials may be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 208 7th Ave. West Hendersonville 28791.

An online guest book is available at www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Catherine McCall Capps, 91

Catherine McCall Capps, 91, of Hendersonville passed away Tuesday, March 18, 2014, at Cherry Springs Village.

She was a lifelong resident of Henderson County and a daughter of the late Calvin and Hattie Staton McCall. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Lillian Pace and brothers, Edward and James McCall.

Mrs. Capps was employed with Grey Hosiery Mill until its closure and General Electric. She was a former member of Mount Moriah Baptist Church, charter member of Kings Grove Baptist Church and a present member of Ebenezer Baptist Church. She was an active member of her church, Sunday school teacher, VBS teacher and a member of the choir. She made and sold crafts and produce at The Curb Market in Hendersonville for many years.

Survivors include her loving husband of 73 years, Leland (Buck) Capps; daughter, Barbara Rhodes and her husband Marvin of Hendersonville; son, Larry D. Capps and his wife Deborah of Wilmington; grandchildren, Derrick Rhodes, Angie Wise, Detra Burleson, Lance and Dustin Capps; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday, March 21, 2014, in the Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Bob Taylor officiating and Rev. Tony Hall assisting. Burial will follow in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m., prior to the service in the chapel.

Memorials may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life at 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731, Ebenezer Baptist Church, 2557 Chimney Rock Road, Hendersonville, NC 28792 or a charity of your choice.

A guest book and sympathy cards are available at www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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William Jerry Patty, 67

William Jerry Patty, 67, of Mills River passed away Monday, March 17, 2014.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Anna Rebecca Drake, 33

Anna Rebecca Drake, 33, a life-long resident of Hendersonville, went to be with her Heavenly Father Tuesday, March 18, 2014, at her home surrounded by family and loved ones.

Anna enjoyed spending time at the beach, water sports, riding on boats and traveling. She loved her home, feeding birds and being with her lab, Riley.

Anna is survived by her mother, Sandra C. Drake, father, Allen R. Drake both of Hendersonville, brother, Benjamin A. Drake and wife, April, her beloved nephew, Seth A. Drake all of East Flat Rock, the love of her life, Marshall H. Hagan, very best friend, Suzanne S. Justice both of Hendersonville, her canine companion, Riley and countless aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and loved ones. We will miss her dearly.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 22, 2014, at Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel with the Rev. Mike Engle officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908.

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.

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Carl Malone Allen, 88

Carl Malone Allen, 88, of Mills River, NC, passed away peacefully into the presence of the Lord on Monday, March 17, 2014 at the Elizabeth House in Hendersonville, NC. He was born on June 28, 1925 in Hendersonville, NC to the late Robert and Ezra Allen. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Whitaker Allen, who went to be with the Lord on March 25, 2001.

Carl was a veteran of the United States Navy. He worked at Berkley Mills and later at General Electric, where he retired after 25 years of service. After retirement, he worked as a guard with Pinkerton at Berkley Mills. He was a member of the Mills River Baptist Church. He loved the Lord. He taught Sunday School for many years and studied his Bible daily.

He is survived by his two sons Robert Wayne Allen and Sidney Steven Allen and wife Tricia Higgins Allen all from Mills River, NC. Grandson Andrew Steven Allen of Hendersonville, NC; grandson Matthew Thomas Allen and wife Christina Beaver Allen and great-granddaughters Maylin Abigail Allen and Ella Avery Allen of Mills River, NC, and granddaughter Kerry Allen Ravan and husband Cameron Ravan of Campobello, SC. He also had several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM on Thursday, March 20, 2014 at Mills River Baptist Church with Reverend Thomas Glenn officiating. Burial will follow at the Whitaker-Moore Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM at the church.

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.

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Boyd B. Massagee Jr., 81

Boyd B. Massagee Jr., 81, of Hendersonville died Thursday, March 13, 2014, at the Elizabeth House after a period of declining health. He was born in Greenville, NC, on Sept. 25, 1932, to the late Boyd B. and Margaret Hough Massagee Sr.

Prior to beginning school, Boyd's father, whose career was in banking and finance, was transferred to Hendersonville to the State Trust Company. After graduating from Hendersonville High School in 1950, Boyd enrolled in Davidson College and graduated in1954 with a degree in Economics. He then enlisted in the United States Army, and was on active duty for two years. Upon completion of his military service, he continued to serve his country in the North Carolina National Guard, attaining the rank of Captain. Upon the completion of his active military duty, he immediately enrolled in the University of North Carolina Law School. While in school he served on the Board of Editors of the University of North Carolina Law Review. He graduated from law school in 1959 with a minor in "Tarheel" school spirit.

He returned to Hendersonville and joined the prestigious law firm of Prince, Jackson, and Youngblood in 1959. Although he was considered a general practitioner, he was quite fond of litigation and was very comfortable in the courtroom at a very early age. He loved the English language, and immensely enjoyed retrieving words from his extended vocabulary. He was a member of numerous associations including the Henderson County Bar Association, the North Carolina Bar Association as well as the North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers. In February 2014, he was inducted into the North Carolina Bar Association Hall of Fame which is one of the highest honors bestowed on a North Carolina attorney.

He felt strongly about the importance of education, and served as the Chairman of the Hendersonville City School Board for numerous years. He was instrumental in the successful merger of the Hendersonville City and County school systems in the early 1990's. Although he never fully retired, he enjoyed traveling and found solace in his vacation home in Charleston, S.C. and the company of his dear friend, Ron Blanchard.

He is survived by one son, Boyd "Buddy" B. Massagee, III and his wife, Sally of Hendersonville; two daughters: Mary Louise Massagee of Washington, D.C., and Charlotte Anne Massagee of Libya, five grandchildren: Sarah R. Massagee, and Kelly J. Massagee both of Charleston, S.C.; Rachel M. Brackett, Lucy K. Massagee and Tyrean K. Massagee all of Hendersonville. Seven great-grandchildren: Alana R. Jackson, Elliott M. Jackson, Myles Brackett, Colin B. Brackett, Abraham R. Jones, Keellen D. Smith and Kahn'yae D. McGrady.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19, 2014, at St. John In- The-Wilderness Episcopal Church, of which he was a member, with The Rev. John A. Morton officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: St. John In-The Wilderness Episcopal Church, PO Box 185, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

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.

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Roy Timothy Baldwin, 54

Roy Timothy Baldwin, 54, of Fletcher passed away Thursday, March 6, 2014, at his residence.

He was born April 12, 1959, in Asheville. He was preceded in death by his father, John Roy Baldwin Jr. and his brother, David Neil Baldwin.

Tim attended West Henderson High School and Blue Ridge Technical Institute. He spent most of his career in the family owned and operated trucking business, driving and maintaining cross country tractors and trailers. He was an accomplished mechanic, machinist, and carpenter and was loved by everyone.

He is survived by mother and step-father, Bunny and Bob Burke of Maiden; sister, Debbie Metz and husband Bill of Newton; brother, Mickey Baldwin and wife Karen of Arden; sister, Joy Spencer and husband Ray of Etowah; three nephews, Rick and Jamie Corn and Jeremy Spencer; four nieces, Cassie Corn, Samantha Metz, Vanessa Bravo, and Misty Vanover; 15 great nephews and nieces; and his four devoted aunts, Dorothy Edwards of Clemson, S.C., Frances Hoots of Fletcher, Bobbie Camby of Fairview, and Helen Edmonds of Hampton, Ga.

A graveside service will be conducted at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 23, 2014, at Patty's Chapel Cemetery, Fletcher, with Pastor Charles Ferguson officiating.

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.

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Bessie Alberta Terrell Gibbs

Bessie Alberta Terrell Gibbs passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord on March 8, 2014, at the Elizabeth House in Hendersonville.

Bessie was born in Shreveport, La., on Aug. 8, 1929, to Ethyle Olivia Ryden Terrell and James Henry Terrell. She married Raymond Lee Gibbs in Shreveport on Dec. 27, 1947. She attended Centenary College and Southern Methodist University.

Bessie was a radiant, beautiful, gracious lady. Her approach to life could be summed up by the words on a piece of needlework she cross stitched as a young lady: "Let me live in the house by the side of the road and be a friend to man."

In addition to being a wife and mother of three children, Bessie's interest in historical sites led her to become a volunteer tour guide at the Old Ursuline Convent in New Orleans. She was also a volunteer tour guide at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Miami. After moving to Hendersonville, she became one of the early employees with the National Park Service at Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, where she worked for 17 years, first as an Interpreter and later as a Museum Technician. Bessie retired in 1997 but continued to work as a volunteer for 16 more years. Her attention to detail was of great help to the Park's museum program. One of her proudest accomplishments was the creation of The Carl Sandburg Activities Book for Children.

Reading was an important part of Bessie's life. She and Ray worked together faithfully with Friends of the Henderson County Public Library for 13 years by participating in the Annual Book Sales and the Monday book sorting group. She was also a member of the Page Turners Book Club.

Bessie's other interests included beautifying her home with perennial gardens, birdwatching, and working crossword puzzles.

Bessie is survived by her husband Raymond Gibbs of Hendersonville; daughter, Kathleen Lane and son-in-law, Stuart Lane of Black Mountain; son, David Gibbs of Rogersville, Tenn.; son, Glenn Gibbs and grandsons, Ben and Sam Gibbs of Greensboro; and sister-in-law, Arlye Terrell of Austin, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Volunteer Memorial Fund of Friends of the Library. Checks may be written to Friends of the Library and sent to Box 2317, Hendersonville, NC 28793. Please designate Volunteer Memorial Fund on the "for" line of the check. Funds will be used to purchase books for distribution to children.

Burial will be a private family service at the Western North Carolina State Veterans Cemetery. A memorial service for family and friends to share thoughts and memories about Bessie will be at 3 p.m., Sunday, March 23, 2014, at the St. John in the Wilderness Parish Hall.

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.

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