U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Ben “Daddy Ben” Edward Harris, age 85, of Bell Farm Rd., Statesville, and formerly of Valley St., Statesville, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 27, 2005, at Iredell Memorial Hospital following a lengthy illness. He was born March 9, 1920, in Iredell County, a son of the late Charles Henry Harris and Lena Long Edwards Harris. He attended Celeste Henkle School, where he graduated Salutatorian of his class. Mr. Harris was a Corporal in the U.S. Army and served during World War II as a gunner for the 809 Tank Destroyer. He retired from Duke Power Company, where he was a construction foreman. He was a member of Unity Baptist Church and a former member of First A.R.P. Church. He was a member of V.F.W. Post #2031 of Statesville and was a former member of the former Statesville Moose Lodge.
Mr. Harris enjoyed gardening, watching western movies, telling jokes, and was a sports enthusiast. On February 5, 1949, he married the former Katherine Fink, who preceded him in death in 1998. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Ray and Hoyte Harris; a sister, Helen Perry; and a granddaughter, Lisa Marie Harris. Survivors include a son, Thomas Edward Harris and wife Barbara of Stony Point; two daughters, Jane Rash and husband Anthony of Statesville and Penny Harris of Taylorsville; two sisters, Mrs. Arlene Shrum and husband Dennis and Dorothy Harris, all of Statesville; andgrandchildren, Danell, Karrie, Christina, Holly, Kody, Aron, Alexander, Abigayle, Amber, Austin, and Allison Rash and Amy, Crystal, and Katherine Harris. Funeral services were conducted Tuesday, August 30, 2005, at Unity Baptist Church with Rev. James Moore and Rev. Bobby Henderson officiating. Burial followed in Iredell Memorial Gardens with full military rites provided by V.F.W. Post 2031, the Harold Littlefield Chapter #68, and the D.A.V. and American Legion Posts #217 and 65, all of Statesville.
Pallbearers included Karl Johnson, Timmy Karriker, Michael Williams, Russell Morrow, Mark Rimmer, Tony Pope, Jerry Isenhour, and Jeremy Gallham. For those who prefer, memorials may be given to the Parking Lot Fund at Unity Baptist Church, 660 Mock Mill Rd., Statesville, N.C. 28677 or to the American Heart Fund Memorial Tribute Processing Center, P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058. Condolences may be sent on-line to the family at www.legacy.com. Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home of Statesville was entrusted with the arrangements.
Justin Isenhour, age 30, of Eagle Drive, Taylorsville, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, August 28, 2005, at Frye Regional Medical Center. He was born in Alexander County February 24, 1975, the son of Jeff and Debbie Little Isenhnour of the home.
Justin was employed with U.S. Airways as a flight attendant and traveled along the east coast. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Taylorsville. Justin was an avid dancer, loved music, and loved to travel. Despite his busy schedule, Justin’s friends and family played the biggest roles in his life. He was a loving and devoted son, brother, uncle, and friend, who was loved by all who knew him. Justin was a 1993 graduate of Alexander Central High School and a graduate of Catawba Valley Community College.
His grandfathers, Mack G. Little and James Cohen Isenhour, preceded him in death. Survivors, in addition to his parents, include two sisters, Bridgette Isenhour of Taylorsville and Tara Smiley of Hickory; maternal grandmother, Peggy Little of Taylorsville; paternal grandmother and step-grandfather, Margaret and Gene Rathje of Taylorsville; three nieces, Abby Dykes and Jada and Chloe Smiley; one nephew, Caleb Dula; and aunts and uncles, Gene and Darlene Icenhour and Carroll and Diane Reid, all of Taylorsville.
Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday August 31, 2005, at 4:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Taylorsville. Rev. David Boan will officiate, with Rev. Roger Underwood conducting the graveside service. The body will lie in state thirty minutes prior to the funeral hour. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given in Justin's memory to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 305, Taylorsville, N.C. 28681. Notes of sympathy may be e-mailed to the Isenhour family, adamsfuneralhome@charter.net. Adams Funeral Home of Taylorsville is serving the Isenhour family.
Billy Ray Pennell, age 64, of N.C. Highway 16 N., Millers Creek, in Wilkes County, died Wednesday, August 24, 2005, at his home following an extended illness. He was born March 16, 1941, in Alexander County, a son of Ola Pennell of Taylorsville. He was employed as a shaper in the furniture industry and was of the Baptist faith. Survivors, in addition to the mother, include his wife, Shelby Jean Wingler Pennell of Taylorsville; a daughter, Kimberly Lee Ann Pennell of the home; two sons, Tracy Pennell and Paul Pennell of Hildebran; a brother, Lewis Pennell of Irvin, Texas; and two grandchildren, Ashley Noel Dugger and Jody Lynn Pennell.
A graveside service wasconducted Saturday, August 27, 2005, at the Three Forks Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Fred Biason and Rev. Neal Walker officiating. Notes of sympathy may be emailed to adamsfuneralhome@charter.net. Adams Funeral Home of Taylorsville was in charge of arrangements.
Johnnie Mae Icenhour Shuford, age 85, formerly of Martin Luther King Drive, Taylorsville, died Wednesday, August 24, 2005, at Valley Nursing Center in Taylorsville. She was born February 23, 1920, in Alexander County, a daughter of the late Obie Icenhour and Fannie Hill Icenhour. She was a homemaker and a foster parent. She was a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Leroy Shuford, and children, Louise Dixon, Allean Icenhour, Bill Shuford, and Randy Burke. Survivors include those children raised in her home, Ethel Mae Bailey of Statesville, Johnnie Shuford and Lisa Brown of Taylorsville, Virgie Mae Corpening of Arizona, Junior Hill, Marvin Gregory, Timothy Hayes, Joe Keaton and Donnie Keaton, all of Taylorsville, and James Keaton of Seattle, Wash., and a host of other children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Funeral services were conducted Sunday, August 28, 2005, at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church with Rev. Charles Ferguson and Rev. Jarvis Saner officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Messages of sympathy may be emailed to the Shuford Family at adamsfuneralhome@charter.net. Adams Funeral Home of Taylorsville was in charge of arrangements.
William Leonard Mecimore, age 65, of Kerley Rd. Taylorsville, died unexpectedly Saturday November 19, 2005, at Frye Regional Medical Center - Alexander Campus in Taylorsville. He was born in Virginia January 13, 1940, the son of Irene Blankenship Mecimore of Hiddenite and the late Jess Mecimore. He was retired from Select Frames in Hiddenite as a supervisor and was of the Baptist faith. Mr. Mecimore enjoyed playing music and being involved with several bands. He always kept a song in his heart, and he shared his talent with others as often as he could. Survivors, in addition to his mother, include his wife, Wanda Anderson Mecimore of the home; a daughter, Kimberly Mecimore Goble of Statesville; a son, Jeff Mecimore of Statesville; a sister, Shelby Wagner of Morganton; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and many other relatives and friends. Funeral services were conducted Tuesday November 22, 2005, at 11:00 a.m. at the Adams Funeral Home Chapel in Taylorsville with Rev. Jerry Chatham officiating. Burial followed in the Hiddenite Cemetery. Notes of sympathy may be e-mailed to the Mecimore family at adamsfuneralhome@charter.net. Adams Funeral Home of Taylorsville was in charge of arrangements.
Melony Hensley Cloninger, age 50, of Alden Starnes Rd., Granite Falls, and formerly of Summerow Rd., Lincolnton, died Sunday, November 20, 2005, at Caldwell County Hospice. She was born in St. Louis Obispo, Calif. June 19, 1955, the daughter of Wilma Hensley of Oklahoma City, Okla., and the late Rufus Hensley. She was employed with Mohican Mills for several years and was most recently a homemaker. In addition to her mother, survivors include her husband, Steve Cloninger of the home; one son, Tony A. Cloninger of the home; one daughter, Tammy Burrow and husband Jonathan of Cherryville; two brothers, David Hensley and wife Bianca of Homestead, Fla., and John Hensley and wife Rhonda of Oklahoma City, Okla.; one grandson, Ethan Burrow of Cherryville; two sisters, Cindy Ward and husband, Paul of Lincolnton, and Melissa Hensley of Oklahoma City, Okla; a sister-in-law, Teresa Reed and husband Gary; and a number of nieces, nephews, and other extended family. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening, November 22, 2005, 7:00-8:30 p.m., at Warlick Funeral Home in Lincolnton. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, November 23, 2005, at 3:00 p.m. at the Warlick Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Al Mullen officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 620 W. Morgan St., Raleigh, NC 27603 or to Caldwell County Hospice, 902 Kirkwood St., NW, Lenoir, NC 28645.
Jerry Lee Blalock, age 69, of River Bend Rd., Claremont, died Friday, November 18, 2005, at Palliative Care Center & Hospice of Catawba Valley. He was born in Catawba County September 17, 1936, the son of the late William Avery Blalock and Etta Lee Killian Blalock. He was employed with Craftmaster Furniture in Hiddenite for thirty-three years. He was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Claremont, where he served as Sunday School Superintendent, Church Secretary-Treasurer, and as a Church Elder. Mr. Blalock was a charter member of the Oxford Volunteer Fire Department. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and received the Marksman, Sharpshooter, and Good Conduct Medals. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Gabrielle Blalock, and his father-in-law, Clyde E. Hollar, Sr. Survivors include his wife of forty-three years, Shelby H. Blalock of the home; two sons, Dr. William Eugene Blalock and wife Glenda K. of Spartanburg, S.C., and Jeffrey Lee Blalock and wife Lisa D. of Connelly Springs.; five grandchildren, Hannah Blalock, Aleah Blalock, Kristin Blalock, Makinna Blalock, and Luke Blalock; five sisters, Kathleen Punch and husband Tom of Hickory, Doris Eggers of Mooresville, Janet Spencer of Bethlehem, Sharon Jones and husband Larry of Lenoir, and Cindy Starnes and husband Donny of Hickory; one brother, Ron Blalock and wife Liz of Arlington Heights, Ill.; his mother-in-law, Ruth D. Hollar of Claremont; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Grace Whitener and husband Allen of Claremont; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Clyde E. Hollar, Jr., and wife Brenda of Claremont; three aunts, Myrtle B. Hollar of Hickory, Ruby Allmon of Newton, and Lois Burch of Hickory; and a number of nieces and nephews. A Service of Remembrance was conducted Sunday, November 20, 2005, at Bethel Lutheran Church with Rev. Craig Schultz and Rev. Edward Meyer officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery with military rites provided by Newton American Legion Post #16. Memorials may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church, 5759 Bolick Rd., Claremont, NC 28610, to Palliative Care Center & Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Rd., Newton, NC 28658, or to Gabrielle Memorial Fund, c/o Northbrook Baptist Church, 1881 Boiling Springs Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316.
Condolences may be sent to the Blalock family at www.drumfuneralhome.com. Drum Funeral Home & Cremations of Conover was in charge of arrangements. This obituary is a courtesy of Adams Funeral Home of Taylorsville.
Thomas R. "Tommy" Davis, age 75, of Taylorsville, passed away Sunday, November 20, 2005, at his residence following a lengthy illness. He was born in Wilkes County October 9, 1930, the son of the late Estelle Milam Davis. He was of the Baptist faith and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. Mr. Davis was best known as the owner and operator of Davis' Trading Post on Hwy. 16 North in the Westend of Taylorsville for twenty-two years. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Hazel Kilby and Dot Kilby. He is survived by his wife Avis Davis of the home; two sons, Wayne Davis and wife Gail of Taylorsville and Michael Davis and wife Darlene of Taylorsville; two daughters, Debi Cockrell and husband Willie of Hiddenite and Darlene Davis of Charlotte; grandchildren, Jody Davis and wife Jenny of Taylorsville, Steven Davis of Taylorsville, Tina Hampton and husband Daniel of Hiddenite, Dana Davis of Cullowhee, Derek Cockrell and wife Danielle of Clyde, and Shanda Cockrell of Hiddenite; great grandchildren, Gretchen Davis, Ashlynn Hampton, and Alyssa Hampton, all of Hiddenite, Kielynn Cockrell and Brayden Cockrell, both of Clyde, two sisters, Sue Johnson of Taylorsville and Arlee McGlamery of Wilkesboro; and one brother, Bobby Davis of Bethlehem. Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 22, 2005, 2:00-3:30 p.m., at Poplar Springs Baptist Church. Funeral services will follow at 3:30 p.m. at the church with Rev. Ricky Safriet officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with full military rites provided by D.A.V. Chapter 84 of Taylorsville. Pallbearers include Alan Davis, Craig McGlamery, Christy Bebber, Kevin Johnson, Danny Head, and Randy Pearson. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Alexander County, 50 Lucy Echerd Lane, Taylorsville, NC 28681. Notes of sympathy may be e-mailed to the Davis family, alexfuneralsvc@bellsouth.net. Alexander Funeral Service, Inc., of Taylorsville is in charge of arrangements.
Abner Young Inscoe, age 87, of Stony Point, died Friday, November 18, 2005, at Brian Center of Statesville. He was born in Mecklenburg County September 7, 1918, the son of the late George Thomas Inscoe and Alice Rebecca Fitts Inscoe. He was retired from Bassett Furniture, where he was a truck driver. He later purchased his own truck and drove independently. He embraced work with an unusual vigor, and well into his retirement, he became a recycler, collecting and hauling countless tons of metal, pallets, and cardboard to be reused. Many knew him as the old man with a big smile, quick wit, and a truckcab full of little dogs, that came by on his regular route to keep things out of the dump and back in use. In his “spare time,” he tended cows, pigs, chickens, and a garden, and even bought and renovated a cottage in North Myrtle Beach. All who knew Mr. Inscoe would agree he was a busy man. Abner Inscoe defined generosity. Even more than work, he enjoyed giving to others and certainly embodied the idea that “It’s better to give than to receive.” He met and married Laura Estelle Thompson while they were young adults in Oxford. They enjoyed over fifty years together before her death in 1993. Their three children, Abner Lamar Inscoe of Stony Point, Wallace Monroe Inscoe of Mooresville, and Danny Young Inscoe of Myrtle Beach, S.C., survive, and a step-daughter, Mavis Floyd of Gastonia. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, Tammy Edwards of Trinity, Derrick Inscoe and Jewel Wilkinson of Statesville, Chris Inscoe, Ashley Cunningham, and Jimmy Cunningham, all of Stony Point, and Julius Cunningham of Taylorsville; a number of great-grandchildren; a brother, Willie Inscoe of Statesville; and a sister, Patty Yancey of Oxford. In addition to his parents and wife, he was also preceded in death by a sister, Myrtle Bridges; a brother, Otis Inscoe; a daughter, Jeannette Cunningham; and a granddaughter, Amanda Inscoe. A graveside service was held Sunday, November 20, 2005, at the Stony Point Cemetery.
Notes of sympathy may be e-mailed to the Inscoe family, alexfuneralsvc@bellsouth.net. Alexander Funeral Service, Inc., of Taylorsville was in charge of arrangements.
Gail Caldwell Reavis, age 57, of Church Lake Rd., Statesville, died Thursday, November 17, 2005, at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem. She was born in Rowan County June 6, 1948, the daughter of the late Clifton “Click” Caldwell and Colleen Christy Caldwell. She was an insurance agent and was a member of Providence United Methodist Church in Statesville. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Clifton Alan Caldwell. Survivors include her husband, Carlton Reavis of the home; two sons, Richard Kurt Haithcox of Raleigh and Robbie Jay Reavis of Canton; two daughters, Laura Haithcox West of Mathews, Va., and Kelly Reavis Bruce of Statesville; one sister, Marilyn Caldwell Riddle of Statesville; and six grandchildren, Shane Bruce, Jeremy Bruce, Heath Reavis, Hali Reavis, MaKenzie West, and Jonah West. Funeral services were condcuted Saturday, November 19, 2005, at Providence United Methodist Church with Rev. Ron Karriker and Rev. Bill Draughn officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Pallbearers included Shane Bruce, Jeremy Bruce, Larry Gryder, Dent Gryder, Keith Rash, and Scott Witteborn. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton, Rd., Statesville, NC 28625. Condolences may be e-mailed to the Reavis family at sympathy@chapmanfuneralhome.com. Chapman Funeral Home of Stony Point was in charge of arrangements.
Max Alexander Crouch, age 81, of Kincaid Circle, SW, Lenoir, died Thursday, November 17, 2005, at Iredell Memorial Hospital in Statesville following an extended illness. He was born in Alexander County April 10, 1924, the son of the late Frank M. Crouch and Janie Alexander Crouch. He was a grocery store owner, furniture salesman, and was one of the founders of the Stony Point Fire Department. Mr. Crouch was a member of Stony Point United Methodist Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five sisters, Lucille Lackey, Emo Gregory, Mildred Johnson, Billie Gay Sweeney, Wilma Brandees and a step-daughter, Janette Cabe. Survivors include his wife, Beatrice “Bea” Hamby Crouch of the home; four step-sons, Ken Minton of Granite Falls, Steve Minton of Hickory, Joe Minton of California, and Horace Minton of Lenoir; one daughter, Dana Robertson and husband Darrell of Stony Point; one step-daughter, Lib Hager of Charlotte; one brother, Carlton Crouch of Hiddenite; two sisters, Betty Hepler of Statesville and Martha Ann Cline of Virginia; two grandchildren, Elisabeth Turner and Kristi Robertson; five step-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted Sunday, November 20, 2005, at Stony Point United Methodist Church with Rev. Sidney Lanier and Rev. Horace Minton officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Stony Point United Methodist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 120, Stony Point, NC 28678. Condolences may be e-mailed to the Crouch family at sympathy@chapmanfuneralhome.com. Chapman Funeral Home of Stony Point was in charge of arrangements.
Linda Sue Minton Greer, age 52, of Scarlet Ridgeway Drive, Lenoir, died unexpectedly Saturday, December 17, 2005, at Caldwell Memorial Hospital in Lenoir. She was born November 27, 1953, in Wilkes County, the daughter of the late William Ray Minton and Cynthia Woodruff Minton. She was a homemaker and was of the Baptist faith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Patsy Hayes, and a brother, Junior Owens. Survivors include her husband, David Wilson Greer of the home; three sons, Jeffrey Greer of Morganton, Jessie Greer of Hildebran, and Allen Greer of the home; a sister, Rachel Minton of Lenoir; three brothers, Jackie Minton, Kenneth Owens, and William Minton, all of Lenoir; and two grandchildren, Dakota Coleman and Makayla Green, both of Hildebran. The funeral will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 21, 2005, at the Adams Funeral Home Chapel in Taylorsville with Rev. Gary Garner officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at Adams Funeral Home Chapel. Notes of sympathy may be e-mailed to the Greer family at adamsfuneralhome@charter.net. Adams Funeral Home of Taylorsville is in charge of arrangements.
