Asa Thurston Steele, 87, of Gravel Hill Court, Taylorsville, entered into eternal rest Tuesday, June 26, 2007, at Valley Nursing Center in Taylorsville.
He was born February 27, 1920, in Alexander County, the son of the late Rhoda Steele. He was a member of Liberty Grove Baptist Church and had attended Happy Plains School. Mr. Steele had been a farmer and sawmill worker and had retired from Schneider Mills in Taylorsville. Following retirement, he was in yard work. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he served during World War II at Pearl Harbor. He was honorably discharged November 15, 1945. He also was a member of V.F.W. Post #5466 of Taylorsville. He was a man of strength, courage and honor. He loved God, family, friends, and country. He was known for his wit and sense of humor which he kept during his sickness.
In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Elizabeth Ben and Eliza Steele Flowers; an infant brother; two grandsons; foster parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hill Dula, Sr.; and a foster brother, Rom Dula.
He leaves to cherish fond memories of his life, a loving and devoted wife, Lois Carlton Steele of the home; two sons, Thurston Steele of Taylorsville and George Albert Steele and wife Brenda of Catawba; three foster brothers, Hill Dula, Jr., and wife Margaret and Phillip Dula and wife Rebecca, all of Taylorsville, and Samuel Dula and wife Winnie Faye of Hickory; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren ; and many other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were conducted Friday, June 29, 2007, at the Adams Funeral Home Chapel in Taylorsville with Rev. Ardeal Roseboro, Rev. Ronnie Roseboro, and Rev. Charles Ferguson officiating. Burial followed in the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Cemetery in Taylorsville with military rites provided by
V.F.W. Post 10,000 of Hiddenite and V.F.W. Post 5466 of Taylorsville.
Memorials may be given to Palliative CareCenter & Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Rd., Newton, NC 28658.
Notes of sympathy may be e-mailed to the Steele family at www.adamsfunerals.com.
Adams Funeral Home of Taylorsville was in charge of arrangements.
Kester Ray Boone, 85, of 7th Street, S. W., Taylorsville, died Monday, June 25, 2007, at his residence.
He was born July 4, 1921, in Yancey County, the son of the late Arthur Boone and Maggie Robinson Boone. He was a World War II veteran of the U. S. Army Air Corps. He was a carpenter and a self- taught woodcarver.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Elizabeth Freshhour Boone and a grandson, Michael Jason Sumner.
Survivors include two daughters, Betty Boone Brown and husband Robert of Morganton and Janice Caulder and husband Tony of Midland; a special daughter, Susan Taffy of Taylorsville; a son, Billy Edward Brown of Emigrant, Montana; three sisters, Ellen Elliott of Marion, Mary Lou Jarrett of Green Mountain, and Arzellea Robinson of Marion; three brothers, Arbie Boone of Johnson City, Tenn., Paul Boone of Columbia, S.C., and Clinton Boone of Baltimore, Md.; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were conducted Thursday, June 28, 2007, at the Adams Funeral Home Chapel in Taylorsville with Rev. Greg Boone officiating. Burial followed Saturday, June 30, 2007, at the family cabin in the mountains.
Notes of sympathy may be e-mailed to the Boone family at www.adamsfunerals.com.
Memorials may be given to Hospice of Alexander County, 50 Lucy Echerd Lane, Taylorsville, NC 28681.
Adams Funeral Home of Taylorsville was in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Gladys McKillon Purser, 84, of Taylorsville, passed away Monday evening, July 2, 2007, at her residence following a period of declining health.
Born in Edneyville, N.C., August 19, 1922, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Dina Rhodes McKillon, Mrs. Purser was a retired elementary school teacher in the Alexander County School System for 32 years and was a member of First Baptist Church in Taylorsville.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by six sisters, Altra Rogers, Fair Garren, Cassie Willis, Velma Poole, Glennie Williams, and Inez Ballard, and two brothers, Claude McKillon and Tony McKillon.
`She is survived by her husband of fifty-seven years, Cyrus "Cy" Purser of the home; one son, Mack Purser and wife Miriam Purser of Taylorsville; two daughters, Dinah Purser of Taylorsville and Suzanne P. Wilson of Charlotte; and three grandchildren, Josh and Emily Purser of Taylorsville and Dinah Wilson of Charlotte.
The family will receive friends Thursday, July 5, 2007, 2:30-4:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Taylorsville, with funeral services at 4:00 p.m. at the church with Rev. Marion Powell and Rev. Gary Jennings officiating. Burial will follow in the Taylorsville City Cemetery.
Pallbearers include Josh Purser, Norman Poole, Mark Hollar, Nathanal Austin, Derk Austin, and Chris Echerd.
Condolences to the Purser Family may be emailed to alexfuneralsvc@bellsouth.net.
Alexander Funeral Service of Taylorsville is serving the Purser Family.
Tommy Fox, 68, of Hwy. 70 East, Catawba, died Thursday, June 28, 2007, at Catawba Valley Medical Center in Hickory.
He was born in Alexander County September 15, 1938, the son of the late Will Otis Fox and Hettie Rebecca Jane Hendrix Fox. Mr. Fox was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having retired in 1976. He served his country faithfully during the Vietnam War and received numerous medals and citations including two bronze stars and the Vietnam Service Medal. He was a member of the USS Intrepid Association, where he was chapter representative of North and South Carolina. Mr. Fox was also a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Conover.
Survivors include his wife, Carol Zahm Fox, of the home; six sons, Christopher Patrick Fox and Martin Farrell Fox, both of Taylorsville, Erik Brandon Fox of Peru, Indiana, Michael Derek Fox of Greensboro, David Lee Zahm of Statesville, and Scott Andrew Zahm of Charlotte; two sisters Virginia Stevenson and Odessa White, both of Taylorsville; and one brother, Ralph Fox of Taylorsville. Five grandchildren and three and a half great-grandchildren also survive.
Funeral services were conducted Saturday, June 30, 2007, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Conover with Bishop Mick Berry officiating. Burial, with full military honors provided by soldiers of Fort Bragg, followed at the Liledoun Baptist Church Cemetery in Taylorsville.
Notes of sympathy may be e-mailed to the Fox family at www.adamsfunerals.com.
Adams Funeral Home of Taylorsville was in charge of arrangements.
Norman Smith, 76, of Rink Dam Road, Taylorsville, died Monday, July 2, 2007, at Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Adams Funeral Home in Taylorsville.
Dorothy Elizabeth Tabor, 87, of Taylorsville, died Thursday, June 28, 2007, at Valley Nursing Center in Taylorsville.
She was born in Mercer County, West Virginia, July 26, 1919, the daughter of the late James Josephus Tabor and Sallie Stinson Tabor. She was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served during World War II. She attended the University of Florida in Tallahassee, where she received her Doctorate in Biology. After leaving the University, she returned home to care for her parents and devoted many years to caring for others. Ms. Tabor, an extremely intelligent person, was never caught up in material possessions. She was a person admired and loved by all who knew her.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles Tabor and Clarence Tabor, and a sister, Lavalette T. McDonald.
A graveside service was held Monday, July 2, 2007, at the Oakwood Cemetery in Princeton, West Virginia.
Condolences to the Tabor Family may be emailed to alexfuneralsvc@bellsouth.net.
Alexander Funeral Service of Taylorsville was in charge of arrangements.
Ray Hampton Wyatt, 79, of Sparta Road, McGrady, died Saturday, June 30, 2007, at Wilkes Regional Medical Center.
Mr. Wyatt was born June 24, 1928, in Ashe County, the son of the late William Arthur Wyatt and Cordie Farrington Wyatt. A veteran of the U.S. Army, Mr. Wyatt served during World War II. He was a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church, where he was a former Deacon and Sunday School Teacher.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Wyatt was preceded in death by a son, Kenneth Ray Wyatt; four brothers, George Thomas Wyatt, Toye Reid Wyatt, William Paul Wyatt, and Hobert McKinley Wyatt; and a sister, Ruby Fern Wyatt.
Surviving are his wife, Allie Virginia Wingler Wyatt of the home; one son, Larry Hampton Wyatt and wife Karen Vea of North Wilkesboro; one brother, Van Wyatt and wife Virginia of North Wilkesboro; three sisters, Belva Bowlin of Hampton, Va.., Maude Church and husband Gene of North Wilkesboro, and Juanita Jones and husband Jim of Conover; three grandchildren; and two great- grandchildren.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 4, 2007, at the Miller Funeral Service Chapel in North Wilkesboro with Rev. Brad Wooten officiating. Burial will follow in the Rock Springs Community Cemetery with military rites provided by V.F.W. Post 1142. The family will be at Miller Funeral Service from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, prior to the service.
Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Rock Springs Baptist Church or to the Rock Springs Community Cemetery Fund, 10313 Sparta Road, McGrady, NC 28649.
Miller Funeral Service of North Wilkesboro is serving the Wyatt family.
Edwin Lee Kyle, 54, of Raleigh, died Tuesday, July 24, 2007, at Wake Forest University Medical Center in Winston-Salem following a lengthy illness.
He began his earthly life June 5, 1953, in Galax, Va., a son of the late Fitzhugh Kyle and Ollie Goins Kyle. He was of the Baptist faith.
On Tuesday, July 24, 2007, at 11:17 a.m., God knew Edwin was tired and needed rest and whispered, “Come with me.” He went into eternity without a glimpse or word of goodbye, making his stay on Earth 54 years, one month, and 19 days.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his foster parents, Ray and Elsie Goins Hamilton, and two brothers, George Kyle and Isaiah Kyle.
Edwin leaves behind a son, Christopher Welborne of Philadelphia, Penn.; a daughter, Daphine Gray of Brooklyn, N.Y.; four sisters, Tracy Kyle and Linda Redmon and husband Elvis, all of Wilkesboro, Margaret Saunders and husband Chris of Galax, Va., and Lillie Kyle of North Wilkesboro; four brothers, Daniel Kyle of Orange, Calif., and Ezra Kyle, Chester Kyle, and Abraham Kyle, all of North Wilkesboro; eight nieces; seven nephews; great nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives.
Funeral services were conducted Saturday, July 28, 2007, at the chapel of Adams Funeral Home of Wilkes with Rev. Rick Hayes and Rev. Jimmy Hayes officiating.
Contributions may be made to the Edwin Lee Kyle Fund, 55 Boone Trail, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659.
Condolences to the Kyle Family may be emailed to adamsfunerals.com.
Adams Funeral Home of Wilkes was in charge of arrangements.
Harold Lee Mitchell, 62, of Roaring River, passed away Wednesday, July 25, 2007, at his home following an extended illness.
He was employed eighteen years as a custodian with Amherst Schools in Ohio. Following retirement, he worked for Napa as a parts delivery man.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ira Mitchell.
Survivors include his wife of forty years, Sally Mitchell; his mother, Alvena Mitchell of South Amherst, Ohio; a son and daughter-in-law, Derk and Christine Mitchell and their twelve children of Taylorsville; and a daughter and son-in-law, Torrionno and John Dutton and their daughter of South Amherst, Ohio.
A memorial service will be held in September for immediate family and frends. Condolences to the Mitchell family may be emailed, alexfuneralsvc@bellsouth.net.
Funeral arrangements are being provided by Alexander Funeral Service of Taylorsville.
John Gilbert Gagnon, 88, of Taylorsville, died Thursday, July 26, 2007, at Palliative CareCenter & Hospice of Catawba Valley.
He was born in Quebec, Canada, May 5, 1919, the son of the late John Edward Gagnon and Anna Fitzpatrick Gagnon. He was a member of Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church. Mr. Gagnon served in the Royal Canadian Nave and was a retired aerospace engineer. He was the lead engineer and builder of the underside of the U.S. Government’s “Black Bird” spy plane. He also designed and built several specialty items that were used in NASA’s Apollo space program, including missions to the moon.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Anne Clarke Gagnon, and a brother, John Lawrence Gagnon.
Survivors include a daughter, Judith Abernethy of Taylorsville; two sons, Mike Gagnon of Sacramento, Calif., and Steve Gagnon of Santa Monica, Calif.; three sisters, Teresa Hamilton of Ontario, Canada, Rita Galloway of California, and Grace Gagnon of Canada; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a number of nieces and nephews; and a close friend and companion, Irene Price.
A memorial service was held Sunday, July 29, 2007, with Rev. Michael Stone officiating.
Condolences may be e-mailed to the Gagnon Family at adamsfunerals.com.
Adams Funeral Home of Taylorsville was in charge of arrangements.
Mary Linda Watson Hinson, 60, of Oak Knoll Dr., Statesville, died Wednesday July 25, 2007, at Gordon Hospice House in Statesville. She was born June 10, 1947, in Robeson County, the daughter of the late Joseph Leroy Watson and Aileen Edge Watson. She worked at Kewaunee Scientific Corpo-ration and was a member of Victory Baptist Church, where she served as a Sunday School teacher.
Survivors include one son, Michael Hinson and special friend Jennifer of Statesville; one daughter, Michelle Miller and husband Dennis of Statesville; two brothers, Billy Watson and wife Brenda of Statesville and Joe Watson and wife Kathy of Stokesdale; two sisters, Gail Shumaker and husband Mark of Stony Point and Elaine Sides and husband John of Tennessee; three grandchildren, Brittany Miller, Andrew Miller, and Aubrey Hinson; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were conducted Saturday, July 28, 2007, at Victory Baptist Church in Statesville with Rev. Mitchell Rash officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery.
The Hinson family would like to thank the staff of Gordon Hospice House. Memorials may be made to Gordon Hospice House, 2347 Simonton Rd., Statesville, NC 28625.
Notes of sympathy may be e-mailed to the Hinson Family at sympathycfh@bellsouth.net.
Chapman Funeral Home of Stony Point was in charge of arrangements.
Clyde Calvin Keever, 72, of Hiddenite, died Tuesday, July 24, 2007, at Gordon Hospice House in Statesville following a lengthy illness.
He was born in Alexander County July 16, 1935, the son of the late Cora Wike Keever and Parks Keever. He was a member of Sulphur Springs Baptist Church, where he had served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher. Mr. Keever served in the U. S. Air Force as a Military Policeman from 1954 until 1974, when he retired as a Tech. Sgt. He then worked for Iredell-Statesville Schools in the Maintenance Department until 1995.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Lorene Hutchins, and an infant brother, Billy.
Mr. Keever is survived by his wife of forty-three years, Joann Lackey Keever, whom he married in January 1964. He is also survived by two sons, Mark Keever and wife Rebecca of Troutman and Lt. j.g. Philip Keever and wife Renee of Virginia Beach, Va.; two brothers, Ray Keever and wife Joyce of Statesville and Jerry Keever and wife Joyce of Taylorsville; two sisters, Louise Howell and husband Hourston of Ackerman, Miss., and Ruth Reid and husband Burton of Taylorsville; four grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were conducted Friday, July 27, 2007, at Sulphur Springs Baptist Church with Rev. Charles Cook and Rev. Steve Parks officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery with military rites performed by V.F.W. Post 10,000 of Hiddenite.
Condolences to the Keever family may be emailed to alexfuneralsvc@bellsouth.net.
Funeral arrangements were provided by Alexander Funeral Service of Taylorsville.
