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OBITUARIES PAGE

Due to the recent passing of many former ASI students this obituary page has been added.

If there are other obituaries that anyone would want on this page then contact the web administrator.

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Eva Mae Ferguson White (Class of 1936)

Eva Mae Ferguson White, 96, of Union Mills died on Tuesday, February 14, 2012, at The Hospice House of Rutherford County. She was born on May 15, 1915 and was the daughter of the late Harrison and Bessie Smart Ferguson and was the widow of Reid White. She was preceded in death by a son Frank White and sisters Annie Sue Ferguson Ammons and Nancy Ferguson and brothers Frank Ferguson and Joe Ferguson. She was the oldest member of Centennial United Methodist Church and was a former employee of Doncaster.

Mother of John White (ASI, DNG), Hilda White Conner (ASI Class of ’58), George White (ASI Class of ’65), and Martha White Green (ASI Class of ’65)

She is survived by two daughters Hilda White Conner and husband Don of Moore SC and Martha White Green and husband Lloyd of Bostic. Two sons John White of Union Mills and George White of Bostic. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren.

 
The visitation will be held from 6 to 8 pm on Wednesday February 15 at McMahan's Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at 2 PM on Thursday February 16, 2012 at McMahan's Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Paul White, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Centennial Methodist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Centennial United Methodist Church
c/o Robert Guffey; 1491 Centennial Rd.; Union Mill, N.C. 28167 or to Hospice of Rutherford County P.O. Box 336 Forest City NC 28043.  Family at home of Martha Green; 3285 Pearidge Road; Bostic. Online guest register at www.mcmahansfuneralhome.com McMahan's Funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of the arrangements.

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Bernice J. Williams (Class of 1940)

Bernice J. Williams age 89, of Forest City, NC, died Monday, February 13, 2012, at the Hospice House of Rutherford County. She was a native of Columbia County Georgia and was the daughter of the late B.D. and Isabella Arrowood Williams. Bernice retired as a High School English Teacher and was an accomplished artist. She was a member of Alexander Baptist Church, She was preceded in death by sisters Iva Williams, Faye Williams Washburn, Cleo Williams and Nell Williams and a brother Starr Williams.

Sister of Faye Williams Washburn (ASI Class of ’35), Iva Williams (ASI Class of ’40), Frances Williams Shepard (ASI Class of ’43), Paul D. Williams (ASI Class of ’48), and Dorothy Williams Briscoe, (ASI Class of ’50).  Other members of the family may have attended ASI, but I do not have any further information.

She is survived by three sisters:  Frances Sheppard of Bostic, Hazel W. Shires of Forest City,  & Dorothy W. Briscoe and husband Jack of Forest City and one brother:  Paul D. Williams and wife Wanda of Raleigh, NC.

Twelve Nieces and Nephews and many grandnieces and grandnephews.

A graveside service will be at Eternal Hills Memorial Park at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, February 15, 2012 with the Rev. Don Hollifield officiating. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County P.O. Box 336 Forest City NC 28043. Online guest register at www.mcmahansfuneralhome.com McMahans Funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of the arrangements.

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Sylvia Hunt Brewer (Class of 1960)

Mrs. Sylvia Kathryn Hunt Brewer, 70, (ASI Class of 1960) of 2571 Ardsley Drive, died on Thursday, January 19, 2012.
Mrs. Brewer was a native and lifelong resident of Durham. She retired from Olsten Temporary Services. She was preceded in death by her father, Alvis Hunt, step-father, Gaither Parrish and brother, Ronnie Hunt.

She is survived by her husband, Don Brewer; her mother, Helen Parrish of Durham; two daughters, Ellen Harward and husband, Doug of Durham and Patricia Brewer and friend, Jeremy of Durham; one brother, Kenneth Hunt of Durham; sister, Andrea Hunt of Durham; grandchildren, Matthew Brewer, Ryan Harward, Brendan, Harward, Grace Harward, Austen Futrell and Alexa Riley.

Funeral services will be held on Monday at 12 noon at Hudson Funeral Chapel. Dr. Clay Waters will officiate. Burial will be in Brier Creek Memorial Gardens.  The family will receive friends on Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. at Hudson Funeral Home and other times at the home, 2571 Ardsley Drive.

Memorials: Flowers are acceptable or donations can be made to Duke Home Care and Hospice, 4321 Medical Park Drive, Suite 101, Durham, NC 27704.

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Debbie Evans Mitchem (Class of 1972 - DNG)

Debbie Evans Mitchem, 56, passed away Nov. 19, 2009, at her residence.  She was born Oct. 28, 1953, in Charlotte, daughter of the late Raymond and Edna Hester Evans.

A memorial service was held at Spiritual Guidance Church, Mount Holly, officiated by the Rev. Tim Small.

She is survived by her husband, John Daniel "Danny" Mitchem of the home; sons and daughters-in-law, John Daniel Mitchem Jr. and Teresa Mitchem, Shannon Doyle Mitchem and Dawn Mitchem, all of Mount Holly; daughters and sons-in-law, Leslie and John Zizza of Gastonia, Lindy Leigh Mitchem and Johnny Howell of Belmont; seven grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Kathy Pope, Suzie Wyatt (Class of 1969) and Lynn Sisk (Class of 1971 DNG).

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Bennie Sue Evans Wyatt (Class of 1969)

Benny Sue Evans Wyatt 45, 813 Furman St., died Nov. 22 1995 at Gaston Memorial Hospital, Gastonia.  She was a native of Gaston County, daughter of the late Raymond Evans and Edna Hester; retired textile worker.
     

SURVIVORS; Husband James Wyatt; daughter Jennifer Lynn Wyatt, Dallas; son, James Andy Wyatt; Dallas; sisters, Lynn Marie Sisk, Bessemer City; Debbie Mitchem, Stanley; brothers, Don Evans, Gastonia, Scott Evans, Columbia, S.C.

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Alvin Ernest Nanney (Class of 1943)

Alvin Ernest Nanney, 86, of Union Mills, died Sunday, September 4 at Hospice House. A native of Rutherford County, he was the son of the late Walter Dewey and Fannie Koon Nanney. He was a US Army veteran of WWII and was a former welder for General Fireproofing and also worked as head of maintenance at White Oak Manor. He was a member of Round Hill Baptist Church, member of Union Mills Fire Department and Rutherford County Traffic Control.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Hazel Bostic Nanney of the home; one son, Steve Nanney of Union Mills; two brothers, Jack Nanney of Union Mills and Hugh Nanney of Union Mills; two sisters, Nadine Rippy of Rutherfordton and Annette Shehan of Spindale; one grandchild, Kayla Nanney of Union Mills. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Louise Crowe.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 7 at 2 PM at Round Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Lynn Williamson officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with Military Honors accorded by the Rutherford County Veterans Honor Guard. The family will receive friends Tuesday, Sept. 6 from 6 PM until 8 PM at Crowe’s Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043.

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Charles Alton Blankenship

Charles Alton Blankenship 84, (ASI Alumni – DNG) of Marion, passed away Saturday, Aug. 27, 2011 at Mission Hospital in Asheville. Alton was born in Rutherford County on March 1, 1927 and was a son of the late Ellis Garland Blankenship and Betty Koon Blankenship. He was a member of Pleasant Gardens Baptist Church for over 57 years, where he served as a deacon. He retired from Marion Manufacturing Company and was a self employed floor finisher and later was a craftsman, working at The Biltmore Estate. He was known for his brooms and walking sticks. He enjoyed working in his garden and sharing his produce with other people. He loved people and everyone who knew him became his friend. He will be missed by many people, especially his friends at the Tailgate Market.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Reba Mae Hoppes Blankenship and a brother, John Garland Blankenship. Left to cherish the memory of Alton are his wife, Beulah Wilson Blankenship, of the home; two daughters, Betty Thornton and her husband, Dan and Kaye Thompson and her husband, David, all of Marion; two sisters, Alice Blankenship Edwards (ASI Class of 1950) and her husband, Keith of Edgefield, S.C. and Mildred Blankenship Gragg (ASI Class of 1954) and her husband, Bill of Landis; four grandchildren, Caroline, Rebecca, Daniel and Benji; six great-grandchildren, Adair, Tavish, Davis, Jack, Harper and Mattie Marie; a number of nieces, nephews and cousins; and a special friend and "adopted" son, Bobby Laudermilk.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, Aug. 31, at Pleasant Gardens Baptist Church with the Revs. Dan Thornton and Harold Webb officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m., prior to the service, at the church. Interment will be in McDowell Memorial Park. Flowers are accepted and appreciated. Those desiring to make a memorial donation are asked to consider Rathbun Center, 121 Sherwood Rd., Asheville, NC 28803. Westmoreland Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. An online register is available under OBITUARIES at www. westmorelandfuneralhome.com.

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Ruth Hall Rhodes (Class of 1947)

Mrs. Ruth Hall Rhodes age 83 of Union Mills, NC passed away Saturday July 30, 2011 at Hospice House of Forest City. A native of Rutherford County she was the daughter of the late Gilkey Hall and Zora Harris Hall, member of Round Hill Baptist Church and a retired seamstress.

Left to cherish her memory are one daughter Rachel Dowdle and husband Dewey Raymond of Union Mills, one son Billy Ray Rhodes and wife Tracy of Old Fort, three sisters – Carolyn Crain of Union Mills, Marie Smith of Bostic and Mabel Glenn Gragg of Hickory. She is also survived by her grandchildren – Anthony Dowdle, Christopher Rhodes, Michael Rhodes, Destini Rhodes and Shilah Rose. Great grandchildren – Nhilah Warren, Scarlett Rhodes and Adessa Conner.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Julius Rhodes, one sister Nell Underwood and three brothers G.A., Daniel and Virgil Hall.

A celebration of life will be held 4 PM Monday August 1, 2011 at Crowe’s Funeral Chapel with Rev. Lynn Williamson and Rev. Allen Marsh officiating. Interment will be in the cemetery of Round Hill Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 2 – 4 PM Monday at Crowe’s Mortuary.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County POB 336 Forest City NC 28043.

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Frances Maie Hutchins Matheny (Class of 1951)

Frances Maie Hutchins Matheny, age 79 of Forest City went home to be with her Lord, Saturday May 28, 2011 at Rutherford Hospital. A native of Rutherford County and a graduate of Union Mills High School, she was a daughter of the late Ligie and Lela Smart Hutchins; and widow of the late Glenn Wylie Matheny. She was an active member of Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church in Forest City and served as a nursery teacher for many years.

Survivors include a daughter, Debbie Jones and husband Jerry of Rutherfordton; a son, Wayne Matheny and wife Tammy of Forest City; two grandchildren, Nick Jones and wife Maggie of Forest City and Allison Jones of Rutherfordton; one great grandson, Jacob Wylie Jones; three brothers, Glenn Hutchins and wife Polly, and Charles Hutchins, all of Rutherfordton, and Arnold Hutchins and wife Linda of Monroe, GA; two sisters, Annie Ledbetter and husband Roger of Boiling Springs, NC and Beverly Adair and husband Tony of Forest City and many loving nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by three brothers, Ray Hutchins, MSgt Arthur Hutchins, and Joseph Hutchins, and two sisters Alma Kurkendall Webb, and Mary Sue Conner.

Funeral services will be held two o' clock in the afternoon Tuesday, May 31, 2011 in the Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from six until eight o' clock Monday at The Padgett & King Mortuary. The family will be at her home, 249 Turner Street, Forest City. Memorials may be made to the General Fund of Pleasant Grove UMC, P.O. Box 880, Forest City, NC 28043. The Padgett & King Mortuary is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com.

Note:  All of her brothers and sisters attended ASI.

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Rae C. Padgett (Class of 1948)

Rae C. Padgett (ASI Class of ’48) died early this morning. Funeral Monday Taylorsville First Baptist Church at 2:00 PM. Burial in Charlotte Tues at 11:AM.
For more details, contact Robert E Padgett (Class 1952)
Phone: 336.226.6606(H) 336.214.8755(C)
Email: repadgett@triad.rr.com

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Warren Wayne Creson (Class of 1960)

Warren Wayne “Cresie” Creson (ASI Class of ’60), age 64, of Union Mills, NC, died Monday, February 28, 2011 at the VA Medical Center in Salisbury, N. C. He was born in Rutherford County on July 2, 1946 and was a son of the late Chester and Rosie Harris Creson. Cresie attended Cross Memorial Baptist Church, where he was a choir member. He retired from Duke Energy after 35 years. He was a veteran, having served as a U.S. Army Airborne Infantry Soldier. He was a member of The Gideon’s International. He will be remembered by his family as a hardworking man, who loved his family and friends, as well as an avid outdoorsman. Two sisters precede Cresie in death; Jeanette Lowman (ASI Class of ’69) and Lula Mae Metcalf.

Saddened by the loss of Cresie are his wife of 46 years, Jacquelyn Smith Creson; three children: Tony Creson and wife Leigh Ann of Roxboro, NC; Mitchell Creson and wife Robin of Marion; and Evan Creson and wife Ana Karina of Barranquilla, Colombia, S.A.; one brother, Paul B. Creson of Indiana; three sisters: Mabel Parker (ASI Class of ’55?) of Union Mills, Joyce Lowman (ASI Class of ’58) of Lenoir and Carolyn Lane of Glen Alpine; two grandchildren, Dafney Creson and Anabella Creson.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at Westmoreland Funeral Home, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held Thursday, March 3, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Cross Memorial Baptist Church. Officiating the service are Rev. Doug Prevette of Cross Memorial Baptist Church, Marion, NC, and Rev. Mike Young of Westport Baptist Church, Denver, NC. Interment will be in Cross Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Gideon’s International, P.O. Box 1788, Marion, N. C. 28752 or Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Rd SW, Liburn, GA 30047.

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Nancy Malan Rutty  (Class of 1966)

 Nancy M. Rutty 66, daughter of the late Josephine "Bunny" and Malan "Dick" Rutty, passed away peacefully to be with the Lord on March 20, 2011. She is survived by her two sisters, Marty Palmore (Buddy) and Malan Rutty; nephew, Wray Palmore (Evelyn) and Anne Stublen (Neal); and five great- nephews and nieces. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday March 24, at the Church of the Brethren, 7612 Wanymala Road, Richmond, Va. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bon Secours Hospice, 8580 Magellan Parkway, Richmond, Va. 23227

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 Lester Yancey  (Class of 1944)

Lester Yancey died February 17, 2011 in Mesquite, TX.  No funeral services were held.  His wife, Ola Mae Yancey, died July 29, 2004, in Mesquite, TX.  Lester was survived by one daughter, Debbie Winn. Laurel Oaks Funeral Home in Mesquite assisted the family.    I do have the phone number of the daughter – in case any of you would like to call her.

Visitation for Lester Yancey will be held at Laurel Oaks on Saturday  2/26 from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.  Graveside services for family will be held on Monday the 28th at 10:00 am. Lester Yancey leaves behind daughter Debbie Winn, 2 grandchildren Randy and James Winn and 2 great grandchildren Bryce and Britany Winn.  Mr. Yancey was preceded in death by Father Clyde Yancey, Mother Minnie Yancey and 10 siblings.

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 Albert Lee "Jake" Derr (Class of 1947)

Albert Lee "Jake" Derr of Durham passed away peacefully on Feb. 3, 2011, after a two-month illness. He was an avid lover of life, and no matter what he was facing, even until death; his response was always "everything is beautiful." He was born on Oct. 1, 1923. He lived in Durham most of his life and served his country overseas on both World War II and the Korean War. He also served actively in the U.S. Coast Guard. In 1951, with temperatures at 45 degrees below zero, he fought in Operation Dog. Corporal Derr's company, located in the Chosin Reservoir, took a stronghold from the North Koreans. The enemy tried to regain the stronghold twice and failed. Because of this success and five other successful operations in enemy territory, Corporal Derr was awarded eight medals by the U.S. Marine Corps for gallantry and bravery.

Corporal Derr's patriotism was passed to his son, Dennis Lee Derr, who served with the U.S. Marines during the Vietnam War Era and also to grandson, Lance Corporal Samual Ira Derr, who is currently serving with the U.S. Marines in Twenty Nine Palms (Mojave Viper), Calif.
Mr. Derr is survived by his daughter, Barbara Derr Riley of Hillsborough; son, Dennis Lee Derr (Ellen), also of Hillsborough; brothers and sisters; grandchildren: Tammy Wilmoth (Jeffrey) of Bahama, Anthony Bryan Riley (Christi) of Hillsborough, Brandy Derr of Raleigh and Samuel Ira Derr (Kendra) of Twenty Nine Palms, Calif.; great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

There will be a viewing at the First Pentecostal Church, 2008 W. Carver St., Durham, on Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2011, from 7 to 9 p.m.
His final resting place will be in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va.
Family requests flowers be omitted.

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James Donald Hall (Class of 1967)

Jimmy Hall passed away on Wednesday, December 22, 2010 after suffering with dementia for several years. Known to all of us as Jimmy , he was an all around athlete and was a starter on the ASI basketball team for 1965/66 and wore number 21.  He did not graduate with the class. Once we get anymore details they will be posted.

 David Hutchins (Class of 1956)

David Ray Hutchins, 72, of Forest City, died Tuesday, December 21 at Hospice House. A native of Rutherford County, he was a son of the late Liege and Lela Smart Hutchins. He was a retired supervisor for General Fireproofing, worked at Forest City Golf Course for many years, and was a US Army veteran. Ray was an avid Forest City Owls fan, an East Rutherford Athletic Booster and enjoyed cuckoo clocks and flea markets. He was a member of Second Baptist Church.


Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Sandra Vickers Hutchins of the home; two daughters, Julie Hutchins Gentry and husband Dean of Eden, NC and Shannon Mitchell Colpa and husband Carel of Rutherfordton; three sisters, Frances Matheny of Forest City, Annie Ledbetter of Boiling Springs, NC and Beverly Adair of Forest City; and three brothers, Glen Hutchins of Rutherfordton, Charles Hutchins of Rutherfordton, Arnold Hutchins of Georgia. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two sisters Sue Conner and Alma Webb and two brothers Joe Hutchins and Arthur Hutchins.


Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 23 at 1 PM at Second Baptist Church in Rutherfordton with Dr. Keith Stevenson officiating. The body will lie in state thirty minutes prior to the service. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County, PO Box 336 Forest City, NC 28043 or Second Baptist Church Card Ministry, 191 Green Street, Rutherfordton, NC 28139.

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Helen Craig Byrd (Class of 1933)

Mrs. Helen Virginia Craig Byrd, 95, of Shelby, died on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at Sterling House of Shelby.  A native of Gaston Co., NC, she was the daughter of the late Rev. Walter Boone Craig and Willie Bell Stradley Craig.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, George Vernon Byrd, Sr.; by an infant daughter, Beverly Kaye Byrd; by brothers, Garth Winston Craig and Paul Samuel Craig; by sisters, Grace Edna Craig Lee, Claire Bell Craig Lovelace, and Willie Ruth Craig Black. 

She was retired from Cleveland County Department of Social Services.  She also was a member of First Baptist Church since 1938 where she taught Sunday School for over 50 years.  She served as an officer in the Baptist Women’s Group; a visitor in the Extension Department; a Leader in the First Baptist Church Prayer Program; a leader in the Baptist Training Union.  She also taught Bible Study at Sterling House.
 

Mrs. Byrd is survived by her sons, George Vernon Byrd, Jr. and wife Valerie of Homer, Alaska and Barry Ellis Byrd and his wife Ann of North Port, Washington; by three grandchildren, Trista Hopkins and husband Troy, Matthew Abel Byrd, and Andrew Steven Byrd and wife Holly; and by four great-grandchildren.
 
A funeral service celebrating the life of Mrs. Byrd will be held at First Baptist Church in Shelby on Thursday, September 2, 2010 at 2:00 PM with the Rev. Tony Tench officiating.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 prior to the service.  Interment will follow at Cleveland Memorial Park. 
 
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church; 120 North Lafayette Street; Shelby, NC 28150

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Peter Jason "Pete" Flack Sr. (Class of 1949)

Peter Jason "Pete" Flack Sr., Class of '49, 78 of Union Mills died Saturday, Aug. 7, 2010 at his home.

A native of Rutherford County, he was the son of the late John E. Flack and Malinda Stokes Koon Flack.

He worked for Broyhill for 20 years and retired from Torrington. He was also an Army veteran. He was a member of Round Hill Baptist Church where he was a former deacon and Sunday School teacher.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Betty Jean Sisk Flack; three sons, Peter Jr., and Tracy Flack of Union Mills and Keith Flack of Shingle Hollow; one brother, Kolen Flack of Union Mills; four sisters, Thalia Shook and Martha Lovelace of Union Mills, Marjorie Buchanan of Fort Mill, S.C., and Frances Phillips of Shelby; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at Round Hill Baptist Church at 11 a.m. Monday with the Revs. Carroll Flack and Lynn Williamson officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill cemetery with military honors. The family will be receiving friends on hour prior to the service. The family will be at 360 Coney Island Rd.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Relay for Life.

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Rita Anderson Hardin (Class of 1965)

Rita Jo Hardin Anderson, age 63, of Forest City, NC, died Tuesday, August 3, 2010, at Hospice House of Rutherford County in Forest City, NC. She was a member of Centennial United Methodist Church and attended Spindale United Methodist Church.

Rita was a graduate of King's College in Charlotte, NC. A native of Rutherford County, She was the daughter of the late Bronson and Martha Watson Anderson.

Survivors include, One Daughter: Stacie Hardin Duvall and husband David, Fayetteville, NC One Step-son Marty Hardin and wife Kathy of Saratoga Springs, NY One Brother: Tim Anderson and wife Cindy, Granite Falls, NC Seven Grand Children Two Great-Grand Children

A memorial service will be held at Centennial United Methodist Church at 2:00 PM, Sunday, August 15, 2010. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Centennial United Methodist Church c/o Robert Y. Guffey; 1491 Centennial Road; Union Mills, NC 28167

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James W. (Jim) Kelly  (Class of 1944)

James W. “Jim” Kelly, 82, of Seacrest, Florida, passed away July 2, 2010. He was born on December 12, 1927 in Winter Haven, Florida to the late Percy and Miriam Kelly. He was preceded in death by his sister, Marge Reel and brother, Dick Kelly.

Jim was a graduate of Wake Forest University and spent his entire career in the pharmaceutical industry. He served his country in the Navy during World War II and the Korean Conflict.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Anne; daughter, Valerie Arnold (Terry) of Tyler, Texas, and son, Joe Kelly of Cumming, Georgia; stepdaughter, Robin Serrett (Harry) of Peachtree City, Georgia; stepson, Gregory June of Hackettstown, New Jersey; six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

 The family will receive friends at Wilson Funeral Home on Monday, July 5, 2010 from 3 to 5 p.m. Burial will be in Westminster Memorial Gardens in Peachtree City, Georgia.                                                                                                                                                             

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Sibyl Toney White (Class of 1944)

SIBYL TONEY WHITE, 83, of Stanley died January 3, 2010 at her residence. She was born in Rutherford Co, NC, daughter of the late Julius Marvin and Kittie Virginia Hutchins Toney, and was preceded in death by her husband Willard Gurney White, and a brother Julius Calvin Toney.

She was retired as a Quality Control inspector with Holt Hosiery Mills in Glen Raven NC., and was a member of First Baptist Church in Stanley.

Survivors include two sons Willard Theron White and wife Helen of Morganton, Michael Grant White and wife Carolyn of Gastonia, a daughter Karen White Elmore and husband Joe of Mt Holly, a sister Marcelle Toney Stone of Rutherfordton, a brother Johnny Herbert Toney and wife Kathryn of Bostic; seven grandchildren and a great grandchild.

Funeral service conducted by the Reverend Billy Shaw will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday January 9, 2010 at the First Baptist Church in Stanley. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in Alamance Memorial Park in Burlington.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Family Life Center, 409 Old NC 27, Stanley NC 28164, or to the Willard and Sibyl White Endowment Fund, c/o Alamance Community College, 1247 Jimmie Kerr Road, Graham, NC 27253.

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Lucy Eula Johnson Vickers (Class of 1950)

LUCY EULA JOHNSON VICKERS, 79, of Union Mills, died Thursday, June 17, 2010, at Willow Ridge in Rutherfordton.  A native of Rutherford County, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Jefferson Johnson and the late Effie Mae Guffey Johnson.   She was a member of the Oak Springs Baptist Church and was secretary for Goforth Exterminating Co. She also worked at the pen factory in Rutherfordton and John Segal Moving and Storage.

She is survived by her husband, Joe Vickers; one daughter, Nancy JoAnn “Jody” Owens of Rutherfordton; two sisters; Ira Lee Adkins of Rutherfordton and Frances Bailey of Morganton; one grandchild; and one great-grandchild.

Funeral services will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at Oak Springs Baptist Church with the Revs. Don Hollifield and Tom Frady officiating. The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County P.O. Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043.

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Gladys Briscoe Doggett

Marion-Gladys Briscoe Doggett, (attended ASI) age 85, formerly of Rutherford County passed away Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2010 at Autumn Care of Marion. She is survived by her husband, Don Doggett (ASI, class of ’43); two children, Juanita Doggett  (ASI, class of ’69) of Marion and Margaret Doggett Stevens and husband, Randy, of Old Fort; brothers, Jack Briscoe of Forest City and Dean Briscoe of Hickory; grandchildren, Jamie and Kasey Stevens of Old Fort. She was preceded in death by her parents, Forest and Clara Simpson Briscoe; two brothers, Doyle and Forney Briscoe; and sisters, Pansy Hensley and Lucille Toney. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010 at Crowe's Funeral Chapel Rutherfordton with Rev. Bruce Ward officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Concluding services will be held at Sunset Memorial Park in Forest City. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: First Baptist Church of Marion Youth Mission Trip, 99 N. Main St., Marion, NC 28752 or to Grace Community Church Winter Heating Fund, 5182 U.S. 70 West, Marion NC 28752. The family will be meeting at the home of Juanita Doggett.

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Eva Smith Bowman (Class of 1957)

Eva Smith Bowman, 71, of Spruce Pine passed away Tuesday December 8, 2009 in the Blue Ridge Regional Hospital. She worked as a CNA and was a member of the Minneapolis Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband Greg Bowman of the home, three sons; Dewey Vance of Oklahoma, Norman Vance of Forest City, NC and James Anderson of Altmore, AL and a foster sister Carolyn Atchley of Gilkey, NC. She is also survived by four grandchildren. Funeral services for Mrs. Bowman will be conducted at 2:00 pm Friday December 11, 2009 in the Minneapolis Baptist Church with the Rev. Brian Griffith officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 pm Thursday evening at the funeral home. Condolences may be e-mailed by going to our website; www.webbfh.com. selecting obituaries, and clicking on the name you wish to view and sign the guestbook. Webb Funeral Home in Spruce Pine, NC is assisting the Bowman family.

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Reverend Charles Nanney (Class of 1937)

The Rev. Charles Nanney, 88, of Henderson Circle, Forest City, died Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, at his home. A native of Union Mills, he was a son of the late Albert and Harriett Ellis Byrd Nanney, and the widow of Rachel Johnson Nanney. He was a retired Baptist minister and veteran of the Air Corps, serving in the Pacific during World War II.

He is survived by three daughters, Judith, Lisa and Tracy; two grandsons; and four great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 7 in the Round Hill Baptist Church cemetery, Union Mills. A memorial service will follow at 1 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Rutherfordton. An additional memorial service will take place at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15, at Hampton Heights Baptist Church, Greenville, S.C.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Union Mills Learning Center, P.O. Box 210, Union Mills, NC 28167; to Round Hill Baptist Church, 6585 Hudlow Road, Union Mills, NC 28167; or to First Baptist Church of Rutherfordton, 246 N. Main St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139.

Crowe’s Mortuary and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

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Cooper Warr (Class of 1968)

Mr. Thomas Cooper Warr III,, 56, of Ellenwood, GA. died Oct. 9, 2006. The body was cremated. Memorial service was October 14, 2006 at St. Joseph Episcopal Church, McDonough; Cremation Society of Georgia.  Better known to all as Cooper, he was part of the Class of 1968 but did not graduate at ASI according to my records.

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Maxine Hargett Deal (Class of 1976)

Maxine died this week and was buried on Thursday at Cane Creek Baptist Church.  She had a heart transplant many years ago. She died of ovarian cancer. (April 29, 2007)

 

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Grant Lloyd (Class of 1962)

Grant Lloyd passed away about 3 weeks ago.  Grant was the son of Lucille and brother of Iris (Class of 1967) Lucille ran the store there on campus. Iris is the only surviving family member. (April 11, 2007)

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Thelma Bowie Fox (Class of 1929)

 Thelma Bowie Fox died in October 2006 at her home in Maine. She was a member of the graduating Class of 1929.

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Azylee Guffey White (Class of 1952)

Azylee White, the secretary of Alexander School, Inc. died last night (Thursday) April 5, 2007 at approximately 10 pm.  Azylee had Alzheimer's and has been going downhill for the past year or two.  She died at home.  She was the wife of Don White and mother of Mark and Mike White.  Those who went to school there should remember her as a loving, caring, happy person  She was always ready to help anyone.  She will be sorely missed by her family and friends even though towards the end she didn't know too many people. 

In case you would like to send a card to the family.

Mrs. Azylee White (husband: Donald)
1850 Centennial Road
Union Mills, NC 28167-9794
Telephone:  828-286-9648

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Joseph T. Gayhardt V. (Class of 1968)

Mr. Joseph T. Gayhardt V left us on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2006 to be with our other loved ones with the Lord. He was the son of the late Joseph T. Gayhardt IV . He is survived by his mother, Hava Gayhardt of Winterville; daughters, Misty Garris of Greenville, Jeannie Casanova and Jennifer Gayhardt of Wilmington; sons, Adam Gayhardt of Greenville, Stephen Mathis of Asheville and their families. He is also survived by eight loving grandchildren; four sisters; three brothers; and their families.