Alma Moore, 87, of Burke Long Term Care in Morganton died Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at Britthaven following a period of declining health. She was born September 10, 1922 in Burke County, NC, and was a daughter of the late Joseph William Moore and Barbara Jane Cook Moore. Alma had lived with her father whom she had tenderly and lovingly cared for all of his 89 years. She was a faithful member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church and took great pride in her certificates of attendance. Alma had a big heart and sweet smile, and fondly remembered everyone’s birthday

She is survived by a brother, J.C. Moore, and sisters, Anne Stewart and Virgie Cook, all of Morganton; and a large number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, Walter, Cossie V., and Paul Moore; and sisters, Donnie Tolbert and Mary Childers; and a step-sister, Sudie Walker.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 4, 2009 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Larry Cline officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday one half hour before the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 2396 Enola Rd., Morganton, NC 28655, or Burke County Friends for Animals, PO Box 1884, Morganton, NC 28680, or Burke County Shrine Club, PO Box 695, Morganton, NC 28680. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Evie S. Wilson, 84, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 01, 2009, following a period of declining health. She was born in Yancey County on December 29, 1924 and was a daughter of the late Shelby and Martha Silver Silver. She was a wonderful Christian woman and a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. Evie was a member of Shady Grove Baptist Church.

Surviving are her husband of 65 years, Rev. Howard Wilson, of the home; sons and their wives, Jerry and Loretta Wilson of Marion and Roger and Hazel Wilson of Burnsville; a daughter and her husband, Shirley and Hoyt Elkins of Morganton; grandchildren, Rodney Elkins and his wife, Sandra, who lovingly cared for Evie during her illness, Tamara Elkins, Arlen Wilson, Shannan Wilson, Allen Wilson, and Lisa Waldenberg; four great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; her twin sister and her husband, Eva and R. D. McCurry; sisters, Carrie Hess, Callie Gortney, and Barbara Fox; and brothers, Daniel, David, and Gale Silver.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Wilson was preceded in death by a grandson, Richard Wilson, and by a brother, Dee Silver.

The funeral will be held at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 7, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Reverends Billy Mace, Curtis Carroll, and Howard Wilson officiating. Burial will be at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday at McDowell Memorial Park in Marion, NC with Rev. Tony Land officiating. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 5:30 until 7:00 p.m. before the service. At other times the family will be at the home on Jamestown Rd., Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 29890.

Julius Arnold Deal, 89, of Morganton, NC went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 1, 2009. He was born March 28, 1920 and was the son of the late Jannie Jacumin Deal and Arthur Deal. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Rigdon Deal. He truly loved his Lord, his family, and his country. He showed his love of the US by faithfully serving in World War II.

Surviving are his two daughters, Judy Deal Kimberlin and husband, David, and Susan Deal Street and husband, David, all of Morganton; grandchildren, Chris Stroupe, III of Advance, NC, Julie Norman and Scott Farris, both of Morganton; a step-granddaughter, Renea Bedard; and great-grandchildren, Ashlee Hemmings, Hannah Stroupe, Stephanie Norman, Jessica Burton, Caleb Norman, Lindsey Stroupe, Michael Farris, Lauren Bedard, and Brett Bedard; a sister, Clara Demiter of Valdese; and countless other loving family members and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, April 4, 2009 at Gibbs Chapel Wesleyan Church with the Reverends Roger Brackett and Dean Lavender officiating. Burial will follow in the Waldensian Presbyterian Church Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends Friday from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to COPD International, 131 DW Highway #627, Nashua, NH 03060, the Alzheimer’s Association, Mountain Office, 31 College Place, Ste D 320, Asheville, NC 28801-2644, Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690, or to Charles George VA Medical Center, 1100 Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC 28805.

Graveside services for Murreitta Talley will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 4, 2009, at Forest Hill Cemetery with Rev. Michael Bailey officiating. The family will greet friends following the service. Mrs. Talley was a member of First Presbyterian Church.

She is survived by her daughters, Elvy T. Bryan of Morganton and Victoria T. Colebank and her husband, Harry Lee, of Dunnellon, Fla; grandchildren, Talley Bryan and his wife, Ashley, Caren L. Mudd and her husband, Dr. Bryan A. Mudd, Carla L. Perez and her husband, Julio C. Perez, Jr.; and great-grandsons, William Bradford Bryan and Edward Edson Bryan. She was preceded in death by all of her brothers and sisters.

Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690, First Presbyterian Church, 100 Silver Creek Rd., Morganton, NC 28655, or a charity of your choice.

Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Edward Claywell McGimsey, Sr., 87, of S. King St., Morganton, NC, died Thursday, April 2, 2009 at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. Born in Iredell County, NC on May 18, 1921, he was the son of the late James Franks McGimsey and Margaret Claywell McGimsey. Edward was a member of First United Methodist Church.

During WWII he served in Italy with the U.S. Army Air Corps as a P-51 fighter pilot. He was a graduate of Morganton High School and of The McCallie School in Chattanooga, TN. He received his Bachelors degree from Duke University. While at Duke, he played in the pep band. He joined his family at Morganton Hardware Store until his retirement in 1995. He was an avid tennis player and hiker, and was a member of the Foothills Hoofers for many years. He continued flying after WWII and was a charter member of the Morganton Flying Club. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of Morganton Savings and Loan. He enjoyed playing Bridge with his friends. He was also a member of the Duke University Alumni group, the Iron Dukes.

He is survived by his children, Peggy McGimsey Edwards and husband, Ralph, Eddie C. McGimsey, Jr. and wife, Sherri, Bob M. McGimsey and wife, Judy, and Kathy McGimsey Lindquist, all of Morganton; grandchildren, Lauren Farfour Marchant and husband, Spencer, Patrick Claywell Farfour and wife, Courtney, Matthew Claywell McGimsey, Nicholas Edward McGimsey and wife, Autumn, Richard Kurt Lindquist, II, and Grayson Edward Lindquist; great-grandchildren, Spencer Marchant, Jr., Elizabeth Marchant, Jackson Claywell Farfour, and Isaiah Howard McGimsey; step-granddaughters, Tracy Stidham and Stephanie Taylor; step-great-granddaughter, Mikalea Taylor.

In addition to his parents, Mr. McGimsey was preceded in death by his wife, Belle “Bootsie” McIntosh McGimsey, and a brother, Dr. James Franks McGimsey, Jr.

The graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, April 6, 2009 at Forest Hill Cemetery with Rev. Dr. Sydnor Thompson, III officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 200 N. King St., Morganton, NC 28655.

David “Moran” Chapman, 83, of Pax Hill Road in Morganton, NC died Saturday, April 4, 2009 at Burke Palliative Care Center following a period of declining health. He was born May 17, 1925 in Burke County, NC, and was a son of the late John Chapman and Dalzie Kincaid Chapman. Moran was a member of Bethel Baptist Church. He loved the Lord and loved all of life.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Ruby Ellen Hartness Chapman of the home; a daughter, Lu Ellen Teague and husband, Randy, of Morganton; a son, Michael Chapman and his wife, Nancy, of Asheville, NC; a grandson, David Chapman of Knoxville, TN; brothers, John T. Chapman of Shelby, NC, and Marlie Chapman of Morganton; and a sister, Annie Mae Burns of Morganton.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Hersel and Roy Chapman.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, April 6, 2009 at Bethel Baptist Church with Rev. Gary Cline officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park with military graveside rites conducted by the Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends Monday from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690, or to Bethel Baptist Church, 3861 Pax Hill Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.

Clyde Hence Layfayette Patton, Sr. 52, died Saturday, April 04, 2009, at Grace Hospital. He was born on May 3, 1956 in Burke County to the late Don Chester Patton and Louise Ingle Patton.

Surviving are his wife, Carolyn Dillingham Patton of the home; a son, Jason Ray Patton, of the home; step-daughters, Betty Anthony, Mary Moses, and Norma Barker, all of Morganton; brothers, Robert Patton of Conover and George Patton, Sr. of Morganton; sisters, Sue Bumgarner and Becky Stamey both of Morganton; and ten grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 4:00 p.m. Monday, April 6, 2009, at Mount Olive Baptist Church with the Reverends George Patton, Jr. and Randy Queen officiating. Burial will follow in the Patton Family Cemetery on Pollard-Patton Rd. The family will receive friends from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m. Sunday at Sossoman Funeral Home with the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes before the funeral.

Howard Thomas Mauldin, Jr., 67, of Savannah, GA died Saturday, April 4, 2009 at the Ralph H. Johnson V. A. Medical Center in Charleston, SC following a period of declining health. He was born in Burke County, NC on August 10, 1941 and was the son of Margaret Owens Mauldin of Morganton and the late Howard Thomas Mauldin, Sr.

Tom, as he was called by his friends, or “Tommy”, when he attended Drexel High School, next went to Columbia Union College in Washington D.C. where he graduated Valedictorian. After college he was drafted into the U.S. Army where he was stationed at Walter Reed Hospital. It was at this time he discovered that he had a beautiful singing voice. When he sang at a wedding in the Washington Cathedral, he was encouraged by two guests, Robert and Ethel Kennedy, to audition for a professional theater company. He was chosen by that company for the leads in three musicals, “No Strings”, “Brigadoon”, and “Bye Bye Birdie” as the Elvis Presley –type singer, Conrad Birdie. Following his military service, Tom went to work for IBM where he designed the first automated warehouse in the world. Later he traveled to Los Angeles where he lived for twenty five years. Tom went into business with partner Raymond Levin, manufacturing handbags and accessories. He also became an art dealer which he continued for the rest of his life. He was involved with the art community in Savannah, and was known and loved at the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Surviving in addition to his mother are his companion of 40 years, Raymond Levin, of the home; a sister, Sheryl Chapman of Morganton; a nephew, Michael England and his wife, Andrea, of Newton; a niece, Lesa Briggs and her husband, Jeff of Hickory; great nieces and nephews, Melissa Reynolds, Ryan Briggs, Laura England, and Chase England.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 10, 2009, in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Elder Leslie Smart and Elder Barry Mahorney officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park with military honors conducted by Valdese American Legion Post 234 Ceremonial Team. The family will receive friends from 1 until 2 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Herbert “Ray” Denton, 67, of J. P. Hawkins Circle in Morganton went home to be with his Heavenly Father on April 6, 2009 at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC following a brief illness. He was born June 1, 1941 in Burke County, and was a son of the late Forrest “Bill” Denton, Sr. and Annie Thacker Denton. Ray was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church where he was a Deacon and a choir member. He was a promoter of Gospel music and sang in several quartet groups. Ray worked in the furniture industry for many years. He retired from Catawba Valley Community College where he taught furniture technology. Ray also worked for Western Piedmont Community College, the First United Methodist Church in Conway, SC, Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Four Truckers, and managed motels in North Myrtle Beach. Now he has a position in God’s heavenly choir.

Ray leaves behind his wife, Barbara Copeland Denton of the home; a daughter, Sandra L. Denton of Morganton; a grandson, Joshua R. Denton; and great-grandchildren, Kayla, Natalie, and Emma ; sisters, Edna Phillips, Verlie Deaton, Lela Seitz, Lucy Chapman, and Doris Smith and husband, Harold, all of Morganton; brothers, John Denton and wife, Orce, Jerry Denton and wife, Loretta, all of Morganton, and Rev. Donald Denton and wife, Freda, of Hickory, NC; a sister-in-law, Ann Denton; eight nieces and eleven nephews; several cousins; and extended family members and friends. Ray loved his family and friends very much. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Forrest “Jay” Denton, Jr; nephew, Mike Wellman; and grandmother, Jane Thacker.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 9, 2009 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Larry Cline, and the Reverends Allan Lunsford, Donald Denton, Burl Sain, and Clyde Smith officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Building Fund, 2396 Enola Rd., Morganton, NC 28655 or to Gideons International, PO Box 678, Morganton, NC 28680.

Jerry Ray Hefner, Sr., 62, of Rain Hill Church Road, Morganton, NC died Tuesday, April 7, 2009 at Grace Hospital. Born in Burke County, NC on August 2, 1946, he was the son of the late John Guthrie Hefner and Margaret Ann Mosley Hefner. In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Billie Joyce Hensley Hefner.

Mr. Hefner is survived by his sons, Jeffrey Ray Hefner of Hickory, Jerry Allen Hefner of Hickory, and Jerry Ray Hefner, Jr. of Morganton; daughters, Margaret Celena Self of Morganton, Tammy Dennis of Drexel, NC, and Donna Renee Hefner of CA; a sister, Mabel Brown of Ocean Isle Beach, NC; and thirteen grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 4:00 p.m., Friday, April 10, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Richard Ellington officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.

J. Hazel White, 86, of LaColline St., Morganton died unexpectedly Wednesday, April 8, 2009, at his home. He was born on July 26, 1922 in Cleveland County and was a son of the late Marvin and Ethel Luckadoo White. Mr. White was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and retired from Broughton Hospital with over 30 years of employment. For over 60 years, he was an active and dedicated member of Cross Memorial Baptist Church.

Surviving are his wife of 65 years, Selma Eaker White, of the home; children, Steve White and his wife, Linda, of Abbeville, SC, Sheila White Glasscock and her husband, Ray, of Byron, GA, and Richard White and his wife, Catherine, of Morganton; daughter-in-law, Diane White, of Valdese; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brothers, Buren White of Morganton, Joe R. White, of Casar, and Harold White of Jacksonville, FL and sister, Carrie Powell, of Morganton.

In addition to his parents, Hazel was preceded in death by a son, Kenneth White; brothers, Ralph, Dock, and Worth White; and sisters, Mozelle Halton and Gynnell Cook.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 11, 2009, at Cross Memorial Baptist Church with Reverends Clyde Buckner and Jeff Beach officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park with military honors conducted by Valdese American Legion Post 234 ceremonial team. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the church. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Cross Memorial Baptist Church Awana Club, 650 Enola Rd., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Fleta Louise Horney Parlier, 84, of Crawley Dale Street, Morganton, NC died Friday, April 10, 2009 at Grace Hospital following a brief illness. Born in Avery County, NC on February 4, 1925, she was a daughter of the late Frank Horney and Lydia Carver Horney. Fleta was a member of Grace Baptist Church.

She is survived by her sons, Frank Parlier and wife, Janet, of Roxboro, NC and Ray Parlier and wife, Betty, of Morganton; a daughter, Gladys Cooper and husband, Carl, of Morganton; a sister, Rosa Hodge of Fletcher, NC; seven grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Fleta was preceded in death by her husband, Hugh Reece Parlier; a son, Jerry Parlier; a daughter, Nellie Dale, and two grandsons.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 P.M., Monday, April 13, 2009 at Grace Baptist Church with Reverends Marty Bess and Rex Ware officiating. Burial will follow in Mull’s Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Grace Baptist Church from 1:30 until 2:45 p.m. before the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Baptist Church, P.O. Box 8026, Morganton, NC 28680. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Caleb Isaiah Brittain, 3, of Brentwood Rd. in Morganton died unexpectedly Sunday, April 12, 2009. He was born December 29, 2005 in Burke County, and was a son of Daniel Brittain and Brandy Brittain.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by a sister, Saleen Brittain of the home; a brother-to-be, Ethan Howard Brittain; paternal grandparents, Fred and Kathy Brittain of Morganton; maternal grandmother, Tina Lutz Knight of Valdese, NC; paternal great-grandmother, Kathleen Lane of Morganton; maternal great-grandparents, Howard and Faye Lutz of Valdese; an uncle, David Brittain of Morganton; a great-aunt, Teresa Lutz of Valdese; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at Amherst Baptist Church with Rev. Harold Joplin officiating. Burial will follow at the Waldensian Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Valdese. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. at the church. At other times, the family will be at the residence.

Rosevelt Anderson, 82 of Emily Dr., Morganton, NC went to meet his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Saturday, April 11, 2009 at Charles George VA Medical Center, Asheville, NC following a period of declining health. He was born in McDowell County on July 1, 1926 and was the son of the late Georgia Ann Anderson. Forty years ago Rosevelt was a founding member of Central Baptist Church where he remained a dedicated member, deacon, choir director and Sunday School teacher. He was a WWII Army Veteran. For many years he owned and operated Anderson Auto Parts on S. Green St. Following his retirement he continued to enjoy caring for and riding his horses. He also made high pressure hoses for many of his former customers.

Surviving are his wife of 62 years, Thelma Franklin Anderson of the home; daughters, Phyllis Anderson Wilson and husband, Tim of Morganton, Rosemary Anderson Huffman and husband, Steve of Raleigh, NC; brother, Harold Anderson and wife, Polly of Bethlehem, NC; grandchildren, Emily Wilson Ford and husband, Travis of Morganton who are soon expecting Rosevelt’s great grandson, Clayton Wilson of Wrightsville Beach, NC, Cameron Huffman and Spencer Huffman both of Raleigh; and a number of nephews and nieces. He was like a father and mentor to many people.

In addition to his mother, Rosevelt was preceded in death by a brother, Homer Anderson.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at Central Baptist Church with Reverends George Patton and Clyde Buckner officiating. The burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Central Baptist Church one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Central Baptist Church, 108 Murphy Court, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Elizabeth Norman Murphy, 85, of S. King Street, Morganton died Sunday, April 12, 2009 following a brief illness. She was born in McDowell County, WV on May 5, 1923 and was a daughter of the late Tom and Zula Norman. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon Murphy; a daughter, Mary Sue Blankenship; and by brothers, Fred and Willie Norman. Mrs. Murphy was a member of Denton’s Chapel United Methodist Church.

Surviving are her son, Jimmy Blankenship; a brother, Woodrow Norman; a sister, Amanda Whisnant, all of Morganton; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, 2009, in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Gary Cline officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Heights, 109 Foothills Dr., Morganton, NC 28655.

Helen Anna Pientka Strother, 92, died Monday, April 13, 2009 at her home following a period of declining health. She was born in Russell County, VA on July 28, 1916 and was a daughter of the late Constant and Mary Koulesia Pientka who were natives of Poland. Helen graduated from Dante Central High School in June, 1935 and also graduated from the Grace Hospital School of Nursing in September 1938. She did her post graduate studies at the Cook County School of Anesthesia in Chicago, ILL and returned to Morganton to work at Grace Hospital until her retirement on July 28, 1978. Helen received numerous awards for outstanding work at Grace Hospital including being the first recipient of the Golden Grace Award in March of 1992. Upon her retirement, after a total of thirty-nine years of service, Helen was honored to have a new quadrant at Grace Hospital named in her honor, “The Helen P. Strother Quad.”

Surviving are her husband, Joffre W. Strother, whom she married on June 6, 1945; a brother, Joe Pientka, of Petersburg, VA; nephews, Ron Strother Sime and Steve Vaughn Sime both of Lenoir; a niece Susie Loy of Texas; and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Helen was the oldest of seven children all of whom preceded her death except for her brother, Joe.

Graveside services will be held at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, 2009, at Burke Memorial Park with Rev. Bruce Walker officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Episcopal Church, 303 S. King St., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Sammy Lee Crotts, 65, of Bollinger Loop in Morganton went home to be with Lord surrounded by his family and friends on Sunday, April 12, 2009 following a brief illness. He was born September 1, 1943 in Burke County, NC, and was a son of the late Clayton Crotts and Lucy Hoyle Crotts. Sammy was a member of Nowlings Chapel Freewill Baptist Church. He was a man of many talents in his lifetime and worked for many years in the textile industry. Sammy loved working in his flower garden and was a devoted son, husband, father, and brother. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, but his memory will always endure.

Sammy is survived by a son, Eddie Crotts of Morganton; brothers, Tom Crotts and Rodger Crotts and his wife, Ruth, all of Morganton; sisters, Ruby Green of Piney Flats, TN, Frances Milligan and Kathy Coffey and her husband, J. T., all of Morganton.

In addition to his parents, Sammy was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Juanita Bollinger Crotts, who died February 25, 2009; a brother, Junior Crotts; and a sister, Betty Moses.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 15, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Darvy Hensley officiating. Entombment will follow at Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will receive friends Wednesday one hour before the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Nowlings Chapel Freewill Baptist Church, 5827 Fisher-Davis Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.

Jack Allen Jaquins, 84, of Vine St., Morganton, died Monday, April 13, 2009, at his residence following a period of declining health. He was born in Burke County on February 10, 1925 and was the son of the late Ned Osborne Jaquins and Flora King Jaquins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Earl Neal and Max Osborne Jaquins. Jack was a U. S. Army Air Corps veteran of World War II. Jack also served in the National Guard and the US Navy Reserve. He retired from Shadowline, Inc. and was a member of Friendship Baptist Church.

Jack will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and brother by his wife of 56 years, Betty Hildebran Jaquins of the home; by his son, David Allen Jaquins, and his wife, Myra, of Morganton; grandsons, D. J. Jaquins of Valdese and Michael Adam Jaquins and his wife, Amber, of Drexel; a sister, Dorothy Cash Scott, of Hickory; a sister-in-law, Joretta Smith Jaquins of Asheville; nephews, James Steven Cash of Hickory and James Allen Jaquins of Drexel; and twin nieces, Andrea Serette of Pittsburg, PA and Audrea Thye of Charlotte.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 15, 2009, in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Max Baker officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park with military honors conducted by Valdese American Legion Post 234 ceremonial team. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at Sossoman Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, Memorial and Tribute Ctr., PO Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058-5216.

Nancy Boone Powell, 52, of Lytle Dr., Morganton, NC went home to be with her Lord on Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at her residence following a period of declining health. Born in Buncombe County, NC on August 29, 1956, she was a daughter of Lois E. Sheehan Boone and the late William R. Boone. Nancy was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and sister and her memory will always be cherished. She was a shopaholic and avid Dale Earnhardt fan. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by sisters, Betty Jean Boone and Laura Irene Boone.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband, Harrell B. Powell, Sr. of the home; sons and their wives, Daniel R. Boone and Peggy and Harrell Bruce Powell, Jr. and Danielle; brothers and their wives, Clyde and Jan Boone, Carl and Cathy Boone, and William “Booter” and Doris Boone; sister, Becky M. Norman and her husband, Mike; grandchildren, Amber, Brandon, Jarrett, Cameron, Braxton, Jacie and Haylen; and a number of nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

The graveside service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Friday, April 17, 2009 at Park Hill Memorial Park, Hwy. 70 West, Glen Alpine, NC with Pastor Pat Buchanan officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Sossoman Funeral Home. Memorial gifts may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

Oleane Stikeleather Lonon, 90, formerly of Morganton, died Thursday, April 16, 2009 in Thornton, Colorado following a period of declining health. She was born in Lincoln County, Arkansas on November 4, 1918 and was a daughter of the late Garland S. Stikeleather and Nona Mai Tilghmon Bechtel. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Lonon was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Gordon Lee “Stoky” Lonon, and by a sister, Dorothy E. Hensley. Oleane graduated in 1935 from Old Fort High School with a class of 20 students. Before moving to Colorado, Oleane was an active member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church.

Surviving are her son, Al Lonon, of Broomfield, Colorado; her daughter Arleta Gale Britcher, of Golden Valley, Arizona; a sister, Opal Grant, of Marion, North Carolina; half brothers, Floyd, Louis, and Dave Peter Stikeleather all of Saginaw, Michigan; four grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren.

A funeral Mass will be said at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 23, 2009 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with Fr. Kenneth Whittington and Rev. Mr. James Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church one hour before the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Charles Catholic Church Building Fund, 728 W. Union St., Morganton, NC 28655 or to a charity of one’s choice. Sossoman Funeral is assisting the family with arrangements.

Eileen Poteat, 80, of Cross Creek Drive in Morganton died Thursday, April 16, 2009 at her residence. She was born in Burke County on January 16, 1929. Eileen is survived by her husband, Thad M. Poteat of the home; daughters, Debra Poteat Mabe of Atlanta, GA, and Lisa McNeely and her husband, Cyrus C. McNeely of Morganton; grandchildren, Shannon Long and Jimmy Long, both of Valdese, Mary Eileen McNeely of Mooresville, NC, and Kilpatrick McNeely of Washington, D.C.; two great-grandchildren; a brother, Ray Aikens, and sisters, Barbara Oliver and her husband, Jimmy, and Leta Fulbright and her husband, Herman, all of Drexel, NC.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Jim Aikens of Drexel.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 18, 2009 at Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will receive friends Saturday from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. at the mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cancer Center, Valdese General Hospital, P.O. Box 700, Valdese, NC 28690. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Margaret Pendley Smith, 70, of Burkemont Road in Morganton passed away on April 16, 2009 at Carolina Rehab Center in Icard, NC after an extended illness. Born in Mitchell County on July 31, 1938, Margaret was the daughter of the late George Woodrow Pendley and Madge Burleson Pendley. Margaret was a member of Hartland Missionary Methodist Church, and was a former employee of Broughton Hospital.

Besides her father, she was preceded in death by a sister, Zeliah Bumgarner, and by her son, William Kenneth Smith, Jr.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband, William Kenneth Smith, of the home, a son, Dennis Michaels and his wife, Sue, of Marion, two daughters, Jeanne Byrd and her husband, Dixon, of Morganton, and Kaye Fish and her husband, Allen, of Morganton. Mrs. Smith had seven grandchildren: Kylie Michaels Watring, Jamie Allman, Amanda Michaels Lowman, Christopher Fish, Jesse Smith Stewart, Katie Fish, and Madison Byrd; three step grandchildren, Jillian Byrd Bentley, Caitlyn Byrd, and Colston Byrd, and two great-grandchildren, Dylan Michael Watring and Lily Victoria Lowman. She is also survived by a brother, Mike Pendley, and a sister, Sonnie Allman, both of Morganton.

The family wishes to express a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Carolina Rehab Center for their kindness and compassion in Margaret's care.

A private ceremony to honor her life is planned at a later date. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

David S. Anderson, 87, of Pete Brittain Road, Morganton, NC went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, April 18, 2009 at Grace Hospital after a brief illness. Born in Kato, PA on January 20, 1922, he was the son of the late Axel Anderson and Mary Jane Miller Anderson.

David was raised in the Lutheran Faith. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII, having served in the European Theatre. After the war David worked as a coal miner in Pennsylvania. He later moved to Mansfield, OH where he worked for the Alexander Vault Company, which was the first Wilbert Vault Distributor in the United States. In the early 70s David moved to Morganton, NC and worked for Hairfield Vault Company until his retirement. David was an avid fisherman and hunter.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mabel Billotte Anderson of the home; a son, Daniel Anderson, Sr. and wife, Barbara, of Morganton; a daughter, Sandy Collier and husband, Jack, of Harmony, NC; brothers, Carl Anderson of Stow, OH; a sister, Clarissa Winchesin of Allentown, PA; grandchildren, Dawnna Ixmay, Daniel Anderson, Jr., Samuel Anderson, Timothy Anderson, Tracie Perkins, David Carrico and wife, Tiffany, Brandy Dobbs, and Jeremy Cauthen; great-grandchildren, Nathaniel Reece, Starlia Bristol, Felix Berry, Christopher Berry, Bethany Martin, Dakota Anderson, Laurel Anderson, Brent Perkins, Jessica Cauthen, Cameron Cauthen, Destiny Moses, Dillon Moses, Alora Brock, and Westen Brock.

In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by brothers, Elmer Anderson and Oscar Anderson; sisters, Dorothy Erickson and Hilma Johnson; and a great-granddaughter, Diana M. Anderson.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 22, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Cynthia Moss Mooney Walker, 61, of Inman, SC died Saturday, April 18, 2009 at Spartanburg Regional Hospital. Born in Shelby, NC on January 26, 1948, she was the daughter of the late John Henry Moss and Jewel Lail Moss Luckadoo. Cynthia was a member of Bible Baptist Church in Morganton, NC.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, John David Mooney.

She is survived by her husband, John F. “Johnny” Walker of the home; a daughter, Amy Shull and husband, Terry, of Morganton, a step-daughter, Cindy Cook and husband, Kenneth, of Morganton; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a sister, Yavonne Buckner of Forest City, NC; two step-sisters and three step-brothers.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at Bible Baptist Church with Rev. Ricky Watkins officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday evening at Bible Baptist Church starting at 7:00 p.m. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Frank Huffman, Jr., 85, passed away Sunday, April 19, 2009 at Autumn Care of Drexel after several months of declining health. Frank was the son of Minnie Mull Huffman and Frank Huffman, Sr. He was born in Drexel, NC and grew up there working in the family-owned grocery store (Huffman Brothers). After his father’s untimely death in 1929, Frank was raised by his mother and later by his stepfather, Reverend Stephen M. Stroup. Frank attended Mars Hill College and finished his education at Bowling Green Business College (now Western Kentucky University). He took a break from his education to join the army during World War II. There he served in the 737th Tank Battalion. Frank was severely injured in an explosion during the war, but nonetheless returned to his battalion. Following the war, Frank married Clara (Polly) Watts and, after finishing college, returned to Drexel where the family made their home. For many years, Frank was employed by Drexel Furniture Co., where he was Director of Employee Sales. He later worked as a Recreational Therapist at Broughton Hospital.

Frank was deeply committed to his family, his church, his town, and his country. His life demonstrated these commitments. He would do anything in his power to help his family throughout his life. At Drexel First Baptist Church, Frank served as an active deacon and Sunday School superintendent for many years, regularly visiting newcomers to town and inviting them to church. Until recent years, he rarely missed a service, often arriving early to unlock the doors. The church honored Frank by naming him Deacon Emeritus. Church and family members alike benefitted from Frank’s gardening. For fifty years he grew a huge garden, supplying vegetables to many. Frank also gave sacrificially to the town of Drexel. From 1953-1959, Frank served three terms as Mayor of the town. For fifty years, he was a member of the local Lions Club, a service organization. As one of the charter members of the club, he virtually never missed a meeting and spent many hours and days raising money for Lion Club projects. In addition, Frank was on the original board of management for the Drexel Community Center and served as president of the Drexel Community Fair. For many years, Frank also served on the board of directors of the local Northwestern Bank. Upon retirement, Frank remained active in the church and the community, tutoring local students and singing in the Senoir Adult Choir. Across his life, he was a blood donor, giving 63 pints of blood to the American Red Cross. In 1998, Frank was honored as Drexel Citizen of the Year.

Frank is survived by his wife of fifty-eight years, Clara Watts Huffman; his children, Jane Adaire Huffman of Drexel, Frank Robert Huffman and wife, Lynne, of Morganton, and Lydia Huffman Hoyle and husband, Rick, of Cary, NC; Frank’s sister, Doris Huffman Franklin; close family friends, Margaret Church and Mary Thomas; as well as Elizabeth Berry Woody and husband, Bill, and other nieces and nephews. His grandchildren, Haley, Graham, and Cole Huffman of Morganton and Matthew, Michael, and Jessica Hoyle of Cary will miss him greatly.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Minnie Mull Huffman as well as his sisters, Ruth Huffman Berry, Helen Huffman Tutherow, and Frances Huffman.

Frank was a good, kind, devoted, and passionate man. His life touched many. A celebration of Frank’s life will be held at 6:00 p.m., Monday, April 20, 2009 at Drexel First Baptist Church with Reverends Tito Madrazo and Buddy Corbin officiating. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. A private graveside service will be held earlier in the day. Memorial contributions may be made to Drexel First Baptist Church Food Ministry, P.O. Box 308, Drexel, NC 28619. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Dr. Luther Hall Clontz, Sr., 77, of Riverside Drive, Morganton, died Monday, April 20, 2009, at his home. Born in Burke County on March 19, 1932, he was the son of the late Vester Herman Clontz, Sr. and Annie Ophelia Butler Clontz. He was of Protestant belief and faith. He was a graduate of Morganton High School where he was a member of the National Honor Society. Dr. Clontz received his Bachelor of Science and M.D degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was a general practitioner for 50 years. While at the University, he was a member of Alpha Epsilon Delta National Premedical Honorary Society and was initiated into Phi Beta Kappa.

After receiving his M.D. degree in 1957, he joined the U. S. Navy and served his internship at the Charleston Naval Hospital where he served aboard the U.S.S. Rushmore and U.S.S. Freemont achieving the rank of Lieutenant. Following his three years in the Navy, Dr. Clontz returned to Morganton and became a partner in the Kibler-Hogshead-Clontz Clinic. During his medical career he served as Director of Medical Services for the NC Department of Health and Human Services at Western Carolina Center, served with the NC Division of MHDD and Substance Abuse at Broughton Hospital by helping launch the Alcoholic Rehabilitation Center in the early 1960s. Through his work at local state institutions, Dr. Clontz was an advocate and supporter of the well-being of developmentally disabled citizens, children, senior adults, and various volunteer service organizations on the local, state, and national levels.

He also served as Medical Director for the NC State Government of Corrections at both Foothills Correctional Institution and Western Youth Institute. As owner and president of Burke Medical Consultants, Dr. Clontz served as director of medical services for nursing and rehabilitation centers throughout western North Carolina and for the Burke/Catawba District Confinement Facility. He also practiced at Drexel Medical Associates with Dr. Clyde Dellinger.

Dr. Clontz retired from active practice in 2007. His love for family and practicing medicine were his lifelong passions. He was a voracious reader of science, literary classics, poetry, and history, and he enjoyed classical music. A faithful Tarheel fan and Rams Club member, he attended UNC-Chapel Hill football and basketball games. Dr. Clontz was a member of the Medical Alumni Association and was a lifetime supporter of the UNC-CH Medical Alumni Loyalty Fund and the Educational Foundation.

Family survivors include his wife, Laura Clawson Clontz, of the home; children, Geoffrey A. Clontz, Sr. and his wife, Pamela, of Hickory, Deborah L. Clontz Barham and her husband, William Titus, of Hickory, Dana L. Clontz of Claremont, and Luther “Luke” H. Clontz, Jr. of the home; grandchildren, Geoffrey A. Clontz, Jr., R. Brandon Watts, Aubrey B. Draughn, and her husband, Justin, Anna L. Barham, and Thomas S. Clontz; and great-grandchildren, Emilie Clontz and Jackson B. Watts. He is also survived by his siblings, Nadine Clontz Browning of Morganton, Vester H. Clontz, Jr. and his wife, Elma, of Great Mills, MD, Vance S. Clontz, Sr. and his wife, Kathie, of High Point, Mary Catherine Clontz Browning of Connelly Springs, and Dr. Franklin D. Clontz and his wife, Jean, of Longwood, FL; and numerous cousins and a host of special nieces and nephews and their families. He is also survived by Ruth Cagle Clontz, the mother of their children.

In addition to his parents, Dr. Clontz was preceded in death by sisters, Lucy Clontz Johnson, Louise Clontz Baker, and Ruby Clontz Allman; brother, Leroy H. Clontz, and brother-in-law, Steve R. Clawson.

Those special people in his life include his parents-in-law, Robert and Betty Clawson, of Morganton; brother-in-law, Scott Clawson, and his wife, Heather, of Pinehurst, NC; loyal co-workers and friends, Margaret Browning, Robi Baker, Dr. James Collett, Dr. Jim Madison, Drs. Azmi and Maha Jarrah, Tom Walton, Debbie Morgan, Richard Gardin, Judy Thomas, Belinda Helms, and Juanita Fickling..Dr. Clontz was thankful for special friendships with Renee Martin Smith, Peggy Crotts, Frances Breeden, Mike Ayotte, Rita Russ, Chasity Poteat-Lehn, Sara Lou Byrd Succop, Janet Littlejohn, OCNUB Ladies, and the Smith, Martin, Rudicill, Reep, Black, Noyes, Lyday, Bennett, Simpson, Leonard, Eubanks, Mould, Biggerstaff, Meise, Baker, Shuffler, Revis, Riddle, Gooch, Rountree, Stephens, and Sharp families.

A memorial service of Thanksgiving for the life of Dr. Clontz will be held at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Katherine Clontz, Sherrill Rev. Dr. Thomas A. Bland, and Mr. Vester H. Clontz, Jr. officiating. An informal gathering of family and friends will be held immediately following the service. A private memorial ceremony for the scattering of ashes will be held at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Memorial Grove Garden this summer.

The children of Dr. Clontz, Geoffrey, Deborah, Dana, and Luke, and his wife, Laura, respectively, have designated the following memorials in lieu of flowers, Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministries, 31 1st Ave SE, Hickory, NC 28602, Creative Concepts-Integrative Medicine, LLC, C/O Deborah C. Barham, PO Box 11012, Hickory, NC 28603 (Dr. Clontz encouraged the completion of his daughter’s research/publication, A Century of Alzheimer’s Disease (1907-2007) Changing Focus-From Memory Loss to the Stress of Life.) This composition will be dedicated to the memory of Deborah’s father; Cornerstone Counseling Center and Christian Academy, 263 3rd Ave. NW, Hickory, NC 28601; the Library Foundation of Burke County, 204 S. King St., Morganton, NC 28655; or the Preschool Program of First Baptist Church, PO Drawer 459, Morganton, NC 28680.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to special care-givers, Reba Miller and Julia Cook of Handi-Care, Morganton Internal Medicine, Valdese Cancer Care Center, Blue Ridge Nephrology, Grace Heights Rehabilitation Center, Fresenius Burke County Dialysis, Carolinas Medical Transplant Center, Burke Pharmacy, Medical Transportation, Inc., Blue Ridge Home Health, Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Morganton Service League, and the Serendipity Sunday School Class and office staff at First Baptist Church of Morganton.

Mary Smith Reep, 83, of Reep St. in Glen Alpine, NC died Monday, April 20, 2009 at Grace Hospital. She was born April 15, 1926 in Mecklenburg Co., and was the daughter of the late Allen B. and Maybelle Brown Smith. Mary was a member of the Glen Alpine United Methodist Church. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Appalachian State University, and then received her Master of Arts degree in Counseling with certifications in Math, Physical Education, and English. Mary was a teacher in the Burke County School System for 40 years, and was the first counselor at Freedom High School. She took great pleasure in writing poetry and was a published poet.

Surviving are her husband of 59 years, W. C. Reep of the home; sons,Tom Reep and wife, Elizabeth R. Reep, of Morganton, and Allen Reep of Raleigh, NC; a grandson, Hunter Reep of Raleigh; and a sister, Helen Smith Korbler of Charlotte, NC.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 22, 2009 at the Glen Alpine Cemetery with the memorial service immediately following in Glen Alpine United Methodist Church. Rev. David Duncan will be officiating at the services. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall following the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Glen Alpine United Methodist Church Education Building Fund, PO Box 576, Glen Alpine, NC 28628, or to a charity of personal choice. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Carrie Ida Mull, 86, of Enola Road, Morganton, NC went to be with Jesus on the morning of Wednesday, April 22, 2009 at Grace Hospital after an extended period of illness. She was the daughter of the late Lenoir and Maggie Shuping Mull.

Carrie was a faithful member of Cross Memorial Baptist Church until a decline in health prevented her from attending any longer in 2007. Ms. Mull is survived by a daughter, Joyce Carswell and her husband, Cecil; a granddaughter, Michelle Nanney; great-grandchildren, Chris Nanney, Jeremy Ledford, Jessica Hallyburton, Erica Hallyburton, and Josh Walton; great-great-grandchildren, Kaylie and Katelyn Nanney; a niece, Judy Smith and her husband, Larry; and a granddaughter-in-law, Crystal Hallyburton.

In addition to her parents, Carrie was preceded in death by a grandson, Scott Hallyburton; sisters, Mildred Smith, Edna Brittain, and Helen Chapman; and a brother, Ned “Toby” Mull.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 25, 2009 at Cross Memorial Baptist Church with the Reverends Jeff Beach and Clyde Buckner officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6:00 until 7:30 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes prior to the funeral hour.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Cross Memorial Baptist Church Food Fund, 650 Enola Road, Morganton, NC 28655.

Edward “Eddie” Grayson Baker, 79, of the J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center (JIRDC), Enola Road, Morganton, NC departed this life on Thursday, April 23, 2009 and is now in the care of our Heavenly Father. Eddie was born on April 8, 1930 in Guilford County, NC to the late Arthur Edward Baker and Lillie Mae Whitener Baker.

He was a resident of the JIRDC since it opened in December of 1963.

He is survived by a brother, Howard Baker and wife, Arlene, of Valdese, NC; a nephew, Richard Baker; nieces, Alice Baker and Joy Baker Cook; and all the wonderful care-givers and volunteers of JIRDC who loved and cared for him.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, April 27, 2009 at the Covenant Center at the JIRDC with Chaplain Johnny Phillips officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center, c/o Evergreen Home, 300 Enola Road, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Bruce Allen Williams, 73, of Williams Wood Drive, Morganton, NC died Thursday, April 23, 2009 at the Burke Hospice Palliative Care Center. Born in Burke County, NC on March 16, 1936, he was the son of the late Horace Richard Williams and Frances Adelaide Carswell Williams. Bruce was a member of Hopewell Baptist Church. He was an avid hunter and marksman, fisherman, and golfer. He loved all sports and had played Industrial League Softball and excelled in football and baseball. Bruce had the Big Cedar Hunting Club for over 35 years. He traveled the world. Bruce served honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. He was plant manager at Inmont for many years and retired from Drexel Heritage.

He is survived by three daughters, Pamela Causby and husband, Leonard, of Morganton, Teresa Shelton of Morganton, and Wanda Glemaud and husband, Muriel, of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; grandchildren, Cara Beth Shelton, Alexa Little, Olivia Causby, Nathan Causby, Christian Glemaud, and Sophia Glemaud; a sister, Jerlene Epley and husband, Harold, of Morganton; sisters-in-law, Barbara Williams and Araminta Williams; a special friend, Gail Waycaster; and a special canine companion, Penny.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Juanita Cooper Williams, and three brothers, Ben Williams, Kenneth Williams, and Max Williams.

The funeral will be held at 5:00 p.m., Monday, April 27, 2009 at Hopewell Baptist Church with Rev. Homer Murdock officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military graveside honors provided by the Table Rock Detachment 1197 of the Marine Corps League. The family will receive friends at the church from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Robert “Lee” Wiseman, 84, of Irish Creek Road, Morganton, NC went to be with his Heavenly Father on Thursday, April 23, 2009 at Grace Hospital. Born in Avery County, NC on November 16, 1924, he was the son of the late Walter Martin Wiseman, Sr. and Sadie Ester Ollis Wiseman. Lee was a member of Linville United Methodist Church. He served with the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII. He was a flight engineer on a B-24 Bomber which flew thirty-five missions over Germany. After the Army he moved to Michigan where he worked for The Edward C. Levy Company for over forty years. While in Michigan, he met his late wife of 49 years, Alvera Maud Tatum Wiseman. Upon his retirement, he moved back home to NC. Lee is survived by his daughter, Leigh Ann W. Johnson and husband, Lance, of New Baltimore, MI; grandchildren, Darian Johnson, Luke Johnson, and Nicklas Lee Johnson; brothers, Clarence Ray Wiseman of Port Charlotte, FL and Joe Henry Wiseman of Ypsilanti, MI; and a special niece and nephew who were always by his side here in Morganton, Denise Vance Corn and Sammy Vance.

In addition to his parents and wife, Lee was preceded in death by two brothers, Fred Linville Wiseman and Walter Martin Wiseman, Jr.

The celebration of Lee’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 2, 2009 at Linville United Methodist Church with Rev. Neal Brantley officiating. Military honors will be provided by Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Linville United Methodist Church, 3625 Fish Hatchery Road, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

John Reid “Bud” Benfield, 88, of Spainhour Rd. in Morganton went to his heavenly home Sunday, April 26, 2009 to be with the Lord. John was a good husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who loved his family. He was a member of Oak Hill United Methodist Church. John served in World War II, and retired from Henredon with 27 years of service. He was a caring man who loved to work in his garden and flower beds. John was born on May 18, 1920 to the late John Manley Benfield and Fanny Mincey Benfield.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Letha Elizabeth Whisnant Benfield; his daughter, Ann Peeler and her husband, Don, of Morganton; granddaughters, Donna Peeler, and Angie Ledford and her husband, Rod, all of Morganton; three great-grandsons whom he adored, Ben, Joe, and Luke Ledford; brothers, Thomas Benfield, Ned Benfield, and Bob Benfield; sisters, Fannie Whisnant and Doris Franklin; many nieces and nephews; and sister-in-laws, Muriel W. Smith, Faye W. McCoy, Vernie W. Chapman and husband, Don Chapman.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by brothers, Paul, Melvin, Ralph “Bubba”, and Ray Benfield; and a sister, Vivian Duckworth.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at Oak Hill United Methodist Church with Rev. Mark Denton and Rev. David Orders officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the Valdese American Legion Post #234 ceremonial team. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the church. At other times, the family will be at the residence. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Oak Hill United Methodist Church Building Fund, 2239 NC 181, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Charles Wayne Whisenant, 68, of Park St., Morganton, NC died Tuesday, April 28, 2009 in Greensboro, NC following a lengthy illness. Born in Burke County, NC on February 20, 1941, Wayne was the son of Ilese Yount Whisenant of Morganton and the late Charles Anderson Whisenant. He was employed as the manager of the former Mimosa Theater until his retirement due to his health, and he was a member of Mull’s Grove Baptist Church.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by a son, Sean P. Whisenant of Morganton; a daughter, Michelle Johnson and her husband, Darrel of Marion; a granddaughter, Andrea Johnson; sisters, Mary Ann Carswell and her husband, Ted, and Faye Noles; his former wife and the mother of his children, Regina Clay, all of Morganton; a niece, Teresa Massey; nephews, Brian Carswell and David Noles; and great nieces and nephews, Jake Baker, Haven Massey, Olivia Noles and Natalie Carswell.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, May 1, 2009 at Mull’s Grove Baptist Church with Brother Bud Jernigan, Rev. Allan Barlow and Rev. Scott Moneyham officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the funeral. At other times the family will be at the home of his mother, Ilese Whisenant, 104 Pony St., Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Mull’s Grove Baptist Church, 5106 Burkemont Rd., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.