David Mack Baker, 66, of Oakland Ave., Drexel, died Wednesday, September 2, 2009. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday, September 3, 2009 at Drexel Memorial Park.

Aileen Buchanan McCleary, 81, of Wilbur Newton Street, Morganton, NC died Wednesday, September 2, 2009 at Grace Hospital. Born in Mercer County, WV on April 23, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Vance Bryant Buchanan and Bonnie Rae Austin Jaynes. Aileen was a member of the First Assembly of God where she taught Sunday School. A people person, Aileen never met a stranger. She would stand in for her husband when he was unable to preach. Always thinking of others, she gave to others without asking for anything. She was a true minister of “the word.”

She is survived by her son, Elwood “Woody” McCleary, Jr. of Morganton; a daughter, Shirley Diane Irvine, Ph.D., and husband, David, of Austin, TX; sisters, Lorene Elizabeth Fox (Aileen’s twin) of Morganton, Joyce Molly Stephenson of Franklin, NC, Shirley Luanne Payne of Ahseville, NC, and Betty Ray Abee of Lenoir, NC; grandchildren, Timothy Allen McCleary and Elizabeth Anne Brammer, Esq. and husband, Dr. Matthew Brammer; step-grandchildren, Brian Drake, Michael Drake, Kimberly Kimball, and Anna Lee Drake; Elizabeth’s father, David Goble; and Timothy’s mother, Renee Morelli.

In addition to her parents, Aileen was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Elwood McCleary, and two brothers, Billy Ray Buchanan and James Walter Buchanan.

The Celebration of Aileen’s Life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, September 5, 2009 at First Assembly of God with Rev. Daniel Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Aileen McCleary Memorial Fund, c/o First Assembly of God, 1955 Hwy 70 East, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Thomas Gross Waters, Jr. 79, loving husband, beloved father, and cherished grandfather of North Anderson St., Morganton passed away at his home Thursday, September 3, 2009. He was born in Savannah, Georgia on December 17, 1929 to the late Thomas Gross Waters Sr. and Nell Farr Waters. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a sister, Gladys Phillips of Savannah Ga. and a granddaughter, Ashley McCurry of Morganton.

When Gross was an infant, his father was crippled in a railroad accident at the age of 23, so Gross, the ever doting and attentive son, was always his father's legs. As a young boy, he worked 12 hours each night in Henry Gaston's Ice Plant along with delivering The News Herald, and later worked on the truck that delivered ice across Western Burke County. Even earlier he bought groceries, sold chances on punchboards, and did chores for neighbors to help support his family.

Gross attended Morganton City Schools and at the age of 17, joined the U.S. Naval Air Force where he served for 3 years in Olathe, Kansas as an Airman Apprentice. An Honorable Discharge from the Navy led him back to Morganton and then to 3rd shift work at Huffman Mills for 8 years which was work he truly enjoyed.

Gross met his sweetheart Martha in 7th grade and they married December 29, 1949. This year marks their 60th year together.

In 1958, at the urging of his father-in-law, R.L. Patton, he entered Lenoir Rhyne College and received a B. S. Degree in Economics, completing the 4 year program in just 2 1/2 years. He began his career with Burlington Mills as a Cost Accountant, then spent the next 5 years continuing his education in New York and Atlanta while working with Alba Waldensian as a Computer Programmer and Systems Analyst, all at a time when computers were in their infancy. Even though many business opportunities presented themselves over the years, Gross and Martha chose to stay close to home, put family before financial gain, and looked after their aging parents. Gross continued working in the textile industry with Wamsutta Mills, D.H.J. and Delta Woodside. He retired in 1993 but his love of numbers never waned as Suduko became a favorite pastime, and he continued to prepare taxes for many people.

After retirement, Gross spent much of his time at his son Tommy's body shop, tending his father's grapevines, e-mailing friends and family, and following his beloved Yankees...a lifelong passion. Along with the N.Y. Yankees, Boston Celtics, and L.A. Raiders, grocery shopping was also a "sport" he enjoyed, searching every store in town on Saturday morning to find the best value and anything Martha or his grand-children might enjoy. He was always available to run errands or provide transportation to anyone in need, especially his son Joe who had many late night flights. Gross, at a moments notice, would dash off to Charlotte or Greenville to pick him up.

Surviving in addition to his adoring wife, Martha Patton Waters, are 3 children, 11 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren: Thomas Gross "Tommy" Waters III and wife, Marylin of Morganton and their children, Tabatha Probst and fiancé, Robert "Sport" Beyers of Jacksonville, FL, David Probst and wife, Amy of Crestview, FL., Matthew Waters and wife, Katie of Charlotte, NC, Mandi"Shell Bell" and Megan Waters, Nicholas "Bubba" and Sarah Michaela "Baby" Evitt all of Morganton; Ruth Elizabeth Waters of Knoxville, TN; Joseph David "Joe" Waters and wife, Kirsten and their children, Savannah, Joey, Abby, and Henry Waters all of Morganton; and great grandchildren, Brendan and Landon Probst and Caroline Beyers...TSOM...

A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m., Monday, September 7, 2009 at The First Baptist Church, Morganton with Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. officiating. The family will receive friends in the church parlor for one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to The First Baptist Church, P. O. Drawer 459, Morganton, NC 28680-0459, Burke Mission Station, P. O. Box 642, Morganton, NC 28680-0642, or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., who guided the family on his journey home, 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

Larry A. Seagle, 58, died Saturday, September 5, 2009 at Morganton Long Term Care. Larry was born April 29, 1951 in Burke County to the late Vonsie Seagle and Grace Fox Seagle. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and an Air Force veteran.

Larry is survived by his daughters, Sandi Smith and her husband, Derek of Bostic, and Tawna White and her husband, Eric of Jacksonville, NC; grandchildren, Tiffany Smith, Dustin Smith, Zachary White and Benjamin White; sister, Susie Willis and her husband, Jerry of Morganton; nieces, Amy Ceragioli and April Whisnant; and great niece and nephew, Megan and Caleb Ceragioli.

A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at Forest Hill Cemetery with the Rev. Jerry Willis officiating. At other times the family will be at the home of his sister Susie Willis, 4133 Plantation Dr., Morganton, NC.

Charles “Ed” Johnson, 68, of Watershed Rd. in Morganton went home to be with his Lord on Monday, September 7, 2009 at his residence following an extended illness. He was born April 14, 1941 in Burke County, NC, and was a son of the late Daniel Tipton Johnson and Bertha Bradshaw Johnson. Ed was a faithful Christian and active member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church where he had served as a Deacon and on the Building and Grounds Committee. He was a member of the Enola Fire Department, and a retired employee of Wilkie Construction with over 28 years of service.

A loving husband, father, and grandpa, Ed is survived by his wife of 45 years, Brenda Chapman Johnson of the home; sons, Keith Johnson and wife, Patricia, and Eddie Johnson, all of Morganton; granddaughters, Brianna and Ashley Johnson; great-granddaughters, Destinee and Hunter Johnson; a brother, Bill Johnson of Jacksonville, FL; and a sister, Mary Carson of Cleveland, TN.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Luther, Lee Ernest, and Julius Johnson; and sisters, Ray Berry and Dixie Robertson. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 10, 2009 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Larry Cline officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes before the funeral hour. At other times, the family will be at the residence. Memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 2396 Enola Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.

Olive “Snooky” Baker, 73, of Windy Hill Hollow, Morganton, died Monday, September 7, 2009. She was born October 15, 1935 in Bryan County, OK to the late Oris Anderson and Marjory Horton Anderson. Olive was a retired employee of JOBST and a member of the ladies auxiliary of the VFW. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a brother, James Anderson.

Olive is survived by her husband, Donald Gus Baker; sons, Robert Kert of Toledo, OH and William Kert of Hutchinson, KS; daughter, Joan Drill of Ohio; and step-sons, Donald Baker, Jr. of Burney, CA and Ronald Baker of Sacramento, CA; 6 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

A crypt side service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 11, 2009 at Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum with Rev. Kenneth Whittington officiating.

Helen McMahan Smith, 80, of Up The Creek Road, Morganton, NC, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at Grace Hospital. Born in Marion County, VA on December 5, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Samuel Grant McMahan and Lydia Twiggs McMahan. Helen was a member of Smyrna Baptist Church.

A loving wife, mother, and grandmother, she is survived by her husband, Clarence Smith of the home; children, John Smith and wife, Kathy, of Morganton, Pete Smith and wife, Linda, of Surfside, SC, Sharon Norman and husband, Keith, of Morganton, Rebecca Massie and husband, Kevin, of Waynesville, NC, Gena Epley and husband, Roy, of Jacksonville, NC, and Sam Smith and wife, Robin, of Lenoir, NC; a brother, Jim McMahan of Morganton; thirteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by a daughter, Karen Smith; a brother, Ed McMahan; and two sisters, Georgia Tourchette and Viola Davis.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 12, 2009 at Smyrna Baptist Church with Rev. Issac Propst officiating. Burial will follow in Hemphill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes prior to the funeral hour. Memorial contributions may be made to Smyrna Baptist Church, 3500 Brown Mountain Beach Road, Morganton, NC 28655.

Ione Smith Speagle, 77, of Grover Beaver Rd. in Morganton died Thursday, September 10, 2009 at Britthaven of Morganton following a period of declining health. She was born December 20, 1931 in Burke Co. and was a daughter of the late Ernest H. Smith and Mary Duckworth Smith. Ione attended Conley Road Pentecostal Holiness Church. She was a retired employee of Alba-Waldensian, and then worked for Direct Care where Ione gave companionship and friendship to others in need. She was an avid Bingo player where she spent many Friday evenings among friends.

Ione is survived by a son, David Smith and wife, Kay of Glen Alpine; grandchildren, Allen Smith and Christie Kirby of Glen Alpine, Chris Smith and husband, Chris Curry, Joe Speagle, and Anthony Mull, all of Morganton; great-grandchildren, Caleb Smith, Eric Smith, Casey Smith, Ocyona Brown, and Marek Curry; brothers, Richard Smith of Morganton, and Stephen Smith of Nebo; sisters, Helen Gwyn and Donna Costner, both of Morganton, and Arlene Mayfield of Glen Alpine; and many special friends through the years, Eloise Berry, J. D. Shook, Edna McGalliard, Dorothy Speagle, Lillian Deal, and her hairdresser, Betty Boyd; many friends at Ralph’s Bingo; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband of 22 years, Lester “Two Spot” Mull; her second husband, Carl Junior Speagle; an adopted son, Ronald Keith Mull; sisters, Louise Smith Roper and Joann Smith Bollinger; an infant sister, Doris Smith; and an infant brother, Earnest Smith, Jr.

Funeral services will be held at 4:30 p.m., Sunday, September 13, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Paul Speagle officiating. Burial will follow in Conley Road Pentecostal Holiness Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday from 3:00 until 4:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Doris L. Whisnant, 82, of Coopers Loop, Morganton, NC was called home by her Lord on Friday, September 11, 2009 at Grace Hospital following an extended illness. Born in Davidson County, NC on November 20, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Leon Lamb and Flossie Hartley Lamb. Doris was a faithful member of Mount Home Baptist Church. She retired from Belk Department Store after thirty-five years. Most recently she proudly worked at Chic-Fil-A in Morganton.

Doris is survived by her husband of 66 years, Rev. Billy Rhyne Whisnant of the home; a daughter, Shirley Snipes and husband, Travis, of Morganton; grandchildren, Brandi Behlke and husband, Rein, Kirk Franklin and wife, Cheryl, Rhonda Lee and husband, David, and Justin Snipes and wife, Brandy; great-grandchildren, Emma, Deacon, Derek, Lauren, Kristen, Rylan, and Brooks; a brother, Tommy Lambe; and sisters, Della Morgan and Peggy Justus.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her son, Michael Rhyne Whisnant; an infant daughter, Diane Whisnant; and a brother, Lee Junior Lambe.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, September 14, 2009 at Mount Home Baptist Church with Rev. Jerry Gamble officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial park. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 4:30 until 6:30 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes prior to the funeral hour. At other times the family will be at the home of Rev. Billy Whisnant. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mount Home Baptist Church Graceful Giving Fund, 2272 Mt. Home Church Road, Morganton, NC 28655.

Durward Eugene Clarke passed from this world to a better one on Saturday, September 12. He had been in declining health for several years but lived life fully until the end. He was born and raised in the Chesterfield community. He was a son of the late J.J. and Elizabeth Arney Clarke. He graduated from Morganton High School in 1945 and from Clevenger’s Business College. During World War II he served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was stationed with the Marine Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

After leaving the Marine Corps he was a manager at the Morganton Hosiery Mill for several months before joining the First National Bank which later merged with Wachovia Bank. He began as a teller, then became manager of the time payment department, and ended his career as an assistant vice president and loan lending officer. He retired in June 1992 after 45 years of service to the bank.

He lived by the philosophy, “To those whom much is given, much is expected”. He spent his life giving back to the community that he loved. He was a life member of the Morganton Jaycees which he served as president in 1964. He received the state Jaycee award as the most outstanding local president. In 1964 he became the state treasurer for the North Carolina Jaycees. One position that he held dear was being business manager for Janice Barron, who represented Morganton and became “Miss North Carolina” in 1963.

He was a past member of the executive committee and longtime treasurer of the Burke County Republican Party. Last year he was inducted into the North Carolina Republican Party’s Hall of Fame. He was also a life member of the Morganton Moose Lodge and held the Pilgrim degree, the highest honor in the Moose fraternity. Always the banker, he served on the board of directors and was a past treasurer of the Burke County unit of the American Heart Association, the Morganton Community Concert, the Western North Carolina Ministry to the Deaf, and the Western Piedmont Home Builders Association. He also had served as the county finance chairman for the Piedmont Boy Scout Council, president and director of the Morganton Merchants Association and treasurer of the Burke County United Way and the Grace Hospital Baby Monitor Fund.

Until his death, he continued to serve on the Board of Directors of the Burke County Fair Association and handled ticket sales for over 30 years. He was a third generation member of Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church in Chesterfield where he served for many years as chairman of the administrative board and taught the Adult Sunday school class.

Mr. Clarke was an active member of the American Legion Post 21 for at least 45 years, and served as the Athletic Director of the Post for 6 to 8 years. He was in charge of ticket sales at the baseball games for approximately 10 years. Additionally, Mr. Clarke was in charge of ticket sales for the old professional Morganton Aggies Team for approximately 5 years.

He is survived by his wife, the former Rebecca Hilliard of the home, his daughter, Valerie Clarke Kuentzel and her husband, Dr. Walt Kuentzel of South Burlington, V.T., and his step-daughters Martha Moore and her husband, Sven Borgersen of Rocky Hill, N.J. ; Mary Moore Cantrell and her husband, Terry Cantrell of Greenville, S.C.; Sheree Moore Winslow and her husband, Scott Winslow of Belvedere, N.C. and his 5 grandchildren: Ben and Elizabeth Kuentzel, Zachary and Conley Winslow and Hillari Cantrell.

He also is survived by his brother, Donald Clarke and his wife, Elizabeth, of Morganton, his nieces and his grand nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed not only by his family, but by the hundreds of friends that filled his life with happiness.

Many heartfelt thanks are extended to his care providers, Sandy Tallent, Tammy Wilson and Sheryl Hoyle. The family also wishes to thank Carolina Rehabilitation Center, Autumn Care and Burke County Hospice and Palliative Care for the contributions they made to his physical care and his sense of dignity.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church with Reverends George Williams and Larry Fletcher officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors provided by the Marine Corps League Table Rock Detachment #1197. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes prior to the funeral hour.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, 2626 Pax Hill Road, Morganton, NC 28655.

McKinley E. Earwood, 79, of Morganton went to be with the Lord on Monday, September 14, 2009. Born on June 23, 1930, he was the son of the late Obie and Ada Earwood. McKinley owned and operated a sawmill/timber business for 30 years. Upon his retirement in 1988, he enjoyed gardening, growing fruit trees, and selling produce at the local farmer’s market. McKinley attended Gibbs Chapel Wesleyan Church where he taught the Adult Men’s Sunday school class for 50 years. His Christian walk was a testament of his love for the Lord. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Mildred Earwood of the home; children and their spouses, Mike and Lois Earwood of Cherry Hill, NJ, James and LaDonna Earwood of Valdese, and Donna and John Jasmin of Aiken, SC; and grandchildren, Mr. and Mrs. John Michael Earwood of Haddon Heights, NJ, Jacob Earwood of Cherry Hill, Jennifer, John Ross, and Jay Jasmin, all of Aiken, and Andrew and Kristen Earwood of Valdese.

In addition to his parents, McKinley was preceded in death by a brother, Conley Earwood who was killed in action during the Korean War.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 18, 2009 at Gibbs Chapel Wesleyan Church with Rev. Roger Brackett and Rev. Dean Lavender officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. At other times, the family will be at the residence, 1415 Conley Rd., Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to South Mountain Retreat and Conference Center, PO Box 500, Caser, NC 28020 or The Gideons International, PO Box 678, Morganton, NC 28680-0678.

Mary Pauline Hoyle Cherry, 81, formerly of Rora Avenue SW, Valdese, NC went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, September 14, 2009 after an extended illness. Born in Burke County, NC on March 21, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Burley Hoyle and Mary Jane Branch Hoyle. A very devoted Christian, she attended several local Baptist churches in the Valdese area until her health began to fail. She was a retired employee of Burke Mills.

Mary is survived by her children, Betty Shoupe of Morganton, NC, Sandra Lowman and husband, Jimmy, of Valdese, and J. B. Cherry of Morganton; six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and a special friend of the family, Charles Roberson.

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Ted Leroy Cherry; brothers, Dan, Jake, Fred, Hamp, and Donald Hoyle; and sister, Mattie, Lucille, Ursula Gibson, and Grace Farris.

The funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, September 17, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Paul Deal officiating. Burial will follow in Glen Alpine Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. At other times the family will be at the home of her daughter, Sandra Lowman, in Valdese. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

Frank H. Carswell, 66, of Salem Rd. in Morganton died unexpectedly Monday, September 14, 2009 at his residence. He was born October 5, 1942 in Burke County, and was a son of the late Elijah Carswell and Bessie Collins Carswell. Frank was a member of Mt. Home Baptist Church, and a retired machine operator from Henredon Furniture with over 20 years of service. He was an avid camper and fisherman, and enjoyed being outdoors.

Frank is survived by a son, Wayne Eric Carswell and wife, Libby Renee, of Whittier, NC; brothers, Paul Carswell of Morganton, and Jim Carswell of Michigan; and sisters, Jessie Hice and Rose Epley, both of Morganton.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Diane K. Carswell; five brothers and one sister.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, September 18, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Mark L. Moody, Mr. Ken Suttles, and Rev. Donnie Dula officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Friday one hour before the service at the funeral home. At other times, the family will be at the residence of Martha Huntley, 108 Poteat St., Morganton, NC 28655.

Vernon Cline, 85, of Mimosa Avenue, Drexel, NC died Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at his residence. Born in Burke County, NC on January 26, 1924, he was the son of the late Joseph Eli Cline and Blanche Ida Walker Cline. Vernon was a member of Drexel Memorial Baptist Church. He was also a member of the Drexel Lion’s Club for numerous years. He loved life to its fullest. He never met a stranger and loved to go and do. Vernon also enjoyed playing his harp.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Dorothy Marie Hale Cline of the home; children, Steve Farmer and wife, Laura, of TN, Richard Cline and wife, Sandy, of Morganton, and Diane Hennessee and husband, Phil, of Morganton; grandchildren, Katie Farmer, Andy Farmer, Nina Cline, McKayla Hennessee, and Mason Hennessee; brothers, Bill Cline, Glen Cline, Ned Cline, and Joe Ben; and four great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Vernon was preceded in death by two sisters, Frances Cline and Barbara Watts; and brothers, Max and Fred Cline.

The funeral will be held at 12:00 p.m., Friday, September 18, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Steve Chapman and Minister Jeff Lovitt. Entombment will follow in Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum with military honors provided by Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour 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.

The family wishes to give a special thanks to Vernon’s caregivers, Kathie Alvarado of Morganton Caregivers, Melba Baker, and all of the staff at Burke Hospice for their loving care.

Agnes “Aggie” Woodard, 86, of Gwaltney Road, Morganton, NC was called home to be with her Lord on Friday, September 18, 2009 at Grace Heights following a brief illness. Born on January 7, 1923 in Burke County, NC, she was the daughter of the late Charles Woodard and Ella Ervin Woodard. Aggie was a member of Table Rock Seventh Day Adventist Church since 1972. She worked on her family farm and worked at Swan Ponds Dairy for several years. She raised several nieces and nephews and also loved animals.

Aggie is survived by her sisters, Charlie Mae Poole and Emily Louise Woodard, both of Morganton; a brother, William Woodard, Sr. of Morganton; nephews, Charles Woodard, Howard Poole, Johnny Woodard, Kevin Woodard, Gary Rutherford, and Barry Rutherford; nieces, Nancy Poole, Kay Shade, Brenda Tugman, Diane Manning, and Barbara Conley; and a host of great-nephews and nieces; and great-great-nephews and nieces.

Aggie was preceded in death by her brother, Troy Woodard; sisters, Laura Michaux and Margaret Crutchfield; a nephew, William Woodard, Jr.; and a niece, Karen Johnson.

The funeral will be held at 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 22, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Elder William Arnett officiating. Burial will follow in Table Rock Seventh Day Adventist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Carolinas Chapter – Charlotte, 7506 East Independence Blvd, Suite 120, Charlotte, NC 28227.

Henry Douglas Neal, of Morganton, died September 18, 2009, at his residence at Grace Ridge. Born in Albemarle on July 20, 1927, he was a son of the late John Clyde Neal and Monte Liles Neal. A U.S. Navy veteran, Doug attended Duke University and was graduated from UNC Chapel Hill. He completed post-graduate work in hospital administration at James Walker Hospital in Wilmington, and served for over 25 years as a hospital administrator.

Doug was a long-time member of Grace Episcopal Church, serving on the vestry and numerous committees. Next to his family, he loved his garden, which brought him much purpose and peace. He also enjoyed reading, antiquing, and travelling.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Jane Spencer Neal; a daughter, Caroline Neal McLester and her husband, Ralph, and two grandsons, Grayson and Kel McLester of Raleigh. He is also survived by a brother, John C. Neal, Jr. and wife, Catherine; a sister, Mary Frances Gilmore and husband, Jimmy; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, September 22, at 2:30 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church with the Reverend Bruce Walker officiating. The family will receive friends in the Parish House immediately following the service. Private entombment will be in the Grace Episcopal Church Memorial Garden.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Grace Episcopal Church Endowment Fund, 303 S. King Street, Morganton, NC 28655 or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Louise Hallyburton Jones of 208 Park Street, Morganton passed away September 19, 2009 while a patient at Grace Heights Nursing Home.

Mrs. Jones was born June 4, 1912 in Burke County and was the eldest child of the late Thomas Daniel Hallyburton and Estelle Whisenant Hallyburton. She was the wife of the late Arthur Howard Jones who died May 7, 1983.

She is survived by her son, William Warren Jones and his wife, Kay, grandsons William Edward (Ted) Jones and his wife Lora, Thomas Daniel Jones and his wife Gaye, and David Gordon Jones and his wife Ginger.

Her grandson, James Allen (Jay) Jones preceded her in death.

She is survived by great-grandchildren Daniel Jennings Jones, Drew Thomas Jones, Morgan Elizabeth Jones, Spencer Allen Jones and Savannah Leigh Jones. Surviving also is her sister, Mabel Hallyburton Owens.

Mrs. Jones was preceded in death by sisters Pauline H. Houck, Glenn H. Hensley and brothers Joseph Benjamin Hallyburton, Thomas Edward Hallyburton and Billy Hallyburton. Mrs. Jones was a member of North Morganton United Methodist Church and was sustained by her strong religious faith. Her personal Bible had notations indicating that she had read it in its’ entirety as many as eighteen times beginning in 1983.

Mrs. Jones came to adulthood at the peak of the Great Depression, an event which had an effect on her entire life. Hard work, frugality and self-sufficiency marked her approach to life. She loved nature and received joy and satisfaction from her flower and vegetable gardens.

One of her greatest gifts was her unwavering belief in and support of her son.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, September 20, 2009 at Burke Memorial Park with Rev. Neill Shaw officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Ralph “Max” Davis, 88, of Jamestown Road, Morganton, NC passed from this Earth to his Heavenly Home on Sunday, September 20, 2009 at Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care in Lenoir, NC. Born on McDowell County, NC on April 26, 1921, he was the son of the late Phifer Davis and Roena Coe Davis. Max was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and had worked at Henredon Furniture Company for 40 years.

He is survived by his daughter, Anita Peterkin and her husband, Tom, of Hudson, NC; grandchildren, Steve Peterkin D. Peterkin and wife, Ericia, Max Peterkin, and Elizabeth Peterkin; and six great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Max was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Azalee Franklin Davis, and a sister, Grace Davis Rudisill.

A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Monday, September 21, 2009 at Burke Memorial Park with Rev. Larry Thompson officiating. Military honors will be provided by Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends at the cemetery following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 902 Kirkwood St., NW, Lenoir, NC 28645. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Carl Curtis Dansereau, 62, of Collett St. in Morganton died Wednesday, Sep. 23, 2009 at Grace Hospital. He was born December 11, 1946 in Burke County, and was a son of the late Homer and Ruby Beach Dansereau. Carl was a US Navy veteran, and he attended Catawba Valley Baptist Church.

Carl is survived by a sister, Julia Angela Cassidy of Phoenix, MD.

A memorial service will be held at 10 am, Friday, Oct. 16, 2009 at Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain, NC with Rev. Melba Banks officiating. The Buncombe County Veterans Ceremonial team will provide military rites. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Annie Price Reese, 84, of Reese Store Ave., Morganton, NC went to her Heavenly Home on Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at Autumn Care of Drexel following a period of declining health. Born in Madison County, NC on November 18, 1924, she was the daughter of the late Buren Price and Jeta Deaver Price. Annie was a faithful member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church and was very proud of her Senior Adult Ladies Sunday School Class. She retired from Drexel Furniture Company after working in plants 3 and 5 for over twenty years.

She is survived by her sons, Gary D. Reese and wife, Thelma, and Jerry D. Reese and wife, Polly, all of Morganton; a daughter, Margaret Ann Houck and husband, Jim, of Fletcher, NC; grandchildren, David Lee, Michelle, Jeff, and Karen; six great-grandchildren; and a sister, Grace Hyde, and husband, Jack, of East Flat Rock, NC.

In addition to her parents, Annie was preceded in death by her husband, Cornelius B. Reece; a brother, Hilliard Price; and her life-long friend, Pearl Reese.

The funeral will be held at 5:00 p.m, Friday, September 25, 2009 at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church with Rev. Dewey Thomas officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1159, Morganton, NC 28680 or to the Chapel Fund at Autumn Care, P.O. Box 1278, Morganton, NC 28680. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Edward McCoy Whisenant, 84, of Burkemont Avenue, Morganton, NC died Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at the Burke Palliative Care Center following a brief illness. Born in Burke County, NC on January 30, 1925, he was the son of the late Williams S. “Dick” Whisenant and Mamie Secrest Whisenant. Edward was a lifelong member of Burkemont Baptist Church and was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII. Following 44 years of employment, he retired from Drexel-Heritage Furnishings where he was superintendant of the chair plant.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Burke Hospice for their compassionate and professional care during this difficult time.

Edward is survived by his wife of 61 years, Irene Haskins Whisenant of the home; daughters, Janice Whisenant Barrier and husband, Jack, and Susan Renee Whisenant and fiancée, David R. Griffin, all of Morganton; brothers, Gene and Irvin Whisenant, both of Morganton; sisters, Betty Cline, Katherine Smith Rector, and Margaret Smith, all of Morganton; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Edward was preceded in death by brothers, Dickie and Bennett Whisenant.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, September 26, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Dennis Carswell officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park with military graveside rites provided by Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

Kenneth Brett Anderson, 38, of North Anderson Street, Morganton, NC died Wednesday, September 23, 2009. Born in Guilford County, NC on April 27, 1971, he was the son of Ken and Toni Anderson of Morganton. Brett never met a stranger. He was an avid sports fan, loved life, and loved to have fun. He was devoted to his family, friends, and his dog, Jordan. Brett was a 1989 graduate of Freedom High School. For the past several years he lived in Raleigh and was manager of Vinnie’s Steakhouse.

In addition to his parents, Brett is survived by his sisters, Dana Anderson Thomas and Paige Anderson, both of Morganton; grandparents, Ken and Eileen Anderson of Wadena, MN and Nancy and Wiley Sholar of Bermuda Run, NC; an uncle, Craig Souza of Raleigh; a nephew, Maxwell Anderson Thomas of Morganton; and three cousins, Jennifer Souza Shimer of Fairfax, VA, Kim Anderson Lyons of Brookfield, IL, and Kristen Hedderly Souza of Raleigh.

Brett was preceded in death by his grandfather, James R. Souza, and an uncle, Michael Wayne Anderson.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, September 27, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. prior to the service. At other times the family will be at 130 Murphy Court, Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lineberger Cancer Institute, Head and Neck Cancer Center, c/o Dr. David N. Hayes, 101 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 or to Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658.

Rufus Woodrow Singleton, 92, of Morganton, NC died Thursday, September 24, 2009 at the Charles Davant Extended Care Facility at Blowing Rock Hospital. Born in Burke County, NC on June 7, 1917, he was the son of the late Rufus Harper Singleton and Alice Lowdermilk Singleton. Rufus was a member of Pleasant View Baptist Church for 72 years and sang in the choir for the majority of that time. He also sang bass in several gospel quartets and was the host of a Sunday morning gospel music radio show at WMNC for more than 20 years. As a young man he worked at the Morganton Full Fashion Hosiery Mill. During WWII he left his young family to build ships in the harbor of Baltimore, MD.

Mr. Singleton was the founder and president of Craftsmen Insulators, a home improvement company in the Burke County area. He worked on a great many homes in the community. While singing was his favorite hobby, he loved to fish, hunt, and spend time in his fishing boat on Sunday afternoons. Though he experienced a great deal of tragedy and suffering in his life, he remained hopeful and of good cheer and trusted Christ for his eternal destination. He will be missed by his remaining children.

Rufus is survived by his son, Tim Singleton and wife, Robin, of Morganton; daughters, Annette Brinkley and husband, Tim, of Drexel, NC and Alice Salthouse and husband, Curt, of Boone, NC; a sister, Betty Waters Allen; 18 grandchildren, a number of great-grandchildren, and a few great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Rufus was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Helen Annas Singleton; sons, Jay Alan Singleton, Gary Winfield Singleton, Ronald Woodrow Singleton, and Dean Andrew Singleton; and sisters, Florence Golightly, Macie Whisnant, Della Harris, Emma Shirley, Elma Smith, Jessie Moses, and Lois Glenn.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 26, 2009 at Pleasant View Baptist Church with Rev. Burt Wilbur officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the funeral. Memorial contributions may be made to Montreat Presbyterian Church, c/o L.O.T. Ministries, P.O. Box 229, Montreat, NC 28757 or to Pleasant View Baptist Church, 1834 Highway 70 East, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Judy Ann Lindsay, 62, of Hilltop Street, Morganton, NC, died unexpectedly Thursday, September 24, 2009 at her residence. Born in Burke County, NC on January 6, 1947, she was the daughter of Hazel Dale Lindsay of Morganton and the late William Marvin Lindsay. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and graduated from Morganton High School in 1965. Judy was a charter member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, an International Service Organization. She was a devoted, active member for 43 years, served in all capacities of the sorority, and received many awards. Judy received the highest degree awarded to a member, the Preceptor Degree.

In addition to her mother, Judy is survived by her nephews, Corey Leonard and Jake Lee Leonard, both of Morganton; a great-niece, Raven Dayne Leonard of Morganton; a brother-in-law, David Leonard of Morganton; a God-daughter, Katie Wellmon Sessions of Conway, SC; numerous cousins, and an aunt.

In addition to her father, Judy was preceded in death by a sister, Betsy Leonard.

A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, September 27, 2009 at Forest Hill Cemetery with Rev. Michael Bailey officiating. The family will receive friends in the cemetery following the service. At other times the family will be at the residence. Memorial contributions may be made to the Judy Ann Lindsay Memorial Fund, Beta Sigma Phi, c/o Sue Hipps, 315 Golf Course Road, Apt. 506, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Jessie Tyler “Jet” Norton, 17 of Rabbit Ridge Rd., Morganton, NC died Saturday, September 26, 2009 at Grace Hospital as a result of injuries received in an automobile accident which also took the life of his cousin, Brandon Thomas. Born April 6, 1992 in Burke County, NC, he was a son of Jessie J. and Christy Johnson Norton of the home. Jet was a student at Freedom High School where he was a member of the wrestling team. He loved playing in the mud, talking on his cell phone, and working on building projects. He was a member of Muddy Creek Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, Jet is survived by brothers, Zachery Norton and his wife, Tabitha of Rhodhiss, Aron, Nicholas, and Max Norton all of the home; a sister, Amanda Waycaster and her husband, Joshua of Morganton; maternal grandparents, Carson and Katherine Johnson of Valdese; paternal grandparents, Andy and Iva Norton of Morganton; and a number of Uncles, Aunts, Cousins, Nephews, and Nieces.

The funeral will be held at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at Muddy Creek Baptist Church with the Reverends Daniel McMahan, Kenneth Shew, and Billy Bollinger officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday. At other times the family will be at the home, 3183 Rabbit Ridge Rd., Morganton, NC. In order to assist with funeral expenses, memorial gifts may be made to Sossoman Funeral Home.

Minnie Mae Davis, 77, of Smawley Ave. in Morganton died Saturday, September 26, 2009 at Sunrise Nursing Rehab Center in Nebo, NC following a period of declining health. She was born August 7, 1932 in Wilkes County, and was a daughter of the late Joe Rhodes and Rachel Mills Rhodes.

She is survived by sisters, Nancy Hawkins and husband, Charles, and Elizabeth Rhodes, all of Morganton; a special niece, Sandra Presnell of Morganton, and her children, Daniel Presnell and Crystal Frady; and numerous other nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Howard M. Davis; and a sister, Millie Ketchum.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 29, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Paul White officiating. Burial will follow at Faith Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday from 7:00 until 8:30 pm at the funeral home. At other times, the family will be at the residence, 5142 Smawley Avenue, Morganton.

Paul Edwin “Buzz” Clark, 73 of Morris Loop, Morganton, NC died Monday, September 28, 2009 at his residence following a period of declining health. Born June 11, 1936 in Burke County, NC, he was a son of the late Clingman Postell Clark and Annie Katherine Byrd Clark. Buzz loved the Lord and was a member of Westview Baptist Church. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and he enjoyed restoring antique cars. He was devoted to his family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Matthew Curry; a brother, Robert Clark; and a sister, Mary Ella Clark Erb.

Surviving are his wife, Glennis Blalock Clark of the home; a son, Dennis Clark and his wife, Jackie of Morganton; daughters, Kathy Clark Franklin and her husband, Joe, Susan Clark Curry and her husband, Bill all of Union Mills, NC, and Glenda Clark Hayes and her husband, Todd of Hickory, NC; grandchildren, Morgan Hayes, Jordan Hayes, Bradley Jones, Brandi Berry, Travis Jones, and Brent Curry; great grandchildren, Chase and Emily Duckworth, Dylan Jones, Braydon and Holden Curry; a brother, Derrill Clark of Morganton; and a sister, Maxine Clark Taylor of Morganton.

A graveside service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at Denton’s Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Alan Wilson officiating. The family will receive friends in the church sanctuary for one hour before the service. At other times the family will be at the home, 5600 Morris Loop, Morganton. Memorial gifts may be made to Denton’s Chapel United Methodist Church Building Fund, 5358 Denton’s Chapel Rd., Morganton, NC 28655, to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690, or to Cane Creek Baptist Church, 6871 U.S. Hwy. 64, Union Mills, NC 28167. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Jerry Wayne Cannon, 67, of Trinity Church Rd. in Valdese died Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at Valdese General Hospital following a period of declining health. He was born July 21, 1942 in Burke County, NC, and was a son of the late William McKinley Cannon and Cecile Rhodes Cannon. Wayne was an active member of Christ United Methodist Church. In 1964, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Appalachian State Teachers College. Wayne was a former President of AIIE (American Institute of Industrial Engineers), and worked as an industrial engineer at Hanes, Shadowline, Tanner-Doncaster, and Alba Waldensian. He was recently employed as Community Production Coordinator at Western Regional Vocational Rehab.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Mahala Powell Cannon of the home; daughters and their husbands, Tamara Joan and Darrell Biddix of Pawleys Island, SC, and Natalie Shea and David Secrest of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, Brittany Shea Crump, Austin Wayne Couch, and Madison Hope Biddix; and brothers and their wives, Jimmy and Sylvia Cannon and Ray and Dorris Cannon, all of Lenoir, NC.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, October 2, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Martha Buff Welch and Rev. John Barnes officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Friday from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Christ United Methodist Church, PO Box 38, Drexel, NC 28619 or to the Cancer Center at Blue Ridge Healthcare, 720 Malcolm Blvd., Valdese, NC 28690.

Frances Tallent Carpenter, 86, of Enola Road, Morganton, NC died Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at Autumn Care of Drexel, NC. Born on October 11, 1922 in Burke County, NC, she was the daughter of the late Peter White Tallent and Bessie Jane Hudson Tallent. She was a former employee of Morganton Full Fashion Hosiery and was a retired employee of Servomation Vending. When she worked for Servomation she worked in the canteens at Premier, Highlander, Ltd., and Western Piedmont Community College. She was a very active, lifelong member of Mt. Home Baptist Church where she was a member of the W.M.U. and served on numerous church committees.

Frances is survived by her son, Rex Y. Carpenter and wife, Nina L., of Morganton; a daughter, Margaret Carpenter Norman of Morganton; grandsons, Josh and Matt Norman; a great-granddaughter, Sahara Norman; brother, Clyde Tallent, Alton Tallent and wife, Mary, of Morganton, and Cecil Tallent and wife, Judy, of Morganton; a sister, Hazel Dennehy and husband, Edward, of Margate, FL; and a number of nephews and nieces.

In addition to her parents, Frances was preceded in death by her husband, N. Yates Carpenter; brother, Thad and Forrest Tallent; and a son-in-law, Daniel Norman.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 2, 2009 at Mt. Home Baptist Church with Rev. Jerry Gamble 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 the Mt. Home Baptist Church Building Fund, 2272 Mt. Home Church Road, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Willie Causby Beaver, 79, of Grover Beaver St., Morganton died Tuesday, September 29, 2009. She was born May 27, 1930 in Rutherford County, NC, and was a daughter of the late William Otis Causby and Buelah Evans Causby. Willie loved socializing with the staff and other residents at Autumn Care. The family would like to express special thanks to the staff of Autumn Care of Marion and to McDowell Hospital for the compassionate care given to their mother. Willie was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

She is survived by a son, Paul Beaver and companion, Star Lackey of Morganton; daughters, Cathy Davis and husband, Denver of Nebo, Mary Hardin, and Trudy Bills and husband, Greg, all of Morganton; nine grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Willie was preceded in death by her husband, Grover Lee Beaver; son, Jack Beaver; daughters, Willie Lee Beaver and Paula Beaver; brother, Fred Causby; and sisters, Bessie Causby, Mattie Causby, Bertha Mayfield, and Viola Smalley.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 2, 2009 at McDowell Independent Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dennis Carswell and Rev. Denver Davis officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Friday one hour before the service at the church. At other times, the family will be at the residence of Trudy and Greg Bills. Memorial contributions may be made to Autumn Care of Marion Activity Fund, PO Box 339, Marion, NC 28752, or to McDowell Independent Presbyterian Church, 4950 McDowell Church Rd, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Ann Hackney, 54, of Mimosa Ave, Drexel, NC died Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at Valdese General Hospital. Born in Baltimore, MD on July 3, 1955, she was the daughter of the late Herman Clemons and Agnes Irene Marshall Clemons. Ann was a member of Grace and Truth Church.

She is survived by her husband, Dewey C. Regan of the home; sons, Thoyt “Sonny” Hackney of Baltimore, Billy Shiffett of Baltimore, and Jason Howard of Connelly Springs, NC; a daughter, Melissa Butrim of Baltimore; and eight brothers and sisters.

The funeral will be held at 12:00 p.m., Friday, October 2, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Clyde Sherman officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.

Frank Jameson Wallis III, 79, of 500 Lenoir Rd, Apt. 439, passed away Wednesday, September 30, 2009. He is survived by his wife Mildred Steele Wallis; his son, Frank Shue and wife, Pam and their sons, Will and Jamie of Sidney, OH; his daughter, Melissa and her daughters, Skye and Erin of Raleigh, NC; his son, Charles of Brevard, NC; his son, Tom and partner, Maria Pramaggiore of Raleigh, NC; and his sisters, Jeanne Wallis Kirker of Harrisburg, PA and Virginia Wallis Klaer of Atlanta, GA, and their families.

Frank was born on October 20, 1929 in Harrisburg PA, to the late Frank J. “Pinky” Wallis and Rosanna McConnell “Rosie” Wallis. After spending a few years of his childhood moving about the country while his father served in the military, Frank and his family settled permanently in Harrisburg. Frank earned his BS in Chemical Engineering from Pennsylvania State College in 1951 and his Masters in Chemical Engineering from the University of Delaware in 1956. In the midst of pursuing his education, Frank answered the call of his country, then embroiled in the Korean War, and volunteered to be drafted into the U.S. Army Chemical Corps, where he served as a Corporal from 1951-53.

As a civilian, Frank pursued a career in chemical engineering spanning 31 years, starting in 1954 with Sun Oil in Marcus Hook, PA. In 1962, Frank’s career brought him to Morganton NC, where he worked for Great Lakes Carbon as a Process Engineer, Technical Superintendent, Production Superintendent, and finally as Plant Manager. In 1985, he retired from industry and let his heart lead him down another career path in education. From 1985-1994, Frank taught Industrial Engineering and Chemistry at Western Piedmont Community College in Morganton.

Though Frank’s work took him well into upper management, his first priority was always his commitment to loved ones. During his 54 years as a dedicated family man, he always balanced his profession with his true calling as doting husband and father of four. Frank and Millie were married on September 24, 1955 and were inseparable thereafter. They celebrated, sang, shopped, volunteered, cooked, dined, studied, traveled, prayed, played, jitterbugged and even tried to disco together. As a father, Frank always supported his children’s passions, and the result was a close-knit family that gave Frank S., Melissa, Charles, and Tom enough space to settle into their own identities. The diversity of their vocations is a testament to the way Frank nurtured their individual talents: Frank S. is an engineer, Melissa is an artist, Charles teaches mathematics, and Tom teaches English and film studies.

Frank also worked tirelessly supporting the community that had given so much to him. He served on the Executive Board of the Morganton Chamber of Commerce; was a member of Burke County’s “Friends of the Library” committee; served as Campaign Chairman for the Burke County United Way; acted as the Secretary and President of the Morganton Kiwanis Club; sat on the board for the Western Piedmont Community College Foundation; and served the Burke County Industrial Bond Authority. Frank was also an active member of Morganton’s First United Methodist Church, where he worked on countless committees and regularly taught Sunday school for the Aldersgate class.

Frank’s commitment to community service is perhaps most apparent in his sustained dedication to the Boy Scouts. As a boy, Frank joined Harrisburg Troop 14 in 1941 and earned his Eagle—the highest rank in scouting—in 1943. He returned in 1955 when he served as an Assistant Scoutmaster for a troop in Swarthmore, PA and, later, in Media, PA. In Morganton, Frank was the Scoutmaster of Troop 189 from 1967 to 1982 and eventually served as District Chairman. Under his guidance, 17 boys in Troop 189 earned their Eagle Scout; 9 attended the Philmont high adventure camp in New Mexico; 5 attended national jamborees; and 2 attended world jamborees. To honor his nearly three decades of exceptional adult leadership, the Piedmont Council awarded him the prestigious Silver Beaver Award in 1982.

Friends and family will also remember his inquisitive nature, which led him to pursue an eclectic assortment of hobbies and pastimes. He was an avid weekend landscaper who always made time to tear himself away from his impeccable flowerbeds to catch the Carolina Panthers playing on Sundays; after a hard day of labor, he might relax by perfecting the fine art of napping, or perhaps by painting a vibrant landscape; he eagerly consumed both science and technology magazines, as well as literature and history books; his love of hiking new trails and scoping out new campsites taught him to respect the ground beneath his feet, and the airplanes he flew helped him experience the wonder of the skies above; and nothing pleased him more than sorting out a tricky mathematical formula, except perhaps listening to a soothing opera or some raucous Dixieland jazz.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 3, 2009 at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Sydnor Thompson officiating. Following the service, the family will receive friends at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in his memory be sent to The Piedmont Council, BSA [Boy Scouts of America], P.O. Box 1059, Gastonia, NC 28053, or to The First United Methodist Church Discretionary Fund, 200 N. King Street, Morganton, NC 28655.

R. W. “Junior” Branch, 85, of Coventry Drive, Morganton, NC went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at the Burke Palliative Care Center in Valdese, NC following a period of declining health. Born in Mitchell Co., NC on August 28, 1924, he was the son of the late Rom Walter Branch, Sr. and Maude Ellen Harrison Branch. Junior was a member of the First Baptist Church of Glen Alpine, a U.S. Army veteran of the WWII, and retired from England Ferguson Plumbing.

Junior is survived by daughters, Linda Kay Punch and husband, Rodney, of Morganton and Rebecca Jane Fox of Sunset Beach, NC; grandchildren, Ryan and Jamie Fox, Marsha Childress, and Laura Broach; and four great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Jo Wyatt Branch; brothers, Rastus, Charles, Lawson, and Jessie Branch; and sisters, Bertha Branch and Molly Morris.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 3, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. John Whisnant, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Glen Alpine Cemetery with military honors provided by Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6:30 until 7:30 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home. At other times the family will be at the home of Linda and Rodney Punch. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

Scott Rogers, 49, of Lake Charles St., Morganton, died Wednesday, September 30, 2009. Scott was born March 28, 1960 in Buncombe County to “Buster” and Judy Rogers of Asheville, NC.

In addition to his parents Scott is survived by his companion, Ruth Ann Epley of the home; daughter, Sheena Rogers Gosnell of Asheville: brothers, Brian, Mark and Dan Rogers; 19 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; step-children, Randy Crain of Morganton, Chris Crain of Anor, SC, and Nancy Piercy of Morganton; and a special friend, Greg Allen of Morganton

Scott was preceded in death by a step-daughter, Phala Crain Ballard.

A funeral service will be held at 5:00 p.m., Monday, October 5, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Rev. J.C. Bradley officiating. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. prior to the service. Memorial donations may be made to Ruth Epley, PO Box 8345, Morganton, NC 28680 to assist with expenses.

Mr. Duane Leon "Tatoo" Hurry, 59, went to his final resting place on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 after several years of declining health. He was born in Freeport, IL on Jan 15, 1950, but spent his childhood years in Grand Rapids, MI. Duane moved to Morganton in 1969 and resided in the Carbon City area. He worked various jobs but mainly as a "box stitcher" for Dixie Container until becoming disabled. Duane was a God fearing man attending Morganton Freewill Baptist Church. He was well known for speaking his mind.

Duane is survived by his mother, Jacqueline Ruth Hurry Michaelis of Rockford, IL; sisters, Jewel Maurer and husband, Joe of Pearl City, IL, Penny Day and husband, Clark of Lena, IL, and Bonnie Germain and husband, Mark of Rockford; a brother, Mark Michaelis of Morganton; caretakers, Alan Brown and Alisa Guion of Morganton; 14 nieces and nephews; 15 great-nieces and nephews; and his faithful canine companion, Coco.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 5, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Pastor Jeff Boone presiding. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 4:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Sunday. In lieu of flowers, Duane requested that memorial contributions be made to Burke Friends for Animals, PO Box 1884, Morganton, NC 28680.