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LIGHTNING PHOTOS: First responders honor 'Elvi' Foster in drive-by visitation

By Lightning Reports, Published: April 16, 2020

Dozens of sheriff's cruisers, police cars, fire trucks and ambulances caravaned along North Grove Street on Thursday night in honor of Terry "Elvi" Foster, a retired sheriff's lieutenant who died Friday at the age of 57.

Beloved by fellow first responders in law enforcement and the volunteer fire service, Foster was honored by hundreds of people in a Covid-compliant way. In a solemn scene brightened by a setting sun under blue skies, members of the Henderson County Sheriff's Office Guard stood at attention at either end of Foster's flag-draped coffin, Blue Ridge Fire & Rescue flew a giant American flag from a ladder truck and a Skoal No. 33 stock car donated by Andy Petree rested off to the side, a salute to the lawman's passion for Nascar. Elvi's family sat in chairs beside the coffin, watching as the first responder vehicles, red and blue lights flashing, rolled slowly by.

Raised in Edneyville, Foster graduated from Edneyville High School. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ab and Dorothy Laughter Foster, and a sister, Barbara Foster.
He served in the U.S. Army as a gunner in the field artillery. He retired as lieutenant with the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office after more than 30 years of service. He had also worked part time at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for a brief period and remained active serving the Henderson County Sheriff’s office on a part-time basis until his death. He also was a long-time member of the Edneyville Fire and Rescue and later Dana Fire and Rescue.
He attended Main Street Baptist Church. He was competitive, enjoyed playing softball, NASCAR and NHRA racing but most of all he loved his family.
He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Arline Noxon Foster and daughter, Ashley Foster, and her husband Shane Foster and their children, Jenna and Landon, all of Hendersonville. He is also survived by his loving in-laws, William and Susan Noxon, of Boiling Springs, S.C.
The visitation was to be followed by a small, private memorial service for the family only. The public can view both events by going to the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office Facebook Page or the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office YouTube Channel. A celebration of Foster’s life will he held at a later date. Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or to P.O. Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.