Gordon Lee Reed, 78

Gordon Lee Reed, 78, of East Flat Rock passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at the Elizabeth House in Flat Rock.
Gordon was born in Clearfield, PA to the late Earl and Louise Reed. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Patty Jo Reed Zimmerman.
He is survived by his loving partner of twenty-five years, Edith G. Hill; a son, Jason Reed of Port St. Lucie, FL; a daughter, Lisa Reed Davies of Houtzdale, PA; a sister, Janet Billotte of Clearfield, PA; a brother, Jerry Reed of Clearfield, PA; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a special nephew, Clint Billotte; and many friends.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Gordon’s memory to your local animal shelter or to the donor’s favorite charity.
To offer condolences online, please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Evelyn Rachel Gentle Barnwell, 88

Evelyn Rachel Gentle Barnwell, 88, passed away in her home Friday January 15, 2016 following a period of declining health. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Marion and Allie Drake Gentle and a brother, Charles Marion Gentle, Jr. Born in Hendersonville, she lived most of her life near her childhood home.
Evelyn attended Lees-McRae College where she obtained an Associate in Arts certificate in 1946. She graduated from Appalachian State University in 1950 with a Bachelor of Library Science degree. Later she attended Western Carolina University where she obtained her teaching certificate.
Evelyn’s teaching career spanned a 30 year period in Virginia and North Carolina, but her heart truly belonged to all the children she taught and loved at Edneyville Elementary School. She retired as a school teacher in 1987.
Evelyn was a faithful member of Fruitland Baptist Church for over 50 years. She shared her love of God and His word with several generations of children by teaching Sunday school classes. She was a shining example of a true servant of God.
She is survived by a daughter, Selina Barnwell Edney and her husband, Morris; one granddaughter, Jessica Edney Davidson; two great-granddaughters, Ashley Selina Davidson and Kimberly Lynn Davidson all of Hendersonville, N.C.; a sister, Sharon Ann Gentle; two brothers, Duane Lee Gentle and wife Lettie; Theodore William Gentle and wife Shirley, all of Fletcher as well as many precious nieces and nephews.
There will be a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. Saturday January 23 2016 at Fruitland Baptist Church. Rev. Michael Smith, Rev. Craig Stepp, and Rev. Steve Jones will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial contributions be made to Four Seasons Hospice or Fruitland Baptist Church Building Fund at www.tmcfunding.com. Please visit shulerfuneralhome.com to sign an online guest book.
Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Persis Carpentier, 93,

Persis Carpentier, 93, of Hendersonville, passed away Sunday, January, 17, 2016. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family

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Dorothy Jo Laughridge, 91

Dorothy Jo Laughridge, 91 of Laurel Park went home to Heaven on Saturday January 16, 2016 from Life Care Center. Arrangements are pending and will be announced by Jackson Funeral Service.

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Lily Ann Blackwell Staton, 64

Lily Ann Blackwell Staton, 64, passed away Saturday, January 9, 2016 at Pardee Memorial Hospital after a lengthy illness.
Mrs. Staton was born in Alabama but raised in Hendersonville. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Louise Wallace Blackwell and B.M. Blackwell.
Mrs. Staton is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, Kim L. Staton of Hendersonville; sons, Michael Staton of Alabama and Josh (Kodi) Staton of Hendersonville; grandchildren, Cody of Alabama and Gracie of Hendersonville; sister, Ella (Jack) Garrett of White Pine, TN; and several loving aunts, uncles, nephews, cousins and friends.
No services will be held. Memorials may be made to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at www.tmcfunding.com.
To sign the online register book, please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Charles Sebrent Maybin, 75

Mr. Charles Sebrent Maybin, age 75, of Etowah, died Saturday, January 9, 2016 at the Elizabeth House.

He is survived by his loving wife of 14 years, Audrey Pace.

The family will receive friends Thursday, January 14, 2016 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at Jackson Funeral Service.

The funeral service will be 11:00 am Friday at the Chapel In The Pines of Jackson Funeral Service with Rev. Edward Capps officiating.
Burial will follow in the Pearson Cemetery

Condolence cards may be sent to the family at
www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Jack Wirtz, 94

Jack Wirtz, 94, of Hendersonville, NC, passed away on January 9, 2016, at Sunnybrook Assisted Living. He is now home with his Lord and Savior following a year of declining health.
Jack was born June 24, 1921, in Colon, Panama, to William and Elizabeth Theurer Wirtz, the 10th of 11 children. Home was Cristobal in Colon Province, the Panama Canal Zone, where his father was an engineer on the construction of the Panama Canal. He called himself “The Original Panama Jack.” When his father retired, the family built a home in Horse Shoe, NC. Jack graduated from Mills River High School in 1941.
He joined the U.S. Navy in 1943 and served on the newly-commissioned USS Hollandia. This distinction made Jack a Plank Owner. He became a Water Tender 2nd Class, responsible for the fresh water and steam system for the ship and crew.
Jack married Beulah Fisher in 1954. She passed away from cancer ten years later. He married Helen Patrick from Gaffney, SC, on October 10, 1965. She preceded him in death in late September, 2015.
Jack is survived by his loving son, William Patrick; his blessed daughter-in-law, Ann; his dear sister, Gertrude Vavak (NV); and many nieces, nephews and family, including Gretchen Williams(Roger) and her mother, Gladys Wirtz (Chester) of Zirconia, NC; and Barry Vavak (Cheryl) of Waynesville, NC, who were especially close.
He was very active in church, first at Valley Hill Baptist and then for many years at West Hendersonville Baptist. He is a current member of Main Street Baptist Church. He served as Deacon, sang in the choir, and maintained the church facilities where it is said, “Jack saved the church a lot of expense because he repaired everything.” Known as the Candy Man, he was also famous for his lemon pies and sugar-coated peanuts which he gave generously to others. Helen was his helpmate in all he did.
Jack retired from DuPont in 1983 after working as a maintenance mechanic. He was especially appreciated on the days he brought Helen’s fresh fried apple pies to work. He loved to fish on the DuPont property.
The family is very grateful for the loving, excellent care Jack received from Sunnybrook Assisted Living, where he resided, and from Four Seasons Compassion for Life. Hospice music therapist Elizabeth Merlin was a special, weekly blessing.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 14, at Main Street Baptist Church, Hendersonville, NC from 1 until 2:00 PM. A celebration of life service will immediately follow at 2:00, led by the Rev. Charles Magnet and the Rev. Tracy Fletcher. Burial will be at Oakdale Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, or to Main Street Baptist Church at www.tmcfunding.com.
To offer online condolences please visit www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.
Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Elizabeth Anne Seely Black, 90

Elizabeth Anne Seely Black, age 90 of Hendersonville died Friday, January 8th, 2016 at Hendersonville Health and Rehabilitation. She was born July 5th, 1925 in Warren County, Pennsylvania; a daughter of the late Francis Russell Seely and Anne Gaitens Seely. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by a son, David Lance Black who died in 2006.

Elizabeth received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Pittsburgh School Of Nursing and her Master’s Degree from the University of Buffalo. She was a professor at Jamestown Community College in Jamestown, New York where she taught nursing and served as the department chair. She was the first female to serve on the Jamestown City Council. She retired to Hendersonville in 1984 and was a member of St. James Episcopal Church. She enjoyed volunteering with Friends of the Library at the Henderson County Library, the Council on Aging, and knitting hats and scarves for the Merchant Marines Seaman’s Institute.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Richard Lance Black of Hendersonville; son Jay Allan Black and wife, Sherrie of Virginia Beach, VA; daughters, Lise Jean Black Neale and husband, David of Scottsdale, AZ; and Ellen Frances Black Wilcox and husband, Dana of Hamburg, NY; daughter-in-law, Miriam Gilbert of Boulder, CO; grandchildren, Benjamin, Kenneth and Steven Black, Brett and Hallie Neale, Cassie Neale Harper and husband, Chad, and Daniel and Erin Wilcox; great-grandchildren, Paisley and Skyla Harper; brother, Rae Seely of Sun River, OR; and sister, Frances Mader of Scottsdale, AZ.

A Memorial Service will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 13th, 2016 at St. James Episcopal Church conducted by the Reverend Dr. Joel G. Hafer.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Elizabeth’s memory be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, 4124 Clemson Blvd. Suite L, Anderson, SC 29621.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of the arrangements.

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Evelyn B. Prince, 84

Evelyn B. Prince, 84 of Mountain Home passed January 1st, 2016. She is survived by a son, Jeff Prince; daughter, Kelly Swain; sister, Janice Shelton; and a multitude of grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 16th at French Broad Baptist Church. Family will receive friends from 1:00 until 1:30 p.m. prior to the service. An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.

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Frances Jane Zecher, 79

Frances Jane Zecher, 79 of Hendersonville passed away Monday January 11, 2016 at the Elizabeth House.

Jackson Funeral Service is assisting the Zecher Family.

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Guy Neely Boyd, Jr., 79

Guy Neely Boyd, Jr., 79, of Hendersonville passed away Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at Elizabeth House. Guy was the son of the late Guy Neely Boyd, Sr. and Daisy Juanita Bennett Boyd. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
Survivors include his wife, Sharon L. Boyd; children, Andrew (Drew) Boyd of McKinney, TX, Neely (Boyd) Dickson and her husband Ken of Dallas, TX, Amanda (Mandy) Boyd and her husband Lee of Colonial Heights, VA; step-children, Michael Nash and his wife Teresa of Rowlett, TX, Cynthia (Nash) Penney and her husband Donnie of Richardson, TX; grandchildren, Ethan Yanes, Lee Ann Yanes, Stephen Nash and his wife Jenna, Chase Nash, Taylor Rae Nash, Emilee Penney; and a great-grandchild Gage Nash.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am Friday, January 15, 2016 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Father John Pagel will be the celebrant.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital; Muscular Dystrophy in care of Mattie Stepanek; or Interfaith Assistance Ministry (IAM) at www.tmcfunding.com.
Please visit www.shulerhendersonville.com to sign an online guest book.
Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

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Carl Dixon Rhodes, Jr., 65

Carl Dixon Rhodes, Jr., 65, of Hendersonville passed away Monday, January 4, 2016 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
A native and lifelong resident of Henderson County, he was a son of the late Carl Dixon Rhodes, Sr. and Myrtle Ruth Rogers Rhodes. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Rhodes and by his beloved grandmother, Giva Huntley Rhodes, who raised him after his parents died.
Carl graduated from Edneyville High School in 1968 and retired from GE after 36 years of employment. He excelled at sports and coached many throughout the years. A selfless man, Carl would do anything for those who needed him. He was a loving father, a man of faith, and a friend to everyone. Carl was an avid fisherman, Tar Heels fan and a man who loved animals, especially his chocolate lab, Curtis. Above all, he loved his family. God called home a very special man.
Carl is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Brenda Cantrell Rhodes; son, Joey Rhodes and wife, Jamie; daughter, Christy Rhodes; grandchildren, Ashley, Dalton and Demi; brother, Dick Rhodes and wife, Naomi; sister, Sally Patterson and husband, Narvin; and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 11 AM Thursday, January 7, 2016 at Hooper’s Creek Baptist Church with the Reverend Phillip Youngblood officiating. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM Wednesday at Shuler Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life or to the American Lung Association at www.tmcfunding.com.
To offer condolences online, please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Ronnie Clyde Arnold Jr., 46

Ronnie Clyde Arnold Jr., 46, passed away at his home in Hendersonville on December 28, 2015. To most who knew him, he was light-hearted, goofy, kind and never took life too seriously. He lived his life the way he would have wanted to be remembered by those he loved - wild, free, with the soul of a gypsy and the heart of a hippie.

Though he lived in the area most of his life, Ronnie was a wanderer at heart, loved to travel and greatly enjoyed time spent in California and Amsterdam, among others. He also had a love for antiques and found joy in wandering the flea markets in search of collectibles on the weekends.

He is survived by his father, Ronnie Arnold Sr., a daughter, Ashley Sheppard and husband Scott, a brother, Ray Arnold and his wife Tatia, a sister Denise Simms and her husband, John, and their respective families. He also leaves behind his loving partner Bobby Sutter and many dear friends, all of whom will greatly miss and never forget him.

Services to be provided at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Chapel In The Pines of Jackson Funeral Service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that all donations be given to his daughter via the Ronnie C. Arnold Jr., Memorial Fund.

"Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day - unseen, unheard, but always near - still loved, still missed and very dear."

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Donald “Don” Ray Tweed, 76

Donald “Don” Ray Tweed, 76, of Hendersonville passed away Wednesday, December 30, 2015, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Buncombe County, he was the son of the late James Hamilton and Lula Pinner Tweed.
Don served in the US Air Force and earned a degree in Physics from the University of North Carolina-Asheville. He lived most of his life in Henderson County and was employed by DuPont as an engineer and by the US Forest Service as a cartographer. He enjoyed his experiences as a Boy Scout Leader.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 24 years and “best friend forever,” Judy Tweed; sons, Jason Tweed and wife, Jenni; Benjamin Tweed; and Matthew Tweed; stepchildren, Leslie San Miguel and husband, David, and Mark Lockwood and wife, Kimberly; and grandchildren, Madison, Sara, Noah, Ashley, Jack, Kaitlyn, Taylor and Leah.
A memorial service will be held at 11 AM Saturday, January 2, 2016 in the Kirby Memorial Chapel of Shuler Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Mayo Clinic, Dept. of Development, to benefit Parkinson’s disease research at www.tmcfunding.com.
To offer condolences online, please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Rodney W. Johnson, 69

Rodney W. Johnson, 69 of Flat Rock passed away Thursday December 31, 2015 at his residence.
Jackson Funeral Service is assisting the Johnson family.

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George Newton Fowler, 89,

George Newton Fowler, 89, of Hoopers Creek went home to be with the Lord on December 27, at 6:55 pm. He was born May 29, 1926, the son of Tina Hyder and Jasper Vernon Fowler. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Edna Carney; four brothers, Creswell, Steve, D.J. and Eugene; and five sisters, Misphia, Lettie Mae, Harriett, Belvia and Fairlee.

George served as a drill sergeant in the US Army from November 1944 to November 1946. He retired from the NC Department of Transportation as Regional Supervisor after 28 years of service. George was very active in both his community and in his church. He was instrumental in establishing the Fletcher Fire Department and the Fletcher Elementary PTA, of which he was the first President. He also served in both Hoopers Creek Baptist Church and Fletcher First Baptist Church as Sunday School Superintendent and Sunday School Teacher for over 50 years.

George had a farm and raised Poll Hereford Cattle. He was a hard worker and kept his place well-manicured. He also loved working on and restoring vintage automobiles. He was a friend to all who knew him and he will be greatly missed.

George is survived by his loving family, his two children, Dewena F. Garren (husband Wayne) and Michael George Fowler (wife Anna Lee); five grandchildren, Jennifer Garren, Cameron Garren (wife Serita), Matthew Fowler, Melissa Fowler Warren, and Mark Fowler; four great-grandchildren, James and Allyson Garren, Emily Hopkins, Brandon Warren; and two great-great grandchildren, Ruby Garren and Colby Hopkins. George is also survived by three brothers, Stanford, Onie (Toad) and Porter. Other grandchildren through marriage are Steve Robbins (wife Sara). Jason Littrell (wife Jennettie), and Kimberly McGuiness Ogle; and great-grandchildren, Madisen Gentry, Caleb, Tori, and Ethan Littrell, Sydney Robbins and Eli and Emma Ogle.

A funeral service will be held at 2 PM Thursday, December 31, 2015 at Fletcher First Baptist Church. The Reverends Roy Waldrop and Gunn Davis will officiate. Burial will follow at Hoopers Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM Wednesday at Fletcher First Baptist Church.

To offer condolences online, please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Cheryle L. Fisher, 68,

Cheryle L. Fisher, 68, of East Flat Rock, NC passed away Monday, December 28, 2015.

She was born in Dayton, Ohio and had lived in Henderson County for the past 25 years. She was the daughter of the late Dale E. Meredith Sr. and Helen Fisher Meredith and was also preceded in death by a grandson, Edmund Odell Dampier and a brother, Dale E. Meredith Jr.

She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Lynn and Eddie Dampier of Houston, TX; a son, John T. Fisher II of Houston, TX; a
daughter and son-in-law, Freda and Cliff Summey of Hendersonville, NC; five grandchildren; three great grandchildren; three brothers and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Cheryle’s life will be held at a later date.

Condolence cards may be sent to the family atwww.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793

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William “Bill” Lee Pace, 93

East Flat Rock- William “Bill” Lee Pace, 93, died on Saturday, December 26, 2015 at the Elizabeth House surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his parents; J. Willie and Alice G. Anders Pace.

Bill was a native of Henderson County and in June of 1944 married the love of his life, Jeanne in Spartanburg, SC. Together they raised two daughters and two sons while he was a self employed building and painting contractor. He served many customers over the years through his business Ace Building and Painting. He enjoyed playing the trombone for over 80 years and had perfect attendance in the Rotary Club for over 60 years. Bill was active in the Hendersonville Symphony, and Buddy-K Band and the Community band. He enjoyed playing golf but especially loved to read his Bible. He loved to tell jokes and stories to anybody that would listen, as he never met a stranger, but nothing topped the love he had for his family and Henderson County. Local history has it that he was a descendant of Solomon Jones who was a pioneer road builder of Western North Carolina and Henderson County.

He is survived by his wife Jeanne and their two daughters; Alice-Marie Darnell and her husband Tony of Huntersville, NC, and Karen Davis and her husband Gene of Mills River, NC and two sons; Bill Pace, Jr. and his wife Carolyn of Raleigh, NC and Terry Pace and his wife Becky of Winston Salem, NC, two brothers; Roy Lee Johnson and his wife Peggy of East Flat Rock, NC and Robert Johnson and his wife Barbara of Woodruff, SC and one sister; Julia Ann Mullis and her husband Jake of Macon, GA. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews plus several step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM in the Mausoleum Chapel at Shepherd Memorial Park with Chaplain John Mason officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 1:45 PM prior to the service at the Park.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to the Rotary Club of Hendersonville – Charitable Corporation at P.O. Box 901, Hendersonville, NC 28793 or of the donor’s choice.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

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Frances Blackwell “Fran” Alley

Frances Blackwell “Fran” Alley died peacefully on December 8 after a long life. Fran was born in Tryon, N.C., on June 20, 1921, the second of six children. She lived the longest of all of her siblings. During WWII, Fran enlisted in the Woman’s Air Corp, where she served as a control tower operator and was honored as a “WAC of the Week” during her service. After WWII, Fran met and married William (Bill) Alley, a WWII pilot. Fran and Bill were married for 57 years, until Bill’s death in 2007. Fran and Bill had two children to whom, along with her husband, she was completely devoted. They lived all over the country, though they spent most of their time in North Palm Beach, FL. After Bill’s death, Fran moved to Tucson to be closer to Kristen and her husband, Davis Golding and remained there until her death. Fran will be remembered for her great character, her Southern grace and her unflagging sense of humor: she could look straight ahead with one eye and cross the other much to the amazement and delight of any observer. Fran leaves behind two very sad children, John Alley and Kristen Alley, and a very sad son in law, Davis Golding. Services to celebrate Fran’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 30, at Thos. Shepherd’s Church Street Chapel, with burial services to follow immediately in Shepherd Memorial Park. An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

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John Ramsey, 63

John Ramsey, 63, of Dana, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, December 21, 2015 at his residence following a period of declining health. A native of Cleveland County, he was the son of the late Guy and Nan Ramsey. He had resided in Henderson County for the past 27 years.

John was a farmer for many years, and then went on to own a John Deere dealership. He thoroughly enjoyed farming and was very good at it. He was a member of the Apple Country Antique Tractor Club and the International Antique Tractor Club. John loved being around people and could easily strike up a conversation with folks. He was a natural salesman, and enjoyed helping customers find what product was right for them. He greatly cherished the time he was able to spend with his family.

He is survived by his son Kyle Ramsey and his wife Julie of Dana; as well as his wife, Dian Ramsey of Morganton.

A visitation will be held from 10-11:30 am on Saturday, December 26, 2015 at Shuler Funeral Home. A funeral service will then be held at 2:30 pm at Trinity Baptist Church in Mooresboro, N.C. with Pastor Michael Frazier and Pastor Eric Ingle officiating. The family will receive friends for 30 minutes prior to the service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

An online register book is available by visiting www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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