John R. High, 71

John R. High, 71, of Hendersonville, passed away, Monday, February 29, 2016. Forest Lawn Funeral Home will announce the arrangements.

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Waleria Wysolovski, 90

Waleria Wysolovski, 90, of Hendersonville, died Friday, February 26, 2016 at The Laurels of Hendersonville after a period of declining health. Born on May 21, 1925, Waleria was a native of Long Island, NY, and the daughter of the late Steven and Anelia Wysolovski. She was a retired registered nurse and nursing instructor at Hunter College, City University of New York, in Manhattan. Upon retirement, she moved to Hendersonville to be close to her brother Leon Wysolovski. She was a member of Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church.

Surviving is her niece Laura Goss and family of Wind Gap, Pennsylvania; her sister-in-law Jessica Wysolovski of Wind Gap, Pennsylvania; and many nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her seven siblings; Carol, Leon, Daniel, Josephine, Marie, John and William.

Services and interment will be private and held at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Blue Ridge Literacy Council of Hendersonville or Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church at www.tmcfunding.com To sign an online register book, visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

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George D. Gambsky, 90

George D. Gambsky, 90 of Etowah passed away Saturday February 27, 2016 at the Elizabeth House
Arrangements are pending and will be announced by Jackson Funeral Service.

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Flora K. Praytor, 86

Flora K. Praytor, 86 of Hendersonville passed away Tuesday February 23, 2016 at Lee Memorial Hospital in Fort Myers FL.
Born June 01, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Jesse and Marry Lee Cagle and wife of the late Floyd Praytor.
She was preceded in death by her daughter Paulett K. McMinn and five siblings.
Her passion was her family and she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister. She had many friends and was loved and will be missed by all that knew her.
Survivors include two sons, David West and Jack West and his wife Janet, five daughters, Linda Pridmore and her husband Paul, Gail R. Clifton, Catherine J. Ball, Beverly W. Davis and Delza D. Healy, twenty one grandchildren, fifty six great grandchildren and eighteen great great grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held Monday February 29, 2016 at 2PM at the Chapel in the Pines of Jackson Funeral Service. Burial will follow the service at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the chapel. Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.
Jackson Funeral Service is assisting the Praytor family.

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Marjorie M. Rector, 90

Marjorie M. Rector, 90 of Asheville went home to Heaven on Friday February 05, 2016 from the John Keever F. Solace Center.
She was the daughter of the late Franklin and Anna Hystrom Gillespie and wife of the late Charles H. Rector.
She had been a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church for the past 70 plus years where she remained active.
Survivors include one son Charles Rector, two daughters Sharon and Anna Rector, one granddaughter Nichole McKinney and one great granddaughter Evelyn Grace all of Asheville.
A celebration of her life will be held Saturday March 05, 2016 from 3PM to 5PM at Saint Mark Lutheran Church.
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.
Jackson Funeral Service is assisting the Rector family.

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Dicie Wright Boykin

Dicie Wright Boykin, passed away Friday February 26, 2016 at her residence.
Jackson Funeral Service is assisting the family locally

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Edward Dyal Smith, 70

Edward Dyal Smith, age 70 of Flat Rock died Wednesday, February 24th, 2016 at the Elizabeth House. He was born June 20th, 1945 in Knoxville, TN; a son of the late, Marion Lee Smith and Emily Elizabeth Dyal Smith.

Dr. Smith graduated from Alcoa High School and received his Bachelor’s Degree from Maryville College in Maryville, TN. He received his PhD in Chemistry from Auburn University and completed one year post-doctoral fellowship in Ames, IA. Ed retired from DuPont in Brevard, as the senior research chemist, was a member of the Hendersonville Country Club, and the Henderson County Zoning Board. He enjoyed fishing and custom fishing rod building.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Ruth Morrill Smith; son, Michael Edward Smith of Stuart, FL; daughter, Monica Elizabeth Smith of Fletcher; sister, Marian Smith Rodgers and husband, Glenn of Beavercreek, OH; grandson, Joshua Michael Smith of Hendersonville; two nephews, Thomas Rodgers and wife, Lauren and James Rodgers and wife, Laurie, and their children, Jaxon and Mason.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 27th, 2016 in the Our Lady of Angels Chapel of Immaculate Conception Church. The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Edward’s memory be directed to Maryville College, New Science Building Fund, 502 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37804; or to Free Clinics, 841 Case Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792.

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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Iva M. Byrd, 73

Iva M. Byrd, 73, of Hendersonville transferred from this Earthly home to her spiritual home with Christ our Lord on Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at the Elizabeth House. Born in Abilene, KS, she was a daughter of the late Lilla Lucille Mondt and Howard Laughlin. She was also preceded in death by her step-mother, Elaine Laughlin.
Mrs. Byrd was a member of Living Water Baptist Church and also attended Upward Christian Fellowship. She was a woman with a “Servants Heart”. She was a dedicated servant to God, and a Christ centered wife, mother and grandmother. She and her husband worked for 14 years with the Baptist Children’s Home of NC.
Survivors included her loving husband of 55 years, James R. Byrd; one son, Mark Byrd (Lori) of GA; two daughters, Kim Byrd of SC, Wendi Page (Charles) of Flat Rock; five grandchildren, Jessica Roy (Matthew), Katie and Jake Byrd, Whitney and Renee Page; two great-grandchildren, Madison and Caroline Roy; one brother, Norman Laughlin (Connie) of CA.
A celebration of life will be held at 12pm on Saturday, February 27, 2016 in the chapel of Forest Lawn Funeral Home with burial to follow in the park. The family will receive friends after the service at Upward Christian Fellowship.
Memorials may be made to Fruitland Baptist Bible College at www.tmcfunding.com.
To offer online condolences please visit www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.
Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Elaine Patricia Williamson, 74

Elaine Patricia Williamson, age 74 of Hendersonville, NC went unexpectedly and peacefully on January 31st, 2016 to rest eternally in the loving arms of our Heavenly Father. She was the daughter of the late William and Helen Treston. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving son, Brian Williamson. Elaine was born in 1941 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in 1958.

Elaine was active in her neighborhood especially selflessly caring for elderly neighbors and friends. She moved to Hendersonville in 2007 where she thoroughly enjoyed the vibrant outdoors and friendly community. Elaine was a passionate participant in crafts her entire life – frequently making heartfelt gifts of crochets, quilts and ceramics for the less fortunate, friends and family. Elaine worked at Frankfort Hospital in the Intensive Care Unit as a medical secretary for 26 years and loved every minute of her time there. Elaine was a loving mother, wife, daughter, sister and aunt.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Bruce of Hendersonville; her brother, William Treston and wife, Helen of Salem, NJ; her two sons, Bruce Scott Williamson and wife, Jennifer of Alpharetta, GA and Mark Todd Williamson and wife, Susan Rexing of Clementon, NJ; her niece, Kimberly Sutton and husband, William Sutton; and seven grandchildren, Jonathan, Nicholas, Rachel Williamson of Alpharetta, GA, Tristan and Mason Williamson of Norristown, PA, Joshua and Alexis Williamson of Clementon, NJ; and several cousins across the country.

A memorial gathering will take place this fall in Camden, ME.

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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Eddie James Taylor, 62

Eddie James Taylor, 62, of Dana, NC passed away Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at the Elizabeth House.
He was born in Hot Springs, NC to the late Roscoe and Viola Garrett Taylor. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Bill and Dale Taylor and a step-daughter, Jessica Duncan.
Eddie was an active member of the Edneyville Community Lions Club, was very well know for making Tin Men and loved to hunt and fish.
He is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Diane Gibbs Taylor; two daughters, Ginger Reynolds (Charlie) of Hendersonville and Michelle Hylemon of Dana; four granddaughters, Hannah and Samantha Reynolds and Erica and Briana Duncan; a brother, Aubrey Taylor (Anne) of Whitesburg, TN; a son-in-law, Richard Gibbs (Gail) of Hendersonville; a sister-in-law, Kay Taylor of Sanford, Florida and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held 12:00 PM Saturday, February 27, 2016 at the Chapel In The Pines of Jackson Funeral Service. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the chapel and at other times will be at the home of his father-in-law, Bill Gibbs.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Edneyville Community Lions Club Eyeglasses Fund so that others may see, PO Box 289, Edneyville, NC 28724.
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Jean Eileen Boots, 74

Jean Eileen Boots, 74, of Hendersonville passed away on Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at the Elizabeth House. Born on February 1, 1942 in Ellwood City, PA, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Elizabeth Mae Brunner Peterson.

Mrs. Boots lived in Summerville, SC for 35 years prior to moving to Hendersonville, NC. She was a member of the Summerville Presbyterian Church and also retired as the office administrator after 28 years of employment. She was a woman with a “Servant’s Heart” using her time, talents and tithes to further the Lord’s work. She was a former president of the APA (Administrative Personnel Association) and Mary Kay Consultant. She volunteered wherever she saw a need or felt called to serve. She served as an Elder and Deacon at Hendersonville Presbyterian Church. She was very involved in the Presbyterian Women. She served her communities via Meals on Wheels, the Palmetto House, flower ministries and visiting shuts-ins. She volunteered at The Storehouse for 10 years and also provided cards for all occasions through her card ministry to friends and family. Worldwide, she and her husband supported numerous missionaries and orphans, Habitat for Humanity, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and the American Bible Society.

A devoted veteran’s wife, she supported her country by supporting her husband and their children. She and her husband met at a dance hall in Western Pennsylvania, and he knew from the first glance that he would marry this woman. Dancing is what brought them together and remained a constant in their lives until 2011. They both enjoyed square dancing, round dancing and choreographed ballroom dancing throughout their marriage.

Survivors include her loving and devoted husband of 54 years, Ed Boots; two sons, Ed Boots, Jr and wife Marla of Fombell, PA and D. Jay Boots and wife Sheila of Blackville, SC; five grandchildren, Cynthia, Krystal, Kimberly, Samantha and Jenna; and three great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at Hendersonville Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dr. Bill Campbell and Dwayne Durham officiating. A special 30-minute musical prelude of Jean’s favorite songs will begin at 1:30 pm. A reception will follow at the church. An open mike will be available at the reception to share memories of Jean for those who would like to do so. Burial will be held at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Pennsylvania at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Hendersonville Presbyterian Church, The Storehouse or Four Seasons Compassion for Life at www.tmcfunding.com.

To offer online condolences please visit www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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William Donald O’Neil, 85

William Donald O’Neil, 85, of Hendersonville, passed away on Thursday, February 18, 2016 at Carolina Village Medical Center. A native of Brooklyn, NY, he was the son of the late Thomas and Clara Curtin O’Neill. He was also preceded in death by his son William D. O’Neil, Jr. and his son-in-law James Irvin.

Prior to moving to Hendersonville in 1987, he resided in Center Moriches, NY and attended City College of NY. He was a Staff Sergeant in the US Air Force during the Korean War and was employed by the US Department of Defense for 35 years as a Quality Assurance Specialist. His children were particularly proud of his work as part of a large team of dedicated people who built the Lunar Excursion Module that took Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to the Moon.

He was a member of St. James Episcopal Church.

He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Catherine L. O’Neil; children, Karen Irvin, and Richard O’Neil both of Salem, VA and his daughter-in-law Jane Jacobs of New York, NY; grandchildren Jillian O'Neil Nussbaum, Jordan O'Neil, and Olivia O’Neil, all of New York, NY; two great grandchildren, and one brother, Thomas E. O’Neil.

A funeral mass will be held at 2:00 p.m. on February 26, 2016, at St. James Episcopal Church with the Rev. Joel Hafer officiating. Interment will take place in the church Memorial Garden.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society via tmcfunding.com. To sign an online guestbook, visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements.

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Conley Lee Mathis, 82

Conley Lee Mathis, 82, of Hendersonville went to be with our dear Lord in Heaven, Sunday, February 21, 2016 at The Oaks of Brevard.
He was the son of the late Zeb and Sally Parker Mathis and was also preceded in death by his wife Lula Roselle Ward Mathis, a son Tony L. Mathis, a daughter Sheila A. Mathis and 6 brothers and sisters.
He was a member of Jones Gap Baptist Church, was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and a friend to all who knew him and he will be missed by many.
He owned and operated Mathis Grading Company, was an avid outdoorsman and loved to fish and cut timber.
Survivors include five sons, James C. Mathis and his wife Linda of Rutherfordton, Bruce Mathis and his wife Lisa of Hendersonville, Fred Mathis and his wife Debbie of Hendersonville, John T. Mathis and his wife Mamie of Polk County NC, and Mark Mathis and his wife Beverly of Etowah; two brothers, Tom and Claude Mathis of Jackson County; two sisters, Bessie Ammons and Mary Joe Aiken both of Jackson County; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, February 25, 2016 at Jones Gap Baptist Church with the Revs. Curtis Pace and Joshua Mathis officiating. Burial will follow at Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Thursday at Jones Gap Baptist Church.
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Joseph Y. Davis, 82

Joseph Y. Davis, 82, of Flat Rock, NC passed away on Tuesday, February 16, 2016. He was the son of the late Joseph Y. Davis and Edith Mae Miller Davis.

Mr. Davis retired from the U.S. Navy as a Lieutenant after serving 20 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Kent State University, a Master’s degree in Education from Cleveland State University and completed additional graduate work in education at Ohio State University.

He worked for Lorain County Community College, The Ohio Board of Regents, and Columbus Community College as a teacher and administrator. Travel, reading and trapshooting were some of his favorite pastimes.

Survivors include his wife of 28 years, Susan S. Davis, Ph.D.; five daughters, Laura (Sergei) Traycoff of Indianapolis, IN; Susan DiDonato of Dublin, OH; JoAnn (Mike) McCarthy of Worthington, OH; Jennifer (Fred) Main of Columbia, SC; Rebecca (Ron) McKinney of Gibsonia, PA; one son, Jeffrey Davis of Tampa, FL; eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A private celebration of life will be held for family and friends. Burial will take place at a later date in Sharpsville, PA.

Memorials may be made to the Elizabeth House-Four Seasons Compassion for Life at www.tmcfunding.com.

To offer online condolences please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Betsy Jane Yost

Betsy Jane Yost of Flat Rock, NC passed away at the Elizabeth House in Flat Rock on February 17, 2016 after a lengthy illness.

Born in Norfolk, VA on October 24, 1954, Betsy attended John Yeates High School in Suffolk, VA. She graduated from the University of Virginia in 1978, majoring in art history. Later, after earning a degree in education at Virginia Commonwealth University, she taught art at Tucker High School in Henrico County, VA and participated in the International Baccalaureate program there. Recently, she received her master's degree in interdisciplinary studies at Virginia Commonwealth University, focusing on studio art.

Betsy was a member of the Artspace Gallery in Richmond, VA. She worked for many years at the Louis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond. She loved art, nature, and animals. She was beloved by her art students and remained in contact with many of them after they had graduated. She was a kind and gentle soul who always brought happiness to her friends, family and anyone who came in contact with her.

She is preceded in death by her father, Basil O. Yost, Jr. She is survived by her mother, June Lassiter Yost of Hendersonville; sister, Sharon Y. Rhodes and husband, Bill of Leonardtown, MD; brother, Basil O. Yost, III and wife, Mary Lynn of Flat Rock, NC; sister, Susan H. Yost; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A service will be held in Virginia at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Elizabeth House, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731; or to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123; or to one's favorite charity.

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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Grace Brown, 92

Grace Brown, 92, of Mills River, died suddenly Thursday, February 18, 2016 at her home.
Mrs. Brown was the daughter of the late Wiley and Willie Askew Trantham of Madison County. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her sister, Mildred Pond and three brothers: Othnel, Vernon, and Fred.
Her life took her and her husband from North Carolina to live in Michigan and then to Connecticut and finally retiring back in North Carolina. Mrs. Brown attended Oak Grove Christian Church where she had many friends.
Mrs. Brown leaves her husband of 74 years James G. Brown; two sons, Terry Brown of Greer, SC and Jerome Brown of Lutz, Fl; daughter, Sherry Brown of Hartford CT; seven grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren, one who is named Grace after her. As the surviving “Mom” she also leaves many nephews and nieces who referred to her as Momma Grace.
A memorial service will be held 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 23, 2016 in the Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel.
Please visit www.forestlawnhendersonville.com for online condolences.
Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

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LaVon Dozena Campbell, 93

LaVon Dozena Campbell, 93, of Hendersonville, passed away Saturday, February 20, 2016. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Herbert “Bud” Corliss Fischer, Jr

Herbert “Bud” Corliss Fischer, Jr., passed away on February 17, 2016 after a lengthy illness.
He was the son of the late Herbert C. Fischer, Sr. and Hazel Niles Fischer of Wellesley Hills, MA.
Bud graduated from Norwich University in Vermont and served in the U.S. Army, 1st armored division, as a 1st lieutenant. He was an avid sailor and fisherman in his younger years, later to become an inventor with several patents in his name, primarily in the field of composites. He was an accomplished and competitive marksman, earning various awards in the U.S and Canada. His specialty was black powder shooting. Bud was also a long-time ham operator. After retiring he moved from Wellesley Hills, MA to Palm City, FL and finally to Hendersonville in 2002.
Bud is survived by his daughter, Linda Alden Fischer; his son, Herbert C. Fischer III; six grandchildren; a great-grandson; and his longtime partner, Nancy Byrd.
No local service is planned.
Ki4flm over and out.
To offer online condolences, please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Margaret (“Peggy”) Day McKibbin, 80

Margaret (“Peggy”) Day McKibbin, 80, passed away on Wednesday, February 17, 2016, at Elizabeth House, surrounded by her family and friends.

Born in Oakland, CA to Helen Bailey (Leete) and Willis Cyrus Day, Peggy grew up in California. Always athletic and an outdoors-lover, she was an avid equestrian and fly-fisher. She graduated from Stanford University which is where she met her late husband, Duane McKibbin.

Peggy and Duane very intentionally researched the country, looking for a business opportunity in the “perfect place to raise a family.” They moved to Flat Rock in the early 1970s. Peggy helped Duane at Henderson Oil Company, but primarily spent her time and energy raising her three children. She was a very active volunteer, both in the schools and community. Peggy and Duane absolutely loved Hendersonville and were committed to giving back to help enrich the community.

Much of Peggy’s free time was spent on the tennis court, golf course and in her later years, on the croquet court. She loved to travel and was fortunate to be able to see much of the world with Duane by her side. After his death, she was embraced by friends who helped her through her sad times, bringing her joy and laughter.

She is survived by her children and grandchildren: daughter, Margaret McKibbin, and her family, Paul Kroening and Ben von Stein of Plymouth, MN; sons, Bill McKibbin and his family, Kim and Cole McKibbin of Flat Rock, NC, and Matt McKibbin and his family, Ericka, Katherine Cruz, Tyler, Josh and Kate McKibbin of Tallahassee, FL; and her adopted family, DuJing and Karen of Duluth, GA. Peggy is also survived by her devoted spiritual and life “caretakers”: Fr. Alex Viola, Laurie Kilpatrick, Mike Oshita and Jim Charlton. She was pre-deceased by her sister, Helen Ann Bromfield.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, February 23, at St. John in the Wilderness Church in Flat Rock. The family will receive friends Monday, February 22, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Thos. Shepherd & Son.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hendersonville Community Foundation or Four Seasons Compassion for Life (Hospice).

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James R. McMinn

James R. McMinn ( Bobby) born April 4,1928. Passed Away on Feb.26,2016. He is survived by his Wife Patricia. His children Tony,Tim,Shannon, and Demetria.Sisters Marie Bagwell,Hazel Duncan and Audrey Magnes. Grave side services will be at Locust Grove Baptist Church, three o'clock Sunday. Family will host a celebration of life and meal, at church after services.

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