Robert Lee Johnson, 81

Robert Lee Johnson, 81, of Dana passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014.

Born in Saluda, NC on Jan. 27, 1932, he was the son of Joseph and Elzie Johnson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Willie B. Johnson, and sisters, Wilma Johnson, Thelma (Flaxie) Spencer, Faye Johnson and Brenda Whitman.

Mr. Johnson graduated from Saluda High School and went on to proudly serve his country during the Korean War. On July 11, 1953, Bob was married to Audrey Hunsinger; they were married 60 years. He worked as a Service Director for General Motors for more than 40 years and enjoyed hunting, NASCAR and spending time with his large extended family. He was a member of First Baptist Church East Flat Rock.

Mr. Johnson is survived by his wife Audrey; sons, Rick Johnson and wife Martha; Eddie Johnson and wife Sandra; Gary Johnson and wife Crystal; daughters, Tina Sherrill and husband Kevin; Kim Hill and husband Dennis; sister, Lois Ross; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and a host of family and friends.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014, at First Baptist Church East Flat Rock, 2227 Spartanburg Highway. Pastors Brent Thomas and Jeff Neelands will be officiating. Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. at the church. Burial will follow the funeral at the Saluda City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to St Jude's Children's Hospital at www.StJudes.org and the Elizabeth House, Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 581 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

The family of Robert Lee Johnson wishes to thank Elizabeth House, the dedicated Hospice workers, and all the family and friends that have visited, called and sent encouragement during this time. Bob's legacy is reflected in the example of love he gave and received from his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family.

An online guest book and sympathy cards are available at www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Eric David Pace, 40

Eric David Pace, 40, of Hendersonville died Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014.

Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014, at Upward Christian Fellowship with The Rev. Anthony Craver officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Citizens Bank, Attn: Kelly Pace Account, P.O. Box 749, Four Seasons Branch 564, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

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Anne Frances Coley (Tree), 52

Anne Frances Coley (Tree), 52, of Horse Shoe, died suddenly on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014 after a short illness.

A memorial service, celebrating the life of Anne "Tree" Coley, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014 at Mt. Moriah Calvert Baptist Church in Brevard.

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Sylvia Corne Mintz, 81

Sylvia Corne Mintz, 81, of Hendersonville went home to be with the Lord, Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at Elizabeth House.

A native of Henderson County, she was a daughter of the late Blake and Ollie Corne. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Vanessa Y. Mintz and a brother-in-law, Rev. William Mewborn.

Sylvia was a pastor's wife and a member of the Baptist faith. She was a loving and devoted mother and nana. A published poet and author, she wrote "Crossing the Cherokee Lands" and "When the Minister Comes to Dinner."

She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Dr. Carl F. Mintz; grandchildren, Jessica Little Freeman and her husband David, Andrea Little Gray and her husband Thomas; great-grandchildren, Colton Mintz Freeman and Ethan Mintz Gray; sisters, Valma Mewborn and Elaine Stansell and her husband Gene; nieces and nephews, Dr. Christopher Stansell and his wife Kimberly, son, Rev. Jonathan Stansell and his wife Cara and daughter Joy, Bradford Stansell and his daughter Ashley, Shannon Stansell and his wife Kelly and sons Blake and Hunter; and her adopted family, Dr. Fred Cabero and his wife Grace, along with their children, Lorez Cabero, Sylvette Cabero Moorman and her husband Douglas; and her wonderful, devoted Mintz family.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, 2014, at Mountain View Baptist Church, Tuxedo. Reverend Sherrill Moore, Chaplain David Cobb, Dr. Fred Cabero and Dr. Carl F. Mintz will officiate. Burial will follow at Mountain View Baptist Church cemetery. The family will receive friends following the service in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Vanessa Y. Mintz Fund at the Community Foundation of Henderson County, 401 N. Main St. Suite 300, Hendersonville, NC 28739.

An online register book and sympathy cards are available at www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Dorothy Darling Miller, 97

Dorothy Darling Miller, 97, of Hendersonville died Jan. 18, 2014, after several years of failing health. What never failed was her sweet smile and sunny disposition.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Curt Miller. Dorothy was the only child of Clayton and Sue Schadell and spent much of her younger years in the mid-west — Detroit and Dearborn, Mich., and also Ohio, where she worked as a secretary.

Her first husband was John Darling who died much too soon and they had no children. Later in life, she married Robert C. Miller who had five children from his first marriage. Bob and Dorothy retired to Hendersonville in 1978 and enjoyed their lovely home on Turtle Lane, entertaining dear friends and being involved in many clubs and civic activities. They attended First United Methodist Church where Dorothy was one of the "Wordies" who put out the church newsletter.

Dorothy is survived by her step-children, Tom Miller (April) of Fairfield, Iowa; Richard Miller of Fairfield, Iowa; Patricia Miller of Melbourne, Fla.; Roberta Miller Wallace (Robert) of Durham; and Marcia Miller Doran (Hugh) of Olalla, Wash.; and her cousin, Dorcas Ficke of Norwood, Ohio. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren: Heather, Tommy, Collin, Theresa, Catherine, Anna, Joshua, Ryland and Noah. The family wishes to thank a group of loving neighbors on Long John Mountain, especially a true angel, Patti Hubbard, whose love and concern will never be forgotten.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

An online guest book is available at www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Gerald Toce

Gerald Toce, Gerry, "Sonny," age 83, of Hendersonville passed away Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014.

Gerry is preceded in death by his two sons, Jeffrey and James.

A proud Korean War Veteran, he worked as Vice President and Treasurer for Goss & DeLeeuw for most of his career. Gerry loved gardening, ducks, square dancing, camping, and on every opportunity would make everyone in a room laugh.

Gerry is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Martha; his three loving daughters, Jennifer Byington, Judy MacDougall, and Jean McCauley; his three sons-in-law, Robert, Dave, and Kevin, respectively; and his eight grandchildren, Caitlin, Evie, Carolyn, Sam, Margaret, Katherine, Lauren, and Kevin Jr., as well as two brothers and two sisters.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014, at Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church. Burial will be held at a later date at Rose Hill Cemetery in Rocky Hill, Conn.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association.

To sign the online register book, please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Coy S. Davis, 94

Coy S. Davis, 94, of the Upward Community, was reunited with his wife, Elizabeth on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014.

In addition to his wife, he was also preceded in death by two sisters, Pearl Ownbey and Zora Connor, and one brother, Roy Davis.

Coy, a WW II veteran, retired from Durham Life Insurance. He was a member of Refuge Baptist Church for over 65 years serving as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher among other positions to serve the Lord. He was a lifetime and founding member of the Blue Ridge Fire Station in East Flat Rock.

He is survived by two sons, Spencer and wife Marti of Charlotte, Gene and wife Karen of Mills River; one grandson, Brice and wife Amber; one great-grandson, Tyler of Pittsboro; several nieces and nephews including Nick Connor and wife Jan that were a special blessing to him over the past several years plus multiple great nieces and great nephews.

A funeral service will be held 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at Refuge Baptist Church with Revs. Roy Perry and Zollie Ward officiating. Coy will be laid to rest alongside his beloved wife in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 1:30 PM to 2:50 p.m. Sunday prior to the service in the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Refuge Baptist Church for their mission fund, PO Box 36, Dana, 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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Carlton W. Green Sr., 89

Carlton W. Green Sr., 89, of Hendersonville passed away Monday, Jan. 13, 2014.

He was born in 1924 in Baltimore, Md., of the late Marie Guenther and Joseph B. Green. He graduated from Baltimore Polytechnic High School, served on a Minesweeper in the US Navy during WW II and graduated in 1950 with a B.S. from the University of Maryland, on the G.I. Bill.

He began a lifetime career in accounting with Bendix Corporation ending as a Comptroller in the Aerospace Division in Teeterboro, NJ retiring in 1987.

He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church for 25 years.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Pat; two sons, Scott Green (Lynda) of Maryland and Warren Green (Nancy) of Missouri; two daughters, Joan Lucas (Robert) of Virginia and Susan Bohlmann (Timothy) of Virginia; nine grandchildren, Jonathan Lucas, Caroline Lucas, Margaret Wheeland (Matthew), Elizabeth Bohlmann, Alice Green, Anna Bohlmann, Marie Green, Samuel Bohlmann and Joseph Green and three nephews, Keith, Timothy and Phillip O'Loughlin.

A memorial service will be held 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at the First Presbyterian Church in Hendersonville with Dr. William Campbell officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church or the Greenville Shriners Hospital, 950 West Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605-4277.

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Exene Phillips Walker

Exene Phillips Walker traveled to her heavenly home Monday evening, Jan. 13, 2014.

She was born July 9, 1930, to the late Worth and Flavil Phillips in the Idlewild community of Ashe County. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Arthur Emory Phillips, and a grandson, Casey Dale Walker.

After graduation from Fleetwood High School there, she continued her education at Mars Hill College, where she met her husband-to-be, Ed Walker of Hendersonville. They married on June 14, 1952.

Exene spent most of her active years assisting her husband in the operation of Walker Hardware Co. in Hendersonville. She served as bookkeeper and for 20 years as a representative for Southern Bell Telephone Co. in her office at the store.

She was a devout Christian. For many years, she was a member of First Baptist Church of Hendersonville. When the family moved to the northern part of Henderson County, she joined French Broad Baptist Church. For 25 years, she was a member there, serving in many capacities, including seven years as church treasurer. In addition, she worked on the Kitchen Committee, inventorying and purchasing supplies, and she relished her job on the Homecoming Committee.

In her later years, she joined Reformation Presbyterian Church in Hendersonville where she loved the pastor, the members, and the reverent order of worship.

Exene was a member of the Hendersonville Pilot Club during its existence. Her favorite activity other than spending time with her family and at her church was her membership in what she called the Friday Lunch Bunch, a group of some of her best friends who met for lunch while their husbands attended Lions Club meetings

She is survived by her husband Ed, her four children (Brenda Gorsuch, husband Jeffery; Barbara Walker; Lou Anne O'Hara, husband Patrick; and Phillip Walker, wife Patricia), her sister Evelyn Bond, husband Scott, and their son, Eric. Other survivors include her seven grandchildren (Stephanie Parker, husband Shawn; Caitilin O'Hara; Rachel Hydrick, husband Eric; James Gorsuch; Candace Walker; Edmond Walker; and Johnathan Walker) and her two great grandchildren (Abby and Roman Parker).

Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, 2014, at Reformation Presbyterian Church with her pastor, the Reverend Matt Lucas, officiating, assisted by the Reverend Kemuel Pruitt of French Broad Baptist Church. The family will receive friends at the church from 1 to 2 p.m. prior to the funeral service. The family will hold a private burial service in the family plot in Oakdale Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Reformation Presbyterian Church, 120 Seventh Ave. W., Hendersonville, N.C. 28792.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

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Mary M. Render, 100

Mary M. Render, 100, of Hendersonville passed away quietly from this earth on Dec. 28, 2013 at The Oaks at Sweeten Creek.

Mary was a long-time resident of Hendersonville, close to her family roots, as well as, a proud parishioner of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Mary's only daughter, Martha Christine McKeough passed away in 2005.

Mary is survived by her youngest brother, W.R. Frady; two grandchildren, Carl M. Pearson, Rebecca A. Geanaros; great-grandson, Alex D. Geanaros; niece, Sonja F. Dunson; and a nephew, Randy Frady.

A funeral mass will be celebrated 10:30 AM Thursday, Jan.16, 2014, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Father Namdev Dagam celebrating. Burial will follow in Shepherd Memorial Park.

Memorial donations may be made in remembrance of Mary to Four Seasons Hospice, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

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

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Anne Frances Coley (Tree), 52

Anne Frances Coley (Tree), 52, of Horse Shoe died suddenly on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014, after a short illness.

She was the daughter of the late Russell C. and Etheylwyn F. Coley. Anne was born in Albany, Ga., where she spent most of her childhood, before moving to western NC. She graduated from Brevard High School and Virginia Intermont College, earning a degree in equine studies. She was a member of Mt. Moriah Calvert Baptist Church in Brevard.

Anne is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Kevin and Lisa Coley of Horse Shoe; her adoring niece and nephews, Lauren, Landon, and Ethan; two half-brothers, Russell Coley of Greenville, S.C., and Steve Coley of Clearwater, Fla.; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She also leaves behind many dear friends, including Donna and David "Corky" Wilson of Toano, Va.; Cynthia Gregg of South Hill, Va., and Dan Bricker of Amelia Court House, Va.; Carole and Marisa Panzner of Pisgah Forest; and a special friend, Frank Summey of Brevard.

Anne loved animals, especially horses, and dedicated her life to training and working with them, as well as caring for those horses needing a loving and peaceful home to live out their remaining years. She will be missed by her family, friends, and the many people whose lives she touched in the horse community and 4-H Club of Brevard.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your favorite animal charity or Mt. Moriah Calvert Baptist Church, 928 Calvert Road, Brevard, NC 28742.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at Mt. Moriah.

Jackson Funeral Service and Crematory is assisting the family.

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Alice May Harris, 83

Alice May Harris, 83, of Palm City, FL, passed away, Friday, Jan. 10, 2014, at the Elizabeth House.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisiting the family.

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George Wesley Medlin, Jr., 65

George Wesley Medlin, Jr., 65, of Hendersonville passed away Saturday, Jan.11, 2014, after battle with multiple health problems.

He has joined his wife in Heaven as a guardian angel to watch over their loved one's left here on Earth. He was a lifelong resident of Hendersonville, a Vietnam Veteran, and a member of Mountain Home Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Connie Medlin and parents, George & Edna Medlin as well as one sister (Juanita).

He is survived by three children; Scott London (Ardith) of Hendersonville, Melanie McMurray (John) of Fletcher, and Bob Medlin (Jenni) of Hendersonville. He also leaves behind 6 grandchildren to whom he was a wonderful and loving "Papaw"; Dale London, Evan Duckett, Lauren McMurray, Emma McMurray, Zachariah Sargent, and Maci Medlin. He is also survived by 1 brother (Myron) and 3 sisters (Pat, Randall, & Doris) as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A funeral will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014, at the Mountain Home Baptist Church. A burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors conducted by the Henderson County Honor Guard. The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the service in the church.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Mountain Home Baptist Church: PO Box 288, Edneyville, NC 28727.

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

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George Wesley Medlin, Jr., 65

George Wesley Medlin, Jr., 65, of Hendersonville passed away Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014, after battle with
multiple health problems.

Jackson Funeral Service will announce the arrangements.

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Evelyn M. Daw, 75

Evelyn M. Daw, 75, of Hendersonville passed away peacefully, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014, at Pardee Hospital.

She was a native of Charleston, S.C., and a resident of Alabama before moving to Henderson County in 1980. She was a daughter of the late Merle and Daisy Linder Mizelle and was also preceded in death by her grandson, Daniel Ray Neal.

Evelyn is survived by her daughters, Rita D. Neal of Hendersonville and husband Larry, Sharon D. Hughes of Abbeville, S.C., and Sandra D. Hadley of Hendersonville; sons, Ronnie M. Davis of Greenwood, S.C. and wife Rita Faye, Bobby M. Davis of Atmore, Ala., and wife Regenia and Richard W. Davis, Sr. of Wagner, S.C., and wife Dawn; 13 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; sisters, Doris Buckner, Mary Ann Manning and Marie Swain; and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, Jan.12, 2014, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park with Rev. Walt Christian officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorial may be made to: John de la Howe School, Alumni Association, 192 Gettys Rd. McCormick, SC 29835.

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

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

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Beverly Sue Beard, 51

Beverly Sue Beard, 51, of Etowah, passed away, Tuesday, Jan., 7, 2014.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

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Phillip A. Mace, 77

Phillip A. Mace, 77, of Hendersonville, died Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014.

God here he comes your adventurous creation. Finally he joins the world beyond he so often visualized. How will he arrive, on a rocket, roller skates, clogging, or on a surfboard. Phillip, born March 8, 1936, was the only child of Ulysses and Gladys Mace. The Maces were owners and operators of the Mace General Store in the busy bend of Kanuga Road first opening in the 1920s. Phillip graduated from Hendersonville High School in 1954. Growing up, Phil and his dad were avid fox hunters. His favorite fox hound was "Danger" who lived to be 18 years old. In his teens, Phillip clogged with the Echo Mountain and Ben Smathers clogging teams. He also enjoyed roller skating and surfing. He frequented Ron Jon Surf Shops. After a stint in the Army in Istanbul he joined the team of NASA technicians. Phillip was a "rocket launch and captive firing electrician" during the Apollo program. During this time he studied, contemplated, and meditated on the stars, planets, and the beyond. Acknowledging there is a God, he said, "I'm ready to be taken."

Phillip leaves behind his partner and companion of 10 years, Geraldine Collis, his extended family; father figure to Jeff Collis, Sharon Stepp, Linda Sanders, Patrick Stepp, and his "little girl", Sarah Collis. He will be missed.

Phillip and Geraldine have led the Monday night street dances in Hendersonville for the past 3 years, now Phillip is dancing with his angels.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, at Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel. Burial will follow at Shepherd Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

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Stewart "Pete" Nelson

FLAT ROCK — Mr. Stewart "Pete" Nelson, 85, of Flat RocK died Monday, Jan. 6, 2014.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors will announce arrangements.

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Jacqueline "Jacki" Seavers Pedersen, 76

Jacqueline "Jacki" Seavers Pedersen, 76, of Hendersonville passed away Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, at Elizabeth House.

She was born in Astoria, N.Y., on April 15, 1937, to the late John James Seavers and Margretta McKelvey Welch. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Melissa Peeples.

She was one of the founding members of the Women Helping Women organization locally. She worked many years with Interfaith Assistance Ministry, and was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church.

Survivors include her loving husband of 17 years, Francis D. Pedersen; a daughter, Laura Lamb; a son, Steven Goode; a step-daughter, Terri Kassakatis and her husband, Steven; a step-son Richard Pedersen and his wife, Joyce; sister, Virginia Ratazzi and brother, Edward Welch; and six grandchildren, Amanda, Kevin, Timothy, Emily, Noelle, and Lindsey.

A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10, 2014,  at Grace Lutheran Church with a reception following the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Interfaith Assistance Ministry, P.O. Box 2562, Hendersonville, NC 28739, or Grace Lutheran Church, 1245 6th Ave. W., Hendersonville, NC 28791.

An online guest book is available at www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Bruce W. Capps

Bruce W. Capps, 59, of Zirconia died Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014, at Rutherford Regional Medical Center.

He was born in Henderson County on March 30, 1954, to Francis W. Capps and the late Vera Rebecca Capps.

Mr. Capps served as the vice-president of Capps Brothers Contracting and Trucking. He was a member of Mountain Valley Baptist Church in Zirconia.

He is survived by his father, Francis W. Capps; three sons, Bruce Anthony Capps, Donald Francis Capps and his wife, Rhonda Diane Capps, Ronald James Capps; step-children, Bobby Garber, Cindy Rogers; two grandchildren, six step-grandchildren, and five step-great-grandchildren.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Nancy James for caring for Bruce during his time of illness.

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014, at Mountain Valley Baptist Church with the Rev. Butch Skerrett officiating. Burial will follow in the Pearson Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014, at Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

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