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Obituaries

Recent Obituaries

Charles D. Jones, 80

Charles D. Jones, 80, of Zirconia, passed away Thursday, May 16, 2013 at Pardee Hospital.

He was a native of Henderson County and a son of the late Montreval and Cecelia Patterson Jones. Mr. Jones was also preceded in death by his wife, Lois Jones; grandson, Joshua Ford; two brothers; and five sisters.

He served in the U.S. Army and was employed by General Electric for 25 years retiring, as a Supervisor.

He is survived by his son, Michael Jones and his wife Mercedes of Homestead, FL; daughters, Sandra Hall and her husband Rick of Winston Salem, and Kathy Williams and her husband Gregg of Gallatin, TN; grandsons, Joseph and Aron Jones; sisters, Gladys and Mildred Jones; and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 19, 2013, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the chapel at Forest Lawn Funeral Home

To sign the online register book, please visit www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Brian Keith Beal

Brian Keith Beal, 47, of Hendersonville, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday May 15, 2013. He was preceded in death by his mother, Brenda Callahan Beal.

He is survived by his father, Robert S. Beal, Jr. and his wife, Rita Anders Beal of Hendersonville; three sons, Charles Robert Beal of Hendersonville, Phillip Michael Beal of Hendersonville and Noah Brian Beal of the home; two brothers, Robert S. Beal III and his wife, Sandy of Oriental, John T. Beal of Hendersonville; numerous aunts; uncles; nieces, nephews and a multitude of other family members and friends who were very special to Brian.

A visitation will be held from 5 until 6 p.m. on Sunday May 19, 2013 at Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

A register book is available online 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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Vincent L. Brown, 97

Vincent L. Brown, 97

Vincent L. Brown, 97, of Hendersonville passed away Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at Hendersonville Health & Rehabilitation after an extended period of declining health.

A native of St. Mary's Parish in Albany, Jamaica, he lived in Henderson County over forty years. He was a son of the late Henry and Rebecca Carley Brown, and was also preceded in death by five sisters and four brothers.

He came to the United States in 1956 working as a farm laborer. He was a butler serving several prominent families in the area, and also worked at the Woodfield Inn. He was Quaker by faith, attending various churches in Henderson County. He loved gardening and people in general. He was respected and loved by all who knew him. A special thank you goes to the staff of Hendersonville Health & Rehabilitation and Four Seasons Hospice for their excellent care.

Survivors include special friends, Charles and Madeline Royes.

A memorial graveside service will be at 12:00 pm Saturday at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Rev. Billy T. Waters will officiate.

A guest book and sympathy cards are available at www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Christine Gundermann, 91

Christine Gundermann, 91

Christine Emma Stumpf Gundermann, 91, of Hendersonville died peacefully Monday, May 6, 2013 at the Medical Center of Carolina Village.

Christine was born March 24, 1922, in Vienna, Austria, to Arnold and Friederike Stumpf. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Isolde; and her beloved husband, Alex, whom she married in May of 1948. Christine is survived by her niece, Madeleine Mad, husband, Franz; and their families in Austria.

Christine was a talented and active gardener, and enjoyed music and singing. She was always creating something wonderful from broken items and making them into new and beautiful pieces of art.

People who knew her will remember her wicked and sharp sense of humor. Christine will be missed by her close friends, Trix and Bob Tracey, Frank and Gitty Schields, from Carolina Village, and Bill and Debbie Kodros from Chapel Hill, NC.

Thank you to the wonderful staff at the Carolina Village Medical Center and Four Seasons Hospice, for all their love, attention, and caring for the comfort of our Christine.

A Memorial and Internment Service will be held at St. James Episcopal Church, Hendersonville at a date to be announced.

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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Mark Edward Lewis, 59

Mark Edward Lewis, 59, of Hendersonville died Sunday, May 5, 2013, at Beystone Health and Rehab. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Dec. 7, 1953.

He was a 33 year member of Alcoholics Anonymous and was a domestic violence counselor for many years.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ernest Lewis Jr., and a stepson, Peter Hagen.

He is survived by his loving wife, Gloria K. Irrgang; adoptive mother, Joan Lewis; biological mother, Margaret Spradling; stepson, Charles Hagen; six stepgrandchildren, Jeremiah Hagen, Hannah Marie Hagen, Michaela Hagen, Olivia Hagen, Jonathan Hagen, Quinten Hagen; half-sister, Connie Lynch; adoptive siblings, Karen Stork and David Lewis; sons, Todd Lewis, Scott Lewis, Matthew Wise.

A memorial service will be held at 12:30 PM on Saturday, May 11, 2013, at Upward Road Seventh Day Adventist Church. Burial will be at Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church.

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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Robert A. Patton

A funeral service will be held for Robert A. Patton of Hendersonville, at 10 a.m., Wednesday, May 8, 2013, at Cane Creek Baptist Church.

Interment will be at Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Lessie Russell Hill, 92

Mrs. Lessie Russell Hill, 92, of Hendersonville died Saturday, May 4, 2013, at Pardee Hospital.

She was born Feb. 25, 1921, in Greenville County, SC, to the late Hardy Russell and Julia Gordon Russell and was the wife of the late U. G. Hill.

She worked in textiles, was a laundromat attendant, cared for homes on Lake Summit and was a caregiver at Pardee Hospital.

She is survived by a daughter Frances Hill Roberson and her husband David L. of Forest, Va.; two granddaughters, Julie Roberson of Forest, Va., and Frances Stacey Kashouty of Barbersville, Va.; a great-granddaughter Madalynn Roberson,; a sister Effie Russell of Saluda, and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by brothers JB Russell and his wife Rosa and JM Russell.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 8, 2013, at Tuxedo First Baptist Church. Rev. Mikell Bennett and Rev. Harold McKinnish will officiate. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors.

Flowers are welcomed or contributions can be made to The Laurels of Hendersonville, Pardee Hospital Foundation or to the charity of one's choice.

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

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Pauline E. Poley, 85

Pauline E. Poley, 85

Pauline E. Poley, 85, of Hendersonville passed away Thursday, May 2, 2013, at Elizabeth House following an extended illness.

A native and lifelong resident of Henderson County, she was a daughter of the late Willie and Lillie Darnell Brackett, and the wife of the late Charles C. Poley who died in 1995. She was also preceded in death by her daughters, Joyce Ann Poley, Linda Marie Cordell and Shirley Jean Poley. She attended Bible 2001 Baptist Church. Her life revolved around her family and church.

Survivors include three sons, Ed Poley and his wife Nancy, Clarence Poley, and Michael Dean Poley, all of Hendersonville; two daughters, Patricia Jones and her husband David of Anderson, SC, Florence McCollum of Central, SC; several grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; two brothers, Leon Brackett and his wife Jane of Marshall, Bill Brackett and his wife Jane of Fletcher; three sisters, Juanita Fowler and her husband Onnie of Edneyville, Sue Mathis and her husband Dennis of Dana, Thelma Martin and her husband James of Dana; and a great number of nieces and nephews.

A funeral will be at 2 pm Monday in the Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel. Revs. Bill Brackett and Kevin Travis will officiate. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. prior to the service in the chapel. Burial will take place at 10 a.m. Tuesday in the WNC Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain.

A guest book and sympathy cards are available at www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.

Forest Lawn Funeral home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Robert Patton, 66

Robert Patton, 66, of Hendersonville, passed away, Friday, May 3, 2013.

Shuler Funeral Home will announce the arrangements

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John Anthony Ulinski, Jr.

John Anthony Ulinski, Jr.

John Anthony Ulinski, Jr., of Hendersonville, died on Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at Hendersonville Health and Rehabilitation.

John was born June 24, 1923, in Buffalo, New York. Born into the Roman Catholic faith, he was educated in parochial schools in Buffalo. He received his B.A. degree from Cornell University, attended Georgetown University Law School, and was a mid-career fellow of Princeton's Woodrow Wilson School for Public and International Affairs.

During World War II he was a cryptographer with the Fifth Air Force. He was awarded the Philippines Liberation ribbon, the American Service medal, the Pacific Service medal, and the World War II Victory medal.

He joined the U.S. Bureau of the Budget in 1948, and in 1951 he worked with the Department of State when President Truman's Point Four program of technical assistance to the developing world was being organized. In 1953 he received a Ford Foundation grant to work with the Governor of West Java in Indonesia, and afterwards joined the U.S. foreign assistance mission in Indonesia. In 1957 he joined the Development Loan Fund, a government bank that financed projects in developing countries. He eventually became its Director of Operations in South and Southeast Asia, overseeing some $630 million in loans to countries in that area. He also negotiated loans for projects in the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Ceylon, Indonesia, Pakistan, Nepal, and, principally, India. He was a participant in the international consortium of aid donors to India.

From 1963-1965, he served as the assistant director of the AID mission in New Delhi, India. In 1966, after completing his fellowship at Princeton's Woodrow Wilson School, he was appointed Associate Director of the U.S. aid mission to Vietnam. From there he moved to Liberia as Director of USAID. On concluding his assignment in Liberia, he was appointed Director of the Office for Private and Voluntary Cooperation at AID in Washington, D.C., and was concurrently the Executive Director of the Advisory Committee on Voluntary Foreign Aid. He retired in 1980.

He was awarded the medal for Distinguished Career Service and the Distinguished Honor Award for his government service.

After retirement, he and his wife Anne settled in Hendersonville, where he continued to consult with private groups engaged in development work abroad, particularly the U.S. YMCA and Rotary International. He also served on the board of the Western Carolina Civil Liberties Union, was a board member and treasurer of the Hendersonville Friends of Chamber Music, a founding member and treasurer of the Henderson County Bird Club, and a member of the Henderson County Public Art Committee.

John loved the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and for as long as his health allowed, he traveled with his family every winter to Pea Island to see the migratory birds. He loved literature and was himself an accomplished essayist. He loved music, baseball, and fine food, especially Indian cuisine. He was a gourmet chef who took great delight in preparing and presiding over large family meals.

He is survived by his wife, Anne Franke Ulinski, their five children and eight grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Four Seasons Hospice, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

A register book is available online 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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Nicholas Rammacca

Nicholas Rammacca

ETOWAH — Nicholas Rammacca, 81, of Etowah, died peacefully on Friday, April 26, 2013 at Beystone Rehabilitation in Fletcher.

He was born in Manhattan, NY on October 5, 1931 to the late, Alfred and Catherine Rammacca. Nicholas leaves to mourn, his loving and devoted wife, Mary Rammacca. He is also survived by his son, Brent; his adopted son, Paul both of Florida; two half-sisters, Hope and Susan; four step-children, Robert, Barbara, Christina and Dusten; and three step-grandchildren that hold a very special place in his heart.

Mr. Rammacca was a United States Army Veteran who served in the Korean Conflict. After the war he became a hair stylist to the stars in New York. There he owned two hair salons before moving his former wife and sons to Florida where he became a Real Estate investor and owned a cleaning business that he happily named Mr. B's. Nicholas also bought and sold real estate, one of which was a historic property in Florida that afforded him to become a charter member of the National Historic Society in Florida.

In 2003 after the death of his first wife, Nicholas moved to Hendersonville and opened a small Antique shop on 4th Ave. He closed the store a few months later because he felt the market was about to fall. After ten years in Henderson County he met and married his current wife Mary. He was an avid reader, world traveler and loved to visit Antique stores with Mary in his spare time.

Mary would like to extend a very special thank you to the entire staff at Spring Arbor West in Laurel Park; Dr. Jenny Mathews and the staff of Family Health Center; Dr. Donald Culver and the staff at Beystone; Ms. Nichole Bailey of the Henderson County Department of Social Services, we love you and thank you for your love and support; dear friends, Don & Judith Porter; devoted friend, Carl Bartolino in Massachusetts and to all our friends who helped us to walk this long road; Mrs. Pam Pelligran for introducing me to the wonderful group in Fletchers Memory Care. I know understand how dreadful Alzheimer Disease truly is. Thank you all for your support.

A memorial service and reception will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Spring Arbor West Assisted Living Facility, 1825 Pisgah Drive (directly behind the Ingles) in Laurel Park.

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

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

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Donald H. Butler

Donald H. Butler

Donald H. Butler, 88, of Hendersonville died Friday, May 3, 2013 at Pardee Hospital.

He was born in Detroit, Mich., on Dec. 7, 1924, to the late Donald H. Butler and Sophia Helmeroth Butler. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his son, Brian Butler.

Mr. Butler proudly served his country in the United States Army and was a member of the VFW. He retired from Burroughs Corporation after 27 years as an electronic technician.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Jean Butler, and his son, Mark Butler.

Per Mr. Butler's request no services will be held.

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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Rev. Joseph Perry Forrest

SALUDA — Rev. Joseph Perry Forrest, 69, of Saluda, died on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at Mission Hospital.

A native of and life long resident of Saluda he was born on May 12, 1943 to the late Clarence Forrest and Louise Pace Forrest. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Sara Staton and Mary Ann Butler.

Of the Baptist faith, Perry was called to preach on May 21, 1972. He pastored to numerous area churches until 2011. He also worked at General Electric until his retirement in 1999 after 37 years of faithful service. He was an avid lover of bluegrass gospel music and was an extremely talented wood worker.

Above all else Perry loved his God and his Church, was a loving husband, father, grandfather and a friend to everyone he met. He will be truly missed by all that knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Lucille Forrest; his two daughters, Kelly Anderson and her husband, Ken, of Zirconia, Angela Forrest of Travelers Rest, SC; his grandson, Russell Anderson of Zirconia; his two sisters, Phyllis Levi of Flat Rock, Linda Blackwell of Saluda and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends from 6  until 8 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at the funeral home. A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 5, 2013 at Mt. Page Baptist Church with the Rev. Robert Capps and Rev. Tommy Brashier officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

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

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

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Roy Lee Gillenwater, Jr.

Roy Lee Gillenwater, Jr.

Roy Lee Gillenwater, Jr., went home to be with the Lord and his wife Linda, Wednesday, May 1, 2013.

He was a native of Murphy and a resident of Hendersonville for 30 years. He was a son of the late Roy Lee Gillenwater, Sr. and Frankie White Gillenwater. Roy is also preceded in death by his wife, Linda Gillenwater and two sisters, Judy and Phyllis Gillenwater. He retired from Wilson Art and loved fishing and hunting.

He is survived by two sons, Carl Gillenwater (Nancy) of Spartanburg, SC, and Tommy Gillenwater (Erin) of Tuscaloosa, AL; stepchildren, Teresa Scarborough (Stanley), Lisa Kucharchuk (Darrell Davis), Margo Barbee (Gary), and Avery Fisher, all of Hendersonville; seven grandchildren, Carl Jr., Dakota, Haylee, Gage and Jalyn Gillenwater, and Elizabeth and Spencer Kucharchuk; great-grandchild, Michael; sisters, Betty Jenkins (Bob) and Pat Tatham (Carroll); brother, Rick Gillenwater (Theresa); extended family including several nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, May 5, 2013, at the chapel of Forest Lawn Funeral Home with Rev. Aud Brown officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 S. Allen Rd. Flat Rock, NC 28731.

To sign the online register book, please visit www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Ruth Corn Brackett, 91

Ruth Corn Brackett, 91, of Rincon, GA passed away Tuesday, April 30, 2013.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold M. Brackett, Sr.; parents, Rev. and Mrs. Quay Corn; brother, David Corn; sisters, Mary Henderson and Lois Barnwell all of Hendersonville, NC.

Survivors include two sons, Joe (Barbara) Brackett of Rincon, GA, Scott (Martha) Brackett of Loudon, TN; sisters, Margaret Clark, Juanita Jackson, Louise (Junior) Levi all of Hendersonville, NC, Betty Gilliam of Florence, SC; one brother, Wilburn (Gladys) Corn of Hendersonville, NC; three grandchildren, Timothy, Nicole, and Bill Brackett; three great-grandchildren, Noah, Ian, and Evan; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00am Saturday, May 4, in the Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Harold McKinnish officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 am prior to the service in the chapel. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park,

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer's Association, www.alzfdn.org or First Baptist Church of Rincon Building Fund, 201 E. 6th Street, Rincon, GA 31326.

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Mary M. Afflerbach, 75

Mary M. Afflerbach, 75, of Flat Rock, passed away, Thursday, May 2, 2013. Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Michael J. Petruska, 87

Michael J. Petruska, 87, of Hendersonville passed away Saturday, April 20, 2013, at Charles George V.A. Medical Center after a period of declining health.

A native of New Brunswick, NJ, he lived in Henderson County since 1994. He was a son of the late Michael and Mary Berecz Petruska. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Raymond J. Petruska. He retired following 30years of service with Delco-Remy, a division of General Motors in New Brunswick, NJ. He was an Army veteran of WWII and was a history buff. He was an avid reader and a devoted Dallas Cowboy fan.

Survivors include his loving wife of 65 years, Joan T. Petruska; a son, Brian Petruska and his wife Marielena of Lyman, SC; two sisters, Rose Lanfalusi of New Brunswick, NJ, and Mary Szilva of North Brunswick, NJ; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday in the Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel. Private entombment will follow in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to the service in the chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Charles George V.A. Medical Center, 1100 Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC 28805. A guest book and sympathy cards are available at www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Nancy “Sister” Davis

Nancy "Sister" Davis, 84, of Hendersonville, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, April 19, 2013, at the Elizabeth House. A native of Henderson County she was born on Feb. 1, 1929 to the late George and Myrtle Murphy. She was also preceded in death by her loving husband, Vance Davis; her daughter, Margaret Sutton; two brothers, Sydney and Walt Murphy and three sisters, Fanny Sue Ball, Christine McClure and Ethel Rhodes.

She loved the Lord and was a long time member at Shaws Creek Baptist Church.

She worked at General Electric for 10 years until her retirement in 1987 but she spent most of her life doing what she loved, taking care of her home and the people in it. A giving person, "Sister" was always putting friends and family before herself. She will be truly missed by all that knew and loved her.

She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Hill and her husband, Eddie, of Hendersonville; her two grandsons, Lyle Sutton and his wife, Donna, of Hendersonville, Shane Hill of Atlanta, GA; her two great-grandchildren, Sharlet and Austin Sutton; four brothers, G.L. Murphy, James Murphy, Paul Murphy, Charles Murphy, Roy Murphy; two sisters, Peggy Griffin, Mary Connor Metcalf and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, April 22, 2013, at Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel with Reverend Mikell Bennett officiating. Burial will follow at Shepherd Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock NC, 28731.

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

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

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Jeremy D. Huffstetler

Jeremy D. Huffstetler

Jeremy D. Huffstetler, 18, of Hendersonville, died on Thursday, April 18, 2013 at his home. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Ethel Green; his paternal grandmother, Lucille Parton Huffstetler; and his paternal grandfather, William Edward Huffstetler.

A native of Vietnam he was adopted by his parents when he was eight months old.

He was an honor student and senior at Hendersonville High School where as a lover of music he was an active member of their concert band. He was planning to attend Western Carolina University in the fall. He was a member of Boys and Girls Club in Hendersonville, a member of Stoney Mountain Baptist Church and a honorary Member of the Hendersonville Lions Club.

He is survived by his parents, Jerry and Brenda Huffstetler; several aunts and uncles; and his best friend, Jonathan Lewis.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Memorials Scholarship Fund c/o Henderson County Educational Foundation, PO BOX 1267, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, 2013, at The Salvation Army with Captain Chris Thornhill officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Fairview. The family will receive friends from noon until 2 p.m. on Tuesday, at the Church.

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

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

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Verlon L. Ward, 56

Verlon L. Ward, 56, of Hendersonville, went to be with the Lord, Wednesday, April 17, 2013, at Mission Hospital in Asheville.

A native of Henderson County, he was the son of the late Eugene and Lillian Ward. He is also preceded in death by a brother, Benjalee Ward. Verlon was a graduate of East Henderson High School and was employed by CooperRiis of Asheville, NC.

He was a member of Hendersonville Seventh-day Adventist Church. He was a member of the Kedron Lodge # 387 A.F. & A.M. where he was the past Master.

He devoted much of his time and energy as a caregiver to others and was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed fishing, camping and being in the outdoors.

He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Donna Ward; a daughter, Jennifer White and her husband Bryan; a son, Shelton Ward; four grandchildren, Austin White, Lillian White, Aiden Wright, and Kiah Neale, a sister, Nancy Perez of Asheville; two brothers, Don Ward of Tryon and Jim Ward of Flat Rock; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 21, 2013, at the Kirby Chapel of Shuler Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Ferguson officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Bayne Cemetery in Green River. Masonic Rites will be rendered by the Kedron Lodge #387 A.F. & A.M.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Seventh-day Adventist Church of Hendersonville or Bayne Cemetery Fund.

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

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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