Joyce Ann Hill

EAST FLAT ROCK — Joyce Hill, 79, of East Flat Rock, died Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013.

She was a native of Henderson County, growing up in Tuxedo; she moved to Raleigh after marriage and returned back to Henderson County in 1990's. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas A. Hill, parents, Ollie and Thelma Caldwell, and "Jeff", her four legged friend.

She enjoyed baking, cross stitching, and joking with family and friends. She was also an avid North Carolina State University fan. She was a member of First Baptist Church of East Flat Rock.

She is survived by her son, Larry Hill and his wife, Dee, of Flat Rock; her daughter, Cindy Hamrick, and her husband, Steve of Butner, and her granddaughter, Victoria, also of Butner. The family wishes to thank the staff of Spring Arbor, along with two special friends there.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 25, 2013, at Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel with Dr. Larry Applebee officiating. Burial will follow at Oakdale Cemetery. The family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m. at the funeral home.

Flowers are accepted or memorial contributions may be sent 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 and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.

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Opal Johnson

Opal Johnson, 87, of Hendersonville went to be with the Lord on Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013, after a short illness. She was born on Sept. 22, 1925, in Burnsville to the late Malley and Lula Whitson.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Preston "Pete" Johnson Sr.; her daughter, Gayle Axton, her sisters, Shirley Johnson, Cleo Byrd, her brother, Gene Whitson, and an infant great-grandson, Logan Christopher.

Mrs. Johnson, an excellent student with a determined spirit, received her bachelor of arts in education from Western Carolina Teachers College, later to be named Western Carolina University. She was a beloved and caring fifth grade teacher at East Flat Rock Elementary School for more than 20 years. Students never forgot the vivacious and loving Mrs. Johnson. Opal also worked for General Electric until her retirement in 1987.

Mrs. Johnson was known for her Godly and generous character, delivering homemade foods and goods to many people in the community. Opal was coined the "Bread Lady" because of her famous made from scratch bread, some of her favorites included banana nut, zucchini, lemon poppy seed, sour dough, and the most difficult to resist, chocolate chip. Her culinary delights will be missed by many.

She is survived by her sons, Preston "Pete" Johnson Jr. and his wife Judy, Kirby Johnson and his wife Sherri, Scott Johnson and his fiancé Wendie Hill; her brother, Jack Whitson and his wife Peggy; two step-daughters, Thyletus Wright and her husband Tom, Nova Apple and her husband Paul; ten grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two step great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Our Mother,
"Our cheerleader whenever we played, our teacher when we needed instruction, our disciplinarian when we were in error, our spiritual leader when we needed uplifting, our hero forever." The Johnson Family

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013, at Valley Hill Baptist Church with Reverend Danny Pridmore officiating. Burial will follow at Campground Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church, and other times at the family home on Dana Road.

In lieu of flowers the family requests the memorial contributions be made to Valley Hill Baptist Church, 118 School St. Hendersonville, NC 28739.

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

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Callie Roberson Barnwell, 91

BAT CAVE — Callie Roberson Barnwell, 91 of Bat Cave, NC went home Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013.

She was preceded in death by her parents W. Andrew and Bessie Huntley Roberson, her husband, Vollie Herbert Barnwell and 4 siblings, Catherine Snipes, Lenora Maxey, Ruth Donovan and Forest Roberson.

She was an apple farmer, loved her flower gardens, was a loving mother, grandmother and GG.

She is survived by a son, Richard Barnwell and his wife Sheila of Bat Cave; 3 grandchildren, Vollie Barnwell (Brandy) of Weaverville, Resa Darnell (Drew) of Hendersonville and Charity Blackwell (David) of Greenville, S.C.; 7 great grandchildren; 3 brothers, Neal, Norman and Leon; 2 sisters, Meredith and Lavonne and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, at Bat Cave Baptist Church where she was a dedicated member for 72 years. Pastor David MacEachern and Rev. Ivey Thomas will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends following the service in the church and at other times will be at her home.

Flowers may be sent or donations may be made to Bat Cave Baptist Church, P.O. Box 247, Bat Cave, NC 28710.

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

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William "Glenn" Newman, 68

FLAT ROCK – William "Glenn" Newman, 68, of Flat Rock passed away on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013, at his home. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Logan "Boo" Newman and Gladys (Arledge) Newman.

Glenn was known as a hardworking man by all who knew him. He worked for over 30 years and retired from Kimberly-Clark "Berkley Mills" in Balfour. His passion though, was the love of farming. He raised cattle for a time, but spent the majority of his life growing apples and many different types of row crop vegetables. He loved "playing in the dirt" as he used to refer to his time in the fields.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Lawrence Newman of Flat Rock; a son, William "Travis" Newman and his wife Shelley, along with their three sons Tyler, Bryson and Owen of Campobello, S.C.; a daughter, Catherine "Denise" Newman of Matthews; two brothers, Allen Newman and wife Anita of Flat Rock, Ernie Newman and wife Jean of Flat Rock; and two sisters, Jane Ray and husband Nathan of Hendersonville, Joanne Corn and husband Ted of Hendersonville.

A private service will be held at a later date. The family received friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday evening, Feb. 22, at Bethel Wesleyan Church on Tracy Grove Road.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Bethel Wesleyan Church building fund. A guest book and sympathy cards are available at www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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F. Eugene Nelon, 75

F. Eugene Nelon, 75, of Black Mountain, formerly of Hendersonville, died Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013 at Four Seasons Elizabeth House. He was born in Buncombe County, a son of the late Charlie and Minnie Owenby Nelon. His wife, Barbara Irene Drake Nelon preceded him in death in 2004.

He worked for Spinning Wheel Rugs for 46 years, and attended the Church of the Nazarene. He loved hunting and fishing, and caring for his honeybees.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Corrine Burgin, Nannie Brown, and Rachel Burgin; and one brother David Nelon.

Surviving is his wife of the past 7 1/2 years, Lora Summey Nelon; his daughter Melissa Hudgins and her husband Vince; four grandsons; three great grandsons; one great-granddaughter; and one step-granddaughter; his eight brothers and sisters, Juanita Dotson, Lawrence Nelon, Harvey Nelon, Shirley Gentle, Carl Nelon, Kathleen Yarborough, Ray Nelon, and Lester Nelon; and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 23, 2013, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Rev. Stanley Adcock will officiate.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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

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Maureen Libby Mohrman, 78

Maureen Libby Mohrman, 78, of Hendersonville, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013, at Elizabeth House.

She was a native of Queens, N.Y., and a resident of Henderson County for four years. Mrs. Mohrman was a daughter of the late Thomas and Kathryn Libby. She was also preceded in death by her brother Jerry F. Libby.

Survivors include her loving husband of 42 years, William E. Mohrman; daughter, Donna Metta-Barraco and her husband David of Taylors, S.C.; sons, Raymond Mohrman and his wife Michele of Lahaina, Hawaii, Steven Mohrman and his partner Sage Linden of Asheville; grandchildren, Maxwell William, Bella Eve and Taj Iokepa Mohrman, Cassilyn Fawn and Mikel Raymond Metta-Barraco; brothers, Robert Libby and his wife Laurel of Sound Beach, N.Y. and Thomas Michael Libby of Hempstead, N.Y.

A funeral mass was held 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 22, 2013 in the Our Lady of the Angels Chapel of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Daughters of Wisdom, Attn. Rosalie Mullane, Sound Beach Convent Renovation Fund, 385 Ocean Ave., Islip, NY 11751.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family. A guest book or sympathy cards are available at www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.

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Margaret Dunn Barrer, 91

Margaret Dunn Barrer, 91, of Hendersonville, died Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013. at Fletcher View Inn. She was born Sept. 30, 1921, in St. Paul Minn., to Dr. James N. and Pearle V. Dunn.

Mardy received her bachelor of science degree in biology from Ripon College in Wisconsin and a masters of nursing from Yale University in Connecticut. A longtime resident of the Rockville, Md., area, she was married to Donal Y. Barrer (1922-1989) in 1943.

Surviving are her four children John (Anna) Barrer of McLean, Va., Thomas (Carol) Barrer of Hendersonville, Elizabeth Barrer of Baltimore, Md., and Janet (Gary) Stearns of Tampa, Fla.; her grandson Ivan Barrer of McLean, Va.; brother-in-law Merle T. Inman of Batchtown, Ill.; and many nieces and nephews.

Interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery later in the spring.

Memorials may be made to Ripon College, Office of Advancement, P.O. Box 248, Ripon, WI 54971, Toll-free gift line 877-231-0455, www.ripon.edu/gift/.

To sign the online guestbook, visit www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.

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

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Frances Jackie Bell, 65

FLAT ROCK — Frances Jackie Bell, 65, of Flat Rock, went to be with the Lord, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013.

She was born on Nov. 17, 1947, in Tuxedo to the late Jack and Mary Frances Allen Bell and lived in Henderson County for most of her life.

She is survived by two daughters, Jackie Lene Johnson and Gara Avis Thompson; a son, Joseph Royce Thompson; one brother, Eddie Bell, of Charlotte; six grandchildren, and several nieces.

She was a loving friend to all.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013, at Shepherd Memorial Park with Reverend Chris Hefner officiating.

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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Edith W. Reed

FLETCHER — Edith W. Reed, 88, of Fletcher, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013, after a brief illness.

She was the daughter of the late Grover and Jenny Dockins Wilkie and the wife of the late Cleofus Reed. She was also preceded in death by her son, Paul Grover Reed; her sisters, Katherine Ruth, Margaret Youngblood, Violet Wood, Madge Sigman; her brothers, Grady Wilkie, Claude Wilkie, and Clarence Wilkie.

She graduated from Fletcher High School in 1941, and was a long time employee of CTS of Asheville. She was a member of Hoopers Creek Baptist Church where she sang in the choir and was active in the Ladies Bible Class.

She is survived by her daughter, Judy Reed Robinson and her husband, Perry, of Hendersonville; her son, Earl Reed of Hoopers Creek; her granddaughter, Laura O'Connor of Deep Gap; two grandsons, Timothy Reed of Atlanta, GA, Robert Reed of Winston Salem; two great-granddaughters; a loving daughter-in-law, Diane Reed Becker; her brother, Carroll Wilkie of Rock Hill, SC; her sister, Doris Baldwin of Clear Creek; and many nieces and nephews whom she loved.

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013 at Hoopers Creek Baptist Church with Reverend Phillip Youngblood officiating. Burial will follow at Shepherd Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

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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Edith Garrett Keenum

Edith Garrett Keenum, 92, of Hendersonville entered into Heaven's Glory on Monday, Feb. 18, 2013, at the Elizabeth House following a period of declining health. She was the daughter of the late Emory and Bessie Roberts Garrett and the wife of the late Cloyce H. Keenum.

She is survived by her son, Charles H. Keenum, Sr. and his wife, Carola of Hendersonville; her daughter, Linda Keenum Tapp and her husband, John, of Greer, SC; her five grandchildren, Larry S. Hyder, Jr., LaShannon S. Hyder, Landon S. Hyder and his wife Stefanie, all of Greer, SC; Charles H. Keenum, Jr. and wife Cindy of Tega Cay, SC; Candi Keenum Wright and her husband, Dean, of Fairview; her great-grandchildren, Zachary and Emily Hyder; Reece and Maggie Keenum and Allie and Lauren Wright. She is also survived by her sisters, Lela King, of Rock Hill, SC and Susan G. Duncan of Hendersonville; her brother, Roland Garrett of Marble, NC and by numerous nieces and nephews. She accepted Christ as her Savior at the age of 15.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday Feb. 22, 2013, at Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel with Reverend Robert Garren officiating. Burial will follow at Shepherd Memorial Park. The family will receive friends beginning at 1 p.m. at the funeral home.

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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David T. Gilliam

David T. Gilliam, 49, of Watertown, Tenn., formerly of Hendersonville, died on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013, at his home after a battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his mother, Sally Anders Gilliam.

He was a 1981 graduate of East Henderson High School and later Western Carolina University. He worked as a production engineering manager, most recently at Permobile in Lebanon, Tenn. He had a great love of the animals on and off his farm, as well as boating and fishing. He was also a lifelong member of Zion Hill Baptist Church in Zirconia.

He is survived by his father Gene Gilliam and his wife, Ann; his brother, Doug Gilliam and his wife, Cathy; his sister, Renee Nolan and her husband, Neal, all of Hendersonville; four nieces and nephews, Megan Hill and her husband, Kurt, Miranda Mayo and her husband, GW, Zach Gilliam, Ariel Nolan; three great-nieces and nephews, Lance Hill, Camden Hill, Mahaylee Mayo; and many other loving family members.

The family wishes to extend our most sincere gratitude to Harry "Buzz" Bean and Frances Cobble and all of David's friends in Tennessee for the wonderful support and care he was given.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013, at Zion Hill Baptist Church with Reverend Blair Stewart and Reverend Roy Perry officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 22, 2013, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 120 Executive Park, Asheville, NC 2801.

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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Margaret Ballard Hill, 87

Margaret Ballard Hill, 87, of Flat Rock passed away Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013, at her home.

She was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Louise Tankersley Ballard, her husband, Clyde Hill, her son, Mike Hill and nine siblings.

She had worked at JP Stevens in her early years but predominately was a loving housewife, mother and grandmother. She was very active in her church, Victory Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School for many years. God and family was the center of her life.

She is survived by a daughter, Linda Hingenitz and her husband Ron of Flat Rock; one grandson, Joe Hingenitz of Flat Rock and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013, at Victory Baptist Church on Orchard Road with Pastor Stanley Adcock officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church. The family will receive friends Wednesday night from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Victory Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to WGCR AM720, 3232 Hendersonville Hwy, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768, or to Victory Baptist Church, 482 S. Orchard Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

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

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Gordon M. Prenier, 97

Gordon M. Prenier, 97, of Hendersonville, died on Sunday, August 26, 2012, at Park Ridge Health.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 1, 2012 at Fletcher Park Inn.

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

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Gail Jones Garland, 63

ETOWAH — Gail Jones Garland, 63, of Etowah, died on Monday, August 27, 2012, surrounded by family in her home.

A native of Buncombe County she was born on March 10, 1949, in Asheville to the late Everett Jones and Hazel Lunsford Jones. She is also preceded in death by her grandmother, Josephine Jones and her adopted father Burgin Ducker, Jr.

She worked for the Department of Justice as a legal secretary, worked locally as a realtor and was a teacher's assistant at Avery's Creek Elementary. She was of the Baptist faith and a faithful member of Etowah Baptist Church.

She is survived by her loving husband, John Harold Garland Jr.; her two daughters, Mitzi LeeEllen Biney of Etowah, Lindsay Gail Garland of Greensboro; her grandson, Kenyon Biney of Etowah; her granddaughter, Abigail Garland of Etowah; her three brothers, Dale Ducker and his wife, Becky, Gary Ducker, Johnny Ducker and his wife, Donna all of Asheville; her sister, Angie Weaver and her husband, Chuck of Asheville; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, August 31, 2012 at Etowah Baptist Church with Rev. Brian Henderson officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Etowah Baptist Church, PO Box 326, Etowah, North Carolina 28729 or 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 and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.

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Edna Whittemore Hodge

Edna Whittemore Hodge of Hendersonville passed away Monday, August 27, 2012, at the Elizabeth House.

No services have been planned.

Jackson Funeral Service and Crematory is assisting the family.

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William Allen Cargile II, 58 & Dr. Leslie S.J. Cargile, 57

ZIRCONIA ­— Mr. William Allen Cargile II, 58, and Dr. Leslie S.J. Cargile, 57, of Zirconia died in Galveston, Texas.

The Cargile family wishes to express sincere appreciation to the community for your many thoughts and prayers. Services will be private.

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

Thos. Shepherd and Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.

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Clyde Hyder, 78

Our beloved husband, dad and papaw, Clyde Hyder, 78, of Hendersonville, went home to be with his Lord, Monday, August 27, 2012. He will be missed here but the family knows he is in Heaven shouting. He is having a Heavenly reunion.

He was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County. He was preceded in death by his parents, Malcolm and Alice Stepp Hyder and his siblings, Hoover, Clarence, Manson, Leonard, Hansel, Erna, Lois and Suzie.
He was a heavy equipment operator and an apple farmer and loved his Case and Deutz tractors.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Sue Jackson Hyder; one son, Rocky Hyder and wife Debbie of Hendersonville; one daughter, Linda Owenby and husband Frank of Hendersonville; two brothers, Julian Hyder and Glenn Hyder, both of Hendersonville; three granddaughters, Celena Brown and husband Mike, Stephanie Gilbert and husband Ian and Alicen Doll and husband Michael, all of Hendersonville; a grandson, Casey Owenby and wife Krissy of Hendersonville and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Thursday at Sugarloaf Baptist Church with Rev. Robert Garren and Rev. Michael Lewis officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends Thursday in the church from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and at other times will be at the home.
Donations can be made to Sugarloaf Baptist Church, 3146 Ridge Road, Hendersonville, NC 28792 or the Elizabeth House, 581 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

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

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Victor Stern, 89

FLAT ROCK — Victor Stern, 89 of Flat Rock, died peacefully in the Elizabeth House on Aug 26, 2012, surrounded by his loving family.

He grew up in NYC where he studied music, and where he met his wife, Joyce Fritz and married in 1944. They recently celebrated their 68th anniversary. They moved to Florida in 1947. Victor had a long and successful career as violist, performing with a number of orchestras, among them Fred Waring, Harry James, NBC, the Miami Symphony, the Greenville South Carolina Symphony, and the Asheville Symphony. He was Professor of Viola and Chamber Music at the University of Miami from 1952 -1984. He was on the faculty of numerous summer music festivals, including the Brevard Music Center, the Marlboro Chamber Music Festival, and the Eastern Music Festival of Greensboro. Upon retiring in 1984 he moved to Flat Rock. He worked in the community for the benefit of the hard-of-hearing.

Victor is survived by his wife, Joyce, his three children, Ben Stern of Haifa, Israel; Ruth Samad of San Diego, CA, and Jessica Beir of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and six grandchildren.

Donations can be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 S. Allen Rd, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday Aug 29, 2012 at Agudas Israel Synagogue, 505 Glasgow Lane, Hendersonville NC, 28739 with Rabbi Philip Cohen officiating.

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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Commander Thomas J. Elliott, USN (Ret)

Thomas John Elliott, Sr. (Tom), 88, of Hendersonville, passed away, Monday, August 20, 2012, in the presence of his family into the loving arms of our Lord.

Tom was born on December 28, 1923 in Newburg, N.Y., to the late Henry John Elliott and Elizabeth Tosne McGee Elliott.

He began his naval career immediately following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor with Fighter Squadron 174 out of Barbers Point, Hawaii. There he met and married Margaret Greig Elliott from Hastings N.Y., December 23, 1947. Over the next 28 years, he served in a variety of naval aviation and communications assignments both afloat and ashore in California, Florida, Rhode Island, Trinidad, Virginia and Washington, D.C., After retirement from active duty, Tom worked in the commercial satellite market in the Washington, D.C., area for 12 years. In 1982, they moved to Hendersonville where for 25 years Tom served as president and administrator of the Oscar C. Rixson Foundation. In addition, he led a Bible study class at the First Baptist Church, served as an IRS volunteer tax preparer and the Carolina Village photographer.

From his first marriage he is survived by his two sons, Tom and Bill, and their families.

He is survived by his wife, Peggy Smith, her daughter, Rhonda and her son, Tommy and his family.

A memorial service in celebration of his life will take place at 2:00 PM on Thursday, August 23, 2012 at Carolina Village with Reverend John Rymer and Reverend Wally Shamburger officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Oscar C. Rixson Foundation, PO Box 19255, Asheville, NC 28815.

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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James A. Edwards

James A. Edwards, 88, of Hendersonville, died on Saturday, August 11, 2012.

A native of Detroit, MI he was born on August 24, 1923. He attended Michigan Tech until 1943 when he joined the United States Army Air Corps becoming a P-51 fighter pilot and gunnery instructor.

He was honorable discharged in 1945 and attended the University of Michigan where he earned a degree in business administration in 1948. Upon graduation he went to work at Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance and worked his way up to General Agent where he headed up the Agency in Detroit, then Troy, MI.

He was always active in serving his community and was a member of the Lions Club, Rotary, and served as a member of the guardian ad litem group and SCORE in Hendersonville. He also enjoyed his role as mediator and one of the community advisors who visited various nursing homes in Hendersonville.

He loved hunting and fishing at the Pere Marquette Rod and Gun Club and golf where he was a member at Detroit Golf Club, then Kenmure and Hendersonville Country Club.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mary Lee; a son, Stephen "Steve" and his wife, Andrea of Hendersonville; a daughter, Amy and her husband, Mark of Irving, TX; a son, James Andrew and his wife, Lisa of Waterford, MI. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Scott Edwards, James Guyer, Daniel Guyer, Julia Guyer, Steffany LaBo and Heath Little; his great-grandchildren, Abby and Tradd Edwards, Karalina and Annika Guyer, Maya Little and Savannagh and Isabella LaBo and his brother, Tom Edwards of San Francisco.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30AM on Saturday, August 18, 2012, at St. John in the Wilderness with Reverend John A. Morton officiating.

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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