Jacob A. Ray, 21

Jacob A. Ray, 21, of Hendersonville passed away Monday, October 9, 2017. He was a native of Henderson County, and the son of Elizabeth Kuykendall and Victor Ray.
Jacob was pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Science at Western Carolina University. He was a member of Western Carolina Club Soccer Team and was pursuing membership in WCU Car Club. He loved skateboarding, snowboarding, soccer, and had a passion for sports cars. He cherished his friends and Levi, his brother and best friend. He was a devout Christian.
He is survived by his father and mother, Victor and Beth Kuykendall Ray; his brother, Levi Ray; maternal grandmother, Gaye Ledbetter; paternal grandmother, Marie Oswald; great-grandfather, Dan Jones; aunts and uncles, Anitra and Curtis Newman, Linda Ray, Duwayne Ray, Judy and Ken Wise; and cousins, Kala Newman, Daniel Newman.
A funeral service will be at 10am Saturday, October 14, 2017 in the chapel of Forest Lawn Funeral Home. Reverend Dr. Tommy Smith will officiate. Burial will follow the service in Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8pm Friday.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contribution be made to: www.gofundme.com/jacob-ray-medical-and-memorial-fund.
Please visit forestlawnhendersonville.com for online condolences.
Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

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Daniel J. Dolan, 84

Daniel J. Dolan, 84, of Saluda, NC passed away Friday, September
29, 2017 at Pardee Hospital.

He served four years in the U.S. Army and retired as an Airline
Pilot for American Airlines in 1993.

Jackson Funeral Service and Crematory is assisting the family.

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James Lowell “Jimmy” Carter, 57

James Lowell “Jimmy” Carter, 57, of Hendersonville, NC passed away Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at his home.

A Celebration of Jimmy’s Life will be held Saturday, September 30th at his home from 2:00 PM - Until...

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

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James Lowell “Jimmy” Carter, 57

James Lowell “Jimmy” Carter, 57, of Hendersonville, NC passed away Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at his home.

A Celebration of Jimmy’s Life will be held Saturday, September 30th at his home from 2:00 PM - Until...

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

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Dr. C.S. (Sam) Boland

Dr. C.S. (Sam) Boland, left this world to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday September 17, 2017. He spent his last minutes enjoying two of his passions, enjoying German cuisine at an Oktoberfest while speaking German to his dear friends and family.
Born May 03, 1934 in Ware Shoals, SC (Greenwood County) and raised in Greenville, SC, he was a resident of Key Largo, FL and maintained a home in Hendersonville, NC.
Sam attended Greenville High School and graduated from Annapolis High School in Annapolis MD. He graduated from Newberry College June 02, 1957 with a B.S. degree in Chemistry. He played basketball for the Newberry College Indians and was a lifetime member of the Letterman’s Club. He graduated dental school at The University of Maryland on June 10, 1961 with a D.D.S. degree Doctor of Dental Surgery and was awarded membership in the Chi Beta Phi fraternity on March 09, 1957. He was also a lifetime member of the Academy of General Dentistry.
Sam was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps Reserves on June 28, 1963 at the rank of Corporal, E – 4 after serving a total of 7 years. He was raised in Trinity Lutheran Church, Main Street, Greenville, SC.
He was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church, Hendersonville, NC and Immanuel Lutheran Church Key Largo, FL. Sam practiced dentistry over 40 years in Easley, SC where he was extremely active in the community. He served as a member of The Lions Club and was President of the Easley Green Wave Booster Club from 1976-1977.
He was a long-time member of IPTAY and a Life Donor, a member of The University of Maryland Terrapin Club, A life member of The University of Maryland Alumni Association and served on the Board of Trustees of Newberry College.
Aside from being a renowned dentist and an oral surgeon, Dr. Boland was an entrepreneur and investor. Over the course of his life, he held numerous interests in real estate and fuel oil.
He was an avid tennis player, playing on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays each week. He played 2 full sets the Friday before his passing. Dr. Boland also was the founding member of the Mountain Top Romeo Club in Hendersonville, NC affectionally referred to as the “Retired Old Men Eating Out”.
Above all , Sam Boland cherished his family and friends and is survived by his wife of 30 years, Kathy Barton Boland, two children and seven grandchildren. Son Robbie Boland and his wife Melody of Lexington, SC, Parker Caroline Boland, Reagan Samantha Boland and Brayden Jax Boland. Son, Bryan Bowers and his wife Julia of Berea, SC. Vincent Wyche, Victoria Rose Connor Mille and Samuel Charlie.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the following; Shriner’s Hospital for Children: 950 West Ferris Road, Greenville, SC 29605 or YMCA Camp Greenville for youth: 4399 YMCA Camp Road Cleveland, SC 29635.
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or to Po Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Ronald B. Stepp, 87

Ronald B. Stepp, 87 passed away after a short illness on September 18, 2017. A lifelong resident of Henderson County, Mr. Stepp graduated Hendersonville High School in 1950. Mr. Stepp retired as Assistant Chief of the Hendersonville Fire Department in 1992 after 32 years of service. Mr. Stepp was a founding member of the VFW Rescue Squad, now known as the Henderson County Rescue Squad, and spent his life in service to the citizens of Henderson County. He enjoyed helping people, plain and simple; he was a man of integrity.

Mr. Stepp was a proud Navy veteran of the Korean War, with at-sea service on both an aircraft carrier and a minesweeper; his duty station being the Sea of Japan. Mr. Stepp was proud to have been accompanied by his son Ronnie on an Honor Air flight to Washington, DC this summer. He was a member of the VFW, the American Legion, and a life member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elk #1616 in Hendersonville.

He enjoyed golf, fishing, camping, hunting and a good NASCAR race, especially when Dale Earnhardt was in the winner’s circle. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Hendersonville and the Roy Johnson Sunday School class. In his later years, he became an active member of the renowned Piggy’s “Liar’s Club,” which met Monday through Friday.

Mr. Stepp was preceded in death by his mother Hannie Mae Stepp and father George Odell Stepp; two brothers, Lewis and Grover Stepp, and his beloved son, Wesley Alan Stepp.

Survivors include his loving wife of 62 years, Betty Israel Stepp of the home, and son Ronald Stepp, Jr. and friend Renee Richardson of Chapin, SC. Daughter Diane Burton (Brad) of Mills River, NC; sister in law Lawanna Stepp of Dillon, SC; and daughter in law Kim Stepp and her son and daughter in law Jerry and Hayley James of Simpsonville, SC; Grandchildren Russell Burton and Kaitlyn Burton of Charlotte, NC; Hannah Stepp of Taylors, SC; Katie Grimes (Damon) of Auburn, Alabama, Kris Stepp of Beaufort, SC. Great grand children Anderson and Ashlyn Grimes and Jakob and Brice Stepp. Several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at First United Methodist Church on Thursday, September 21, 2017 at 2:00 pm. The family will receive friends in the Christian Life Center after the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family would request memorials to First United Methodist Church and the Henderson County Rescue Squad in Mr. Stepp’s honor.

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

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Louise J. Hill, 85

Louise J. Hill, 85, of Hendersonville, NC passed away Saturday, September 16, 2017 at her home.

She is a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dudley G. Jackson Sr. and Essie King Jackson, a brother, Herbert Jackson, a sister, Faye Gray and a grandson, Kelly Hill.

She was a member and vendor at the Henderson County Curb Market for 25 years and was known as the “Flower Lady” and was a member of Union Hill Baptist Church.

She is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Dewitt Hill; her daughter, Trudy Hollifield of Hendersonville; her son, Edsel Hill and his wife Lugenia of Hendersonville; siblings, Lessie Coggins of Flat Rock, D. G. Jackson Jr. of Flat Rock, Ethel Hoots of Flat Rock, Betty Williams of Edneyville, Maxine Banks of Flat Rock, Paul Jackson of Old Fort, Eunice Lynch of Flat Rock, George Jackson of Greenville, SC, Kay Kluge of Landrum, SC and Martha Lee of Peidmont, SC; her granddaughter, Amanda Cantrell; her two great grandchildren, Sydney and Mason Cantrell; numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends.

A graveside service will be held 2:00 PM Wednesday, September 20th at Union Hill Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Doug Carroll and Rev. A. D. Hopper officiating. A celebration of Louise’s Life will follow at the Tracy Grove Fellowship building with a meal.

Louise was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

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

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Howard Bennett Jacobus, 92

Howard Bennett Jacobus, 92, of Laurel Park, NC went to be with the Lord, Thursday, September 14, 2017.
He grew up in Mountain View, NJ, lived for many years in Miramar, Florida and had lived in Henderson County since 1982.
He served in the US Navy during WW II aboard the USS Saratoga.
Howard owned and operated INdoors INC, was a member of the Kedron Masonic Lodge and the Hendersonville Shrine Club.
He is survived by his wife Kathy; two sons, Todd Jacobus (Franny) and Timothy Jacobus and two grandchildren, Jack and Bennett.
A memorial service will be held 10:00 AM Saturday, September 23rd at the Hendersonville First Baptist Church with Rev. Steve Scoggins officiating. The Kedron Masonic Lodge will perform Masonic Rites. The family will receive friends following the service in the church.
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Darlene Braswell Gaillard

Darlene Braswell Gaillard of Hendersonville, NC passed away Thursday, September 14, 2017 at her home following a short illness.
She was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Grace Stepp and Gaither Stepp and her paternal grandparents, Robert and Violet Hall.
She graduated from West Henderson High School and Isothermal Community College and worked at Pardee Hospital and Park Ridge Hospital. She was a member of Balfour Methodist Church.
Darlene is survived by her mother, Diane Allen and her husband, Steve of Hendersonville; her father, Joseph Braswell of Hendersonville; her husband, Robert Gaillard of Denver, CO; her brother, Darryl Braswell (Debbie Beutell) of Hendersonville; her sister, Tamela Braswell-Kirby (Pete) of Atlanta, GA; a special aunt, Martha Gaillard of Hendersonville; several aunts, uncles, nieces, cousins and her beloved dog Prince.
A Celebration of Darlene’s Life will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, September 19th at Balfour Methodist Church, 2567 Asheville Hwy, Hendersonville, NC 28791, officiated by Reverend Jerry Mullinax. The family will receive friends immediately following the Celebration in the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Four Seasons Compassion For Life,
571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731 or to Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, 31 Glendale Ave, Asheville, NC 28803.
Darlene will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793. of Hendersonville, NC passed away Thursday, September 14, 2017 at her home following a short illness.
She was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Grace Stepp and Gaither Stepp and her paternal grandparents, Robert and Violet Hall.
She graduated from West Henderson High School and Isothermal Community College and worked at Pardee Hospital and Park Ridge Hospital. She was a member of Balfour Methodist Church.
Darlene is survived by her mother, Diane Allen and her husband, Steve of Hendersonville; her father, Joseph Braswell of Hendersonville; her husband, Robert Gaillard of Denver, CO; her brother, Darryl Braswell (Debbie Beutell) of Hendersonville; her sister, Tamela Braswell-Kirby (Pete) of Atlanta, GA; a special aunt, Martha Gaillard of Hendersonville; several aunts, uncles, nieces, cousins and her beloved dog Prince.
A Celebration of Darlene’s Life will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, September 19th at Balfour Methodist Church, 2567 Asheville Hwy, Hendersonville, NC 28791, officiated by Reverend Jerry Mullinax. The family will receive friends immediately following the Celebration in the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Four Seasons Compassion For Life,
571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731 or to Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, 31 Glendale Ave, Asheville, NC 28803.
Darlene will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Jeffery T. “Randy Dandy” Gibbs 29

Jeffery T. “Randy Dandy” Gibbs 29, of St. George, SC passed away Monday September 11, 2017 at his residence.
Arrangements are pending and will be announced by Jackson Funeral Service.

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W. Hugh “Pee-Wee” Hamilton 89

W. Hugh “Pee-Wee” Hamilton 89, passed away September 1, 2017 at the Elizabeth House in Flat Rock, NC. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Viola Hamilton; brother, J.B. and wife Helen; first wife, Roma Orr Hamilton along with several aunts and uncles.
Hugh was a native of Andrews, NC. He graduated from Western Carolina University and received his Master’s Degree from George Peabody College, Nashville TN. While at Western, he was Catamounts leading scorer and rusher. In 1948 he became an all North State Conference selection and added All-State honors in 1949 for Western Carolina’s first ever conference football champions. He was a former Athletic Director/football coach in Andrews. While there the Andrews Wildcats were State Regional Champions in 1964, 1966 and 1967. He left Andrews in 1968 and became head football coach at Asheville High. In 1972 he came to East Henderson High in Hendersonville. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Western Carolina, Andrews High and East Henderson High. The football stadium in Andrews is named in his honor. He was a Navy Veteran serving on the submarine Sea Robin.
He is survived by wife, Mildred Arrowood Brooks; son Bill Hamilton of Hendersonville; daughter, Terry and husband Terry Paige of Hendersonville; grandchildren, Dustin and Nicole Paige, Jessica Hamilton; one great grandchild, Ryland Hunnicutt; stepchildren, Mike Brooks and wife Florence, Sherry Brooks, Sheila Reid and husband Bernard; step-grandchildren, Mathew Blythe, Steven Brooks, Michell Wally, Stephanie Brooks, Keshia Reid and five great-stepchildren.
Services will be held 2pm at Mud Creek Baptist Church on Wednesday, September 6, 2017. Mr. Hamilton’s body will lie in state in the Worship Center while the family receives friends from 12pm-1:45 in the hospitality room.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Elizabeth House, 581 S. Allen Rd. Flat Rock, NC 28731 or Blue Ridge Humane Society, 88 Centipede Lane, Hendersonville, NC 28792.
To offer online condolences please visit www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.
Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Stanley Lewis “Mike” Davidson, 85

Stanley Lewis “Mike” Davidson, 85 of Brevard went home to be with the Lord, Thursday, August 24th at the Elizabeth House after a year of declining health.
He was born on July 19, 1932 to Plummer W. and Marcella A. Malone Davidson in Milesburg, Center County, Pa.
Mike was preceded in death by his first wife Billie Joanne Baker Davidson, son Garry Wayne Davidson, granddaughter Andrea Nicodemus, brother Robert W. “Bill” (Ellen), and sister Annadell (Darrell) Eminhizer.
He is survived by wife Carol Elsmore Tucker Davidson, daughter Judy (Vern) Nicodemus, grandson Aaron (Heather) Nicodemus, great grandson Elijah Nicodemus, brother Donald (Margaret) Davidson, 4 step children, 7 step grandchildren, and 5 step great grandchildren, a close nephew Darrell (Ed), and Sharon Eminhizer, plus many nieces and nephews.
Mike received an Associates degree from Penn State before he joined the Army and spent 16 months in Korea.
He worked for the Department of Defense, and he and his family enjoyed their assignments in Australia, England, then back to Maryland. He was a realtor in Brevard.
Mike enjoyed playing softball, tennis, horseshoes, and table tennis, but his favorite since age 16 was bowling. He played in two leagues after he retired, and was proud of his 800 series ring, and two 300 game rings.
He was a member of the American Legion, NARFE, FIPERS, Meals on Wheels, and Etowah Lions Club for 16 years working to provide free eye exams and glasses to those in need. He was presented with the Melvin Jones Fellow, Jack Stickley Fellow, and Lions for Life award.
A celebration of Life service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church on Rte. 64 and Blythe St. on Saturday, September 9, 2017 at 3:00pm with refreshments following. Military Honors will be conducted by the Henderson County Honor Guard.
Please wear happy colors to remember his happy smile.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Etowah Lions Club, P.O. Box 234, Etowah NC 28729 in Mike’s memory.
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or to Po Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Ronald E. Schweitz, 68

Ronald E. Schweitz, 68 of Hendersonville passed away Wednesday August 23, 2017 at his residence.

Arrangements are pending and will be announce by Jackson Funeral Service.

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Gary Dean Brooks, 71,

Gary Dean Brooks, 71, of Black Mountain passed away on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. He was the son of the late Joseph Thomas and Gladys Mae Davis Brooks. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Delores Bane.
Survivors include his son, Christopher Brooks and his wife, Jennifer of Mill Spring; grandchildren, Alex, Hayle and Tiffany Brooks; and girlfriend, Janice Owens of Zirconia.
A memorial service will be held 2pm Saturday, August 26, 2017 at Mountain Valley Baptist Church with Rev. Shannon Owen officiating. A reception will follow the service.
To offer online condolences please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com.
Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Gary Dean Brooks, 71, of Black Mountain passed away on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. He was the son of the late Joseph Thomas and Gladys Mae Davis Brooks. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Delores Bane.
Survivors include his son, Christopher Brooks and his wife, Jennifer of Mill Spring; grandchildren, Alex, Hayle and Tiffany Brooks; and girlfriend, Janice Owens of Zirconia.
A memorial service will be held 2pm Saturday, August 26, 2017 at Mountain Valley Baptist Church with Rev. Shannon Owen officiating. A reception will follow the service.
To offer online condolences please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com.
Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Edith Marie Bagwell

On Monday, August 21, 2017, Edith Marie Bagwell softly left this Earth to enter Heaven’s Gate. She was 96 years old.

Born in Henderson County, Mrs. Bagwell was a daughter of the late James Everett and Ida Lane Harper McMinn. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Lloyd McMinn, Foy McMinn and Bobby McMinn, and by her sisters, Gladys Watkins and Blanche McGaha.

Mrs. Bagwell lived in the state of Washington for over 30 years with her husband before returning to Hendersonville. She was a military wife and mother and taught Sunday School for many years. Mrs. Bagwell enjoyed singing, playing the guitar and caring for her garden and her flowers.

She is survived by her daughter, Gail Justus (Harold) of Hendersonville; grandchildren, Joshua Justus, Joni Payne, Bobby Payne, and Andy Campeau (Theresa); great-grandchildren, Dakota, Tyler (Alexandria), Cayden, Jacob and Andrew; great-great-granddaughter, Juliette; and her sisters, Audry Magness and Hazel Duncan.

A funeral will be held at 2 PM Friday, August 25, 2017 at Locust Grove Baptist Church with Reverend Richard Ritter officiating. She will be buried following the service in the church cemetery which is on the land her father donated to the church.

Memorials may be made to the Hendersonville Rescue Mission, 639 Maple Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792.

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

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Robert L. Merrill, 88

Robert L. Merrill, 88, went to be with Jesus Christ on Saturday morning August 19, 2017.
Bob was a native of Transylvania County and had lived in Henderson County for most of his life and was the best father imaginable to Robyn and Grant.
SGT Merrill served 5 years in the U.S. Air Force and was a Crew Chief who loved the airplanes that he repaired. He worked 38 years for Southern Bell and was married for almost 50 years to the late Jeannine Allen.
He was always working on, driving and collecting sports cars and classic cars and had helped countless people through the years repairing their cars and trucks at all hours of the day and night. Nothing was better to him than a car show or NASCAR race.
He has been an active member of Mud Creek Baptist Church for over 60 years.
Bob is survived by his son, Grant Merrill of Hendersonville; a granddaughter, Christina Sanders (Ryan) of Pisgah Forest; a grandson, Eric Merrill (Liz) of Nevada and a brother, Tommy Merrill of Florida.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday August 24th at Mud Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Greg Mathis and Rev. Robert Hefner officiating. Burial will follow at Little River Baptist Church Cemetery with Military Honors conducted by the Henderson County Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM in Mud Creek Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to 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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James Hendry Bryson

James Hendry Bryson died August 13th at Elizabeth House. He was born April 10, 1927 in Schenectady, NY.
He is survived by his wife, Jeanne Reno, his children James (Jacqueline) of Maryland, Jessica (John McCambridge) of Pennsylvania, Jordan of Virginia, and Jeffrey (Megan) of Connecticut, 11 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his parents James and Grace, sisters Grace Jones, Mary Loftus, and Jean Allen, and a daughter Jill.
Mr. Bryson proudly served in the USMC for 10 years during WWII and Korea. He was a Systems Engineer with IBM, retiring in 1987.
Mr. Bryson volunteered at Hospice and Literacy Volunteers in Stamford, CT and Hendersonville. He was instrumental in starting the Stephen Ministry program at Etowah United Methodist Church.
Celebration of life will be Saturday, September 16th at 3 PM at Etowah United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Semper Fi Fund, 825 College Blvd, Suite 102 PMB 609, Oceanside, CA 92057 or a charity of choice.
To leave a condolence for the family of James Bryson, please visit “obituaries” at www.moore-fh.com.
Moore-Blanchard Funerals & Cremations is serving the famly.

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Victor F. (Vic) Musial ,93

Victor F. (Vic) Musial ,93, died Friday, August 11, 2017 at his home in Hendersonville, NC after a brief illness. Vic was born in Lorain, OH and resided there until 2014 when he and his wife relocated to Hendersonville, NC to be nearer family. He was a graduate of Lorain High School class 1941B. He served in the United States Army during World War II as a gunner in the Fifth Armored Division, which spearheaded Gen. George Patton’s drive through Europe to Germany. Vic was employed by the Lake Terminal Railroad where, over his career of 42 years, he rose from crew caller to labor relations executive. He was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. Vic was an avid member of area golf and bowling leagues. He was active in the Senior Fellowship Club, where he served a term as president and a lifelong member of the Fifth Armored Division Veterans’ Association. He loved spending time with his family, was an accomplished leaded glass artist and an outstanding Mr. Fix-it.

Surviving are his wife of 65 years Rosemary Musial; daughter Vicki Musial of Chicago, IL; son Mark (Jeanette) Musial of Oakland, CA; daughter Tracy McDowell (Paul) of Asheville, NC and grandsons Sean and Dillon McDowell.

He is preceded in death by his parents Victor and Rose Musial and sisters Pearl Franz and Olivia Kozich

Private services were held in Hendersonville, NC with burial at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, Black Mountain, NC.

Memorial donations can be made to Homes For Our Troops (www.hfotusa.org) or the National Wildlife Federation (www.nwf.org).

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

Shuler Funeral Home assisted the family.

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Frances H. MacDonald

Frances H. MacDonald, née Frances Marion Halverson, passed away at home in the early hours of August 5, at age 98. She was born in Chicago, IL on November 29, 1918 to Ethel and Morris Halverson.

Her mother died of tuberculosis in 1925 and Fran and her older sister, Dorothy, moved to Beloit, WI where they were raised by their Aunt Mary and Uncle Barney Nelson. There, they also lived with their cousin Earl, who treated them like sisters.

Fran married James W. MacDonald, II (Jim) on August 9, 1941 and they were married 67 years until his death in 2009. They had twins in 1949, James and Susan. The family lived in Chicago until 1960 when Jim was transferred to Paris, France. They lived in Paris until 1975 when they retired to Flat Rock.

Early in their marriage, Fran worked as a secretary for the Law School dean and Dean of Students at the University of Wisconsin. In Paris, she was very active in the American Cathedral and the American Women's Group, where she served several years as President. Still, her primary responsibility was always her family.

When Fran and Jim retired to Flat Rock, they immediately joined St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church. She was responsible for the flowers there for over 20 years and served on several other committees. She wasa founding member of the Ladies' Aid Society and volunteered at the Book Exchange for many years. She served as the first treasurer of the American Scandinavian Foundation, Western Carolinas Associates for more than a decade.

Fran was preceded in death by her parents; aunt and uncle; sisterDorothy and two-half brothers, Bob and Jack; cousin-brother, Earl, as well as her beloved Jim. She is survived by her son, James, and his wife Inna, of Exeter, England;and her daughter, Susan of the home. She is also survived by her nephew, Alan, of Blair, WI; her niece, Janice, of Beloit, WI; her half-sister Marilyn of Chicago; and Earl's daughter Pat of Venice, FLas well as their offspring.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at St. John in the Wilderness.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Flower Fund or the Music Program at St. John in the Wilderness, P.O. Box 185, Flat Rock, NC 28731; or Four Seasons Hospice Foundation, 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 are in charge of the arrangements.

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Robert “Bob” Whelehan, 86

Robert “Bob” Whelehan, 86, of Hendersonville passed away Sunday, August 6, 2017 at his home.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, he was the son of the late Francis and Sonja Lind Whelehan. He was also preceded in death by his sons, Robert and Mark. Before moving to Hendersonville 21 years ago, he had resided in Greensboro and Hicksville, NY.
Bob was a veteran of the US Navy, serving as Aviation Electronics Technician, 2nd class. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Brooklyn Polytechnic. Bob was employed by Grumman Aerospace Corporation as an electrical engineer for over 30 years before retiring in 1993. During his employment, one of his most rewarding projects was his work on the Apollo Lunar Module.
Bob is survived by his wife of 60 years, Eileen Gilmartin Whelehan; his daughters, Mary Ellen, Eileen and Lisa; his son, Brian; grandsons, Robert, Scott and Brandon; granddaughters, Kathleen, Kelly, and Sadie; and his sister, Veronica.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:30pm in the Chapel of Shuler Funeral Home. A reception will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Four Seasons Hospice at www.fourseasonscfl.org or to Four Seasons Foundation, 221 N. Main Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792.
To offer online condolences, please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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