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Obituaries

Recent Obituaries

Frank Schnyder, 81

Frank Schnyder, 81 passed away on Sunday, May 22, 2016 at Elizabeth House in Hendersonville. He was the son of Siegfried and Carolína Schnyder who precede him in death. He is survived by the Schnyder family, his brother John and sister-in-law Pat, his son Brad, niece and nephew Joan and Michael and his great niece Molly.
“Frankie” was born and raised in the Dana Community of Hendersonville. He graduated from Dana High School, and from Mars Hill College where he played basketball. He was a US Army veteran.
With 40 years of service, Frankie retired from Cranston Printworks, where he made many dear friends. During his retirement, he worked with lifetime friend Flon Lamb at Orchard Trace Golf Course. Frankie was something of a golf legend in Hendersonville, where he shot 7 holes in one while playing every course in the county many times.
Frankie loved Classical Music, Carolina Basketball, and his pipe. His wry sense of humor, grumpy demeanor and kind heart will be sorely missed by his family and friends.
At Frank’s request there will be no service or visitation.
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Mary Audrey Davis, 93

Mary Audrey Davis, 93, of Hendersonville and formerly of Gastonia, NC crossed over into Glory, Sunday, May 22, 2016 at Mountain View Assisted Living with her family by her side.

Jackson Funeral Service will announce the arrangements.

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Gary Wayne Drake 66

Gary Wayne Drake 66, of Hendersonville, NC passed away Monday, May 23, 2016 at the Solace Center after a long illness.

He was a loving dad, a brother, a grandfather and a great grandfather. He will be missed my many.

At Gary’s request, no services are planned.

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

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James M. Wooldridge

James M. Wooldridge, born Jan.18, 1922

James M. Wooldridge, a retired journalist and farmer living in Hendersonville, N.C., died May 19, 2016.

A memorial service will be held at Grace Episcopal Church, Hopkinsville, Kentucky and burial will be in Riverside Cemetery.

The deceased grew up in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, the son of Samuel Upshur and Mary Moore Wooldridge. He graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1943 and served three years as a gunnery officer on the USS Houston during World War II.

He was the county government reporter for the Palm Beach, Fla. Post-Times and later, general manager of the Hazard Herald, a daily newspaper in eastern Kentucky. He became a technical writer for a Washington, D.C. engineering firm in 1955.

After his marriage to Nancy Jalbert, of Annapolis, Md., in 1959, the couple returned to Kentucky and bought a farm near Hopkinsville. In 1985, they sold the farm and retired to Hendersonville, N.C., where he worked as the business and farm reporter for the Hendersonville Times-News for 17 years. He was a member of St. James Episcopal Church.

Survivors include his wife, Nancy Jalbert Wooldridge; a son, Dr.Thomas M. Wooldridge and wife Dana, of Johnson City, Tenn.; and a daughter, Marie J. Wooldridge and husband Chris Curley of Atlanta, Ga.

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

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Evelyn Moss Butler, 89

Evelyn Moss Butler, age 89 of Hendersonville, died Wednesday, May 18th, 2016 at the Medical Center of Carolina Village. She was born May 28th, 1926 in Baltimore, Maryland; a daughter of the late Roy and Martha Ramsdell Simm. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two husbands: Walter Moss and Bill Butler.

Mrs. Butler was an avid Golf and Bridge player. She was a happy person; she lit up the room and brought sunshine to other’s lives.

She is survived by her daughter, Bonnie Moss of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.

No services are planned.

The family wishes to extend their appreciation to the staff at Carolina Village for their attentiveness and compassion as they cared for Mrs. Butler.

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

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Linda Lytle Justice, 71

Linda Lytle Justice, 71 of Hendersonville went home to be with the Lord on Friday May 20, 2016 at her residence.
A native of Henderson county, she was the daughter of the late Lowell and Caroline Saltz Lytle and the wife of the late Lawrence Leon Justice who passed in November 2003. She was preceded in death by her brother John Lowell Lytle and a sister Barbara Lytle Carter. She was a member of Dana Baptist Church and had also been a member of the Henderson County Curb Market since 1961. She was an avid sports fan and loved her beloved Atlanta Braves and had a great passion for playing cards.
Survivors include two daughters, Robin Pridmore and her husband Steve of Hendersonville and Cindy M. Jackson and her husband David of Dana, one son Bobby Morris of Dana, one sister Velma Lytle Kerr and her husband Roy of Dana,
five grandchildren, Tiffany Crystal Banks, Steve W. Pridmore Jr., Brad Pridmore, Wendy Faurote and David “ Jack” Jackson, two great grandchildren, Kaitlyn Faith McCraw and Calla Hope McCraw, one sister in law Margaret Lytle of Dana, two aunts Carol Lytle of Dana and Margaret Justus of Edneyville, several nieces, nephews and special friends.
A funeral service will be held Tuesday May 24, 2016 at 1 pm at Dana Baptist Church with the Rev. Dan Blackwell officiating. Jimmy Carter, Paul Lytle, Chris Lytle, Steve Pridmore Jr., David “Jack” Jackson and Jesse Moore will serve as pallbearers. Burial will follow the service at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Monday May 23, 2016 from 7 PM to 9 PM at Dana Baptist Church.
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945,Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Marilyn W. Speed, 91

Marilyn W. Speed, 91, of Hendersonville passed away on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at Carolina Village Medical Center following a period of declining health. Born in New York City, New York, Marilyn was a daughter of the late Charles and Gladys Dobson Wundermann. She was a veteran who proudly served in the Marine Corp. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Robert Speed, sister Leslie Barger and grandson David Jansen.
She is survived by her daughters, Robin McIntosh of Hendersonville and Debbie Clark of Miami, Fla. and son, Gary Speed of Tampa, FL; five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at Carolina Village at later date.
Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. To offer online condolences, visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

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Freda Peletz Berkowitz, 89

Freda Peletz Berkowitz, age 89, a long-time resident of Hendersonville died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, May 11th, 2016 in her residence at Carolina Village. She was born in February, 1927 in Danville, Quebec, Canada; she was the daughter of the late Harry and Eva Silverman Peletz. In addition to her parents, Freda was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, Benjamin Berkowitz; her four siblings, Abraham, Maye, Solomon, Joseph, and their spouses; and a grand-nephew, Jacob Berkowitz.

Freda graduated from Sherbrooke Hospital in Quebec, Canada in 1948, and worked as a Registered Nurse for 50 years in Canada, Florida, New York, and North Carolina, mostly in the field of geriatrics. After relocating to Hendersonville in 1985, she worked at Margaret R. Pardee Memorial Hospital in the Lane Wing and then as a Home Health Visiting Nurse until her retirement.

While she maintained a professional career, Mrs. Berkowitz also enjoyed and excelled at many domestic arts throughout her life, including cooking, baking, sewing, knitting, and weaving; she learned to weave soon after coming to North Carolina. She was an active member of the Heritage Weavers for many years.

Freda also enjoyed nature, dining out, going to live theatre, and spending time with family, friends, and her dog. She attended the Agudas Israel Synagogue where she participated in many activities during her 30 years as a member of the congregation. She was a gentle and caring soul; she will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her daughter, Meta Berkowitz of Flat Rock; many nieces and nephews in Canada and the United States; as well as seven grandnieces and grandnephews, and their nine children, many with whom she kept in contact. She was especially fond of her two nieces, Janice Meyerovitz and her husband, Darryl and their children and grandchildren, and Sharon Cohen and her husband Bob; and her nephew, Gary Berkowitz and his wife, Donna and their children.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 15th, 2016 at the Agudas Israel Synagogue conducted by Rabbi Rachel Jackson. The burial service will follow in Agudas Israel section of Oakdale Cemetery.

A meal of comfort will served at the Social Hall of Agudas Israel Synagogue following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations in Freda’s memory be directed to the Blue Ridge Humane Society at 1214 Greenville Highway, Hendersonville, NC 28792 or to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund at Agudas Israel Synagogue at 505 Glasgow Lane, Hendersonville, NC 28739 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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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Larry Young

Larry Young of Hendersonville entered his eternal home early Tuesday morning, May 12, 2016 at The Elizabeth House. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Ray and Alma Boone Young, and a sister, Anita Flack. Larry was born in Spruce Pine on March 14, 1941 and moved with his family to Marion at a very young age. He graduated from Marion High School in 1959 and began his career in the automotive sector. At one time in his tenure he was with General Motors and traveled extensively on behalf of Buick Motor Division. Upon returning to Hendersonville he served as Service Manager of Osborne Oldsmobile and retired in that position. During Larry’s time in Hendersonville, he served as a Henderson County Commissioner for twelve years and dedicated those years to making Henderson County a place where people would be first and foremost in his decisions. He was an avid golfer and got his first hole-in-one in 2015. Larry will be missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 54 years, Bettye Hollifield Young; a daughter, Wendy Anne Parker and her fiancée, Steve Jenkins, of Mills River; sisters, Peggy Henson of Tryon and Nancy Hyatt (Julian) of Mars Hill; a niece, Angie Hines of Old Fort; nephews, Bobby (Brenda) of Campobello, SC and James Henson (Jeannie) of Chesapeake, VA; and numerous great- and great-great nieces and nephews.
A service to celebrate Larry’s life will be held at 3 PM Sunday, May 15, 2016 at Refuge Baptist Church with Pastor Roy Perry officiating. A private interment will be held at McDowell Memorial Park in Marion. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 pm Saturday evening at Shuler Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that any memorials be directed to Refuge Baptist Church, 27 Oleta Road, Hendersonville, NC 28792, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
To offer online condolences, please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com.
Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Grace Beach

Grace Beach

Grace Beach of Columbus, NC, went to heaven to be with the Lord Jesus on May 11, 2016 at the age of 89. She had been a widow for 29 years following the passing of her husband, Edgar, to whom she had been married for 37 years until his death.

Adopted at age two into a loving family, Grace grew up in New Jersey where she later met Ed and where they raised their three children. Following Ed's retirement, they moved to beautiful Hendersonville, NC.

In a world that is so frequently self-absorbed, the simple beauty of Grace's selfless concern for others, her humility, kindness, generosity, steadiness, gentleness, peaceful and loving character, and her faithfulness to God, will continue to be an inspiring example for which her family is deeply grateful. As one of her grandchildren said, "Grandma Grace really knew Jeremiah 29:11." She lived out the meaning of her name with a grace that enriched the lives of many, and her example is a treasured legacy which her family wants to continue to follow.

Grace will always be remembered by her 3 children, 10 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and by her children-in-law, grandchildren-in-law and her friends, for her unfailing love for God, her voracious appetite for reading, her active involvement in church and support for global missions, the various ways in which she took initiative to reach out to help others in the Hendersonville community, and her steady trust in the Lord Jesus even during times of great difficulty. From her childhood to her final moments of consciousness, Grace lived her entire life with an unwavering confidence in God's love for her.

Friends who would like to attend the memorial service later this coming summer should contact one of the family members.

Those who would like to honor Grace by a memorial gift are encouraged to consider donating to the Four Seasons Elizabeth House Hospice Center, the staff of which cared for Grace and her family with abundant thoughtfulness and professionalism during Grace’s final days. Donations in Grace’s memory may be directed to 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC or online by visiting www.fourseasonscfl.org/donate/foundation/.

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

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Ralph “R.L.” Roper, 82

Ralph “R.L.” Roper, age 82, died on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at the Life Care Center. Ralph was a Henderson county native, graduating from Hendersonville High School. He was born to the late John and Elzora Moody Roper on April 15, 1934. In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by his two brothers, Clarence and Kenneth Roper.

Ralph proudly served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956, and was a member of The Hubert M. Smith American Legion Post 77 and the Hedricks- Rhodes Post 5206 V.F.W. Ralph retired in 1989 after over 20 years as a Service Representative for the employees of Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union.

Ralph was grounded in his faith as a member of the Valley Hill Baptist Church. He enjoyed spending time in the outdoors, doing yard work and playing sports with his grandchildren. Having a feisty and great sense of humor, he loved to play jokes on people.

Ralph is survived by: his wife of almost 59 years, Effie Parris Roper, as well as his son Michael Wayne Roper of Hendersonville, one granddaughter, Miranda Michele Roper of Washington D.C., one grandson, Merrell Christopher Roper of Hendersonville. He is also survived by one nephew, David Roper and one niece, Lindy Roper Webb.

A funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Friday May 13, 2016, at the Thos. Shepherd’s Church Street Chapel with Reverend Danny Pridmore officiating, the family will receive friends prior to the service at the Chapel from 12:30p.m. until 1:45p.m.

Flowers will be appreciated and memorial contributions in memory of “R.L.” to the donors’ favorite charity.

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

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Evelyn Jenkins Franklin, 89

Evelyn Jenkins Franklin, 89 of Hendersonville, died Tuesday, May 3, 2016 at Sunnybrook Assisted Living. A native of Niagara Falls, NY she had previously resided in Hilliard Ohio, Boston, NY, and N. Tonawanda, NY, before moving to Hendersonville two years ago.

Surviving is her son Neil Brown of Hendersonville; daughter Wendy Milliron of Indianapolis, Ind.; grandchildren Jocelyn Brown of Brooklyn, NY, Gregory Brown of Washington, DC and Kristen Fending of Franklin, Ind.; and great-grandchildren Rebecca and Jacob Fending of Franklin, Ind.

Services will be private. Memorials may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life c/o www.tmcfunding.com.

To sign an online register book, visit www.forestlawnfuneralhome.com. Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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William D. “Danny” Myers, 65

William D. “Danny” Myers, 65, of Hendersonville, NC passed away Friday, May 6, 2016 at the Elizabeth House.
He was born and raised in Stanly County, NC and had lived in Henderson County for the past 33 years.
He was a member of the Arden Seventh Day Adventist Church.
He is survived by a son, Jeremy Daniel Myers and his wife Natashia of Hendersonville and her twin granddaughters that she adored, Grayce and Elizabeth Myers of Hendersonville; his mother, Patricia Ann Myers of Mills River; his sister, Phyllis Cely of Mountain Home. A Celebration Of Life will be held 2:30 PM Saturday May 14th at the Arden Seventh Day Adventist Church with Pastor Eli Rojas officiating. The family will receive friends following the service 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.
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Marjorie “Peggy” DiPietro, 91

Marjorie “Peggy” DiPietro, age 91 of Hendersonville died Saturday, May 7th, 2016 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. She was born June 6th, 1924 in Ronkonkoma, New York; a daughter of the late, Irving and Ruth Estelle Brown Post. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers and sisters.

A longtime resident of Henderson County; she was a familiar face at the Fresh Market in Hendersonville where she worked part-time for 26 years.

She is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Fred DiPietro; three children, Sam Kane and his wife, Dorothy, Danny Kane and his wife, Doreen and Laurie Kane and her husband, Steve; step-son, Ronald “Ronnie” DiPietro; fourteen grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at a future date and time.

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

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William D. “Danny” Myers, 65,

William D. “Danny” Myers, 65, of Hendersonville, NC passed away Friday, May 6, 2016 at the Elizabeth House.
Jackson Funeral Service and Crematory will announce the arrangements.

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Joan Marie Keagle, 88

Joan Marie Keagle, age 88 of Hendersonville died peacefully in her sleep on Monday, May 2nd, 2016 at the Elizabeth House. She was born August 13th, 1927 in Nyack, New York; a daughter of the late, John Dayton Slough and Emma Rosina Schroeder Slough. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Richard “Dick” Keagle in 1995.

A graduate of Alfred University in Alfred, New York; Joan relocated to Hendersonville in 1995 and was a member of Immaculate Conception Church.

Joan was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and volunteer to many services and organizations. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

She is survived by her two sons, Richard L. Keagle (Eva) of Harker Heights, TX, and Robert J. Keagle (Kelly) of Hendersonville; sister Jeanne Till of Gainesville, FL; five grandchildren - Todd Richard Keagle (Xochy)of Del Rio, TX, Jessica Jury (John) of Gilbert, AZ, Sarah Lewis (Ryan) of Chandler, AZ, Shannon Schott (Carl) of Gilbert, AZ and Leslie Ball (Joel) of Davenport, FL; thirteen great-grandchildren; special cousin, “Aunt Gerry” Schroeder of Palm City, FL; one niece; and two nephews.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Four Seasons Elizabeth House and Dr. Randy Tryon for their support in her final days.

A private memorial service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Joan’s memory be directed to Four Seasons Hospice, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731 or Zoe Ministries, C/O First United Methodist Church, 204 6th Ave West, Hendersonville NC 28792​

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

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

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Charles Douglas Coggins, 69

Charles Douglas Coggins, age 69 of Zirconia was called home by Jesus on Monday, May 2nd, 2016 at his residence following a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was a son of the late, Robert and Corrie Morgan Coggins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Lonnie and Donald Coggins; and his granddaughter, Raya Nelson.

A native of Henderson County; Charles graduated from East Henderson High School and proudly served during Vietnam from 1964 until 1967 in the United States Army. He was a member of Gap Creek Baptist Church in Marietta, South Carolina where he enjoyed his Sunday School Class. He was employed and was a fixture at Camp Arrowhead for Boys for over 25 years where he loved not only the staff, but all of the children as well. He loved spending time with his family; he was a helpful friend to all.

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, who he married on February 23rd, 1967, Renaye Staton Coggins; three children: Leray Coggins, Katrina Connor and husband, Rodney, and Charlene McCall and husband, Billy; seven grandchildren: Amber, Sawyer, and Matison Coggins, Kori and Samara Connor, and Luke and Sara McCall; and three great-granddaughters, Lexi, Aubrey, and Jeanna.

The funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 5th, 2016 at Gap Creek Baptist Church, 381 Gap Creek Road, Marietta, SC 29661, conducted by the Reverend Harry Levell. Burial will follow the service in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Charles’ memory be directed to Gap Creek Baptist Church – Nicaragua Mission Trip, 381 Gap Creek Road, Marietta, SC 29661.

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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John Connelly age 80

John Connelly age 80

John Connelly age 80 of Hendersonville passed away on Wednesday April 27. He was the son of William Cyril and Alvina Schneider Connelly of Maryland. He was preceded in death by his wife Marilyn, by his son Jon and by an older brother Bill. He grew up in Silver Spring and graduated from Macklin High School where he met his wife Marilyn Kathryn Ball. He entered the Army where he served with valor and bravery. He married and later graduated from the University of Miami with an BS in Architectural Engineering. He had a successful career in real estate development and construction in West Central Florida. Later he chose to move to western North Carolina to raise his four children. In his retirement he dedicated himself to service in his Church. He is survived by his brothers David and Bill, a sister Patricia; daughter Katherine Hearn, her husband Perry with Michelene, Rachel, and Michael; daughter Michelene Rhodes, her husband Stacy with John and Carson; and a son Marc Connelly, his wife Lynn with Thomas, Caitlin, Maureen, Sean, Michael, Christopher, and Liam.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM Monday May 2nd at Jackson Funeral Service and the funeral mass follow at 3:00 PM at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in Hendersonville. Burial will follow at Edneyville United Methodist Church Cemetery with military honors provided by the Henderson County Honor Guard.
Memorials may be made to Immaculate Conception Church 208 7th Ave W, Hendersonville, NC 28791 and Edneyville United Methodist 799 Bearwallow Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792.
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or to PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Jacqueline M. Thomas, 91

Jacqueline M. Thomas, 91 of Asheville, NC passed away Sunday, April 24, 2015 at the Givens Estates.
Jackson Funeral Service and Crematory is assisting the family.

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James Homer Fugate, 91

James Homer Fugate, 91 of Hendersonville passed away Friday April 22, 2016 at the Elizabeth House.
He was the son of the late Sampson and Willie Peterman Fugate and wife of the late Oma Sloan Fugate who died in 2013. He was preceded in death by a son Homer Fugate Jr. A U.S. Navy veteran, he was a retired coal miner, loving father and grandfather. He was a great provider, mechanic, carpenter and just a general jack of all trades.
Survivors include two sons, Gary Fugate of Hendersonville and Danny Fugate and his wife Carol of Marshall, two daughters, Vivian Joan Tackett and her husband James and Donna Lamb and her husband David all of IN, ten grandchildren, Heather, David, Mark, Chris, Michelle, Bryan, Megan, Paul and Aaron and numerous great grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held Monday April 25, 2016 at 2 PM in the Chapel of The Pines of Jackson Funeral Service. A private burial will be held at the Western Carolina Veterans State Cemetery at a later date. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the chapel. Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to: Four Seasons Compassion For Life; 571 South 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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