Robert Keith McLeod, 84

Robert Keith McLeod, 84, of Hendersonville was called to heaven by our gracious Lord on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014.

He was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Barbara McLeod, who died in Hendersonville on Jan. 25, 2013.

"Bob" McLeod is survived by his two sons, Keith McLeod of Orlando, Fla., and Kevin McLeod of Malvern, Ohio and by his daughter-in-law Karen McLeod, also of Orlando, Fla. He is also survived by three grandsons, William McLeod of Orlando, Fla., Brian McLeod of New York, and Daniel McLeod of Orlando, Fla., and by one granddaughter, Shannon McLeod, also of Orlando, Fla..

Robert was a veteran, having served in the Navy from 1948-1952. He enjoyed a long career with Lockheed Martin in Orlando, Fla., as a project specialist from 1958 until his retirement in 1991. After his retirement he and Barbara relocated to Hendersonville.

There will be a memorial service at 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, 2014, at Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church in Hendersonville.

"If we live we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord." Romans 14:8.

Jackson Funeral Service and Crematory is assisting the family.

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Lt. Col. Robert E. "Bob" Lee, 81

Lt. Col. Robert E. "Bob" Lee, 81, of Hendersonville, died Saturday, November 8, 2014.

He was the son of the late John and Roberta Lee. Bob served in the US Air Force as a pilot.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Mary Anne Lee; four children, Michael Lee and his wife Kimberly, Patty Herndon and her husband Robert, Thomas R. Lee, and Jennifer A. Lee; four grandchildren, Ryann Darney Lee, Kathryn Taylor Lee, Mason Lee Herndon, and Christian Walter Herndon.

A memorial mass will be held at 3 pm, Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014 at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church with the Rev. Namdev Dagam officiating. Interment will take place at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

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

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Mary W. Greer, 69

Mary W. Greer, 69, of Hendersonville, passed away Saturday, November 8, 2014.

Shuler Funeral Home will announce the arrangements.

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Jean Elizabeth Nix, 77

Jean Elizabeth Nix, 77, of Hendersonville was called home to be with the Lord on Friday Nov. 07, 2014 from Mission Hospital.

She was the daughter of the late Joseph Archie and Della Mae McCraw and wife of the late Boyd Nix. She was also preceded in death by a daughter Leisa Nix and her special pet Fairlane.

A life long native of Henderson County she was a graduate of Flat Rock School. She drove a school bus for 22 years for Flat Rock. She had also worked with Scenic River Kennels and Village Florist.

Survivors include three sons, Leonard Nix and his wife Cindy, Kavin Nix and his wife Nikki, and Lenell Nix all of Hendersonville, two daughters, Linda Capps of Hendersonville and Janet Michael and her husband Terry of Statesville; a special friend Sue Pearson of Hendersonville; eight grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and numerous extended family members.

A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday Nov. 12, 2014, at the Chapel in the Pines of Jackson Funeral Service with the Revs. Scott Pace and Larry Oliver officiating. Burial will follow the service at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday  in the Chapel at Jackson Funeral Service. In addition to the Tuesday night visitation, the family will receive friends at the Mustang Cafe, Tracy Grove Road, Hendersonville, following the graveside committal.

In lieu of flowers memorials contributions may be made to; Blue Ridge Fire and Rescue, 2503 Old Spartanburg Rd, East Flat Rock, NC 28726 or Hendersonville Health and Rehabilitation 104 College Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792.

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

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Reetha Edna Byers McCrain, 98

Reetha Edna Byers McCrain, 98, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday Nov. 6, 2014, with her family members by her side.

A life long resident of Henderson County, she was born on May 28, 1916, the only child of Docia Byers Ward and wife of the late Eley McCrain. She was preceded in death by her son Richad McCrain.

Reetha was a 1933 graduate of Dana High School. She was a member of Sugarloaf Baptist Church. She loved the Lord and loved going to church. She was a loving mother, devoted homemaker, and a master gardner. She leaves behind nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends and will be missed by all that knew her.

She is survived by her four children, Bob McCrain, Frances McGuinn, and Carol Bradshaw (George ) all of Hendersonville and Carolyn Stepp (David) of Charlotte, NC, five grandchildren, Robert, Jeffery, John Lee, Mary and Jennifer and ten great grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, 2014, in the Chapel in the Pines of Jackson Funeral Service with the Rev. Randy Teague and Dr. Randy Tryon officiating. Burial will follow the service at Refuge Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the chapel.

A special thanks to thank, Dr. Randy Tryon and the staff at the Elizabeth House

Flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions may be made to; Four Seasons Compassion for Life Elizabeth House, 571 South Alllen 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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Mary Faas Shea, 67

Mary Faas Shea, 67, of Hendersonville passed away Thursday, Oct. 30, 2014, at the Elizabeth House in Flat Rock.

Born Aug. 14, 1947, and raised in West Islip, Long Island, N.Y., she also was a long-time resident of Belmont, Mass., before moving to Hendersonville just eight months prior to her passing.

Mary was the devoted wife of the late Alfred (Al) D. Shea who died in 2012. She was also preceded in death by her father, Charles W. Faas, Jr. (d. 2011) and her brothers, Charles W. Faas III (d. 1962), Harry Wooldridge Faas (d.2006) and James Weldon Faas (d. January 2014).

Mary attended and graduated from St. Joseph Catholic School in Babylon, L.I. and the all-girls Hewlett High School. She was a graduate of Mt. Ida Junior College and Keuka College and earned her teaching degree while there. She moved to the Boston area at age 23 where she was employed for 36 years as a teacher of second grade children at Winn Brook Elementary of Belmont, Mass., until her retirement in 2006. While teaching some of the children of parents she had taught earlier, Mary loved and enjoyed every day and year while earning so many friendships, young and old. She was a member of a fun group of colleagues called "The Blaney Bunch," named for a favorite school principal, which met for yearly reunions, the most recent, she sadly missed since it was held the November 1st passing.

Mary and Al were avid sailors. Their red hulled Catalina, "The Tabasco," joined other friends' Catalinas as they cruised New England bays, coves and harbors. Then there was another group of girlfriends who were quite competitive at doubles tennis. Mary and Al's neighbors were close friends and a cherished part of her extended family. She leaves behind so many who loved her for her smile, her infectious laugh, her love for dancing and her zest for life.

In her childhood, Mary's family joined the Babylon Yacht Club where she developed a love for the Great South Bay, sailing and racing a Blue Jay class of sailboat. A large group of BYC fathers had built these sailboats from kits on winter weekends as their children, including Mary, watched and "helped" in awe.

Mary is survived by her mother, Marie Wooldridge Faas of Hendersonville; brothers, Peter R. Faas, Sr. of Hendersonville, John B. Faas and wife, Jeanne, of Roswell, Ga., and Thomas P. Faas and his wife, Vikki, of Islip, N.Y.; daughters-in-law, Marilyn Faas of Orlando, Fla., Carol Faas of Jamaica, VT, and Valerie Coward of Denver, Colo. Also surviving are an aunt, Berry Faas Muirhead of Farmington, Conn., and many cousins, nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 AM Friday, Nov. 7, 2014 in Our Lady of the Angels Chapel of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. The Reverend Martin Schratz, OFM Capuchin, will officiate. Another memorial service will be held at a later date in Belmont, MA.

To offer condolences online, please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Java Marie Stepp Benison, 93

Java Marie Stepp Benison, 93, of Hendersonville went to be with the Lord, Monday, Nov. 3, 2014, at the Elizabeth House with her loving family by her side.

She was a native of Henderson County, born and raised in the Deep Gap area of Henderson County, lived in Miami, Fla., for 46 years before moving back to Hendersonville in 2000.

She was the only daughter and last survivor of the late David Furman Stepp and Gladys Mae Hyder Stepp and was also preceded in death by her husband, James W. Benison; a daughter, Barbara Benison Maney and four brothers, Pearce, Aaron, Milas and Brownlow Stepp.

Java was a pre-school teacher's helper at Westwood Christian Day School in Miami, Fla., and was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

She is survived by four sons, Jimmy Benison (Donna) of Las Vegas, Nev., Eddie Benison (Piedad) of Houston, Texas, Eric Benison (Anne) of Polk County, and David Benison (Regina) of East Flat Rock; seven grandchildren; seven great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at noon Friday, Nov. 7, 2014, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park with Rev. Jeff Tankersley and Rev. Joshua Schaller officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wayside Baptist Church, 21 Straight and Narrow Way, Flat Rock, NC 28731 or to Council On Aging; ATTN: Meals on Wheels division; 105 King Creek Blvd, Hendersonville, N.C. 28792..

A special thanks to Dr. Randy Tryon and Staff, Park Ridge Hospital ICU and ER, The Elizabeth House and to anyone who assisted Java and her family.

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

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Edana Deverall, 93

Edana Deverall, 93, of Hendersonville, passed away Sunday, Nov. 2, 2014.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Georgia L. Sullivan, 75

Georgia L. Sullivan, 75, of Hendersonville, died Sunday, Oct. 26, 2014, at her home.

Born in Lincoln County,April 25, 1939, she was a daughter of the late Robert Lynch, Jr. and Alene Dysart Lynch. A Henderson County resident since 2001, she was the wife of the late Lester Carter who died in 1994 and William "Bill" Sullivan who died in 2012. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Robert Lynch III.

She had been a Cosmetologist since 1957 and was a member of First Baptist Church Hendersonville.

Mrs. Sullivan is survived by her children, Nathan Lee Carter and his wife Connie of Lincolnton, and James Clyde Carter II of Lincolnton and his companion Kimberly Patterson; three grandchildren, McKenzie Carter of Salisbury, and Michael and Christy Heffner of Lincolnton; sister, Nancy Huffman of Newton, and a nephew, Scott Abernethy of Butner.

A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2014, at First Baptist Church Hendersonville. Dr. Gordon Elliot will officiate. The family will receive friends at the church following the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Hendersonville, 312 5th Ave W, Hendersonville, NC 28739 or to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 S. Allen Rd. Flat Rock, NC 298731.

Online condolences may be offered at www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Miriam B. Klimstra, 93

Miriam B. Klimstra, 93, of Hendersonville, passed away Saturday, October 25, 2014.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Glenda Dalton Hawkins, 69

Glenda Dalton Hawkins, 69, of Edneyville went to be with the Lord, Friday, Oct. 24, 2014, at the Elizabeth House.

She was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Laura Justice Dalton, and siblings, Clara Whitesides, Inez Machalk and Dennis "Dink" Dalton.

She graduated from Edneyville High School in 1963, retired from GE after 30 years of service and was a member of Mountain Home Baptist Church.

Glenda enjoyed the lake and the beach and loved to fish with her husband.

She is survived by her loving husband of 35 years, Tommy Hawkins; two daughters, Debbie Guice and her husband Kevin of Zirconia, and Sherry Ayers of Hendersonville; two sons, Mark Nix of Edneyville, and James Nix and his wife Maryann of Hendersonville; siblings, Bud Dalton and his wife Mae, Ginger Huntley, Joyce Dalton, Clifford Dalton and his wife Kay and John Dalton all of Edneyville, and Kay Cantrell of Dana; four grandchildren, Kyle, Danielle, Tyler and Michael James; three great grandchildren, Bryson, Parker and Macie and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A funeral service will be held 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, 2014, at Mountain Home Baptist Church with Rev. Craig Garren and Rev. Bill Way officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Elizabeth House, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731 or to Mountain Home Baptist Church, 40 Little Creek Road, Hendersonville, NC 28792.

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

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James David Lewis, 85

James David Lewis, 85, of Hendersonville died Thursday, Oct. 24, 2014, at the Elizabeth House.

He was born in Greenville, Ohio, on Nov. 23, 1928, to the late Samuel G. Lewis and Ruth Viola Puterbaugh Lewis. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Dolores Jeanne Lewis; and his sister, Ila LaNae Hale.

Mr. Lewis retired from Collegiate Cap and Gown in 1992 after 46 years of employment and was a member of the Arden Seventh-day Adventist Church.

He is survived by his loving wife of 17 years, Rosie Bryant Lewis; seven children; eleven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 12 noon Sunday, Oct. 26, 2014, at the Arden Seventh-day Adventist Church with Dr. Eric Bates and Pastor Ed Couser officiating. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until noon Sunday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in James' memory be made to the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Springs, MD 20504.

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

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Helen Barbara Salkeld, 79

Helen Barbara Salkeld, 79, of Hendersonville died Thursday Oct. 23, 2014, at the Elizabeth House in Flat Rock.

No Local Services are planned.

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Geneva "Nanny" Hall, 84

Geneva "Nanny" Hall, 84, of Hendersonville died Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2014, at the Golden Living Center in Hendersonville.

She was born in Buncombe County on Feb. 11, 1930, to the late Offrie Leon Lunsford and Florence Penley Lunsford. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Hall in 2000; and her three brothers, Weldon, Offrie, and Donald Lunsford.

Mrs. Hall was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother; she loved her family, loved serving the Lord, and she attended Glory Tabernacle.

She is survived by her two daughters and sons-in-law, Linda H. and Bobby Caldwell, Margie H. and Johnny Bland; two sons and daughters-in-law, Robert Wade and Gwen Hall, Larry L. and Freida Hall; 14 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, 2014, at Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Geneva's memory may be made to Four Seasons Hospice, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

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

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Ruth Velma Cantrell, 90

Ruth Velma Cantrell, 90, of Hendersonville passed away Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2014, at The Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House, Rock Hill, S.C.

She was the daughter of the late Martin and Lora Mae Skipper Thompson, and wife of the late Landrum Cantrell. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Homer Thompson and Hoyt Thompson and two sisters, IV Summey and Virgie Jackson.

She was a member of Clear Creek Holiness Baptist Church. She retired from Spinning Wheel Rugs. She enjoyed her garden, reading and crossword puzzles.

Survivors include her son, Dean Cantrell and his wife Sylvia, two grandchildren, Will and Katie Cantrell, four sisters, Lou Lookadoo and her husband Charles of Landrum, SC, The Rev. Nannie Parris of Hendersonville, Geraldine McMinn and her husband Howard of Hendersonville and Doris Sexton of Hendersonville and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014, at 2 pm at the Chapel in the Pines of Jackson Funeral Service with the Revs. Nannie Parris and Mike Jackson officiating. Burial will follow the service at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the chapel.

Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made to The Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House, P.O. Box 993, Rock Hill, SC 29731.

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

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Douglas Gene Messer, 69

GREER,SC: Douglas Gene Messer, 69, of Greer passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer on October 19, 2014 at McCall Hospice House.

Doug was born May 26, 1945, in Galax, Va., and was the son of the late John A. and Winifred Nuckolls Messer. He was a former real estate broker; and for the last 36 years, was the owner of Dixie Messer Mirror and Glass, Inc. of Greer. Doug was an active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church and served as former church treasurer.

Doug is survived by his wife of 49 years, Wanda Thomas Messer, his daughter and son-in-law Lynette M. and Mike Smith of Mills River, N.C.; two sons and daughters-in-law, Kenny and Jackie Hughes Messer of Greer, Robert (Andy) and Brandi Henderson Messer, both of Greer; and seven grandchildren, Austin M. Smith, Emily V. Smith, Lindsey M. Smith, Jacob H. Messer, Elizabeth P. Messer, Andrew B. Messer and McKenzie N. Messer. He is also survived by two brothers and sisters-in-law, Jack and Barbara Messer of Taylors, SC and Alan M. and Jill C. Messer of Greer, SC.

A celebration of Doug's life will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 300 O'Neal Road, Greer, at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014, conducted by Pastor Scottie Burkhalter and Pastor Jeff Lageman. The family will receive friends at Redeemer Lutheran Church from 1-2:15 p.m. before the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 300 O'Neal Road, Greer, SC 29651.

Online condolences may be made at www.thewoodmortuary.com and at www.thosshepherd.com.

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Helen M. DeBoer, 96

Helen M. DeBoer, 96, of Horse Shoe died Monday Oct. 20, 2014, at her home.

No local services are planned.

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

Thos. Shepherd and Son Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

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Hazel "Beth" Pace, 68

Hazel "Beth" Pace, 68, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2014, after a brief illness.

Beth was born on Oct. 1, 1946, in Fayettville, to Edith Stepp Douglas and the late Ross Douglas.

She had spent most of her life raising her family in Saluda. She relocated less than a year ago to be closer to her oldest son in Roebuck, SC.

Beth is survived by her three children Scott Pace of Roebuck, SC,. Clint Pace of Columbus, and Tisha Davis of Hendersonville, and their spouses; 7 Grandchildren; and 3 siblings Ann Stuart, Virginia Stanley, and Charles Douglas all of Saluda.

She was preceeded in death by her husband David Pace.

Her family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, 2014, at the Thos. Shepherd and Son Funeral Home in Hendersonville. A Graveside Service will take place at 10 aa.m. Friday, Oct. 24, 2014, at the Saluda City Cemetery in Saluda. Beth's children and their families will gather after the service at the home of Clint Pace, 1680 Lynn Road, Columbus.

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 are in charge of arrangements.

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B. Hugh Autry

B. Hugh Autry of Hendersonville died Wednesday Oct. 15, 2014, at his residence.

Hugh was born on May 14, 1953, in Winder, Ga.,  to the late Dorsey and Mary Harvey Autry.

Hugh and his family moved to Atlanta while he was young. He grew up in the Home Park area. Hugh obtained his bachelor's degree and also his MBA from Georgia State University. He was employed by Northside Hospital in Atlanta. He and his family moved to Lakeland, Fla., in 1994 and Hugh was employed at Lakeland Regional Medical Center as a Hospital Administrator. He was an Elder and Praise Team Member at Shepherd Road Presbyterian Church in Lakeland. The Autrys retired to Hendersonville in 2013, where Hugh enjoyed the mountain life.

Hugh is survived by his wife Donna, daughter Cassandra Autry Navas and husband Manny, granddaughter Josslyn Navas; many close friends and extended family.

A memorial service will be held in Hendersonville on Sunday Oct. 20, 2014, and Lakeland, Fla., at a later date.

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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Michael Grant Gordon, 66

Michael Grant Gordon, 66, of Hendersonville passed away Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014, at his residence following a lengthy illness.

A native of Henderson County, he was a son of the late U.G. and Peggy Freeman Gordon. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Daniel and Wayne Gordon as well as a daughter, Misty Lee Gordon Andrews.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 44 years, Wilma Middleton Gordon; son, Michael Paul Gordon and his wife Janice of Hendersonville; daughter, Angela Gordon of Hendersonville; grandchildren, Grant and Chelsey Gordon, Jamie Hensley, Jessica Hensley, Dakota Lee Andrews, Ashley Gordon, Paul Gordon and Kala Gordon; great-grandchildren, Grant and Bryson Gordon, Elijah, Bella and Madison Hensley; sisters, Jenny Ruff and her husband Lee, Delores Turpin and her husband Vincent, Inez and her friend Miles, Crystal and Rene Couture, and Joan Middleton Trantham; brothers, Clinton Gordon of Etowah, Benjamin Gordon of Hendersonville, and Larry Middleton of Mountain Home; uncle, Leonard Gordon and his wife Rena; many nieces and nephews and an abundance of friends.

A visitation will be held  from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, October 21, 2014 in the Kirby Memorial Chapel of Shuler Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, monetary donations may be made to the family to help with their expenses. 612 Old Sunset Hill Rd. Hendersonville, NC 28792.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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