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Obituaries

Recent Obituaries

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

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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Carl LaVaughn Perry

Carl LaVaughn Perry passed away at his home Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014, with Phyllis, his loving wife of 55 years, and his son, Randy, and daughter, Erin, along with Christena, his loving granddaughter, all at his side.

Carl was known by "Boone," a nickname given to him as he spent his childhood years roaming the woods of Kentucky along the Ohio River banks. Boone was raised by his maternal grandmother, Gertrude Singer, in Milton, KY, after losing his parents in infancy.

Boone and Phyllis Perry retired in Hendersonville after living in Lighthouse Point and Boca Raton, Fla., for 35 years. Mr. Perry was self-employed. He was also an avid golfer, NASCAR fan, and loved his Kentucky Wildcats. He was honored to have been named a Kentucky Colonel. After being confined to his home due to a rare form of cancer called Chordoma, he passed the time by reading, watching golf, as well as many other sports.

Boone worked hard to put himself through school and was especially earnest in taking any type of Dale Carnegie course, and studying Human Relations.

Boone Perry is survived by son Randy and beloved daughter-in-law Susan Perry here in NC, daughter Erin and son-in-law Mark Schwarb in Port Orange, Fla. Mark held a special place in Boone's heart. There are three beautiful granddaughters, Christena Perry of West Palm Beach, Fla., Mackenzie and Delaney Schwarb, in Port Orange, Fla. He referred to them as "my girls." One sister, Glenda Sue Ball, of Madison, IN, also survives.

Services will be held Saturday Oct. 25, 2014, at The First Baptist Church of Hendersonville, 312 Fifth Ave. W., Hendersonville, NC. Visitation will be at 1p.m. and services with begin at 2 p.m. In the church sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Carl Perry's memory to chordomafoundation.org or by mail to the following address:

Chordoma Foundation
PO Box 2127
Durham, NC 27702
Chordoma is a challenging and difficult to treat bone cancer that occurs in the head and spine in people of all ages. More effective treatments and a cure are urgently needed.

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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Wayne Julian Pruitt, Jr., 58

Wayne Julian Pruitt, Jr., 58

Wayne Julian Pruitt, Jr., 58, of Hendersonville passed away Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2014, at Elizabeth House after a year-long battle with cancer. He was the son of the late Wayne Pruitt, Sr.

Survivors include his mother, Thelma Coggins; his former wife, Margarita Perez; three sons, Robert Jason Pruitt, Mario Marin Pruitt, Nathan Cory Pruitt, and his wife Tara; three grandsons; three granddaughters; a sister Mary Pruitt; and Patricia Holbert and her husband Tony.

An online guest book is available at www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Donald C. Berg, 96

Donald C. Berg, 96, of Hendersonville died Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014, at the Carolina Village Medical Center in Hendersonville.

Donald was born on March 6, 1918, in Madison, Wisc., to the late Ellis Berg and Clara Lundgren. He was preceeded in death by his son Thomas Berg, and brother Robert Berg.

At an early age Donald and his family moved to the Pittsburgh, Pa. area then later living in the Melville, NY area. He received his BS degree in Electrical Engineering from North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND. in 1942. Donald was employed at Westinghouse Electrical Corporation for 43 years.

He was a member of the Pinecrest Presbyterian Church, The Huntington NY. Board of Electrical Inspectors, the Presbyterian Church of Sweet Hollow in Mellville, NY. where he served on the Planning Committee to move the church to a new location, The Planning Council of Huntington, NY., President of the Sigma Phi Delta Fraternity at North Dakota State University in 1942, and was also a Boy Scout Leader.

Mr. Berg is survived by his loving wife of 72 years Dorothy P. Berg; Son Jim Berg and wife Doreen, Daughter in Law Joan Berg; Grandchildren David Berg, Robbie Berg, Steven Berg, and Cheryl Berg.

A Memorial Service was held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday October 14, 2014, at The Carolina Village with Reverend Rhett Carson officiating.

Memorial can be made to Four Seasons Hospice or Pinecrest Presbyterian Church both of Flat Rock, NC.

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 was in charge of arrangements.

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Rodney Lee Crossman, 68

Rodney Lee Crossman, 68, of Fletcher went home to be with the Lord Monday, Oct. 13, 2014.

He was a son of the late Walter and Edythe Crossman. He was also preceded in death by two brothers.

He was a 25 year employee of General Electric, working in maintenance. Prior to his career with G.E. he had worked for Buncombe County Schools. Rodney was a charter member of New Hope Presbyterian Church.

He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Brenda Crossman; two daughters, Sharon Partin and Ruth Koon; one son, Scott D. Crossman; 6 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; two brothers, David Crossman of Pawleys Island, S.C. and Bruce Crossman of Hendersonville; one sister, Carole Ball of Hendersonville, and a multitude of nieces and nephews.

There will be a celebration of his life at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2014 at New Hope Presbyterian Church on Sweeten Creek Rd.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to New Hope Presbyterian Church 3070 Sweeten Creek Rd. Asheville, N.C. 28803.

Online condolences and sympathy cards are available at www.shulerfuneralhome.com. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Mamie Louise Young

Mamie Louise Young of Hendersonville passed away Sunday, Oct. 12, 2014, at Cherry Springs Assisted Living.

Mamie was born Jan. 24,1934, to Bester Neil Richmond and Daniel William Richmond. She was one of nine children born to the Richmonds in rural Forest Hill, La. She grew up near Forest Hill and went to school at Glenmora, La.
Mamie did mostly secretarial work in the years immediately out of high school after graduating from Alexandria Technical College. She eventually moved to Memphis and met H.D. Grisham who she went on to marry. Together they had a daughter, Mary Ann. Eventually, the family moved back to Pinedale, Miss., where they raised their daughter Mary Ann. Mary Ann was killed in a car accident when she was 7 years old.
During the time Mamie lived in Mississippi she attended college and obtained her degree as a registered nurse. H.D. and Mamie continued to live near Pinedale until the early 1980s when they were involved in another car accident that took H.D.'S life. Soon after H.D.'s death Mamie moved to Memphis and nursed in an acute care hospital on the orthopedic wing. Here she met and married Richard "Dick" C. Young. She moved to Dick's home town of Owensboro, Ky.
After Dick retired they moved to Florida and went on to purchase a summer home in North Carolina. They had fallen in love with the North Carolina countryside on one of their many travels and thought they would totally enjoy living there part time. They eventually made North Carolina their home. Dick died of cancer in 2003. Mamie stayed in the Hendersonville area and eventually sold her home and moved into assisted living.
In addition to many nieces and nephews Mamie is survived by 3 sisters, Barbara Martin and Myrtle Richmond, both of Forest Hill, La., and Audry Woods of California.
She is preceeded in death her parents, two sisters (Jewel and Blanche), three brothers (John, Branch and Daniel William Jr.), two husbands and her daughter Mary Ann Grisham.
Mamie loved life and enjoyed gardening, making porcelin dolls, sewing, and needlework. She loved her family and friends and was generous with her time and abilities to help.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.
Mamie was a member of Mud Creek Baptist Church and a memorial service will be held there at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20, 2014. Dr. Robert Heffner will be officiating. Visitation will be held following the service with light refreshments served.
Jackson funeral service and crematory is assisting the family.

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Carl L. "Boone" Perry, 76

Carl L. "Boone" Perry, 76, of Hendersonville died Thursday Oct. 16, 2014 at his residence.

Thos. Shepherd and Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center will announce arrangements.

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Helena McGuinn, 91

Helena McGuinn, 91, of Tampa, Fla., formerly of Hendersonville, died Wednesday Oc. 15, 2014 at Brighton Gardens of Tampa, Fla.

Thos. Shepherd and Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center will announce arrangements.

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Thomas C. Pace, 88

Thomas C. Pace, 88

Thomas C. Pace, 88, of Zirconia quietly passed away on Oct. 10, 2014 at his residence.

Tommy had just celebrated his 88th birthday on October 5. He was born in Henderson County to the late Leland Thomas Pace and Jeva Hamilton Pace. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Lavenia; and his sister, Janette.

A native and lifelong resident of Henderson County; Tommy met and married his loving wife, Lavenia and raised their three children together in Zirconia. Mr. Pace proudly served his country during WWII in the United States Navy; upon returning to Henderson County he enjoyed a long career at General Electric where he retired. Mr. Pace was an active member of Tuxedo First Baptist Church.

He is survived by his brother, Glenn "Bill" Pace and three sons Michael Pace and his wife, Helen, Lloyd Pace and his wife, Susan, Mark Pace and his wife, Tracy. Tommy's children will always treasure their memories and love for daddy. Tommy is also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will have treasures of photographs and memories to keep in their hearts forever.

To Tommy's many, many friends and family who stopped by for a visit along the way, or maybe shared a lunch at Orr's or Golden Corral we will forever remember these times and always be thankful for your love and kindness.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014, at Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 17, 2014, at Tuxedo First Baptist Church with the Rev. Mike Bennett officiating. Burial will follow in Shepherd Memorial Park.

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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William Leonard Sohinki, 91

William Leonard Sohinki, 91

William Leonard Sohinki, 91, of Hendersonville, passed away Sunday, October 12, 2014.

He was a native of Newark, NJ. was a prior resident of Port Lucie, Fla., and a resident of Henderson County for 7 years. He was the son of the late Nathan and Rose Sohinki. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during W.W.II and was a member of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America.

Survivors include his loving wife of 65 years, Estelle Sohinki; daughter, Vicki Corey; sons, Stephen Sohinki, and wife Donna, Jeffrey Sohinki, and wife Marie; grandchildren, Jonathan, Daniel and Matthew Sohinki, Adam and Rachel Corey, and Lauren and Alexis Sohinki.

A funeral will be held at 3 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2014 in the Kirby Memorial Chapel of Shuler Funeral Home with Rabbi Phil Cohen officiating. Private burial will be in the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to: Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or www.woundedwarriorproject.org/.

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

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Michael Ray Crotts, 58

Michael Ray Crotts, 58, of Flat Rock went home to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on Oct. 7, 2014.

Jackson Funeral Service and Crematory will announce the arrangements.

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Mamie Louise Young

Mamie Louise Young of Hendersonville passed away Sunday, Oct. 12, 2014, at Cherry Springs Assisted Living.

Jackson Funeral Service and Crematory will announce the arrangements.

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Alene S. Clawson, 89

Alene S. Clawson, 89, of Hendersonville died Sunday, Oct. 12, 2014, at the John F. Keever Jr. Solace Center in Asheville.

She was born March 14, 1925, in Metter, Ga., to the late Clarence C. Sumrell and Belah S. Sumrell. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband William L. Clawson, her brothers Reginald and Marion Sumrell, as well as her sister Winifred Smith.

Mrs. Clawson and her husband moved to Hendersonville from Adelphi, Md., after retiring from the University of Maryland. Mrs. Clawson moved to the Givens Highland Farms Retirement Center in Black Mountain in 2011.

She is survived by her sister Grace Fleming, her brother Billy Sumrell, her son, Dean Clawson, her daughter, Jana Clawson, her granddaughter Dawn Bonsby, Dawn's husband Eric, her grand-stepson Scott Pruitt, his wife Bridgette, and their children Zech and Noah.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, 2014, in the chapel at Givens Highland Farms Retirement Center in Black Mountain.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Mrs. Clawson's name to the Alzheimers Association.

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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Margaret A. Rollins, 97

Margaret A. Rollins, 97, of Hendersonville, died Sunday October12, 2014 at the Park Ridge Hospital.

No Local Services are planned.

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

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