Raymond Ballew, 74, passed away on Friday, January 14, 2022.

Born in San Francisco, CA, on October 20, 1947, Raymond was a son of the late Ray and Grace Elizabeth Worley Ballew. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Irvin "Bill" Ballew. Raymond was a graduate of Lee H. Edwards High School. He worked for many years at Burlington Industries and Revco Scientific (now Thermo Fisher Scientific). He loved following NASCAR, particularly his favorite driver, the late great Dale Earnhardt. He also loved camping, fishing, his Schnauzers, Buddy and Dutch, and his Lab, Madison.

Mr. Ballew was of the Baptist faith.
He is survived by his wife, Geri Ballew; sons, Raymond David Ballew, Roger Eugene Ballew, and Earl Williams; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Karen Ballew and her daughter April; and several cousins and additional family members.  Raymond's family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 22 at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. Masks are required for all in attendance.  Private interment will take place at Green Hills Cemetery.

 

John William Dowis (1948 - 2021)

John William Dowis (72) of Mooresville passed away May 10, 2021 from COVID.

John was preceded in death by his parents Dan Dowis and Louise Brown Dowis. In addition to his
parents he was preceded in death by his sister Joan Dowis Justice.

John is survived by his niece Katherine Justice Rich (Steve), his former brother-in-law Douglas Justice
(Virginia), and former wife Anne Baylor Dowis. He also has numerous cousins who loved him.

John was born December 8, 1948 in Asheville, NC. He grew up there and graduated from Lee H Edwards High School in 1967. He then graduated from NC State University with a degree in computer science in 1971. He became a certified program manager. He worked with several companies doing programming including GE and AT&T in Greensboro, NC. He worked as a program manager with Expanet in Greenvile, SC and Mooresville. After his retirement, he had his own consulting company.

John always enjoyed music and was a saxophone player in his junior and senior high schools as well as college bands.

A graveside service will be held at Green Hill Cemetery in Asheville on May 21 at 1pm. Butch
 Stillwell will perform the service.

Sandra Wilkerson Plemmons  (1949 - 2020)

Asheville - Sandra Wilkerson Plemmons, 71, passed away Friday, October 16, 2020, following a courageous fight with cancer. She was a lifelong resident of the Asheville area.

She is survived by her husband, Roy A. Plemmons; a son, Jeffrey and his wife Jian Li, of Cary; two grandsons, Jesse and Jacob; her half-sister, Linda, and seven cousins. She was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Shanna, her father, Bill Wilkerson, her mother, Edna Lofton, and adoptive parents, Estelle and Ralph Wilkerson.

Her family is especially appreciative of Sandra's sister-in-law, Addie Lejuene, who shared care duties with Roy during Sandra's final days.  Sandra was a member of Asbury Memorial United Methodist Church in Beaverdam, North Asheville. She was a 1972 graduate of UNC-A. Her laughter and love will be greatly missed by her many friends and family.

A graveside service will be at 3:00 p.m. Thursday at Ashelawn Gardens of Memory, 901 Aiken Road.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Care-Partners Bridge Foundation, PO Box 5779, Asheville, NC 28813.  The online register is available at GroceFuneralHome.com.

THOMAS M. DAMEWOOD (1949 - 2020)

HOLMES, NY – Thomas M. Damewood, 71, an area resident for over 28 years, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2020 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center.

Born in Vancouver, Washington on February 24, 1949, Tom was the son of the late Lloyd and Mildred (Wagner) Damewood. He grew up in Asheville, North Carolina and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from East Carolina University, where he played football. He had also lived in Florida, Maryland and Colorado before moving to New York.

Tom was an accomplished businessman, and was the Owner of Management Recruiters of the Mid Hudson Valley. He had a long career in Human Resources prior to establishing his business.

He was a people person. He was always happy and rarely let things bother him. His positivity was infectious. A diehard fan of the New York Yankees and Washington Redskins, although he was a lover of all sports. Tom also liked visiting wineries and going to concerts. He loved to travel. He enjoyed sitting on his deck during storms to listen to the sound of the thunder and the rain falling. Most of all, Tom loved his family and cherished the time he spent with them. He had so many great stories to tell.

On November 23, 1985 in Silver Spring, Maryland, Tom married Robin (Demsey) Damewood who survives at home. He is also survived by his daughters and their spouses, Lauren and Adam Coupe of Poughquag and Michelle Damewood and Jorge Dominguez of Poughkeepsie; his grandson, Henry Thomas Coupe; his mother-in-law, Rita Demsey; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Lee and Laurie Demsey; his niece, Rachel Demsey; and his beloved dogs, Reese and Lance. Tom was a fierce defender of his family, and did everything with their wellbeing in mind. His hospitality will be missed.

A private burial will take place at Fishkill Rural Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the McHoul Funeral Home. Please visit Tom’s Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.

Melene Tuton Patchel  (1949 - 2020)

Asheville - Melene Tuton Patchel of Asheville died on September 2, 2020, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 71. Melene lived in Asheville nearly all her life and was the daughter of the late Rev. John W. Tuton and Ernestine Rich Tuton.

After graduating from Salem College, Melene's career spanned from consumer analyst to special needs teacher to sales to office manager. Her passion was for people - all who knew her remark on her kindness, beauty, grace, and wonderful sense of humor. Many have noted that Melene always knew just what to say or do to brighten someone's day. Friends often visited on the porch of her home in North Asheville, where they experienced her warm hospitality along with a view of her award-winning garden.

Melene is survived by her partner of two decades, Ron Basini of Asheville and Haines Falls, NY. She also leaves behind a sister and brother-in-law Sallie Craig and Douglas Huber of Boston, and a brother and sister-in-law John Tuton and Mary Ayers, and their daughter Sara Melene, of Calvander, NC. Melene was the world's best mother to her eternally grateful daughter, Kirsten, and son-in-law Bob Fatzinger, of Falls Church, VA. Lastly, Melene is survived by two grandsons, James and John Fatzinger, whom she loved more than all the stars in the sky.

A lifelong member of Trinity Episcopal Church, Melene served on the Vestry and on multiple committees and projects over the decades. Most recently, Melene dedicated her time to the renovation of Trinity's entrance and courtyard. A celebration of her life will be held at Trinity when all can gather in person. Gifts in memory of Melene may be directed to the Trinity Courtyard Campaign (www.trinityasheville.org).

Nicholas “Nick” George McCaslin (1949-2020)

Nicholas “Nick” George McCaslin, 71, of Arden, died Monday, June 29, 2020 at Mission Hospital. Born in Asheville, he was the husband of Peggy (Wallace) McCaslin of Arden and the son of the late George Paris and Mary Frances (MacEwen) McCaslin.

An avid ham radio operator, Nick was employed by Winn-Dixie for 30 years, and he also worked for Eaton Corp. from 1995 until 2007. Nick and his wife Peggy dated for 24 years, from 1967 to 1991, until he proposed. They were happily married for 29 years. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Patrick McCaslin of Asheville.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, July 3, 2020 at Pisgah View Memorial Park, Candler. Nick will lie in state from 12:00pm Wednesday, July 1, until 12:30 on Friday, July 3 at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian. Masks are required at the funeral home and requested at the cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Arden First Baptist Church, 3839 Sweeten Creek Rd. , Arden 28704.

DAVID PITTS (1949-2020)

James David Pitts, 73, of Asheville, passed away Friday, February 11, 2020, at the Charles George VA Medical Center.

A native of Buncombe Co., Mr. Pitts was a son of the late James Pitts, Jr. and Fayellen Fullam Pitts. He was a 1967 graduate of Lee H. Edwards High School and a veteran of the U.S. Army.

Surviving are his sister, Linda Pitts, and his daughter, Amanda Elizabeth Pitts.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 14, at Lewis Memorial Park, with Rev. Brian Coates officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wycliffe Associates, 11450 Translation Way, PO Box 620143, Orlando, FL 32862, www.wycliffeeassociates.org.

William "Bird Legs" Edward Johnson (1949-2020)

Asheville - William "Bird Legs" Edward Johnson, 71, of Asheville passed away on Wednesday, June 24, 2020 suddenly at his home. He was a native of Asheville and was a son of the late Nathan and Margaret Frady Johnson.

He was a graduate of Asheville High School and was a lifelong brick mason. Surviving is his daughter, Lindsay Johnson and her lifelong partner, Keith Mosley, of Snellville, GA; brother, John West of Asheville; and a wonderful granddaughter, Glacia Mosley.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

RONALD EDWARD JOYNER (1949-2019)

R

Clyde - Lessie Louise Gasperson, 69, passed away at the Elizabeth House, on Wednesday, November 21, 2018She was preceded in death by her parents; Melvin and Aileene Lunsford Rumbough; a brother, James Rumbough and her son; LeRoy Grier. Lessie is survived by a daughter; Anna Wines (Clay); lifetime friend, Glenda Wyatt; and a special cousin, Cathy Hensley (David).

Asheville - Gary lost his long battle with cancer on Tuesday morning, March 6, 2018. His sons were by his side. Gary was a hard-working painter, contractor and all-around maintenance man that knew a little bit about everything. He inherited his skilled knowledge of painting from his late father, C.O. Robinson.

LITTLE RIVER, S.C. — Glen Daren Hutchison, of Little River, S.C., died on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, after a brief but valiant battle with pancreatic cancer.

Larry Marvin Robinson, 68, of Asheville, died Sunday, January 29, 2017 at Aston Park Health Care Center.

Asheville - Joseph Roosevelt "Joe" McGhee, Jr., 67, passed away Friday, July 29, 2016 at the Charles George VA Medical Center.

Brenda Gail Quashne, age 66 of Southport, passed away on Sunday, June 5, 2016 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

Asheville - David Wright Roberson died Thursday, January 28, 2016 after a long, courageous battle with multiple health challenges. He was born in Asheville on July 18, 1947. David was a direct descendant of many "first families" of this area, including Joseph Rice of the Riceville community, William Gudger of Swannanoa, Rev. Samuel Edney of Edneyville, William Mills of Fruitland, and James Craig of the Bull Creek community. He attended Grace School, St. Eugene's, David Millard Junior High, graduated from Lee Edwards/Asheville High School, and attended Montreat-Anderson College.

WEAVERVILLE – Judith Ingle Fisher, age 66, of Weaverville died Thursday, December 24, 2015.

Linda Schell Burgin passed away on Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at J.F. Keever, Jr. Solace Center. She was born in Asheville to Margaret Roberts Schell and John Q. Schell, Jr. on November 8, 1949.

Roebuck, SC - David Blair Fisher, 65, of Roebuck, SC, died Tuesday, March 4, 2014 at his home. Born February 28, 1949 in Statesville, NC and reared in Asheville, NC, he was the son of the late Carlos Blair and Viola Holdsclaw Fisher.

Mark Douglas Parris, age 65, died on Friday, October 17, 2014 at MUSC.

Troy Keith Drye, Sr., 65, of Asheville, passed away Friday, August 22, 2014 at the Stone Creek Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Jack Lee Haney, 63, of Misty Ridge Lane, Leicester, died Wednesday, October 9, 2013 at Mission Hospital.
A native of Buncombe Co., he was a son of the late Kenneth Haney and Corena Haskett Haney Kirby. Mr. Haney served 22 years in the Army Reserves. He was the owner/operator of Jack Haney Office Supplies.

He is survived by his wife Kathy Penland Haney; sons Jeff Haney and Scot Haney; and sisters Ann Ledbetter, Darlene Blackstock, and Janice Haney. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Saturday at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hope Chest for Women, PO Box 5294, Asheville, NC 28813, and/or to the Charles George VA Medical Center Volunteer Services, 1100 Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC 28805.

 


James Carroll "Jim" Holland (1949-2013)

James Carroll Holland of Woodway passed away Saturday, October 5, 2013, at his home. A memorial service will be 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 9, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel, presided over by Mr. Harold W. Earls. Visitation will be 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 8, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Garden Room.  Jim was born April 8, 1949, in Asheville, North Carolina, to James Carroll Holland, Sr., and Dorothy Bazemore Holland. A four sport lettermen in football, baseball, basketball and track and field, Jim graduated from Lee Edwards High School in 1967 and was a recipient of a football scholarship to Appalachian State University, where he graduated in 1971.

After graduation Jim began a lifelong career of service in the development of young men and women, as a teacher and coach. Starting his career as a high school football coach in Asheville and Charlotte, North Carolina, Jim progressed to the collegiate coaching ranks at Clemson University, where he also earned a Masters in Education Administration in 1975. Over the next twenty years, Jim had coaching stints at East Carolina University, Wofford College, Delta State University, Western Kentucky, University of Louisiana at Monroe, and finally Baylor University. In the years prior to his retirement, Jim served as a teacher and administrator at Connally and Midway Independent School Districts, with a specific focus on under privileged and struggling students. In a career spanning over four decades, Jim undoubtedly touched the lives of thousands of young men and women in a positive way and will be long remembered for his dedication, positive attitude, and encouragement he brought to so many.

Jim is survived by his wife of 33 years, Sarah Patrick Holland; and the pride of his life, his two sons, Captain Patrick Holland & wife, Kaylee, of Swansboro, North Carolina, and Jay Holland of Waco. He is also survived by his mother, Dorothy Holland of Asheville; and his sister, Jean Holland Deweese.

Memorial donations can be made in Jim's name to the Midway High School Special Olympics at 13885 Woodway Dr., Woodway, TX 76712. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WilkirsonHatchBailey.com.



 
Shelia Powell Justus (2013)

Shelia Ann Powell Justus, 63, of White Oak Dr., Candler, died Tuesday, January 29, 2013. at St. Joseph Campus, Mission Hospital.

A native of Buncombe Co., she was a daughter of Carolyn Roland Powell of Asheville and of the late Walter Odell Powell. Mrs. Justus was retired from Blue Ridge Paper Products (formerly Champion International), where she worked as a quality control technician. She was a member of Pole Creek Baptist Church and also attended Iva First Baptist Church, Iva, SC, where she and Mr. Justus maintained a second home.

Shelia was a dedicated Christian, wife, mother and friend whose selfless gerosity and loving nature will be cherished forever.

In addition to her mother, Mrs. Justus is survived by her husband, Franklin Louie Justus; sons Louie Odell Justus and wife Kim of Candler, and Bradley Franklin Justus and wife Heather of Garner, NC; grandchildren Kayla Brooke Justus, Louie Grant Justus, Benjamin David Justus, and Elijah Sean Justus; and a sister, Theresa Lukacena of Asheville.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday in the Patton Ave. chapel of Groce Funeral Home, with the Rev. Dennis Thurman and the Rev. Dr. John T. Tiller officiating. Interment will follow at Pisgah View Memorial Park.

Her family will receive friends from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. Friday prior to the service. The casket will remain open at Groce Funeral Home until the visitation hour. The online register is available at www.grocefuneralhome.com.

 


Richard (RICK) McCrary (1949 - 2012)

SALEM, VA. - Richard Wilson McCrary (Big Rick), 63, of Salem, Va., passed away on Sunday, October 7, 2012 after a courageous 18 month battle with cancer. He was born in Asheville, N.C. He was preceded in death by his mother, Beatrice W. McCrary.Rick was a member of Salem Baptist Church and retired from Atlantic Bay Mortgage Company.

Big Rick was an avid golfer and was proud of his hole in one at Hidden Valley Country Club in 2004 and his golfing experience in Scotland. He never turned down a trip to the beach, especially if his grandchildren were included. Known as Paps to his grandchildren, he made special efforts to see them each month. Big Rick could be counted on to provide the best CD's of Beach Music to his friends. He loved life and a good time and always made a party better. He was a great supporter of Va Tech football and Carolina basketball.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Betty; daughters and sons-in-laws, Ashley and Brian Cramp of Gainesville, Va. and Allison and Joe Koontz of Glen Allen, Va,; grandchildren, Carter Cramp, Cooper Cramp, John Koontz, Virginia Koontz and William Koontz; brothers and sisters-in-laws Patty and Ken Sharp, Nina and Billy Rhodes and Stacy and Jim Rhodes; and a host of nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank our friends for all the support, prayers and memories, as well as a special thank you to Drs. William Fintel and Joseph Moore. The family will receive friends at Lotz Salem on Wednesday Oct. 10, 2012 from 6 to 8 PM. A celebration of Rick's life will be conducted at Salem Baptist Church on Thursday October 11, 2012 at 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Salem Baptist Church Building Fund or Salem Rescue Squad. Online condolences may be sent to www.lotzfuneralhome.com
 



DAVID RICE (1949 - 2011)

Weaverville - David Rice, 61 of 12 Ralph Rice Rd. died Friday, September 30, 2011. He was the son of Ralph and Marie Zelda Massey Rice. He was a lifelong resident of Buncombe county and a self-employed carpenter.

He is survived by his wife; Rebecca Gibson Rice, daughters, Sandra Roberts and Brooklyn Calloway (James) son, Cody Rice (Felisha), sister, Elizabeth Hensley (Ray) brothers; Rufus Rice (Karen), Rex Rice (Mary) and Bill Rice; 5 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday, October 2, 2011 at Oak Ridge Baptist Church, Weaverville. Revs. Roger Massey, Jeff Massey and Larry Sprouse will officiate. Burial will follow in Rice Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6:00-8:00 PM Saturday, at Blue Ridge Funeral Service, 7626 Hwy 213, Mars Hill.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org.
 



Gary Eugene Pressley (1949 - 2011)

Gary Eugene Pressley, 62, passed away peacefully into the hands of his loving Heavenly Father at his home on November 19, 2011, after battling Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS). Gary was born in Asheville on April 6, 1949 to G.B. and the late Thelma Higgins Pressley. He was a loving and devoted husband to his wife of 43 years, Rebecca (Becky) and beloved father to Meredith and Melissa.  He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Sutton Pressley; his father, G.B.; two brothers, Richard (Debbie) and Kevin (partner Mike) of Asheville; two daughters, Meredith Pressley (fianc� Ryan) of Black Mountain and Melissa Pressley Woodard (Shawn) of Gray, TN; brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Carol Sutton; and several nieces and nephews.

Gary was a graduate of Lee Edwards High School, A-B Tech, and Montreat College. Gary was a longtime employee of the Square D Company for 38 years where he last served as a Project Manager. He was a member of Biltmore Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, member of the SPAN (Servants Paying Attention to Needs) ministry, and an AWANA leader. He loved to serve the Lord by helping others, especially by helping remodel houses for those in need. He was an avid competitive water skier and served USA Water Ski as a senior and Pan-Am judge and scorer, as well as head of the seeding committee. Gary served our country in the Navy for four years.

A celebration of life service will be held at Groce Funeral Home on Long Shoals Rd., Arden, NC at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 22, 2011 with Pastors Sam McLamb and Kelvin Moseley presiding. Burial will follow at Pisgah View Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday at Groce Funeral Home on Long Shoals Rd. in Arden.  Flowers are appreciated but donations in his memory to the Biltmore Baptist Church SPAN ministry or the Jim "Catfish" Hunter Chapter of the ALS Association, www.catfishchapter.org, would also be appreciated. The family would also like to thank the staff of the Veteran's Administration Hospital, CarePartners Hospice, his CNA Adam Gresham, Biltmore Baptist Church, and all of the friends and family who took such good care of Gary during the past five months.
 



TILMAN (TIM) BELL (1949-2009)

Arden ~ Tilman "Tim" Wallace Bell, 61, of Southwicke Drive, died on Saturday, January 17, 2009 at Mission Hospitals Memorial Campus.

He was born in Buford, SC and was the son of the late John Wallace Bell and Edna Lovelace Bell. He served in the US Navy during the Vietnam era and was employed as an account executive with Acosta Sales. Mr. Bell was a member of the Family of Faith Fellowship on Long Shoals Road.

He is survived by his wife, Catherine Guthrie Bell of Arden; three sons, Shannon Bell and wife Krista of Mills River, Stacey Bell and wife Jenny of Hendersonville and Seth Bell and wife Claire of Brevard; three grandchildren, Priscilla Camby, Maggie Bell and Walker Bell; a brother, Larry Bell of Arden.



 
Ronald Lewis Conner (1949-2009)

Weaverville - Ronald Lewis Conner, 60, passed away unexpectedly August 25, 2009 at the Memorial Campus of Mission Hospitals.A native and resident of Buncombe County for most of his life, he was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and retired from the U.S. Postal Service.

He was the son of the late Robert Lewis and Roma Elizabeth Gosnell Conner.Surviving are his sisters, Deborah Conner Ashkar and husband, Nabil, of Amman Jordan, Marie Case Grant of Leicester, and Kathie Case Adams of Asheville; nephews, Issam, Nasri and Yazan Ashkar and Randy Adams; niece, Katie Adams and several aunts, uncles and cousins.






Martha Hyde Jones (1949 - 2008)

CLAYTON — Martha Hyde Jones, 59, died on  April 22, 2008.

Funeral service will be held 6:00 p.m. Thursday, April 24, 2008 at Powhatan Free Will Baptist Church with Rev. John R. Harris and Pastor Jim Bogle officiating. Interment will follow at Powhatan Free Will Baptist church cemetery.

She is survived by her sons, Roger M. Harris Ill and wife, Jill of Greenville, SC, John R. Harris and wife, Amy of Kinston; stepdaughter, Brandy Jones of Carrboro; stepson, Ashbey Jones and wife Susan of Raleigh; mother, Margaret Atkinson of Asheville; father, Wallace Hyde and wife, Jeanette of Raleigh; sister, Barbara White & husband, Joe of Asheville; brother, Charles Hyde of Asheville; 13 grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 11 S. Boylan Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603 and Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Park Court, Goldsboro, NC 27534.

The family will receive relatives and friends before the service from 5;00 to 6:00 p.m. at the church. Condolences may be made to the family at www.mclaurinatpinecrest.com. Arrangements by McLaurin at Pinecrest, Funerals & Cremations, Clayton.

BILLY OWNBEY  (1949-2005)

Billy Lee Ownbey, 55, of Carrolton, died Friday, January 21, 2005 after an extended illness. He was born on March 6, 1949 in Asheville, NC to Billy and Helen Ownbey. He graduated from Lee Edwards High School in 1967 and was regional sales manager for Kyocera Mita America, Inc in Dallas, Texas. He was a member of Beverly Hills Baptist Church in Asheville.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Pettijohn Ownbey; Five children, Chloe, Christina and Brandon, all of the home; Michael and his wife Rachel, of Longmont, Colorado and Angie Baker and her husband John of oncord, NC; a grandson, Devon Onbey; a sister, Linda Large and her husband Michael; a niece, Michele Carson and her husband Jimmy, and two great nephews, Avery and Austin.

The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Morris Funeral Home, 304 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville. At all other times, the family will be at the home of Linda Large, 41 Spooks Branch Road.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Beaverdam Baptist Church, 399 Beaverdam Road, his home church, with the Rev. Stan Willett and Dr. Earl Moseley officiating. Internment will follow at Lewis Memorial Park.

VICKY ROSEBOROUGH GRAHAM  (1949-2004)

Victoria Barbara Roseborough Graham, 55, of Arden, died December 16, 2004 at Elizabeth House in Hendersonville.

Mrs. Graham was born in Buncombe County and was a daughter of Barbara Vance and William J. Roseborough.

She is also survived by her husband of 34 years, Larry Dean Graham; a son, Michael Jonathan Graham, of Arden; two sisters, Kathryn Roseborough Cabe and her husband, John, of Arden and Emily Roseborough Efting and her husband, Douglas, of Wilmington; a brother, William J. Roseborough, II and his wife, Denese, of Asheville; four nephews, Alex Efting, Jeremy Cabe, Jamie Roseborough and Tommy Swayngim; six nieces, Meghan Cabe, Shelly Edmondson, Lindsey Efting, Pam Naber, Alison Baldwin and Frankie Hayes and one Godson, Kyler Gibson.

Mrs. Graham was a realtor with Coldwell Banker and was a member of Biltmore Baptist Church.

Services will be held Sunday, December 19, at 3:00 PM at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian with Dr. James Johnson officiating and music by Trudy Coble. Interment will follow at Green Hills Cemetery. John Cabe, Jeremy Cabe, Jamie Roseborough, Alex Efting, Doug Efting and Lee Edmondson will serve as pallbearers.




WILLIAM DEFAY ‘BILL’ COSTNER JR. ( 1949 - 2004)

STOCKBRIDGE, GA - William Defay “Bill” Costner Jr., of Stockbridge, passed away Sunday, July 4, 2004. He is survived by his fiancé, Janet Drosky of Stockbridge; children, Seth Costner of Burlington, NC, Scott Costner of Woodstock, Sara Costner Swann of Hull, GA, Rodney Fiore of Stockbridge; godson, Zachary Thomas Crain of Asheville, NC; and numerous cousins.

The funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Monday in the chapel of Ford Stewart Funeral Home, 2047 Highway 138 SE, with the Rev. Ron Everett officiating. Internment will be in Fairview Memorial Gardens. The family received friends July 18 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rotary International Foundation, c/o Clayton County Rotary Club.
 




ROBIN FELD (1949-2004)

ROBIN FELD, age 55, teacher, dancer and musician, died at home in Bolinas on Monday, December 20, 2004 following a courageous battle with cancer. For the last 14 years Robin directed the music program at Full Circle, a residential treatment center for troubled teenage boys located in Bolinas. She founded the music program, was instrumental in its growth and its continuing success.

She was born October 2, 1949 in the town of New Rochelle, NY to Betty Lipinsky Feld and the late Edward Henry Feld. She grew up in the beautiful town of Asheville, NC where she graduated from Lee Edwards High School in 1967.

Robin attended the University of Georgia and then decided to enter the world of the performing arts. First she quietly converted the Twelfth Gate in Atlanta, GA from a Christian coffee house into a national concert club where musicians like Oregon, Little Feat, Wet Willie, Bill Evans and McCoy Tyner could perform before an intimate, live audience. This is where she met her husband, Paul McCandless, the Grammy winning jazz musician and composer.

Following her passion for dance, Robin studied contact improvisation with Steve Paxton and Nancy Stark Smith and ballet at the Collette Barry-Susan Klein School of Dance. Robin and Paul moved to New York City in 1976 where Robin started her internationally renowned career as a professional dancer and teacher in contact improvisation. Robin taught and performed contact improvisation at her own studio in New York City and in Europe. Her choreography was presented at the Dance Theatre Workshop and St. Marks Church in New York; at the Naropa Institute in Boulder, Colorado as well as several locations in Europe. She was a member of the Nina Martin Dance Company (1980-82) and the Julie West Dance Foundation (1983-85). For 20 years she traveled every summer to Bern, Switzerland to teach contact improvisation; many international dancers cite her as their formative teacher.

Robin is survived by her husband Paul, her mother Betty Feld and her brother Tom Feld of Asheville, NC; her mother and brother now reside in Thousand Oaks, CA. Robin is also survived by Tom's wife Peggy Feld and their two daughters Melissa Feld of Hollywood Hills, CA and Jamie Feld of Westwood Village, CA.




CAROL SHIPMAN JOHNSTON (1949 - 2002)

ASHEVILLE - Carol Shipman Johnston. 52, of 335 Midland Drive, died at p.m. Feb, 12, 2002.

Mrs. Johnston was born Buncombe County and was a daughter of the late Herbert A. and Audrey Dent Shipman. She was an honors graduate of Vance Elementary School and Hall Fletcher Junior High Schools and a 1967 graduate Of Lee H. Edwards High School, where she was a member of the National Honor Society, She received scholarship to Asheville Biltmore College and graduated magna cum laude from UNC Asheville. She received a master's degree in public administration from UNC Chapel Hill in 1979 and in 1998 received a bachelors degree in computer science, cum laude, with distinction in computer science and as a University Research Scholar from UNC Asheville.

She worked as personnel management specialist with the National Climatic Data Center in Asheville from 1969 to 1983. After a six month term with the  IRS in Columbia, SC she returned to Asheville to the VA Medical Center until her retirement in 1995.

More recently she worked with Community Care Partners (CCP) and then with Mission St. Joseph’s Health System designing and implementing Human Resources databases.

Mrs. Johnston was a member of Groce United Methodist Church. She is survived by her husband, John M. Johnston: a sister Norvelle Judd and her husband, Dan of Irmo, S.C.; a brother. Bert Shipman and his wife, Ruth, Of Asheville; four nieces and nephews, Dan, Mary Margaret and Oscar Judd and Chuck Shipman; grandnieces and grand-nephews Fran and Mandy Judd, Guy Wood, Judd Wood and Oscar Judd Jr.; a stepson Ken Johnston and his wife Cecilia; and a Step-grandson, Michael Johnston.

The funeral services will be at Friday in the Patton Avenue chapel Of Groce Funeral Home with the Rev. Robert M. Blackburn and the Rev. Carol S. Ploch officiating. Burial will be at Green Hills Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Sarah Circle of Groce United Methodist
Church, 954 Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC 28805.




ERIC LYNN BRYAN (1949-2000)

ASHEVILLE Eric Lynn Bryan, 50, of Morris Street, died unexpectedly on Thursday, March 2, 2000, at his home.

A native of Asheville, he was the son of the late Billy Frank Bryan and Dolores McHone Bryan of Newton. He was employed by Medical Business Resources of Asheville and had previously been employed by Wachovia Bank of Asheville.

Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Bowman Rector Cemetery. The Rev. Hayes Carver will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to one's favorite charity.

Bowman-Capps Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.




MARTHA SUE LADD (1949 - 1996)

GREENSBORO - Martha Sue Ladd, of Greensboro, died Monday, Oct. 21, 1996, at her residence.

A native of Asheville, she was a member of Muirs Chapel United Methodtst Church, member of the Quota Club, Wesley Long Hospital Auxiliary, Telephone Pioneers, TOPS Club, volunteered for Hosp!ce at Greensboro, and was employed by Bell South.

She is survived by her mother, Vlrglnla Ladd of Asheville; brother and sister-in-law, W. Douglas and Debbie Ladd of Roanoke, Va.; brother and his fiancee, Stephen R. Ladd and Brenda Padgett of Hughesville, Md.; beloved Labrador Retriever, Spirit and also many special friends and loved ones.
Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Muirs Chapel United Methodist with burial to follow In the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Hospice at Greensboro, 2500 Summit Ave., Greensboro, N.C.  27405.




RICHARD D. CORDELL (1949 - 1993)

Richard DeWayne Cordell, 43, of 22-D Edgewood Knoll Apartments, died Saturday, July 10, in an Asheville Hospital.

A Buncombe County native, he retired in 1991 from R. L. Coleman Co. as a maintenance supervisor with 15 years service. A U. S. Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War, he was a member of VFW Post 891 of Asheville. He Was the son of the late Jesse Joe Cordell.

Surviving are his mother, Anna Kathleen Williams Cordell; two brothers, John and Charles Cordell, both of Candler; two sisters, Jo Ann Brown of Candler, and Betty Jo Parr of Greenville, SC; three stepdaughters, Mitzi Canipe of Candler, Robin Coats of Asheville, and Lisa Coats of Weaverville; a stepson, Jerry Lee Coats of Asheville and five step grandchildren.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Chapel of Faith, Forest Lawn Funeral Home. Bishop Grady E. Brockwell will officiate. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Memorial Park with rites by the Buncombe County Veteran’s Council. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at the funeral home and at times will be at 22-D Edgewood Knoll Apartments.





CAMERON ‘CAM’ O. RANKIN (1949 - 1992)

FLETCHER - Cameron O. Rankin, 43, of 556 Hutch Mountain Road, died Wednesday July 8, in a Henderson County hospital.

A native of Buncombe County, Rankin had lived in Henderson County for the past nine years. At the time of his death he was employed with Rockwell International as a machine operator. He was a member of the Auto Licence Plate Collector's Association and an amateur radio operator. Rankin is survived by his parents, Oliver John and Ruby Merrell Rankin of Asheville; his wife Kay Sluder Rankin; one daughter, Renee Annette Rankin of the home.

Services will be at 4 p.m. Friday in the chapel of Groce Funeral Home, The Rev. Ben Black will officiate. Interment will be in Emma’s Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. The family Will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. At other times the family will be at the home of the parents, 88 Finalee Avenue,  Asheville.






Sharon ROSENSTEIN Heafner (1949 - 1989)

Sharon Rosenstein Heafnerv 40, of Richardson, Texas, died Saturday in an Asheville hospital.

A native of Patterson, NJ she had lived in Asheville for 28 years and graduated from Lee Edwards High School. She was a homemaker aid member or Temple Shalom in Dallas. Texas.

She is survived by her mother, Leola Herman Rosenstein of Asheville; three daughters, Carol M. Turner of Hendersonville, Samantha Jo and Iris M. Heafner of Richardson; , two brothers, Jack Rosenstein of Asheville and Norman Rosenstein of Dallas: and a sister, Anna R. Buck of Asheville. Memorial services will at 4 p.m. Sunday in Temple Beth-Na Tephila with Rabbi Ronald C. Bluming officiating. Burial will be in Texas.  The family will receive friends after the service at the home of Leola Herman Rosenstein, 09 Windsor Road in Asheville.

Interment services will be Tuesday in Dallas, Texas, where burial will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park. The  family will receive friends Monday evening at Spartman Hillcrest Funeral Home in Dallas.  Morris Funeral Home, Merrimon Avenue, is in charge of arrangementents.  In lieu of fiowers, memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, County Unit, 31 college Place, Building D, Suite 310, Asheville, N.C. 28801.




IRBY ALEXANDER JR. (1949 - 1985)

Services for Irby Alexander Jr., formerly of Asheville, who died Wednesday in Washington DC, will be at 3 p.m. Tuesday in St. Mark’s AME Zion Church. The Revs. Frank Owens, Robert Allen and Bernice Scurry will officiate. Burial will fee in Sunset Cemetery.

An Asheville Native and a resident of Washington for the past 17 years, he was the son of Irby Alexander Sr. and Irene Houston Alexander of Asheville. He was a 1967 graduate of Lee Edwards High School.

Alexander, a former employee of National Weather Record Center in Asheville and the Department of Commerce in Washington, was employed as clerk stenographer with the Department of Army in Washington.

Surviving, in addition to his parents, are two brothers, Ronnie Alexander of Fayetteville and Grover Alexander of Asheville. The family will receive friends at 19 Dalton Street, and the body will remain at Wilkins-Hart Mortuary until placed in the church 30 minutes before the service.




JANE LYNCH PENLEY (1949 - 1985)

LEICESTER Jane Lynch Penley, 33, of Bear Creek Road, Route 3 Leicester, died Wednesday, lifelong resident. of Buncombe County, she was a daughter of Herman J. Lynch of Asheville and the late Leeoma Fergurson Lynch. She was the owner and operator of The Grooming Wagon.

Surviving, in addition to her father, are her husband, Ernie M. Penley; a daughter, Emily Lauren Peneley of the home; a brother, Edward J.  Lynch of Lenoir; and a sister Andrea Moore of Winston-Salem.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday in Newfound Baptist Church. The Rev. Charles Phillips will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Penland & Sons Funeral ilome, Asheville.




RICHARD JOYCE (1949 - 1982)

Graveside services for Richard Allen Joyce, 32, of 1813 Shannonhouse Drive, Charlotte, who died there Tuesday, will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at Snow Hill Methodist Church cemetery, Candler. The Rev. Richard Walker will officiate.

Joyce, a native of Buncombe County and son of the late Minnie Smith Joyce, had resided in Mecklenburg County for the past 11 years. A civil engineer with the city of Charlotte, he graduated from Lee Edwards High School and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a degree in civil engineering.

He was a member of Mid Hill Baptist Church, where he was a teacher of the high school Sunday school class. Surviving are his wife, Vickie Taylor Joyce; three daughters, Tracy, Kimberly and Brenda Joyce, all of the home. His father, Richard Allen Joyce Sr. of Asheville; Seven sisters, Georgia Whillhide of Newberry, SC, Margaret Penland of Statesville, and Minnie Creasman, Rachel Sawyer, Ruth Sprouse, Brenda Smith and Ruby Smith, all of Asheville.

The Family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Anders-Rice Funeral Home.




ROGER CAMPBELL (1949 - 1982)

Memorial services for Roger Bertin Campbell, 34, of 26 Hampstesd road, Asheville, who died Tuesday, will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday in Asheville Unitarian Universalist Church with William D. Hammond officiating.

Campbell, a native of Decatur IN, had served six years in the U. S. Army and had been an Instrumentation Specialist with Sundstrand Corp. of Denver, CO. He returned to Asheville a year ago.

Surviving are his parents, Dr. Hugh B. And Rosamond Claywell Campbell of the home; two brothers, Douglas Allen Campbell of Fort Stewart, GA and R. Stephen Campbell of Chapel Hill; and two sisters, Heather Campbell of Savannah, GA and Lani C. Reasoner of Hendersonville.

Memorials may be made to Asheville Unitarian Universalist Memorial Fund, 1 Edwin Place. The family will receive friends in the reception hall of the church following the service. Penland and Sons Funeral Home, Asheville, is in charge of arrangements.





BARRY ARTHUR RHASH (1949-1971) 

(Though not his obituary, this is a fitting tribute to a fine man and a true American hero)

Warrant Officer WO1 Barry Arthur Rhash, Vietnam Veteran, Native of Asheville, NC.

Warrant Officer Barry Arthur Rhash was a casualty of the Vietnam War. As a member of the Army Reserve, WO Rhash served our country until March 29th, 1971 in Vinh Binh, South Vietnam. He was 22 years old and was married. It was reported that Barry died when his helicopter crashed. His body was recovered. Barry was born on March 29th, 1949 in Asheville, North Carolina. WO Rhash is on panel 04W, line 092 of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C.

"I was present on March 29th. I have often thought of Barry since. I'll never forget him or his fellow pilot, Chuck Edwards. Barry was a wonderful young man. I am proud to have served with him. My heart goes out to his family and friends." LTC Roger S. Almquist, Ret, USA.

"You were the light of my life and I will never stop loving you. Edith Reed, I am His Mother."

"I remember Barry as a good friend to my brother, Cal Buzzy Wray. They were both in the Kappa Sigma fraternity at East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C. I remember seeing all the Kappa Sigs out on the lawn the day they found out Barry had been killed. All these strong young men weeping and holding on to each other. I knew something bad, really bad had happened. I ran across the street and heard the devasting news. Then I tried desperately to reach my brother to tell him. When I finally reached him, he had a look on his face that I had never seen before. I don't know if it was shock, despair, grief. probably all. Barry was quite nice to me as a freshman and a thoughtful and good friend to my brother. We miss him very much." Marsha, Kappa Sigma "real" little sister.

"NEVER FORGOTTEN. Barry will live in our hearts forever. I feel such sadness when I think of all the years we have been without him. Barry had such a gentle spirit and I still can see the twinkle in his eyes when he was feeling mischevious. Thank you, Barry for giving yourself for the freedoms that we all too often take for granted. My 13 year old son will be traveling to Washington next week and will be able to see your name on the Wall and know that you are a HERO." Sheron Hufstader, 6 Rolling Brook, Irvine, Ca 92612.

"Crew Chief Bushwacker 34. FROM A FELLOW BUSHWACKER. Our Unit was new to the 175th Outlaws. We took the place of The Mavericks UH 1C's Gun Ships. Barry was also new to our Unit. He and his AC was a great team. I remember March 29, 1971 all too well. He and Capt. Edwards took of with the other Bushwackers covering the slicks UH 1H's as they worked a mission. The word came back to us that a Bushwacker was down and then the worst news broke. The flight back with our missing brothers slot empty. Both Barry and Charles were great men and Officers. I miss them both. May God be with you both." Jim Stanley, 104 Burlington Ct, Dothan, Al, 36305.

He served with the 175th Assault Helicopter Company, "Bushwackers", 214th Aviation Battalion, 164th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade, USARV.

He was awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross, The Aviation Wings Badge, The Bronze Star Medal, The Purple Heart Medal for his combat related wounds, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal and The Air Medal with Multiple Oak Leaf Clusters.




PATRICIA DOYLE (1949 - 1966)

Miss Patricia Ann Doyle, 18, of 100 Courtland Place, a senior at Lee H. Edwards High School, died early Thursday morning after an automobile wreck near Skyland.

She was the daughter of Mrs. Claire Abbott Doyle of the home and Larry Milton Doyle of Houston, TX. She was a member of the Distributive Education Class at Lee Edwards and had just begun training with Winn-Dixie food chain as a cashier. Miss Doyle was a member of First Baptist Church.

Surviving in addition to her parents are a sister, Miss Evelyn Doyle of the home; and the paternal grandmother, Mrs. A. Nelley of Nework, CT. Arrangements will be announced by Berryman-Hall Funeral Home, where the family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday.