Rutherford Weekly

Thursday, December 18-December 23, 2014 www.rutherfordweekly.com 828-248-1408 Rutherford Weekly - Page 21 JAMES LOVELACE J a m e s C r e i g h t o n " J . C . " L o v e l a c e , Sr. age 88, of Bostic, passed away Thursday, December 11, 2014. He was born August 4, 1926 in Rutherford County and was a son of the late Surness and Mae Long Lovelace. J. C. was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and a Baptist. He retired from the Finishing Department at Stonecutter Mills with 37 years service. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Pauline King Lovelace of the home, four sons, J. C. Lovelace, Jr. and wife Joyce, Dennis Lovelace and wife Susan all of Bostic, Tommy Lovelace of Forest City and Johnny Lovelace and wife Sharon of Bostic, and a sister, Jimmie Lovelace Padgett of Forest City. There are 12 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Graveside service was held in the Mt. View Baptist Church Cemetery, Bostic with Reverend Wayne Toney and Reverend Creig Lovelace officiating. The Padgett and King Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. LARRY STEVE SPROUSE L a r r y S t e v e Sprouse age 67, born May 14, 1947 in Rutherford County, NC beloved son of the late Garland and Velma McKinney Sprouse of Ruth, NC passed away peace- fully into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior on December 9, 2014. Steve fought his cancer with strength, dignity, and an unwavering faith in God that this was part of his plan and a firm knowledge that all things work for good for those who trust in him. He made many friends along the way especially those he served with in the VA-85 Navy. Having served his country during the Vietnam War from 1966-1970. Steve graduated from the RS Central High School with the class of 1965. Became one of the first to receive the first Eagle Scout Award in Rutherford County. Was an active member of the Adaville Baptist Church in Spindale, NC. His most spiritual moment was when he was ordained as a Deacon to be a servant in honor of his Lord and Savior. His face was one with a smile. No matter the time, day or the circumstance you could find him with that lasting smile. Retirement came in 2011 from the North Carolina Department of Correction yet due to another battle with cancer. Steve was prede- ceased in death by his only brother Garry R Sprouse. He is survived by his loving and faithful wife of 47 years Barbara Shehan Sprouse. Also, survived are his two precious daughters, Amy Sprouse Chapman and son-in-law Robbie of Forest City, NC. Carrie Sprouse Bryson of Bryson City, NC. Four grandchil- dren Justin Steven Bailey, Nathan Gregory Chapman and wife Carla, Larissa Lynn Chapman and Keaira Elizabeth Bryson. One great granddaughter Peyton Lynn Bailey who will miss getting to know what a great paw paw she had. His favorite aunt Rebecca (Becky) Gilliam who was like a sister and numerous nephews, uncle, cousins and lifelong friends who have been considered family. The family would like to give a special thanks to the Steve's care team at Rutherford Internal Medical Associates and Rutherford Family Practice. You took one humble man and made him feel like a king. It was your love and compassion that kept him going. A celebration of Steve's life was held at Adaville Baptist Church, Spindale, NC. Interment followed at Southern Baptist Church. Memorials may be made to Adaville Baptist Church Building Fund, 805 Oakland Road, Spindale, NC 28160. Crowe's Mortuary is serving the family. MARY FRANCES WALKER HARDIN M a r y F r a n c e s W a l k e r Hardin, age 91 of Forest City passed away Tuesday, December 9, 2014. She was born October 23, 1923 in Cleveland County and was a daugh- ter of the late A.C. and Lula Hoyle Walker. Mary was a graduate of Shelby High School and a mem- ber of Bethany Baptist Church. She also worked for Stonecutter Mills Corporation in Spindale where she retired with for- ty-five years service. Her husband, G. W. Hardin preceded her in death in 1976 as well as her son, Stanley Eugene Hardin in 1950. Survivors include her daughter, Barbara Hardin Roberts (Reid) of Forest City, brother, Jerry Walker of Caroleen, sisters, Martha Griffin and Joyce Matheny both of Forest City; her grandson, Bruce Roberts and great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Zachary, Nicolas, and Jessica; and a spe- cial niece, Pat Millwood of Forest City. Funeral services were held at The Padgett and King Chapel with Reverend Chris Fox offici- ating. Interment was pri- vate for the family in the Cool Springs Cemetery. The Padgett and King Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. MAX LEE SMITH M a x Lee Smith, age 79, of S p i n d a l e , passed away T h u r s d a y , December 11, 2014. Born June 22, 1935 in Rutherford County, he was the son of the late Richard Lee Smith and Gertrude Nicholson Smith. He was a veteran of the U.S Army and the U.S. Air Force and worked as a truck driver most of his life. He was a past member of Providence United Methodist Church. Max enjoyed working in his yard and was an avid Washington Redskins fan and NASCAR fan. In addition to his par- ents, he was preceded in death by his wife of for- ty-seven years, Betty Penson Smith. Survivors include his sons, Richard Smith and wife, Michele and Todd Smith and wife, Brandy all of Forest City; two daugh- ters, Texanne Jolley of Bostic and Gina Morrison and husband Dee of Forest City. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Kelly Edmonds, Steven Jolley, Randi Baker, Kurt Morrison, Judith Harrill, David Smith and Peyton Smith; eight great-grand- children Hunter Earley, Jocelyn Edmonds, Nathan Jolley, Kurtis Morrison, Devon Baker, Chance Baker, Mason Jolley and Hudson Harrill Funeral services were held at the Harrelson Funeral Chapel with Reverend Neil Haynes officiating. Interment fol- lowed in Providence United Methodist Church Cemetery. Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family. G. REID GODFREY G. Reid G o d f r e y , age 88 of the Shiloh C o m m u n i t y passed away Saturday, December 13, 2014. He was born June 17, 1926 in Rutherford County and was a son of the late Charles Wesley Godfrey and Floy Toms Godfrey. Reid was the former owner of Tri-City Auto Parts and Sonic Oil Company. He was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church, a United States Army Veteran and he enjoyed cattle farming. His sister, Nell Oliver pre- ceded him in death. Survivors include his wife, Ethel Shields Godfrey of the home, a son, Phillip Godfrey of Forest City, a daughter, Rita Godfrey Trout and husband Jimmy of Forest City, three grandsons, Jared Godfrey and wife Candice, Jason Godfrey and wife Misty, and Chris Houser and wife Jessica, five great-grand- children, Phoebe, Gavin, and Molly Godfrey, Isabella Godfrey, and Cullen "Reid" Houser. Funeral services were held in the Shiloh Baptist Church with the Reverend Donald Crawford and Reverend Michael Sepaugh offici- ating. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to Shiloh Baptist Church, 1851 Poors Ford Road, Rutherfordton, NC 28139 or Hospice of Rutherford County, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043. The Padgett and King Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. FRANCES VONNIE MATHIS HINES Frances Vonnie Mathis Hines, age 94, passed away Saturday, December 6, 2014. Frances was a loving wife, mother, & grand- mother. A native of Rutherford County, she was the daughter of the late Jack & Maude Sisk Mathis. Frances was a member of Spencer Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilburn L. Hines, 4 sisters, and 5 brothers. Frances loved gardening, both flowers & vegetables. Survivors include 2 sons, Terry Hines & wife, Cindy of Forest City, Bruce Hines & wife, Elaine of Smithfield Virginia, a brother, William (Bill) of Rutherfordton, a grand- son, 3 granddaughters, & 8 great grandchildren. A graveside service was held at Eternal Hills with Dr. Scott Courtney officiating. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Spencer Baptist Church or Hospice of Rutherford County. Crowe's Mortuary is assisting the family. PEGGY RUTH SEARCY GRIFFIN Peggy Ruth Searcy Griffin, 79, of Forest City, passed away Wednesday, December 10, 2014. A native of Rutherford County, Peggy was the daughter of the late Ben and Lela Smith Searcy. She was a retired textile employee and a member of Mountain View Baptist Church. Left to cherish her mem- ory is her son, Daniel G. Griffin of New Port Richey, FL; daughters Rebecca G. Jones of Forest City and Wanda G. Harris of Rutherfordton; five grand- children, Starr Lancaster, Chris Jones, Amanda Turner, Randi Bounket, Will Griffin; four great grand- children, Carmen Jones, Sophie Marlow, Hadleigh Ford, Zachary Griffin; two brothers, Joe Searcy of Rutherfordton and Don Searcy of Lattimore; sister, Laura Gibbs of Spindale, and special friend Don Davis of Forest City. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, George Burgess Griffin. Funeral services were held at Mountain View Baptist Church with Rev. Eric Reedy officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Crowe's Mortuary is serving the family. HELEN PRATHER GILBERT H e l e n I n e z Prather Gilbert, 86, of Rutherfordton, passed away Thursday, December 11, 2014. A native of Danville, VA, she was the daugh- ter of the late James Fred and Selma Reed Prather. Helen was a retired seam- stress and a member of Spindale Church of the Brethren. Left to cherish her memories are her sons, James Gilbert and wife Jean of Rutherfordton; Dean Gilbert and wife Pat of Shiloh; Doug Gilbert and wife Betty of Charlotte; daughter, Janice Cline of Rutherfordton; a number of grandchildren and great grandchildren; and sister Iris Keisgen of Tampa, FL. In addition to her par- ents, she was preceded in death by her husband Paul Dupree Gilbert and son, Dennis Gilbert. Funeral services were held at Spindale Church of the Brethren with Rev. Russell Payne officiat- ing. Interment followed in Eternal Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043 or Spindale Church of the Brethren, 129 Sterling Street, Spindale, NC 28160. Crowe's Mortuary is assisting the Gilbert family. BILL DUFAULT William Phillip "Bill" Dufault, Sr. age 90 of Forest City, passed away Friday, December 12, 2014. He was born in Brockton, Massachusetts; & was the widower of Sudie Shytle Dufault. He was a US Navy veteran of World War II & later retired from the US Air Force in 1964. Following his mili- tary career, he worked for & retired from Reeves Brothers, Rutherfordton. Survivors include a son, William P. Dufault, Jr. of Massachusetts; daugh- ters, Bonnie Louise Dufault of Iowa, & Michelle Ann Dufault of Oregon; step- sons, Marshall Shytle & wife Glenice of Dallas & Bill Shytle and wife Wilma of Ellenboro, NC; step-daugh- ters, Jacqueline S. Allen and husband Spencer of Forest City, NC, and Frances S. Difatta and hus- band Tom of Lincolnton; eight grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. Memorial services were held in the Padgett & King Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County, P.O. Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043. The Padgett & King Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. DOROTHY LUCILE WHITENER D o r o t h y L u c i l e Whitener, age 81, of Forest City passed away Friday, December 12, 2014. She was a native of Cleveland County, daugh- ter of the late Willie Ben Whitener and Phoebe Hester Dills, a member of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church. Left to cherish her memory are brothers Guy Whitener, Billy Whitener of Missouri, Ben Whitener of Rutherford College, sisters Shirley Pollard of Kenley, NC and Ruby Laughter of Rutherfordton and a niece Diane Conner of Forest City. Graveside service was held at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Scott Courtney officiating. Crowe's Mortuary is assisting the family. BEATRICE C. PACE Beatrice C. Pace, age 89, of Forest City, passed a w a y S a t u r d a y , D e c e m b e r 13, 2014. B o r n May 7, 1925 in Rutherford County, she was a daughter of the late Lloyd Alfred Cannon & Elizabeth Baynard Cannon. Beatrice worked for Burlington Industries- Caroleen Plant most of her life & was the oldest liv- ing lady member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. She enjoyed working in her flower bed & doing word search puzzles. In addition to her par- ents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Robert "Runt" O. Pace & son, Robert "Buck" H. Pace; 3 sisters, Vestie Gentry, Bertie Pearson, Ruby Greene; 3 brothers, Ralph, Russell & Clarence Cannon. Survivors include 2 daughters, Alice P. Ellis & husband, Mike & Patricia Ferguson all of Forest City; daughter-in-law, Ernestine Pace also of Forest City; 3 sisters, Helen Byers & husband, Garland, Rosie White & husband, Gene all of Caroleen & Marie Phillips of Forest City. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren, Tammy Bailey, Laura Ellis, Michael Murray, Ginny Clarke, Courtney Ellis, Robert Pace III, Melissa Alley and 12 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church with Reverend Bob Philbeck & Reverend Paul Simpson officiating. Interment fol- lowed in Eternal Hills Memorial Park. Memorial donations are suggested to the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Building Fund, 397 Mt. Pleasant Church Road, Forest City, NC 28043 or to Hospice of Rutherford County, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043. Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.

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