Samuel Monroe ‘Sam’ Freeman
Samuel Monroe “Sam” Freeman, 90, of Charlotte passed away on May 5, 2016 surrounded by nearly his entire family at Carolinas HealthCare System Pineville after a brief illness.
Born to George and Amanda Lynch Freeman of Laboratory on Dec. 4, 1925, he was predeceased by his parents and siblings Beulah Ethel (Ernest) Abernathy, infant sister Bertie Mae Freeman, Carl Ashby (Velma) Freeman, Clyde Napoleon (Billie) Freeman, Velma Blanche (Dick) Anthony, John Kirk (Clara Lee) Freeman and daughter-in-law, Suzanne Hill Freeman.
After graduating from Lincolnton High School in 1942, Sam joined the US Navy and served as a Corpsman with the US Marines in the Pacific theater during WWII until discharged in 1945. After the war’s end, he enrolled at Gardner-Webb College and then Lenoir-Rhyne College earning his bachelor’s degree and lettering in football at both schools. He was later honored as a “Distinguished Alumni” at Gardner-Webb. He then attended the George Peabody College of Education at Vanderbilt University earning his master’s degree. While at Gardner-Webb College, Sam met his lifelong sweetheart, Janie Runyan (Freeman) of Earl, enjoying 64 years of marriage until her passing in November, 2012.
After college Sam and Janie moved to Union County, where he taught school at Unionville High School for a number of years. He remained close friends with many of his then students to this day. One of his students even named their first girl after Sam’s daughter Amy. He then sold meat for Hormel Foods for a couple of years before working for Mecklenburg County as an inspector. He lastly founded Carolina Pool Supply Co. in 1966, building hundreds of pools and eventually operating as a wholesale distributor for more than 50 years.
He was a long time member of Hickory Grove United Methodist Church serving in many leadership capacities, long time Sunday school teacher and later as Head Usher. Sam coached championship-winning women’s softball teams as well as high school church league boys’ basketball teams for many years.
Sam had a large group of friends. He was always meeting up with his old high schools buddies, the players from his football teams, and alumni associations. His hobbies consisted of working hard to provide for his family and service to the Lord. Always sharp of mind, he could recall people and events from so long ago. He was friends with all his children’s friends, always asking about so and so. As decent, honorable, moral, righteous, principled, and loving a man as God has ever made. We’ll miss you dearly, Sam. You were truly one of a kind.
Sam is survived by his children Amy (Bill) Howell of Charlotte, John Freeman of Denver, Bill (Janney) Freeman of Charlotte, and Dean Freeman of Fort Mill, S.C. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren, Blake Howell, Adam Howell, Eric Howell, Kellie Howell, Jason Freeman, Stefanie Freeman, Kathryn Freeman, Alyssa Farls, Nick Freeman, Alex Freeman, and Steven Freeman and four great-grandchildren, Kami Howell, Emma Howell, Jack Freeman, Claire Freeman.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 16, 2016 in the sanctuary of Hickory Grove United Methodist Church, 6401 Hickory Grove Rd., Charlotte, NC 28215 with the Reverends Jack and Laurie Knoespel officiating. Visitation will follow service.
McEwen Funeral Service at Sharon Memorial Park is serving the Freeman family.
Ralph Andrew Brown
We have lost a true man among men. Maj. Ralph Andrew Brown, USAF (Ret.), 99, of Columbia, S.C. died Monday, May 9, 2016. Born November 16, 1916 in Lincolnton, he was a son of the late George Brown, Sr., and Olive Senter Brown. The fourth of twelve children, Ralph joined the Army Air Corps in 1942 to become a fighter pilot and flew missions over Nazi Germany. On April 11, 1944 while on a long range bombing mission his P-51 Mustang was shot down. Ralph was captured and spent 13 months in a German prison camp. After the war Ralph continued as a fighter pilot in the Air Force until he retired in 1965 when he moved to Columbia. In Columbia, he worked as a charter pilot and flew for Midlands Aviation, Eagle Aviation and commercial relator, Joe Edens, until he was in his 70’s. Ralph still has his NASCAR license and drove stock cars until he was 90 years young. After his aviation career ended, he went to work for his son at Brown Motor Works until he was 96. Ralph remained proud of his military service and had recently been attending luncheons with other WWII POW’s. He was a man of deep faith and was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.
Survivors include his children, Elizabeth Goldstein (Robert) of Charleston, S.C., Barbara Whittington (Bill) of Hickory, Andrea Cooper (Dexter) of Columbia, S.C., R.A. Brown, II (Donna) of Chapin; grandchildren, Danielle Goldstein, Shelley Hochman, Sarah Barlow, Teen Dixon, Marcia Rubino, Julie Burge, Allison Stafford, Melissa Hallman, Daniel Hallman and Petra Hallman; sisters, Nell Coon, Hazel Beam, Helen Sides, Evelyn Thomas, Doris Reynolds; as well as numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Christine Grayson Brown; son Harold “Butch” Hallman; as well as four brothers and two sisters.
A funeral service for Maj. Brown will be held 2 p.m. Friday, May 13, 2016, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, with Pastor Paul Wollner and Pastor Kris Litman-Koon officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Thursday evening at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, S.C.
Memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 3909 Forest Drive, Columbia, SC 29204.
Shives Funeral Home in Columbia, S.C. is serving the Brown family.
Yates Alvin Green
LAWNDALE — Yates Alvin Green, 92, of E. Stagecoach Trail, passed away May 9, 2016 at Lincolnton Rehabilitation Center.
Born September 2, 1923 in Cleveland County he was a son of the late Harvey Lee Green and Emma Hill Green. He worked for the Stamey Company and the NC Department of Transportation. Yates was a member of Wallace Grove Baptist Church. He loved bluegrass music. He was self-taught, mastering the guitar and mandolin. As one of Bill Monroe’s Bluegrass Boys, he toured the country and performed live on the Grand Ole Opry. He loved the Lord and continued to serve Him by composing and singing bluegrass gospel music. Yates served as pastor of several local churches.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Turner Green; six brothers, Zeno, Sam, Harvey, Van “Doc”, and Martin Green and four sisters, Carrie Ward, Zennie Riley, Lilly Williams and Faye Stacey.
Survivors include four daughters, Shelly Blalock of Poulan, Ga., Geneva Maners (Joel) of Denver, Letitia Willis (Gene) of Vale and Myra Clark of Lawndale; brother, Wray Canipe of Kings Mountain; seven grandchildren, Pam Marshall, Wendy Blalock, Todd Maners (Lindsy), Jason Maners (LaBranda), Thad Clark (Crystal), Robbie Willis and Randi Martin (Josh); and ten great-grandchildren, Robert Etheredge, Christopher Etheredge, Amanda Gipson, Jennifer Edwards, Branson Maners, Ryker Maners, Ava Clark, Shane Willis, Tucker Willis and Kaiden Martin; and five great-great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held this evening, May 11, 2016 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home. At other times the family will be at the home of a daughter, Myra Clark, 101 Melba Drive, Lawndale. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 12, 2016 at Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jackie Price officiating. Burial will follow in Wallace Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of Lincoln County, 900 Dontia Drive, Lincolnton, NC 28092.
A guest register is available at www.stameytysingerfuneralhome.com.
Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Fallston is serving the Green family.
George ‘Leck’ Hoke
George “Leck” Hoke, 66, of Lincolnton died peacefully, due to complications from cancer, on the afternoon of May 8, 2016. He was the youngest of six children to Ruth Kiser Hoke and the late George Alexander Hoke of Lincolnton.
Visitation will be tonight, May 11, 2016 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Warlick Funeral Home. The funeral service will take place at 2 p.m., Thursday, May 12, 2016 at Rhyne Heights United Methodist Church. Graveside rites will be at Forest Lawn Cemetery following the service.
George was soft-spoken and kind and he deeply loved his family and the church. He was well-respected and loved dearly by those fortunate enough to know him. Leck was an independent man — smart and capable of anything he set his mind to. He enjoyed working around the house, especially outside, where he was always comfortable and skilled. He enjoyed going to the beach and listening to music. When Leck was around, there was always a radio playing.
George was a devoted son, brother, husband, and father. He was always available when family needed him and, during his sickness and decline, they paid him back ten-fold. The love he has been surrounded with in the past months has been nothing short of amazing. His death mimics the life he led — quiet, peaceful, and surrounded by family and friends. He will be missed.
George was preceded in death by his father, George Alexander Hoke and brothers-in-law, William “Bill” Finger, Howard L. Lawing, and Timothy Hendrick.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Vickie Hendrick Hoke; son, Colby Alexander Hoke; mother, Ruth Hoke; sisters Doris Finger, Joanne Mason and husband Darrell Mason, Faye Rucker and husband Jerry Rucker, Libby Ballard and husband Ben Ballard, Linda Lawing; nine nephews; and two nieces. Leck is also survived by his vigilant and loving companion, Bogey.
To everyone, near and far, who came to see Leck, bring food, help with chores, or offer words of comfort, Vickie, Colby, Bogey, and the extended Hoke family sincerely thank you.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Lincoln County, 900 Dontia Dr, Lincolnton, NC 28092, and the ASPCA at www.aspca.org/donate.
Warlick Funeral Home in Lincolnton is serving the Hoke family.
Khaleda Hadisa Assell
Khaleda Hadisa Assell, age 14, of Denver, entered the gates of heaven on Sunday, May 8, 2016.
A memorial service will be held for Khaleda at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at Denver United Methodist Church with Rev. Morrie Lawing officiating.
A Celebration of Life, alongside Khaleda’s family, will directly follow the service in the Family Life Center of Denver United Methodist Church. The family invites all who attend to wear their favorite shade of pink in remembrance of Khaleda.
Born in Kabul, Afghanistan, Khaleda (which means eternal), was her given name. From birth, she battled a life threatening condition called Thalassemia Beta Major, which required regular blood transfusions and aggressive medical treatment to sustain life. At 7 years of age, she was adopted by Mike and Amanda Assell as their first and eldest child. Despite her constant need for medical care, Khaleda brought joy, laughter, and wit to all she knew rather than bitterness or complaint. Her smile was contagious and her strength was mighty. She loved being with her family and friends. Painting nails, swimming, riding horses, and shopping were some of her favorite activities. Khaleda knew how to live in the day and understood that we aren’t promised tomorrow. She didn’t dwell on the past or her condition, and she didn’t fret over the future and what it would bring. This beautiful child taught us so much about life, sacrifice, and true love. She was a blessing in every way.
Khaleda is survived by her parents, Mike and Amanda Assell and her brother, Silas Assell; her grandparents, John and Barbara Assell, Marty Barker and Elizabeth Wilson.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made out to “Christ Church – designated to the Khaleda Fund” for various projects in Afghanistan and to help providing food, shelter, and education to Khaleda’s biological family.
Warlick Funeral Home in Lincolnton is serving the Assell family.
Lois Anthony Gibby
Lois Anthony Gibby, age 73, of 707 Old Lincolnton-Crouse Road in Lincolnton, died on Monday, May 9, 2016.
A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. today, May 11, 2016, at Lincolnton Church of God with Bishop Richard A. King, Sr., D.min and Bishop Randall Phillips officiating. The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. until 4:45 p.m. prior to the service at the church.
Mrs. Gibby was born February 14, 1943, in Allegheny County, to the late James C. Anthony and Marie Isabella Lubold. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by two sons, Tony Madden and Timothy Gibby; and a brother, Jim Anthony. She worked for Vermont American.
She is survived by her husband, Floyd Gibby of the home; two sons, Judd Gibby of Charleston, S.C. and Craig Gibby of Gastonia; one daughter, Sharon Ewing of Gastonia; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, 2315 Randolph Road, Charlotte, NC 28207.
Warlick Funeral Home in Lincolnton is serving the Gibby family.
Geneva Boyles Miller
Geneva Boyles Miller, 95, died peacefully at Hospice and Palliative Care of Catawba on Sunday, May 8, 2016.
Her funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. today, May 11, 2016, at Hebron United Methodist Church with Rev. Kathy Turman and Mr. Ray Leonhardt officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 10, 2016, at Warlick Funeral Home. At other times, the family will be gathering at the home of Amanda Harrelson, 692 Northbrook III School Road, Vale, NC 28168.
Mrs. Miller was born April 11, 1921, and was the daughter of the late Wallace Boyles and Georganna Parker Boyles. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Charlie Dane Miller; a grandson, Todd Canipe; brothers, Chive Boyles and Zeb Boyles; and sisters, Velva Miller, Beulah Boyles, Taltha Warlick, and Madge Costner. She was a member of Hebron United Methodist Church and worked as a dietician.
Survivors include three children, Annette Canipe (Jerry), Dianne Ingle (Edward), and Gary Miller (Margaret); grandchildren, Kim Colvard (Max), Trent Canipe (Janet), Darren Ingle, Amanda Harrelson (Russell), and Hannah Beard (Taylor); three great-grandchildren; siblings, Richard Boyles; and nieces and nephews; three step-great-grandchildren; and two step-great-great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to Catawba Regional Hospice, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658.
Warlick Funeral Home in Lincolnton is serving the Miller family.
Alma Louanna Keever Robinson
Alma Louanna Keever Robinson, age 91, of Shady Lane in Lincolnton, died on Sunday, May 8, 2016.
Her funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. today, May 11, 2016, at Southside Baptist Church with Rev. Brad Philbeck and Rev. Charles Ingle officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:15 p.m. until 2 p.m. prior to the service at the church.
Mrs. Robinson was born April 9, 1925, in Lincoln County, to the late John Franklin Keever and Bessie Johnson Keever. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, David Robinson; a daughter, Judith Louanna; as well as siblings, Natha Lee, Bill, David, and Carroll.
She is survived by a son, Rodney and wife Mary; grandchildren, Mary Catherine, Adam and wife Emily; great-grandchildren, Daniel and Adelle; sisters and brothers, Pat, Betty, Larry, and Jerry, along with beloved extended family.
Memorials may be made to Southside Baptist Church, 1725 Southside Road, Lincolnton, NC 28092, or to Hospice of Lincoln County, 900 Dontia Drive, Lincolnton, NC 28092.
Warlick Funeral Home in Lincolnton is serving the Robinson family.
Celeste Abernethy Jonas
Mrs. Celeste Abernethy Jonas, 94, of Abernethy Laurels in Newton and formerly of Lincolnton, died May 7, 2016.
A native of Lincolnton, she was born August 4, 1921 to Lester Abernethy and Inez Rudisill Abernethy. Her ancestors were among the first pioneer settlers of Lincoln County in the 1700’s.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 73 years, Harvey A. Jonas Jr. of Newton; a daughter, Anna Jonas Fortenberry of Salem, S.C.; a son, Harvey Andrew Jonas of Lincolnton; seven grandchildren, Richard Harvey Jenkins, Rebecca Jenkins Pomeroy, Leslie Thomas, Angela Celeste Fortenberry Payne, Jonas Hale Fortenberry, John Blair Hollis Fortenberry and Benjamin Hanks Fortenberry; and nine great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by a daughter, Susan Jonas Jenkins Chapman; two brothers, Frank B. Abernethy and Luther A. Abernethy and a sisterVirginia A. Edwards.
Mrs. Jonas was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church in Lincolnton and taught Bible classes to young adults for many years. A member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, she traveled the world with her husband, and enjoyed cross-stitching, needlepointing and sewing. A former Scout leader, she was an active supporter of her children when they competed in horse shows, and loved playing games with her grandchildren. She encouraged her children and grandchildren in all of their endeavors, and was at her husband’s side throughout his 70- plus year legal career.
She enjoyed attending Rock Springs Camp Meeting and was a direct descendant of camp meeting founder, Rev. Daniel Asbury and of various Methodist Circuit Riders including Rev. James Hill.
Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 14, 2016 at First United Methodist Church with Rev. David Wyant officiating. There will be no visitation.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, 201 East Main St., Lincolnton, NC 28092.
Warlick Funeral Home in Lincolnton is serving the Jonas family.
Carl William Butler
Carl William Butler, 45, of Maiden died May 8, 2016.
A memorial service will be held today at 2 p.m. at Bennett Funeral Service in Conover. The family will receive friends today from 1 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. at Bennett Funeral Service in Conover.
Bennett Funeral Service of Conover is serving the Butler family.
Bobbie Leigh Martin
Bobbie Leigh Martin, 38, of Shelby died May 6, 2016.
A memorial service will be held today at 2 p.m. at Freedom Church in Lincolnton. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
Clay-Barnette Funeral Home in Shelby is serving the Martin family.
Letha Mae Parlier
Letha Mae Parlier, 80, of Hickory died May 8, 2016.
A Celebration of life will be planned at a later date.
Jenkins Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Newton is serving the Parlier family.
Rayvon ‘Ray’ Harrison Mathis
Rayvon ‘Ray’ Harrison Mathis, 84, of Lincolnton, died May 10, 2016.
Arrangements are incomplete with Warlick Funeral Home in Lincolnton.
Rhonda Lynn Boone Herranz
Rhonda Lynn Boone Herranz, 53, of Hickory died May 8, 2016.
A funeral will be 4 p.m. May 17, 2016 at Jenkins Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 3 p.m. until 4 p.m. May 17, 2016 at Jenkins Funeral Home.
Jenkins Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Newton is serving the Herranz family.
Jerry Nelson Carpenter
Jerry Nelson Carpenter, 73, of Lincolnton died May 9, 2016 at Lincolnton Rehabilitation Center.
A graveside service will be 4 p.m. Friday at Landers Chapel UMC Cemetery.
Jenkins Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Newton is serving the Carpenter family.
The post Obituaries — 5-11-16 appeared first on Lincoln Times-News.