Kings Mountain Herald

Shirley Wallace Adams

BESSEMER CITY, NC– Shirley Wallace Adams, 87, of Bessemer City, NC, passed away on March 2, 2025 at Robin Johnson House in Dallas, NC.
She was born July 2, 1937 in Rutherford County, NC, daughter of the late Ralph E. and Corrine Humphries Wallace and was preceded in death by her son, Gene Adams, brothers, Joel and Charles Wallace and a sister, Barbara Cook. Shirley held to her faith deeply and spent many years as a member of Resurrection Lutheran Church. She and Donald were founding members of Advent Lutheran where she attended until being called home with her Savior. Shirley, having been the wife of a military man, was always in control of her home life. She spent her time keeping house, raising her family, and instilling hard work and dedication to her children.
Shirley enjoyed bowling and working with ceramics as a pastime. After Donald’s retirement from the Air Force, they purchased a house in Kings Mountain where they lived for many years. She and Donald were the original owners and founders of The Sub Factory. Shirley enjoyed being around her family and was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother to 2 generations of grandchildren. Her dedication to family, her love for people, and her faithful walk with the Lord, will be remembered and cherished by everyone who knew Shirley.
She is survived by her husband of 70 years: Donald Adams, of the home; daughter: Kim Hovis and husband Bob, Bessemer City, NC; grandchildren: Matthew Hovis (Ashley), Ashley Rhinehardt (Chris), Amy Adams, and Nicholas Adams and 7 great-grandchildren
Memorial service will be held on Friday, March 7, 2025 at 3:00 PM at
Advent Lutheran Church with Pastor Samar Ghandour officiating.
Visitation is on Friday, March 7, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 2:50 PM prior to the service at Advent Lutheran Church.
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements/

Patricia Martin Pasini

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Patricia Martin Pasini, 78, of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away on March 1, 2025 at Wendover Hospice House in Shelby, NC.
Born February 10, 1947 in Coalgate, OK, she was the daughter of the late Clyde W. Martin and Della Tilley Martin and was also preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Arthur “Joe” Pasini, her daughter, Rhonda Cotter, and brothers Huey Martin and Keith Martin. Pat was a strong, independent lady.
She spent many years working as an MRI technician at Cleveland Memorial Hospital. Pat loved life, and always wore a beautiful smile no matter the circumstance. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose memory will be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her fiance: Darrell Cummings of Blacksburg, SC; brother: Clyde D. Martin (Irene) of Vacaville, CA; son-in-law: Robert “Bob” Cotter of Kings Mountain, NC; grandchildren: Johnny M. Cotter (Regina) of Pink Hill, NC, James Kimery, III (Angelique) of San Antonio, TX, Ryan Cotter (Shiloh) of Dayton, OH, and Virginia Huie (Jody) of Sneads Ferry, NC.
Pat is also survived by 12 beloved great-grandchildren.
Funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at Bethlehem Baptist Church with Rev. Steve Taylor officiating.
Visitation will be on Saturday, March 8, 2025 prior to the service from 10:00 to 10:50 A.M. in the Christian Activities Center at Bethlehem Baptist Church.
Interment will be held in Mountain Rest Cemetery, Kings Mountain, NC.
Donations in Pat’s memory may be made to Bethlehem Baptist Church at 1017 Bethlehem Road, Kings Mountain, North Carolina 28086 or online at www.bethlehemkmnc.org/give, to the American Cancer Society at American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or online at www.cancer.org/donate, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

Maxine Hamrick Williams

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Maxine Hamrick Williams, 82, of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away on February 23, 2025 at home, surrounded by her loving family.
Born June 22, 1942 in Cleveland County, NC, she was the daughter of the late Benjamin Cleophas Hamrick and Gladys Rae Scism Hamrick and was also preceded in death by her daughter, Christa Rena Williams, and her brother, Kenneth Hamrick. Maxine worked for 28 years as a teacher assistant in the Kings Mountain District Schools. She loved the Lord and was a longtime member of Patterson Grove Baptist Church, where she served for decades as a Sunday School teacher.
Maxine grew up on a farm and took her love of gardening throughout her life, canning everything from fruits and vegetables to salsas and pickles. Talented in the kitchen, she was famous for baking many delicious desserts and cakes. Maxine’s passion was quilting, which she learned from her mother. She was a prolific quilter, filling cedar chests with her beautiful handiwork and giving them generously to family and friends throughout her life.
Above all, Maxine’s family remembers her as a loving wife, mother, and Mam-Maw. Although she will be missed dearly, the memory of her devotion, kindness, and generosity of spirit will be treasured and cherished by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her husband of 62 years: Johnny Williams, of the home; daughter: Charity Williams Tolbert and husband, Jamie, of Grover, NC; siblings: Sara Weaver and husband, Reg, of Oxford, NC; Rachel Dover and husband, Paul, of Kings Mountain, NC; and William Hamrick of Cartersville, GA; grandchildren: Ryley Tolbert and wife, Makena, of Shelby, NC, and Kasey Tolbert of Grover, NC.
Maxine is additionally survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to extend their sincere and heartfelt thanks to the caregivers from Helping Hands and nurses/staff from VIA Health Partners.
Funeral service was held on Friday, February 28, 2025 at 4:00 P.M. at Patterson Grove Baptist Church with Reverends Brad Bridges and David Webb officiating.
Visitation was held on Friday, February 28, 2025 prior to the service from 2:30 to 3:50 P.M. in the sanctuary at Patterson Grove Baptist Church.
Interment was in Patterson Grove Baptist Church Cemetery
Donations in Maxine’s memory may be made to the Patterson Grove Baptist Church Building Fund at 301 Oak Grove Road, Kings Mountain, NC 28086 or online at www.pgbckm.org; donations may also be made to VIA Health Partners Founded as Hospice of Cleveland County at 951 Wendover Heights Dr., Shelby, NC 28150.
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

Terry Hipp

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC - John “Terry” Hipp, 81, of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away on February 28, 2025 at White Oak Manor.
Born March 31, 1943 in Spartanburg County, SC, he was the son of the late Ralph Hipp and Ruby Brown Hipp and was also preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Betty Jo “Jobie” West Hipp, and his son, James David Burrell. Terry served his country honorably with the US Army before going on to work for many years at the Lithium corporation. He enjoyed being outdoors to golf and to fish and was always up for bowling, as well. He could often be found attending dirt track races with his son. Terry was a Shriner and a member of Christian Freedom Baptist Church in Kings Mountain.
He is survived by his children: Jerry Scott Hipp (Janice) of Inman, SC and Susan Johnsonbaugh (Mike) of Kings Mountain, NC; brother: Jim Hipp (Eleanor) of Anderson, SC; grandchildrren: Crissie Porter (Darren), Paul Johnsonbaugh (Crystal), Amanda Johnsonbaugh (Kyle), Lora Henderson (Danny), Josh Burrell, and John Burrell.
Terry is also survived by 9 great-grandchildren.
Funeral service was held on Tuesday, March 4, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. in the Ollie Harris Memorial Chapel.
Visitation was held on Tuesday, March 4, 2024 prior to the service from 10:00 to 10:50 A.M. in the parlor of Harris Funeral Home.
Graveside service was held on Tuesday, March 4, 2024 at 2:30 P.M. at Little Mountain Baptist Church Cemetery, Wellford, SC.
Donations in Terry’s memory may be made to VIA Health Partners Founded as Hospice of Cleveland County at 951 Wendover Heights Dr., Shelby, NC 28150.
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

David Lee McCall

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – David Lee McCall, 79, of Kings Mountain, NC was born in St. Louis, MO, to Ruth and David K. McCall on October 20, 1945, and went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 27, 2025.
He graduated from Southeast Missouri State College with a B.S. in history and then after being called into ministry, he received his Masters of Divinity from Southern Seminary in Louisville, KY. Dave went on to receive his Masters in Education (1993) and Doctor of Education (2001) from University of Missouri at St. Louis.
David pastored churches in WV, MN, MO, KY, and VA - some in conjunction with the Southern Baptist Convention North American Mission Board. His last position was as Director of Missions for New River Baptist Association in VA. After retiring, he and his wife moved to Kings Mountain where they joined First Baptist Church Kings Mountain. There he was an active member as an adult life group leader and served as a mentor to many in and outside of the church. His great loves were studying and teaching the scriptures and he cherished time spent with family. He was a faithful servant of God, devoted husband, and loving father and papaw.
He is preceded in death by both parents, a brother, Kendall McCall, and sister Frances Wilcut.
David is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 56 years Barbara Renard McCall, of the home, sons John David McCall of Louisville, KY, Jeff (Jennifer) McCall of Kings Mountain, NC, granddaughters Hailey and Hannah McCall of Kings Mountain, NC, and several nieces and nephews.
Memorials can be made to the First Baptist Church Kings Mountain Mission Readiness Fund, PO Box 786, Kings Mountain, NC 28086
Funeral services are entrusted to Clay-Barnette Funeral Home & Aquamation Center www.claybarnette.com

Lib Stewart

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC–Russia Elizabeth “Lib” Stewart, 91, lifelong resident of the Dixon Community near Kings Mountain, NC, passed away on February 20, 2025 at Peak Resources Shelby.
She was born June 26, 1933 in Cleveland Co., NC. Reared on a farm, daughter of the late George Taft Stewart and Letha Bell. Lib was also preceded in death by her brothers, Herman “Buck” Stewart, Ralph Edward Stewart, sister, Linda Stewart O’Shields, niece Kathy Brown and great niece Kayla Newton. Lib was educated at Grover High School and Montreat College. Except for a few years as Editor and then reporter of the Herald’s sister newpaper, the Cherryville Eagle, Lib worked for the Kings Mountain Herald all her life beginning as a young cub reporter covering police and recorder’s court. Lib and her brother, Gary, the retired Editor of the Herald and the Herald’s longest-serving editor who still writes Herald sports, were at one time the only brother and sister team in North Carolina to co-edit a biweekly newspaper, the Mirror-Herald. Lib retired from the Herald in 1998 (1952-1998) to run for National President of the American Legion Auxiliary and returned to the Herald/Eagle in November 2001, working at the Eagle until mid - 2008 when she returned to the Herald as a reporter working with Editor Emily Weaver. At one time or another she has worked on all the sister papers, The Eagle, the Belmont Banner and the Herald.
Lib advanced to lead two major organizations. In the late 1980’s she was state president of the North Carolina Press Women and in 1999-2000 she was National President of the world’s largest veterans Patriotic service organization of one million members, the American Legion Auxiliary. In 1976 - 1977 she served as state president of the American Legion Auxiliary. She joined the Auxiliary at Kings Mountain Unit 155 in early 1970. She is eligible for membership in the Auxiliary through the service of two brothers, the late retired M/Sgt Herman Stewart, a career veteran who served in the Korean Conflict and Vietnam, and the late Ralph Stewart, who served in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict. Prior to becoming the Auxiliary’s National President Lib worked on numerous committees and chairmanships and also served as National Historian and Southern Division VP and National VP. She was served as both state and national parliamentarian. (2008 - 2009)
During her one-year service as National President, Lib traveled from National headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana to about every state in the US and to some 10 foreign countries where the auxiliary has Units. Because she is a breast cancer survivor, she had the perfect platform as then a 11 year survivor - of audiences to push breast cancer awareness. The Auxiliary raised funds for the Susan K. Koman Reach for the Cure and also gave funds to help local and county patients through NC Blue Cross/Blue Shield who could not afford expensive breast prostheses. (One of the first place newspaper awards she received was her first person story, “Courage to Choose,” of her experiences with breast cancer in 1988. That story appeared in the Auxiliary News, the national magazine of the auxiliary, and in the Herald and was updated over the years for special editions. Additionally, Lib pushed for funds to construct the World War II Memorial and the Auxiliary raised nearly $1 million while the combined groups of the Auxiliary, Legion and Sons of the American Legion raised over $4 million. Lib was invited and attended the dedication of the memorial in the Nation’s capitol in May 2004.
The breast cancer project was fun and members from all over world picked up on it. It was called the Button Chair project modeled after a chair of buttons that was seen all over the country to raise funds for breat cancer. Members made all sizes of chairs, decorated them with colorful buttons which represented a survivor or a loved one who died of the insidious disease. Some members made vest and trimmed them with buttons. Even without asking them to do it, members signed petitions promising to schedule mammograms. Men have cancer too, and there were in the audiences for speech-making. Lib began her speech with “By the grace of God and a mammogram I am a 11 year cancer survivor.”
Even after that exciting and busy year was over, Lib worked in the local Unit of the Auxiliary as Unit President, probably her 7th or 8th time.
In Cleveland County, Lib has been active in March of Dimes, Heart Fund and Relay for Life campaigns. She has served on several mayoral committees over the years, is a former member of the Woman’s Club and was Junior Woman’s club president when that club was formed years ago. She is a direct descendant of Colonel Frederick Hambright at the Battle of Kings Mountain. In Kings Mountain she was honored by the Rotary Club with the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Award and in Cleveland County with the Distinguished Woman Award. She was honored by N.C. Governor Jim Hunt with the Long Leaf Pine, the highest award given to a civilian in the state. The City of Kings Mountain has honored on several occasions with mayoral proclamations recognizing her “loyalty and service in the community.”
Lib was a charter member of Dixon Presbyterian Church, where she served as Elder, Sunday School teacher and former treasurer. She resided in Cleveland County’s oldest home, the former Wells Cabin built in 1780. Historians say that the wounded from the Oct 7, 1780 Battle of Kings Mountain were brought to the former two-room log structure to be treated as the house became a hospital to treat soldiers. Other honors received by Lib are Special Friends Award in support of Education, Governor’s Award from Kentucky, Legion Honor Bronze Medallion. Lib’s dedication and commitment to her country, state and community is unprecedented and will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her brother: Gary Stewart and wife Mary Jo, Kings Mtn. NC; brother-in-law: David O’Shields, Kings Mountain, NC; nieces and nephews: Beverly Berry and husband Tommy, Jeff Grigg, Robbie Stewart, Lynn Poston and husband Tim, Leigh Anne Newton and husband Steve, Dee Stewart and wife Lori; great nieces and nephews: Alyssa Hannon and husband Triston, Nicholas Stewart, Savannah Poston, Nicole Poston and Alex Stewart.
The funeral service will be held at Dixon Presbyterian Church, Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. Rev. Randy Patterson and Rev. Graham Wood, officiating.
Visitation will be held at 7:00 - 9:00 P.M. Saturday, February 22, 2025 at Harris Funeral Home, Kings Mountain, NC.
Interment was held in Mountain Rest Cemetery, Kings Mountain, NC.
Memorials may be made in Lib’s memory to Dixon Presbyterian Church, 602 Dixon School Rd, Kings Mountain, NC 28086 or Department for Tarheel Girl State c/o American Legion Auxiliary Dept of NC P.O. Box 46315 Raleigh, NC 27620 or Black Mountain Home for Children 80 Lake Eden Road Black Mountain, NC 2871.
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

Hugh Ellis Noell III

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC - Hugh Ellis Noell, III of Kings Mountain, NC passed away February 17th. Born April 18th, 1949, in Greenwood, MS to Claire and Hugh Ellis Noell, Jr. and raised in Itta Bena, MS.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Cathey Noell. Ellis is survived by his children, daughter Meagan Noell-Teasley of Shelby, NC and son Hugh Ellis “Bubba” Noell, IV, of Kings Mountain, NC and granddaughters Alice and Evelyn “Evie” Teasley; sisters Sandy Purcell of Arvada, CO, Challye Johnson of Rock Hill, SC and Torrey Dial of Carmel, Indiana.
Ellis Noell launched his career in film and video production, where he channeled his creativity into commercials and earned numerous awards. He later entered public service as the Public Relations and Special Events Director for Kings Mountain where he was able to leave a positive impact on the community for future generations. In retirement, he dedicated his time to wine, pursuing knowledge and sharing it with others. His warmth and wit created a ripple effect of joy, setting him apart as someone who truly made a difference in the lives of others
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 22 at 2PM at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 502 West Sumter Street, Shelby, NC. The family will receive friends at the church from 1pm until the time of service.
The service will be livestreamed through the church’s website -
https://www.redeemershelby.com/live
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Southern Arts Society or the Carolina Raptor Center.
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

Alice Faye Robinson

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Alice Faye Robinson, known as “Faye”, who departed this life to enter into the joy of the Lord on February 9, 2025, at the age of 85. Faye was a beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend, whose kindness and beautiful smile touched the lives of all who were blessed to know her.
Born on September 27, 1939, in Cleveland County, Faye was known for her love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was a prayer warrior. If you needed a prayer or healing, she was the one everyone called. She passionately loved her family and is remembered for her compassion and care, especially for children. She loved to sing gospel music with her daughters. She could be heard bursting into song any time of the day or night. She sang in many churches and local radio. She was so proud of the “Songbird” award presented to her at White Oak Manor, Kings Mountain. She sang to the residents and staff all the time as well as played the piano.
She was preceded in death by her mother,
Novella Short Foster,
father, William Franklin Foster, husband Jake Robinson, son Roger Butler, daughter Kathy Jean Courtney, twin granddaughters McKenna and Caitlin Massagee, and grandson Shawn Burton; brother Ralph Foster, sister Joyce Mann.
Faye is survived by daughters: Debra Duetsch (Edward), Darlene Gibson (Ray) and sons Chris Butler (Tina) and Kenneth Massagee; grandchildren Jennifer Gibson, Jonathan Butler, Misty Sheppard, Megan Herzberger, Devin Hannah, Deanna Heath, Adam Butler, Olivia Grace Massagee, Isabella Carroll, Justin Gibson, John Gibson, Daniel Wilson, Brandon Wilson, Nick Butler, and Sam Butler; great- grandchildren Delance Burton, Connor Herzberger, Dorothy Gibson, Margo Gibson, Kayla Butler, Krista Butler, Khloe Butler, McKenna Deve’, Ezekiel Sheppard, Novalee Wilson, Anna Treadway, Ariah Treadway, Bradley Wilson, Halen Wilson; Sisters Margaret Patterson, Sue Cochran and Shirley McSwain.
A celebration of Faye’s life was held on Friday, February 14, 2025, visitation from 12:00 pm – 1:45 pm at Sisk-Butler Funeral Home. Service followed at 2:00 pm in the funeral home chapel, where family and friends gathered to honor her legacy. Burial followed at Mountain Rest Cemetery in Kings Mountain.
Sisk-Butler Funeral & Cremation Services,
Bessemer City is honored to serve the Robinson family. To offer condolences, please visit www.siskbutler.com.

Marguerite Thomason Plonk

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Marguerite Thomason Plonk, 93, of Kings Mountain, NC passed away on February 5, 2025 at McLeod Hospice House in Florence, SC.
Born November 26, 1931 in Greenville, SC, she was the daughter of the late Belton Oswell Thomason and Bertha Johnson Thomason. Marguerite was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-one years, William “Bill” Lawrence Plonk and her siblings Belton Oswald Thomason, Jr. and Lilla Thomason Dalton.
She was a member of Saint Matthews Lutheran Church. Prior to leaving the education field to raise her family, Marguerite was an elementary teacher. She was a lady of leisure with simple taste while having a passion for playing bridge and reading.
Survivors include daughters: Jodie Mercier and husband Mark of Asheville, NC, Janice and Nick Foong of Florence, SC, Jill and Terry Lovell of Kings Mountain, NC, and Jaqueline and Fadi Saliba of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren: Julien Mercier, Dr. Chelsea Foong Hughes and husband Andrew Hughes , Andrew Foong, David Foong and wife Ronnie, Blake and Victoria Lovell and Layla, Isabella, and Drew Saliba; step-grandchild: Jessica Plascencia and husband Oscar; great-grandchildren: Will and Samuel Hughes
Memorial service will be held on Saturday February 15, 2025 at 2:00 PM at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church with the Reverend John Yost, III and the Reverend G. Scott Homesley officiating. A private interment will follow at St. Luke’s Cemetery.
Visitation is Saturday February 15, 2025 prior to the service from 12:45 to 1:45 in the fellowship hall at Saint Matthew’s Lutheran Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Saint Matthew Lutheran Church, 201 North Piedmont Avenue, Kings Mountain NC 28086 or Friends of Mauney Memorial Library, 100 South Piedmont Avenue, Kings Mountain NC 28086.
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

Mary Lynne Palmer Zeunik

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Mary Lynne Palmer Zeunik was born October 16, 1946, in Battle Creek, Michigan and went home to the Lord on February 5, 2025, at her home in Kings Mountain, NC.
Mary was preceded in death by her grandparents, Wayne and Mamie Broughton, mother, Lois Walters, sister, Kay, brother, Jack, daughter Charlotte and granddaughter Hannah.
She was the loving wife to James Zeunik, mother to Teri (Tom Duffy) of Stafford, VA, Laura Palmer of Hudson, NC and Kimberly Whisnant of Bessemer City; stepchildren, JP (Sherri Zeunik) of Woodstock, GA, Rob (Carla Zeunik) of Paisley, Fl, Lisa Zeunik of Lady Lake, Fl and Scott Zeunik of Kings Mountain; grandmother to Ellen, Ashlee, Claire, Sam, Haley, Alexis and Lea;step-grandchildren, Michael and Ashley; great-grandmother of 4 with 1 more due within days.
Mary moved to North Carolina from Michigan in 1993 to build a ServiceMaster franchise with her husband Jim. In her free time Mary loved to garden, enjoyed time with grandchildren and bringing laughter to all. In later years, she enjoyed watching the hummingbirds and squirrels outside of her window, along with loving her precious fur family Aqui and Shredder before their passing and her baby Sheba.
The many stories that could be shared would only give you a glimpse of the person she was to each of us, and you would still never see the full vibrant person she was in life.
Most that knew Mary thought of her as a sweet southern little lady, but she had a strong and determined and no-nonsense personality. She had fight, strength and stubbornness without match, and used that to the very end.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Tonda Helms, whose constant companionship, loving care and generous heart made the worst days better and the good days even more special for Mary and her family over the past eight years.
Mary had many lifelong friendships but a special thank you to Bobby and Sue Hayes for the many years of being a part of the family by becoming friends with the neighbors.
Mary was a member of Cherokee Street Baptist Church in Kings Mountain and enjoyed listening to Roger Green preach and Sue Hayes sing.
Mary’s wit, cheeky smile and bright eyes will be missed by all who knew her.
The family received friends 6:30-8:30 pm on Friday, February 7, 2025, at Greene Funeral Service, West Chapel, 216 Archie Whitesides Road, Gastonia.
The funeral service was held 1:00 pm Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Cherokee Street Baptist Church, 421 South Cherokee Street in Kings Mountain with Roger Green officiating.
Interment followed at Mountain Rest Cemetery in Kings Mountain.
Online condolences may be sent to greenefuneral.com

Margaret Louise Carpenter
Lybrand

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Margaret Louise Carpenter Lybrand, 92, of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away on February 4, 2025 at Peak Resources in Cherryville, NC.
She was born August 12, 1932 in Cleveland County, NC, daughter of the late Walter James and Marie Wright Carpenter and was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, James Austin “Jim” Lybrand Jr. Louise was also preceded in death by her sister, Grace Wolfe.
She was a longtime member of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church. Louise worked in the banking industry at First Union Bank in Kings Mountain for several years. After leaving the bank, she worked in the family business, Lybrand Construction and Interiors, for many years with her husband, Jim.
Louise enjoyed collecting antiques and gardening. She had a tremendous garden every year and loved canning and putting away the many vegetables she grew. She and Jim were avid travelers, enjoying both national and international trips. In later life, they took many senior trips with friends. Louise was a loving mother and grandmother to two generations. She will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her children: James A. “Jim” Lybrand III and wife Lynn, Shelby, NC and Jayne Lybrand Dowdy and husband Bradley, Boone, NC; grandchildren: Jamie Washburn and husband Jay, Lance Lybrand, Andrew “Drew” Dowdy, and Rebecca Dowdy; great-grandchildren: Ella, Claire, Kate, and Quinn Washburn.
A graveside service was held on Friday, February 7, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Mountain Rest Cemetery with Reverend G. Scott Homesley officiating.
Interment was held in Mountain Rest Cemetery, Kings Mountain, NC.
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

Joe Sephus Wyte

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Joe Sephus Wyte, 87, of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away on February 5, 2025 at Caromont Regional Medical Center in Gastonia. Born March 23, 1937 in Cleveland County, NC.
He was the son of the late James Wyte and Nella Morrison Wyte and was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Rebecca “Becky” Clara Self Wyte, and brothers James Wyte, Jr. and Tommy Wyte.
Joe retired after 46 years of service as a superintendent at Mauney Hosiery in Kings Mountain. He was a man of many talents. Joe developed a green thumb through his years of gardening, enjoyed honing his craft of woodworking, and was a great mechanic--he was good with tools and could fix anything. He was an avid fan of the University of North Carolina Tar Heels athletic department and Atlanta Braves baseball. His love of sports led him to coach little league teams for many years. He also enjoyed traveling.
Joe was a wonderful father, grandfather, and husband who loved and cared for his wife. His memory will be cherished and treasured by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his Sons: Scott Wyte and wife, Laura Dawn, of Wilmington, NC; Mark Wyte and wife, Johnna, of Kings Mountain; and Joey Wyte and wife, Julie, Bellevue, KY; siblings: Jake Wyte of Kings Mountain; William Wyte and wife, Brenda, of Blacksburg, SC; Libby McDaniel of Kings Mountain; Carolyn Ammons and husband, Mike, of Denver, NC; grandchildren: Crystal Shoe and husband, Jase; Hannah Moore and husband, Andrew; Seth Wyte; Jacob Wyte and wife, Mia; Emily Yeager and husband, Craig; and Anna Wyte
Joe is additionally survived by four great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial service was held at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. with Rev. Dr. Steve Taylor officiating.
Visitation was held immediately following the service in the Christian Activities Center at Bethlehem Baptist Church.
Interment was in Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery, Kings Mountain, NC.
Donations in Joe’s memory may be made to the Bethlehem Baptist Church Building Fund at 1017 Bethlehem Road, Kings Mountain, North Carolina 28086 or online at www.bethlehemkmnc.org/give
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

Hazel Ware Reynolds

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Hazel Ware Reynolds, 89, of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away on February 1, 2025 in Grover, NC.
Born January 11, 1936 in Cleveland County, NC, she was the daughter of the late Ben Ware and Sallie Carol Ware. Hazel was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Howard Reynolds, her son, Steve Reynolds, and her siblings Estelle, Sue, Hershel, Bill, Ailene, and Lelar. Being raised on a farm instilled a strong work ethic and love for the outdoors in Hazel. She worked many years at Mauney Hosiery in Kings Mountain and in later years owned and operated
Reynolds’ Dance Club in Kings Mountain with her husband Howard.
Hazel was a founding member of New Life Family Worship Center in Kings Mountain, where she was a faithful attendee. She was always volunteering for outreach programs and nursing home visits, and could often be found picking weeds from the church’s flower beds and playground. Hazel loved her church family like her own flesh and blood. She enjoyed a particularly close relationship with Heather Eng Sherrill.
Hazel loved being outside, whether tending her garden, nurturing wildflowers, or cutting grass on her hot rod lawnmower. That garden produced the squash that was the star ingredient of her
famous squash pie, a staple for family gatherings and gifting to friends. Hazel enjoyed playing bingo and chatting with anyone; she truly never met a stranger. She had a smile that could light up the room and was always eager to help anyone she could. She made sure her grandkids and great-grandchildren all got to church. Hazel was a loving mother and grandmother whose kindness, wisdom, and character will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her daughter: Sherry Gregg of Kings Mountain, NC; daughter-in-law: Donna Reynolds of Kings Mountain, NC; grandchildren: Steve Reynolds, Jr. (Anna), Jamie Chitwood (Gretchen), Frankie Reynolds (Elizabeth), Michelle Reynolds, Josh Reynolds, Kristen Reynolds (Carlos), Saber Adair (Vince), and Billy Neal (Dawn).
Hazel is also survived by numerous great- and great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 6:30 P.M. at New Life Family Worship Center of Kings Mountain with Pastor Heather Sherrill officiating.
Visitation is Wednesday, February 5, 2025, prior to the service from 5:30 to 6:20 P.M. in the sanctuary of New Life Family Worship Center.
Donations in Hazel’s memory may be made to Carolina Caring Hospice Foundation at www.carolinacaring.org/give or to New Life Family Worship Center at 428 Oak Grove Rd., Kings Mountain, NC 28086 or online at www.newlifekm.org.
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

Eddie Ray Blanton

Kings Mountain, NC – Eddie Ray Blanton, 59, died at home Wednesday in Kings Mountain. A surveyor for most of his professional life, he was predeceased by his beloved wife, Vicki Blanton, and his parents, Martha Blanton and Z.B. (Tommy) Blanton, brother Tom Sorrells, niece, Tarla Rayne Blanton and nephew, Braxton Zayne Blanton.
He is survived by his sister, Rita Blanton, Stamford CT, brother Jonie Blanton and sister Barbara Blanton, both of Kings Mountain and sister, Brenda Trimble of Topeka KS. He is also survived by four nieces: Erin and Julez Hudson, Boston, MA, Olivia Rich (Malcolm Kim), Rochester, NY and Sabrina Blanton-Rich, Glasgow, Scotland.
He is also survived by stepchildren, Brandon and Kelly Humphries, of Gaffney, SC and the five adored grandchildren who were the light of his life. They are Aaliyah Martin, Delaney Martin, Macy Martin, Branden Humphries and Braylen Humphries, all of Gaffney SC.
Visitation by friends and family, followed immediately by a memorial service, will be held on Saturday, February 15 from 2-4pm at Blakely Funeral Home, 1047 Chesnee Hwy, Gaffney SC.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Eddie’s favorite charity, the Wounded Warrior Project (warrior project.org).
An online guest register is available at www.blakelyfuneralhome.com
Blakely Funeral Home is serving the family.

Jerry Wayne Bumgardner

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Jerry Wayne Bumgardner, 77, of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2025 at his home.
Jerry was born October 19, 1947 in Cleveland County, NC, son of the late Ralph “Buck” and Virginia Moore Bumgardner and was preceded in death by his sister, Linda Moore and a brother, Tommy Bumgardner.
Jerry served his country honorably in the US Army during the Vietnam War. He worked in ramp services for Eastern and Delta Airlines until his retirement. During his career, Jerry was honored to have carried the Olympic torch from Miami to Atlanta for the airline.
Jerry and Sally lived for 25 years in Surfside Beach, SC and owned and operated the Moviemax video store in Georgetown, SC.
Late in life, Jerry earned his Associates Degree from Horry Georgetown Technical College with a 4.0 GPA. He also earned the distinction of being on the Dean’s list every semester he attended.
He enjoyed being outdoors, whether working in his yard, taking long walks in the woods, or just sitting and spending time with those he loved.
Jerry adored his family, especially his grandchildren. He loved spending time with them and attending every sporting event he could. Jerry was a wonderful husband and a loving father and grandfather. His guidance, strength and love will be cherished and remembered by those who knew and loved him for a lifetime.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years: Sally Taylor Bumgardner, of the home; sons: Rusty Bumgardner and wife Kim, Indian Trail, NC and Ryan Bumgardner and wife Heather, Clover, SC; grandchildren: Aidan, Bella, Presley, and Nixon; brother: Don Bumgardner and wife Mary Jane, Monroe, GA; and many loving nieces and nephews.
Memorial service was held on Sunday, February 2, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Oakview Baptist Church with Reverend Wayne Brazzell officiating.
Visitation was held on Sunday, February 2, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 1:50 PM prior to the service in the fellowship hall of the church.
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

Franklin “Frank “ Eugene Shumate

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Franklin “Frank” Eugene Shumate, 82, of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away on January 29, 2025 in Kings Mountain, NC.
He was born February 10, 1942 in Washington, DC to the late Sam Neal Shumate and Verda Payne Shumate.
Frank worked in the textile industry at Guilford Mills, Greensboro, NC and formerly served as Vice President at Naturally Knits. He served his country in the United States Air Force.
He was an avid golfer and loved to play, coach and watch sports.
He is survived by his wife: Diane Maddox Shumate, Kings Mtn. NC; sons: Frank Shumate and wife Kristie, Greensboro, NC; Kevin Shumate and wife Tara, Columbus, OH and Jeff Shumate and wife Elaine, South Boston, VA; brothers: Roland Shumate and wife Carolyn, Sarasota, FL; Richard Shumate, Seattle, WA; Jimmy Shumate, Franklin, VA; Billy Shumate and wife Ann, Colorado Springs, CO; sisters: Joan Conner, Lynchburg, VA and Janet Austin, Lynchburg, VA; 5 grandchildren: Taylor Steed, Greensboro, NC; Kylie Shumate, Columbus, OH; Tanner Shumate, Boulder, CO; Ellie Shumate, Princeton, NJ; Bryson Shumate, Columbus, OH; 1 great-grandchild: Maddox Steed, Greensboro, NC.
A private celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made in Frank’s memory to ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

Randall “Randy” Keith Hayes

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Randall “Randy” Keith Hayes, 64, of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away on January 21, 2025 at Atrium Health Cleveland in Shelby, NC.
He was born April 7, 1960 in Cleveland County, NC, son of the late Voyd Lee Hayes. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Betty Hayes, his sister,
Cynthia Hayes and 2 step brothers, Tommy D. Rucker and Roy J. Rucker.
Randy was a lifelong member of Penley’s Chapel. He worked as a carpenter for most of his life and enjoyed camping and being outdoors. Randy was and avid musician and a very talented banjo and guitar player. He loved music and enjoyed making people happy with his talents. He had a generous spirit and was compassionate toward everyone he met. Randy enjoyed taking care of others and his love for people was evident in his actions. He was a wonderful person whose kindness, and love will leave lasting memories in the hearts of everyone who knew him.
He is survived by his mother and step-father: Shirley Burton Rucker and Tommy Rucker; niece and nephews: Candice Eaker (John Jones), Brandon Morrison (Wendy), and Jon Eaker (Shawna); great nieces and nephews: Eli, Luca, Lilah, Casen, and Carsen.
The family held a Celebration of Life Service on Sunday, January 26, 2025 at 3:00 PM at Penley’s Chapel with Reverends Jeff
Longwell and Melvin Proctor officiating.
Visitation was on Sunday, January 26, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM prior to the service at the church.
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

Margaret Turner Reese

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Margaret Turner Reese, 78, of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away on January 17, 2025 at Atrium Health Cleveland in Shelby, NC.
She was born January 30, 1946 in Spartanburg County, SC, daughter of the late Homer Ervin and Macilda Oliver Turner and was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, Dennis E. Reese, her son, Brian Reese, and two brothers, Buddy and Tony Turner.
Margaret worked in the textile and manufacturing business most of her life.
She was a member of Landmark Baptist Church in Gastonia, NC. Her faith and church family were very important to Margaret. She always placed her family and their needs ahead of her own. She loved spending time with them, taking frequent vacations with her sisters and spending as much time as she could with her beloved grandchildren.
Margaret was always a very independent person. She loved to garden and was an avid Kyle Busch and NASCAR racing fan. Margaret enjoyed helping others and was a faithful volunteer and took part in activities at the Patrick Senior Center. Margaret will be dearly missed by everyone who knew and loved her. She was a wonderful mother, loving grandmother, and faithful sister whose love will be remembered and cherished for a lifetime.
She is survived by her daughter: Brenda Jackson and husband Charles; grandchildren: Brian “Buddy” Harrelson, Zachary Reese and Michael Reese; siblings: Homer “Sonny” Turner Jr. Phillip “Knobby” Turner, Carol Boheler (Billy), Donna Childress (Roger), Kathy Mc Elhannon, Lisa Ferguson, and Dora Church.
Funeral service was held on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 11:00 AM in the Ollie Harris Memorial Chapel with Pastor Carol Hennessee officiating.
Visitation was held on Friday, January 24, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Harris Funeral Home.
Interment was at Hillcrest Memory Gardens, Greer, South Carolina.
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

Larry Dean Hamrick Sr.

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Larry Dean Hamrick, Sr., 93, of Kings Mountain passed away on January 16, 2025 after a short illness.
He was born May 30, 1931 in his home on Hamrick Street in Shelby, NC, the second child of the late William Harold Hamrick and Sarah Houser Hamrick.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Evelyn Spencer Hamrick. Larry was also preceded in death by his brothers Jimmy Roger Hamrick, Harold Joe Hamrick, and his sister Sara Elizabeth Hamrick Blanton.
Larry was a 1949 graduate of Shelby High School and a 1953 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and after graduation served his country honorably as an Air Intelligence Officer in the United States Marine Corps where he was a Captain.
After service to his country, Larry began his insurance career with
Security Insurance Company and eventually settled down in Kings Mountain in 1967 becoming the co-owner of Warlick and Hamrick Insurance.
Larry was a servant leader in his community having served many organizations such as his church, the Boy Scouts, Cleveland Community College Foundation, Cleveland Regional and Crawley Memorial hospitals, the Kings Mountain Historical Museum, and Rotary, to name a few. He was most proud of his over 50 years of perfect attendance with Rotary. Larry was a generous and caring man to all.
Survivors include sons: Larry Dean Hamrick, Jr. and wife Florrie Best Pulley Hamrick of Kings Mountain, NC; Patrick Spencer Hamrick and wife Fiona Jane Hamilton of Lakeland, FL; grandchildren: Lindsay Elizabeth Hamrick Smith and husband Brian Lee Smith of Durham, NC; Molly Midyette Hamrick of Durham, NC; Patrick Dunn Hamrick of Charlotte, NC; Kirsty Susan Hamilton of Glasgow, Scotland; Alasdair Matthew Hamilton of Glasgow, Scotland; great -grandchild: Addison Haley Ollendick-Smith of Boone, NC.
Larry is also survived by his dear friend Mary Adams and numerous loving nieces and nephews from both the Hamrick family and the Spencer family.
A celebration of life led by Larry Sr’s son, Rev. Patrick S. Hamrick, and Rev. John Yost, III will be held February 8, 2025 at 11:00 AM at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 201 N. Piedmont Ave. in Kings Mountain, NC. The family will receive friends following the service in the church fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cleveland Community College Foundation (note Larry Hamrick Family Scholarship), 137 S. Post Road, Shelby NC 28152 or the Kings Mountain Historical Museum, PO Box 552, Kings Mountain NC 28086.
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

Rayford Oneal Holt

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Rayford Oneal Holt, 90, of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away on January 12, 2025, at his home.
He was born February 21, 1934, in Marion County, AL, son of the late Selvie John and Sarah Brunes Gaut Holt and was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Virginia Helen Holt. Rayford was also preceded in death by his 3 sisters, Carolyn Dale Holt, Cynthia Ellen West, and Sarah Lee Naramore.
He served the United States faithfully in the US Army and the US Air Force. Rayford was a combat veteran of the Vietnam war where he served as an Air Force Forward Air Controller in the Mekong Delta region of the conflict. Rayford retired after 20 years of military service and joined the Postal Service where he remained until he retired in 1996.
He was a faithful member of Kings Mountain Baptist Church for many years. Rayford possessed a generous spirit and always gave his time and talents to those who needed help. He could often be found working around the church, always placing others’ needs above his own.
In his spare time, Rayford enjoyed woodworking and traveling. He spent many hours driving to his next destination, wherever that may have been. Rayford was always independent and enjoyed staying active, even in his later years. His guidance, generosity and love will leave a lasting memory in the hearts of all those who knew and loved him.
He is surived by his sons: Rick Holt and wife Anna, Costa Mesa, CA and Keith Holt, Gastonia, NC; grandchildren: Alan Holt and wife Betsy, Beaver Dam, VA and Laura Yale and husband Justin, Bothell, WA; brother Adron “Buddy” Holt. Brilliant, AL.
Funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Kings Mountain Baptist Church located at 101 West Mountain Street, Kings Mountain, NC 28086, with Pastor Tim Whiteside officiating.
Visitation will be at 1:00 PM to 1:50 PM on January 23, 2025 at Kings Mountain Baptist Church.
Interment will be in Mountain Rest Cemetery, Kings Mountain, NC.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Rayford’s memory may be made to Kings Mountain Baptist Church at 101 West Mountain Street, Kings Mountain, NC 28086 or the Bumpass Volunteer Fire Department, 96 Fredricks Hall RD, Bumpass, VA 23024.
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

Betty Gaddy McFarland

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC - Betty Gaddy McFarland, 78, of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away on January 15, 2025 at home.
Born May 12, 1946 in Cleveland County, NC, she was the daughter of the late Thurman Albert Gaddy and Lucy Costner Gaddy and was also preceded in death by her husband of over 40 years, James Willard McFarland, and her brother Jerry Gaddy.
Betty was employed for years as a knitter at Kings Mountain Knit. She was a passionate collector and painter of porcelain dolls, and she also painted china. She loved to travel, especially trips to the beach. Betty was a fun person who could light up the room with a joke. Her laughter and contagious joy will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her daughter: Tina Bridges of Kings Mountain, NC; siblings: Danny Gaddy (Brenda) of Grover, NC; Cathy Wright (John) of Kings Mountain, NC; Faye Short (Randy) of Kings Mountain, NC; and Judy Causby of Kings Mountain, NC and granddaughter: Courtney Bridges.
Betty is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and a multitude of friends.
Funeral service was held on Friday, January 17, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. in the Ollie Harris Memorial Chapel with Pastor Brandon Jones officiating.
Visitation was on Friday, January 17, 2025, prior to the service from 1:00 to 1:50 P.M. in the parlor of Harris Funeral Home.
Interment was in Mountain Rest Cemetery, Kings Mountain, NC.
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

Kenneth “Kenny” Dean Mauney

DURHAM, NC – Kenneth “Kenny” Dean Mauney, 66, of Durham, NC, passed away on January 17, 2025 at Duke University Hospital.
Born November 5, 1958 in Cleveland County, NC, he was the son of the late David Latham Mauney and Betty Short Mauney and was preceded in death by his brother, Eddie Mauney, and special friend Lee Nelson.
Kenny earned a Master’s Degree in Accounting at UNC-Chapel Hill and also graduated from the Tar Heel nursing program. He was an animal lover and put his green thumb to work tending a beautiful garden. Kenny also loved to travel. He was a talented musician and an exceptional piano player.
Kenny was incredibly kind and considerate; he made an excellent caregiver. His family and friends will cherish their memories of him for the rest of their lives.
He is survived by his sister: Sarah Rhea (Joe Jr.) of Kings Mountain, NC; sister-in-law: Roxanne Mauney of Kings Mountain, NC; niece: Sarah Wood (Campbell) of Raleigh, NC; nephews: Ryan Mauney (Elisha) of Brighton, CO and Trenton Rhea of Kings Mountain, NC; great-niece: Campbell Jane Wood and great-nephew: Joseph Edgar Rhea.
Memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. at First Presbyterian Church of Kings Mountain with Rev. Brad Jones officiating.
Visitation will be on Thursday, January 30, 2025 prior to the service from 1:00 to 1:50 P.M. in the Fellowship Hall at First Presbyterian Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Kenny’s memory be made to the American Heart Association at P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 or online at www.heart.org. Memorials may also be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

Marjorie Ann Carpenter
Alexander

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Marjorie Ann Carpenter Alexander, 97, of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away on January 7, 2025 at Atrium Health Kings Mountain.
Born December 20, 1927 in Gaston County, NC, she was the daughter of the late Z.S. “Bub” Carpenter and Laura Elizabeth Harmon Carpenter and was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, James Julius Alexander, and siblings, Troy Carpenter, Lathan Carpenter, Beth Carpenter Terres, Earlene Carpenter Mosteller, and Shirley Carpenter Payseur.
Marjorie graduated from Tryon High School, where, as a talented basketball player, she helped lead her team to a conference championship. After graduation, she attended Evans Business College in Gastonia. Marjorie worked in the office, keeping books and accounting for several businesses including Duplex International in Kings Mountain, Clyde A. Short in Shelby, and the Eaton Corporation, from which she retired.
Marjorie grew up in the Landers Chapel community and attended Landers Chapel Methodist Church. She was a faithful member of over 70 years at Central Methodist Church in Kings Mountain. Marjorie was a gifted seamstress and developed a green thumb through her years spent gardening. She also enjoyed housekeeping. Marjorie loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her daughters Libby Alexander Putnam (Roger) and Janet Alexander Edwards (Terry), both of Kings Mountain, NC; grandchildren: Laura Putnam Evans (Reid) of Stanley, NC, James Putnam (Sarah) of Dallas, NC, Susan Putnam Dover (Matt) of Kings Mountain, NC, Stephanie Edwards Greenwood (Tyler) of Charlotte, NC, Emily Edwards Nishiyama (Yuuki) of Mt. Holly, NC, and Alexandra “Alex” Edwards Sellers (Hogan) of Kings Mountain, NC; great-grandchildren: Zoe, Kara, and Erin Evans, Russell and Catherine Putnam, Joanna and Wesley Greenwood, Beckham and Owen Nishiyama, and Boston Sellers.
Marjorie is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Memorial service was held on Friday, January 10, 2025 at 11:30 A.M. at Central Methodist Church of Kings Mountain with Rev. Perry Hines officiating.
Prior to the service from 10:30 to 11:20 A.M. at Central Methodist Church.
Preceding the service, burial took place at Mountain Rest Cemetery in Kings Mountain at 9:30 A.M.
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.w

Floyd Eugene Lovelace

SHELBY, NC – Floyd Eugene Lovelace, 66, of Shelby, entered his heavenly home and saw his Savior face to face, on January 5, 2025, at White Oak Manor in Shelby, NC.
He was born July 7, 1958, in Cherokee County, SC, to the late Floyd and Dollie Campbell Lovelace.
Floyd was a member of Trinity Baptist Church (Asheville, NC) and David Baptist Church (Kings Mountain, NC). He sang in the choir and played church softball while he was at David Baptist Church. He loved bowling, tennis, and golf. He LOVED the Green Bay Packers, as well as, the Kings Mountain Mountaineers. He enjoyed playing Bingo while at the nursing home. He shared the gospel of Jesus with everyone he came into contact with.
In addition to his parents, Floyd was preceded in death by his wife, Libby Fitch Lovelace; and brothers, Ronnie Lovelace and Alvin Christopher Lovelace.
Floyd is survived by his sister, Wanda Price and husband Gordon; nieces and nephew, Jason Matthew Price, Halie Danielle Price, Sharon Lovelace, Wendy Shetters, and Jessica Black; and sister-in-law, Joyce Lovelace
A service to celebrate Floyd’s life was held Thursday, January 9, 2025, 2:00 pm, at the West Chapel of Greene Funeral Service, 216 Archie Whitesides Road, Gastonia, NC 28052.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to David Baptist Church, 2300 David Baptist Church Road, Kings Mountain, NC 28086
Online condolences may be made at www.greenefuneral.com

Robert Lee Smith III

SHELBY, NC – Robert Lee Smith III, age 60, of Shelby, NC, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2024, at Duke University Hospital in Durham.
He will be remembered for his positive attitude, gentle spirit, and zeal for life. Bob touched many lives with his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering faith, and his presence will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Lee Smith, Jr., and his sisters, McLendon “Wendy” Smith Winstead and O’Kelley Smith Broadway. He is survived by his beloved wife of twenty-five years, Lisa Toms Smith of Shelby; his mother, Mary Wade O’Kelley Smith of Kings Mountain; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Barbara Toms of Shelby; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, David and Angela Lawrence of Hickory, and brother-in-law, Michael Winstead of Kings Mountain, and his special nieces and nephews.
Bob graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in journalism. In 1997, he earned an architecture degree from the College of Architecture at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Serving as president of Talley and Smith Architecture since 2008, his work reflected his creativity, attention to detail, and passion for shaping spaces that served the community.
Beyond his professional achievements, Bob had a heart for service. He served as Chairman of the Shelby Exchange Club, was a founding board member for Christine’s Christian Home for girls and chaired the Cleveland County Historic Preservation Council. His dedication to his community was evident in his tireless efforts to improve the lives of others.
A follower of Christ, Bob was an active member of Elizabeth Baptist Church, where he found strength in his faith and fellowship. He was a former member of Westview Baptist Church where he served as chairman of the deacons. Bob also volunteered on numerous mission trips, sharing his love for others and spreading hope wherever he went.
A celebration of life service was held at Elizabeth Baptist Church on Thursday, January 9 at 3:00 pm. Following the service, a reception was held in the Christian Life Center.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Samaritan’s Purse at samaritanspurse.org or to Elizabeth Baptist Church at 301 North Post Road, Shelby, NC 28152.
The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory of Forest City is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com

Ronald Regis DiSabato

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Ronald Regis DiSabato, 90, of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away on January 5, 2025 at Caromont Regional Medical Center in Gastonia, NC.
He was born December 13, 1934 in Allegheny County, PA, son of the late Nicolas and Edith D’Angelo DiSabato and was preceded in death by his wife, Grace Yarbro DiSabato and his siblings, Jerome and William DiSabato and Constance Fox.
Ronald served his country honorably until his retirement from the US Air Force. After service to his country,
Ronald worked for Sears for many years until his second retirement. He was a longtime member of Bethlehem Baptist Church. Ronald enjoyed collecting coins, watching old movies, reading and container gardening. He was a wonderful father and grandfather whose constant strength, guidance, and love will be cherished for a lifetime by all those who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his son: David
DiSabato and wife Leslie, Denver, NC; daughter: Laura Dawn Wyte and husband Scott, Wilmington, NC; grandsons: Nicolas and Vincent DiSabato, both of Charlotte, NC.
The family will hold a private burial at Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ronald’s memory, may be made to Bethlehem Baptist Church Building Fund at 1017 Bethlehem Road Kings Mountain NC 28086.
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

Jack Edward Moss

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Jack Edward Moss, 91, of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away on January 1, 2025 at Caromont Regional Medical Center in Gastonia, NC, surrounded by his loving family.
Born September 8, 1933 in Kings Mountain, NC, he was the son of the late
Theodore and Pearl Moss and was preceded in death by his sister, Ruby Alexander, brother, Theodore “Sonny” Moss, son-in-law, Pastor Joe Riley, and siblings-in-law Larry Pearson, Evelyn and Harold Black.
Jack was a proud veteran who served his country honorably in the U.S. Army. He spent his entire career as an entrepreneur, owning various businesses and working all the way up to age 91. Jack was a loyal, loving father and husband.
He is survived by his wife of 71 years: Eloise Pearson Moss, of the home; children: Jackie Riley of Brunswick, GA; Warren Moss of Gastonia, NC; and Ann Johnson and husband Scott of Kings Mountain, NC; grandchildren: Michael Johnson, Katy Moss, and Laura Moss; brothers-in-Law: Eddie and Reece Black; sister-in-Law: Shirley Pearson and five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral service was held on Monday, January 6, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. at Eastside Baptist Church of Kings Mountain with Rev. Ron Caulder officiating.
Visitation was on Monday, January 6, 2025 prior to the service from 1:00 to 1:50 P.M. at Eastside Baptist Church of Kings Mountain.
Interment was in Mountain Rest Cemetery, Kings Mountain, NC.
Donations in Jack’s memory may be made to Eastside Baptist Church at 308 York Road, Kings Mountain, NC 28086
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

Helen Alberta Childers
Blanton McAbee “Snooky”

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Helen Alberta Childers Blanton McAbee “Snooky”, 95, a beautiful lady of many names, of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away on January 1, 2025 at Trinity Ridge Nursing Home in Hickory, NC.
She was born July 8, 1929 in Cherokee County, SC, daughter of the late Albert and Helen Skinner Childers and was preceded in death by her first husband of 24 years, Ranny Blanton and her second husband of 48 years, Don McAbee. She was also preceded in death by her son, Thomas “Tom” Blanton and siblings, Jimmy Childers, Ann Moss, and Billy Childers.
Helen was a lifelong, faithful member of Temple Baptist Church. Always staying busy, Helen attended nursing school and worked several jobs throughout her lifetime. She volunteered at North School, as well as worked in the cafeteria. She also worked at Maxway and lastly at the family’s store- Mac’s Grocery. But the one job she loved most was being a wife and mother.
She enjoyed laying in the sun while listening to music, dancing, and having her family together especially during the holidays. She loved watching people while sitting on the porch and talking to the neighbors. She never met a stranger and everyone that met her couldn’t help but fall in love with her because of her loving, caring and fun personality. She was generous to a fault. Her favorite saying was - “Life is like a bowl of cherries, just don’t get the pits.” We could go on and on but those who knew her already knows.
Just remember one thing, she always called to say she loves you very much. She was devoted to her Lord and loved Christ with all she was. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend to so many. Her kind heart, direction, and love will be forever remembered by all who knew Helen.
She is survived by her children: William “Billy” Blanton, Cocoa Beach, FL, Penny Self (Leonard), Hendersonville, NC, and Patricia Hartley (Gene), Hickory, NC; grandchildren: Robbie Hartley, Randy Hartley (Suzanne), Tyler Self (Marietta), Amber Blanton, Chad Blanton (Sabrina), and Megan Hibberts (Ben); great-grandchildren: Alissa “Brie” Hartley, Dalton and Helen Hartley, Gracie Gibbs (Drew), Lillie Long(Brandon) Connor and Parker Hibberts and Addie Prell (Luke); great-great grandchild: Carter Long and sister: Mary Hambright
Funeral service was held on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Temple Baptist Church with Reverend Scott Carpenter officiating.
Visitation was on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 1:50 PM prior to the service at the church.
Interment was in Mountain Rest Cemetery, Kings Mountain, NC.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at act.alz.org
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

James Walter Ramey Sr.

KINGS MOUNTAIN– James Walter Ramey Sr., 98, went home to our heavenly Father, peacefully, Monday December 23, at his home. He was born on November 20, 1926 to parents, James and Nannie Ramey.
In 1943, he proudly enlisted in the United States Navy, and served during World War II.
He worked at Burlington Mills in Kings Mountain and Gastonia. He always loved woodworking, gardening and playing bluegrass and gospel music.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Evelyn Christine Thrift Ramey; step-father, Julius Stamey; sister, Ethel McGinnis; step-sisters, Betty Hovis, Margaret Greene, Edna Oliver, and Patsy Whitesides; and great granddaughter Megan Heavener
James is survived by his daughters, Brenda Childers and Teresa Camp; sons, James Walter Ramey Jr., Bobby Keith Ramey (Brenda), and Dennis Ray Ramey; step-sister, Mary Bates; grandchildren, Leslie Childers Robinson (Mike), Michael Camp Jr,, Tammy Childers, Tracy Camp, Anna Moncrief (Eric), Kayla Ramey Williams (Jonathan), Lauren and Ashley Hodges; great grandchildren, Stephen Robinson (Brooke), Eric Camp, Tyler Camp, Marissa Camp, Callie Moncrief, Oliva Williams and Jacob Williams; and great-great-granddaughter, Olivia Robinson.
The family would like to thank Via Hospice for all their love and care they extended.
Funeral services were held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, December 28, 2024 at Westover Baptist Church with the Rev. Kevin Whittington officiating. The family received friends one hour prior to the service, in the church. Burial followed in Mountain Rest Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Via Health Partners, PO Box 470408 Charlotte, NC 28247.
Funeral services are entrusted to Clay-Barnette Funeral Home in Kings Mountain www.claybarnette.com

Ronnie “Romie” Lee Philbeck

BESSEMER CITY, NC – Ronnie Lee Philbeck , 84, of Bessemer City, NC, passed away on November 30, 2024 at Peak Resources Gastonia in Gastonia, NC.
He was born October 7, 1940 in Cleveland County, NC, son of the late John Lee and Kathleen Irene Spurling Philbeck and was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Annemarie Glaab Philbeck. He was also preceded in death by 3 children: Susan Haney, Kathleen Adair, and Ronnie Philbeck Jr. and a brother, Jimmy Philbeck.
Ronnie was a member of New Life Family Worship Center. He served faithfully in the US Army in artillery in the Vietnam War.
Ronnie worked as a mechanic in the textile industry most of his life. In his spare time, Ronnie enjoyed fishing and was an avid reader. He loved watching old movies, especially old westerns and James Bond Movies.
He was a talented dancer. He and his wife, Annemarie, enjoyed countless nights on the dance floor. He was a devoted husband, wonderful father, and loving grandfather and great-grandfather. Ronnie’s memory will live on in the lives of his loved ones for a lifetime.
He is survived by his children: Thomas Philbeck (Sherry), Blacksburg, SC, Patricia Philbeck, Bessemer City, NC, Rebecca Lysek (Frank), Kings Mountain, NC, and Barbara Varner (Scott), Enoree, SC; siblings: Ann Allen, Pat Martin, Roger Philbeck, Tommy Philbeck (Meli), Randy Philbeck, and Bobbie Humphries (David); 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Memorial service was held Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 2:00 PM in the Ollie Harris Memorial Chapel with Reverend Dr. Robert Eng officiating
Visitation was held on Thursday, December 5, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 1:50 PM prior to the service at Harris Funeral Home.
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

Winona Echols Bridges

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Our Savior brought Winona Echols Bridges home on December 3, 2024. Winona, 88, of Kings Mountain, NC, was born March 14, 1936 in Jackson County, Georgia.
She was the daughter of the late Vernon and Mabel Tucker Vickery and was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, Seabron Marvin Echols, and husband of 16 years, James Martin Bridges. She was also preceded in death by her son, Tim Echols, brothers James and Sam Vickery, and granddaughter, Heather Baity Roper.
Winona was a fighter and a survivor; she persevered through so much in her life. She experienced a major car accident that injured her son, Randy, fought cancer in the 1980s, and was twice widowed. Through it all, she remained a bright spot to those around her and never gave up. Winona loved to travel and occupied her time with puzzle books and word search games. She was a naturally funny person with a penchant for dry humor. She was a fierce protector of her family, particularly taking special care of Randy, who spent the last few years of her life taking care of her. Winona was a counselor to her family and valued them above everything. For many years her home was the gathering place and she hosted many family events in years past. Winona was a loving Mama, Mamaw, mother-in-law, and sister who leaves behind a treasure trove of cherished memories for her loved ones.
She is survived by her children: Terry Putnam (Dennis), Randy Echols, Rhonda Howze (Mike), Kevin Echols (Mandy), and daughter-in-law Lynn Echols; brother: Allen Vickery; grandchildren: Ginger Baity Ervin, Zach Putnam (Stephanie), Lee Echols (Casey), Lane Echols, Matt Echols (Lindsey), Stephanie Dixon (Wesley), Jackie Echols, Seabron Echols, Chris Howze (Jaime), Stephen Howze (Stacy), and Eric Roper; great-grandchildren: Dylan, Landon, Owen, Ellie, Aydin, Belle, Teddy, Trystan, Chace, Claire, Cole, Eva, Sawyer, Teo, Nox, Ernie, and Marshall.
Memorial service was held on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. in the Ollie Harris Memorial Chapel with Rev. Dr. Steve Taylor and Allen Vickery officiating.
Visitation was held on Saturday, December 7, 2024 prior to the service from 10:00 to 10:50 A.M. in the parlor of Harris Funeral Home.
A private graveside ceremony was held at Mountain Rest Cemetery, Kings Mountain, NC.
Donations in Winona’s memory may be made to VIA Health Partners Founded as Hospice of Cleveland County at 951 Wendover Heights Dr., Shelby, NC 28150
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements

William “Bill” Stewart

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – William “Bill” Henry Stewart, 75, of Kings Mountain, North Carolina, passed away on December 1, 2024 at Testa Family Hospice House in Kings Mountain.
Born February 17, 1949 in Cleveland County, North Carolina, he was the son of the late Francis Palmer and Tracy M. Stewart Sr. Bill served his country honorably as a Navy Corpsman, stationed with the U.S. Marines, then returned to his hometown of Kings Mountain. He loved to work, always staying busy. He enjoyed leatherworking, making use of his tractor, and playing his beloved guitar. Most importantly, Bill loved and cherished his family, who are left with a lifetime of memories to treasure.
He is survived by his wife: Diane Alexander Stewart, of the home; children: Tim Stewart and wife, Crystal, of Kings Mountain, NC; Travis Stewart and wife, Tina, of Shelby, NC; and Tina West and husband, Jimmy, of Nowata, OK; brother: Tracy M. Stewart and wife, Lynda, of Kings Mountain, NC; grandchildren: John, Tiffany, Cody, Traci, Seth, and Taylor. Bill is also survived by six great-grandchildren.
Funeral service was held at Ollie Harris Memorial Chapel, Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. with Rev. Dr. Steve Taylor officiating.
Visitation was in The Parlor of Harris Funeral Home prior to the service from 1:00 to 1:50 P.M.
Interment was at Mountain Rest Cemetery, Kings Mountain, NC.
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

Olive Marie Oesch

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Olive Marie Oesch went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, the 25th of November, 2024, surrounded by her family at the Wendover Hospice House in Shelby, NC.
The daughter of the late Maude Louise Walden Krisher and the late Ralph Edward Krisher, Olive was born on October 19, 1934, in Dayton, Ohio. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Billie Oesch, her brother, Ralph Edward Krisher Jr, and four of her children: Ramona Oesch (1974), Rebecca Oesch
Edsall (2022), Wayne Oesch (1994), and William Oesch (1996), and a grandson, Douglas Oesch (1987).
Olive grew up in Dayton, Ohio, and was the oldest of four. She was a great help to her mother, as her younger sister and brother arrived when Olive was 13 years old. As a child, Olive enjoyed riding bikes, roller skating, playing “Jacks” and enjoying family pets.
As a young adult, Olive aspired to be a nurse, but she soon met a dashing United States Air Force Airman, Billie Oesch, a young Indiana farm boy. They married in April 1954 and spent the next 44 years together until Bill passed away in 1998.
Olive’s love for Bill took her to northern Indiana, to Topeka, Wolcottville, and Rome City. While residents of Wolcottville, Olive, and Bill managed a successful mobile home park. Olive and Bill had six children, which became the true joys of Olive’s life.
While raising the children, Olive was a den mother for the Cub Scouts and a troop leader for the Brownies and Girl Scouts. She also decorated cakes for weddings and special occasions, sold Sarah Coventry jewelry, and worked on the fiberglass lines at a nearby recreational trailer factory.
Olive’s tenacity and dream to be a nurse motivated her, at 47 years old, to drive an 80-mile round trip to Lutheran Hospital in Ft Wayne, Indiana, to study and ultimately become a Licensed Practical Nurse. She later worked at Lutheran Hospital and a local physicians’ office. Her nursing skills were particularly valuable during the last years of her marriage as she cared for Bill after he was diagnosed with chronic cardiac disease.
Throughout her life, Olive was an intensely spiritual woman of faith and devotion. Her well-worn Bible is living evidence of her study of scripture. As a youth, Olive was baptized into what was known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, now known as the Community of Christ. Olive was often called on to deliver sermons as part of their lay ministry. Olive was the director of children’s summer camp programs and a regional women’s leader. The depth of Olive’s faith remains an inspiration to everyone privileged to know her.
Olive’s faith and resiliency would be tested throughout her life. Her daughter Mona was tragically lost in an automobile accident in 1974, and the pain of that loss, as well as the later losses of three other children, presented Olive with tremendous challenges. After Mona’s accident, Olive joined and ultimately became a leader in Compassionate Friends, a support group designed for grieving parents who had lost a child. For more than ten years after Mona’s death, Olive lovingly supported other heartbroken parents.
Born with an enormous amount of natural curiosity, Olive’s appetite for knowledge was insatiable, and she was an avid reader. Throughout her life, she maintained her sense of humor. Olive joined her husband Bill’s combo known as “the Good Times Band,” playing the bucket bass drum and performing for nursing home residents or just for fun in the backyard.
Olive was a person of high character, integrity, enormous courage, faith, and kindness. She is survived by her sister, Patricia Krisher Thomas (Mike) of College Station, Texas; brother, Howard Penn Krisher II of Dayton, Ohio; daughter, Renee Oesch Klein (Peter) of Baltimore, Maryland, and her son, Wade Eliot Oesch of Waterloo, Indiana. She is survived by eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. Olive will be missed by her faithful dog Mickey, who stayed by her side until her very last day. The family wants to thank Maribel Bravo for her devoted care and Olive’s beloved granddaughter, Lyndsey Edsall, for her love, support, and care over the last few years of her life.
A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Hospice of Cleveland County at 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150.
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

Mildred “Millie” Austine Rayfield

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Mildred Austine
Rayfield, 76, of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away on December 10, 2024 at Caromont Regional Medical Center in Gastonia, NC.
She was born November 18, 1948 in Cleveland County, NC, daughter of the late John Henry and Austine Chambers Moore and was preceded in death by a son, Scott McLeymore, a sister, Mary Jane Moore and a brother, John Henry Moore Jr. Millie was a lifelong faithful member of Chestnut Ridge Church.
She retired from AMP Industries in Gastonia where she worked for many years. Millie was passionate about her home. She enjoyed decorating and renovating often with the help of her husband, Keith. Millie always had a new project underway to make her home more inviting and beautiful. She enjoyed gardening and growing beautiful flowers.
Millie always placed her family at the center of her life and loved nothing more than spending time with those she loved. She was a wonderful wife, loving mother and Memaw, devoted sister and friend to many. Her constant strength, guidance, and love will be remembered and cherished by her loved ones for a lifetime.
She is survived by her husband of 23 years: Ronald Keith Rayfield, of the home; children: Gregory McLeymore, and LaChelle McLeymore Crosby and husband Phillip, both of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren: Milani and Tegan Crosby; siblings: Myrle King, Barbara Jones and husband David, and Kay Proctor, of Kings Mountain, NC and Julia Mintz and husband Sam, Gastonia, NC’ stepson: Andrew Rayfield, Gastonia, NC; special niece and caregiver: Melody Etherton, Bessemer City and many other loving nieces and nephews.
Funeral service was held on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Chestnut Ridge Church with Reverend Greg Neely officiating.
Visitation was on Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 1:50 PM prior to the service at Chestnut Ridge Church.
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

Billie Mabry Tedder

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Billie Mabry Tedder, 86, of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away on November 25, 2024 at White Oak Manor in Kings Mountain, NC.
She was born August 25, 1938 in Cleveland County, NC, the only child of the late Hoyle and Eloise Payne Mabry and was preceded in death by her son, John Chadwick (Chad) Tedder. Billie was a longtime faithful member of Boyce Memorial ARP Church. She worked as an office manager at Aberdeen Gynecology until her retirement. Billie was an avid animal lover. She had an undying passion for quarter horses. She raised and showed them her entire life. Billie also loved her canine companions throughout her lifetime. She enjoyed crocheting and spending time with those she loved most, her family. She was a wonderful mother, loving grandmother and great grandmother, and loyal friend to many. Billie will be missed dearly by all those who knew her.
She is survived by her daughter: Drew Smith and husband Dwight, Kings Mountain, NC; step-granddaughters: Sarah Schaffer (Jason), Carolyn Smith, and Hannah Holly (Tyler Bridges); great-granddaughters: Rosalee Schaffer and Eliana Gonzalez; longtime family friend: Mary Odems and numerous cousins and extended family members
Funeral service was held on Monday, December 2, 2024 at 2:00 PM in the Ollie Harris Memorial Chapel with Reverend Robert Patrick III officiating
Visitation was on Monday, December 2, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 1:50 PM prior to the service at Harris Funeral Home.
Interment was at Mountain Rest Cemetery, Kings Mountain, NC.
Memorials may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation Carolina Chapter Attn: Donor Services at 5757 Waterford District Drive Suite 310, Miami, Florida 33126
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

Marie Cobb Ling

ROTONDA WEST, FL– Marie Cobb Ling, age 89, a resident of Rotonda West, Florida formerly of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away on November 9, 2024.
She is survived by her loving family, step-son
Michael (Selden Holt) Ling; step-grandchildren Maura Holt-Ling and Brynn Holt-Ling; sister Gerry “Geraldine” Hullender; beloved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Keefer Raymond Ling, Jr.; parents Eustis DeWitt Cobb and Ella Beulah Carroll; brothers, Clyde Cobb, Jack Cobb and James “Bill” Cobb; sister Gerry “Geraldine” (Ralph) Hullender; brother-in-law Harry W. and sister-in-law Betty Ling.
A visitation for Marie was held at Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home, 1935 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice FL 34293 on Saturday,
November 16, 2024 from 10:00 AM until the time of service in the funeral home chapel at 11:00 AM. Officiant was Gary Clark . Graveside service followed at Gulf Pines Memorial Park, Englewood.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Fellowship Church would be appreciated.
Kays-Ponder & Uselton Funeral Home of Venice, Florida 34293 are in charge of the arrangements.

Hazel Jill Smith

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Hazel Jill Smith, 77, a lifetime resident of Kings Mountain, passed away quietly on November 8, 2024.
She was the daughter of Thomas W. and Ruby Caldwell Smith. She graduated from Kings Mountain High School and was a member of the school’s glee club. She also served for some years a member of the Methodist.
Following high school, Jill, in spite of her limiting polio handicap, worked for several decades with Duke Energy Company, serving as a key office administrator, and dispatching field work crews to correct, repair and expand service. Jill is survived by her brother, W. Barry Smith and his family, of Dallas, TX. Funeral arrangements are being arranged by Harris Funeral Home.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 23, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Harris Funeral Home
Interment will be held in Mountain Rest Cemetery, Kings Mountain, NC. Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

Craig Ford Hawkins

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Craig Ford Hawkins, 65, of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away on November 8, 2024 at White Oak Manor of Kings Mountain.
Born March 2, 1959 in Cleveland County, NC, he was the son of Shirley Ford and Billy Horace Hawkins.
Craig enjoyed participating in old car shows and flea markets and was a fervent Green Bay Packers fan. He volunteered at the Patrick Senior Center in Kings Mountain and regularly attended the Kings Mountain Interdenominational Church where he eagerly supported ministries and missions. Craig always looked to help others; he enjoyed gardening and sharing his harvests with his friends and family. He loved to eat and he loved his country. Most importantly, Craig loved the Lord and his family. His warmth and joy will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his parents: Billy Horace Hawkins and Shirley Mae Ford Hawkins of Kings Mountain; sisters: Beth Hawkins Maher of Kannapolis, NC and Sharon Hawkins Troutman and husband, H.G., of Concord, NC.
Craig is also survived by numerous loving nieces and nephews and his beloved pets, Bojangles and Cooper.
Funeral service was held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. in the Ollie Harris Memorial Chapel of Harris Funeral Home with Rev. John Sloan officiating.
Visitation was held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 prior to the service from 10:00 A.M. to 10:50 A.M. in the parlor of Harris Funeral Home.
Interment was in Mountain Rest Cemetery, Kings Mountain, NC.
Memorials in Craig’s memory may be made to the Patrick Senior Center of Kings Mountain at 909 E. King St., Kings Mountain, NC 28086.
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

Harold Henry Jackson

SPARTANBURG, SC – Harold Henry Jackson, 86, of Spartanburg, SC, passed away on November 13, 2024 at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center in Spartanburg, SC.
He was born January 31, 1938 in Kings Mountain, NC. Harold graduated Kings Mountain High School in 1956 and from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1960 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Business and Marketing. He served the United States honorably in the National Guard for 2 years.
Harold worked as a regional sales manager in the textile industry for 25 years, then entered the insurance industry as a financial adviser where he worked until his retirement. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed reading. Harold loved learning about history and enjoyed following the stock market. Harold was a basketball fan, especially when it came to his beloved UNC Tar Heels.
He loved his family and his extended family wholeheartedly and always placed their needs ahead of his own. Harold enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his wife, daughters, and grandchildren. His dedication, guidance, and love of others will be treasured for a lifetime by all who knew him.
He was the son of the late Thompson Wood and Beulah Fleming Jackson and was preceded in death by his siblings, Arthur Jackson, Mildred Jackson Davenport, Robert “Bob” Jackson, Sarah Jackson Smith, and Margaret Jackson Woodcock.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years: Peggy Black Jackson, of the home’ daughters: Alicia Jackson King and husband Stefan, Cumming, GA, Ashlie Jackson Mazurowski and husband Pete, Inman, SC, and Alison Jackson McClure, Pelzer, SC; grandchildren: Lauren King, Lindsey Mazurowski, Matthew King, Katelyn Mazurowski, Andrew McClure, and Nathan McClure.
Extended family including nieces, nephews, cousin, and in-laws
Visitation was held on Saturday, November 16, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 1:50 PM prior to the service at Harris Funeral Home
Memorial service was held on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 2:00 PM in the Ollie Harris Memorial Chapel with Pastor Perry Hines officiating
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

Bobby Rae Moore

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Bobby Rae Moore, 65, of Kings Mountain, NC, entered his eternal rest on November 5, 2024 at his home.
He was born February 25, 1959 in Cleveland County, son of the late Christine Martin and Dwight Chapman and was also preceded in death by his wife Linda Bumgardner Moore. Bobby was a loving brother and father and a proud Paw Paw.
He is survived by his daughter: Karen Moore Acuff and husband, Shane, of Kings Mountain, NC; sisters: Pam Hubbard and husband, Dale, and Delores Chapman, all of Kings Mountain, NC; granddaughter: Stephanie Ramsey and husband, C.J., of Kings Mountain, NC; great-granddaughters: Caroline and Sienna Ramsey.
Funeral service was held on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Oak Grove Baptist Church with Reverend Jason Allen officiating. The family spoke with friends following the interment at the cemetery.
Interment was in Mountain Rest Cemetery, Kings Mountain, NC.
Donations in Bobby’s memory may be made to a charity of the donor’s choosing.
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

Patsy Hall

Gaffney, SC – Patricia ”Patsy” Holland Hall, 83, formerly of 1801 Ford Road, passed away on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at The Retreat of Gaffney.
Born in Hickory, NC, she was the wife of the late J.D. Hall and the daughter of the late James Holland and Ruby Becknell Holland.
She was a graduate of Limestone College, served as State of South Carolina Treasurer for AAUW and was retired from Cherokee County School District after 30 plus years of service.
She was an avid Elvis fan, enjoyed reading, puzzles, computer games, painting and scrapbooking. She also enjoyed line dancing and shagging. Mrs. Hall was of the Methodist faith.
Surviving is a special God-daughter, Wendy Blackwood Hamil of Tryon; a sister, Barbara Massey of Blacksburg; three sisters-in-law, Dianne Holland of Gaffney, Betty Bechtler (Ted) of Blacksburg and Sue Dodson (Rodney) of Murrells Inlet; six nieces and nephews, Greg Holland of Gaffney, Jamie Holland (Tina) of IN, Lamar Holland of Camden, Heather Holland of Gaffney, Lisa Blanchette (Russell) of Newberry and Amy Holland Farley of VA; ten great-nieces and nephews. The family would like to recognize Mrs. Linda Becker, Patsy’s sweet friend.
Mrs. Hall was preceded in death by two brothers, Ken Holland and Jim Holland.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00AM on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at Frederick Memorial Gardens with Reverend Ron Singleton officiating. The family will receive friends after the service at the cemetery.
The family will be at their respective homes.
An online guest register is available at www.blakelyfuneralhome.com
Blakely Funeral Home & Crematory, Gaffney, SC is serving the family.

Max Gene Bolin

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Max Gene Bolin, 91, of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away on November 3, 2024 at Wendover
Hospice House in Shelby, NC.
He was born November 16, 1932 in York County, SC, son of the late Madison Monroe and Hester Hudson Bolin and was preceded in death by a brother, JV Bolin.
Max was a lifelong member of David Baptist Church. He served his country honorably during the Korean War in the United States Air Force. Max retired from Lithium with 26 years of dedicated service. He was an avid sports fan, especially Carolina basketball and Atlanta Braves Baseball. Max coached little league baseball for many years and he enjoyed spending time carp fishing. He also enjoyed golfing, gardening and raising his own chickens. Max loved to laugh and enjoyed making others laugh. He always had a new joke to share with those around him. He was a wonderful provider for his family. Max made sure to pass along his work ethic, dedication, and love to all those he cared for. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years: Joyce Hoyle Bolin; children: Max David Bolin (Merodie), Gastonia, NC, Debbie Bolin George (Mark), Kings Mountain, NC, and Janice Ann Bolin, Kings Mountain, NC; siblings: Hazel Wilson, Shelby, NC, Faye Brock, Kings Mountain, NC, Lib Gault, Kings Mountain, NC, Pat Carver, Kings Mountain, NC, Becky Dye, Gastonia, NC, Joyce Shuford (Buzz), Burlington, NC, and Bob Bolin (Jean), Kings Mountain, NC; grandchildren: Nicole Bolin Higginbotham (Phillip), Katie George Bolt (Jonathan), Anna George Freeman (Rhyan), and Max Kersbergen (Logan); great-grandchildren: Birdi and Merritt Higginbotham, Railey and Elizabeth Bolt, and Kingsley, Everest, Waylynn, and Maverick Kersbergen.
The family will receive friends in the Parlor of Harris Funeral Home on Saturday, November 9, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pregnancy Resource Center at 1304 South Post Road, Shelby, NC 28150
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

William “Bill” Harry Childers

KINGS MOUNTAIN , NC – William “Bill” Harry Childers, 88, of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away on November 2, 2024 at Summit Place Kings Mountain.
He was born April 5, 1936 in Cherokee County, SC, son of the late W. A. Childers and Helen Skinner Childers and was preceded in death by a daughter, Janet Lee Childers and siblings, James Childers and Ann Moss.
Bill was a former longtime member of Temple Baptist Church where he served as choir director and a current member of First Baptist Church, Kings Mountain where he was a choir member.
He was lifetime owner/operator of his family business, Childers Heating and Cooling until his retirement in 2004.
In his younger years, he enjoyed playing with the Church softball team. Bill was a history buff and enjoyed learning everything he could about the history of Kings Mountain. He loved his community and was proud of his place in Kings Mountain. He also enjoyed singing, working in his yard, and gardening.
Bill and his wife, Jeanette were avid travelers. They enjoyed spending time in Myrtle Beach, Blowing Rock and Boone. They loved international travel having visited Germany, France, the Bahamas, St. Martin, Martinique, Aruba and Barbados. Bill was an important part of his family and his community and will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years: Jeanette Cook Childers, Kings Mountain NC; daughter: Cindy Mixter and husband Mark Andrew Mixter, Wendell, NC; sisters: Mary Hambright and Helen “Snooky” McAbee; grandchildren: Ryan Mixter and wife Martha, Wendell, NC; great-grandchildren: Fox Mixter and Lincoln Mixter.
Funeral service was held at First Baptist Church, on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Dr. John Sloan, officiating.
Visitation was held at 1:00 - 1:50 P.M. prior to the service in the Stained Glass Room at First Baptist Church, Kings Mountain, NC.
Interment was held in Mountain Rest Cemetery, Kings Mountain, NC.
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

Jean Arthur
Harris

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Jean Downs Arthur Harris, 86, of Kings Mountain, North Carolina, entered eternal rest, surrounded by her loving family on October 17, 2024 at Atrium Health Cleveland in Shelby.
Jean was born on April 8, 1938, daughter of the late James Henri and Elizabeth Groome Arthur and was also preceded in death by her husband, John O. Harris, Jr.; two sisters, Marion Arthur Thomasson and Peggy Arthur Miller and her parents-in-law, Senator J. Ollie Harris Sr. and Abbie Wall Harris.
Jean was a longtime member of Central Methodist Church in Kings Mountain and First United Methodist Church in Pasadena, TX. She graduated from Kings Mountain High School and went on to earn a Bachelors Degree in Education from Greensboro College. After her graduation and relocation to Texas, Jean taught school full time at Parks Elementary for more than 10 years and served as a substitute teacher for over 30 years and was involved in her family business, John O. Harris Interest LP.
Jean enjoyed staying active, working out, and was an avid competitive tennis player. She was a member of the Houston Ladies Tennis Association. Jean spent many hours working in her flower garden, growing and arranging beautiful flower arrangements. She loved to travel, and take family vacations. The holidays were some of Jean’s favorite times of the year. She stayed busy decorating, cooking, and planning the perfect family gatherings for her loved ones. Jean was an accomplished cook and loved cooking meals from old recipes she had inherited from her mother. Jean was a social person who had countless friends she loved dearly. Some of her favorite times were gathering and lunching with her friends here in Kings Mountain, Pasadena and Houston. She enjoyed entertaining those she cared for, especially her beloved family.
She was not only a loving grandmother, but a dedicated and supportive one. She could always be counted on by her grandchildren to attend baseball games, volleyball games, soccer matches, basketball games and any other endeavor they were involved in. Jean was a wonderful mother, loving grandmother, and faithful friend to many. Her dedication, strength, guidance and love will be remembered for a lifetime by her family, friends, and the communities of Kings Mountain and Pasadena.
Left to cherish Jean’s memory are her children: John O. Harris III of Kings Mountain, NC, and Elizabeth Harris Lindberg and husband Paul Lindberg Jr. of Nassau Bay, TX; her grandchildren: John O. Harris IV, Abbie Downs Harris, and Layla Ann Harris, all of Raleigh, NC and Paul Edwin Lindberg III of Nassau Bay TX; her sister: Shirley Arthur Kinneman of Jacksonville, FL; and her longtime companion Charles Yelton of Kings Mountain, NC and his children, Marc Yelton and wife Jennifer and their son Austin Yelton, and Jina Motts and husband Richard; sister-in-law, Becky Harris of Kings Mountain, NC.
Funeral service was held on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 2:00 PM in the Christian Activities Center of Central Methodist Church with Reverend Perry Hines officiating.
Visitation was held on Monday, October 21, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Harris Funeral Home.
Interment was in Mountain Rest Cemetery, Kings Mountain, NC.
In lieu of flowers, the Harris family requests that donations in Jean’s memory be made to Central Methodist Church at 113 S. Piedmont Avenue, Kings Mountain, NC 28086 or to Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute at AtriumHealthFoundation.org/tribute.
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

Laura Frances Clemmer

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Laura Frances Clemmer, 66, of Kings Mountain, North Carolina, passed away on October 11, 2024 at Atrium Health Cleveland in Shelby.
Born July 1, 1958 in Harrison County, Mississippi, she was the daughter of Betty Beatty Clemmer and the late Henry Ray Clemmer. Laura had many hobbies, including an affinity for crafting and a love of pottery. She enjoyed creating jewelry along with many other items. Laura had a heart for animals and loved her pets dearly. Laura was a very loving and caring person who always thought the world of her mother. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her mother: Betty Beatty Clemmer; brothers: Thomas Clemmer and wife, Cyndi, of Denver, NC; John Clemmer and wife, Nancy, of Jasper, Georgia; and Ray Clemmer and wife, Kathy, of Kings Mountain.
Laura is also survived by her beloved canine companion, Annie.
The family will hold a private memorial service.
Donations in Laura’s memory may be made to the National Kidney Foundation at Attn: Gift Processing at National Kidney Foundation HQ, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016 or online at www.kidney.org
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

Betty Lou Wells Johnson

KINGS MOUNTAIN , NC – Betty Lou Wells Johnson, 95, of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away on October 12, 2024 at White Oak Manor in Kings Mountain.
Born September 12, 1929 in Cleveland County, North Carolina, she was the daughter of the late William Michael Wells and Sue Ellen Toney Wells and was also preceded in death by her husband Pete Johnson and siblings William E. Wells, Earnest B. Wells, Nellie Wells Godfrey, Mary Wells Wood, Bobby N. Wells, and Shirley Wells Holshouser.
Betty graduated from Bethany High School in
Clover, SC before going on to work many years in the textile industry, most recently in quality control at Anvil Knitwear. In her later years, Betty worked at the Kings Mountain Herald.
She was the organist for more than 40 years at East Gold Street Wesleyan Church in Kings Mountain. Betty was talented in the kitchen; everything she made was good, but her delicious chicken and dumplings were her specialty. She loved animals of all kinds, feeding everything from the regular domesticated variety to beavers and crows. Betty was a loving mother, devoted wife, and a wonderful grandmother. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her daughter: Diana Wells
Jackson and husband, Ronnie, of Summerville, SC; siblings: Boyce Wells and wife, Helen, and Toney Wells and wife, Martha Lou, all of Kings Mountain, NC; grandchildren: Clayton Jackson and wife, Jessica, of MD; Matthew Jackson and wife, Lauren, of SC; Christopher Jackson and wife, Ellyse, of MD; and Ryan Jackson and wife, Lauren, of MD; great-grandchildren: Chrystelle Jackson, Adaline Jackson, Kenzie Jackson, Max Jackson, Henry Jackson, and Tyler Jackson.
Betty is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. in the Ollie Harris Memorial Chapel with Reverend Steven Blanton officiating.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 prior to the service from 1:00 to 1:50 P.M. in the parlor of Harris Funeral Home.
Interment will be at Bethany ARP Church Cemetery, Clover, SC.
Donations in Betty’s memory may be made to any animal shelter or other charity of the donor’s choice.
Interment will be in Mountain Rest Cemetery, Kings Mountain, North Carolina.
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

William Lee “Bill” Ramseur Jr., M.D.

William Lee “Bill” Ramseur Jr., M.D., passed away peacefully on September 21, 2024, after a long illness.
Born in 1944 to Dr. William Lee Ramseur, Sr., and Christine Rhyne Ramseur, Bill was raised in Kings Mountain, NC.
He graduated from NC State in 1967 and was a proud member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Bill studied medicine at Bowman Gray (Wake Forest School of Medicine), graduating in 1971. He completed an internship at Baltimore City Hospital and was called into the Navy and assigned to the Naval Academy Hospital in Annapolis. His medical residency was completed at Case Western Reserve (OH), before he returned to Bowman Gray for an oncology fellowship. In 1978, Bill began his internal medicine and oncology practice in Greenwood, SC. Among other professional accomplishments, Bill was elected as a Fellow of the American College of Physicians (FACP) in 1992.
Outside of medicine, Bill was a gifted artist who completed over 100 paintings in his retirement. He also enjoyed tennis, traveling, genealogy and gardening. In addition, he was a Rotary Club member and a lifelong Presbyterian, serving as both Deacon and Elder.
Bill leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Candace Carroll Welsted; two children: Jonathan Ramseur (Rose) of Fairfax, VA, and Jennifer Ramseur Kachel (Chris) of Charlotte, NC; five grandchildren: Aleksander and Evan Ramseur; and Emmeline, Bennett and Eleanor Kachel. He is also survived by his much-loved sister Coral Helms (Louis) and many in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by his parents.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Saturday, October 19 at 11:00 am in the chapel of the Matthews Glen retirement community, Matthews, NC. Burial will be Sunday, October 20 at 11:00 am at the Mountain Rest Cemetery, Kings Mountain, NC.
A complete obituary can be found at www.throbertson.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or the Foundation Fighting Blindness in Bill’s honor.

Gloria Jean
Slycord “Butch”

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Gloria Jean Slycord, 75, of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away on October 08, 2024, at Atrium Health Cleveland in Shelby, NC.
She was born in Gaston County, NC, daughter of the late Joseph and Ollie Smith Wheeler and was preceded in death by 2 sons, Larry Dean Slycord II and Larry Dean “Tripp” Slycord III.
Butch was a lifelong member of East Gold Street Wesleyan Church. She worked in the clerical field for several industries during her career. Butch enjoyed reading and spending time at the beach and in the mountains. She was an avid photo taker and was known to snap pictures of her friends and loved ones frequently.
Butch loved spending time with those she loved. She was a loving mother, wonderful grandmother and great grandmother, and devoted sister. She will be missed dearly by all those who knew her.
She is survived by her son: Travis Slycord, Kings Mountain, NC; grandchildren: Payton, Josh, and Katie Slycord; great-grandchildren: Calvin and Isaac Slycord; siblings: Ronnie Wheeler (Joyce), Kevin Wheeler (Peggy), Buck Wheeler, and Betty Ingle all of Kings Mountain, NC and numerous nieces and nephews .
Funeral service was held on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at 2:00 PM at East Gold Street Wesleyan Church with Pastor Scott Whitney officiating.
Visitation was on Sunday, October 13, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 1:50 PM prior to the service in the church.
Interment was in Mountain Rest Cemetery, Kings Mountain, NC.
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

Robert Preston Neisler, Jr.
September 20, 1960-
September 29, 2024

CASTLE HAYNE, NC – Preston Neisler (64) died peacefully at home on Sunday, September 29, 2024. He was the eldest son of Robert Preston Neisler, Sr. and Nora Jane Deese
Neisler. He was preceded in death by his parents. Preston spent his childhood years in Pageland South Carolina. He graduated from Central High School where he played football and was on the golf team. Preston loved competition. Whether it was sports, playing pub trivia or just life in general, he was happiest when he was competing. He was an adamant fan of the Clemson Tigers football team, the Colorado Avalanche hockey team, the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team and the Atlanta Braves baseball team, he also enjoyed Nascar. He loved cheering on his favorite teams and could recall stats of each team by memory.
He attended Wingate College and eventually moved to Asheville, North Carolina where he worked in medical sales for a while and ended up working at Mission Memorial Hospital in the physical therapy department. He married Sheila Maphis in February of 1989, and they left Asheville and moved back to Pageland, South Carolina where he worked in the family textile business at Chesterfield Yarn Mills, Inc. Preston ran the sales department with his father, Robert Neisler, Sr. They travelled all over the northeast selling yarn. Preston never met a stranger and could always find something in common with anyone he met. He was Vice President of the Mill for many years and remained in sales until 2018 when he moved from Pageland, S.C. to Wilmington, NC where he worked for Manheim Auto Auction in Wilmington, He enjoyed his time there. Many of his co-workers were ex-military and Preston always had the highest respect for those who served our Country. The coast of North Carolina was not new to Preston. He spent many of his summers at Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina fishing, swimming and water skiing. He loved the water, sunsets and the pace of life in Wilmington. He enjoyed hosting friends and customers on annual deer hunts at Oakland Plantation in Council, North Carolina.
Preston’s children, Katarina Marie Neisler and Robert Preston “Buckshot” Neisler, III. were his pride and joy. He took every opportunity to brag on their accomplishments. When the children were growing up in Pageland, S C. they owned horses. The family spent a lot of time riding horses and attending rodeos. Anything to do with being outside was close to Preston’s heart. He enjoyed bird watching and was especially fond of hummingbirds. He followed the weather apps on his phone and had a great appreciation of the power of the weather. He often referred to himself as a weather geek.
Preston had a larger-than-life personality and will be missed by so many people. His life and legacy will live on through his children, family and his friends.
Preston is survived by his daughter, Katarina Marie Neisler of Charlotte, N.C. and his son, Robert Preston Neisler, III. of Wilmington, N.C., partner, Suzanne Sims, brothers Matthew Neisler and Chris Neisler from Pageland S.C., several nephews and many cousins.
Memorial may be made to: Hurricane Relief Fund
Donations in Preston’s memory may be made to the Western North Carolina Assistance Fund at https://pay.payitgov.com/ncdonations
Visitation was held on Thursday, October 10, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 10:50 AM at Harris Funeral Home with a graveside service following at Mountain Rest Cemetery
Interment was in Mountain Rest Cemetery, Kings Mountain, NC.
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

Susan Rebecca (Becky) Wilson Dixon

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Susan Rebecca (Becky) Wilson Dixon age 86, of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away on October 6, 2024 at her home with her family by her side.
She was born July 12, 1938 in Cleveland County, NC, to the late Thomas Evans and Tula Belle Harmon Wilson. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Gene Wilson and Tommy Wilson and her sister, Helen Wilson Clark.
Becky was very dedicated to her family and loved them with all her heart. She had a strong faith in God and would help anyone in need. She was a faithful homemaker and always placed her family ahead of her own needs. She was a devoted wife, loving mother and doting grandmother to 2 generations of grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband of 62 years:
Robert Howard Dixon Sr.; children: Karen Dixon Rhyne, Robert Howard Dixon Jr. and Marisa Dixon Rice (Kent); sister: Ann Wilson Tria; grandchildren: Matt Rice, Haley Rice, Josh Dixon, Kaycee Dixon, Janna Dixon, SSgt Collin Cobb, and Kaylin Cobb; great-grandchildren: Wyatt and Amira; special family friend: Ginger Martin Biuk and numerous nieces and nephews.
Graveside service will be held on Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Mountain Rest Cemetery.
Interment will be held in Mountain Rest Cemetery. Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.