Travis Absher

KANNAPOLIS — Travis Lee Absher, 57, 1450 Cottage Road, died Saturday (June 9, 2001) at NorthEast Medical Center, Concord.

Born Jan. 6, 1944, in Wilkes County, Mr. Absher, a son of the late Charles Hort and Victoria Maude Lankford Absher, was employed as a food broker with Advantage Marketing, Charlotte. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

A son, Travis Lee Absher Jr., died Oct. 3, 1994.

Survivors include daughters Susan “Nikki” Absher Jenkins, Kannapolis, and Tara Lynn Absher, Shelby; son Nathaniel Luke Absher, of the home; sister Savannah Lovette, Mulberry; brothers Ralph and Charles Absher, both of Wilkesboro, Ed Absher, Bensalem,Pa., and David Absher, Las Vegas,Nev.; and one grandchild.

Services: 2 p.m., Friday, Lady’s Funeral Home chapel. Burial, Carolina Memorial Park.

Visitation: 7-9 p.m., Thursday, at the funeral home.

Memorials: Cabarrus Meals on Wheels, 212 LePhillip Court, N.E.,Suite 202, Concord, NC 28025.

Brady Barnhardt

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Brady Victor Barnhardt, 54, 924 Omar Road, a Kannapolis, N.C., native, died Sunday (June 3, 2001) at Hospice of Palm Beach County.

Born Nov. 27, 1946, in Kannapolis, Mr. Barnhardt was a son of Cora Hatley Barnhardt and the late Charlie V. Barnhardt. He was a service technician with a propane gas company. A Baptist, he served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

Survivors, in addition to his mother, include wife Susan Cutter Barnhardt; half brothers Bobby Lee Hatley, Rockwell, N.C., and Bobby Gleen Barnhardt, Kannapolis, N.C.; sister Lillie B. Hilliard, Salisbury, N.C,; and half sisters Shelbie Jean Parrish and Jo Ann Pennington, both of Kannapolis, N.C.

Funeral services were held June 7 at Southdale Chapel, Mizell-Faville-Zern Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

Memorials: Best Friends Pet Adoption, 952 High House Road, PMB 251, Cary, NC 27513.

Michael Ray Bowers

CHINA GROVE — Michael Ray Bowers, 53, 2329 Hwy. 152 E., died Tuesday (June 12, 2001) at his home.

Born May 25, 1948, in Cabarrus County, Mr. Bowers was a son of Ellen E. Troutman, Kannapolis, and the late Oscar M. Bowers. He was educated in the Rowan County schools.

A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he served during the Vietnam War. He was employed by KoSa.

Survivors, in addition to his mother, include wife Cathy McDaniel Bowers; sons Michael Ray Bowers Jr., China Grove, and Gary L. Gibbons, Maiden; daughters Tonya G. Link, Woodleaf, and Tammy Grisdale, Concord; sisters Joann Rodgers, Mooresville, and Erleane Himes, Campbellsville, Ky.; and four grandchildren.

Services: 1 p.m., Thursday, National Cemetery at Hefner VA Medical Center, Salisbury, conducted by the Rev. David Duncan.

Visitation: 7-8:30 tonight, Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home,China Grove. At other times the family will be at the home on Highway 152 E.

Memorials: Hospice of Cabarrus County, P.O. Box 1235,Concord, NC 28026; American Heart Association, 140 Regency Road, Salisbury, NC 28147; or American Lung Association, 5315 Greenbrook Drive, Charlotte,NC 28205.

Mary Richards Buggs

LEXINGTON — The funeral will be Thursday for Mary Alice Richards Buggs, 77, 102 Village Drive, who died Saturday (June 9, 2001) at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem.

Services: 2 p.m., Thursday, Files Chapel Baptist Church. Burial, Lexington City Cemetery.

Visitation: 1:30-2 p.m. ,Thursday, at the church. The body may be viewed today from 1-8 and Thursday from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Morrison-Studevent Funeral Home, Lexington.

Lula Smithdeal Carter

CHARLOTTE — Lula Smithdeal Carter, 99, Charlotte, a former Salisbury resident, died Monday (June 11, 2001) at Willow Ridge Assisted Living Center.

Born Sept. 15, 1901, in Cabarrus County, Mrs. Carter was a daughter of the late Henry and Maggie Litaker Smithdeal.

Survivors include son Paul Litaker Carter, Charlotte; and a grandson.

Services: Graveside, 11 a.m.,Thursday, Prospect Presbyterian Church cemetery, Mooresville, conducted by the Rev. Joanne Hull.

Visitation: 7-8:30 tonight, McEwen Funeral Service, Charlotte Chapel.

Raymond Foxx

Raymond Foxx, 64, Brooklyn, N.Y., a Rowan County native, died Saturday (June 9, 2001) at Kings County Hospital after several years of declining health.

Born March 6, 1937, Mr. Foxx was a son of the late Fred and Hattie Krider Foxx. He attended Dunbar High School, East Spencer, and was a former member of New Hope AME Zion Church. He was employed by the city of New York City.

His wife, Eartha Davis Foxx, preceded him in death.

Survivors include daughter Kathy Foxx Luckey, Salisbury; sisters Mildred and Rosetta Foxx, both of Brooklyn, N.Y.; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Noble and Kelsey Funeral Home, Salisbury, is in charge.

Ruth Baucom Helms

KANNAPOLIS — The funeral is today for Ruth Baucom Helms, 85, Big Elm Retirement Center, formerly of E. 10th St., who died Saturday (June 11, 2001) at NorthEast Medical Center, Concord.

Born Dec. 14, 1915, in Union County, Mrs. Helms, a daughter of the late Edward and Ila Williams Baucom, was a member of Kannapolis Church of God. In 1986, she retired from Cannon Mills Plant 1 after 50 years of service.

Survivors include son Keith Helms, Mount Gilead; daughter Lorene Hale, Marietta, Ga.; half sister Eddie Vaughn Dailey,Greensboro; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Services: 3 today, Kannapolis Church of God, conducted by the Rev. Sam Crisp.Burial, Carolina Memorial Park.

Whitley’s Funeral Home is in charge.

Memorials: Hospice of Cabarrus County, P.O. Box 1235, Concord, NC 28026; or Big Elm Retirement Center, Redecorating Fund, 1285 West A St., Kannapolis, NC 28081.

Jerry Lee Honbarrier

KANNAPOLIS — Jerry Lee Honbarrier, 63, 1217 Thomas Ave., died Tuesday (June 12, 2001) at Brian Center Health and Rehabilitation,Salisbury.

Born June 17, 1937, in Cabarrus County, Mr. Honbarrier, a son of the late Henry L. and Ethel Miller Honbarrier, was self-employed in the heating and air repair business. He formerly worked for G and S Heating and Air.

He was a member of Cannon Memorial Masonic Lodge and Cabarrus Shrine Club. A veteran of the U.S. Marines Corps, he served in the Korean War from 1953-1956.

Survivors include son Tony Honbarrier, Kannapolis; daughters Teresa Ballard, Kannapolis, and Lisa Dancy, Mount Ulla; brother Dewey Honbarrier,Kannapolis; sister Earlene Wallace, China Grove; and six grandchildren.

Services: 3 p.m., Friday, Skyland Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. David Icenhour and the Rev. Joe Rahme. Burial, Carolina Memorial Park. Military rites by DAV Chapter 27.

Visitation: 7-9 p.m., Thursday, Whitley’s Funeral Home. At other times the family will be at the home of Teresa Ballard, 911 McLain Road.

Memorials: Shriners Crippled Children’s Hospital, c/o Cabarrus County Shrine Club, P.O. Box 405, Kannapolis, NC 28082.

James R. Lentz

The funeral will be Thursday for James R. Lentz, 89, Salisbury, who died Tuesday (June 12, 2001) at Rowan Regional Medical Center.

Born July 18, 1911, in Rowan County, Mr. Lentz, a son of the late Jeremiah Ruce and Mary Grace Monroe Lentz, was a graduate of Woodleaf High School. He received his bachelor of science degree from Appalachian State University, Boone, and his principal certificate from Lenoir-Rhyne College. He studied world history at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and accounting at Catawba College.

A teacher, he taught at Farmington and Oxford in Catawba County. In 1978, he retired as superintendent of mail from the U.S. Postal Service.

A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he had attended radar school in San Diego, Calif., and was the recipient of nine combat medals. During World War II he served aboard the USS Hancock in the Pacific.

A lifelong member of Bethel Lutheran Church, he was recording secretary and treasurer for 16 years, taught Sunday school for over 50 years and was on the council for numerous years. He was also a life member of Hudson-Miller-Tatum VFW Post 3006 and the Retired Federal Employees.

His wife, Willie Jones Lentz, died July 2, 1987.

Survivors include son Keith Lentz, Bomoseen, Vt.; and brothers Cullen R. and Floyd T.Lentz, both of Salisbury.

Services: 2 p.m., Thursday, Bethel Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. Mark S. Reed. Burial, Rowan Memorial Park. Military rites by Rowan Veterans Council.

Visitation: 7-9 tonight, Summersett Funeral Home.

Memorials: BethelLutheran Church, Cemetery Endowment Fund, 355 E. Ridge Road, Salisbury, NC 28144.

Linda T. McKnight

Linda Thompson McKnight, Houston, Texas, formerly of Concord, died Saturday (June 9, 2001) in Houston, Texas.

Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home,China Grove, in charge.

Patsy Lynn Porter

NAKINA — Patsy Lynn Porter, 51, Nakina, sister of Leon Porter, Salisbury, died Monday (June 11, 2001) at Lower Cape Fear Hospice Center, Wilmington.

Services: 3 p.m., Thursday, Happy Home Baptist Church. Burial, church cemetery.

Visitation: 7-9 tonight, Inman FuneralHome, Tabor City.

Joseph Exzel Rabon

KANNAPOLIS — Joseph Exzel Rabon, 81, 1013 Oakshade Ave., died Tuesday (June 12, 2001) at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, Spartanburg, S.C., after a brief illness.

Born March 4, 1920, in Gaston County, Mr. Rabon, a son of the late Thomas Lee and Virginia Katherine Brigman Rabon, was educated in the Gaston County schools. He retired from Cannon Mills Plant 1, sheet department after over 50 years of service and was a member of First Foursquare Church, Concord.

During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army 131st Field Artillery. He fought in five major battles in the European Theatre.

Survivors include wife Dorothy “Toonsie” Helms Rabon; brothers Leonard and Otis Rabon, both of Kannapolis, and Harry Rabon, Trinity; and sister Alice Wike, Kannapolis.

Services: 3 p.m., Thursday, First Foursquare Church, Concord, conducted by the Rev. Gary Clouse and the Rev. Jeff Burris. Burial, West Lawn Memorial Park, China Grove. Military rites by Rowan County Veterans Council.

Visitation: 7-9 tonight, Whitley’s Funeral Home. At other times the family will be at the home on Oakshade Avenue.

Memorials: First Foursquare Church, 452 Brookwood Ave.N.E., Concord, NC 28025.

Zelma Athey Redwine

Zelma Elizabeth Athey Redwine, 92, Salisbury, died Tuesday (June 12, 2001)at Genesis ElderCare of Salisbury after a period of declining health.

Born July 21, 1908, in Rowan County, Mrs. Redwine, a daughter of the late Frank I. and Bertie Marlin Athey, was educated in the Salisbury schools. She was a homemaker and a lifelong member of Gay’s Chapel United Methodist Church.

Her husband, James Clarence Redwine, died March 13, 1976, and a daughter, Mae Frances Redwine Rogers, died May 17, 1998.

Survivors include sister Mary Athey Trexler, Virginia Beach,Va.; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Services: Graveside, 11 a.m., Thursday,Gay’s Chapel United Methodist Church, conducted by the Rev. Jack Luther, former pastor.

Visitation: None. Lyerly Funeral Home is in charge.

Rayvon William Smith

OAKBORO — Rayvon William Smith, 70, 12957 St. Martin Road, died Monday (June 11, 2001) at Stanly Memorial Hospital, Albemarle.

Local survivors include son Clint Smith, Albemarle; daughter Donna Tucker, Mooresville; brother Cecil Smith, Albemarle; and sister Laverna Kimrey, Albemarle.

Services: 11 a.m., Thursday, Hartsell Funeral Home chapel, Albemarle. Burial, Stanly Gardens of Memory, Albemarle.

Visitation: 7-9 tonight at the funeral home. At other times the family will be at the home on St. Martin Road.

Calvin A. Swann

EAST SPENCER — The funeral will be Thursday for Calvin Adoulphus Swann, 63, 205 N. Long St., who died Sunday (June 10, 2001) at Hefner VA Medical Center, Salisbury.

Born Sept. 18, 1937, in Rowan County, Mr. Swann, a son of the late John and Lydia Lyttle Swann, attended R.A. Clement High Schools. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and was last employed with Holmes Iron &Metal Inc. He was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church, the Men’s Choir, Sunday school and the Pastor’s Aide.

Survivors include sons Calvin Adoulphus Swann Jr., Slabfork, W.Va., and Calvin Demetric Ellison and Kenneth D. Swann, both of Salisbury; daughter Constance Alicia Watterson, Concord; brother Walter Lee Swann, Salisbury; sisters Mamie Lyttle and Mary Barrow, both of Manhattan, N.Y., Ruth Carr, Salisbury, and Catherine Krider, Granite Quarry; and four grandchildren.

Services: 12:30 p.m., Thursday, Macedonia Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. W.T. Jackson. Burial, 2 p.m., National Cemetery, Brenner Avenue, Salisbury.

Visitation: 12-12:30 p.m., Thursday at the church. At other times, the family will be at the homes of Catherine Krider, 814 Dunns Mountain Road, Granite Quarry, and Ruth Carr, 610 S. Shaver St.

Rowan Funeral Service, in charge.

Effie R. Turbyfill

MOORESVILLE — Effie Robinson Turbyfill, 88, Turbyfill Road, died Monday (June 11, 2001) at Genesis ElderCare.

Services: 3 p.m., Thursday, McKendree Chapel United Methodist Church.

Visitation: 10:30-11:30 a.m., Thursday, Cavin-Cook Funeral Home.

Memorials: McKendree Chapel United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1719, Mooresville, NC 28115.

Sammy Yarborough

WAYNESVILLE — Sammy James Yarborough, 42, 31 Conair Court, died Saturday (June 9, 2001) at Memorial Mission Hospital, Davidson County. He was a member of New Covenant Christian Fellowship, Salisbury.

Services: Graveside, 1 p.m. Wednesday, Green Hill Cemetery.

Visitation: 11:45-12:45, Wednesday, Wells Funeral Home.