Leroy ‘Roy’ Burch
The funeral will be Saturday for Leroy “Roy” Burch, 81, 106 Hawkins Ave., who died Monday (Nov. 12, 2001) at Magnolia Gardens Nursing Center after two weeks of serious illness.
Born April 6, 1920, in Salisbury, Mr. Burch, a son of the late Durlee Ross and Carl Lee Burch, was educated in the Rowan County schools.
He retired from Cannon Mills Plant 7 and the Town of East Spencer.
Survivors include wife Mary Louise Godfrey Burch; sons Carl Lee Burch and Andre Godfrey, both of Salisbury; and five grandchildren.
Services: 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Noble and Kelsey Funeral Home chapel, conducted by Elder A.M. Oakley. Burial, Oakwood Cemetery.
Visitation: 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
Jim Cheek
KANNAPOLIS — The funeral will be Friday for James “Jim”Richard Cheek, 85, formerly of Moose Road, who died Tuesday (Nov. 13, 2001) at Big Elm Nursing Center.
Born March 22, 1916, in Konnorock,Va., Mr. Cheek, a son of the late Granville and Samantha Blevins Cheek, owned and operated Jim Cheek Corporation for many years and formerly was president of the Independent Garage Owners Association.
A veteran of the U.S. Army Air Force, he served during World War II with the 1505th Bomber Group. He participated in campaigns in Japan, China, Eastern Mandates, Central Burma, India Burma and Palembang-Sumata. He was awarded six Bronze Stars and a Distinguished Unit Citation. He was a member of Poston Perkins VFW Post 8989 and the DAV.
His wife, Edith Vaydeen Rodgers Cheek, preceded him in death.
Survivors include daughter Gail McArthur,Little Rock, Ark.; sons Jimmy Dean and Eston Cheek, both of Kannapolis, and Mickey Cheek, China Grove; sister Blanche Boan, South Carolina; brothers Earl and Gilbert Cheek, both of Kannapolis; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Services: 2 p.m. Friday,Lady’s Funeral Home chapel, conducted by the Rev. Darrell Coble and the Rev. Dr. Greg Pierce.Burial, West Lawn Memorial Park,China Grove. Military rites by Rowan Veterans Council.
Visitation: 7-9 tonight at the funeral home.At other times, the family will be at the home of Mickey and Emily Cheek, 785 Cress School Road, China Grove.
Memorials: World War II Memorial, P.O. Box 96074, Washington, DC 20090-6074.
Charles Joe Christy
KANNAPOLIS — Charles Joe Christy, 72, 520 E. 20th St., died Wednesday (Nov. 14, 2001) at NorthEast Medical Center, Concord.
Whitley’s Funeral Home is in charge.
Renee T. Coe
KANNAPOLIS — Renee T. Coe, 53, 1441 Sherwood Drive, died Wednesday (Nov. 14, 2001) at NorthEast Medical Center, Concord, after two years of declining health.
Born Oct. 29, 1948, in Cabarrus County, Mrs. Coe was a daughter of Alda Morris Tucker, of the home, and the late George Cleveland “Steve” Tucker. She was a member of Centerview Baptist Church and a former employee of Piedmont Cleaners and Dixie Cleaners.
Her husband, Henry Ray Coe, died Dec. 13, 1994.
Survivors, in addition to her mother, include daughters Kelley Coe Callicutt, Mooresville, and Amy Ruth Coe, of the home; brother Larry Steven Tucker, Kannapolis; and three grandchildren.
Services: 2 p.m. Friday, Whitley’s Funeral Home chapel, conducted by the Rev. William Rash. Burial, Carolina Memorial Park.
Visitation: 7-9 tonight at the funeral home. At other times, the family will be at the hone on Sherwood Drive.
Memorials: Hospice of Cabarrus County, P.O. Box 1235, Concord, NC 28026.
R. Lee Collins
R. Lee Collins, 80, 408 Leach Road, died Wednesday (Nov. 14, 2001) from injuries sustained in an accident at his home.
Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home,China Grove, is in charge.
Richard S. Current
CLEVELAND — The funeral is today for Richard Steele Current, 71, Bear Poplar Road, who died Tuesday (Nov. 13, 2001) at Rowan Regional Medical Center after several years of failing health and three weeks of serious illness.
Born Nov. 2, 1930, in Statesville, Mr. Current was a son of late William Ralph and Helen Ramsey Steele Current. He was a 1950 graduate of Woodleaf High School and attended Mars Hill College.
A veteran of the U.S. Army, he served in Germany from 1952-1954. He retired from General Electric Co., Salisbury.
He was a lifetime member of Third Creek Presbyterian Church, where he was an elder, deacon, Sunday school teacher and superintendent. A charter member and officer of the West Rowan Jaycees, he also served as master of Scotch Ireland Masonic Lodge 154 AF&AM, Cleveland. In 1995, he was named Mason of the Year.
He was also a charter member and officer of Lake Norman Shrine Club, Mooresville, a member of Oasis Temple,Charlotte, and Harold B. Jarrett American Legion Post 342, Salisbury.
Survivors include wife Carolyn McLaurin Current, whom he married June 22, 1957; daughter Lynne Miller, Mooresville; sister Mary Current Foil, Virginia Beach,Va.; and two grandchildren.
Services: 2 today, Third Creek Presbyterian Church, conducted by the Rev. Dr. S. David Carriker, pastor, and the Rev. Shirley Jones, pastor, Cleveland United Methodist Church. Burial, church cemetery.
The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Summersett Funeral Home,Salisbury.
Memorials: Shriners Hospital for Crippled and Burned Children, c/o Oasis Shrine Temple, P.O. Box 560666, Charlotte,NC 28256; or Third Creek Presbyterian Church, Cemetery/Current Fund, 2055 Third Creek Church Road, Cleveland,NC 27103.
Elise B. Essick
LEXINGTON — Elise Briggs Essick, 81, Britthaven of Davidson,Thomasville, formerly of Beck’s Church Road, died Wednesday (Nov. 14, 2001) at Thomasville Medical Center.
Services: 11 a.m. Friday, Beck’s Lutheran Church. Burial, church cemetery.
Visitation: 6:30-8:30 tonight, Davidson Funeral Home.
Memorials: Beck’s Lutheran Church, 441 Beck’s Church Road, Lexington, NC 27292; or donor’s choice.
Hester B. Fortson
KANNAPOLIS — Hester Elizabeth Bruce Fortson, 85, 1502 Dennis Ave., died Wednesday (Nov. 14, 2001) at her home.
Born Oct. 22, 1916, in Madison County, Ga., Mrs. Fortson was a daughter of the late Henry Lee and Terrila Ginn Bruce. She was a homemaker.
A member of Shadybrook Baptist Church, she was a nursery worker for many years.
Her husband, Alson Fortson, died Nov. 28, 1979. She was also preceded in death by a grandchild and two great-grandchildren.
Survivors include children Jeanette Torrence, China Grove, Bertie Upright, Merle Upright, Donnie Smith, Alson “Eddie” Fortson Jr., Henry Fortson, Brenda Brewer and Cindy Riley, all of Kannapolis, Kenneth Fortson, Denton, and Bruce Fortson, Salisbury; brother Donald Bruce, Flint, Mich.; 24 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and eight stepgrandchildren.
Services: 2 p.m. Friday, Shadybrook Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. Charlie Littlejohn and the Rev. David Walters Jr. Burial, Carolina Memorial Park.
Visitation: 6-9 tonight, Whitley’s Funeral Home. At other times, the family will be at the home on Dennis Avenue.
Memorials: Shadybrook Baptist Church, 1009 Oakwood Ave., Kannapolis, NC 28081.
Mae Huskey Gray
MOORESVILLE — Mae Huskey Gray, 95, Mooresville, died Wednesday (Nov. 14, 2001) at Summitt Place, formerly Eden Gardens.
Services: 2 p.m. Friday, Cavin-Cook Funeral Home chapel. Burial, Glenwood Memorial Park.
Visitation: 1 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Terry Wayne Joyner
A memorial service will be held Saturday for Terry Wayne Joyner, 48, Boston, Mass., formerly of Rowan County, who died Friday (Sept. 14, 2001) in Boston.
Mr. Joyner was born Nov. 6, 1952, in Bennettsville, S.C.
Survivors include daughters Heather and Ashley Joyner, both of Salisbury; and one grandson.
Services: Memorial, 3 p.m. Saturday, Haven Lutheran Church, conducted by the Rev. Ronald W. Fink, pastor, and the Rev. Gilmer Boggs. The body was cremated.
Visitation: The family will receive friends in the church lounge after the service.
Lyerly Funeral Home is in charge.
Tommy L. Kirk
CHINA GROVE — Tommy L. Kirk, 50, 275 Rose Ave., died Wednesday (Nov. 14, 2001) at NorthEast Medical Center, Concord.
Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home, China Grove, is in charge.
John G. Miller Jr.
CHINA GROVE — The funeral will be Friday for John Gilbert Miller Jr., 77, 2145 Mary St., who died Wednesday (Nov. 14, 2001) at Hefner VA Medical Center, Salisbury.
Born Aug. 15, 1924, in Rockwell, Mr. Miller, a son of the late John Gilbert and Imogene Rudicil Miller, was educated in the Rockwell schools. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
He owned and operated Miller Trucking Co. and was a member of Grace Christian Church.
Survivors include wife of 55 years, Georgia Erlyne Russell Miller; son John Gilbert Miller III; daughters Lynn Miller Cox, Kannapolis, Diane Miller Williams, Jacksonville, and Mary Ann Miller Herring, China Grove; brothers Joe Oliver Miller, Albany, Ga., and Stone Edward Miller, Rockwell; sister Alice Miller Hughes, Greenville, Tenn.; and seven grandchildren.
Services: 7 p.m. Friday, Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home chapel, China Grove, conducted by the Rev. John G. Miller III and the Rev. Keith P. Williams. Entombment, 2 p.m. Saturday, West Lawn Memorial Park. Military rites by Rowan Veterans Council.
Visitation: 5:30-6:45 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Memorials: Grace Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 454, China Grove, NC 28023.
Claude R. Pickler
The funeral will be Friday for Claude Robert Pickler, 76, Salisbury, who died Tuesday (Nov. 13, 2001) at his home.
Born Oct. 13, 1925, in Rowan County, Mr. Pickler, a son of the late Shuford R. and Lelia Ward Pickler, attended Granite Quarry High School. He was awarded two Bronze Stars and Victory Metals for his service with the U.S. Army during World War II.
Employed by W.F. Brinkley Construction Co. for over 30 years, he and his brother were later self-employed in the construction business for five years prior to his retirement.
He was a member of Milford Hills United Methodist Church, Miller-Hudson-Tatum VFW and the Harold B. Jarrett American Legion Post.
Survivors include wife Hilda Segraves Pickler; daughters Debbie P. Campbell, Salisbury, and Lou Ann P. Adams, Rockwell; brother Clarence Pickler, Granite Quarry; sister Margaret Smith, Granite Quarry; and two grandchildren.
Services: 3 p.m. Friday, Summersett Funeral Home chapel, conducted by the Rev. Neill Shaw, pastor, Milford Hills United Methodist Church. Burial at Rowan Memorial Park. Military rites by Rowan County Veterans Council.
Visitation: 7-8:30 tonight at the funeral home.
Memorials: Milford Hills United Methodist Church, 1630 Statesville Blvd., Salisbury, NC 28144; or Lyerly Memorial United Church of Christ, 1320 Crescent Road, Rockwell, NC 28146.
Barry Ray Powell
EMPORIA, Va. — Barry Ray Powell, 63, Emporia, formerly of Salisbury, N.C., died Wednesday (Nov. 14, 2001).
Survivors include husband Posey Odell Powell; daughters Martha Powell and Patricia Earnhart, both of Emporia; sons Mitchell Ray Powell and Terry Lee Powell, both of Emporia; sisters Shirley and Mamie Livengood and Dorothy Johnson, all of Salisbury, N.C.; brother Sidney Lee Pinkston, Salisbury, N.C.; 11 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Services: 11 a.m. Saturday, Echols Funeral Home chapel. Burial, Zion Baptist Church cemetery, Skippers.
Visitation: 7-8:30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Betty S. Ritchie
Betty Jeannine S. Ritchie, 62, 1300 Briarwood Terrace, died Wednesday (Nov. 14, 2001) at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem.
Summersett Funeral Home is in charge.
Kathryn H. Shive
ROCKWELL — Kathryn Holshouser Shive, 90, Rockwell, died Wednesday (Nov. 14, 2001) at The Meadows Retirement Center.
Born May 18, 1911, in Rowan County, Mrs. Shive, a daughter of the late Lewis Franklin and Maggie Lyerly Holshouser, was a 1928 graduate of Rockwell High School. She was a homemaker.
A member of Organ Lutheran Church, she was a former Sunday school teacher for many years. Active in all phases of church work, she was a life member of WELCA.
Her husband, Ethan Harry Shive, died Oct. 28, 1988.
Survivors include sons Bobby W. Shive, Rockwell, and Bill and Terry Shive, both of Salisbury; sisters Louise Barger and Mary Ruth Barringer, both of Salisbury; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Services: 11 a.m. Friday, Organ Lutheran Church, conducted by the Rev. John E. Pless. Burial, church cemetery.
Visitation: 7-9 tonight, Powles Funeral Home.
Memorials: Organ Lutheran Church, 1515 Organ Church Road, Salisbury,NC 28146; or Rowan Regional Home Health and Hospice, 825-A W. Henderson St., Salisbury, NC 28144.
Kelly Terrance Spruill
The funeral will be Saturday for Kelly Terrance Spruill, 7 weeks old, 670 Hall Ave., who died Monday (Nov. 12, 2001) at his home.
Born Sept. 21, 2001, in Salisbury, the infant was the son of Tonya Allison Ripley, Salisbury, and Kenneth Spruill, Fayetteville.
Survivors, in addition to his parents, include brother Kenan Spruill, of the home; sister Krystiva Ripley, of the home; maternal grandfather Lorenzo Troutman,Salisbury; maternal grandmothers Sarah Bell and Teresa Allison, both of Salisbury; paternal grandmother Lauraetta Carter, Rockingham; paternal grandfather Dennis Carter, Fayetteville; paternal great-grandfather John E. Spruill, Greenville; paternal great-grandmother Bertha Spruill, Greenville; maternal great-grandmothers Mary Troutman and Julia Allison, both of Salisbury; and maternal great-great-grandmother Sarah Allison, Salisbury.
Services: 11 a.m. Saturday, Noble and Kelsey Funeral Home, conducted by Robert Smith. Burial, Oakwood Cemetery.
Visitation: None.
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