MOCKSVILLE — James William Barnhardt, 77, Mocksville, died Tuesday (Dec. 28, 1999) at Asheville VAMedical Center.

Born June 28, 1922, in Davie County, Mr. Barnhardt was a son of the late J.C. and Bessie Hendrix Barnhardt. He was a dairy and beef farmer. A member of Smith Grove United Methodist Church, he was a charter member of Smith Grove Ruritan with 30 years of perfect attendance. He was a veteran of the U.S.Air Force and recipient of the Purple Heart. He was a lifetime member of the VFW.

Survivors include wife Kathleen Beck Barnhardt; son Larry Barnhardt, Mocksville; sisters Wilma Smith, Cullowhee, and Pauline Shanks, Advance; and one grandchild.

Services: 2 p.m. Thursday, Eaton Funeral Home Chapel, conducted by the Rev. Robert McLawhorn. Burial,Smith Grove UnitedMethodist Church cemetery.

Visitation: 1 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorials: SmithGrove United Methodist Church, Hut Fund, 3492 U.S. Hwy. 158 E., Mocksville, N.C. 27028.

Audrey Mae Benson

CHINA GROVE — Audrey Mae Benson, 93, China Grove, died Tuesday (Dec. 28, 1999) at her home.

Born Feb. 22, 1906, in Iredell County, Mrs. Benson was a daughter of the late Bruce Enoch and Florence Ethel Watson Honeycutt. Educated in the IredellCounty schools, she worked as a spinner in cotton textiles for 46 years. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, the Nora Dayvault Circle and the Lady’s Adult Sunday School Class.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Andrew Benson, and a daughter, Mildred Mae Clement.

Survivors include son Hubert Lee Benson, China Grove; sister Ruby Loveday, China Grove; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

Services: 11 a.m.Friday, First United Methodist Church, conducted by the Rev. Jimmy Faggart. Burial, West Lawn Memorial Park.

Visitation: 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home, China Grove.

Memorials: First United Methodist Church, 110 W. Church St., China Grove, N.C. 28023; or Rowan Regional Home Health and Hospice, 825-A W. Henderson St., Suite A, Salisbury, N.C. 28144.

Harold Craig Burris

OAKBORO — Harold Craig Burris, 64, 20337 N.C. 24-27 Highway, father of Donna Burris Johnson, Albemarle, died Tuesday (Dec. 28, 1999) at Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte.

Services: 2 p.m. Thursday, Hartsell Funeral Home, Lefler Memorial Chapel, Albemarle. Burial, Liberty Hill Primitive Baptist Church cemetery.

Visitation: 7-9 tonight at the funeral home. At other times the family will be at the home of daughter Terry Burris Barbee, 17505 Frog Pond Road.

Cloie Collins Butner, 101

SPENCER — The funeral will be today for Cloie Collins Butner, 101, 1404 S. Salisbury Ave., formerly of Raleigh, who died Monday (Dec. 27, 1999) at Spencer Residential Care.

Born Dec. 23, 1898, in Wake County,Mrs. Butner was a daughter of the late James Garland and Effie Welch Collins. A homemaker, she was a Baptist.

Her husband, Malcolm Graeme Butner, died in 1939; a son, Malcolm Wade Butner, died Dec. 24, 1998; and a daughter, Elsie B. Hight, died Feb. 28, 1995.

Survivors include two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Services: Graveside, 2 today, East Bend Baptist Church cemetery, East Bend, conducted by the Rev. Daniel Brady.

Visitation: None.

Summersett Funeral Home, Salisbury, in charge.

Memorials: Donor’s choice.

Ruby Beam Fox

STATESVILLE — Ruby Beam Fox, 79, 388 Beaver Farm Road, died Tuesday (Dec. 28, 1999) at Davis Medical Center.

Born March 1, 1920, in Rowan County, Mrs. Fox was a daughter of the late Richard Gannon and Edna Taylor Beam. A homemaker, she was a member of New Salem United Methodist Church.

Her husband,Ross E. Fox, preceded her in death.

Survivors include daughters Debra Fox Tucker and Lori Fox Martin, both of Statesville; brother James Alvin Beam, Statesville; sisters Hazel Freeman, Statesville, and Mabel Fox, Myrtle Beach, S.C.; and four grandchildren.

Services: 11 a.m. Thursday, Westmoreland Chapel, Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. J.B. Parker Jr. Burial, New Salem UnitedMethodist Church cemetery.

Visitation: 7-9 tonight at the funeral home.

Memorials: New Salem United Methodist Church, 155 New Salem Road, Statesville, N.C. 28625; or Yadkin Baptist Church, 2980 Wilkesboro Highway, Statesville, N.C. 28625.

Madge Wilkerson Hess

The funeral will be Thursday for Madge Wilkerson Hess, 94, Salisbury, who died Monday (Dec. 27, 1999) at Brightmoor Nursing Center.

Born Jan. 9, 1905, in Davidson County, Mrs. Hess was a daughter of the late Charles and Laura Loftin Wilkerson. Educated in the Davidson County schools, she was a homemaker. She was a member of North Main Baptist Church and a former Sunday school teacher.

Her husband, John Lee Hess, died May 5, 1978, and a son, Arthur Lee Hess, died May 9, 1993.

Survivors include son William O. “Bill” Hess, Salisbury; half brothers Charles Wilkerson, Spencer, and Bob and Ronnie Wilkerson, both of Salisbury; stepsister Katie Heipman, Lexington; and one granddaughter.

Services: 11 a.m.Thursday, Summersett Funeral Home Memorial Chapel, conducted by the Rev. Dale Robertson, pastor, North Main Baptist Church, and the Rev. Wendell Davis. Burial, Chestnut Hill Cemetery.

Visitation: 7-9 tonight at the funeral home. At other times the family will be at the home of granddaughter AmyHess, 1423 Filbert St.

Memorials: North Main Baptist Church, 1501 N. Main St., Salisbury, N.C. 28144.

George Walter Lightfoot Jr.

George Walter Lightfoot Jr., 72, Salisbury Lutheran Home, died Monday (Dec. 27, 1999) at Rowan Regional Medical Center.

Born June 6, 1927, in Jenkins, Ga., Mr.Lightfoot was a son of the late George Walter and Ruth Rocker Lightfoot. He was educated in the Georgia schools and studied corrective therapy at the University of Georgia. He retired as a corrective therapist at Salisbury’s Hefner VAMedical Center. A member of First Baptist Church, he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Survivors include sons George W. Lightfoot III, Louisville, Ga., John W. and Tommy E. Lightfoot, both of Hampton, Va., and Ronald E. Lightfoot, Honolulu, Hawaii; brother John W. Lightfoot, Clarkesville,Ga.; sisters Margaret Barnette, Athens, Ga., and Betty Wiggins, Augusta,Ga.; and five grandchildren.

Services: 10 a.m. Monday, National Cemetery, Salisbury, conducted by a VA Medical Center chaplain.

Visitation: None.

Evergreen Cremation Services in charge.

Memorials: Crippled Children’s Hospital, c/o Rowan County Shrine Club, 4680 Long Ferry Road, Salisbury, N.C. 28146.

Dorothy Snuggs Lowder

ALBEMARLE — Dorothy Snuggs Lowder, 86, Old Salisbury Road, died Tuesday (Dec. 28, 1999).

Born Jan. 6, 1913, in Stanly County, Mrs. Lowder was a daughter of the late Giles Willard and Katherine Thompson Snuggs. A licensed practical nurse, she worked for Dr. G. Ritchie Wall for over 30 years and later for Dr. Kenneth Dyer. She was a member of First Street United Methodist Church.

Her husband, Clifford Taft Lowder, preceded her in death.

Survivors include son Bruce Lowder, Adel, Ga.; daughter Mrs. Larry (Barbara) Bowers, Albemarle; sister Macie Snuggs, Albemarle; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Services: 11 a.m. Thursday, Hartsell Funeral Home’s Lefler Memorial Chapel, conducted by the Rev. Harold McDonald and the Rev.David Colson. Burial,Fairview Memorial Park.

Visitation: 7-9 tonight at the funeral home. At other times the family will be at the home of daughter Mrs. Larry (Barbara) Bowers, 1215 Heritage Drive.

Arthur Luther May

CONCORD — The funeral will be Thursday for Arthur Luther May, 77, 408 Winecoff School Road, who died Monday (Dec. 27, 1999) at Five Oaks Nursing Center.

Born Oct. 20, 1922, in Stanly County, Mr. May was a son of the late Thomas Ernest and Maggie Latin May. A member of Mount Zion First Freewill Baptist Church, Kannapolis, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a brick mason for many years and later retired from Cannon Mills Co. bleachery department.

His first wife, Pearl Earnhardt May, preceded him in death.

Survivors include wife Betty Claxton May; foster children Robbie Earnhardt, Kannapolis, and Judy Earnhardt, Concord; stepsons EdwinWomack, Concord, Greg Womack, Waxhaw, and Richard Womack, Charlotte; sisters Ruby Downs, Charlotte, and Pauline Lefler, Salisbury; brother Frank May, Kannapolis; and three step-grandchildren.

Services: 11 a.m.Thursday, Mount Zion First Freewill Baptist Church, Kannapolis, conducted by the Rev. Joe Rahme. Burial, Center Grove Lutheran Church cemetery, Kannapolis.

Visitation: 7-9 tonight, Whitley’s Funeral Home, Kannapolis. At other times the family will be at the home on Winecoff School Road.

Charles Baxter Miller

MOUNT ULLA — Charles Baxter Miller, 83, Mount Ulla Highway, died Monday (Dec. 27, 1999) at Lake Norman Regional Medical Center, Mooresville.

Born Aug. 16, 1916, in IredellCounty, Mr. Miller was a son of the late George and Margaret Ervin Miller. He retired in 1978 as owner/operator of C&T Grocery on U.S. Hwy. 21, Mooresville.

Survivors include wife Reba Honeycutt Miller, whom he married Oct. 29, 1937; children Mrs. Jerry (CharleneMiller) Overcash, Mount Ulla, Mrs. David (Gloria Miller) Christy, Kannapolis, Gary Miller, Mooresville, and Dr. Kenny Miller, Statesville; brothers Farris, Troy, Archie, Eugene and William “Bill” Miller, all of Mooresville; sister Margaret Miller Darr, Mount Mourne; 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Services: 11 a.m. Thursday, Cavin Funeral Home Chapel, Mooresville, conducted by the Rev. David Shoemake. Burial, Iredell Memorial Gardens, Statesville.

Visitation: 5:30-7 tonight at the funeral home.

Memorials: Mooresville Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 1109, Mooresville, N.C. 28115.

Thomas Edward Morton

NEW LONDON — Thomas Edward Morton, 71, Harper Hearne Road, died Tuesday (Dec. 28, 1999).

Whitley’s Funeral Home, Kannapolis, is in charge. The family will be at the home of son Ronnie Morton, 2125 N.Enochville Ave., Deerfield community, Mooresville.

William T. Page

RUTHERFORDTON — William T. Page, 68, Rutherfordton, father of Tommy Page, Salisbury, died Monday (Dec. 27, 1999) at Rutherford Hospital.

Funeral services were 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 28, at First Baptist Church, Rutherfordton. Burial was at Rutherfordton City Cemetery.

McMahan’s Funeral Home was in charge.

Memorials: First Baptist Church, Building Fund, P.O. Box 839, Rutherfordton,N.C. 28139.

Mildred Ritchie Peeler

The funeral will be Thursday for Mildred Marie Ritchie Peeler, 89, 685 Julian Road, who died Monday (Dec. 27, 1999) at her home after a period of declining health.

Born May 4, 1910, in Rowan County, Mrs. Peeler was a daughter of the late Charles A. and Daisy Safrit Ritchie. A 1929 graduate of Boyden High School, she was a homemaker. She was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, the Boozer Group of Women of ELCA and Sunday school class No. 1.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Littleton Alexander Peeler, and a daughter, Jean Sloop.

Survivors include sons Paul and Charles Peeler, both of Salisbury; daughter Betty Cobb, Salisbury; sisters Hazel Lyerly, Salisbury, and Gladys Suther, Concord; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Services: 11 a.m.Thursday, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, conducted by the Rev. William Ketchie. Burial, family plot in the church cemetery.

Visitation: 7-8:30 tonight, Lyerly Funeral Home. At other times the family will be at the home on Julian Road.

Memorials: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Improvement Fund, 205 St. Paul’s Church Road,Salisbury,N.C. 28146; or Rowan Regional Home Health and Hospice, 825-A W. Henderson St., Salisbury,N.C. 28144.

Mabel Peeler Reep

Mabel Peeler Reep, 72, Salisbury, died Tuesday (Dec. 28, 1999) at Rowan Regional Medical Center.

Lyerly Funeral Home is in charge. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday evening.

Charles H. Reid

Charles H.Reid, 50, 301 1/2 S. Link Ave., died Monday (Dec. 27, 1999) at Rowan RegionalMedical Center.

Born May 19, 1949, in Iredell County, Mr. Reid was a son of the late Hubert and Weddie Carson Reid. He attended Scotts High School, Mitchell College, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and the University of Miami. A member of South River Baptist Church, he was employed in contract sales at Lowe’s Hardware.

Survivors include brothers Michael C. and Alan Anderson Reid, both of Statesville; and sisters Lucy R. Brown, Rachel R. Josey and Becky R. Kilpatrick, all of Statesville, and Sally R. Garrett, Fairfax Station, Va.

Services: 3 p.m. Thursday, Nicholson Funeral Home Chapel, conducted by the Rev. Carl Williams. Burial,South River Baptist Church cemetery.

Visitation: 7-8:30 tonight at the funeral home. At other times the family will be at the home of sister RachelJosey, 170 S. ShadyRest Road.

Memorials: South River Baptist Church, 2659 S. Chipley Ford Road, Statesville, N.C. 28625.

Lillian ‘Lil’ Williams Rivera

EAST SPENCER — Lillian “Lil” Williams Rivera, 90, formerly of 505 S. Long St., died Tuesday (Dec. 28, 1999) at Brian Center Health and Rehabilitation, Salisbury, after several years of declining health.

Born Feb. 22, 1909, in Greensboro, Mrs. Rivera was a daughter of the late John H. and Marie Ritchie Williams. Educated in the Guilford County schools, she attended A&TState University,Greensboro. She retired as a nurse’s aide from French Hospital, New York City. She was a member of Sacred Heart Church, Salisbury.

Her husband, John Rivera, preceded her in death.

Several nieces and nephews survive..

Services: None. The body will be cremated.

Visitation: None.

Mitchell &Fair Funeral Service, Salisbury, is in charge.

Ruth Funderburk Sifford

CONCORD — RuthMae Funderburk Sifford, 75, 3400 Rimer Road, died Tuesday (Dec. 28, 1999) at Big Elm Nursing Center, Kannapolis.

Born Feb. 27, 1924, in Rockwell, Mrs. Sifford was a daughter of the late Raymond Ranson and Daisy Caroline Troutman Funderburk. Educated in the Rockwell schools, she retired from Hoechst Celanese. She was a member of Cross of Christ Lutheran Church for 52 years.

Her husband, Max Hayden Sifford, died Nov. 5, 1977.

Survivors include sons Michael Wayne Sifford, Kannapolis, Norman Carlyle Sifford, York, S.C., and Donald Max Sifford, Rymertown; brothers Charles Eugene Funderburk, Concord, and Billy Max Funderburk, Rockwell; sisters Carrie Belle Bost and Myrtle Bernice Williams, both of Charlotte, Sadie Marie Wagner, Kannapolis, and Ruby Faye Fox and Cleo Irene Lyerly, both of Faith; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Services: 3 p.m. Thursday, Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, conducted by the Rev. Joseph Miller. Burial, church cemetery.

Visitation: 2-3 p.m. Thursday at the church.

Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home, Landis, is in charge.

Clyde Weldon Steen

The funeral will be Thursday for Clyde Weldon Steen, 75, Salisbury, who died Monday (Dec. 27, 1999) at Rowan Regional Medical Center.

Born Oct. 17, 1924, in Gastonia, Mr. Steen was a son of the late William W. and Annie Bell Shaw Steen. Educated in the Charlotte schools, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He retired after 18 years from Fiber Industries, now KoSa. A member of Landmark Church, he was in the senior’s Sunday school class.

He was preceded in death by his wife,Jean Holmes Steen, and a great-granddaughter.

Survivors include son Clyde “Chip”Steen Jr., of the home; daughters Mrs. Terry (Diane)Holshouser, Mrs. Frank (Jean) Winburn and Mrs. Bennie (Cathy) Goodman, all of Salisbury; six grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and three step-great-grandchildren.

Services: 3 p.m. Thursday, Landmark Church, conducted by the Rev. Benny Hillard, pastor, and the Rev. Jerry Snipes, associate pastor. The body will be placed in the church at 2:30. Burial, Rowan Memorial Park. Military rites by Rowan County Veterans Council.

Visitation: 7-8:30 tonight, Lyerly Funeral Home. At other times the family will be at the home.

Memorials: Landmark Church, 1910 Mooresville Road, Salisbury, N.C. 28147; or Rowan County Veterans Council, P.O. Box 1054, Salisbury, N.C. 28145-1054.

Betty Lou Walton

Betty Lou Troutman Walton, 67, Salisbury, died Tuesday (Dec. 28, 1999) at Rowan Regional Medical Center after 10 years of declining health and three weeks of serious illness.

Born Nov.3, 1932, in Rowan County, Mrs. Walton was a daughter of the late Thomas Pell and Geneva Lucille Troutman Fortune. A graduate of Rockwell High School, she retired in 1990 after 38 years from Cartex Mill. She was a member of Union Lutheran Church.

Survivors include husband Kenneth Frank Walton, whom she married Dec. 24, 1952; son Ricky Walton, Gold Hill; brothers Frank, Bill, Larry, Jimmy and Gary Fortune, all of Salisbury; sister Lillian Hoover, Orangeburg, S.C.; one grandchild; and one step-grandson.

Services: 2 p.m. Friday, Union Lutheran Church, conducted by the Rev. Darrell Norris. Burial, church cemetery.

Visitation: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Summersett Funeral Home.