Jean O’Day: Obituary
Obituaries November 26, 2018
Jean O’Day, age 90, of Murphy, passed away Saturday, November 24, 2018 in a Murphy hospital. She was a native of Hamilton County, Tennessee, but had lived in Newburgh, Indiana and Volusta County, Florida before moving to Murphy in 1993. Jean was a retired office supervisor in the real estate business. She was a member of the Eastern Star Martha Chapter 246. She was a member of Murphy First Baptist Church and was also a choir member.
She was the daughter of the late John & Grace Dunville Callis. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Charles Callis.
Surviving are her husband, Tom O’Day of Murphy; a daughter, Anna France of Deltona, Florida; a step daughter, Colleen Murphy of Orlando, Florida; a son Brent Dougherty and wife, Deborah of Apopka, Florida; four step sons, Michael O’Day and Dennis O’Day, both of Mt. Dora Florida, Shawn O’Day of Eustice, Florida and Thomas O’Day of Orlando, Florida; a sister Anne Whitfield of Newburgh, Tennessee; three grandchildren, Meghan Dougherty, Lauren and Austen France. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Jean O’Day to Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.
Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.
Sarah Annita Snell Sullivan: Obituary
Obituaries December 27, 2018
Sarah Annita Snell Sullivan, 75, of Andrews passed away Sunday, December 16, 2018 in a Chattanooga, Tennessee hospital. She was a native of Shelbyville, Tennessee, but lived most of her life in Nashville, Tennessee where she worked for United Parcel Service. She moved to Plant City, Florida in 1979 and worked as a pharmacy technician at South Florida Baptist Hospital before retiring to Andrews in 1998. Annita worked locally at Gibson Shoes. She was a member of Valleytown Baptist Church where she served as Vacation Bible School director. Annita enjoyed scrapbooking.
She was the daughter of the late Master Sergeant Carlisle and Sarah Wiggins Snell and the wife of the late Jerry Dean Sullivan, who died December 14, 2014.
Surviving are two daughters, Teresa Jean Sullivan-Witham and husband, William of Dunlap, Tennessee and Jeri-Ann Sullivan of Marble; a son, Richard Sullivan of Andrews; three sisters, Patricia McBroom of Nashville, Tennessee, Sylvia Weaver and husband, Douglas of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and Carlene Pulley and husband, Lynn of Watertown, Tennessee; five grandchildren, John David, Josh, Shelby, and Chelsea Langford, and Colton Morgan; seven great grandchildren, Dominick, Cayden, Clarabelle, Little Josh, Jaxton, John David IV, and Killian; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, December 20, 2018 in the Valleytown Baptist Church with the Rev. Eric Byrd and John Cook officiating. The interment was in Valleytown Cemetery. Pallbearers were John Cook, Josh Morgan, Chuck Davis, Donnie Ray Bradley, Larry Rogers, and Luke Byrd.
The family received friends from 12-1:45 Thursday afternoon at the Valleytown Baptist Church prior to the services.
Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews in charge of all arrangements.
Cassandra “Sandy” Marie Moore: Obituary
Obituaries December 18, 2018
Cassandra “Sandy” Marie Moore, 74, loving wife and mother of two children passed away unexpectedly at Indian River Medical Center after a brief illness Monday, Oct. 15, 2018.
Sandy was born March 22, 1944 to the late Robert Wesley Underhill and Carrie Underhill Smith in Erlanger, Ky. She is also preceded in death by her husband, John Allen Moore, of Hayesville, a brother, Ralph Wesley Underhill, of Erlanger and a son, Charles “Chuck” Edward Moore. Sandy is survived by her son Rob, of Hayesville, and two nieces, Kim and Melinda Underhill, of Centerville, Ohio. She attended Lloyd High School in Erlanger and graduated in 1962 where she excelled academically, musically and athletically as a swimmer and cheerleader. Sandy went on to attend and graduate from Eastern Kentucky University in 1966 with a degree in English and education and later receiving her masters in special education from the University of Cincinnati. She went on to teach for 15 years at Holmes High School specializing in the developmental programs, curriculum and the needs of special education students.
Sandy married John Allen Moore on March 22, 1977 in Cincinnati, Ohio and was happily married for 38 years. Sandy and John Allen resided in Cincinnati until 1986 when they retired and moved back to Clay County. After retirement, she and John Allen returned to school for their real estate brokers licenses developing property throughout Clay County. Sandy enjoyed interior decorating and design, landscaping design and gardening. Sandy was a member of the Hayesville First United Methodist Church, singing in the choir. She was also a founding member of the Hayesville VFW Post 6812 Women’s Auxiliary.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 11 at the Hayesville First United Methodist Church by the Rev. Denise Kilgo-Martin. Following will be a short internment ceremony at Ledford Chapel cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hayesville First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 85, Hayesville, N.C. 28904 and/or to the Hayesville High School John & Cassandra Moore Memorial Scholarship Fund at 205 Yellow Jacket Drive, Hayesville, N.C. 28904.
Gene Bryant: Obituary
Obituaries December 3, 2018
Gene Bryant was a storyteller. He liked nothing better than holding court with friends and family while regaling tales that made everyone laugh and cry. His own life story is certainly worthy of recounting. Gene’s life began March 10th1943. He finished his race two days before his 51st wedding anniversary November 30th 2018. He was preceded in death by parents, Horace L. Bryant and Nora Taylor Bryant; brothers Paul Bryant, Jim Bryant, Mark Bryant and Charlie Bryant; and a sister Elda Bryant Hensley.
Many family and friends remain behind to honor his memory. He is survived by the love of his life, wife Bessie Mason Bryant. Once, early in their marriage, Bessie declared she was leaving. Gene packed a bag and said he loved her so much he would just go with her. Bessie realized Gene was a keeper and she stayed. Gene was adored by his children; a daughter Sandy West (husband Danny); a son Randy Bryant (wife Jeana). Devin and Brayden West were more than his grandsons; they counted their papaw as their best friend. Gene relished in his grandsons with rough housing and practical jokes, fishing, and flea marketing. In May, Gene was so proud to watch Brayden give the Valedictorian speech as he graduated high school. In October, Gene was able to stand with Devin while performing his marriage ceremony to his own true love, Kyndra. Gene often spoke of his special adopted grand-daughter Hannah Thacker. He is also survived by sister Burdell Bryant Church, of Concord, North Carolina.
In his life, Gene enjoyed a range of jobs, duties, and offices. He served on the Macon County Board of Education, and as an official who married many couples. He loved his church family and went to Rowland’s Creek Baptist Church every time the doors were open, and for some time while there served as Sunday School Superintendent. He built clutches, worked for Asheville Paving, worked at Magnavox, and served as a mailman. He worked and retired from the Asheville Citizen Times as a district manager. He managed a fleet of sno-kone trucks that brought happiness to thousands of children on many hot summer days. Perhaps his favorite job of all was working at the “Nantahala Walmart” aka the recycling center, where he was able to enjoy his favorite hobby of looking for treasure. One of his most lovable qualities was his way of giving nicknames to everyone. His friends will remember that he often ignored their given names for titles like Tobe, Dithers, Catechism, Drybones, and Spider. His nicknames were badges of honor and often stuck because it helped flavor the rest of our world with some of Gene’s humor and spirit.
Gene loved Flea Markets and had a passion for collecting anything and trading for everything. He never met a stranger he didn’t talk to or try to trade with. Everyone who knows Gene will remember he was celebrated for amassing things. It was a common understanding that “if you needed something Gene Bryant either had it or knew where to find it.” Objects that many people discarded as junk, Gene would pick up and bring home. He had a special way of looking at everything- it was never junk to him. He always saw the potential in all creation- nothing was junk- just things waiting to find their purpose. He always saw the value instead of deficiency. His optimistic view wasn’t limited to the things found at flea markets, junkyards and the “Nantahala Walmart.” He also saw the same kind of potential and good in people. Even in people who were like the abandoned items he salvaged; even if they appeared to have no good or worth left in them. Gene always said good things, saw the best and professed hope for the others everyone else had given up on. It was his mission to show them God. He was always asking others if they knew the Lord, trying to find a glimmer of worth or treasure somewhere in that person’s heart, despite their reputation, behavior, or history. Gene’s decency and humbleness in this respect made him the rare find, a treasure among men. He lived his life as a shining Christian example and although he loved collecting “stuff” it will be his collection of friends and family that is the most lasting testament to his life.
Gene Bryant’s final days were indicative of a man who engineered a life well spent. Although he will be sorely missed, his final chapter should be read as a happy ending. He spent his last week surrounded by a parade of friends and family who made the pilgrimage to Harris Community Hospital to see him before he shed the earthly house of this tabernacle. The last moments of his story could not have been more beautiful. Those moments were spent peacefully, accompanied by his sweet wife and daughter quietly singing his favorite hymns while leaning in closely so he could hear them. He drifted into eternity to meet his Lord and Savior in the best possible way. Although his body was failing and modern medicine could not intervene, Gene had already secured his eternity sixty years ago by taking the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior. Gene’s family rests in the certainty that this husband, father, and papaw was collected by God to join God’s own assortment of priceless things.
No one realized it at the time, but Goodbyes were always important to Gene. When leaving his own parents house, he would say “Love em” meaning instructing his own children to love on their grandparents one at a time, the regular ritual of saying goodbye before they walked out the door. Gene was conscious of the ceremony of leaving. Every night he loved on his children, and as Sandy said he wanted to hear her say “Good Night Daddy- Love You- Sweet Dreams ‘Sweep’ Tight.” When Gene would prepare to leave after a visit to a neighbor or relative, he would say, “All youns come and go with us.” And if we could hear him right now, that is probably what he is saying to us, inviting us to follow him into the Kingdom.
Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, December 3, 2018 at Rowland’s Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Kenny Ball, Rev. Jim Postell, and Rev. Dana Dockery officiating. The interment will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 4th at Aquone Community Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Devin and Brayden West, Fred Guffey, Mike and Doug Bryant, and Kenny Cope.
The family will receive friends from 5:00-6:45 p.m. Monday at Rowland’s Creek Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Rev. Gene Bryant to: Aquone Community Cemetery Fund, 71 Old School Road, Topton, NC 28781.
Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews in charge of all arrangements.
Sylvia Ann Day Brattebo: Obituary
Obituaries November 26, 2018
Sylvia Ann Day Brattebo, 88, of Hayesville passed away Thursday, November 15, 2018 in a Blairsville, Georgia care facility. She was born and raised in Ames, Iowa. She enjoyed music and played the oboe in the Ames High School band.
Sylvia graduated from Iowa State Teachers College, now known as the University of Northern Iowa. She worked as a school teacher for two years in Reinbeck and Keota, Iowa.
Sylvia was faithful to her God and the Methodist church, staying active throughout her many moves. She was a member of the Hayesville First United Methodist Church.
She volunteered at Granny’s Attic in the 1990s and was a member of the Friends of the Moss Memorial Library.
Sylvia enjoyed gardening and loved all sports, including playing tennis. She was an avid reader.
She was a loving and supportive wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, and devoted to family and home.
She was the daughter of the late Richard Dilman and Vera Mae Sanders Day and the wife of the late Howard Clark Brattebo, who died January 8, 2011 in Hayesville. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Kristine Lee Brattebo.
Surviving are a daughter, Ann Brattebo Doran of Hayesville; a son, David Mark Brattebo of Canton, Georgia; a sister, Lyla Ruth Day of Savannah, Georgia; a brother, Richard L. Day of Cambria, California; four grandchildren, Melissa B. Fetzner, John R. Baker and wife, Dana, Annelise B. Collins and husband, Bobby, and David “Nate” Brattebo and wife, Amber; and seven great grandchildren, Delanie, Madeline, Cole, Andrew, Delaney, Joseph, and Thor.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 26, 2018 in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville with the Rev. Kirk Hatherly officiating.
The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior to the services at the Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Sylvia Ann Day Brattebo to the Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington D.C. 20090-6011.
Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of all arrangements.
Max Hubert McClure: Obituary
Obituaries November 26, 2018
Max Hubert McClure, age 80, of Murphy, passed away Friday, November 9, 2018 in a Murphy hospital. He was a native and lifetime resident of Cherokee County. He had served in the United States Army. Max was a lifelong carpenter and brick mason. Max enjoyed farming, raising cattle, and gardening. He was a devoted member of Mt. Liberty Baptist Church where he had served as a Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, taught Bible School, and helped maintain the church. He also volunteered with the Hope for the Hungry Ministry.
He was the son of the late Charlie W. and Maude F. Rogers McClure. He was also preceded in death by an infant brother, David McClure and brother, Charles McClure.
He is survived by his family whom he deeply loved. Surviving are his wife of 52 years, Penny Nelson McClure; a daughter Tammy Rice and husband, Tony of Franklin, North Carolina; two sons Tony McClure and wife, Connie of Murphy and Travis McClure and wife, Leigh Ann of Clarkesville, Tennessee; two sisters, Aline Ware and Cleo Smith and husband, Carl all of Murphy; a brother Bill McClure and wife, Pat of Green Valley, Arizona; four grandchildren, Darian McClure, Hunter, Haidyn, and Harley Rice. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at Mt. Liberty Baptist Church with Rev. Zack Orton, Rev. Warren Golden, and Rev. Eddis Dockery officiating. The interment was in the church cemetery with military gravesite rites conducted by Hayesville American Legion Post 532, Murphy American Legion Post 96, and Hayesville VFW Post 6812. Pallbearers were Hunter, Haidyn, and Harley Rice, David Dockery, John and Ben Crisp. Honorary pallbearers were Darian and Mike McClure and Jim and Adam Crisp.
The family received friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Monday at the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy where the body remained until placed in the church 30 minutes prior to the services.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Max McClure to the Mt. Liberty Baptist Church Building Fund, 1700 Old Murphy Road, Murphy, NC 28906.
Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.
Ruby Paschal Ivey: Obituary
Obituaries March 19, 2019
Ruby Paschal Ivey
Ruby Paschal Ivey, age 88, of Murphy, formerly of Riverview, Alabama, passed away Friday, December 14, 2018 in a Blairsville, Georgia hospital. She was a native of Riverview, but had lived most of her life in Maryland before retiring in Riverview. Ruby was a homemaker and was of the Baptist faith. Ruby was an avid gardener and enjoyed spending time with her family.
She was the daughter of the late Grady B. and Kate Smith Paschal and the wife of the late Thereay Ivey, who died June 17, 2007. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Gwendolyn Lull.
Surviving are a daughter, Nanette “Nan” Gouge and husband, Charles of Murphy; three sons, Ricky Ivey of Baltimore, Maryland, Don Ivey and wife, Monika of Murphy, and Jerry Ivey and wife, Roxanne of Elkton, Maryland; three brothers, Wallace Paschal and wife, Loreen of Opelika, Alabama, Holland Paschal and wife, Faye of Valley, Alabama, and Leon Paschal and wife, Dorothy of Tiger, Georgia; 10 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and 6 great great grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. C.D.T., April 6, 2019 in the Shady Grove Christian Church in Opelika, Alabama. The interment will be in the church cemetery.
Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of arrangements.
Irene Martin: Obituary
Obituaries January 15, 2019
Irene Martin, 87, of Blairsville, Georgia, formerly of Murphy, passed away Tuesday, January 15, 2019 in Union County Nursing Home.
Faye Smith Watkins: Obituary
Obituaries January 15, 2019
Faye Smith Watkins passed away Saturday, December 22, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Born Lucy Faye Martin on November 21, 1925 in Andrews, North Carolina to Dink Cruise Martin and Weldon Martin. She was raised in Andrews and graduated from Andrews High School in April of 1942.
Faye provided service during WWII as a Radio Mechanic Signal Section starting in September 1943.
Faye married Ivan Edward Smith on January 22, 1947 and had three children, Ronald Edward born November 27, 1947 in Baltimore, Maryland, Barbara Joyce (Bell) born August 19, 1950 in Andrews, North Carolina and Beverely Jane (Hector Cardenas) born December 27, 1951 in Andrews, North Carolina. Faye lived in many places including Baltimore, Maryland, Marietta and Kennesaw Georgia, and Phoenix, Arizona. She was divorced from Ivan in 1974. Faye worked as the Personnel Manager from November 1971 to August 1987 at Goldwaters in Phoenix, a Division of Associated Dry Goods Corporation later acquired by May Company. She was married to Samuel Harvey Watkins on May 16, 1987. Faye lived in Overgaard, Arizona until February 1995, then relocated to Phoenix.
Faye is survived by her sister, Leola Martin Jordan, her three children and her four loving grandchildren, Rhonda McMahan (Jeffrey) Skallan, Shannon Bell, Michael Cardenas, and Christopher Cardenas.
Members of immediate family received family and friends beginning at noon on Monday, January 14, 2019 followed by a chapel service at 1:00 PM at Ivie Funeral Home in Andrews, North Carolina. A graveside service followed at Valleytown Cemetery, Andrews.
Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews in charge of local arrangements.
Tabitha Rae Coffey: Obituary
Obituaries January 15, 2019
Tabitha Rae Coffey, age 39, of Marble, passed away Friday, January 4, 2019.
Elveta Stamey,: Obituary
Obituaries November 26, 2018
Elveta Stamey, 96, of Hayesville passed away Tuesday, November 13, 2018 in a Towns County, Georgia care facility. She was a native of Clay County, where she had lived most of her life. Elveta worked at Carolina Dress and Peachtree Products for several years. She was a member of the Tusquittee Church of God.
She was the daughter of the late Stephen and Zada Reynolds Rowland. She was also preceded in death by a son, Sammy Stamey; four sisters; a brother; and three step-sisters.
Surviving are three daughters, Carole Scroggs of Jonesboro, Tennessee, Dolores Law of Nashville, Tennessee, and Lynn Padgett of Hayesville; two sons, Clarence Stamey of Castle Rock, Washington and Edward Stamey of Suches, Georgia; nine grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; four step-great grandchildren; and two great great grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, November 17, 2018 in the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville with the Rev. Gary Ashe and Bishop Rayburne Wilson officiating. The interment was in Union Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers were grandsons, Marty Scroggs, Sammy Lee Stamey, Richie Parker, Jeff Padgett, Zach Cook, and Brent Scroggs. Honorary pallbearers were Dalton Padgett, Liam Parker, and Drew Cook.
The family received friends from 1-2:45 Saturday afternoon at the Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville prior to the services.
Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of all arrangements.
Donald Kelly: Obituary
Obituaries November 26, 2018
Donald Kelly, 87, of Hayesville passed away Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at his residence. He was a native of Natick, Massachusetts. Donald lived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania most of his adult life. He also lived in Bonita Springs, Florida before moving to Hiawassee, Georgia in 2009. Donald served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was very active with the VFW Post 7807 in Hiawassee, where he was a lifetime member. He was also a member of the American Legion and supported the local Warrior Clan. Donald was a member of the Hayesville First United Methodist Church.
He was the son of the late William Thomas and Margaret McGlone Kelly. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, John V. Kelly and William Thomas Kelly.
Surviving are two sons, Donald Scott Kelly and wife, Gina of Bristol, Pennsylvania, and Craig Kelly of Langhorne, Pennsylvania; his life partner, Billie Shelburn of Hayesville; and four grandchildren, Christine, Bryant, Taylor, and Shawn.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 8, 2018 at the VFW Post 7807, 1329 Sunnyside Road, Hiawassee, Georgia.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the VFW Post 7807, 1329 Sunnyside Road, Hiawassee, GA 30546.
Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of arrangements.
Dr. Walter Bryant Graham: Obituary
Obituaries March 19, 2019
Dr. Walter Bryant Graham
Dr. Walter Bryant Graham, age 82, of Murphy, passed away Saturday, March 16, 2019 in a Murphy care facility. He was born and raised in Battle Creek, Michigan and had joined the United States Air Force after graduating high school. Walter was a Korean War Era veteran who served as a pharmacy tech. He later completed his undergraduate studies at Michigan State University and received his Doctorate at the University of Florida. Walter completed his residency at Baylor University before returning to the University of Florida where he received his Neurology doctorate. He began work in Bradenton, Florida in 1970 where he had worked as a Doctor of Neurology until his retirement in 1999. Following retirement, he moved to Murphy in 2000. Walter had enjoyed fishing in his younger years, gardening, and was a wonderful chef.
He was the son of the late Wilfred and Elizabeth Bryant Graham. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Ann.
Surviving are his wife of 46 years, Ann Nixon Graham; two daughters, Norma Banes and husband, David of Gainesville, Florida and Kendra Dibble and husband, Lucius of Shelbourn, Vermont; two sons, Al Graham and wife, Yvonne of Bradenton, Florida and Andrew Graham and wife, Jessica of McKinney, Texas; a sister, Marcia West and husband, Monty of Michigan; eight grandchildren, Kevin Banes, Heather Sullivan, Aaron and Nick Graham, Ava and Audrey Graham, Graham and Anna Dibble; and a great granddaughter, Riley Sullivan.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements
Stella Mease Cloer: Obituary
Obituaries January 15, 2019
Stella Mease Cloer, 90, of Asheville, formerly of Hayesville, passed away Thursday, January 3, 2019 in a Canton, North Carolina care facility. She was a native of Clay County and lived in Haywood County for 38 years before moving to Buncombe County four years ago. She was a homemaker and also worked as a seamstress. Stella was of the Baptist faith.
She was the daughter of the late Tom and Anna Watson Mease and the wife of the late Andrew “Andy” Jacob Cloer, who died June 6, 2009. She was also preceded in death by an infant son, Thomas William Cloer; and a sister, Windle Mease.
Surviving are a son, Randy Cloer of Sylva; a brother, Dennis Mease of Hayesville; and a granddaughter and caregivers, Bethany Starling and husband, John of Asheville.
Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, January 7, 2019 in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville with the Rev. Dwight Moss officiating. The interment was in the Hayesville First United Methodist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were David McClure, John Starling, Jack Sales, Floyd Phillips, Danny Jones, and Joe Buckner.
The family received friends from 12-1:45 Monday afternoon at the Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville prior to the services.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Stella Mease Cloer to the Mountain Projects for Senior Services, 2177 Asheville Road, Waynesville, NC 28786.
Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of all arrangements.
Marie Crisp McKee: Obituary
Obituaries November 26, 2018
Marie Crisp McKee, 87, of Akron, Ohio, formerly of Murphy, passed away Sunday, November 11, 2018 at her daughter’s residence. She was born in Akron, but had spent her childhood in Murphy before returning to Akron. She was married in Akron to Edward Eugene McKee Sr. and lived throughout the country as a military wife, including California, which held her fondest memories. Marie enjoyed spending time with her family, but especially her grandchildren. She was a lifetime member of Akron Baptist Temple. Marie had served in the church throughout her life. She was very proud of her Western North Carolina heritage, which dates back hundreds of years through the Crisp family.
She was the daughter of the late Ephraim and Sadie Woods Crisp. She was also preceded in death by an infant daughter, Diana Gail; and a brother, Almond James Crisp.
Surviving are a daughter, Shirley McKee Beaty and husband, Paul of Suwanee, Georgia; four sons, Edward Eugene McKee Jr. of Louisville, Kentucky, Kenneth Wayne McKee and husband, Frank Twitty III of Atlanta, Georgia, David Alan McKee of Akron, Ohio, and Michael Paul McKee of Mountain Grove, Missouri; a brother, Orville Billy Crisp and wife, Marie of Murphy; six grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 17, 2018 in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy with President Ronald T. Moore presiding. The interment was in Peachtree Community Cemetery. Pallbearers were Edward, Kenneth, and Russ McKee, Paul Beaty, Frank Twitty, and Troy Guerrero.
The family received friends from 10-10:45 Saturday morning at the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy prior to the services.
Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.
Steve Allen: Obituary
Obituaries November 26, 2018
Steve Allen, 59, of Murphy passed away Wednesday, November 7, 2018. He was a lifetime resident of the Boiling Springs Community.
Steve began his career as a machinist with King Auto Supply. He moved on to become an engine builder and pit crew member with several NASCAR teams including DiGard Racing, Race Hill Farms, Cale Yarborough Motorsports, Morgan-McClure Motorsports, and Hendrick Motorsports.
Following this, Steve began his own venture as the owner / head engine builder at Steve Allen Racing. One of the brightest highlights of his racing career occurred in 2006 when his engine won the Meijer 300 in the Busch Grand National Series at Kentucky Speedway.
He was an active member of Boiling Springs Baptist Church.
Steve enjoyed building and flying radio-controlled airplanes, camping with his family, and many forms of music, but especially gospel and bluegrass.
He was the son of Donna Lindsey Allen of Murphy and the late Robert Benjamin Allen.
Surviving, in addition to his mother, are his wife of 40 years, Nadine O’Dell Allen; two daughters, LeighAnna Colgrove and husband, Ben of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Michele Allen-Biggs and husband, Galen of Kannapolis, North Carolina; two sisters, Lydia Long and husband, William A. Jr. of Edgewater, Florida, and Lindsey Denny and husband, Mac of Murphy; a brother, David Allen and wife, Cindy of Murphy; three grandchildren, who were the joy of his life, Luke, Stella, and Claire Colgrove, whom he loved spending time with; an aunt, Dorothy Davis of Gainesville, Georgia; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, November 11, 2018 in Boiling Springs Baptist Church with the Rev. Eddis Dockery officiating. The interment will take place at Hanging Dog Baptist Church Cemetery at a later date. Pallbearers were Ben Colgrove, Galen Biggs, Alan Pipes, Dale and Eddie Allen, J.B. Reeves, and Keith and George Mashburn. Jack Elder and Jerry Turner served as honorary pallbearers.
The family received friends from 2:00-3:00 Sunday afternoon at the Boiling Springs Baptist Church prior to the services.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Steve Allen to the Gideons International (Murphy Camp), PO Box 164, Murphy, NC 28906.
Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.