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John E. Melton
GASTONIA - John Emzia Melton, 76, 4406 Dairydown Lane, died June 12, 2000, at Century Care of Gastonia. He was a native of Chesterfield County, S.C., son of the late John Albert and Lucy Boone Melton, member of New Life Baptist Church, Bessemer City, where he was a former custodian and trustee.
SURVIVORS: Wife, Betty M. Melton; son, Larry Melton, Pageland, S.C.; daughters, Sylvia Melton, Foley, Ala., Joyce Washburn, Mebane, Linda Mullis, Pageland, Myra Philbeck and Nancy Dickens, Gastonia; brothers, James Melton, Charlotte, Harlon and Chester Melton, Kershaw, S.C., Harry Melton, Jefferson, S.C.; sisters, Omega Grooms, Peggy Joan Miles, Jefferson, Daisey Lowery, Pageland; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren preceded in death BY: Two brothers and a sister
FUNERAL: 1 p.m. Wednesday, New Life Baptist Church, Revs. Gene Ware, Dave Davis
BURIAL: Gaston Memorial Park
VISITATION: 7-9 tonight, Greene Funeral Service, Southside Chapel; other times at the home
PALLBEARERS: Charles Barker, Joe Dellinger, Lester Detter, Randall Johnson, Kenneth Owens, Larry Suggs
MEMORIALS: New Life Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 1258, Bessemer City 28016
Martin L. Warren
GASTONIA - Martin Lane "Marty" Warren, 46, 3009 River Ridge Drive, died June 27, 2000, at his parents’ Belmont home. He was a native of Gaston County, employed by AMP Inc. for 18 years, member of YBMC Little Orangemen championship teams, awarded Sportsman Award two consecutive years, member of North/South Band, organizer and musician of Carnival Band, played collegiate circuit.
SURVIVORS: Parents, Charles L. "Chuck" Sr. and Dorothy Lane "Dottie" Warren, Belmont; brother, Charles "Chuck" Warren Jr., Gastonia; sister, Paige Suzanne W. Jen, Gastonia; mother of his godchildren, Jill Anthony Scot, Gastonia; godchildren, Peyton Trinity Scot, Natalie Scot Goodson; nieces and nephews
FUNERAL: 2 p.m. Friday, McLean-Bumgardner Funeral Home, Belmont, Rev. Sammy Oxendine, Mr. Charles L. Warren Jr.
BURIAL: Evergreen Cemetery, Belmont
VISITATION: 7-8:30 tonight, funeral home
PALLBEARERS: Tom Faris, Mike Golobe, David Suttles, Curt Williams, Lewis Lynn, Barry McCarter
HONORARY PALLBEARERS: Bobby and Tolly Summey
MEMORIALS: American Cancer Society, 500 E. Morehead St., Charlotte 28202 or Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children, 950 W. Faris Road, Greenville, S.C. 29605
Michael J. Bennett
BLACKSBURG, S.C. — Michael Jacob Bennett, 53, 222 Jones St., formerly of Shelby, died June 27, 2000, at Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte. He was a native of Cleveland County, son of the late Henry Wilson Bennett Jr., truck driver for Conway Truck Load Service, member of Dover Baptist Church, graduate of Cherryville High School, coached Marion High School football team, American Legion baseball, City Park Baseball League.
SURVIVORS: Wife, Diana Lynn Linkous Bennett; sons and daughters-in-law, Michael Jr. and Michelle Candy, Gary Dean and Kathryn, Henry Jason and Tracey Bennett, Shelby; daughters, Kristy Bennett Dixon, Dana Lynn Bennett, Shelby; mother and stepfather, Juanita Huffstetler Bennett and Roland Hill, Cherryville; brothers and sisters-in-law, Rocky and Lynn Bennett, Cherryville, Bobby and Teresa Bennett, Alexis; sisters and brother-in-law, Mary Anne Bennett, Sherry and Jerry Hayes, Cherryville; grandsons, Gary Michael, Jacob Arnold and Dalton Cole Bennett; granddaughters, Amber Marie, Beverly Ann, Bailey Michelle and Karson Alaina Bennett, Taylor Mackenzie, Kelsea Savannah, Kennedy Diana and Hannah Nicole Dixon
FUNERAL: 11 a.m. Friday, Mulls Memorial Baptist Church, Revs. Ervin Price, Don Horn
BURIAL: Sunset Cemetery
VISITATION: 6-8 tonight, Clay-Barnette Funeral Home
MEMORIALS: Cherryville American Legion, Stadium Fund, 215 N. Pink St., Cherryville 28021
Michael R. Hamilton
GASTONIA - Michael Richard Hamilton, 21, 208 Glenmoor Court, died June 24, 2000, in Elizabeth City. He was a native of Akron, Ohio, avionics technician for the Coast Guard, stationed in Elizabeth City, attained the rank of AVT3, graduate of South Point High School, member of Myers Memorial United Methodist Church.
SURVIVORS: Parents, Larry Richard and Vicky Lynn Welch Hamilton; sister, Kelly Hamilton, the home; paternal grandparents, Paul Hamilton, Virginia Hamilton, Randolph, Ohio; maternal grandfather, John Welch, Killbuck, Ohio; special girlfriend, Jessica Phillips
FUNERAL: Held Tuesday, Myers Memorial United Methodist Church, Rev. Tom Latimer
INTERMENT: Evergreen Cemetery, Cramerton, with full military honors by The U.S. Coast Guard
MEMORIALS: Little Red School House Fund or Playground Fund, c/o Myers Memorial United Methodist Church, 301 S. New Hope Road, Gastonia 28054
ARRANGEMENTS: Carothers Funeral Home, Belmont
John F. Brown
BELMONT - John Franklin Brown, 81, 4136 Brown Drive, died June 28, 2000, at Presbyterian Hospital, Charlotte. He was a native of Iredell County, son of the late George W. and Flossie Stewart Brown, retired Master Sergeant from the Air Force after 23 years of service, served with Battery B 36th field artillery and the 79th Fighter Squadron, serving with the 8th Army in Africa, attended Mount Holly Church of God.
SURVIVORS: Daughter, Sharon B. Sealey, Belmont; grandson, William Scott Sealy; great-grandchildren, Brandi Michelle, Brittni Christian and William J.K. Sealey; brothers, Glenn David Brown, Carroll "Ross" Brown, Belmont; sisters, Marie Brown Starling, Belmont, Gladys Brown Kiser, Charlotte preceded in death BY: Brother, Benjamin Brown; sister, Georgia Belle Brown Cope
FUNERAL: 2 p.m. Saturday, Mount Holly Church of God, Revs. J.D. Collins, John Banks, Harry Davis, Foy Mercer
BURIAL: Greenwood Cemetery
VISITATION: 7-9 p.m. Friday, Carothers Funeral Home, Belmont
Shirley H. Brooks
GROVER — Shirley Hartgrove Brooks, 61, 235 Roseborough Road, died June 26, 2000, at Brian Center, Gastonia. She was the daughter of the late Earnest Hartgrove, wife of the late Walter Lee Brooks Sr.
SURVIVORS: Sons, Gregory Hartgrove, Christopher Brooks, Shelby, Aaron Brooks, Grover; daughters, Lesia and Vickie Brooks, Grover, Cheryline and Carsandra Brooks, Shelby; mother, Victoria Hartgrove; brother, Richard Hartgrove, Spring Lake; sisters, Odessa Robbs, Shelby, Sue and Margaret Feaster, Sunday Meeks, Grover, Terri Hopper, Charlotte; 17 grandchildren; nieces, nephews, relatives and friends preceded in death BY: Son, Walter Lee Brooks Jr.
FUNERAL: 4 p.m. Friday, Ellis Chapel, Rev. Walter B. Ellis
BURIAL: Church cemetery
VISITATION: One hour before service, church
ARRANGEMENTS: Withrow’s Funeral Home, Kings Mountain
Sarah K. Farris
BURLINGTON — Sarah K. Farris, 77, 2714 Mirrorlake Drive, formerly of Gaston County, died June 25, 2000, at Alamance Regional Medical Center. She was a native of Gaston County, daughter of the late Oscar Grady and Pearl Jane Harmon Kiser, retired from Burlington Beauty College, former instructor at Gaston County Beauty College, former member of Heshbon Presbyterian Church, Sunday school teacher, youth leader, active in Women of the Church, member of Shiloh Presbyterian Church, Burlington, Women of the Church, former president, Joy Circle, former Sunday school teacher, active in youth leadership.
SURVIVORS: Husband, Paul E. Farris; sons, Paul Grady Farris, Burlington, Michael Douglas Farris, Salisbury; sisters, Kathryn K. Tenner, Laura Jane Carver, Bessemer City; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren preceded in death BY: Brothers, Michael, Jackson and Fornum Kiser; sister, Bunny K. Self
MEMORIAL SERVICE: 3 p.m. Sunday, Shiloh Presbyterian Church, Rev. Suzanne Shoffner ENTOMBMENT: Alamance Memorial Park
VISITATION: After service, the church
MEMORIALS: Shiloh Presbyterian Church, 2634 Alamance Road, Burlington 27215
ARRANGEMENTS: Rich & Thompson Mortuary
Robert L. Hall
GASTONIA - Robert Lewis Hall, 65, 206 W. Bradley St., died June 26, 2000, at Gaston Memorial Hospital. He was a native of York County, S.C., son of the late Raymond and Hattie Armstrong Hall, retired forklift operator from Avon Bonding Co.
SURVIVORS: Wife, Bessie W. Hall, Lowell; daughters and son-in-law, Sharon and Julius Fonville, Lowell, Sandra H. Curry, Debra A. Hall, Jessica, Ashley, Brittney, Kimberly Lloyd, Tamela Hall, Melody Avery, Gastonia; sons, Sam Woods, Bobbie Martin, Gastonia; sisters, Dora Mitchell, Winchester, N.Y., Lizzie Elder, New Haven, Conn., Inez Hall, Gastonia; brother, J.T. Hall, New Haven; 16 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; special friend, Anita L. Lloyd, Gastonia preceded in death BY: Son, Christopher Lloyd; brothers, Clyde and Cardell Hall
MEMORIAL SERVICE: 3 p.m. Friday, Martin’s Funeral Home
VISITATION: The family will be at 204 Gist St., Lowell
Zeb V. Blanton Jr.
SHELBY - Zeb Vance Blanton Jr., 82, 424 Poplar Springs Church Road, died June 28, 2000, at Cleveland Regional Medical Center. He was a native of Cleveland County, son of the late Zeb Vance Sr. and Ollie J. Blanton, retired salesman for Pilot Life Insurance Co., retired convenience store operator at Village Pantry, lifelong member of Sharon United Methodist Church, adult Sunday school class, lay person of the year in 1990, president of United Methodist Men, 1989-1999, Sunday school superintendent, administrative council, 1981-2000, chairman from 1981-1985, lay leader, 1976-1977, trustee, 1984-1988, district officer, served on various committees.
SURVIVORS: Wife, Susie C. Blanton; daughters and son-in-law, Shirley and Bobby, Debbie Pyron, Shelby; son and daughters-in-law, Tony and Hilda, Betty Taylor Blanton, Shelby; brothers, Howard and Gene Blanton, Shelby; sister, Beatrice Beam, Shelby; grandsons and spouses, Carl and Mary, Todd and Nora Blanton, Gene and Alice Pyron, Shelby; granddaughters and spouse, Gwen and Tim Triplett, Laura B. Burgin, Shelby, Rhonda Smith, Waynesville; great-grandchildren, Casey and Hunter Francis, Jodi and Jessie Blanton, Aaron and Rebecca Triplett; step great-grandchildren, Tim, Tony and Charlie Luckadoo preceded in death BY: Daughters, Mary and Martha Blanton; son, Zeb Vance Blanton III; brothers, Carl, Dan, Glenn and Charles Blanton; sisters, Louise and Beuna Hamrick, Thelma Blanton, Ethel McMurry
FUNERAL: 4 p.m. Friday, Sharon United Methodist Church, Revs. Robin Kingston, Gary Ferrell, Charles Gibbons; body will be placed in church 30 minutes before service
BURIAL: Church cemetery
VISITATION: 6-8 tonight, Cleveland Funeral Services
MEMORIALS: Sharon United Methodist Church Building Fund or Viola Nolan Blanton Scholarship Fund, 871 College Road, Shelby 28152
Rev. John T. Bates
BESSEMER CITY — Rev. John Thomas Bates Sr., 75, 151 Young Road, died June 26, 2000, at Gaston Memorial Hospital, Gastonia. He was a native of Liberty, S.C., son of the late Samuel and Elizabeth Stewart Bates, retired minister of the Western N.C. Conference, member of Riverwood Worship Center, former general evangelist, former board member of Department of Evangelism, served on retirement board of Holiness Church, former pastor of Mount Airy Pentecostal Holiness Church, Mount Holly Pentecostal Holiness Church, Pleasant Garden, Pentecostal Holiness Church, founder of Riders for Christ, chaplain of Gaston County Saddle Club, member of Gaston County Horseman’s Association, member of Foxtrotting Horse Breed Association, member of National Rifle Association, Navy veteran of World War II, author of several gospel tracts like "Preacher’s Son Turned Outlaw."
SURVIVORS: Wife, Ida Loretta Maupin Bates; sons and daughters-in-law, Dale and Dawn Bates, John Bates Jr.; daughters and sons-in-law, Joyce and Charles Dixon, Rita and Johnny Jones, Jeanne and Bob Miller, Lisa and John Glass; grandchildren, Lee and Chirsti Dixon, Kirk and Jennifer Jenkins, Scott Jones, Jeff and Tomilyn Jones, Brian and Shannon Bates, Samantha Bates, Kristin Miller, Brandy Bates; great-grandchildren, "Matt" Dillon, Brea, Megan, Haley, Brandon, Marissa; sisters, Edna Champion, Virginia Carpenter, Nova Lee Bolynn; brothers, Jimmy Wallace and Donald Wayne Bates; brother-in-law, Carl Carpenter preceded in death BY: Brother, James Andrew Bates; sister, Lula Bernice Bates; brothers-in-law, Joseph Champion, Bill W. Bolynn
FUNERAL: 3 p.m. Friday, Riverwood Worship Center, Gastonia
BURIAL: Gaston Memorial Park
VISITATION: Two hours before service, church
PALLBEARERS: Tim Broome, Charlie Cloninger, Dennis Jones, Bill Rhyne, Gary Rollins, Ronnie Stroupe Jr.
MEMORIALS: St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105, or Gaston County Saddle Club, P.O. Box 12807, Gastonia 28052
ARRANGEMENTS: Greene Funeral Service, Southside Chapel
Ronald S. Noblett
NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. — Ronald Steen Noblett, 62, 1017 Stanton Drive, died June 27, 2000, at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. He was a native of Gastonia, son of the late Fred D. and Mildred Jenkins Noblett, retired senior vice president from First Citizens Bank of South Carolina, member of First Presbyterian Church, St. Andrews Masonic Lodge, Beech Island, S.C., Gideons International, served in the Navy and National Guard, 32nd degree Mason.
SURVIVORS: Wife, Kathryn O’Brien Noblett; daughter and son-in-law, Sharon N. and David Hickman, Clemmons, S.C.; grandchildren, William David and Thomas Ross Hickman
GRAVESIDE SERVICE: 11 a.m. Friday, Long Creek baptist Chuch Cemetery, Dallas, Rev. Hunter Dockery
MEMORIAL SERVICE: 2 p.m. Monday, First Presbyterian Church of Augusta, Ga.
MEMORIALS: Gideons International
ARRANGEMENTS: Vogler and Sons Main Street Chapel
Luella H. Short
KINGS MOUNTAIN - Luella Hudson Short, 87, 109 Benfield Road, died June 28, 2000, at home. She was a native of Rutherford County, daughter of the late Frank Benjamin and Florida Hopper Hudson, wife of the late Oscar Cleo Short, charter member of Second Baptist Church, retired from Craftspun Mills.
SURVIVORS: Daughters and sons-in-law, Teresa Short and Ronnie Stacey, Shelby, Judy Short and Ralph Grindstaff, Kings Mountain; granddaughter and spouse, Paula Grindstaff and Danny Lawrence, Gastonia; great-granddaughters, Heather, Holly and Ericka Lawrence, Gastonia
FUNERAL: 11 a.m. Friday, Second Baptist Church, Revs. Mike Dixon, Eugene Land, James Williams
INTERMENT: Mountain Rest Cemtery
VISITATION: 7-9 tonight, Harris Funeral Home
MEMORIALS: Hospice of Cleveland County, 952 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby 28150
Ruth L. Rhyne
DALLAS — Ruth Lowery Rhyne, 80, 321 S. Maple St., died June 27, 2000, at Gaston Memorial Hospital, Gastonia. She was a native of Gaston County, daughter of the late William and Sarah Frances Black Lowery, wife of the late Ernest W. Rhyne, retired textile worker, member of Holy Communion Lutheran Church.
SURVIVORS: Daughters and son-in-law, Patricia and Ray Perry, Gastonia, Margaret Wiggins, Dallas; grandchildren, Julie Hay, Dallas, Beverly Wiggins, Charlotte, Kelley Meeks, Michael Glover, Gastonia; great-grandchildren, Amber, Jordan, Courtney, Corey, Lacey and Caitlin; sister, Thelma Rayfield, Hardin preceded in death BY: Sisters, Edith Abernathy, Elba Ashcraft; brothers, Ken, Bill and Ern Lowery; granddaughter, Angie Wiggins
FUNERAL: 3 p.m. Friday, Holy Communion Lutheran Church, Rev. Paul Kanupp
BURIAL: Church cemetery
VISITATION: 7-9 tonight, Dallas Funeral Home
MEMORIALS: Holy Communion Lutheran Church, 103 W. Church St., Dallas 28034 or Gaston Residential Services, 419 S. York St., Gastonia 28052
Juanita P. Stone
BELMONT - Juanita Powell Stone, 71, died June 28, 2000, at Gaston Memorial Hospital, Gastonia. She was a native of Gaston County, daughter of the late Rema H. and James W. Britton, retired from the Chronicle Mill, member of E. Belmont Baptist Church.
SURVIVORS: Husband, Kenneth Stone; sons and daughters-in-law, Chris and Becky Powell, Belmont, Windell and Angie Powell Jr., Seneca, S.C.; daughter and son-in-law, Elaine and Mick Rumfelt, Belmont; grandchildren, Jason, Meredith and Michael Rumfelt, April Anson, Kelly Barber, Belmont, Joshua Powell, Seneca; six great-grandchildren
FUNERAL: 1 p.m. today, Carothers Funeral Home, Belmont, Rev. Alan Smith
BURIAL: Greenwood Cemetery
VISITATION: One hour before service, funeral home
PALLBEARERS: Farrel Anson, Larry Stone, Jason and Michael Rumfelt
MEMORIALS: E. Belmont Baptist Church, 501 Catawba St., Belmont 28012
