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Avery County Obituaries – Compiled Aug. 22, 2012

Avery County Obituaries – Compiled Aug. 22, 2012

Lewis Clay Benfield, Jr.

Lewis Clay Benfield, Jr., D. Aug. 20, 2012
Lewis Clay Benfield Jr., age 55, of Pyatte, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, August 20, 2012.

A native of Plumtree Creek, he was the husband of Debbie Benfield of Pyatte. He was proceeded in death by his first wife, Glenda Phillips Benfield and his father Lewis Clay Benfield Sr.

Mr. Benfield was an active member of the local community where he hosted an annual Fourth-of-July Celebration for friends and family. He retired as an employee of Baxter Corporation and was currently employed by Grandfather Home for Children.

Survivors include his wife Debbie, mother Martha Sue Benfield, two sons, Shannon Benfield and wife Jamie, and Jeffery Benfield and Shala Smith, step daughters, Sonia Polechio and husband Randy and Becky Burleson and husband Ray. He is also survived by one sister Velvia Carpenter and husband Harold, one brother Dewey Benfield and wife LIsa. Grandchildren include Garren Benfield, Justin Benfield, Maekayla Burleson, Kimberly Burleson, Josh Burleson, Patrick Burleson, William Polechio, and Brendon Polechio. Nieces include: Misty McGraw, Heather Bernard, and Bridgette Benfield.

In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to the Avery County High School Athletic Program in his memory.

To send online condolences, please visit our website, Rein-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland is serving the Benfield Family.

Words of comfort and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.rsfh.net.

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland is serving the Benfield family.

Connie Clark Bates

Connie Clark Bates, D. Aug. 15, 2012
Connie Clark Bates, age 77, of Newland passed away on August 15, 2012 at her residence.

A native of Avery County, she was born May 14, 1935 a daughter of the late Obie and Nina Rose Clark.

Along with her parents, Connie was preceded in death by her: brothers, Claude Clark, Clyde Clark, Cody Clark.

Connie has left to cherish her memory her: son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Sharon Clark of Belmont, NC; daughter and son-in-law, Kim and Junior Hughes of Roan Mountain, TN; sisters, Christine Woodie of Jonas Ridge, Carfene Shew and husband Lonnie of Taylorsville, NC, Cassell Beam of Morganton, NC; grandchildren, Holly Denton and husband Mike, Wesley Tucker and wife Allison, Wendy Jackson and husband Trent, Jordan Hughes, Summer Hughes; great grandson, Ryan Jackson.

Staples Carpenter

Staples Carpenter, D. Aug. 14, 2012
Staples Carpenter Jr., age 83, of Elk Park passed away on August 14, 2012 at Mountain Home VA Hospital in Johnson City, TN.

A native of Avery County, he was born November 7, 1928 a son of the late Staples, Sr. and Bertie Benfield Carpenter.

He was a retired Sergeant 1st Class of the US Army where he served in both the Korean Conflict and Vietnam.

Staples was a member of the Pat Ray Post #4286 where he served as District 15 Commander, Post #4286 Commander and Senior Vice Commander of Post #4286 and was a very active member of the Post Honor Guard.

Staples has left to cherish his memory his: wife, Hazel Potter Carpenter of the home; son, David R. Carpenter of Ohio; step-sons, Lester Eugene Harmon of the home, Frank Barlow of Newland; step-daughter, Choy Benfield of Newland; sisters, Dora Day of Newland, Ann Woodie of Morganton, Betty Mills of Newland; brothers, Glen Carpenter of Morganton, Bob Carpenter of Taylorsville; 10 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren.

Funeral services for Staples Carpenter Jr. will be conducted on Friday, August 17th 2:00 p.m. in the Grandfather Chapel of Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home with Rev. Bud Howell officiating. Interment will follow in the Big Meadows Cemetery with Graveside Rites by the VFW Pat Ray Post #4286. The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 16th from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: VFW Pat Ray Post #4286 Honor Guard at PO Box 516 Newland, NC 28657.

Listings of Funeral Homes in Avery County:

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Newland:
296 Ash Street
P.O. Box 215
Newland, NC 28657
828-733-2121
www.rsfh.net