In Memory: William Joseph Hoppes

William J. Hoppes: Bill, Willie, or just Hoppes to his friends. Man about town, Army Veteran, world traveler, and father, was born on July 17, 1931 and died on August 28, 2021 at 90 years of age. He passed peacefully in his home which was how he wished to go. He was preceded in death by his wife Bobby Jo Spraggins, his mother Elizabeth (Jackson) Hoppes, his father Arthur Franklin Hoppes, his brother Donald Baxter Hoppes and his sister Shirley Ann Hoppes. He is survived by his son Lawrence Earl Kany and his wife Joyce of Lancaster California, Joseph Franklin Hoppes and his wife Robbie Hoppes of Phoenix, Arizona, his daughter Sharman Marie Hoppes and her husband Bruce Nixon of College Station, Texas, his youngest son Christopher Allan Hoppes and his wife Barbara Hoppes of Yukon, Oklahoma, and his son Paul Spraggins and his wife Jami of Eustace Texas. He is also survived by his sister Betty Jane Powel of Shelby, North Carolina and his brother Harold Hoppes of Las Vegas Nevada, and Patricia (Hoppes) Brown, (ex-wife) from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He has many much-loved nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren all of whom will miss him.

He was born and raised in Shelby, North Carolina. He enlisted in the army at the age of 17 and was a Combat Engineer in the US Army stationed in Austria post WW2. According to his stories he spent half his time in Europe, and the other half in the brig. After the army he apprenticed at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard which led to a career with the Federal Aviation Administration where he advanced to the level of Assistant Depot Chief in Oklahoma City and retired there in 1976. Among his many notable achievements while working for the FAA was the year he spent in Viet Nam during the war installing radar equipment in the various airfields around the country from 1967 to 1968. He took many pictures and enjoyed telling stories of life there and his exploits in Thailand and Southeast Asia, once even attending a party with the Shaw of Iran at one of his palaces. After retirement from the FAA, he took a job with Lockheed and embarked on another adventure to Saudi Arabia. After Lockheed he spent the next 20 years working for the Litton Corporation and then Hughes Aircraft where he helped design the maintenance system for the Phoenix Missile (I think that was supposed to be confidential).

He retired from the Federal Aviation Administration in 1976 in Oklahoma City. He was a very good carpenter as would become evident in the many home remodels he did while living in the homes with his family through the years, a skill he learned from his father while growing up in Shelby. His last employment was with Raytheon which he often said was his favorite because he was hired more as a carpenter rather than a manager, preparing sites by building various storage buildings and offices. He traveled all over the US with Raytheon choosing where he would work and when. In the summer he would work in Wyoming or Maine and the winters Houston or California. But always, on his terms. He finally retired for good in the 90’s, famously saying “I am not too old to work, just too old for anyone to hire.” That was our dad.

He was an electrical engineer by trade but a carpenter, knifemaker and gun enthusiast by choice. He was known as a legendary partier, especially to the tenants of the Athens apartment complex, often supplying them with unlimited beer and wine on the weekends during the summer. He lived there several years while building his house on Dixie Isle in the late 80’s.

He lived, loved and laughed for 90 years. He loved visiting with friends, attending his ham radio club meetings, going out to eat, drinking a good glass of wine or a frozen margarita and eating chocolate! He loved life and lived it to the fullest! He had only one regret, and that was that he didn’t live longer!

In closing, a recent and funny memory was from a few months ago. Us kids were there for a visit and just talking amongst ourselves, Dad had dozed off in his favorite chair as he often did in the final months when suddenly he awoke and abruptly said “speaking of nurses, you know who has a good hospital . . . Bangkok, Bangkok has great hospitals” and then he dozed back off. I will let you use your imagination as to why he was even in a Bangkok hospital. But I hope when you do, you will think that he was doing something on his terms, with a drink in his hand, and having a good time!

in Memory: Donald K Highland

Donald K. “Don” Highland 1948—2018
Donald K. “Don” Highland, 69, of Roscoe, died Monday, October 29, 2018, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born November 11, 1948, in Rockford, Illinois, the son of William and Dorothy (Bouray) Highland. Don proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, 1968 thru 1970. He died of stage IV prostate cancer related to his exposure in Vietnam to Agent Orange herbicide. Don graduated from Boylan Catholic High School, class of 1966. He married the love of his life, Sandra Thibedeau, on June 5, 1971. He was a self-employed expert craftsman and owner of Accents in Wood. Don cherished the time he spent with his grandkids, teaching them to fish and passing on his passion for sports. 

In Memory: Garry Lynn Fields

Garry Lynn Fields, 71, husband of Peggy (Horn) Fields, passed away on Easter Sunday, April 12th, 2020. He was born on December 8th, 1948 in Martin, Tennessee, son of the late James Ralph Fields and Lona Faye (Carmichael) McPherson. Garry served in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era. He was a member of The Living Waters Fellowship Church. In addition to his beloved wife, Garry is survived by his son, Garry Nicholas Fields; four grandchildren, Aaron Holder, Wade Fields, Brittiany Olmstead and Brandon Olmstead; two brothers, Larry (Judy) Fields and Ted (Linda) Fields. Besides his parents, Garry was preceded in death by his daughter, Melissa Lynn Kauffman. To abide by current guidelines facing our nation, services will be private at this time. Memorial contributions may be directed to Bluegrass Hospice Care, 1317 US Highway 62E, Cynthiana, Kentucky 41031, The Scott County Animal Shelter, 1185 Cardinal Drive, Georgetown, Kentucky 40324 or to the Donor’s favorite charity.

In Memory: Leslie Robert Fiduccia

Leslie Robert Fiduccia, age 74, of Liberty Borough, passed away on September 21, 2021, at AHN Jefferson Hospital.  Born April 19, 1947, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Anthony and Elizabeth (Evanko) Fiduccia and husband of the late Donna (Fry) Fiduccia.  Les was a U.S. Army Veteran who served in Vietnam.  He was a truck driver for almost 50 years.  In his pastime, he enjoyed walking his dog Lucy, spending time at the casino, and watching Westerns.  His most recent hobby was collecting Harley-Davidson shirts, shot glasses, and coins.  However, his favorite activity was spending time with his grandchildren.  He loved teasing them and making them laugh. Pap made sure he was there for all their significant milestones.

In Memory: Tony Lanier Ewing

Tony Lanier Ewing, 68, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2018, at Gordon Hospice House in Statesville, surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Ewing was born April 9, 1950 in Cabarrus County. He was a son of the late Frank Bost and Eloise Ewing Myers. He was of the Baptist faith. Tony enjoyed reading his Bible. He loved spending time with his granddaughter, Brittny, was an avid fisherman and enjoyed NASCAR. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Barbara Jo Myrick Ewing. Mr. Ewing is survived by his son, Jason Lee Ewing and Pamela of Salisbury; and his granddaughter, Brittny Leigh Mielke and husband Khyle of Statesville. Visitation: The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7, 2018 at Lady’s Funeral Home. Service: A funeral service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7, 2018, at Lady’s Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Joey Spry will officiate. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park in China Grove with military rights provided by the Rowan County Honor Guard. Memorials: Memorials may be sent to Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Rd., Statesville, NC, 28625. The family would like to thank the staff of Gordon Hospice House for their compassion and care. Lady’s Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family of Mr. Ewing. Remembrances may be sent to the family online at www.ladysfuneralhome.com.

In Memory: Franklin McKinley Ensley Jr

Mr. Franklin “Junior” McKinley Ensley Jr. age 74 of Sampson Road, Young Harris passed away peacefully on Tuesday March 10, 2020 at his home following a brief illness. Junior was born on December 24, 1945 in Murphy, NC., son of the late Franklin McKinley Ensley Sr. & late Verdie Duckworth Ensley.  Junior dearly loved his grandkids as well as his dog, Beau. He also was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served in Vietnam. Junior was a member of the Young Harris Masonic Lodge.  Junior was a native of Towns County as well as being a member of Old Union Baptist Church.

In Memory: Keith R Deufel

“We’re all Stories in the end, Just make it a good one”
On April 18, 2015 Keith Richard Deufel passed quietly surrounded by his family.

Keith was born in Chicago, Illinois on July 8, 1947 and grew up in Lockport, Illinois and is survived by his wife, Rebecca Deufel; children, Kelly (Ryan) Leonard, Richard (Jennifer) Deufel, William (Allison) Roomsburg, and Amy (Roy) Snyder; grandchildren, Delaney and Chase Leonard, Zane, Stoney, Genevieve Roomsburg, and Ayla Prichard; siblings, William P. Deufel Jr., Thomas Deufel, and Mary (Harold) Dolgner; Aunt; Dorothy Riccio; countless cousins, nieces and nephews, as well as numerous friends. He is preceded in death by his parents William P. Deufel Sr. and Vivian Deufel, and dearest sister in law, JoAnn Deufel.

Keith served his country honorably in the Vietnam War and a patriot every day thereafter. He was a true hero and believed there was no greater honor than to lay down your life for a fellow human being. His support for his fellow soldiers was second only to his devotion to his family. After being honorably discharged from the Army, he continued to serve by becoming a volunteer fireman, serving his community for many years. Keith knew no stranger and accepted all for who they were and without hesitation. The lives of those who knew him have been made brighter by his memory. We would like to give a special thanks to Honor Flight Kern County. His trip on November 11, 2014 was the highlight of his life. As we say goodbye to a devoted husband, loving father, faithful brother, proud soldier and friend, we are comforted by belief that Keith is at peace with his Heavenly Father.

In Memory: Julio “Juice” Damien

Julio “Juice” Damian Jr., 69, a long time resident of South Houston, TX entered into eternal rest on the 6th day of April 2017. Born in Houston, TX on the 28th day of April 1947 is preceded in death by his parents: Julio and Gloria Damian. Juice, known by those that loved him proudly served his country in the United States Army and the National Guard for over 30 years and within those years Juice began his service as a Fireman with the South Houston Volunteer Fire Department where he dedicated his time even after his retirement of 25 years of service. The love for his community was spread as he held his position with the City Council and within the 30 plus years with the United States Postal Service. A hardworking devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather leaves behind a loving memory and legacy that shall live on in life through his wife of 49 years.

In Memory: Mose Thomas Crosby

Mose Thomas Crosby, 77, of Radcliff, KY, passed away Thursday, August 8, 2019 at Hardin Memorial Hospital.

Ret. Sergeant First Class Crosby was a veteran of the Vietnam war. He also retired from civil service work at Fort Knox. He was a member of North Hardin Church of Christ.

He was preceded in death by his parents Mose and Rosa Bell Crosby; one sister, Ada Bell Wardlaw; and five brothers, Nathan Crosby, Matthew Crosby, Milton Crosby, Timothy Crosby and John Crosby.

He is survived by his wife, Amanda Louise Crosby of Radcliff, KY; his son, Michael Lee (Susan Koonce) Crosby of Indianapolis, IN; his daughter, Delicia Dawn Crosby of Radcliff, KY; two brothers, Esau (Bert) Crosby of SC, and Carlnell (Mae Lois) Crosby of GA; one sister, Marylene Heard of SC; five grandchildren, Michael Lee Crosby Jr., Kimberly Shawnette Crosby, Andre Donte Crosby, Sydney Nicole Evans and Cameron Anthony Crosby; five great grandchildren, Navaeha Marrie Crosby, Michael Lee Crosby III, Joshua Crosby, Andrea Crosby and Keaton Crosby; and a host of nieces and nephews.

In Memory: John E Clady

A celebration of life service will be held for John Edwin Clady Sr. at 9:30 am on Monday, March 28, 2022 at Jeane’s Funeral Service in Leesville with Chaplain Alan Simmons officiating. Burial will follow with full military honors at the Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 27, 2022 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Jeane’s Funeral Service.

John was born July 21, 1940 in Bucyrus, OH and passed away March 25, 2022, in Leesville, LA at the age of 81. He was fully retired from the U.S. Army after proudly serving his country for over 20 years. During his military service, he spent two tours in Vietnam, two tours in Korea, and a tour in Okinawa. John proudly served the Leesville community after he retired from the Army serving as a Sheriff’s Deputy for the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office for 16 years. He loved being outdoors hunting, fishing, and as a dedicated youth baseball umpire. He loved his family and his community – embracing Leesville and the many facets of small-town living. He loved his wife, Bobbie, with whom he was married to for 59 years and his twin boys John and Tom who both served as career military officers.