Rev. John Bussard
Jan 13, 1932 - Apr 24, 2024
Rev. John Edward Bussard, Sr., 92, of Mars Hill, NC passed away on Wed. April 24, 2024, at the Charles George VA Medical Center Hospice in Asheville, NC. John was preceded in death by his wife, Ann Johnson Bussard and a daughter Gayle Bussard. Left to cherish his memory are his son: Eddie Bussard, grandchildren: Christopher Bussard and significant other Ashley, Eddie Burns and wife Kim, Craig Bussard and wife Jamie, Cody Bussard, Ceara Bussard and her significant other Mac McCorkle, Celena Motes and husband Jacob, a special granddaughter of the home: Aryia, eight great grandchildren, and special friends to John and his family: Patrick and Lauren Ward. A funeral service will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday April 27, 2024 in the Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral Service with Rev. Glenn Graves officiating. Burial will follow with Military Honors at Mars Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. The Bussard family will receive friends from 12:00pm until 1:00pm prior to the funeral on Saturday. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.bluseridgefuneraservice.org.
Robert Shankle
Nov 03, 1936 - Apr 19, 2024
Bob was born on November 3, 1936, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was a fighter to the end, and after years of struggling with MS and a brief stint with cancer, he passed away peacefully and with dignity on April 19th. He was 87. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Jennings Phagen and Edna Earl, and his brother Jack. Bob had a good, long life and lived on his terms. He was resolute and steadfast in his independence and beliefs. He loved some special things and passed them on to his loved ones. He had a great love of nature, SCUBA diving, and sailing. He loved cars, watching Dale Earnhardt Sr. race, and all things mechanical. Bob loved his four ferrets, his cat Midnight, and his granddaughters. He enjoyed music, dancing, roller skating, exercise, his routines, and playing/coaching/watching his son in baseball. He lived a long, hard life and had few regrets at the end. Bob had an ear for music and was an accomplished trumpet player. He played for multiple bands during his life, most notably the Air Force Academy band. He was proud of his service and respected those who fought for his freedom. Bob was extremely mechanically inclined. He could take apart a car and put it back together without instructions and without too many parts missing. He strongly believed in doing things yourself and would never bring a car to a mechanic or an appliance to a store to be fixed. Bob took pride in never needing anyone’s help. He was honest, loyal, strong-minded, and old-fashioned. Bob is survived in death by his two children, daughter Sherry and son Robert, as well as three granddaughters, Julia, Ally, and Heather. Some of his final thoughts were of them and how proud he was of them all. Bob wanted us to give a special thanks to all the caregivers, nurses and hospice staff who were so kind, tentative, and caring for him. A special emphasis to Heather, Alicia and Joanne, who built such a unique bond with him when he needed it most. In the immortal words of Jerome Herman Dean, “Dizzy Dean”, when signing off the air for the last time, “Remember to touch all the bases, all the time.” Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org
Charles Phillips
Dec 21, 1939 - Apr 15, 2024
Coach Charles Franklin Phillips, 84, of Mars Hill, passed away Monday, April 15, 2024. He was the son of the late Avery and Millie West Phillips. He is also preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Layman Phillips; his grandson, Colby Murphy; and brother, Don Phillips. Charlie graduated from Furman University, where he ran track. He was a professor of Physical Education, where he served as Department Chair, Physiology, Kinesiology, and Foundations, for Mars Hill College for over 44 years. In the early years at Mars Hill College, he coached wrestling, track, and gymnastics. Charlie ended his coaching career, after over 25 years, as the Mars Hill College head baseball coach. He started the Outdoor Club at the college, wrote the grant for Upward Bound, where he influenced students, faculty, and friends. Charlie enjoyed tending to his tomato plants and flower gardens. He loved spending time with his family and preparing meals for them. Every night he would call his granddaughter Katie, to wish her a “good night”. Coach Charlie is survived by his daughter, Tina Murphy (Mike), of Mars Hill; son, Tony Phillips (Gwyn) of Weaverville; his lady friend, Linda Briggs of Marshall; grandchildren, Teghan Murphy (Jack Brazil), Kristyn Edmonds (Harrison); Katie Phillips; great grandson, Archer Edmonds; granddaughter-in-law, Loriel Murphy; and special nephew, Barry Phillips. A memorial service will be held at 2pm Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Blue Ridge Funeral & Cremation Service. Reverend Jeff Atkins will officiate. The family will receive friends from 12:30-2pm Saturday at the funeral home. The family will have a private burial at Mars Hill Baptist Church Cemetery at a later date. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org
Ben Honeycutt
Dec 07, 1953 - Apr 10, 2024
Ben Lee Honeycutt, age 70, of Mars Hill, passed away April 10, 2024. He was born on December 7, 1953 in Buncombe County to the late Ben Lee and Eva Taffer Honeycutt. Ben was a United States Army Veteran. He retired from XPO Logistics as a truck driver after 36 years of service. Ben enjoyed the fall of the year when he was able to go deer hunting. He is survived by his wife, Jeanette Hoyle Honeycutt; son, Travis Honeycutt (Amy); grandchildren, Mason and Jackson Honeycutt. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org.
Sherlyn "Judy" Dickerson
Jul 17, 1964 - Apr 08, 2024
Sherlyn “Judy” Dickerson, age 59, passed away peacefully at CarePartners Solace Center, on Monday April 8, 2024. She was born on July 17, 1964, in Buncombe County. Judy was the daughter of the late Van Dickerson and Helen Anderson Manning. Judy is survived by her son, Staff Sgt. Amos Dickerson of the United States Army; daughters, Felicia Kent, Jessica Kent, and Julia Mitchell; 2 grandsons, and 7 granddaughters. Judy loved thrift shopping, especially at My Sister’s Place in Mars Hill. She loved nature and spending time alone while in the woods. Judy was a loving, caring, and compassionate mother and friend to all. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday April 14, 2024, in Victory Fellowship Worship Center, 450 Aiken Rd, Weaverville, NC 28787. Pastor Sonia Burleson will officiate. A private burial will take place in Anderson Family Cemetery in Barnardsville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Blue Ridge Funeral and Cremation Service to assist with funeral expenses. Blue Ridge Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org.