Robert Ray Epley Sr.

He was born September 23, 1918 in McDowell County, NC to the late Thomas Young Epley and Alma Lee Curtis Epley. Mr. Epley was a WWII veteran of the United States Army and he retired from Burlington Industries after 40+ years of service. He was a long time member of West Court Baptist Church where he was a former Sunday School Teacher. He was honest, hard-working and a faithful Christian man. Mr. Epley loved the outdoors with activities that included hunting, fishing, camping, gardening and much more.

In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by an infant daughter and four siblings.

Surviving Mr. Epley are his wife, Helen Mangum Epley of the home; one son, Robert Ray Epley, Jr. and his wife, Kathy of Sanford, NC; two daughters, Bobbie Jean Bennett and husband, Carl H. of Jonesborough, TN and Gladys Patricia “Pat” Epley of Greensboro, NC; four grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their thanks and gratitude to the members of West Court Baptist Church for their acts of Christian love and kindness extended during Mr. Epley’s illness and during this difficult time.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, May 5, 2012 in McCall Memorial Chapel at Kirksey Funeral Home in Marion with Rev. Ross Lewis and Rev. Eddie Kirkpatrick officiating. Burial will follow at Murphy’s Chapel Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: West Court Baptist Church – 315 W Court St. Marion, NC 28752.