Category: 1953

Dr. Angus Guy McInnis, Jr., 92, of Reidsville passed away on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at the Penn Center.

A memorial service will be conducted at 2:00 PM Saturday, October 21, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Wes Pitts officiating.  The family will see friends immediately following the service at the church.

A native of Washington, GA he was a son of the late Angus Guy and Nancy Caroline Douglas McInnis and he had lived in Reidsville since 1962.  Dr. McInnis was a member of First Presbyterian Church and was active in the Men of the Church, a former member of the Board of Directors of Annie Penn Memorial Hospital, and he practiced medicine in Reidsville for over 54 years.  He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather.  Dr. McInnis graduated from Davidson College and Duke University Medical School.  He was an avid golfer, he enjoyed trips to the beach, he loved spending time with his family and friends and was a “Major Duke Fan”.  He was preceded in death by his grandson, Kegan McInnis,  brother-in-law, Bud Bramley, and sister-in-law, Shelia Carrasco.

Surviving is his wife:  Peggy Bunton McInnis of the home, son, Mark McInnis (Sherri) of Mooresville, daughters, Suzanne M. Cotter (Mark) of Reidsville and Debbie M. Huffstetler (Mark) of Wilmington, sister, Caroline M. Bramley of Statesville, brother-in-law, John Grogan of Loveland, CO, grandchildren, Lauren McInnis (Diedier Treudic), Jillian McInnis, Cami McInnis, Delilah McInnis, Jordan Kluttz (Carson), Olivia Martin (Charley) and Chris Cotter, great grandchildren, Selevin and Bluesen Treudic, special family friends, Kaleigh Roe and Taylor Martin.  The family would especially like to thank the home caregivers, the hospice staff, and the staff of the Penn Center for their kindness and care.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that memorials be sent to the First Presbyterian Church 318 S. Main St. Reidsville, NC  27320.  Citty Funeral Home is assisting the McInnis family and online condolences may be made at www.cittyfh.com

Dr. George Lee Irvin III, or “Buck” as he was known to friends and family, passed away peacefully at the age of 92 in his Coral Gables home on the morning of September 18, 2023 with his beloved wife Mary Frances by his side. He lived a long, beautiful life that was marked by exceptional professional achievement, thrilling adventures around the globe, and boundless love, both given and received, from scores of cherished family and friends.

He was born in Winston Salem, NC on March 22, 1931 to George Lee Irvin Jr. and Virginia Reynolds Lasater, who raised him with his younger brothers Ed and Dave. After elementary school, he attended Woodberry Forest School in Virginia, where he played football, golf, and wrestled, before moving on to Davidson College, from which he graduated in 1953. At Davidson he discovered his professional calling in life to become a doctor and subsequently enrolled in the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. After graduating from medical school in 1957, he remained in Chapel Hill to complete his internship and residency at UNC. From 1962 to 1966, George served in the U.S. Military as Lt. Commander and Commander, where he was based out of the United States Public Health Service National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland while concurrently serving as senior investigator in the surgery branch at the National Cancer Institute. During his time in Bethesda, George met the love of his life, Mary Frances Gibbs. They were married on December 30, 1966 and moved to South Florida when George was appointed Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Miami School of Medicine. They settled in Coral Gables and children soon followed, George Lee IV in 1969 followed by Mary Catherine in 1975.

Over the next four decades, George went on to a distinguished career as surgeon, scientist, and educator at the University of Miami School of Medicine and Jackson Memorial Hospital. He held a series of increasingly prominent appointments including Professor of Surgery at the University of Miami School of Medicine, Chief of the Surgical Service for the VA Medical Center, Attending Surgeon at the VA Medical Center and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Chief of the Endocrine Surgery Section in the Department of Surgery. His many achievements include groundbreaking research into the treatment of patients with hyperparathyroidism and the pioneering development of a technique to measure parathyroid hormone serum levels during an operation to avoid unnecessary surgery. His innovative work led his colleagues to consider him “the father of minimally invasive parathyroidectomy.” John Lew, M.D., a fellow surgeon at the University of Miami noted that George “was ahead of his time and changed the way we look at this disease.” Always humble, George credited his discovery and innovation to “a collaborative effort and support from UM, Jackson Memorial and the VA.”

He received numerous awards and honors over the course of his career including the University of North Carolina School of Medicine Distinguished Service Award, the University of Miami School of Medicine Teaching Award, the Duane G. Hutson Appreciation Award, Association of VA Surgeons Distinguished Service Award, the Raymond H. Alexander Award, and the Oliver Cope Meritorious Achievement Award, the highest honor bestowed by the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons.

Outside of medicine, George had many hobbies and passions including flying, fishing, boating, golf, reading about history, and following Miami Hurricanes football. He obtained his pilot’s license as a young man and even had his own small airplane for a time before he started his family. He was a wildly enthusiastic boater and fisherman from a very early age and his move to Miami in the 1960s allowed him to pursue this passion with increasingly bigger boats and bigger fish in the open waters of South Florida and the Bahamas. He imbued both of his children with his love of the water and boating, which they have since passed along to their children to ensure it will endure in his family for generations to come.

While he came to love his adopted home of Miami, George was at his happiest in Roaring Gap, North Carolina, where 5 generations of his family have spent their summers from the early 1900s. He will return there one last time this autumn to be buried beside his brother, relatives, and friends.

There was nothing George enjoyed more than his family, and he was especially proud of his grandchildren Julia, Sena, Sander, and Annabelle. He cherished watching them grow up and keeping up with their many accomplishments over the last 22 years of his life.

George was predeceased by his father George Lee Irvin Jr., who died November 6, 1978, his mother Virginia Reynolds Lasater, who died March 13, 1974, and his brother Edward Lasater Irvin, who died on October 6, 2018.

He is survived by his wife Mary Frances Irvin, son George Lee Irvin IV and wife Caroline Hooper Irvin; daughter Catherine Irvin Block and husband Christopher Block; his brother David Alexander Irvin and wife Robbie; and his grandchildren Julia Catherine Irvin, Sena Graham Irvin, Jon Sander Block, and Annabelle Lybrook Block.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested gifts be made in his memory to The Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (https://uhealthfundraise.com/Georgeirvin).

With great sadness and appreciation for a life well-lived, the family of J. Fleming Norvell announce his passing on September 10, 2023. A resident of Augusta, GA and Sea Island, GA, he was born on September 5, 1932, the youngest child of Mary Hamilton Norvell and Thomas Edwin Norvell. He was a graduate of Richmond Academy, attended Davidson College and completed his education at Auburn University receiving a B.S. degree in Economics. Upon graduation he served for two years as a Lieutenant in the U. S. Air Force.

     He is survived by his three children, Jennifer N. Farrell (Rick) of St. Simons Island, James F. Norvell, Jr (Jacinda) of Augusta and Frank W. Norvell (Mallory) of Charleston, SC; his beloved friend Barbara Sims of Augusta; and six devoted grandchildren, Connor Farrell, Fleming Farrell, Katherine Norvell, Sarah Norvell Conway, Wilcox Norvell and Gray Norvell, who all referred to him affectionately as “Flembo”.

     He is predeceased by his first wife, Virginia Battey Wilcox Norvell, to whom he was married from 1956 to 1979, and by his second wife, Sandra Jones Norvell who died in 2016. He is also survived by stepdaughters, Kathy Grant, Karen Brown and Karla Cameron.

     Fleming’s life was guided by three principles: a love of God, family, and community; a keen interest and commitment to the investment business; and a passion for the game of golf.

     In May of 1956 he embarked on an over fifty-year career in the world of finance and investment, joining the regional firm Clement A. Evans and Company, subsequently Williston and Beene, acquired by The Robinson-Humphrey Company in 1963. Over four decades he was one of the firm’s top producers, serving both institutional and retail clients. He was recognized by the Georgia Securities Association with its 2002 – 2003 Industry Service Award. He ended his career at the Raymond James Company upon his retirement in 2014.  To his last days he kept a close and discerning eye on financial markets and friends and family could always rely on him for wise and prudent advice.

     For Fleming, golf was much more than a game. He valued the difference golf made in his life. From his teenage years he played with skill and enjoyment, happiest when he had a club in hand. In turn he was dedicated to the betterment of the sport, giving unselfishly of his time and resources.

     At fifteen he was caddying and working in the golf shop at Augusta Country Club, heading out to the course after work to improve his game. He played for the Richmond Academy and Auburn University golf teams and continued to compete during his time in the Air Force. In 1975 he was invited to join the Augusta National Golf Club. During his time as a member, he served on numerous committees, was club champion, and spent over thirty years as a starter on the iconic first tee, announcing the best players in the world as they teed off during the Masters.

     A foundational supporter of the Augusta University golf program, he was instrumental in the establishment of a women’s team. In 2007 he led the campaign to build the golf house and adjacent teaching center, designated as the J. Fleming Norvell Golf House in recognition of his fund-raising effort and personal contribution. This facility is a significant asset in the attraction of top student players, reflected in the two National Championships achieved in 2010 and 2011 by the Augusta University men’s golf team. Believing that playing golf can and should be a possibility for every boy and girl, Fleming was a long-time supporter of the Birdie Club, and the Congaree Foundation which provides young people around the globe with educational and vocational opportunities through the game of golf.

     In addition to the Augusta National Golf Club, he was a member of the Augusta Country Club, the Sea Island Golf Club, ambassador for the  Congaree Golf Club, and over the years possibly guilty of violating the 14-club rule!

     Having coped at age 15 with the death of his father and the ensuing economic difficulties for his family, he understood the challenges life can present. A self-made man who achieved considerable success he believed in giving back to his community, not only in a financial sense but in personal terms. Whether it was building the bell tower at Church of the Good Shephard, supporting the Gathering Place or the Volunteers in Medicine Clinic, he could be depended on. The same was true for the person down on their luck, sick or hurting. His life can be measured in innumerable kindnesses and the many people whose lives were enriched by his friendship and regard.

     The family wishes to express their gratitude to Fleming’s many friends who were a source of strength and comfort.  A special thanks to friends Bud North and Craig Rogers, as well as Nita Mims, Albert Mims and Lila Hillery for their devoted care. The medical team at Piedmont Augusta provided exceptional treatment and support during his final days.

     The family will receive friends Sunday, September 24, 2023 from 4:00 until 6:00 P.M. at Thomas Poteet & Son.  There will be a celebration of Fleming’s life on Monday, September 25, 2023, 2:00 P.M., at Sacred Heart Cultural Center, 1301 Greene Street, Augusta, GA.

     Members of the Augusta Golf Association will serve as honorary pall bearers.

     In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the J. Fleming Norvell Golf Scholarship Endowment, c/o Augusta University Foundation, 1120 15^th Street, AD 1104, Augusta, GA 30912 or St. Simons Land Trust, P.O. Box 24615, St. Simons Island, GA 31522.

James Cunningham Harper, Jr. (Jim) went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, August 17, 2023, 10 days before his 92nd birthday at the Stewart Healthcare Center in The Cypress of Charlotte. Jim, known as “GanGan” by his grandchildren, was a cherished husband, son, brother, father, grandfather, and friend.
Jim was born August 27, 1931, in Lenoir, North Carolina. He graduated from Lenoir High School in 1949, Davidson College in 1953, and Emory University in 1965. Jim was a North Carolina gentleman. While working at Wachovia Bank in Winston-Salem, he met the love of his life, Florida Eleanor Warren, of Mount Airy, North Carolina. They were married in 1962 for 53 years until Eleanor’s death in 2015.
Jim had a love of his community, a passion that drove both his professional and volunteer careers. After graduation, he served in the US Army in the Counterintelligence Corps and then was hired in 1957 by Wachovia Bank in Winston-Salem, NC, where Jim was also Treasurer for the Symphony Orchestra. After living in Atlanta for his MBA, Jim joined First Union National Bank in 1966, serving first in Charlotte, then moving to his hometown of Lenoir for the rest of his career. In Lenoir, Jim could be found serving as Treasurer for the annual United Way drive and acting President of the Kawanis club. As a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church, he served as an elder for more than 50 years and as a trustee of the church foundation in his later years. Retirement from First Union in 1989 did not slow Jim down as he continued as an active member of the Court Security panel, the Caldwell Foundation, The James C. Harper School of Performing Arts, and volunteering time to Caldwell Community College alongside his friend John Forlines. Both men shared a passion for Caldwell Hospice, joining together for the many fundraising drives to build out that organization. Jim retired from the Board of Hospice in 2008 after 15 years of service and continued his support for many years.
Jim also had a tremendous love of travel. He visited war-torn Europe in 1953 after graduation from Davidson. After they were married, Jim took Eleanor on a whirlwind tour around the world and enjoyed telling his grandchildren about his many adventures in India, Lebanon, Syria, and Japan. In the early 1980’s, he led the family on a trip to the Soviet Union and an adventurous road trip across Mexico. Age did not slow Jim down. After the age of 65, Jim did a mission trip to South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia with friends, and he rafted the Zambezi River with 15-foot crocodiles. After 70, he travelled to Peru, Chile, Argentina, Indonesia, and Vietnam and after 75 he travelled to Tibet, China, Israel, Jordan and Egypt.
He was preceded in death by parents Captain James C. Harper and Charlotte Critz Harper, wife Eleanor Warren Harper, sister Lucy Harper Grier, brother George Finley Harper, sister Charlotte Harper Stone, brother-in-law Garland Glenn Warren, Jr and nephew James Harper Grier.
He is survived by brother-in-law John Warren and wife Paula Warren of Boise, Idaho, sister-in-law Jean Warren of Lake Placid, Florida, daughter Frances Harper Davis of Winston Salem, NC, son James C. Harper III and wife Katherine of Charlotte, NC, and son John Harper and wife Jennifer of Austin Texas, and grandchildren Emma and Reese Davis, Elizabeth, James IV and John Harper, and Collin Harper.
We are especially grateful for the loving caregivers from The Stewart Health Center at the Cypress of Charlotte. The kindness they showed towards Jim and his family in his final months was truly a blessing and inspiring. The Hospice of Mecklenburg County was also a source of comfort to Jim in his last few days, and we are profoundly grateful for their help.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at a graveside service at Belleview Cemetery with the Reverend Dr. Leslie Dibble with a reception to follow. Joyous attitudes celebrating his great life are encouraged!
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are sent to James C. Harper School of Performing Arts, PO Box 390, Lenoir, NC 28645 or Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood St., Lenoir, NC 28645.