Obituaries

Mr. Joe Lee Turbyfill, age 79, of 173 Cowans Ford Road in Stanley, died on Monday, April 8, 2013.

His funeral service will be 2:00 pm on Thursday, April 11, 2013 at Denver United Methodist Church with Rev. Jeff Johnsen officiating. Burial will follow in the Salem United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 9:00 pm on Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at Warlick Funeral Home in Lincolnton.

Mr. Turbyfill was born July 28, 1933 in Avery County to the late Everett and Annie Greer Turbyfill.  In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by two sisters, Lucille Turbyfill Wilde and Angie Weatherly, and a brother, Billy Gene Turbyfill.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Shirley Jean Austin Turbyfill of the home. Sons, Terry Turbyfill and Debbie Green of Stanley, and Larry Turbyfill and wife Bobbie of Denver. Brother, Earl Turbyfill and wife Mary of Charlotte.  Sisters, Lillian Turnmire of Lenoir, Anna Willis and husband Tom of Stanley, and Nancy Turbyfill of Cornelius. Grandchildren, Josh Turbyfill and Avery Turbyfill, both of Kings Mountain, and Lewis Turbyfill and Amy Turbyfill, both of Denver.

Mr. Turbyfill was the owner of Turbyfill True Value Hardware for 35 years. After retiring in 2010, he was able to travel to areas he wanted to. He enjoyed being with people, listening to music and dancing and was an avid Duke basketball fan.  In addition, he was voted Small Business Person of the Year in 2002.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Denver United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 661, Denver, NC 28037, to Salem United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, 378 N. Pilot Knob Road, Denver, NC 28037, to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 5216 Glenn Allen, VA 23058-5267, or to the American Diabetes Association, 222 S. Church Street, Suite 336M, Charlotte, NC  28202.