Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service

Former NC Senator Thomas LaFontine "Fountain" Odom, 85, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2023, after a lengthy illness. Fountain's love for life, boundless energy, and commitment to public service were an inspiration to his family and friends. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 1:30pm at Steele Creek Presbyterian Church at Pleasant Hill, 15000 York Road, Charlotte, NC 28278. Following the service, the family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall. This "uncommon, common man" wore many hats during his lifetime including beloved family man, respected North Carolina statesman, attorney-at-law, environmentalist, businessman, philanthropist,...

Thomas Black Murdock, 82, most recently of Charlotte, NC, died on Saturday, November 25, 2023, from a long illness. Tom led a life of service to his family, community, country, and church. Tom was born on July 22, 1941, to James and Jean Murdock of North Argyle, NY. Along with his siblings, James Murdock and Rebecca Kennedy, they had a pastoral upbringing on the family dairy farm. Tom found himself naturally drawn to academics which led him to St. Lawrence University, Dartmouth College's Tuck School, and briefly to Germany as a Captain in the United States Army. Tom worked in Information Technology for 30 years, but social and racial justice advocacy was his life-long passion. Whether...

WAXHAW, NC - Anne Elisabeth "Annie" Mandsager, 63, passed away November 14, 2023, at home following her prolonged and determined struggle with cancer. Annie was born and raised in Sioux Falls, SD, the youngest child of the late Charles and Sarah Mandsager. Proud of her Norwegian heritage, her midwestern upbringing molded her character of high energy, optimism, independence, diligence, and faith in God, always infused with a sense of fun and wry humor. An extroverted woman of strong conviction ever ready to express her mostly unfiltered views on most anything to anyone, she nevertheless exhibited an uncanny empathetic ability to immediately connect with all who met her: so much so that by...

CHARLOTTE - John Paul Schelble, II died peacefully after a long battle with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, in Charlotte, NC. Born April 10, 1947, in Milwaukee, WI, John was the fifth of seven children born to Dr. John Paul and Teresa (nee McCormick) Schelble. He graduated from Marquette University High School in 1965 and attended St. Louis University, graduating with a degree in History. Following graduation, he married Carol Lynn Niehoff on August 16, 1969; this year they celebrated 54 years together. John was drafted and spent two years serving in the U.S. Army before beginning a long and diverse career in sales and marketing that brought them from Texas to...

Robert "Rob" Bond Byrd, II Rob Byrd's legacy is reflected in this fundamental fact about his life: In the 45 years he spent in accounting, he did his best never to bring work home. During the day, he gave everything he had to helping clients. The rest of his time was devoted to his family, and to the passions that brought him joy. The oldest of Robert and Joyce Byrd's three children, Rob grew up in Morganton in the N.C. foothills. He graduated from Morganton High School, then earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration from UNC-Chapel Hill. His Chapel Hill roots - he was born there when his parents were in graduate school - propelled Rob's passion for the Tar Heels, especially...

T. Stephen Helms, known as "Steve" by friends and "Gramps" by his grandchildren, died on Friday, Oct 6, 2023 at the age of 77. A native Charlottean and graduate of Myers Park ('64), he earned his bachelor's in political science from UNCC in 1968. That spring he met the love of his life, Glenda Anne Alexander, and they married on June 1st. She was from Statesville, NC, the daughter of Watt and Jo Alexander who adopted Steve after he married Glenda. The Vietnam War altered his career plans, and he served in the US Army Artillery from January 1969 through December 1970. During this time, he was exposed to Agent Orange, which ultimately affected his heart health for most of his adult life....

Duane W. Brock, formerly of Boston, NY and Auburndale, FL died on Monday, October 2, 2023. He was born on June 24, 1939, in Blasdell, NY to Orville and Alberta Brock. Duane served in the United States Air Force. He worked thirty years as a claims adjuster for Allstate. He was a charter member of the Boston Emergency Squad and Chief of Patchin Volunteer Fire Company. Duane enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, and listening to country music. Survivors include his wife of sixty-one years, Helen Draudt Brock; children, Mark Brock and his companion, Donna Lisowski and Tammy Haley and her husband, Michael; three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A memorial service to celebrate...

Virginia Yates Cole, 93, passed away peacefully, with family by her side, in Charlotte, NC, on October 1, 2023. A world traveler, she led a long, full and active life. Greatly admired and deeply loved, she will be dearly missed. Virginia is survived by her only child Susan Cole Mitchell, son-in-law Thomas Leo Mitchell, and grandsons Peter Cole Mitchell and James "Jimmy" Yates Mitchell, all of Charlotte. She also is survived by her niece, Amy Sinclair, her husband Tux Turkel and their son Zachary, all of Yarmouth, ME. Virginia, often called "Ginny", was preceded in death by her parents James "Jimmy" Black Yates and Elsie Ramsburg Yates. She also was preceded in death by her husband of 37...

Charlotte, North Carolina?Virginia Yates Cole, 93, passed away peacefully, with family by her side, in Charlotte, NC, on October 1, 2023. A world traveler, she led a long, full and active life. Greatly admired and deeply loved, she will be dearly missed. Virginia is survived by her only child Susan Cole Mitchell, son-in-law Thomas Leo Mitchell, and grandsons Peter Cole Mitchell and James "Jimmy" Yates Mitchell, all of Charlotte. She also is survived by her niece, Amy Sinclair, her husband Tux Turkel and their son Zachary, all of Yarmouth, ME. Virginia, often called "Ginny", was preceded in death by her parents James "Jimmy" Black Yates and Elsie Ramsburg Yates. She also was preceded in...

Virginia Yates Cole, 93, passed away peacefully, with family by her side, in Charlotte, NC, on October 1, 2023. A world traveler, she led a long, full and active life. Greatly admired and deeply loved, she will be dearly missed. Virginia is survived by her only child Susan Cole Mitchell, son-in-law Thomas Leo Mitchell, and grandsons Peter Cole Mitchell and James "Jimmy" Yates Mitchell, all of Charlotte. She also is survived by her niece, Amy Sinclair, her husband Tux Turkel and their son Zachary, all of Yarmouth, ME. Virginia, often called "Ginny", was preceded in death by her parents James "Jimmy" Black Yates and Elsie Ramsburg Yates. She also was preceded in death by her husband of 37...

At the remarkable age of 100 years and one month, Francis Justice Timberlake, Jr., beloved husband, father, son and friend passed away on Friday, September 22, 2023, surrounded by his family. He leaves behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and service to others. His departure is mourned by his family, friends, caregivers and those whose lives he touched during his time on this Earth. Born on August 24,1923 in Youngsville, NC, Frank was the only child of Francis Justice Timberlake, Sr. and Eula Bell Pappendick Timberlake. Youngsville was a very special place for Frank, as he was surrounded by the Timberlake "clan", grandparents, numerous aunts and uncles, and many cousins. Sadly, his father...

James "Jim" Randolph Jamison, Jr., 98, passed away on Friday, September 22, 2023. He was born on July 20, 1925, in Charlotte, NC, to the late James Randolph Jamison and Ruby Kelly Jamison. Jim was a devoted husband of 77 years to the love of his life, Peggy, and a loving father to his three daughters. He was a hardworking and intelligent man who constantly pursued higher education and continued training for his career. Jim's educational journey began at Wilmore Elementary and A.G. Middle School. He then attended and graduated from Berryhill High School. Later he furthered his studies at Central Piedmont Community College, where he received an associate degree in Fire Science...

The Reverend Doctor Franklin Oscar Smith, Jr. (Oscar), 91, passed away peacefully at home in Charlotte, NC, on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was born on May 10, 1932, in Charleston, SC, to Franklin Oscar Smith, Sr. and Florence Myers Smith. Oscar grew up in Charleston with his sister, Clarine Smith Cullinane. He attended North Charleston Elementary, Porter Military Academy and North Charleston High School. He graduated from Wofford College (AB, 1954) and Chandler School of Theology, Emory University (Master of Divinity, 1959). He also served honorably in the US Army. Oscar was ordained deacon (1955) and elder (1961) with full connection (1961) in the...

Theodore Anthony Scharfenstein, 84, of Charlotte NC, passed away September 2, 2023. He was born August 25,1939 in Brooklyn, NY. Ted graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Florida Southern College in 1961 and earned his MBA from George Washington University in 1968. He has been married to Madeline Sonneborn Scharfenstein since June 3, 1967. Ted spent the majority of his career in hospital administration, primarily as CEO of Addison Gilbert Hospital in Gloucester, Ma from 1974-1989. Active in his community, Ted was a member of the Rockport National Bank Board of Directors from 1983-2014, serving as Chairman for 12 years. Additionally, he had a lifelong connection to his college...

Alfred James ("Jim") Beyer, Jr., M.D., 82, of Charlotte, North Carolina passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 26, 2023. Jim was one of four children born to Alfred James Beyer, Sr. and Jesse Huddleston Beyer of Lakewood, Ohio. After graduating from high school in Lakewood, he attended Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio. Jim graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1963. He went on to Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland where he earned his medical degree in 1967. After medical school, Jim completed residency training in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to become a general surgeon. Jim met his wife, Catherine Herlihy Beyer, during their first year of medical school at...

Stacey Almond passed away peacefully at Novant Medical Center - Matthews on Friday, August 11, 2023. Born in Bremerton, WA on October 17, 1960, she was the daughter of Tommy and Margaret Almond of Mint Hill, NC and sister of Kelly Almond of Atlanta, GA. Stacey earned Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees from UNC - Wilmington and Queens University. She was a collegiate cross-country runner and loved the solitude of long-distance running. Stacey had a successful 22-year career as a Portfolio Manager for Bank of America and relocated to Las Vegas, NV, Pawtucket, RI, and Charlotte, NC with the bank. After retiring from banking, Stacey became a respected shooting instructor and avid...

John Cameron Goodman, age 86 died peacefully at home on Saturday, August 5, 2023. Known as Johnny in his youth, he was born October 5, 1936, in Salisbury, NC, the first child of the late Ree and Willie Goodman. Johnny lived a spirited youth in rural North Carolina, enjoying all things the wild outdoors offered. He shared his love of the North Carolina mountains with his family, teaching his children to fish, whittle, hike, golf and appreciate the beauty of the forest. A man of many talents, John was also quite capable as a pool player, supplementing his income as a young adult and delighting his grandchildren later in life. Forever remembered for his keen wit and intelligence, friends...

Raymond H. Levesque, formerly of Mamaroneck, NY, passed away Sunday, July 16, 2023, at the age of 96 in Charlotte, NC. He was born December 15, 1926, in Coventry, RI, the son of Wilfred Levesque and Mathilda Smith Levesque. The purchase of a single share of stock in McCall Corp. during Ray's first year of college sparked a lifelong fascination with Wall Street and a 57-year career as a stockbroker and investment advisor. He was an office manager for Goodbody & Co. and national sales manager for Herzfeld & Stern, a regional firm based in New York. His last employer was Brill Securities in New York City. A graduate of Providence College (RI) class of 1950, Ray was active in the...

Beverley Foster Liles was ushered into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 16, 2023. A native Charlottean, Beverley was the daughter of Carolyn Peaseley Foster and Elbert Ellsworth Foster. She was a graduate of Myers Park High School, Greensboro College and UNC Chapel Hill where she earned her BS in Early Childhood Education. Beverley taught second grade at Berryhill Elementary until starting a family. She re-entered the teaching profession at Olde Providence Elementary School after her two children began school. Her love of people led to a successful career in insurance sales starting with Bankers Life and Casualty then as an independent broker for multiple...

Wayne S. Hill, 68, of Charlotte, died Saturday, July 15, 2023, at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center in Charlotte. Mr. Hill was a retired freelance graphics and web designer. He was previously the communications director for the chemicals and dyes company Crompton & Knowles. A native of Tallahassee, FL, he was the son of the late Edward J. and Elizabeth Hill, both of Tallahassee. He was a graduate of Florida State University. A former tournament player at Dilworth Billiards, he loved playing pool, crafting excellent cocktails, and listening to music, particularly the Internet station Radio Paradise. Mr. Hill is survived by his wife, Kathleen Purvis; his son, Christopher...

Herbert Rufus Spaugh, Jr., a renaissance man in every sense, passed away July 14, 2023, after filling every moment of his 93 years by honoring God, serving his country and city, building organizations that focused on helping others, flying, sailing, collecting cars and clocks, playing his tuba, and charming every person who met him. Born in Charlotte on June 6, 1930, to Walter Herbert Spaugh (a U.S. Bishop of the Moravian Church and founder of the Little Church on the Lane in Charlotte) and Ida Brown Efird, Herb, along with his older brother Earle Frederick and younger sister Carolyn, were raised to thank God by serving others. He earned his pilot's license at the age of 16 and after...