Clay Tony Lefler Sr.

MATTHEWS — Mr. Lefler, 83 of Matthews passed away Tuesday, November 17, 2009, at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte. His family will receive friends Thursday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home in Indian Trail. Services from the graveside will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at Historic Matthews Cemetery with Reverend Ken Lyon officiating.

Mr. Lefler was born June 8, 1926 in Matthews to the late Tony and Bertha Mae Lefler. He graduated from Matthews High School and attended Charlotte College (now UNCC) and proudly served his country in the US Army during WWII. Clay was a lifelong member of Matthews United Methodist Church and worked for the U.S. Postal Service where he was one of the youngest postmasters ever appointed. He retired from there in 1975 and in 1977 ran a successful campaign to be elected as Mayor of Matthews, where he served until 1987.

To say that Mr. Lefler was an active person would be an understatement. Over the years his hands touched much of what was the Town of Matthews. He served as chairman of the committee to organize the Matthews VFD, helped organize and was a charter member the Matthews Athletic Association, was a member of the Matthews Community Club, parade chairman for the former Stumptown Festival for 1976-77, served on the board of United Carolina Bank, served on the first Matthews Zoning Board, was a charter member of both the Matthews Optimist and Civitan clubs, and was a member of the VFW in Indian Trail. One of his most outstanding accomplishments was breaking ground for the Presbyterian Hospital at Matthews with Brian Bullard, former president of Presbyterian Hospital at Charlotte.

His survivors include his wife of over 62 years, Myrtle Dulin Lefler; his children, Tony Lefler Jr. and his wife Ann of Matthews, Scarlet Helms and husband Tommy of Unionville; grandchildren, C.T. Lefler III, Katie Lefler, both of Matthews, Derek Helms and wife Laura of Greenville, N.C., Grant Helms of Matthews; brother, Mitchell Lefler and wife Geraldine of Charlotte. He was predeceased by 2 sisters and 5 brothers.

The family asks that memorials may be sent to Matthews United Methodist Church, 801 S. Trade St., Matthews, NC 28105.

Arrangements for the Lefler family are in the care of Heritage Funeral Home. An online guest registry is available at www.heritagefuneral.net.

PAID OBITUARY

Shawn O’Malley

INDIAN TRAIL — Lance Corporal Shawn Michael “Shamus” O’Malley, 24, of Indian Trail, died Friday, November 13, 2009, at his barracks at Camp Lejeune.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday at First Baptist Church Indian Trail. Interment will follow in Sharon Memorial Park with full military honors.

The beloved son of John and Brenda O’Malley, Shawn had a love for music and was an avid weightlifter. He was an anti-tank assaultman assigned to the 8th Marine Regiment of the 2nd Marine Division. His decorations included the Iraqi Campaign, National Defense Service and Global War on Terrorism Service Medals.

In addition to his parents, Shawn is survived by his sister, Meghan O’Malley Doubraski of Asheville, N.C.

Shawn never met a stranger, had a heart of pure gold and a smile that could light up the darkest room. He always found the humor in life and was forever teasing his dad.

Our lives are better, having known him.

Our lives are forever changed, having lost him.

“But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for He shall receive me.” Psalms 49:15

Please share your condolences and memories at capt68@hotmail.com or www.goodshepherdfuneralhome.net.

Good Shepherd Funeral Home, Indian Trail, is serving the family of Lance Corporal O’Malley.

PAID OBITUARY

Fay Ross

MARSHVILLE — Mrs. Fay Wynn Ross, age 80, went to be with her Lord and Saviour on Sunday, November 15, 2009, at her residence, with family at her side. She was born August 22, 1929, in South Norfolk, Va., the daughter of late Mr. Benjamin Josephus Wynn and the late Mrs Grace Burgess Middleton. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Paul Edward Ross, on September 16, 2007.

Mrs. Ross was a proud member of First Baptist of Indian Trail East Campus of Marshville, N.C. Her Sunday school class lighted up her darkest moments and encouraged her during her last days. Mrs. Ross is survived by six children: Timothy Ross and wife Lisa of Chester, Va., Susan Ross Lewis and husband Ramon of Matthews, N.C., Kathleen Ross and husband Dale Griffin of Marshville, N.C., Dr. David Ross and wife Stephani of Midlothian, Va., Sharon Ross Ruff and husband Jim of Jamestown, N.C. , and Carole Ross Schrader and husband Dale of Fredicksburg, Va.; 15 grandchildren: Micah Ross, Jennifer Fay Mayberry, Dusty Ross, Scott Ross, James Ruff, Brian Ruff, Victor Ruff, Rodney Ruff, Jon Ruff, Tina Smith, Hannah and Rachel Schrader, Nicholas Griffin, Galen and Eleanor Ross: four great-grandchildren Travis Veit, Michaela and Skyler Griffin and Egan Ross; two brothers: Roy Wynn of Corydon, Indiana and Donald Wynn of Soledad, Philippines.

The Ross family will receive friends and relatives for a celebration and memorial of her life and visitation Thursday November 19, 2009, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at McEwen Funeral Home in Monroe. A graveside service will be held at Sunset Memory Gardens on Friday November 20, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. People may meet at McEwen Funeral home at 10:00 a.m. to travel to Sunset Memory Gardens.

PAID OBITUARY

Jimmy Williams

MATTHEWS — Mr. Jimmy Wayne Williams, age 70, passed away Tuesday November 17, 2009, at his home.

He was born April 8, 1939, in Union County, N.C., the son of the late Mr. Lloyd Union Williams and the late Mrs. Verona Emoline Hyatt Williams.

Mr. Williams is survived by two sons, Ricky Wayne Williams and wife Debbie of Clarksville, Tenn., and Jimmy Dean Williams and wife Beth of Monroe, N.C.; one brother, Oren Lee Williams of Monroe, N.C.; one sister, Kathy W. Connell of Monroe, N.C.; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends and relatives for visitation Thursday November 19, 2009, from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at McEwen Funeral Home in Monroe.

Funeral services for Mr. Williams will be 3:00 p.m. Friday November 20, 2009, in the McEwen Colonial Chapel, with burial to follow in the Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family suggests memorials be made to Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region, 1420 East Seventh Street, Charlotte, NC 28204.

McEwen Funeral and Cremation Service of Monroe is serving the family of Mr. Williams.

PAID OBITUARY