Person Page 5,167

Obituary -- unknown newspaper:

JAMES B. AKARD

James B. Akard, prominent mortician of the area, resident of Bristol, died earl Monday at a hospital in Eustis, Fla., where he had gone two weeks ago on account of illness. Funeral services will be conducted at 3 p.m., Friday at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Bristol.

The body arrived Wednesday and was taken to the Akard Funeral Home, an establishment with which he was associated. His son, David Akard is manager.

Interment will be held in the family plot ant Weavers Cemetery.

The Comet, Johnson City, Tennessee; Thursday, September 28, 1899; Page 4 (Newspapers.com)

Obituary.

JOHN PRICE AKARD

Our heavenly father in His all-wise providence called to those bright mansions above on Saturday, July 8, 1899, our dear friend and brother, John Price Akard, who was born November 23, 1879. He accepted Christ as his savior in January, 1899, and united with the Methodist church where he spent a humble, devoted Christian life until his death. He was a faithful member of the Union Baptist Sunday school, always on the side of right, and willing to lend a helping hand at any time. He was welcomed at the pearly gates by a loving little brother and dear good mother, who were taken away when he was five years old. He was left in the care of a dear father, a loving aunt, three brothers and a devoted sister, all of whom are humble and consecrated Christians.

Whereas, He was so dearly beloved by the entire membership of the Union Baptist Sunday school be it

Resolved, That we as a Sunday school officers and pupils and teachers bow in weak submission to the will of Him who doeth all things well, believing He is too wise to err, and too good to be unkind.

Resolved, That while it is with the deepest of sorrow and sadness that we reflect upon the death of our brother Akard, who possessed so many manly and virtuous qualities, we are grateful to our heavenly father for the beautiful and inspiring life of our dear departed friend.

Resolved, That we highly appreciate the good example which he so beautifully laid before us, and pray that his good influence may ever abide among us and inspire us to a higher and holier life.

Resolved, That we tender to the bereaved relatives and friends our deepest sympathy, praying that the mercy and goodness of God will follow us all along the journey of life, and on the Resurrection morn we shall meet as an unbroken band around the great white throne above.

Thou has preached the pearly portals

Of that fair and sunny land;

Thou has seen the shining angels

And hast joined their holy band.

Thou has found within that city

In those mansions up above

Mothers, brothers, sainted spirits

Whom on earth you learned to love.

Here on earth we'll miss thee;

But we'll grieve for thee no more

Hoping only soon to greet thee

On that bright, celestial shore.

There around God's throne we'll circle

With the saints His name adore

And we'll join the heavenly chorus

Praising Him forever more.

Resolved, That this obituary be placed upon the records of our Sunday school and that a copy be furnished the family, and THE COMET, and Bristol Courier for publication.

Nick Edens, Lona Houts, Alice Bowman,

Committee appointed by the Union Baptist Sunday school.

AKARD FUNERAL RITES (unknown newspaper):

Funeral services for R. M. Akard, 46, well know farmer of the Boones Creek, Tenn., section who died Thursday night at 11:20 o'clock, will be held some time this morning.

Private funeral services will be held because it was learned last night that spinal meningitis caused Mr. Akard's death.

Mr. Akard became ill February 7 and his condition became rapidly worse until death.

Obituary -- Johnson City Press, Johnson City, Tennessee (via Findagrave.com):

Benjamin Lee Hale, Sr. passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ surrounded by his family on Sunday, October 7, 2018 at Johnson City Medical Center from complications of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.

Ben was born on July 14, 1940 in Johnson City, Tennessee to the late Thad and Mary Emma Sell Hale. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by brothers Gentry, John, and Joe Hale.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, his best friend, and love of his life Joyce H. Hale, children Benjamin Lee Hale, II, Kelly Hale Finney, Shannon Hale Lynch and husband Dale and grandchildren Ben Hale, III, Bo Hale, Lauren and Drew Finney, Zachary and wife Leslie Lynch, Ryan Lynch and fiancé Kendra Fleming. Also surviving Ben is his brother Jimmy and wife Peggy Hale, sisters-in-law Lois Hale, Doris Hale, Ruth Marsh, and many cousins, nephews and nieces.

After growing up and attending school in the Boones Creek community, Ben began his work career selling insurance with his oldest brother in Nashville. Soon afterward, he joined Southern Airways, where he worked until he decided to retire to pursue his passion. . .farming and agriculture.

Benny (to all who knew him) began raising tobacco and growing produce and then selling at farmer’s markets and to many prominent restaurants and grocery stores in the area. His love of everything outdoors, besides working in his fields, included fishing, hunting and anything that could involve his vast network of friends, and most importantly, his love for his children and grandchildren. Nothing made him happier than spending time with family and many, many friends.

Ben was a member of the Presbyterian Church. Funeral Services will be held at Appalachian Funeral Home in Johnson City, Tennessee at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 11th. Dr. Angus Shaw will officiate. The family will receive friends and share memories before the service from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held on Friday, October 12th at 12:30 p.m. at Monte Vista Memorial Park. For those wishing to attend, please meet at the funeral home at 12:00 p.m. to proceed to the cemetery. Pallbearers will be Dale Lynch, Zachary Lynch, Ryan Lynch, Larry Crouch, Jason Crouch, Brian Reagan, and Donnie Peters. Honorary pallbearers will be Ben Hale, II, Bo Hale, Drew Finney, and faithful friend Carl Lewis.

For those who prefer, in lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.appfh.net.

Appalachian Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 800 E. Watauga Ave. Johnson City, TN 37601, is serving the Hale family.