Edward Claywell McGimsey

Edward Claywell McGimsey, Sr., 87, of S. King St., Morganton, NC, died Thursday, April 2, 2009 at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. Born in Iredell County, NC on May 18, 1921, he was the son of the late James Franks McGimsey and Margaret Claywell McGimsey. Edward was a member of First United Methodist Church.During WWII he served in Italy with the U.S. Army Air Corps as a P-51 fighter pilot. He was a graduate of Morganton High School and of The McCallie School in Chattanooga, TN. He received his Bachelors degree from Duke University. While at Duke, he played in the pep band. He joined his family at Morganton Hardware Store until his retirement in 1995. He was an avid tennis player and hiker, and was a member of the Foothills Hoofers for many years. He continued flying after WWII and was a charter member of the Morganton Flying Club. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of Morganton Savings and Loan. He enjoyed playing Bridge with his friends. He was also a member of the Duke University Alumni group, the Iron Dukes.He is survived by his children, Peggy McGimsey Edwards and husband, Ralph, Eddie C. McGimsey, Jr. and wife, Sherri, Bob M. McGimsey and wife, Judy, and Kathy McGimsey Lindquist, all of Morganton; grandchildren, Lauren Farfour Marchant and husband, Spencer, Patrick Claywell Farfour and wife, Courtney, Matthew Claywell McGimsey, Nicholas Edward McGimsey and wife, Autumn, Richard Kurt Lindquist, II, and Grayson Edward Lindquist; great-grandchildren, Spencer Marchant, Jr., Elizabeth Marchant, Jackson Claywell Farfour, and Isaiah Howard McGimsey; step-granddaughters, Tracy Stidham and Stephanie Taylor; step-great-granddaughter, Mikalea Taylor.In addition to his parents, Mr. McGimsey was preceded in death by his wife, Belle "Bootsie" McIntosh McGimsey, and a brother, Dr. James Franks McGimsey, Jr.The graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, April 6, 2009 at Forest Hill Cemetery with Rev. Dr. Sydnor Thompson, III officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 200 N. King St., Morganton, NC 28655.