Frank A.Mace

Frank A.Mace, 85, of River Road, Morganton, passed away peacefully at his home on February 24th following a courageous battle with lung cancer. His wife, Bertha, 82, also passed away at home on February 27th following several years of declining health. They were married for 62 years.

Mr. Mace was a veteran of World War II serving in the 15th Army under General Patton as an anti-aircraft cannoneer earning five bronze stars. A son of the late Toney and Evangeline Mace, Mr. Mace was preceded in death by a daughter, Wanda Murphy; four brothers, Lester, Javan, Louie and Loy Mace and a sister, Sadie Lail. He is survived by three sisters, Ruth Lowman, Mary Moses and Azalea Rector, and one brother, J.C. Mace.

A daughter of the late Miles and Timey Huffman, Mrs. Mace was preceded in death by a daughter, Wanda Murphy, her brothers, Earl, Charles, Guy, Plez and Kermit Huffman, and one sister, Tessie Wellman. She is survived by a sister Beulah Lail and one brother, Robert Huffman. Mrs. Mace will be remembered by her family and friends as an avid gardener and wonderful cook, devoted to her friends and family.

Prior to their retirement, Mr. and Mrs. Mace were self employed, operating service stations in the Morganton and Hickory area. Both were members of Smart's Grove Baptist Church.

Both are survived by their daughters Evelyn Capps and Jean Shankles and their husbands, Fred Capps and Charles Shankles; eight grandchildren, Donna Cannon, Ronnie Murphy, Christy Byrd, Ray Capps, Brian Capps, Holly Steiger, Eric Winters, and Lindsey Shankles; in addition to seven great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Following visitation Saturday from 1:00 -3:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home, funeral services will be conducted at 3 pm by Rev. Charles Lewis in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home. Full military rites for Mr. Mace and entombment for both will follow immediately at 4 pm at Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the missionary fund of Smart's Grove Baptist Church, 6497 Hwy. 18 South, Morganton, NC, 28655. The family would appreciate copies of any old photos of Mr. & Mrs. Mace from extended family members.