Mr. Merle Ray Kephart: Obituary

Merle Ray Kephart, age 69, of Murphy, NC passed away Monday, June 13, 2016 at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, TN.

He was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County; he was the son of the late Frank Lee and Theodosia Josephine Dockery Kephart. Merle worked at Levi Strauss and also was a custodian with the Cherokee County Schools. He enjoyed fishing, gardening and helping people. Merle was a member of the Murphy First Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by one sister, Janice Payne.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce Kephart; one son, Travis Kephart and wife Julie of Hillsborough, NC; one brother, Richard Harold Kephart and wife Margie of Murphy; four sisters, Karen Twiss and husband Mike, Sharon Kephart, Shelia Phillips and husband Johnny all of Murphy and Alice McCanless and husband Stuart of Oxford, GA; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 AM, Thursday, June 16, 2016 at the Murphy First Baptist Church. Rev. Aud Brown and Rev. Edward Carter will officiate. Music will be provided by Brenda Worley and Susie Rogers Graham. Burial will be in the Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Phil Craig, Carlton Fowler, Larry Hall, Jon Payne, Morgan Smith and Jerry Patton. Honorary pallbearers will be Bob Penland, Bud Penland and Harold Patton.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM, Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at the Murphy First Baptist Church.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
You may send tributes to the family at www.mem.com