Rev. Avery Slone

Rev. Avery I. Slone, 77, of Statesville, passed away Tuesday, January 18, 2011, at his home. Rev. Slone was born June 1, 1933 in Hackney Creek, KY., and was the son of the late James Alex Slone and Flory Harrison Slone. Rev. Slone attended Big Rock, VA schools and on November 11, 1955, he was married to Carol Matney Slone, who survives. Rev. Slone worked in the coal mines and was also a machine operator and supervisor in the furniture industry. He was ordained into the ministry by H. Richard Hall Ministries and pastored several Pentecostal Churches for over 30 years. Rev. Slone loved music and loved playing his guitar and singing. In addition to his parents, Rev. Slone was also preceded in death by a daughter, Linda Gail Slone of Statesville; a grandson, Dillon Slone of Troutman; a sister, Mavis Slone Charles of Statesville along with two brothers, James B. Slone of Statesville and Elmer Slone of Big Rock, VA. Along with his wife, Carol Matney Slone of the home, Rev. Slone is also survived by one son, Donald Ray Slone of Troutman; two daughters, Patricia Slone and Vicki Slone, both of Statesville; five grandsons, Jeremy Cook of Monticello, KY, Jerry Benfield of Statesville, Michael Gilbert of Mooresville, Josh Benfield of Charlotte, and Alex Slone of Troutman. He is also survived by one sister, Eula Jean McGuire of Bryan, OH., and three great-grandchildren, Bryson Slone, Ivy Benfield, and Lexxie Helms. Funeral services will be conducted 2:00 PM Saturday, January 22, 2011, at Gloryland Baptist Church with Rev. Blain Keaton and Rev. Leroy England officiating. The family will visit with friends starting at 1:00 pm until 2:00pm at the church. Burial will follow in the Iredell Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Gloryland Baptist Church, 613 Westminster Dr, Statesville, NC 28677 or to Hospice and Palliative Care, 2341 Simonton Road, Statesville, N.C. 28625. Online condolences may be made at www.nicholsonfunerals.com/obituaries. Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Rev. Avery I. Slone.