Robert Elmore Rary

Mr. Robert Elmore Rary, 89, of Statesville, died Saturday, December 16, 2017 at the Gordon Hospice House. Born March 3, 1928 in Iredell County, he was the youngest of seven children of J. C. and Eula Mae Shoemaker Rary. He attended Statesville City Schools and graduated from Statesville Senior High School. He served in the U. S. Navy for 2 years during World War II. He was stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on Staff of Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet. He was a life Long member of Pressly Memorial A.R.P. Church where he served as a Sunday school teacher, Sunday school Superintendent, Deacon, Elder and held numerous other positions including Church Trustee and Choir Director for 47 years. He enjoyed watching Atlanta Braves baseball, N.C. Tarheel basketball and Carolina Panthers football. He was Pipe Papa for the Statesville Grenadier Band, Band Fans and served as President for several years. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, James Edgar Rary and sisters: Sally Rary Josey, Lois Rary Brawley, Ruth Rary Hall, Louise Rary Holland and Mavin Rary Faulk. His employment history includes first working at Southern Screw Co, then Slane Glass Company, Friendly Loan Company & Local Finance, Moore Door Service and F & F Builders where he became a wood working and cabinet making specialist. He loved wood working, singing and was an avid lover of Pastel Artistry. Survivors include his loving and supportive wife of 67 1/2 years, the former Mollie M. Fletcher of Newland, N.C. whom he married on June 3, 1950, two daughters, Pamela A. Rary Ostwalt (Robert) and M. Gayle Rary Crater (Greg). Also surviving are three grandchildren, Brandon R. Ostwalt, Stephanie M. Crater and Jacob G. Crater. Funeral services are scheduled for 2:30 P.M. Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at Pressly Memorial A.R.P. Church with Rev. Dr. Robert W. Bell and Rev. Mark Tankersley officiating. The family will greet friends from 12:30 until 2:30 at the church prior to the service. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery with full military rites presented by the Iredell County Veterans Council Burial Detail. Pallbearers will be: Brandon Ostwalt, Jacob Crater, Dale Josey, Eddie Fletcher, Lee Fletcher and Kenny Morrison. Condolences may be sent online to the family to www.nicholsonfunerals.com. Memorials may be given to Pressly Memorial A.R.P. Church, 1914 Wilkesboro Hwy., Statesville, N.C. 28625 or to the Gordon Hospice House, C/O Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Rd., Statesville, N.C. 28625. Nicholson Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.