Merle Prestwood

Merle Edward Prestwood of Lenoir, NC passed away July 10, 2011, surrounded by the love of his family. A man devoted to and deeply loved by his family, he was the son of the late Gwyn and Nell Prestwood. He was preceded in death by his sister, Florence Barlow, and brother, Charles Prestwood.

Merle graduated from Lenoir High School. He served honorably in the US Army and was a veteran of the Korean War. He was a past co-owner of Valdese Cleaners and most recently was employed by Caldwell County Schools. He was a member of Littlejohn United Methodist Church and was for many years the caretaker of Lelia Tuttle Memorial Park and member of the Hibriten Masonic Lodge.

He is survived by his wife, Sue Nichols Prestwood, his daughter and son-in-law Kim and Lawrence Kelley, Jr., his son, Bob Prestwood and grandson Gwyn Kelley. Also surviving are his nephew, David Barlow and wife Linda of Lenoir, his niece Gail Bradshaw and husband Junie of Lenoir and Martha Fishman and husband Mark of Michigan. His sister’s and brother-in-law Donna and Larry Burch and Lyn Nichols of Lenoir, a special cousin Earl Digh of Morganton,a dear friend Wilton Littlejohn of Lenoir, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family extends deep appreciation to Dr. Christohper McDonald and the staff of the Cancer Center of Blue Ridge Healthcare, Valdese, NC for their care and friendship given with dignity and compassion. We also wish to thank the Caldwell County Education Center and all the school offices for their kindness and friendship.

Receiving of friends will be Tuesday, July 12, 2011 from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. at Pendry’s Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Littlejohn United Methodist Church followed by military services at the gravesite. Services will be conducted by Reverend Elizabeth Graves and Reverend Allen Bolick.

Serving as pallbearers will be Jason Bradshaw, Jerry Bumgarner, Tommy Bumgarner, Scot Nichols, Mike Moore and Hoss Prestwood.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jerry Brown, Horry Kent, Jr., Mark Nichols, Alan Nichols, John Schmidlin, Benny Storie, Tim Woods, Jeff Benfield and Franklin Reins Kelley.

The family requests memorials be made to Littlejohn United Methodist Church, 4120 Littlejohn Church Road, Lenoir, NC 28645 or to Caldwell County Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street, NW, Lenoir, NC 28645.

Merle was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He taught us by his example to face lifes challenges with courage and dignity. He was a man of quiet strength, a kind heart and generous spirit. His impact will be forever present in our lives.

Pendry’s Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Prestwood family.

Online condolences to the family may be placed at www.pendrysfuneralhome.com