Duard Franklin Cress

Mr. Duard Franklin Cress, 93, of Salisbury entered the pearly gates on January 29, 2015 at his residence surrounded by his children. Born on April 24, 1921 in Rowan County, he was the son of the late Joseph and Mary Patterson Cress. He was a graduate of China Grove High School and NC State University. Duard was a lifelong member of Mt. Zion United Church of Christ in China Grove where he served as a Sunday School teacher, life member of the chancel choir and other offices of the church. Mr. Cress served in the US Navy during WWII in the Marshall Islands as a mechanic. He was a lifetime member of American Legion Post 146 in Landis. Duard was very active in the Rufty Holmes Center Senior Games, receiving over 76 medals during his competitions, and was well known for his roasted peanuts at the South Rowan American Legion baseball games. Duard was a fixture at the Salisbury Farmers Market with his home grown produce. He retired from Sears as a salesman after many years of service while farming fulltime. Prior to that he served on the Rowan County ASCS Agency and taught agriculture at East Rowan for a few years in the late 1960’s. His favorite activities during his life were fishing, baseball, softball, horseshoes and other sporting events.

In addition to his parents, Duard was preceded in death by his wife of over 50 years, Betty Castor Cress and grandson Matthew Cress. Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Gary Cress, Cecil Cress (Kathy), Cathy Reynolds (Ron), Mary Corrriher (Scott) and Alan Cress all of Salisbury, Martha Corriher (George) of China Grove, 18 grandchildren and their spouses, 16 great grandchildren, his brother James Cress (Anna) of Cary , his sisters Louise Grubbs of Charlotte and Martha Willliamson (George) of South Carolina.

Funeral services are scheduled for Monday February 2, 2015 at Mt. Zion United Church of Christ at 2:00 pm conducted by Rev. Mark Burns, minister. Visitation will follow the funeral in the family life center.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mt. Zion United Church of Christ New Construction Fund, P.O. 1298 China Grove, NC 28023. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.linnhoneycuttfuneralhome.com