Shirlene

It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of Shirlene McGill Yeargins.

 Her funeral will be Monday, December 31, 2012, 11:00 AM at: Philadelphia Presbyterian Church 11501 Bain School Road Mint Hill, NC 28227

 Sympathies may be expressed to her family: Mr. Ellis Yeargins 5546 Birchhill Rd. Charlotte, NC 28227


Obituary Published in Charlotte Observer on December 30, 2012

 Shirlene McGill Yeargins, 76, passed away Thursday, December 27, 2012, and went straight into the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ. She was born in Mecklenburg County, NC, on April 14, 1936, daughter of the late John McNeill and Shirley Morse McGill. Mrs. Yeargins loved her Lord, living a life of service to Him. She was especially proud of her family and had the deepest love for each of them.

 A memorial service will be Monday, December 31, 2012, at 11:00 AM in Philadelphia Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends following the service. Mrs. Yeargins is survived by her husband, Henry Ellis Yeargins; son, James Richard Regehr, Jr. of Matthews; daughters Katherine Lynn Regehr Denhart (John) of Charlotte and Virginia Dale Regehr Pope of Columbia, SC; stepsons Michael Yeargins of Albany, GA and Douglas Yeargins (Teresa) of Fort Worth, TX; grandchildren Kyle (Christy), Kendall, Laura, Haley and Victoria; step-grandchildren Lilly and Claire; great-grandson Bennett; and brothers John McGill, Jr. (Kathy) of Watkinsville, GA, Ralph McGill (Mari Anne) of Farragut, TN, and Bill McGill (Jeanne)of Yorktown, VA. Memorials may be made to Philadelphia Presbyterian Church,. 11501 Bain School Road, Charlotte, NC 28227.

 Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com. Gordon Funeral Service & Crematory is caring for the Yeargins family.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Top 10 Songs of 1954

MERRY CHRISTMAS !

He did WHAT?

(As you know, your kindly old webmaster has been begging for stories from our fellow classmates since this site began...but it's been like pulling teeth.
I'm sure there are a lot of stories out there that the class would love to read about, that, for one reason or other you just haven't bothered to "pass along."

For example, R.L. Clark, our highly decorated  jet fighter pilot extraordinaire, told me that most of his "stories" are about military flights and probably wouldn't be very interesting to the average reader.

WRONG!

Take a look at this...)


By R.L.Clark

 This occurred in June of 1963 when our squadron, VMF(AW)323, was relocating to the Far East. The plan was for 3 flights of 6 planes each to leave El Toro at 45min. intervals. We planned to meet tankers twice en route to Hawaii and repeat this schedule to Wake Island and eventually Atsugi in Japan. I was in the first flight and things went according to plans for us.

 We met the tankers, plugged in, received a full load, backed off, and flew to our next tanker rendezvous, and repeated the process, then flew to Kaneohe Bay. The skipper told us about Jud and Tookers’ situation. Since they did not know what caused them to explode, they cancelled the flight and had us fly our planes to Ford Island. We flew to Japan on C-130s and they barged our planes to Japan. They arrived about 3 weeks later.

 Cliff Judkins and I are still best friends. Each November 10th he visits us from Marietta, Ga. to attend our Marine Corp Birthday luncheon. The significant element of Cliffs’ story is that he was the only pilot in our squadron who could have survived the fall because he was the only one without a spleen. Anyone else would have bled to death internally.

Regards and Merry Christmas, R.L.

 For all you pilots out there,  You can read Cliff's version  I FELL 15,000 FEET AND LIVED.... CLIFF JUDKINS  by going HERE.

Love Story

Jerry Gaudet sent me this Charlotte Observer article about two of our favorite classmates that we all know recently wedded, but it's nice to see such a warm story in the newspaper.  -Ed

Carol and Norman Kinzie

Carole and Norman, both 76, went steady for five years as teenagers before deciding to see others in college. Nearly 55 years later, they were put in contact by an old classmate. What started as meeting for lunch every two weeks turned into daily dinner dates.

 The couple married Dec. 2, 2012, and lives in Fort Mill.

 Norman tells their story.

 Separate ways:

After we went to college, Carole married her best friend’s brother, Larry. They had two children and settled in Rock Hill. I married Marianne; we also had two children and moved from Charlotte to Lake Norman.

 Getting together: Carole lost Larry to cancer about five years ago, and I lost Marianne to stroke and dementia more than a year ago. A classmate passed Carole’s contact information on to me, and she and I met at Olive Garden one day for lunch. It was as if no time had passed. We laughed, talked about our families and how lonely it is to lose your lifetime mate.

 Waste no time: Our preacher encouraged us not to wait to get married if Carole and I knew we wanted to be together. Our children were on board with our plans – Carole taught my kids to play bridge at our Sunday suppers – so we both are selling our homes and have moved into the Four Seasons senior community. We were married in our new home with our family and a few close friends attending. Young at heart: At our age, there are no dance recitals, T-ball or soccer games. The house and cars are paid for, so Carole and I are going on her first cruise and plan to travel America in our RV. Life is wonderful for young lovers; life can go on at any age if you think positive and find the right person.

Let's Dance!

 By R.L. Clark

R.L. and Holly Clark

 \
Our NEW GENERATIONS Dance Club had our Christmas Dance last week and it was the best attended dance we have had this year. Instead of holding it at the Club where we have always been, Holly was asked to have it at the Convention Center.

 The dance floor is three times larger than the Clubs and everyone enjoyed having the additional space. Probably all of our future dances will be at the Center.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all my CHS friends. R.L.

Yes, Virginia, there is...

...a place called Charlotte and it's FULL of good story tellers!

Like Ellouise Schoettler and Gil Ballance!

Now, not everybody in Virginia watches the modest TV effort that my friend Chuck Langdon and I do that's broadcast out of Fairfax County, Virginia, but  those that do now know that there's more going on down there than just banking.

If you can spare about 30 minutes in your busy day, I think you'll enjoy seeing two old friends, Ellouise  (Diggle) and Gil Ballance!

-Ed

Ellouise Schoettler & Gil Ballance - Out of the Past - 2012 from Chuck Langdon on Vimeo.

Early Christmas Present

Message from Bob Ellis:

"Several months ago i asked for prayers because my youngest daughter was having problems with her pregnancy. God must have been listening . I present you with my 9th grandchild:"

 Caleb Daniel Hines

Behind the Headline

By Jerry Gaudet 

 In early December, a tragic accident was reported by the Charlotte Observer and TV stations... In a followup report...

"The mother of the man who was seriously injured Saturday night in a fall at Bank of America Stadium says her son slipped after he took a photo. Sean Michael Powers, 22, of New Port Richey, Fla., fell about 40 feet from a fourth-level ramp at the stadium, a few minutes after the kickoff of the ACC championship football game between Florida State and Georgia Tech...As of Monday, he was still in critical condition. The Tampa Bay Times reported that Powers suffered a fractured skull, a crushed kidney that had to be removed, and a broken arm.

 Kristen Evers, the injured man’s mother, told Time-Warner Bay 9 News in Tampa that her son was on his way to his seat and stopped to take a picture. After snapping the photo, she said, he slipped over a railing and fell... Evers told Bay 9 News that Powell’s brothers are having a tough time dealing with the injury. “They just lost their dad this past February, and the brothers are having a very difficult time,” said Evers, a nurse at a Tampa hospital. “Sean is deeply loved, he’s fun-loving, and his friends truly love him.”

 Most of us hearing of this incident surely felt concern for the young man, but probably soon moved on to other things. At the December's "LDL" some of us heard that Betty Palomba didn't just move on the other things as she felt great emphathy for the injured man and his mother.

 This received from Betty...

I have been in contact with Kristin Evers, the mother of Sean Powers.  Sean is the 22 year old boy that fell at the stadium and has life threatening injuries.  He had an operation yesterday but they had to stop half way because of complications.  Kristin said this morning he is  on a respirator and they are keeping him asleep.  He is in very bad condition.  Kristin flew up here the day it happened and has been by his bedside 24-7.  She has two sons, l5 and 19.  The oldest one is in college in Florida.  The reason I am writing is to ask if you can, just send her a note (card) to let her know there are people in Charlotte that are thinking about her.  There is not much one can do at this point.  I have offered our guest bedroom and we will work that out next weekl.  She does not have a car here.  She is a nurse in Florida and wants to be there, of  course, all the time.   Hopefully she will come here when he is better and get some rest and a good nights sleep.  I was not going to share this with anyone but thought at this time some cards would help lift her spirit.   thanks in advance.  Betty   the address is: Sean Power                        Intensive Care Unit                         c/o Mrs. Kristin Evers                        CMC Hospital                        P. O box 32861                        Charlotte, N.C 28232 "Today, December 15th, I had the pleasure of meeting Sean's mother, Kristin Evers, at CMC.  We had lunch together after I met Sean.  Yesterday Sean had surgery on his eye and his face.  This young man has had several surgeries and may still have more in his future.  He is doing quite well at this stage of recovery.  He is still in a special unit at CMC.  He has been able to eat a soft menu, has been in a wheel chair for a short stroll.  His prognosis is very good and his mother is very positive about his recovery.  There are still a lot of questions to be answered because the doctors are taking one step at a time. There has been no discussion as to when he will be able to go home.  A lot of things still have to take place.  Kristin has been overwhelmed with the love and warmth of people here in Charlotte and I especially want to thank my friends who have sent him cards.  This means alot to both of them. Kristin's father has been there for several days and they are using the facilities the hospital has for family members.  She said it is amazing and very comfortable.  I know that she has not slept there, but she does have a shower to use and a washing machine and dryer to use.  Please keep them in your prayers of healing. This is a tough time to be away from her other two sons but they are doing well.  Maybe they will have a way to be together on Christmas.  She is just taking one day at the time. Betty Rose Templeton Palomba       P.S. If I have left anyone out who might want to be included, please feel free to send them this email Join Betty's lead.  Send a encouraging card.  Perhaps we can add Kristin Evers to our Christmas card list.   -JG    Click here to Reply or Forward Why this ad?Ads – Free IBM SOA eBook Get the SOA for Dummies © eBook. See What You NEED to Know About SOA www.ibm.com/soa_for_dummies 21% full Using 2.2 GB of your 10.1 GB ©2012 Google - Terms & Privacy Last account activity: 3.5 hours ago Details

People (2) Jerry Gaudet emailchs54@gmail.com Show details Ads – Why these ads? The Hartford AARP® 50+ Auto Insurance

Heartwarming

By  R.L. Clark

From 1966 to 1972, I lived in San Antonio, Texas. I became acquainted with the Station Manager of WOAI Radio. He was in his 60s and had been in radio and early TV for many years. He had some very interesting stories to tell. He also had a collection of Out-Takes from a number of Personalities which he let me copy.

John Gary

 One morning we met and discussed that John Gary, the singer, was going to be in town for an Archery Shoot and to have a program in the evening at the convention center. (Gary was also an amateur archer) Guy said he had an interesting story connected with Gary. After he told the story, I went to my car and did my best to remember how it went. The following is as best I can remember.

 The scene is a hospital room. An old man is in bed and has been going in and out of delirium for several days. The doctor is not exactly sure of the cause, but he suspects it is from an injury from WW1. The old man was in the 6th Marines and still had a piece of German Shrapnel somewhere close to his heart. His wife of many years had been with him most of the time since admission. This last evening he was unconscious and was lying peacefully in bed. She was so tired from events of the past days that she pulled her chair up to the bed and laid her torso on the bed at his feet.

Evidently at some time in the night he awoke and sensed that his time was near. Seeing the love of his life lying at his feet he picked up a pad and pencil and wrote to her his last Love Letter. Some time later he expired. When his wife awoke and saw that he was gone, she noticed the pad and read his last note to her. She tore it off and kept it.

 Within a year of his death as so often happens, she became ill and sensed that she would not be around very long. Her only son was there with her, and she showed him the last letter his father had written on his death bed. She asked him to keep it and to treasure it as had she. Not long afterward she too was gone.

 The son had an acquaintance who was in the music business so he showed the letter to his friend and asked him if he thought it had possibilities for a song. The acquaintance said that he thought something could be done.

 Well you wonder how this is related to John Gary. The letter begins “Softly, I must leave you. Softly, for my heart would break if you should wake and see me go.” I have no idea how much truth is in the story which Guy told me, but if it is true, it’s very moving. If only some elements are true it is still a beautiful story.

- R.L. Clark

 Softly, I will leave you softly
For my heart would break
If you should leave
And see me go

 So I leave you softly
Long before you miss me
Long before your arms beg me to stay
For one more hour
For one more day

 After all the years
I can't bear the tears
To fall, so softly
As I leave you there

Softly, long before you kiss me
 Long before your arms can beg me stay
For one more hour
For one more day

 After all the years
I can't bear the tears
To fall, so softly
As I leave you there

Together Again

 By Jerry Gaudet

As you may remember, Martin Hill suffered a stroke in early July and has been in a nursing & rehab center ever since.  His wife, Patsy, was also in the same room recovering from pelvic reconstruction surgery until her healing allowed her to go home, about a month ago.

Well, drat!  Patsy recently suffered a couple of hip dislocations, had more surgery and is now back in the same room with Martin as she, yet again, is on the mend.

So...send them some encouragement in your prayers, a card or give them a call.

Mr. and Mrs. Martin Hill, Room 202
C/O The Oaks at Town Center
6300 Roberta Rd.

Harrisburg, NC  28075 

Christmas LDL 2012

By Jerry Gaudet

The Central High School Class of 1954 met for its Christmas luncheon, "LDL", on Tuesday, December 11, 2012, with seasonal decorations place by our wonderful Mary Sue (Banks) Burnett.

 We were pleased to have newlyweds in our midst. Gene Moore brought his new bride, Shirley Burns. We were acquainted with Shirley as she has been to several "LDL"s as Gene's friend, Shirley. While still friends, they are now Mr. and Mrs. and doing well together. Our congratulations to them. They will share their time between Charlotte and Melbourne, FL ...

And, On December 2, 2012, Carole Bennett Gilland and Norman Kinzie became man and wife. Our congratulations to them as well. The Kinzies are living in Fort Mill...

 In addition to celebrating the Christmas Season, the focus was on our project through which we gathered quite a bit of cleaning supplies for the benefit of "Moore Place"... And, If any who could not attend the December "LDL" wish to join us in our Christmas Project, please make out your check to "CHS'54 Reunion Committee". Any amount will help and be appreciated by the Moore Place. Send to: CHS'54 Reunion Committee 2611 Springway Dr. Charlotte, NC 28205-2249

 Thanks again to Betty and Lou Palomba, who spearheaded the project and delivered our treasures to the Urban Ministry Center. We promptly received this acknowledging email from them...

 Subject: Thank you for your donation to Urban Ministry Center! Date: Wed, 12 Dec 2012 11:49:22 +0000 From: Katie Church 

Good Morning, Thank you very much for your thoughtful donations to our Housing Works program! Many of our tenants do not receive any form of income, and so we supply them with a modest amount of cleaning supplies every other month so that they can wash their laundry and dishes, and keep their apartments clean. Cleaning supplies are, therefore, an never-ending need. We so appreciate your support in this area!

 Our tenants take great pride in their apartments, and are grateful for supportive community members who want to see them flourish. Thank you for being a part of our Fresh Start drive. Merry Christmas to you all, Katie Church Tenant Services Coordinator, Housing Works Urban Ministry Center 2435 Lucena Street Charlotte, NC 28206 (980) 224-9256 Instead of a gift this holiday season, consider sending an Honor Card featuring the talent of ArtWorks945 artist William Dukes. The Urban Ministry Center is an interfaith organization dedicated to bringing the community together to end homelessness--one life at a time. We look forward to your joining us in the new year. Come give it a try.

 "LDL" is always on the second Tuesday of each and every month...the next "LDL" being Tuesday, January 8, 11:30 at JIMMIES. Wow, that's in 2013. My, how time flies when you're having fun.   -JG

HO, HO, HO

Bob Ellis sent this photo of two beautiful children, who just happen to be his grand kids, enjoying what has become a traditional rite of Christmas... having their picture taken with Santa Claus!

That wasn't done when we were kids, was it?

Perhaps nobody thought of doing it, or our folks just didn't have the money to pay for it.




So, to get you in a happy, happy, Christmas frame of mind, here are some photos to get you into the Christmas spirit!!

And Finally, I knew it was bound to happen......Santa himself....gets into the spirit:

-Ed

True Christmas Spirit

By Jerry Gaudet

 At our December "LDL" Tuesday the 11th, we will have the opportunity to participate in a Christmas project. We're thinking "PRACTICAL".

  Thanks to Betty Palomba who is taking the lead. At our luncheon in November we decided as a group to pick out a "cause" to donate to this Christmas. After looking at several things, we think the "Moore Place" will be the one this Christmas. You can find out more about the Moore Place by watching the short video below,

Betty says,

" Among the suggestions they gave me were cleaning supplies.We decided that will be our main focus for this effort.

Right now, there are about 30 people that have apartments (one per apartment) that need supplies. mops, /pails, dish soap (no dishwashers) Ajax type cleane,r laundry soap, Clorox, Lysol etc...

 Lou and I will deliver the gifts.

 Please do not wrap anything...."

- Betty Rose Templeton Palomba

(Please keep in mind that our next "LDL" is coming up on Tuesday, December 11, 11:30 AM at Jimmies and we have a Christmas project to benefit Urban Ministry's "Moore Place". -JG)