Conley \ Hamlin

MARION—Conley "Pete" Hamlin, age 87, of Marion, died Tuesday, September 25, 2012. Pete was born February 26, 1925, in Buncombe County and was a resident of Marion since 1967. He was a veteran of World War II serving in the US Navy. He owned and operated Pete's Body Shop in Woodfin from 1958 to 1967. Afterward he taught auto body repair at McDowell Tech. Community College. He was the sixth charter member of NACAT (North American Council for Automotive Teachers). After retirement he continued to travel to the annual conventions of NACAT. Along with mowing any grass within vision, he enjoyed swimming and riding bicycles with his granddaughter. Pete enjoyed deer hunting with his buddies. He was a member of St. Mark's United Methodist Church in Marion. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy James and Nell Wilson Hamlin; and brothers, J.R., Arnold and Ronnie Hamlin. Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Faye Gurley Hamlin; daughter, Trudy Hamlin Higgins of Marion; granddaughter, Laura Michelle Higgins of Marion; sisters, Blanche Greene of Idaho and Mary Tweed of Woodfin; and several nieces and nephews. His funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 29, 2012, at St. Mark's United Methodist Church, 3149 US Hwy 70 West, Marion, NC 28752, with Rev. Julie E. O'Neal officiating. Burial will be at 2:00 p.m., Monday, October 1, 2012, in Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery with military honors by Buncombe County Veterans Council Memorial Team. The family will receive friends at the church following the service in Marion. For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Mr. Hamlin's obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.