Hal Donald Ammons

Hal Donald Ammons, Sr., age 88, of Weaverville passed from this life at home, Wednesday, November 21, 2012. Hal was born January 30, 1924, the son of Pender Donald Ammons and Jerlee Merrill Ammons. A native of Madison County, he became a resident of Buncombe County in 1946 upon moving to Craven Street in West Asheville, Royal Pines, and finally Weaverville. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Vada Lee Ammons-Frisbee; Vada's husband and close friend, R.C. Frisbee of Weaverville. Hal served aboard the USS Cetus AK-77 in the Pacific during World War II. After marriage and military service, he traveled for training, finding the best job for himself. After working at Biltmore Iron and Metal, he focused on heavy equipment and worked as a master mechanic with Asheville Contracting Company, constructing what we know as I-26. Later, after 20 years as a superintendent with Industrial Piping Inc. of Pineville, NC, he retired in 1986, becoming a gentleman farmer. He was a member of Peeks Chapel Baptist Church and a lifetime member of Mt. Herman Masonic Lodge for 60 years. Left to cherish Hal's memory is his loving wife of 69 years, Bethel Boone Ammons. He is also survived by his brother, Oakley and wife Mabel; four sons, H. D. Ammons, Jr., and wife Donna of Asheville, Victor Ammons of Weaverville, Mark Ammons and wife Liz of New Albany, Ind., and Chris Ammons of Marshall. Hal was blessed with nine grandchildren, Jeannie Shelton, Kallie Zollman and husband Richard of Senoia, Ga., Niki Hoyle and husband Jared of Hendersonville, Emily Ammons of Asheville, Lacy Ammons of Arden, Marcello Gelsomini, Lucas Bishop, Katie Ammons, and Josie Ammons. Hal also has four great grandchildren, Cody Mundy, Phillip Hoyle, Ava Hoyle, and Claire Perry. A special "Thank You" is extended to all the friends, family and caregivers for your calls, cards, visits, and support. His funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, November 25, 2012, in the Chapel of West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville, with Rev. Jim McCoy officiating and eulogy delivered by Hal's son H.D. Burial will be in Ashelawn Gardens of Memory. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Weaverville Building Fund, PO Box 547, Weaverville, NC 28787, or CarePartners Hospice, PO Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813. For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Mr. Ammon's obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.