James L. Harkleroad

ASHEVILLE—James L. Harkleroad, age 88, of 54 Wellington Dr., died Wednesday, March 27, 2013, after a period of declining health. Mr. Harkleroad was born September 24, 1924, in Madison County. He enjoyed fishing and deer hunting. He proudly served in the US Navy during World War II and retired from the Oteen VA Hospital after 35 years of service. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Clay and Flossie Ricker Harkleroad; brother, Tom Harkleroad; and sister, Mae Parks. Surviving are his wife of 62 years, Elizabeth Pegg Harkleroad; daughter, Lisa Gowing and husband Mark of Louisville, Ky.; sons, Mike Harkleroad and wife Robin of Weaverville, Rick Harkleroad and wife Angie of Asheville, and Dean Harkleroad and wife Kay of Asheville; grandchildren, Chris, Clint and Kyle Harkleroad, Dawn Dillingham, Alyssa Bradley, Amanda Bruhn, and Ross Gowing; great grandchildren, Laney, Kendal, Ayda, and Lexi Dillingham. His funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, March 30, 2013, in the Chapel of West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville, with Rev. Roy McPeters officiating. Burial will be in the Veterans section of West Memorial Park with military honors by VFW Mars Hill Post 5483. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. At other times, the family will be at the home of Dean and Kay Harkleroad, 61 Blue Ridge Acres Rd., Asheville, NC 28806. Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to CarePartners Hospice, PO Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813. For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Mr. Harkleroad's obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.