Vanoide Fletcher

FLETCHER YADKINVILLE - Vanoide Fletcher, 85, passed away on Wednesday, March 17, 2010. He was born August 6, 1924 in East Bend NC to the late Wesley E. and Rhett Fletcher. He is preceded in death by one sister, Francina; and three brothers, Guy, Alonzo, and Eugene. Surviving are his wife, Rilla Whitaker Fletcher; two sons, Van (Patty) Fletcher, Nashville, TN and Rex (Marilyn) Fletcher, Boonville, NC; grandchildren, Andrew Fletcher of Winston-Salem, NC and Alec, Rachel, and Lucas Fletcher of Nashville, TN; as well as several nieces and nephews. Vanoide volunteered and served in World War II. After completing his military service, he was signed to the St. Louis Cardinals professional baseball organization, beginning a 13 year pro baseball career as pitcher playing in the minors for Elkin, Seattle, Vancouver, and Sacramento before joining the major league Detroit Tigers in 1955. After retiring from baseball in 1957, he returned to Yadkin County as a building contractor in the Winston-Salem and Yadkinville area. Vanoide took great pride in farming tobacco for many years. He also enjoyed coaching baseball in Yadkin County throughout the 60's and 70's in little league as well as American Legion. The family will receive friends Saturday, March 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville. His Funeral Service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 21, at the Gentry Family Chapel in Yadkinville by the Rev. Cam Conover and the Rev. Andy Lambert. Burial will follow at Center United Methodist Cemetery. Memorials can be made to Center United Methodist Church, Steeple Fund, 1400 Center Rd., Yadkinville, NC 27055 or Mountain Valley Hospice, PO Box 1267, Yadkinville, NC 27055. Online condolences can be made at www.gentry funeralservice.com.