Julius L. Rector Sr.

VALDESE - Mr. Julius Lee "J.L." Rector Sr., 76, of Rutherford College, passed away Sunday, Jan. 25, 2009, at College Pines Rehabilitation Center after a period of declining health. J.L. was born Nov. 14, 1932, in Burke County to the late Owens and Lucy Griffin Rector. He served as a pole lineman for the U.S. Army for two years during the Korean Conflict and retired from Griffin Contractors as a brick and tile mason with 39 years of service. J.L. was a faithful member of Abernethy Memorial United Methodist Church and went on three mission trips to Panama to use his masonry skills in building churches. He served as Scout Master for Troop 195 in Rutherford College for five years and was a volunteer fireman for Lovelady Fire Department in Rutherford College for several years. J.L. is survived by his wife of 56 years, Bennie Sue Beane Rector of the home; a son, J.L. Rector Jr. and wife, Kay, of Hickory; and two daughters, Karen Rector Seagle and husband, Christopher, and Candis "Candy" Rector Hildebran and husband, Dean, all of Connelly Springs. J.L. is blessed with one brother with whom he was very close to, Bobby Rector and wife, Lili Ann, of Rutherford College. Also surviving are seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, with whom he found great pleasure in spending time with. He also is survived by several nieces and nephews. In addition to loving his family, J.L. loved to fish with his friends and working in his apple orchards and was known for his love of the outdoors. He was a great historian and loved to tell stories. Visitation with friends and family will be held from l to 2 p.m. today, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2009, at Heritage Funeral Service. The celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. today, Tuesday, in the chapel of Heritage Funeral Service, with the Rev. John Brashears, the pastoral pastor of Mountain Grove Baptist Church, officiating. Interment will follow in Burke Memorial Park. At other times, the family will be at J.L. and Bennie's home in Rutherford College. Memorials maybe made to the Columbarium Fund of Abernethy United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 127, Rutherford College, N.C. 28671 or Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, N.C. 28690. An online guest book and obituary are available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com. Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory is assisting the Rector family.