Calvin Edward Vess

Calvin Edward Vess, 84, of Old Fort, passed away Saturday, November 15, 2008 at his residence. He was born in McDowell County to the late Eskimo and Estelle Patterson Vess. He was self-employed as a carpenter. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and was a member of the VFW. He attended Cox's Creek Freewill Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by two brothers, James and Ollis Vess. He is survived by his wife, Ruby Vess of the home; five children, Judy Noblitt and husband, Paul, Glenda Thomas and husband, Jerry, both of Fort Myers, Fla., Chuck Vess and wife Cheryl of Marion, Stanley Vess and wife, Cathy, of Old Fort, Stewart Vess and wife, Gina, of Durham; three brothers, Harold Vess, Floyd Vess and wife, Georgie, Lloyd Vess and wife, Wilma, and one sister, Virginia Sword and husband, "Shorty," all of Old Fort; five grandchildren, Mark Thomas, Michelle Vess, Kristy Tabisula, Shannon Vess and Kristin Higgins; and eight great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be held today, Nov. 17, 2008 at 1 p.m. at Davistown Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior to the graveside service at the cemetery. Kirksey Funeral Home, Old Fort will be assisting the family.