Rufus Houston Honeycutt Jr.

Rufus Honeycutt Obituary

Rufus Honeycutt

CHINA GROVE - Mr. Rufus Houston Honeycutt Jr., 87, of Trinity Oaks, Salisbury and formerly of China Grove, died Thursday March 29, 2007 at Genesis Eldercare following a serious illness of three weeks and declining health for the past three years.

Born in Mooresville in 1919, he was the son of the late Rufus H. Honeycutt Sr. and Elizabeth Hager Honeycutt. He graduated from Mooresville High School and Gupton Jones College in Nashville, Tenn. A World War II veteran, he served with the 82nd Airborne Division in campaigns in Africa, Sicily, Italy, the D-day invasion, Belgium and Germany. Mr. Honeycutt was active in many community activities including the China Grove Rotary Club, the Eureka Masonic Lodge, 32nd degree Mason, a founding member and past president of the Rowan Rescue Squad. He formerly was a Rowan County Commissioner serving as chairman, Rowan County Coroner and Medical Examiner, NC Aeronautical Council, Rowan County Airport Board, Rowan Representative to Centralina Council of Government and the EDC. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and was co-founder of Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Homes.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Annie Davidson Honeycutt; children, Hugh and Evelyn Honeycutt of Healing Springs, Robert and Melissa Kessler of Charlotte, Alan and Elizabeth Staton and Ann Godfrey of China Grove; grandchildren Julia Honeycutt of Raleigh, David Honeycutt of Winston Salem, Laura Kessler of Charlotte, Alex Linn and James Staton of China Grove.

Services: 2 p.m. Sunday at First United Methodist Church conducted by the Rev. Vance Lowe and Rev. James Faggart. Interment will follow in Willow Valley Cemetery, Mooresville. North Carolina Funeral Directors will be seated as a group.

Visitation: 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Saturday at Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home, China Grove.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church 110 West Church Street China Grove, NC 28023 or Alzheimer's Association Western Carolina Chapter 3800 Shamrock Drive Charlotte, NC 28215-3220.

Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home, China Grove is assisting the Honeycutt family in making the arrangements for their loved one.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Salisbury Post on Mar. 31, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Rufus Honeycutt

11 Entries

Todd Overcash

April 10, 2007

Wow, what a friendship that I had with Rufus. Many times I look back and try to figure out how lucky I was to have met this man. I went to work for him just to cut the grass and clean the cars but he showed me a lot about his profession and I respected what he did. The days of Rufus, Bill and Dighton picking on me I treasure and will remember their sayings. I will remember the care and compassion that they gave to the families. I knew that if I ever needed anything I could have asked him. It won't be the same. See you later my friend.

Keith and Donna Clark

April 4, 2007

The love and comfort Rufus shared with so many throughout his life magnifies our sorrow at the news of his passing. May the blessing of his life be a comfort to his own family at this difficult time.

MARIA HALL

April 4, 2007

Libby..I was very sorry to here about your dad...He made such a positive difference in our community..He will be missed..You and your family will remain in my thoughts and prayers..Love to you and Alan...Peace ..Maria

Diane Correll Eller

April 2, 2007

Dear Honeycutt Family,
Our hearts are sad, but we know that Mr. Rufus is whole and well at this time. We grieve for you and will keep you in our prayers.
I like so many other families in the Rowan area have had Rufus' arms around me as I cried with pain and saddness, he did not have to say a word to make you feel better. Recently during a loss of a loved one I remarked to my Mother that one of the hardest things about this was not having Rufus put his arms around me.
Thank you so much for sharing a wonderful Husband and Father with so many, Rufus Honeycutt will not be forgotten.

Kaye Mason Amos

April 1, 2007

To Anne Honeycutt Godfrey,
I was so sad to learn about the loss of your dad, as were so many others in the South Rowan Class of 1964. I have many fond memories of visiting in your home during our school days. Bob and I share heartfelt sympathy with your mom, Hugh & Evelyn (fellow VT alums), Melissa, Libby, and their families. May the angels walk with you all, hold you close, and comfort each of you in the coming days.
Warm regards, ~k

debra roberts

March 31, 2007

Mr.Honeycutt was a wonderful and
thoughtful man. My sister and I have known him since we were young
and he was part of our lives because we trusted him with so many
of our loved ones that have gone
before us. He was always so kind.They don't make like him any more. God's blessings to the family
and may God give Rufus many crowns.
With heart felt sympathy,
Debra Roberts & Doretta Bell

g miller

March 31, 2007

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007

Gary Overcash

March 31, 2007

Since I first met Mr. Rufus as a child of 9 I have wanted to grow up and be a funeral director like him. Eventually I did become a funeral director. I had the opportunity to work with Rufus and learn from him. My hope is that I have ingrained in me a little of his integrity. I have been blessed to have had Rufus as a mentor and along with the Honeycutt family friends. I feel as if I wouldn't be where I am today had it not been for his guidance.

RICHARD & RAYE HORN

March 31, 2007

DEAR RUFUS HONEYCUTT FAMILY,

YOUR LOVED ONE WAS A GENTLEMAN WHOM WE ADMIRED AND RESPECTED AND LOVED AS A BROTHER IN CHRIST AND A FRIEND.
HIS LOVING AND COMPASSIONATE AND CARING SPIRIT WAS EVIDENT AS HE SERVED THE GRIEVNG HEARTS.
OUR SINCERE SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.
REV. RICHARD HORN AND RAYE

Mike Moore

March 31, 2007

I SHALL ALWAYS REMEMBER RUFUS AS I WAS A KID, GROWING UP IN MOORESVILLE. HE KNEW MY MOM AND DAD WELL.
I THINK THE SECOND JOB IN LIFE, I WORKED AT CAVIN FUNERAL HOME IN MOORESVILLE. MR. RUFUS AND I TALKED BY PHONE OR IN PERSON QUITE OFTEN.
IN TIME, MOORESVILLE'S LOSS WAS ROWAN COUNTY'S GAIN.
ALTHOUGHT HE AND I BOTH WERE PROUDE TO SAY "WE CAME FROM MOORESVILLE". WE WERE EVEN PROUDER TO SAY IT BEFORE ALL THE BUSINESS ECT. CAME.

TRULY, MOORESVILLE'S LOSS AND NOW ROWAN COUNTY'S LOSS, IS NOW HEAVEN'S GAIN.

GOD BLESS MR. RUFUS

MIKE MOORE

Patti, Lewis and Lucas Safrit

March 31, 2007

Dear Libby and family-
We are so saddened for your loss. Please know that we are thinking of all of you and praying for you during this time. Please let us know if we can do anything.

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