GROVER- George "Clifford" Panther, 83, died Monday, June 20, 2016, at Hospice at Wendover. A native Cleveland County, he was the son of the late Archie and Annie Hudson Panther. He retired from textiles and was a lifelong farmer.

PRECEDED: In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Johnny Emory; brothers, Marvin, Lawrence, and Willard Panther; and sister, Fannie Hawkins

SURVIVED: He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Louise Hayes Panther; of the home; daughter-in-law, Shirley Emory; grandchildren, Horace Emory, and Wanda Acuff and husband David, all of Grover; great-grandchildren, Kyle Acuff, his special farming and sailbarn buddy, Colt Acuff and wife Kenzie, all of Grover; Mandy Thackerson and husband Josh of Shelby; great-great-grandchildren, Ally, Brody, and Colby Thackerson of Shelby, Hayden Parker and Willow Ivester of Grover; brothers, HK Panther of Shelby, Arthur Panther and wife Linda of Blacksburg; and sister, Pricilla Kendrick and husband Buster of Shelby.

SERVICES: Funeral services will be held 2pm, Friday, at Clay-Barnette Funeral Home Chapel

VISITATION: The family will receive friends Friday, one hour prior to the service, at the funeral home.

BURIAL: Antioch Baptist Church cemetery

CLERGY: Rev. Johnny Owens and Johnny Mullinax will officiate

MEMORIALS: Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Dr., Shelby, NC 28150

FUNERAL HOME: Clay-Barnette Funeral Home of Shelby

ONLINE CONDOLENCES: www.claybarnette.com