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John Rudolf Phifer, Jr.

John Rudolf Phifer, Jr., 93, died Friday, April 28, 2017 at Brookdale Assisted Living in Shelby, North Carolina, following an extended illness. He was a loving father and devoted husband. He

leaves his wife of 62 years, Frances Hastings Phifer; his daughter Debbie Morgan and her husband, Steve; his daughter, Vickie Knapp and her husband, Steve; one brother, Graham Phifer; four grandchildren, Melanie Barrett and her husband, Wes; Kelly Auton and her husband, Troy; Adam Morgan and his wife, Erin; Alex Morgan and his wife, Mandee; three great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; two nieces, and one nephew and their families. He was preceded in death by two sons, Tony Lamar Hastings and John Michael Phifer.

John was a lifelong resident of Shelby, the son of the late John and Florence (Graham) Phifer. He was proud to hold the distinction of being the first baby boy born in Shelby Hospital, which is now Cleveland Regional, on August 19, 1923. He enjoyed genealogy and sharing the stories of his beloved ancestors and he was a retired insurance agent.

Mr. Phifer is a veteran of both World War II and the Korean Conflict, where he earned several medals, including the Korean Service Medal, Bronze Service Stars, an Army of Occupation Medal of Japan, and a Meritorious Unit Commendation. His patriotism never left him. John was

a lifetime member of many civic organizations including the Optimist Club, where he was a past president and Optimist of The Year in 1966, Cleveland Lodge #202 AF & AM, where he was a Past Grand Master, Mason of The Year in 1991, the Oasis Shriners, the Gaston York Rite Bodies, American Legion, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was of the Presbyterian faith.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, April 30, 2017 at 2:00 pm in the Chapel of Cecil Burton Funeral Home and Crematory with Reverend Michael Shumate. The family will receive friends immediately after the service. Burial will follow at Sunset Cemetery with Masonic Rites from Cleveland Lodge #202 AF& AM and full Military honors.

Memorials can be made to Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150 or Union Baptist Church, 3800 Polkville Road, Shelby, NC 28150.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory are serving the family of Mr. Phifer.

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com


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