J.C. Nesbitt

John Charles Nesbitt (J.C.), 85, died Wednesday, December 26, 2018, at Mission Hospital. Mr. Nesbitt was born in Fairview and was the son of the late James Carl Nesbitt and Hulda Cauble Nesbitt. His loving wife of 62 years, Thelma Bernhard Nesbitt, died July 17, 2018. Mr. Nesbitt was a lifelong resident of Fairview and very involved in the community. Mr. Nesbitt is survived by his children, Michael D. Nesbitt (Connie) and Debra A. Nesbitt (Robert Lasater), and grandson Dakota M. Nesbitt, all of Fairview. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. J.C. graduated from Lee Edwards High School, attended Duke University and graduated from Lenoir Rhyne College in Hickory, NC. After college he worked for GE, but his love of the land led him to establish a dairy farm in Cane Creek Valley, which he owned and operated for over 40 years. He was always learning new things and often assisted neighbors with various projects from tractor repairs to livestock medical assistance. J.C. was a charter member of the Lutheran Church of the Nativity and was an active member for over 55 years. J.C. generously gave his time to many organizations, particularly those related to agriculture. He enjoyed volunteering at the NC Mountain State Fair, was a member of the Livestock Hall of Fame, and served on several community and business boards. He was a kind and compassionate man who opened his heart and hands to help others. A service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 5, 2019, at the Lutheran Church of the Nativity, 2425 Hendersonville Road, Arden, NC. The family will receive visitors Saturday at 10:00 AM at the church as well as after the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to: the Children’s Home Society of NC, PO Box 14608, Greensboro, NC 27415; the Fund for Lenoir Rhyne, PO Box 7467, Hickory, NC 28603 or to the Lutheran Church of the Nativity, PO Box 208, Arden, NC 28704. Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.