Howard Newton Candler

Howard Newton Candler, 86, of Candler, died Saturday, December 12, 2009, at John F. Keever Hospice Solace Center. Born in Alexander, NC, to the late Anon and Zennie Rash Candler, Howard was proud of his pioneer heritage. He was the great-great-great-grandson of Zacaria Candler who was the founder of Candler, NC. At one time Zacaria owned over 200, 000 acres of land and sold most of it for 25 cents per acre. Howard was a faithful servant for his Lord at Calvary Baptist Church for 62 years. He served as Sunday School Director, Sunday School teacher, President of the Deacons, and worked with the youth and RAs. He was awarded Deacon Emeritus and served several terms as a trustee for the Baptist Childrens Home of NC. He was retired from Sears Department Store where he worked in sales and management for 49 years. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Mary Buchanan Candler; a son, Alan Candler, who graduated from the first Special Needs Class at Sand Hill School; a daughter, Donna Candler Hilemon and her husband, Floyd Lee Hilemon; a brother, Charles A. “Ike” Candler and his wife, Mildred; two grandchildren, Bryan Candler Hilemon and Alana Hilemon Partin; one great-granddaughter, Leowyn Elizabeth Hilemon and a nephew, David Lee Candler. Howard was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Lee and Angel Hilemon. Funeral services will be at 7:00 p.m. Monday at Calvary Baptist Church with the Revs. Drs. Buddy Corbin, Thomas Sawyer, Jack Buchanan and Michael C. Blackwell officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. Monday. Interment will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. David Candler, Bryan Hilemon, Jim Haynes, Herman Rector, Charles Lance, Bud Dotson, Lewis Parish and Bobby Moffitt will serve as pall bearers. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the NC Baptist Children’s Home, 204 Idle Street, Thomasville, NC 27360; Calvary Baptist Church, 531 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC 28806, or to CarePartners Hospice, PO Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813.