Aug. 23 Obituaries of the Swannanoa Valley
Robert A. Bailey, Sr.
Asheville
Robert Alton Bailey, Sr., of Asheville, died August 11, 2018, in Valor Hospice, at the Charles George VA Medical Center.
Born March 4, 1921, on a farm, in Goodrich, Michigan, to Alton A. Bailey and Julia L. (Beardslee) Bailey. His death was two years to the day of the passing of his beloved wife, Verniece.
He attended Michigan State University, and in 1943 received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering, although he did not receive his diploma until 1944, due to the war. In 1943, Bob entered the U.S. Army, and was assigned to Patton’s Third Army, 94th Infantry, Army Corps of Engineers. As a result of his ROTC training at MSU, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant, combat engineer. In 1943, on a blind date, Bob met Verniece Cecilia Giroux, his “Little French Girl,” and he was her “Handsome Engineer,” and they were married five months later. The romance started off on the “wrong foot” when Bob showed up on his first date in uniform and combat boots to take Verniece to a dance. He hitchhiked from boot camp to and from his wedding, with faith that he would get to both on time. Bob’s first son was born while he was in Germany. He went on to earn the Silver Star for gallantry and Purple Heart in the Battle of the Bulge, saving the life of his jeep driver, Carl DeBoard. Verniece, always ready to help her husband, took “family readiness” to a new level when she mailed a .45 caliber sidearm to Bob, which he ultimately used to shoot two Germans attempting to kill his driver.
Bob and Verniece built a home together In Birmingham, Michigan, and at the time of Verniece’s death on August 11, 2016, they had been married 73 years, and their loving union produced six children, 18 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.
After 34 years of service, Bob retired from General Motors Technical Center, Warren, Michigan, as a metallurgical engineer, and head of General Motors Engineering Analysis team. During the last ten years with GM, Bob testified as an expert witness in products liability litigation, testifying about product characteristics and failure analysis. After retirement, he went on to consult with Toyota and Nissan.
In August of 2018, Bob was interviewed by Rishi Sharma, founder of “Heroes of the Second World War.” Though Bob’s physical health was failing, his mind was sharp and he recalled vividly his World War II experiences, and was looking forward to others being able to see it on YouTube when the interview was completed. Bob’s life was a testament to his love for his family and country.
Remaining to celebrate Bob and Verniece’s lives, which were well lived, are their children Robert A. Bailey, Jr. (Sheri); Lynn Renee Skelly; Marilyn E. Bailey (Richard Colgan); John G. Bailey; Mary Jo Beck (Gill); Paul M. Bailey; and grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A burial of both Bob and Verniece will be at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, Black Mountain, North Carolina, with full military honors, and a 21-gun-salute. Penland Family Funeral Home is honored to be caring for the Bailey Family. The online memorial register is available at www.PenlandFamilyFuneralHome.com.
Barbara Daugherty
Black Mountain
Barbara Loretta Daugherty, 81, of Black Mountain, passed away Saturday, August 11, 2018.
Ms. Daugherty was born June 25, 1937 to the late Robert and Golda Nanney Daugherty. She enjoyed making patchwork quilts, cross-stitching and was an avid reader. Barbara retired from Beacon Mfg.
She is survived by her brother, Bill Daugherty and wife, Pat of Black Mountain; niece, Angela Ball and husband, Duane; nephew, William Robert Daugherty; great nieces and nephews and a great-great niece and nephews.
A Graveside service will be held Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at 11:00am in Mountain View Memorial Park with Pastor Worth Emory officiating.
Arrangements by Harwood Home for Funerals (harwoodhomeforfunerals.com).
James "Bruce" Ogle
Swannanoa
James “Bruce” Ogle, 70, of Swannanoa, passed away August 12, 2018.
Bruce was born January 7, 1948 to the late James and Jane Ogle. His passions in life included hunting, fishing, motorcycles and gambling. Bruce was a veteran of the US Marine Corps.
Bruce is survived by his daughter, Kellie Ogle; grandson, LCpl Ryan Ogle; brothers, Marc Ogle (Rebecca) and Ronald Ogle; and close friends, Dorene and Nolan Cornett and Dewey Bugg.
The family will receive friends Tuesday, August 21, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00pm at Harwood Home for Funerals.
Flowers are acceptable and appreciated. Those desiring to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to consider the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.
Harwood Home for Funerals (harwoodhomeforfunerals.com) is assisting the family.