James Plyler

James Edward Plyler, 90 years of age, of Richfield, went to be with the Lord surrounded by family, Friday, October 28, 2016 at Carolinas HealthCare System - Stanly in Albemarle.

Mr. Plyler was born June 13, 1926 in Stanly County to the late Elbert James Plyler and the late Mary Lela Cline Plyler.
He was also preceded in death by three younger sisters, Edith Morgan, Jane Steagall, and Jo Stoker.

The family will receive friends from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm, Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church. The funeral service will follow 1:00 pm in the church sanctuary and will be officiated by Rev. Nikki Raye Rice. Burial will follow at the Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery in Misenheimer.

Survivors include wife, Alice Austin Hudson Plyler; daughter, Sheri (Steve) Ridenhour; daughter, Lisa (Randell) Chandler; son, James Brent (Karen); and grandchild, Jessica Ridenhour.

James grew up on the family farm in Richfield and graduated from Richfield High School in 1943. He was a US Army WWII veteran who served with the Army of Occupation in Germany. He attended Pfeiffer Junior College. James got his start in the retail business at Montgomery Ward in Kannapolis where he worked for two years. For the next 35 years, he worked as a salesman and advanced to store manager at Firestone Home and Auto Supply in downtown Albemarle. After retirement he continued his love for sales as a dealer in the antiques and flea market business in Lexington and Charlotte. He and his wife made many great memories together during this time.

James was a faithful, lifelong member of Wesley Chapel UMC where he was active as long as his health permitted. In his last years at home, he continued to enjoy Sunday services and church events, and lunches at Whispering Pines BBQ and with the Friendly Neighbors of Richfield. He was an avid reader who kept up with current events. Other interests included watching History channel and Carolina Panthers football. James spent his last year and three months at Bethany Woods Nursing and Rehabilitation Center where he enjoyed activities, outings, and new friends. James will be most remembered for his sacrificial love for Alice, his wife of 67 years, for whom he was a primary caregiver for 10 years, and his unconditional love for his family.

The family would like to express their gratitude to James' special friend and neighbor, Richard Kirk, who faithfully drove him to and from church. Special thanks also to the in-home caregivers and the compassionate staff on Hall 100 at Bethany Woods.

Memorials may be made to the Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund; 46963 Wesley Chapel Rd., Misenheimer, NC 28109.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Plyler family.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com