James "Randy" Lavender

James “Randy” Lavender, age 69, of the Glenwood Community, passed away on Saturday, August 13, 2016 at the SECU Hospice House of Rutherford County with his loving family by his side.  A native of McDowell County, North Carolina, Randy was born on August 30, 1946 and was the son of the late Ranz and Cleo Morgan Lavender. 

Following retirement from Baxter Healthcare, Randy took interest in becoming a transportation driver for the Department of Social Services where he enjoyed helping others in the community.  In his spare time he had a passion for fishing and golf, but most of all, spending time with his family and friends. 

A member of Glenwood Baptist Church, Randy served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher and youth leader and proudly served in the United States Air Force. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by twin great grandsons, James and Robert Baker.

Having just celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, Randy is survived by his loving wife, Mavis McKinney Lavender; three daughters, Melissa Lavender Baker (John) of Charlotte, Jennifer Lavender Morgan (Ronald) of Glenwood and Miranda Lavender Lewis (Mike) of Marion; twin brother, Danny Lavender (Judy) of Woodlawn; three sisters, Deloris Morgan of Glenwood, Susie Church of Marion and Louise Trantham (Chester) of Dysartsville; six grandchildren, Joe Baker (Jenifer), Amanda Baker, Calloway Morgan, Amy Morgan, Sara Lewis and Michael Lewis; and two great grandchildren, Kyle and Aiden. 

A funeral service to honor the life of Mr. Lavender will be held on Tuesday, August 16, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Glenwood Baptist Church with Dr. Dennis Love, Rev. John Baker and Rev. Jim Brewer officiating.  Interment, with military honors provided by the United States Air Force, will follow at Burnette Family Cemetery in Little Switzerland.  The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m., prior to the service, at the church.

Flowers are acceptable and appreciated.  Those wishing to make a memorial donation in Randy’s memory are asked to consider, Hospice of Rutherford County, P.O. Box 336, Forest City, North Carolina 28043 or by visiting www.hospiceofrutherford.org.