Rufus Henry Shade

On the morning of Tuesday, October 23, 2018, Rufus Henry Shade, Sr., departed to be with the Lord at the North Carolina State Veterans Home in Black Mountain, NC, surrounded by his loving family. 

A native of Burke County, Rufus was born August 15, 1939 to the late Edward and Thelma O’Neil Shade.  He was a veteran of the US Army and was a member of Chamber’s Chapel Baptist Church in Glen Alpine where he was a former deacon.  He worked for Henredon and several other places and then went on to work for Drexel Furniture until his retirement.   Rufus was an avid gardener and enjoyed playing B.I.N.G.O.

In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by one brother, Troy Shade; one sister, Linda White; two sons, Mark Anthony Shade, Keith Levi Rutherford; and one step-son, Brian Burnette.

Those left behind to cherish Rufus’ memories are his beloved wife of 30 years, Helen Sandra Burnette Shade; three children from a former marriage to Cordie Ann Shade, Michael Gray Shade, Derrick Neal Shade and Rufus Henry Shade, Jr. (Cynthia); one sister, Lillian Shade; one brother, Earl Shade; two grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; two great- grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at Catawba View Missionary Baptist Church in Old Fort, NC.  A funeral service to celebrate Rufus’ life will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the church with Rev. Ronald Sullivan and Rev. James Lytle officiating.  A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 29, 2018 at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain.

Those wishing to make a donation in Mr. Shade’s memory are asked to consider, Four Seasons Hospice, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.