Thursday, December 28, 2017 7:45 am

Charles Bryce Sechriest, 85, of Rutherfordton, passed away Monday, December 18, 2017.

A native of Rutherford County, he was the son of the late Marvin and Bessie Younts Sechriest. He attended Victory Baptist Church. Charles operated many businesses during his career, including Sechriest Sinclair Service Station of Lexington, Lakeland BBQ of Lexington, Friendly Financial, Seaboard Financial, and was owner of The Furniture Showplace of Forest City for 30 years. He was a US Navy veteran, serving in the Korean War. He was stationed in Japan, Korea, China, Pearl Harbor, Midway Island, and Kodiak Alaska. Charles was a great lover of music and classic cars. He was an honest man with outstanding moral ethics, and was a teacher of life's lessons.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Ruby Fitch Sechriest of the home; sons, Michael Sechriest and wife Barbara of Forest City, Randy Sechriest and wife Donna of Blowing Rock; stepson Ron Philbeck and wife Sarah of Shelby; stepdaughter Ginger Clark and husband Ronnie of Shelby; son-in-law Bill Yount of Forest City; four grandchildren; two step grandchildren; six great grandchildren; special nephew Barry Sechriest and friend and caregiver Barbara Melton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by daughters, Sybil S. Yount and Charletta Gaye.

A celebration of life will was held at Crowe's Mortuary. Rev. Alvin Allen officiated. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, POB 336, Forest City, NC 28043.

Crowe's Mortuary is assisting the family.