Alton Mabry, 92, of Mills River, North Carolina went to be with the Lord Friday, June 3, 2022 after a short illness.
He was born in 1930 in Norwood, NC to the late Robert Glenn Mabry and Ethel Mabry. He was also preceded in death by 4 brothers, Elwood, Harold, Sidney and David Mabry.
He Graduated from Norwood High School Date: June 1948.
Alton served in the US Navy as an Electrician’s Mate Second Class. He served on the USS Greenwood from 1950 to 1954 stationed in Key West, Florida. Greenwood functioned as an escort along the East Coast from Maine to Key West.
He was a faithful member of the Mills River Baptist Church and Boylston Baptist Church. Throughout Alton’s service for our Lord, he fulfilled the roles as Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, Youth Group Leader, Missions Board and so much more. He was the “Go-To-Guy” when you needed something done.
He retired from C. P&L (Carolina Power and Light), now Duke Energy after 35 years of service. Both of his children are current employees of Duke Energy.
He enjoyed camping with his family. Many memories of camping in a 1966 Ford Galaxy 500 (four-door) with homemade roof rack and storage system. Some of those were wet and cold, but a lot of fun.
He Raised beef cattle for many years, while the boys were still at home to help. Many memories of getting up before school, and bottle-feeding baby calves. Then again in the evening. Picking corn, by hand to make our own cattle feed. Yes, there were also other more unpleasant and smelling work in the barn. Cutting and bailing hay. Sounds like the Walton’s. But I never did complain when mom cooked the T-bone steaks for Sunday lunch.
He was an avid photographer. Back in the day, he and his wife never promoted that his children go to movies. Instead, they always had a slide show that could provide us with some entertainment.
He always had a BIG garden. You name it, he could grow it. Even growing, picking, drying and popping their own popcorn.
In retirement years, Alton used his 11-acre farm to grow Christmas trees and various other landscaping scrubs and trees. He also grew straw berries, blue berries, raspberries, and walnuts.
He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Bonnie Smith from Cottonville, NC; his children and grandchildren, Bob Mabry married to Diane of Hendersonville, NC and their daughter, Meagan Mabry and Claude Mabry married to Robin Mabry of Fort Mill, SC and their sons, Josh and Mitch Mabry; two brothers, Lane and Percy Mabry and numerous nieces and nephews.
A private family service was held.
Donations may be made to Boylston Baptist Church.