Arlene Oliver Lail, age 75

Arlene Oliver Lail, age 75 of Hickory passed away on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at Catawba Valley Medical Center surrounded by her family.

Born on January 21, 1949, in Greensboro, NC, Arlene was the daughter of Arzie and Evelyn Oliver. Family, teaching, music, art, and wrestling were her passions. Arlene graduated with a degree in education from Mars Hill University and a Masters in Administration from Gardner Webb University. She retired from Hickory Public Schools after 30 years of dedicated service. Arlene was a member of First Advent Christian Church of Hickory for over 50 years, serving in many areas including music director. In 2015, Arlene, along with her husband, R.L., were inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame for their dedication to the sport. The amount of lives touched by Arlene is endless.

In addition to her parents, she is proceeded in death by her brother, Ronnie, and sister, Cynthia.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 52 years, R.L., children; Shannon, Robbie, and Robyn, daughter-in-law, Sarah, son-in-law, Richy, grandchildren; Nina, Asher, Arleigh, and Quinn, sister, Dona, brother-in-law, Art, sister-in-law, Liz, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

A family led memorial service will be held at First Advent Christian Church of Hickory; 1941 N. Center St., Hickory on Saturday, July 13, 2024. The receiving will be from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm followed by the service at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Advent Christian Church of Hickory in Arlene’s name.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Alexander Funeral and Cremation Service.

Condolences may be sent to www.alexfuneralservice.com

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Frederick “Fred” Osmer, age 90

Frederick Jay Osmer at the age of 90, passed in his sleep on Monday, June 17, 2024. He was born December 9, 1933, in Owosso, Michigan. Fred was a unique individual with incredible humor. He spent his youth in Michigan and graduated from Western Michigan University, with a Master’s Degree in Arts and a Minor in Education. He took that knowledge and became a teacher, principal, superintendent, redirectional instructor, night school director, and guidance counselor in Leon Co., Florida, and Alexander Co., North Carolina. His last lecture was given at Lenior-Rhyne College.

Fred discovered his passion for golf at the age of 15. This relentless pursuit led to a spot on the Owosso High golf team, WMU team, and Fort Bragg team. He worked at countless golf courses and won countless tournaments including the “Father and Son Tournament” where he played with his son David, held in South Field, Michigan. Fred holds the course record from the blue tees at Rock Barn in North Carolina, where his son Jay was a PGA professional. He has won 13 gold medals from the N.C. Senior games, and after 15 hole in ones, he stopped counting and played into his 87th year.

Fred met the love of his life Bonnie in 1957 and they were married for 66 years and had three children. He joined the Army where he served his country honorably assigned to the 82nd Airborne as a paratrooper. Fred was a world traveler and avid sailor who sold sails for sailboats in Florida and owned a San Juan 24 which he raced and sailed with his family around the Florida Keys. Fred spent the last half of his life in Taylorsville, North Carolina, where he was Sports Editor for the Taylorsville Times, and along with his wife and daughter, owned and operated a “Giovannis” Italian Restaurant. He hiked to the top of Rocky Face Mountain in Hiddenite, North Carolina with his grandchildren at the age of 83. Fred then retired in 1996 to travel and play golf.

Fred Osmer was survived by his loving wife Bonnie Gilreath Osmer and his sister Connie (Jerry) Voight. His legacy continues in his sons David and Jay Osmer, his daughter Chris Osmer Fletcher, grandsons Andrew and Christian Osmer, Daniel and Emet Fletcher, and granddaughters McCall and Gigi Fletcher. He also deeply loved his son-in-law Sean Fletcher, daughters-in-law Sherry and Gaia Osmer, and granddaughter-in-law Karaline Osmer. He is preceded in death by his parents Fred and Morna Osmer. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

The example of Fred’s existence is an overwhelming message of learning thyself. Please remember never to stop searching within to find that which is true love.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Alexander Funeral and Cremation Service.

Condolences may be sent to www.alexfuneralservice.com

 

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