Obituary of Dan Church

Preacher Wiley Dan Church, age 74, of The Church Road, Vilas, passed away Saturday morning, October 25, 2014 at Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care. Born April 16, 1940 in Watauga County, he was a son of the late Robert �Bob� and Carrie Walls Church. Dan was the founding Pastor of Vilas Valley Baptist Church where he served for 30 years. He had been a Preacher for 39 years. Dan retired from Singer Furniture. He enjoyed chickens, goats and collecting pocket knives and clocks. Dan enjoyed laughing and joking, but was serious when it came to God�s work. His motto was: �Preaching the whole word to the whole world.� He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Norma Neartherly Church, four daughters, Sandra Norris and husband Rick of Statesville, Marcia Baxley and husband David of Rossville, Georgia, Linda Greer and husband Norman of Boone, Brenda Church of the home and Danny Church of Vilas, four grandchildren, Hannah Blackman and husband John of Fayetteville, Melody Burleson and husband Ryan of Stony Point, Jonathan Baxley of Chattanooga, Makaila Hite and husband Lee Hite, III of Decatur, Georgia, six great grandchildren, three sisters, Ruth Sheffield of Texas, Grace Coffey of Lenoir, and Emogene Brown and husband Gene of Vilas, a very special brother, Russell Gragg, a special friend, David Harmon, and a number of nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Robert J. �Buck� Church and an infant sister, Bonnie Lou Church. Funeral services for Preacher Dan Church will be conducted Tuesday afternoon at 2 o�clock at Vilas Valley Baptist Church. Officiating will be Rev. Allen Younce, Rev. David Baxley, Rev. T. J. Jackson, Rev. David Ward and Brother Danny Church. Burial will follow in the Old Adams Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6 o�clock until 8 o�clock at Vilas Valley Baptist Church. Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to the family. Online condolences may be shared with the Church family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Church family.