Obituary of E. Wade Moretz

E. Wade Moretz, age 96, of Wade Moretz Road, Deep Gap, passed away Saturday Evening, November 22, 2014 at Watauga Medical Center. Born September 18, 1918 in Watauga County, he was a son of James Fredrick and Mattie Yount Moretz. Wade was the best husband, daddy, papaw and father-in-law in the whole world who loved the Lord, his family, and his country. He served in the US Navy during WWII on the USS Relief AH1 in the South and Central Pacific. Wade was a life- long member of Bethany Lutheran Church where he served faithfully. He operated the family farm and was named farmer of the year in 1972 and 1994. He believed in serving his community. He was an organizing member of the Deep Gap Fire Department where volunteered for more than 22 years, and was a board member and served as a past president of Farm Bureau Insurance Company. Also, he served on the Soil and Water Conversation Board for a number of years, as well as on the Advisory Committee of BREMCO. Mr. Moretz is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary Yates Moretz; two daughters, Phyllis Remkus and husband, Mike, of Concord, and Lois M. Walker and husband, Charlie, of Boone; three sons, Dennis James Moretz and wife, Cheryl, of Linville, Charles Michael Moretz and wife, Sandy, of Boone, and Ernest Wade Moretz and wife, Peri, of Deep Gap; fourteen grandchildren, Audrey Remkus Benson and husband, Michael, Ryan Remkus, Jason Moretz, Anna Moretz Wilson and husband, Jason, Daniel Moretz and Stephanie Muise, Robert Walker and wife, Melanie, Gregory and Erika Walker, Scott and Samantha Moretz, Megan N. Hudson and husband, Brandon, and Amber and Matthew Moretz; and four great-grandchildren, Shaylyn and Haydyn Walker, Abigail Hudson and Madyson Moretz; one brother, Earl David Moretz and wife, Ruby, of Boone; and a sister-in-law, Reba Moretz of Deep Gap. A number of nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by a brother, Fredrick Luther Moretz; sister, Lucille Moretz; and his parents. Funeral services for E. Wade Moretz will be conducted Tuesday afternoon, November 25th, at 1 o�clock at Bethany Lutheran Church, officiated by Pastor Laura Weant. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 11 until 1 o�clock, prior to services, at the Bethany Lutheran Church. Masonic graveside services provided by Ashler Masonic Lodge #373 and Military Honors provided by the American Legion Post #130 will follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. At other times, the family will be at the home of Ernest and Peri Moretz, 678 Wade Moretz Rd., in Deep Gap. The family suggests memorials to Bethany Lutheran Church, 1030 Big Hill Road, Boone, NC 28607, or to Ashler Masonic Lodge #373, PO Boxes 80, Deep Gap, NC 28618. Online condolences may be shared with the family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Moretz family.