Obituaries — May 28, 2008

Narvie Wilson Narvie Claudette Long Wilson, 73, 2904 Kirk Ave., died May 20, 2008, at her residence. Born Sept. 26, 1934, in Rowan County, Mrs. Wilson was a daughter of the late William Richardson and Maggie Caldwell Long. She was a graduate of Aggrey Memorial High School, Landis, and Winston-Salem Teachers College with a B.S. in elementary education. She taught in Montgomery and Rowan counties, retiring from China Grove Elementary School. A member of Sandy Ridge AME Zion Church, she served as the church clerk for more than 40 years and made announcements every Sunday for years. She was also the president of the Parent Body Missionary Society, a student of the Church School, a member of the Life Members Council, Stewardess Board 2 and Home Mission Society and formerly served as the adult director of Christian education. She was also a member of the Senior Choir and the Victory Choir. She was affiliated previously with the Bennett L. Johnson American Legion Ladies Auxiliary and was secretary for the Aggrey Alumni Association. She also served as the past secretary for the South Rowan Optimist Club. She was a member of Church Women United and Assembly for Christian Educators. She held the position of recording secretary for the Salisbury District WH&OM Society for more than 30 years. A Girl Scout leader for more than 40 years, she served as cadette troop leader and Girl Scout director for the Salisbury District of the Western North Carolina Conference of the AME Zion Church. Her husband, Bernard Wilson, died in 1995. Survivors include daughter Fidelina Jackson, Kannapolis; sister Ella Louise Brown, Kannapolis; two grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. A service was held Monday, May 26, at Sandy Ridge AME Zion Church, Landis, conducted by the Rev. Anthony J. Freeman. Burial, church cemetery. Noble and Kelsey Funeral Home, Salisbury, assisted the family. Thomas McMahan CONCORD — Thomas Hubert McMahan, 84, Concord, died May 20, 2008, at Carolinas Medical Center-NorthEast. Born Dec. 15, 1923, in Yancy County, Mr. McMahan was a son of the late Fredrick Alonso and Elizabeth Gouge McMahan. He served in the U.S. Navy and Army, a total of more than 20 years, and was a veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict. Survivors include wife Virginia McMahan; children Sean McMahan, Mooresville, Kevin McMahan, Mount Holly, Shannon McMahan, Oregon, Kelly Palmer, St. Mary, Kan., Thomas Patrick McMahan, Charlotte, Theresa Denton, Albemarle, and Eireann and Michael McMahan, both of Charlotte; sister Ruth Huges; brother Talmedge McMahan; 23 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. A funeral service was held Friday, May 23, at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home Chapel, Mooresville. Burial, McDowell Memorial Park. Thomas M. Riner Thomas Michael Riner, 46, Kannapolis, formerly of High Point, died Friday, May 23, 2008. Born May 15, 1962, in Endicott, N.Y., Mr. Riner was a son of Thomas Kenneth and Louise Bailey Riner. In addition to his parents, survivors include wife Dawn Gentry Riner; son Thomas Daniel Riner, Siapan; step-children Michael, Jonathan and Samantha McLaurin; sister Laura Ann Morlando, Cornelius; and one grandchild. The family received friends at Lady’s Funeral Home Tuesday, May 27. No service was listed. ‘Robert’ Allen CHINA GROVE — Charles “Robert” Allen, 72, 274 Madison Road, died May 20, 2008, at Carolinas Medical Center-NorthEast, Concord. Born June 23, 1935, in Cherokee County, Mr. Allen was a son of Anna Rhodes Allen, Kannapolis, and the late Ben Allen. He worked as a mechanic with Wingfoot Commercial Tire, Salisbury. A member of Bible Missionary Baptist Church, he and his wife were part of The Refuge Trio, a ministry that sang at churches, prisons and nursing homes. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Ella Mae Canupp Allen; sons Charles Edward Allen, Salisbury, and Robert Dennis Allen, Rockwell; daughter Kathy Cross, Rockwell; three sisters; three brothers; eight grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. A service was held Friday, May 23, at Bible Missionary Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. Buddy Hoffner and the Rev. Nathan Hammill. Burial, Brookhill Memorial Gardens, Rockwell. Memorials: Bible Missionary Baptist Church, 11350 Old Concord Road, Rockwell, NC 28138. Whitley’s Funeral Home, Kannapolis, was in charge. Lorna V. Colson MOORESVILLE — Lorna Vivian Colson, 96, Mooresville, died May 20, 2008, at Genesis Eldercare. Born May 19, 1912, on West McNeely Avenue, Mrs. Colson was a daughter of the late Arthur Weston and Ellen Wright Sloop Colson. Lorna attended North Elementary School (Park View) and graduated from Mooresville High School. She graduated from Woman’s College of the University of North Carolina with a BA in primary grade education. She taught at Mount Ulla School in Rowan County, Belmont Elementary School and Park View Elementary School. She became a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church June 7, 1912, and joined the Women of the Church, taught Sunday School and helped with Bible School. A graveside service was held Thursday, May 22, at Willow Valley Cemetery, conducted by the Rev. Johnny C. Cozart. Memorials: St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 454 Fieldstone Road, Mooresville, NC 28115. Cavin-Cook Funeral Home was in charge. Harry Lee Cook CONCORD — Harry Lee Cook, 85, died Tuesday, May 20, 2008, at Brian Center, Concord. Born Aug. 6, 1922, in Cabarrus County, Mr. Cook was a son of the late Richmond Pearson Cook and Annie Aycock Cook Thompson. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and retired from Johnson Motor Lines, Charlotte, after 26 years as a truck driver. He was a member of Friendship Southern Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Aileen S. Cook; sons Ben and Mark Cook, both of Concord; daughters Peggy Cook Harrington, Kannapolis, and Dianne Hopkins Johnson, Concord; brother Melvin Cook, California; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and four stepgrandchildren. A service was held Friday, May 23, at Hartsell Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. George Townsend and the Rev. Bill Saylor. Burial, West Concord Cemetery, with military graveside rites by the DAV Veterans Honor Guard. Memorials: Friendship Southern Baptist Church, 108 West Ave., Concord, NC 28027. Robert Odell Bass Robert Odell Bass, 87, of Kannapolis, died May 18, 2008. Born June 24, 1920, in Davie County, Mr. Bass was a son of the late Robert “Shorty” and Lucy Miller Bass. He attended Landis school, was a member of Central Baptist Church and worked as a sweeper for Cannon Mills for 46 years. His wife, Madge Osborne Bass, died in 1998; and an infant son died at birth. Survivors include daughters Veronda Coley, Mount Pleasant, and Theresa Russell and Bonnie Rogers, both of Kannapolis; sister Mary Anderson, Stoney Point; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. A service was held May 21 at Central Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. Curtis Parker. Burial, West Lawn Memorial Park, China Grove. Memorials: Memorials may be made to Central Baptist Church, 1810 Moose Road, Kannapolis, NC 28083. Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home was in charge. Mary Jo Yandle Mary Jo Bunton Yandle, 71, 1212 Oakwood Ave., died May 19, 2008, at Carolinas Medical Center-NorthEast, Concord. Born July 29, 1936, in Iredell County, Mrs. Yandle was a daughter of the late Sherman and Florence Snow Bunton. She was a member of Midway United Methodist Church. Survivors include husband Victor H. Yandle; sons Donald McCann, Asheville, Ronald McCann, Statesville, Phillip R. Yandle, Kannapolis, and David Yandle, Clover, S.C.; daughters, Mary Joyce Parry, Statesville, Vickie Y. Combs, Kannapolis, and Jane Y. Beam, China Grove; sister Cathy Combs, Statesville; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. A service was held Thursday, May 22, at Midway United Methodist Church, conducted by the Rev. Dave Cash. Burial, Carolina Memorial Park. Memorials: Susan G. Komen for the Cure, 5005 LBJ Fwy., Suite 250, Dallas, Texas 75244. Whitley’s Funeral Home was in charge. Doris Jean Crudup CONCORD — Doris Jean Hillie Crudup, 49, 2617 Milliard Fuller Way, died May 16, 2008, at Carolinas Medical Center-NorthEast. Born July 28, 1958, Mrs. Crudup was a daughter of the Shirley Louise Hammond, of the homem and the late Billy Ray Hillie. She served as assistant pastor of Mount Calvary Holiness Church, Kannapolis, and was a graduate of Central Cabarrus High School. Survivors, in addition to her mother, include husband Andrew Crudup; stepfather, Roosevelt Hammond, of the home; sons Daron and Aaron Crudup, both of the home; daughter Deloris Henderson, Kannapolis; brothers Thomas Hillie, Mount Pleasant, Billy Ray Hillie, Augusta, Ga., and Jackie Lee Hillie, Concord; sister Joan Marie McCollough, Indiana; and three grandchildren. A service was held Thursday, May 22, at Mount Calvary Holiness Church, Kannapolis, conducted by the Rev. Carmin Montgomery. Burial, church cemetery. Lamb Funeral Home was in charge. Syble J. Fortune Syble Josephine Campbell Fortune, 63, 1911 Pennsylvania Ave., died May 20, 2008, at her home. Born May 18, 1945, in Kannapolis, Mrs. Fortune was a daughter of the late Archie Worth andVivian Walker Campbell. A lifelong area resident, she graduated from A.L. Brown High School and retired in April after 34 years as an out-of-state line technician for AT&T, Charlotte. Survivors include daughter, Natalie Dawn Barbee; and brother, Archie Worth Campbell Jr., both of Kannapolis. A service was held Friday, May 23, at Whitley’s Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Tommy Conder. Burial, West Lawn Memorial Park, China Grove. Whitley’s Funeral Home was in charge. Donnie Ray West CHINA GROVE — Donnie Ray West, 54, 308 Chinaberry Lane, died Thursday, May 22, 2008, at Carolinas Medical Center-NorthEast. Born July 9, 1953, in Rowan County, Mr. West attended West Rowan High School and retired from Celanese as a staples CP operator. He later drove a truck for Food Lion and was a member of Masonic Eureka Lodge 283. He was a Baptist. Survivors include wife Donna Whitman West; son Matthew Steven West, China Grove; daughter Karen West Millner, Salisbury; mother Betty Lanning Parker, Woodleaf; stepfather Hubert Kyles, Woodleaf; brother Curtis Kyles, Woodleaf; sisters Melissa Hartwell, China Grove, and Vicki Hughes, Winston-Salem; and two grandchildren. A service was held Saturday, May 24, at Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Chris Williams. Memorials: National Kidney Foundation of N.C., 5950 Fairview Road, Suite 551, Charlotte, NC 28210. Hugh D. Dial CONCORD — Mr. Hugh Dorsey Dial, 91, 500 Penny Lane, died Saturday, May 24, 2008, at Carolinas Medical Center-NorthEast. Born Sept. 15, 1916, in Jackson County, Ga., Mr. Dial was a son of the late John Milton and Mary Elizabeth Anglin Dial. In 1926, the family moved to Landis, where he attended school. While in Landis, he was a member of First Methodist Church. During World War II, he flew 53 missions as a bomber pilot over New Guinea and surrounding islands in the southwest Pacific. He received the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters and Second Campaign ribbons and retired from the U.S. Air Force Reserve as a lieutenant colonel. He worked for the U.S. Postal Service in Concord for 30 years. He was a member of Forest Hill United Methodist Church, where he served as Sunday School superintendent, chairman of the Pastor-Parish Committee and a member of the Official Board. He was also active for years in and past president of the Concord Lions Club. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Lillia Morris Dial, whom he married March 25, 1943; son Hugh Dial Jr., Davenport, Fla.; daughter Penny Dial Durham, Apopka, Fla.; and two granddaughters. A service was held Tuesday, May 27, at Wilkinson Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Merrill Perkins. Burial, Oakwood Cemetery. Memorials: Forest Hill United Methodist Church, 265 Union St. N, Concord, NC, 28025. ‘Chris’ Hamby REIDSVILLE — Christopher “Chris” Jerome Hamby, 36, 1137 Lawsonville Ave., died May 19, 2008. Born Aug. 5, 1971, in Wilkes County, Mr. Hamby was a son of John and Judy Burleson Hamby, Stoneville. He was a member of Piedmont Baptist Church, Reidsville, and was a construction worker. Survivors include wife Aimee Lockamy Hamby; daughters Breanna and Victoria Hamby, both of Stoneville, and Katie Hamby, Madison; maternal grandmother Margaret Burleson, Kannapolis; sister, Jamie Leann Hamby, Stoneville; brother John Hamby Jr., Asheboro; and stepchildren Mark and Carey Lockamy and Kaylyn Senter, all of Greensboro. A service was held Friday, May 23, at Fair Funeral Home, Reidsville. Burial, Ridgeview Memorial Gardens. Michael S. Agnello Michael Samuel Agnello, 84, 1954 Stratton Court, died Friday, May 23, 2008, at his home. Born June 5, 1923, in Niagara County, N.Y., Mr. Agnello was a son of the late John and Antoinette Constanzo Agnello. He was a Roman Catholic. During World War II, he was a member of the U.S. Army Medical Corps and served in the North African campaign with Gen. George Patton and later in Germany. In early life, he was a building contractor and later a nursing home administrator. He and his wife owned and operated Ocean Lodge Motel, Juno Beach, Fla., and The Wash Towne Coin Laundry, Jupiter, Fla. He retired to Kannapolis in 2001. Survivors include wife Helen Denton Agnello; sons Michael J. Agnello, Niagara Falls, N.Y., Robert Agnello, Grand Island, N.Y., Gary Thomas Agnello, Florida, and James Agnello, Concord; daughter Suzanne L. Agnello-Davis, Charlotte; 10 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. A service was held Sunday, May 25, at Whitley’s Funeral Home, conducted by Father Gray. Mary F. Kiker CONCORD — Mary Frances Howard Kiker, 80, 246 Cabarrus Ave. W., died May 20, 2008, at St. Andrew’s Living Center. Born Aug. 14, 1927, in Cabarrus County, Mrs. Kiker was a daughter of the late John Perry and Nealle Fincher Howard. She was a homemaker. Her husband, Christian Kiker, preceded her in death. Survivors include son Jimmy Christian Kiker, Charlotte, and sister Lillian H. Caudle, Midland. A service was held Thursday, May 22, at Hartsell Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Tom Gibbs and the Rev. Arval Rushing. Burial, First Baptist Church cemetery, Midland. Doris M. Harris LANDIS — Doris Morgan Harris, 73, Landis, died May 20,2008. Born Feb. 26, 1935, in Iredell County, Mrs. Harris was a daughter of the late William Archie and Myrtle Cook Morgan. She attended Landis City Schools and was a Baptist. She worked as a machine operator for with Linn Mills and later for Townhouse II Restaurant. Her husband, David Caldwell Harris, died May 29, 1991. Survivors include daughters Darnell Jenkins, Kannapolis, Debra Lowder, Landis, and Tammie Lowder, of the home; brother Howard Morgan, Kannapolis; and two grandchildren. A private graveside service was held Saturday, May 24, at West Lawn Memorial Park, China Grove, conducted by the Rev. Richard Horn. Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home was in charge. ‘Alice’ Hilburn Mary “Alice” Griffith Hilburn, 98, formerly of 820 Fairview St., died Tuesday, May 20, 2008, at First Assembly Assisted Living Center, Concord, after a period of declining health. Born Sept. 23, 1909, in Gadsden, Ala., Mrs. Hilburn was a daughter of the late Samuel Reuben Griffith and Ella Hill Griffith Crain. She moved to Kannapolis in 1926 from Gadsden and worked for years in the spooler room of Cannon Mills Plant 4. She was a longtime member of Calvary Baptist Church. Her husband, Clarence Dewitt Hilburn, died in January 1989. Survivors include daughters Doris Woodard, Kannapolis, Loretta Carpenter, Concord, Bobbie Campbell, Sun City Center, Fla., and Phyllis Hill, Davie, Fla.; brother Bert Crain Jr., Menlo, Ga.; 17 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 37 great-great-grandchildren; and two great-great-great-grandchildren. A service was held Saturday, May 24, at Whitley’s Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Joel Ervin. Burial, Carolina Memorial Park. Memorials: Gideons International N., 9425 Magnolia Estates Drive, Cornelius, NC. ‘Chris’ Sossoman CONCORD — Christopher Brian “Chris” Sossoman, 26, 3040 Winners Circle, died May 19, 2008, at Carolinas Medical Center-NorthEast. Born April 28, 1982, in Cabarrus County, Mr. Sossoman was a son of John Daniel Sossoman Jr., New London, and Robyne Hill Arrington and stepfather Ronnie Arrington, of Denver. A 2000 graduate of Central Cabarrus High School, he had worked for Neuenhauser, as an automation engineer, and was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church, Midland. Survivors, in addition to her parents, include brother Daniel Scott Sossoman, Midland; paternal grandparents John and Brenda Sossoman, Concord; maternal grandparents Robert and Su-Ann Hill, Fayetteville, Pa.; and great-grandmother Mary Hall, Concord. A service was held Thursday, May 22, at Bethel United Methodist Church, Midland, conducted by the Rev. Neil Crowell and the Rev. Roger Byrd. Burial, church cemetery. Memorials: Bethel United Methodist Church, 12700 Idlebrook Road, Midland, NC 28107. Hartsell Funeral Home was in charge. Donette R. Glenn Donette Rena Glenn, 36, 107 Skyland St., died Friday, May 23, 2008, at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem. Born Aug. 16, 1971, in Cabarrus County, Mrs. Glenn was a daughter of Donald Ray Carter, Kannapolis, and Laura Johnson Carter, Concord. She was a member of First Missionary Baptist Church, where she sang in the Voices of Praise and Mass choirs and participated in Sunday school. She graduated from Spellman College, Atlanta, and wwas a member of Signa Gamma Rho Sorority. She worked for Wachovia Bank. Survivors, in addition to her parents include husband Fredrick Lee Glenn; and stepmother Christine Carter, Kannapolis. Service: 3 p.m. Thursday, May 29, First Missionary Baptist Church, conducted by Pastor Herb Rhedrick. Burial, Rutherford Memorial Cemetery, Concord. Visitation: 2-3 p.m. Thursday at the church. Clark Funeral Home is in charge. George Kiser Sr. George Leon Kiser Sr., 94, Bost Street, died May 21, 2008, at Caremoor Retirement Center. Born March 3, 1914, Mr. Kiser was a son of the late James Lane and Julia Eaker Kiser. He retired in 1979 after 45 years with Cannon Mills and was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. His wife, Sarah Anna Bland Kiser, died in 1989. Survivors include daughter Barbara Jane Kiser McRorie, Rutherfordton; sons George L. Kiser Jr., Kannapolis, and Stephen Bland Kiser, Bluffton, S.C.; nine grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren. A graveside service was held Friday, May 23, at Carolina Memorial Park, with a memorial service following at Trinity United Methodist Church, conducted by the Rev. Judy White. Memorials: Trinity United Methodist Church, 416 E. First. St., Kannapolis, NC 28083 or Cabarrus Meals on Wheels, 320-C Copperfield Blvd., Concord, NC 28025. Lady’s Funeral Home and Crematory was in charge. Mary Eva Love Mary Eva Whitley Love, 89, 1018 West C St., died May 19, 2008, at Carolinas Medical Center-NorthEast, after a short illness. Born Oct. 12, 1918, in Iredell County, Mrs. Love was a daughter of the late Daniel Durant and Vada Beaver Whitley. A graduate of J.W. Cannon High School, she worked for years in the Set Department of Cannon Mills Plant 1, retiring in 1991. She was a charter member of Memorial United Methodist Church, where she participated in circle work, Sunday School and the senior citizens group. Her husband, Ira D. “Buck” Love, preceded her in death. Survivors include son Ira Wayne Love, Cary; daughters, Emily Elizabeth Stack, Charlotte, and Kathy L. Hocc, Hilton Head, S.C.; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. A service was held May 21 at Memorial United Methodist Church, conducted by the Rev. Jim Brookshire. Burial, Carolina Memorial Park. Memorials: Memorial United Methodist Church, 1100 W. C St., Kannapolis, NC 28081 or donor’s choice. Whitley’s Funeral Home was in charge. Judy B. Linker Judy Brenda Hartsell Linker, 65, 197 Cade Lane, died Thursday, May 22, 2008, at her home after a period of declining health and six months of serious illness. Born April 19, 1943, in Cabarrus County, Mrs. Linker was a daughter of the late Hugh Richard and Minnie Ruby Eller Hartsell. Through the years, she worked for Cannon Mills, Linn-Corriher Mills, T&N Manufacturing and Danny Carpenter Mustang Reproductions, Harrisburg. Son Richard Caldwell Linker preceded her in death. Survivors include her husband of 50 years, H.C. Linker Jr.; daughters Barbara Miller and Donna Morris, both of Kannapolis, and Maxine Whitehead, Albemarle; sons Danny Linker, Kannapolis, and William Lee Linker, Lumberton; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. No service was held. Memorials: Rowan Regional Home Health & Hospice, 720 Grove St., Salisbury, NC 28144. Whitley’s Funeral Home was in charge. Bernice Massey CONCORD — Bernice B. Massey, 88, Concord, died Monday, May 19, 2008, at Carolinas Medical Center-NorthEast, following a brief illness. Born Nov. 25, 1919, in Lancaster, S.C., Mrs. Massey was a daughter of the late Alexander and Luella B. Blakeney. Educated in Lancaster, S.C., public schools, she worked as a custodian for Cabarrus County and as a domestic worker. She preached at various local churches and was a member of Centergrove Road Church of Christ until her health declined. Her husband, Sim Massey, preceded her in death. Survivors include sister Mary Montgomery, Concord. A service was held Saturday, May 24, at Centergrove Road Church of Christ, Kannapolis, conducted by Brother Andy Moss. Kelsey Funeral Home was in charge. Joe Whitley Jr. CONCORD — Joseph “Joe” Edward Whitley Jr., 58, 581 Sandringham Place, died May 19, 2008, at Alleghany County Hospital. Born Oct. 21, 1949, in Wilson County, Mr. Whitley was a son of Ruby Whitley Parker, Wilson, and the late Joseph Edward Whitley. He attended Bob Jones University, Greensville, S.C., and served in the National Guard from 1969 to 1975. He worked in NASCAR for 25 years and currently was manager for Pro Cal Professional Decals. He was a member of Center United Methodist Church, was a past president of PPRC and sereved on the board of the Dick Jones Pediatric Nursing Scholarship Committee at Pitt County Memorial Hospital. Survivors include wife Beverly Long Whitley; daughter Taylor Whitley, of the home; son Joseph “Jed” Edward Whitley III, of the home; and sisters, Carol Whitley Cox, Dianne Whitley Barnes and Beth Whitley Glover, all of Wilson. A service was held Thursday, May 22, at Center United Methodist Church, conducted by the Rev. Jerry Hagler and the Rev. Don Newman. A graveside service was held Friday, May 23, at Buckhorn United Methodist Church cemetery, Rock Ridge. Wilkinson Funeral Home was in charge. Johnny R. Strube CONCORD — Johnny Reed Strube, 60, 3786 Patricia Drive N.W., died May 16, 2008, at Carolinas Medical Center-NorthEast. Born Dec. 23, 1947, in Cabarrus County, Mr. Strube was a son of Evelyn Rogers Wingler and the late Johnson Rowland Strube. He worked for Smith’s Paint and Body-Auto Repair. In addition to his mother, survivors include sons Jamie Strube, Rockwell, and Jonathan Strube, Concord; daughters Crystal Strube Burnette and Sherri and Tammy Strube, all of Concord; brother Scott Strube, Concord; sister Debbie Burner; and six grandchildren. A service was held May 21 at Hartsell Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Mike Lupo. Burial, West Concord Cemetery. Gail M. Hyman KANNAPOLIS — Gail Millsap Hyman, 60, Kannapolis, died Friday, May 23, 2008, at Carolinas Medical Center-NorthEast, Concord. Born Dec. 5, 1947 in Concord, Mrs. Hyman was a daughter of the late Larry Richard and Myrtle Barber Millsap. Survivors include sons Joey Brown, Aiken, S.C., and David Eddings, Kannapolis; brothers Tony Millsap, Salisbury, and Floyd Millsap, Tampa, Fla.; and two grandchildren. A graveside service was held Tuesday, May 27, at Cleveland Believers Fellowship cemetery. Lady’s Funeral Home was in charge. Donna E. Smith Donna Ellen Smith, 40, 6027 Dogwood Blvd., died May 21, 2008, at Carolinas Medical Center-NorthEast, Concord, after a lengthy illness. Born July 10, 1967, in Flint, Mich., Ms. Smith was a daughter of Donald W. and Ruth Higton Smith, Kannapolis. She was educated in the Flint, Mich., schools and attended Michigan State University for four years. She was a Seventh Day Adventist. Retired on disability, she most recently worked for North-South Courier Co., Charlotte, as a courier. Survivors include brothers Willie Helms, Concord, and Paul Smith, Columbus, Ohio. A service was held Saturday, May 24, at Whitley’s Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Harold Davis. Burial, Carolina Memorial Park.

Salute to the troops

"The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." — Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address, November 1863 By Joanie Morris Kannapolis Citizen While more than 100 people gathered at Village Park Monday afternoon to honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, a light wind blew, billowing only one of the 51 flags on the field — the stars and stripes of the United States. Those flags were presented by the A.L. Brown High School JROTC. And while there were many speakers and presentations, there was only one common thread through the program — honoring those who have died for the United States and those who are currently serving. Local historian Norris Dearmon, who served during World War II, told about the history of the holiday, adding that it was remembered first in 1865 by liberated slaves in Charleston, S.C. “The site was a former Confederate prison camp as well as a mass grave for Union soldiers,” Dearmon told the crowd. Memorial Day became a national holiday when the U.S. Congress passed the Uniform Holiday Bill to create three-day weekends for several of the country’s holiday celebrations, which took effect in 1971 with the first celebration of Memorial Day as a national holiday. In addition, Dearmon read the names of 90 men who served and died in World War II. Those men’s pictures were displayed on boards at the front of the audience. After Dearmon read from the list of names, the Kannapolis Police Department provided a rifle salute to the soldiers as “Taps” played over loud speakers. Many wiped tears from their eyes during the program. While Dearmon read the names, one soldier stood and saluted the men who had died. Army Specialist Haven Harrison of Mount Pleasant attended the Memorial Day celebration with her mother. Harrison, dressed in Army fatigues, saluted as Dearmon read the list out loud. She is serving the United States in Iraq in a medical unit. “I’m on my way back,” Harrison said, before climbing the steps to the Village Park Amphitheater to shake the hands of the men gathered who had fought in many of the previous conflicts. “I’m on R & R (rest and relaxation).” Harrison said her grandfather served during World War II and she wanted to attend the ceremony to honor him as well as her comrades in Iraq. “We’ve lost soldiers in my unit,” Harrison said. “It’s important. Memorial Day services keep you grounded.” Guest speaker Mayor Robert “Bob” Misenheimer told several stories of men and women who had served and died for the United States. “We gather here to remember all those who have served and died for the freedoms we enjoy,” said Misenheimer, who served in the Korean Conflict. “This is a unique opportunity to not only honor the dead, but to pause and say thank you to those who have and are currently serving and to their comrades who are missing in action. ... “History records that it is the politicians, and those in power, who start wars and that it is the men and women of their armed forces who pay the price of those wars,” Misenheimer added. “It is a price paid for in separation, stress, blood, suffering, anguish and sometimes death by those who have and are currently serving in our country’s armed forces and their families.” Misenheimer had one more statement for the citizens of the United States who enjoy freedoms fought for by the men and women of the armed forces. “What do you say to them when they make the ultimate sacrifice?” Misenheimer asked. “Whether this war is a popular one or not, the sacrifice is the same for the more than one million who have given their lives. ... “For that we owe those who have served and are currently serving in the armed forces our undying gratitude, honor, respect and support, not only on this Memorial Day, but every day we as a nation enjoy the fruits of their efforts, sacrifices and service.” • Contact Joanie Morris at 704-932-3336 or jmorris@kannapoliscitizen.com.

Gin-spinner speeded up thread-making

By Norris Dearmon For the Kannapolis Citizen In the very early beginnings of textiles, everything was made by hand. I remember seeing a pair of hand carding blocks my grandmother had. Her mother had used the blocks in making cloth for many years. The blocks were about 8 or 10 inches long, about 4 inches wide, with handles on each block. On the blocks were rows of small, stiff wires bent on the end to create a kind of comb. By placing cotton or wool on the blocks and pulling it along the two blocks, a person could comb the strands into straight lengths. By removing the material from the blocks, a short roll of cotton or wool yarn were produced. The larger rolls were then run through a spinning wheel to produce thread. Eventually, inventors decided the process was too time-consuming and decided to find a better way. The gin-spinner was invented. Some were called by different names, but the principle was the same. A round cylinder was made containing many of the small, stiff wires bent on the end, similar to the ones on the hand blocks. The seeded blocks of cotton or wool were fed into the cylinder in some fashion and carded off by other rollers to go through the spinning part of the machine, thus creating a thread. Electricity was not available for many years, so the machines used human power, by means of a crank. Pictured are two of such machines. One shows H.A. Grady adjusting a machine that is now stored in the Cannon Village Visitors Center. According to the former Cannon News, Grady did most of the work of restoring the machine. It is believed to have been made between 1820 and 1840 and used in Cabarrus and Rowan counties. It was acquired by Cannon Mills in 1974 from Minnie Lea Bost Barrier of Rockwell, where it was stored for many years. The Cannon research and development department restored the machine to operating condition. The second machine is now in the possession of M.D. Ford. It works on the same principle as the other machine. Drums, belts, pulleys and a crank are used to process blocks of seeded cotton. Both machines are unusual and historical. The Division of Textiles of the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C., has provided the following information about its Gin-Spinner, manufactured by the J & T Pearce Co. of Cincinnati, Ohio. Curator Grace R. Cooper wrote: “An 1845 account of this factory stated that 2,500 of the machines had been sold in the South. The price was $130 each. The gin-spinners were also produced on a smaller scale in various places in the South. There are references to their manufacture in Greensboro, in Raleigh and in Tennessee, where they originated. Although there are variations, most of these small machines are more or less alike. “They are based on the J. McBride (Nashville, Tennessee) patent of 1805 for a machine to ‘gin, card, and spin cotton.’ Another Nashville man, William Bryant, patented improvements on the McBride machine on September 30, 1823. From Tennessee the so-called ‘Spinsters’ spread to Alabama, Louisiana and the Carolinas. They were also called ‘Spinginny,’ ‘Spinning Jenny,’ and ‘Columbian Spinster.’ “ The textile industry has come a long way since those days. Norris Dearmon is a local historian and member of the Kannapolis History Associates. He is a volunteer in the Hinson History Room of the Kannapolis Branch of the Cabarrus County Library.

Remembering — Dirge for Two Veterans

By Walt Whitman The last sunbeam Lightly falls from the finish’d Sabbath, On the pavement here, and there beyond it is looking, Down a new-made double grave. Lo, the moon ascending, Up from the east the silvery round moon, Beautiful over the house-tops, ghastly, phantom moon, Immense and silent moon. I see a sad procession, And I hear the sound of coming full-key’d bugles, All the channels of the city streets they’re flooding, As with voices and with tears. I hear the great drums pounding, And the small drums steady whirring, And every blow of the great convulsive drums, Strikes me through and through. For the son is brought with the father, (In the foremost ranks of the fierce assault they fell, Two veterans son and father dropt together, And the double grave awaits them.) Now nearer blow the bugles, And the drums strike more convulsive, And the daylight o’er the pavement quite has faded, And the strong dead-march enwraps me. In the eastern sky up-buoying, The sorrowful vast phantom moves illumin’d, (’Tis some mother’s large transparent face, In heaven brighter growing.) O strong dead-march you please me! O moon immense with your silvery face you soothe me! O my soldiers twain! O my veterans passing to burial! What I have I also give you. The moon gives you light, And the bugles and the drums give you music, And my heart, O my soldiers, my veterans, My heart gives you love. This poem is part of a collection Walt Whitman published in 1855 at his own expense in a volume called “Leaves of Grass.”

Wallace, Logano sign autographs at Cabarrus Visitors Bureau

By Sara Gregory Kannapolis Citizen Though another race week has passed, some happy fans have preserved racing memories for history and had the chance to preserve their own stories. On May 16, officials collected oral histories at the Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau to preserve the county’s history. The oral histories will become part of the museum planned by the Kannapolis History Associates. The chamber is still recording memories for those with stories to tell. “People can come in if they have memories they would like to save for posterity,” said Judy Root, the chamber’s communications director. Also on the first Friday of race week, the chamber hosted racing up-and-comers Joey Logano and Chrissy Wallace. “People were actually camping out when we got here at 8,” said Cordelia Anderson, the leisure and technology marketing manager for the Visitors Bureau. Logano and Wallace joined photographer Anita Rich, who signed copies of her book of NASCAR portraits. The three met with fans and signed autographs as part of National Tourism Week. The timing of National Tourism Week and the races at Lowe’s Motor Speedway — racers competed in the Sprint All-Star race the following day — prompted the visitors bureau to emphasize the impact of racing on the area. “In the past, we’ve focused more on celebrating industry partners,” Root said. “This year we thought it’d be nice to do something for the race fans. “It shows the fans something special.” Rich’s book, “Portraits of NASCAR,” comes after three years of photographing racers and owners at home and with their families. Rich, who did the book with friend and racer Robin Dallenbach, knew nothing about NASCAR when she began. “I moved here about 10 years ago, and at night I would hear cars racing.” As she started to learn more about NASCAR, she said she realized nothing focused on the family. And as she photographed racing legends, from Dale Earnhardt Jr. to Bobby Labonte and Bill France, she learned about the pressures racers face and the support racing families give each other. Wallace, who comes from a long line of racers, said she loves the chance to meet with fans. She turned 20 on May 15 and celebrated with dinner and birthday cake with her family. A female in a male-dominated sport, Wallace said her success and Danica Patrick’s has prompted lots of parents have shared their dreams for their daughters to get into racing. “They want their daughters to get involved because they see how well me and her are doing,” Wallace said. And the competitive nature makes her work harder. “If you’re a female in racing, you’ve got one shot,” she said. Contact Sara Gregory at 704-797-4257 or sgregory@salisburypost.com.

‘Bee Movie’ starts off another great summer of movie fun in Village Park

By Joanne Gonnerman Kannapolis Citizen If watching a movie on the largest outdoor projection screen in the Southeast sounds like fun, then Village Park was the place to be Friday night as Kannapolis Parks and Recreation Department staff kicked off the first Movies in the Park event for the 2008 summer season. Approximately 2,000 people blanketed the lawn in front of the Village Park Amphitheatre to watch “Bee Movie,” a Dreamworks animation about Barry B. Benson, a bee who decides to sue the human population when he discovers they eat honey. Special Events Coordinator Becky Tolle explained the 20-by-40 feet viewing area of the screen makes it the largest in the Southeast — and with a movie screen that large, there’s not a bad seat in the house. “This is great entertainment,” said Terry Triplett, a Kannapolis City police officer who, with his wife, Sheila, was waiting for their daughter, son-in-law and grandson, C.J., to arrive. “This will be his first movie,” said Triplett of his 9-month old grandson. “But he probably won’t remember it. It’s (the outdoor movie) a good thing for the kids and the city. We love it.” Movie-goers began arriving at Village Park shortly after 6 p.m. to choose their place on the lawn and to be a part of the live entertainment presented by RadioDisney AM1480. “We’ve included RadioDisney in our pre-movie schedule to entertain the kids while they wait for the movie to begin,” said Tolle of the Charlotte-based radio station. “They entertain the kids with music, games, line dances and spelling bees. We’re excited about seeing what the crowd will be like.” On-air DisneyRadio personality DJ Denny kicked the evening into high gear with her welcome and invitation for the kids to play musical hoola-hoops. Nine players from toddler to teen listened as she described the rules for the game. “Do you know how to play musical chairs?” said Denny. “Then you know how to play musical hoola-hoops. You just have to jump into the center of the hoop when the music stops.” Outlasting eight other players and claiming the DVD winning prize was Alexa Strickland, 7, who came to the outdoor event with her parents, Marty and Amanda Strickland. “Just jump in (the hoop) fast,” said Alexa, of her winning strategy. “It’s fun.” Mabel Yancy, 8, and musical hoola-hoop second-place finisher, liked the music played during the game. “The music was amazing. That was the best part of the game,” said Yancy. Yancy was at the Friday night event with her mom, Kaymah Yancy, and her two sisters, Genneh-Ba, 15, and 6-month old, Richma. The Yancys are originally from Liberia, West Africa. “We like it here,” said Kaymah Yancy about her family’s 27 months in Concord, “but we miss Africa. There’s no where like home, you know.” Yancy’s husband, Richard, works for RHA Health Services in Concord. In addition to games, RadioDisney staff hosted a registration tent for adults complete with information, flyers and coupons from area businesses. “We’re not a typical radio station,” said Megan O’Shields, senior account executive with RadioDisney AM1480. “We’re interactive radio.” O’Shields explained that RadioDisney is a marketing arm of the Disney Company. “We bring the bigger Disney to the local community,” said O’Shields. “At our events, every child has something (from the event). The games we play relate to the movie.” The attendance for the movie grew gradually from about 400 people at 8:15 p.m., to around 2,000 by the time the movie began just 45 minutes later. By the time Kannapolis Parks and Recreation Department director Gary Mills gave his official welcome around 9 p.m., the event’s success was obvious looking out on park grounds filled with people, blankets and folding chairs. The success of the first Movies in the Park event parallels the four specific core values that direct the mission and vision of parks and recreation department employees. “Our core values are pretty specific,” said Tolle. “They state that we will have excellence in all we do, that there will be integrity in the performance of our duties, that there will be professionalism in interaction with others and that there will be good stewardship of the resources entrusted to staff.” Ike’s Construction is title sponsor for the 2008 Kannapolis Parks and Recreation Summer Events series. The series provides 23 events throughout the summer, including live-art performances, concerts, stories under the stars at the Kannapolis Branch library and five additional movies in the park. Additional funding for the summer events series is provided by WCNC Radio and the Cabarrus Arts Council. For a listing of the 2008 Kannapolis Parks and Recreation Summer Events programs, go online to the city’s Web site, www.cityofkannapolis.com, and scroll down the home page to click on the Summer Entertainment Series Schedule link. • Contact Joanne Gonnerman at 704-932-3336 or jgonnerman@kannapoliscitizen.com.

Farmers Market a ‘natural progression’ for campus

By Joanie Morris Kannapolis Citizen By the time the bell at First Baptist Church had tolled the hour, the new Farmers Market in Cannon Village, a partnership between the Piedmont Farmers Market, N.C. State University and the N.C. Research Campus, had about 15 vendors set up and 35 or so visitors. Soon, a packed house was on hand to buy produce, plants and flowers at the market, located between Transit Damaged Freight and the Perfect Choice on West Avenue. “This is just such a natural progression for the Research Campus to partner with the Piedmont Farmers Market and N.C. State University,” said Phyllis Beaver, director of marketing for Cannon Village. “With the emphasis we have on nutrition and healthy living, this kind of dovetails.” Beaver said agriculture will play such a vital role in campus research that the market will have plenty of fresh, locally grown produce for consumers. “This gives people an opportunity to plan their weekend menus,” said Beaver. “We hope our local restaurants will take advantage ... to feature fresh produce and other things that are sold here.” She said Forty Six, David H. Murdock’s restaurant on the campus, will have two sources for fresh produce. “They will have the farmers market here, and Mr. Murdock has doubled the garden at Pity Sake,” she said. Within walking distance of several hundred homes and businesses, the market should attract a variety of savvy shoppers, Beaver added. “This is our first farmers market here on the campus,” she said. “I think the cost of fuel and the energy crisis has made us all aware of how much our fuel reserves are being used to transport food.” Consumers may be able to cut the cost of produce and other goods available at the farmers market because they are eliminating most transportation costs. In addition, Beaver said, the market will have educational opportunities for patrons. “Eventually, we hope there are blueberries here that are a result of our research here,” Beaver said. “This is a chance also to reinforce what we are learning through the universities’ educational programs.” Lynne Scott Safrit, president of campus developer Castle & Cooke North Carolina, said the weather couldn’t have been more perfect for the inaugural farmers market on the campus. While excited about the market, Safrit echoed Beaver’s thoughts. “It’s just another way for us to bring people in and learn about nutrition,” Safrit said. “It emphasizes Mr. Murdock’s vision of teaching people about healthy eating and about fruits and vegetables.” She said the opening day crowd, along with the number of vendors “is a nice start” to growing the farmers market at the campus. Kannapolis resident Fran Black Holland, who routinely visits the farmers market on Winecoff School Road in Kannapolis every Saturday morning, said the new farmers market will have to become a weekly trip as well. “I just think it is so wonderful,” said Holland. “Today, I was able to buy from (Barbee Farms) tomatoes he had just picked, romaine lettuce, radishes, a long hot pepper to go with my tomatoes, small red and white potatoes and this pointed-head cabbage that is so tender. ... She came early to have her pick of the produce and see the crowd gather. “I just love it, and I love the atmosphere. We have great friends at the farmers market.” David Goforth, an extension agent with the N.C. Cooperative Extension-Cabarrus County and organizer of the Piedmont Farmers Market, said the market looks successful. “I think it’s working out good so far for the farmers and the consumers,” Goforth said, looking at the crowd gathered at about 4:30 p.m. He said many of the vendors at the campus farmers market were current vendors, but they had picked up a couple of new vendors with the opening of the latest market. “It’s got to make the customers happy, the vendors happy and the community happy,” said Goforth. “I’m pleased to participate with them, really.” Debbie Tuck came to the market from Salisbury to see if she could buy limes with her daughter, Allie, 4. There were no limes, but Tuck did enjoy the music and weather. “I think it’s great,” she said of the market. “The vegetables look really fresh.” Tuck said she was in the Village shopping at the Brass Exchange when she saw a flier for the market and decided to come. The market will be open on Thursdays from 4-7 p.m. through October. “With the research that’s going on at the N.C. Research Campus, hopefully part of that research will give us plants that have longer growing seasons,” Beaver said. If that happens, patrons can plan on shopping at the farmers market beyond October some day.

Fieldcrest-Cannon reunion draws hundreds

By Hugh Fisher Kannapolis Citizen Hundreds of former employees of Cannon Mills packed Fieldcrest-Cannon Stadium on Saturday for the first ever attempt at a companywide reunion. The textile giant that grew a city ended its life in 2003 as Pillowtex, with some 4,000 employees. In its heyday, Cannon Mills once employed as many as 25,000 in Kannapolis and surrounding towns, according to workers who attended the reunion. And while Saturday’s turnout for the Kannapolis Intimidators game against the Hagerstown Suns only drew a little over 4,000 people overall, the former textile workers relished the chance to greet old friends and retell their stories of the “golden age” of Kannapolis. “It’s been something else to be able to see people I knew out there,” said A.R. Tutterow, who came to the reunion with wife Linda Fay Tutterow. “All told, I worked for Cannon Mills from ’61 until they closed, continuously.” A.R. Tutterow was first employed at Plant 1 in downtown Kannapolis. “I started as a sweeper and went all the way to plant manager,” he said. In 1984, he moved to Fieldcrest-Cannon Plant 11 in Rockwell, where he was plant supervisor. Linda, meanwhile, worked at Plant 1 and later at the Swink Plant beginning in 1973. “I’m glad to see the city start getting involved,” A.R. said of the reunion. The city of Kannapolis sponsored the night’s festivities alongside the Intimidators. The city provided free tickets to the game for former Cannon employees and their families. The Intimidators worked with historian Norris Dearmon and Kannapolis History Associates to create a small replica of Plant 1. The first 1,000 people received a hand-painted model of the mill, a keepsake that had more than a hundred people lining up half an hour before the gate opened. “We wanted to create something special,” said Intimidators Vice-President Tim Mueller. He said the idea of honoring Cannon Mills employees came about in part because this July marks the fifth anniversary of the mill’s closure. With rapid construction taking place at the North Carolina Research Campus, Mueller said that a keepsake of the mill that once stood there seemed fitting. “All that’s left, really, are photos,” Mueller said. Dearmon and his Kannapolis History Associates colleagues had hundreds of photos set up behind home plate, along with commemorative towels from as far back as the late 1940s and old weaving equipment. The pictures jogged the memories of many former weavers who recognized bosses, friends and family. Sherry Rhodes just about shouted with joy at the sight of one photograph. “Come and tell me who that is,” she said to her husband, Gary. While looking through the wall of photos, she found one that showed her father — a young Hugh “Chop” Jordan — working at Plant 1. “God, I bet I was just born when this was made,” Sherry said. She and Gary are examples of how the mill sewed together not just sheets and towels, but people. They were working at Plant 4. “I met him there, and we got married in ’82,” Sherry said. “My mother, my dad, my husband, my father-in-law and me — we’re all lintheads.” Pointing to a display of reed hooks and other weaving tools in a wooden case, she and father-in-law Edward Rhodes reminisced about their jobs. “I’ve still got my reed hook and scissors,” Edward said. “I could still tie a weaver’s knot with my eyes closed,” Sherry said. Not far away, Lloyd Bittle showed off his own bit of plant history as he walked through the displays with his brother, Junior, and sister-in-law, Linda. All three once worked in Plant 1. And Lloyd, who was there until the last day in July 2003, is ready to go back. He still carries his employee I.D. card from the Fieldcrest-Cannon days — “in case we start back up one day,” he said. City Manager Mike Legg said the reunion is just one way of honoring the workers who never gave up. “The former Fieldcrest-Cannon workers are still really the foundation of our community,” Legg said. “I think it’s good to pause and honor the contributions they have made to our community through the years.” There has already been talk of holding another reunion next year, he said. This first reunion gave locals a chance to see how much history their town still holds — and renew friendships that not even the greatest of changes can dissolve. “It was a family,” Sherry Rhodes said. “Everybody just loved everybody else.” Contact Hugh Fisher at 704-933-3450 or hfisher@kannapoliscitizen.com.

K-town Calendar

Saturday • In conjunction with the Kannapolis Parks and Recreation Department, the Kannapolis Branch of the Cabarrus County Library will present “All Aboard!” Features include Thomas the Tank Engine stories, train music, a craft and train ride at Village Park. Everyone will receive a train whistle when they leave. Space is limited and registration is required. The program is for children 2 and up. Call or stop by the library to sign up at 704-920-1180. The program will be held at the Village Park facility. Wednesday • The University of North Carolina at Greensboro Nutrition Learning Libratory begins with the presentation, “Secrets of the Mediterranean Diet” conducted by Dr. Margaret Savoca. Programs begin promptly at 7 p.m. and conclude at 8:30 p.m. Space is limited and registration is required by calling 704-250-5800. June 7 • The first concert in the park of the 2008 season will be held and is sponsored by Ike’s Construction. Starship with Mickey Thomas will begin at 7 p.m. and conclude with fireworks. Concerts are free and open to the public at the Village Park Amphitheatre, on West C Street. June 9 • Summer Reading Programs begin at the Kannappolis Branch of the Cabarrus County Library for all ages. Sign-ups will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, contact the library at 704-920-1180.

Familiar face rejoins Intimidators

By Bill Kiser Kannapolis Citizen One of the Kannapolis Intimidators’ best offensive players last season has rejoined the club, as another I’s player received his callup orders. Infielder Sergio Miranda was reassigned to Kannapolis on May 20 from Winston-Salem, the Chicago White Sox’s Advanced-A Carolina League team. Miranda takes the place of infielder Greg Paiml, who was called up to the Warthogs the same day, and was the second player added to Kannapolis’ roster last week. Also joining the Intimidators was outfielder Lyndon Estill, who was called up from the White Sox’s extended spring training program. Miranda, a 13th-round pick by the ChiSox in the 2007 draft, was quickly promoted to Kannapolis after appearing in just seven games at Great Falls (Mont.) of the rookie-level Pioneer League. The Richmond, Va., native went on to play in 61 games with the Intimidators, batting .282 with 45 runs scored, 30 RBI, nine doubles, two triples and one home run. That earned Miranda Baseball America’s award for having what the weekly magazine called “the best pro debut” in the White Sox’s 2007 draft class, and a move up to Winston-Salem at the start of the 2008 season. However, Miranda struggled with the Warthogs, batting just .156 in 27 games, leading to his demotion to Kannapolis. He has flourished since the send-down, batting .286 in seven games, with a .423 on-base percentage. Paiml, also a shortstop, was hitting .211 in 37 games with the Intimidators, with nine runs scored, five RBI, four doubles and a triple. The Tuscaloosa, Ala., native — a 15th-round pick by the White Sox in the 2007 draft — made his pro debut with Great Falls last year, hitting .310 in 67 games, with 36 runs scored, 34 RBI, 17 doubles, three triples and three home runs. Paiml was named the White Sox’s best defensive player from the 2007 draft class by Baseball America, and opened the 2008 season on Kannapolis’ roster. Estill, an eighth-round pick by the White Sox in the 2007 draft, hit .247 in 54 games with Great Falls last season, with 34 runs scored, 38 RBI, eight doubles, seven triples (tying for second in the Pioneer League), and seven home runs. Baseball America named the Longview, Wash., native the best power hitter, best athlete and fastest baserunner in Chicago’s 2007 draft class. Since his promotion to Kannapolis, Estill has hit .300 in five games.

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