Steve Carlisle, Sr.

James Steven Carlisle, Sr., 87, of Hendersonville, NC, died Tuesday morning, January 26, 2010 at his home.

Steve was born on February 8, 1922 in Henderson County to the late James Gaston and Lila Lou Essie McCraw Carlisle and lived in Dana while growing up. In addition to his parents, Steve is preceded in death by his brothers, Hillard, Frank and Charles Carlisle, and sisters, Mattie Frady and Gerry Hollingsworth.

Steve was proud of his service in the Navy during WW II and attended Great Lakes Naval Training School in Chicago. After being discharged, he attended Mars Hill College and Newberry College. For over thirty years, he worked as an auditor for the Employment Security Commission. During this time, he served as President of the International Association of Personnel Employment Security for NC and VA. Upon retirement, he completed tax returns.

Steve was a member of First Baptist Church of Hendersonville for 61 years, serving as a deacon, usher, church treasurer for 14 years, member of the choir, superintendent of the Jrís department, and one of the founders of the wood program with IAM. He was also active in Rotary, where he served as Secretary, and Toastmasters, and was a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge #1616. His greatest loves were his family, friends, church, tennis and watching the birds from his front window.

Steve is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Betty Sexton Carlisle; children, Steve Carlisle, Jr. of Flat Rock; Karen (Leon) Corbeil of Laurel Park; Mike Carlisle and fiancÈe, Cristy Drake, of Hendersonville; and Myra (Rev. Phil) Kitchin of Stone Mountain, GA; grandchildren, Jennifer (Luis) Duran of Hendersonville; Carmela Carlisle and fiancÈ, Bill Glisson, of Mills River; Drew Carlisle of Washington, DC; and Hannah, Lydia, Peter and Zietun Kitchin of Stone Mountain, GA; great-grandchildren, Nick DiSalvo of Laurel Park and Madison Duran of Hendersonville; sisters, Clara Case of Hendersonville and Louise (Bill) Shultz of Ft. Pierce, FL; sister-in-law, Martha Sexton; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Funeral Service will be held at 3 PM Sunday, January 31, 2010 at the First Baptist Church of Hendersonville with the Revs. Wally Shamburger and Phil Kitchin officiating. Burial will follow at Oakdale Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at the VA Medical Center in Asheville and Four Seasons Palliative Care for their care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to CrossWalk Student Center, First Baptist Church, 312 Fifth Avenue West, Hendersonville, NC 28739.