Harold Vernon Foster, Sr.

Harold Vernon Foster, Sr., age 89, resident of Cleveland, TN, entered his heavenly fathers home, February 10, 2008. He passed away with his loving family by his side. Harold was born in Union County, South Carolina March 2, 1918 to the late Richard Vernon and Lela Maud Scott Foster. He was preceded in death by his only son, Harold Vernon Foster, Jr. in 1979; four brothers, Lindsey, Grady, Cedric and Horace Foster and two sisters, Roberta Bright and Georgia Kuljis. Harold was a loving and devoted husband, father (daddy) so proud of his children, a doting grandfather and great grandfather (called papaw Harold). He was beloved by his family and respected by his friends. He called himself a country boy but he was truly a southern country gentleman thanks to his precious mother. Harold was a devoted, praying, bible reading Christian who sincerely loved the Lord, his family and his church. He was a member of the North Cleveland Church of God where he was a faithful usher for many years. He was also a member of the Pastors Prayer Partners, the Unity Sunday School Class and the Peacemakers. He attended the Union City School System in Union, South Carolina. He served in the Civilian Conservation Corps from 1937 - 1939. He was a veteran of World War II where he served in the Army Quartermaster Corp in the Pacific combat zone from 1942 " 1945. He retired from the Church of God Publishing House (Pathway Press) after 29 years of service as an off-set pressman. He recently retired from Cleveland City School System after 16 years as an off-set pressman. Harold was a great handyman who would do anything for anyone who needed his services. He will be greatly missed by his loving family, church and friends.

He is survived by his faithful, devoted wife of 66 years, Mildred Johnson Foster; two loving, caring daughters and sons in law, Vonda and Bruce Mercora of Winder, GA and Faith and Dennis Murray, Cleveland, TN; three lovely granddaughters and spouses, Alise and Rev. Dale Cannon, Jr., Sevierville, TN; Denise and Dr. Robert Ballard, Greensboro, N.C. and Renee and Sgt. Jody Vieau, Cornelius, N.C. Five precious great grandchildren, Stephen and Lauren Cannon, Jon Michael and Coda Nicolai Vieau and Maggie Ballard. Nieces and nephews and spouses, Pat and Alton Brinson, Scottie and Leroy Pipkin, Donald and Pat Foster, Kent and Debra Foster, Kenneth Foster, Marshall Bright and Joseph Kuljis. Sister in law, Ruth Foster, several cousins and many friends.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 13, 2008, at 2:00 p.m. at Grissom Funeral Home with Pastor Mitch Maloney and Rev. Dale Cannon, Jr. officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens with family members serving as pallbearers.

The family requests memorials to please be made to the North Cleveland Church of God Building Fund.

The family will receive friends Wednesday from 12 Noon to 2:00 p.m. at the Grissom Funeral Home who has charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.grissomfh.net