Hermon H. Rector

hermon rector

August 22, 1937 ~ January 16, 2022

Born in: Madison Co., NC
Resided in: Asheville, NC

Hermon H Rector Sr. passed quietly into the arms of Jesus on Sunday January 16, 2022 at home after a long fought battle with Myasthenia Gravis.

Hermon was born August 22, 1937 in Madison County to the late Tommy and Mary Dobbins Rector. He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years Shirley Brown Rector; daughter, Lavonda Rector Rickman; brothers, Jerry Rector and Donald Rector; and son-in-law, Ronnie Brown.

Hermon graduated from Marshall High School in 1954 and from AB Technical School in 1966. He worked for the state of North Carolina in the Natural Resources and Community Development Department. Retiring in 2001 after 34 years of service. Through the years Hermon worked many second jobs making sure that he provided for his family. One of those jobs was with Young’s Transportation where he drove chartered buses. Often regaling family with tales of hairpin turns and steep mountain grades. During retirement he and Shirley enjoyed traveling and flower gardening, filling their yard with many beautiful flowers and bushes.

Always thrifty and resourceful Hermon was a jack of all trades and willing to tackle and repair any broken appliance, change brakes, or help roof your house. That trait helped him through out life. Hermon had an outgoing personality never meeting a stranger. He had a quick wit and a snappy comeback. He loved telling stories and was always willing to share a story about his growing up years particularly with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They loved hearing Papaw’s stories.

Hermon was an outdoorsman. In his younger years he enjoyed hunting, fishing and hiking with his children. He taught many of the grandchildren how to cast a fishing pole and loved witnessing their first catch.

Hermon loved the Lord and took every opportunity to speak about his Lord and what He had done for him. He taught 5th grade boys Sunday School class for many years and later an Adult Sunday School class. He served as a deacon and in earlier years led an Outreach Ministry to those who are lost.

Hermon was a member of the Praise and Prayer Sunday School class and a member of West Asheville Baptist Church.

Left to cherish his memory are daughters, Sharon R. Brookshire (David), Regina R. Brown (who sadly passed away two days after her father), Tina V. Rector, Susan R. Dove, and Marina R. Morey; son, Hermon H. Rector Jr. (Selina); sisters, Patty Treadway and Sarah McDevitt; several nieces and nephews, and several cousins. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren and former son-in-law, Walter Dove.

Thank you to CarePartners Hospice for their help and support.

The funeral service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Thursday in the Patton Avenue chapel of Groce Funeral Home with the Rev. Dr. Stan Welch officiating. Family burial will be Friday at Green Hills Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4:30 until 6:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.

Flowers are appreciated but if you would like send a memorial to West Asheville Baptist Building Fund that would be appreciated as well.

Services

Funeral Service: January 20, 2022 6:00 pm

Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806

(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

Visitation: January 20, 2022 4:30 pm - December 7, 2024 6:00 pm

Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806

(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

Graveside Service: January 21, 2022 11:00 am

Green Hills Cemetery
25 New Leicester Hwy.
Asheville, NC 28806

(828)252-9831

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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Mr. Herman Rector was a wonderful, Godly man. I have known him since the 1960’s and always enjoyed a chance to have a conversation with him about the day, his family, the weather, his work experiences, etc., but I promise you, we always got around to talking about the Lord and what He had done for Herman and his family. Herman Rector will be missed.

  2. Dear Family, l am praying for and with you all. I had just talked to Herman my friend for over an hour a couple weeks ago when I found out his wife passed. My Condolences to you all. We worked at Young Transportation together. May the God of all Comfort Bless and Keep you is my Prayer.

    • Dear Rev. Grant,
      My dad spoke of you often. He had a lot of respect for you and thought of you as a friend.
      We will miss him but he’s not sick anymore.
      Thank you for reaching out to our family.
      Susie

  3. This sad news about Herman (and Regina) brings back so many fond memories of the Rector family at Calvary Baptist Church when Loyd served on the staff — twice. May the God of all comfort bring that to you during this time and beyond. Love to you all. Marjorie & Loyd Kindiger

  4. You were always kind and true with me and my family and I think of you often. It broke my heart when i heard Shirley passed and I knew that wouldn’t suit you at all. I hope we will speak again some day.

  5. Ms. Sharon, I may not have known your dad and mom but I know they raised an amazing lady so they were equally amazing in my eyes. I love you and I am so sorry for the losses you have had in just a few short weeks. The phrase you posted on Facebook about your daddy no longer “pining” for your mom was one of the sweetest things I have ever heard. I am so thankful that you have peace knowing that your parents (and sister) are together with Jesus. I love you, friend!!!

  6. Hermon will be missed. Having know him for many years- most recently as my deacon. He loved his family – was always there for anyone in need -always ready to share his love for the Lord. My prayers are with his family.

  7. Precious Tina and family I’m at such a loss for you. I know God is with you every second. However I’m sure it’s gut wrenching. Please know lots of people love y’all and are praying for you. Try to find comfort they are together with our Lord. You will be together again. Tina I love you and won’t stop praying.

  8. Oh dear Rector family. You’re parents did it right. They reared a family with the Lord as its focus. I grew up with some of you, attended church with you, laughed with you and cried with you. In my mind the Lord has called his Angel warrior home. Herman is no longer in pain or at a lose for strength. The word of God was in his heart and I hope that comforts until you until you’re together again. I pray that Gods love embraces you during your time of grief.

  9. My dearest Daddy, i miss you with all my heart. Your wisdom is so needed. I know that you are healed and whole. Give momma a kiss for me. Sharon


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