R. Harold Strader

Rev. R. Harold Strader, former Pastor of United Methodist Churches in the Western NC Conference, including Asheville, Maiden, Whitnel, Pineville, Shelby, Monroe, Dallas, Bryson City, and Franklin, died on December 29 in the Givens Health Care Center in Asheville, NC, at age 90. He is survived by Carolyn McCullough Strader, his wife of 62 years, and four children: David and wife Shelley, Clayton, NC; Phil and wife Sandy, Vancouver, WA; Russell and wife Toni, Boise, ID; and Lynn and husband Paul, Chapel Hill, NC. His brother William K. Strader of Reidsville, NC and sister Sarah Hill of Charlotte, NC also survive. Grandchildren are: James Williamson, Joni Williamson, Rachel Strader, Mark Strader, Maryn Hilken, Austin Strader, Carter Strader, Jessica Strader, Stephen Strader, Daniel Strader, Abigail Strader, Kayla Strader, and Hannah Strader. Great-grandchildren are: Jhadeci Williamson, Akhaiya Williamson, Khalik Williamson, Jami'El Williamson, Zayir Williamson, Zaria Williamson, Satiya Williamson, Cheyenne Strader, Samuel Hilken and Leila Hilken. He was predeceased by parents Thomas Benton and Annie Hopper Strader, and brothers Ralph and TB. Degrees from Ruffin High School, Pfeiffer College, Duke University and Emory's Candler School of Theology were just the beginning of lifelong seeking and learning. He devoted his life to looking society's brokenness full in the face ... whether manifested in the prisons, by AIDS, the complexities of mental illness or civil rights or the need for clean water... and doing what he could to bring people together to make our world better. A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church, Franklin, NC, on Sunday, January 4 at 3 pm following visitation with the family at the Church from 2-2:45 PM. A memorial service will also be held at the Givens Health Center, Asheville, NC on Monday, January 5 at 9:30 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Land Trust for the Little Tennessee, P.O. Box 1148, Franklin, NC.