Mr. Zane Bell Fisher, age 74 of Sparta, passed away Wednesday, July 4, 2012 in his home surrounded by the people he loved. Zane was born in Hamilton, NC August 7, 1937 to Joseph R. & Sally Willey Fisher. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph R. Fisher, Sr. his mother, Sally Willey Fisher and a brother, J.R. Fisher, Jr. Mr. Fisher was a graduate of Duke University and immediately following graduation he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. After training at Quantico, Pensacola and other commands, he joined the Fleet Marine Force as a Marine Aviator and flew A-4 Skyhawk ground attack jets, H-34 helicopters and C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. He served two combat tours in Vietnam. Zane participated in Operation Starlight and in the first Marine Corps night strike attack against the Viet Cong in Operation Midnight. He flew almost every Marine Corps offensive operation during 1965 and early 1966. Mr. Fisher received numerous air medals as well as the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. His Squadron was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation. After his military career, he and his wife Carole lived in Wilmington/Kure Beach, NC, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and Sparta, NC. He leaves his wife, Carol Stone Fisher, a much loved Jack Russell Terrier, Jack Spratt, a sister, Joyce Fisher Brown, brother-in-law, Ollie Brown, sister-in-law, Mrs. Marshia Fisher and numerous nieces and nephews. Jared and Kathy Cole of Morganton are special friends of the family. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, July 14, 2012 at 11:00 am at Christ Episcopal Church, Sparta, NC officiated by Rev. Richard L. Walton and Rev. Robert W. Matthias and Rev. Martha A. Honaker. Interment will follow in Christ Episcopal Memorial Garden. In lieu of flowers the family request donations made to either, Hospice of Alleghany PO Box 1287 Sparta, NC 28675 or to The Marine Corps League, 297 Buckeye Ridge Road, Sparta, NC 28675. The family would like to offer a special thanks to Dr. John Kovacich and staff, Alleghany High County Hospice, The Marine Corps League, Daughters of the King, Mrs. Anne Taylor and Mrs. Marshia Fisher for their love, care and support.
