Mr. Raymond Paul Vestal, age 91, of Masonic Drive, passed away Wednesday, October 11, 2006 at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home. Mr. Vestal was born October 4, 1915 in Yadkin County to Luther & Alice Casstevens Vestal. Mr. Vestal was a member of Elkin First Baptist Church, American Legion, Elkin and Jonesville VFW serving as commander of each. He was retired from the United States Postal Service and was a veteran of the United States Navy serving during WWII with tours of duty in the Philippines, Okinawa and Iwo Jima. He was a seaman first class and the ship's cook second class. He owned and operated Vestal Gem Shop for 43 years along with his wife and they traveled over the United States doing gem shows. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister Georgie Vestal Shepard. Survivors include: his wife, Beatrice Newman Vestal of the home; a daughter, Brenda Flanner of Winston-Salem; a brother, Russel Vestal and wife Frances of Winston-Salem; a granddaughter, Kimberly Shelton and her husband Pete of Walnut Cove. Funeral service will be held Saturday, October 14, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. at Hodges Funeral Home Chapel by Dr. Bill Johnson. Burial will follow at Hollywood Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday one hour prior to the service from 12:00-1:00 p.m. at Hodges Funeral Home. The family will accept flowers or memorials may be made to Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103. Online condolences may be made at www.hodgesfuneralhomeinc.com Hodges Funeral Home in Elkin is serving the Vestal Family.
