Elkin Mr. James Bernard Mendenhall, age 84, of Brook Hill Court, passed away Saturday September 17, 2005 at Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital. Mr. Mendenhall was born August 4, 1921 in Yadkin County to Thomas Landon and Rhoda Jane Mathis Mendenhall. Mr. Mendenhall was a member of Island Ford Baptist Church and a veteran of the U.S. Army and served during WWII. He retired after 46 years with Chatham Manufacturing Company where he held a lead position in the Binding Department. His work ethic was evident by his lifetime involvement and accomplishments in real estate, home building, and auto sales. After retirement he moved to a farm on the Mitchell River where he enjoyed maintaining and sharing the baptismal site with local churches. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five brothers: Dallas, Harvey Glenn, David and Charlie Mendenhall; two sisters Sadie Long and Gladys Ray, and one grandson, Mark Mendenhall. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Lillian Collins Mendenhall of the home; one son, Danny J. Mendenhall and his wife Judy of East Bend; one daughter, Dr. Carol Speas of Raleigh; one sister, Ruby Vernon of Winston Salem; one grandson Edwin M. Speas III, and his wife Polly Anna of Raleigh; and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Monday evening, September 19, 2005 from 6-8 pm at Hodges Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, September 20, 2005 at 11:00am at Hodges Funeral Home Chapel by Rev. Conard Hatfield and Mr. Kirk Randleman; burial will follow at Crestwood Memorial Gardens. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the American Red Cross or to the donor's choice. Online condolences may be made at www.hodgesfuneralhomeinc.com. Hodges Funeral Home of Elkin is serving the Mendenhall family.
