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Memorial for Max F. Ferree
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Born in Burke Co., NC on Apr. 27, 1924
Departed on Apr. 26, 2009 and resided in Wilkesboro, NC.
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| Visitation: |
Wednesday, Apr. 29, 2009
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| Service: |
Wednesday, Apr. 29, 2009
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| Cemetery: |
Mountlawn Memorial Park
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Please click on the links above for locations, times, maps, and directions.
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MR. MAX F. FERREE
Mr. Max F. Ferree, age 84, of Wilkesboro died Sunday, April 26, 2009 peacefully at his home.
Funeral services will be held 2:00, Wednesday, April 29, at Reins-Sturdivant Chapel with Dr. N. Nelson Granade, Jr. and the Rev. Jim Gore officiating. Burial with military honors by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1142 will be in Mountlawn Memorial Park. The family will receive at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home from 12:45 until 1:45 prior to the service.
Mr. Ferree was born in Burke County, on April 27, 1924, to H. Clay and Hattie Poteat Ferree. He was raised in Forsyth County and graduated from Reynolds High School. Mr. Ferree attended Duke University on an NROTC Scholarship. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the US Navy and was call to duty in 1944, 19 semester hours short of graduation. Mr. Ferree served in the South Pacific on a Navy subchaser for the remainder of World War II. In the spring of 1946, he was decommissioned and returned to Duke to finish work on his undergraduate degree. He also attended and graduated from Duke Law School. he was indebted to his country for the privilege of returning to school under the GI Bill of Rights.
Mr. Ferree entered the practice of law under the tutelage of senior partner, John R. Jones in 1949, thus beginning what would finally be a 58 year stand of representing individuals and families in all courts, state and federal. Law partners over the years included W. H. McElwee, Jr., John Hall, Joe Brewer, Russell Ferree, George Cunningham, and William C. Gray, Jr. He served for many years in various positions in the local Democratic Party. He always felt the need to offer himself for public service, running for state offices in 1952 and 1975, losing with good grace. Mr. Ferree also served for many years as Chairman of the local draft board.
Mr. Ferree followed his father's example, and taught Sunday school over a 50 year span. He humbly served as a deacon at the First Baptist Church of North Wilkesboro. For several years he served as a school board member of the former North Wilkesboro School board, where he advocated the common sense of desegregation. At the next election time, he lost his seat.
Mr. Ferree was a proud member of the North Wilkesboro Blue Lodge, a Scottish Rite Mason, a York Rite Mason, and a Shriner. He was always proud of his community and he demonstrated that pride by serving in various capacities. He was an enthusiastic member of the Chamber of Commerce, having served at one time on its board of directors. Mr. Ferree was a 50 year member of the North Wilkesboro Elks Lodge, and a many years a Kiwanian. He served in various offices in those organizations.
Mr. Ferree was one of the earliest supporters and organizers of the North Carolina Trial Lawyers Association, and served in various posts. He served as Bar Counselor. He always considered himself first as a lawyer and as an Officer of the Court and always took care to present himself as such.
Mr. Ferree again entered public service in 1981 to fill the unexpired term of District Court Judge, which had been vacated by Judge Ralph Davis, due to retirement. He was elected in his own right to that judgeship in 1982. He served out that term and ran for District Attorney of the 23rd Judicial District in 1986, losing to Michael Ashburn. He then returned to private practice and fulfilled that solemn obligation until his retirement in 2007. He most recently served as Chairman of the Wilkes County Board of Elections and not without controversy which he withstood in good grace.
For all that was required of him and given to him, he remained proudly indebted until his death. Moved by his faith and his patriotism, he always searched for ways to serve his church, his country, and the "little man" who cannot protect himself.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Ferree was preceded in death by his first wife, Betsy Russell Ferree and a brother, Harold (Sam) Ferree.
Mr. Ferree is survived by his wife, Ettie Louella Johnson Ferree of the home; two sons, Michael Clay Ferree and Russell F. Ferree and wife, Teri all of Wilkesboro; one step-son, Timothy Lynch and wife, Leesa of Ferguson; two sisters, Clara Ferree Perkins of Pasedena, MD and Ann Ferree UrVan of Tampa, Fl; two grandchildren, Dana C. Ferree of Raleigh and Chelsea D. Ferree of Wilkesboro; nieces and nephews, Lynn Watts of Kennesaw, GA, Ann Connelly of San Francisco, Sandra Wapner of Raleigh, Connie F. Gillespie of Valrico, FL, Harold (Chip) Ferree of Tallahassee, FL; Betsy Edwards of Myrtle Beach, SC.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of North Wilkesboro, PO Box 458, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659.
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