William "Jeff" Blythe

William Jefferson (Jeff) Blythe of Waxhaw, NC, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Monday, June 1, 2015, following a brief illness. Jeff was born in Waxhaw, at his parents’ home, on September 27, 1939. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Ervin and Margaret Keziah Blythe, brothers, Robert O. Blythe, S. Thomas Blythe, sister, Janice Cato, brother-in-law, Benny Cato, uncle, J. P. Keziah, all of Waxhaw. Jeff is survived by his wife of 48 years, Joyce Johnson Blythe, and daughters, Jamie (Thomas) Hall, Kris (Dale) Morefield, all of Waxhaw and Reagan (Jay) Williams of Franklin, NC, grandchildren, Hannah Hall of Nashville, TN, Dara Hall of Charlotte, Samantha Morefield, Margaret Morefield of Waxhaw, Alex Williams and Ilah Williams of Franklin, NC. Other survivors include his sisters-in-law, Gladys Blythe and Catherine Blythe, nieces and nephews, Trudi (Don) Helms, Pat Smith, Diane (Jimmy) Godfrey, Gary (Debbie) Blythe, Danny Blythe, Ron (Cathy) Cato, and Martha Cato. Jeff will also be missed by his countless friends from Waxhaw United Methodist Church, the Waxhaw community, and Pleasant Grove Campground. Just like his mother, Jeff was beloved and respected by all who knew him. He was quiet, but not shy; intelligent, but never boastful. The master of informal power, he enjoyed bringing people and ideas together for the greater good without ever taking any personal credit. Jeff was full of good-natured humor and mischief and he spared no one. Jeff grew up in Waxhaw and graduated from Waxhaw High School in 1958. After high school he joined the US Navy and spent much of his service on the USS Ranger as a Petty Officer 3rd Class. After returning to Waxhaw in 1966, he began working for Duke Power as a distribution lineman and retired in 1995. After his retirement, he and Joyce enjoyed traveling extensively including white water rafting down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon and visiting Jerusalem and the Holy Land. Jeff was a dedicated and life-long volunteer. He was a firefighter and EMT for Waxhaw Volunteer Fire Department and served as the only Rescue Chief until the county took over the service in 1994. He volunteered for the Waxhaw Historical Society and served as a board member of the Museum of the Waxhaws. He was also a member of the Waxhaw American Legion Post. He even helped with lining up the floats for the Waxhaw Parades. Jeff was a third-generation life-long member of Waxhaw United Methodist Church and was active in the United Methodist Men and mission initiatives. He was an associate trustee for Pleasant Grove Campground for many years. He loved campmeeting at Pleasant Grove and he is responsible for the rope swings, volleyball, and the water fight at campmeeting; he wanted children to have fun and fellowship as well as worship during the week. Jeff and Ken Ashley were the first Eagle Scouts for Waxhaw Boy Scout Troop #53. Like his father, he was a member of Waxhaw Masonic Lodge #562 for 51 years and served as master five terms. He was a member of Waxhaw Chapter #315 Order of the Eastern Star and served as Worthy Patron for five terms. Pallbearers will be Ben Ezzell, Jim Howie, Joel Barbee, Bobby Neil McLain, Joe Plyler, Bruce Brodt. Honorary pallbearers will be Lester Howie, Buddy Ezzell, Ken Ashley, Greg Hart, Bob Schmidt, Jim McKinney, Carter Plyler, Russell Carnes, and Donald Robinson. Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 3, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Gordon Funeral Service, 1904 Lancaster Avenue, Monroe, NC. A service will be held Thursday, June 4, at 2:00 PM at Waxhaw United Methodist Church, 200 McDonald Street, Waxhaw, NC, followed by a graveside service at Waxhaw City Cemetery with full Masonic Rites. Memorials can be made to Waxhaw United Methodist Church, 200 McDonald Street, Waxhaw, NC 28173 or Pleasant Grove Campground, 658 Cotton Field Circle, Waxhaw, NC 28173. Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory is caring for the Blythe Family. Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com.