John Otis Zimmerman, Jr.

Leicester - John Zimmerman. Jr, 80, of Leicester, passed away Wednesday, April 20, 2011. A native and lifelong resident of Buncombe County. He was a member of Skyland Baptist Church and the oldest member of the Blue Ridge Mustang Club of Asheville. He had retired from Southern Railroad as a conductor after 42 years of service and had served in the US Army during the Korean War. John was a son of the late John and Dovie Buff Zimmerman and was also preceded in death by his wife, Doris DeBruhl Zimmerman. Surviving are his daughters and son-in-law, Carolyn and Richie Mashburn and Tammy and Rodney Hudgins, grandchildren, Heather Mashburn, Brittany Brown and husband Kison, Brandon Hudgins and Kristen Hudgins, great grandchildren, Brooklyn Fender and Daulton Brown. Memorial services will be held 11 AM Monday, April 25, 2011 in the Anders-Rice Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Daryl Overton officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, Black Mt. with military honors conducted by the Buncombe County Veterans Memorial Team. The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home.