Roger Autrey

Asheville - Roger Winthrop Autrey, 79 went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at his home. A native of Yancey County, he had resided in Buncombe County since 1975. He was a devout Christian, and member of Starnes Cove Baptist Church. He served for 40 years as a Sunday School Teacher and held various other positions within many Baptist churches. Roger W. Autrey, CW4 retired in 1975 from the US Army after serving two tours in Vietnam, he was highly decorated having received four bronze stars and two purple hearts. Later he was a General Manger with Buck Stove, and served as a Chaplain Assistant with the VA for many years. Mr. Autrey was the son of the late Ramon Autrey and Annie Mae Shuford Autrey and was also preceded in death by his daughter, Deborah Ann Cooke and brother, John Terrell Autrey. Surviving are his wife, Sharon Louise Smith Autrey of the home; children, Daniel Ray Autrey (Kathy Sue) of Hayes, VA and Denise Autrey Burton (Rick) of Durham; step children, Evelyn Quinn (Stanley) of Fairview, Tom Hooper (Sherri) of Mills River, Robin Ruit (Tom) of Swannanoa, Kim Fullbright (Tim) of Asheville and Rick Conner (Heather) of Leicester; grandchildren, Sean Mitchell, Jill Renee Parker, Amanda Lauren Skowron and Jessica Blankenship and 12 step grandchildren; sisters, Shelia Wolfe, Madelyn Gibbs, Carolyn Hughes and Joan Chrisawn; many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 12:30 PM Monday, June 27, 2016 at Starnes Cove Baptist Church with Rev. Charlie Sams officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be held at 2 PM Monday, June 27, 2016 at Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Starnes Cove Baptist Church Parking Lot Fund, 149 Starnes Cove Road, Asheville, NC 28806 or Gideon's International, P.O. Box 1007, Asheville, NC 28802.