Rex Talmadge Templeton

Rex Talmadge Templeton, 99, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 28, 2017, at Wilkes Regional Medical Center.  He was born April 4, 1917, in Union Grove, NC and was the son of the late J.C. Templeton and Gertrude Myers Templeton.  Rex graduated from Union Grove High School in 1934 and was the last surviving class member. Rex spent five years in the Civilian Conservation Corps in the Great Smoky Mountains.  He worked at Norfolk Naval Shipyard and served in the U.S. Navy during WWII.  He worked 28 years at Southern Screw Company of Statesville, retiring in 1980. Rex was a member of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church and served as an active deacon for decades. Rex married Jestene Holland on July 31, 1946.  The couple moved to Millers Creek in 1995 to be near family. Mr. Templeton was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Etheridge, Rayford and Avon Templeton; three sisters, Sceva Templeton Dalton, Mazie Templeton, and Myra Templeton Englebert.  Rex is survived by his wife Jestene who together they shared 70 wonderful years; one son, Dr. Bradley D. Templeton and wife Greta of North Wilkesboro; a granddaughter, Julie Templeton Ziegler and husband Zac of Bermuda and a grandson, Davis Banks Templeton and wife Anna of Maui, HI along with two great-grandchildren, Isabella and Roman Ziegler.  Rex is also survived by a special niece, Donna York (Homer) and nephew Tony Shaver (Glenda), who have provided endless love and support along with other beloved nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Rex Templeton will be conducted at 1:00 PM Friday, March 3, 2017, at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church with Rev. Jacob Kyker, Rev. David Childress, and Rev. Kevin York officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will visit with friends from 12:00 until 1:00 PM at the church.  Deacons of the church with serve as both active and honorary pallbearers. Flowers will be accepted and also in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, 145 Mt. Vernon Church Road, Olin, NC 28660 or to Millers Creek UMC, 4705 Boone Trail, Millers Creek, NC 28651. While friends and relatives mourn the death of this good and gentle man, we are consoled by the knowledge of the glorification of his immortal soul. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Rex Templeton.