Robert Glen Major

Robert G. Major, 84, of Hendersonville, ascended into Heaven on Thursday, November 5, 2009, at the Elizabeth House, surrounded by his family and friends.

Born in McComb, Ohio, he was the son of the late Glen and Catherine Curtis Major. He was also preceded in death by his brother, two sisters, a daughter and a grandchild.

He was an Army veteran of WWII, having seen action at Bougainville, Soloman Islands and the Philippines. He aided in the rescue of prisoners from the Bataan death march. He also served as an Honor Guard for General McArthur. He received several purple hearts and bronze stars. During the Korean War, he was called again to serve his country. He was stationed in Louisiana, training new recruits for replacements overseas. Before moving to Hendersonville in 1981, he lived in Findlay, OH and Fort Pierce, FL, where he retired from the city Building & Zoning Dept. He was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene.

Mourning his loss are his wife and soul mate of over 49 years, Rayola. His step-children, who he raised and loved as his own, Ragena White and Rodney Pratt; daughter-in-law, Debbie Pratt; grandchildren Josh Pratt and Jennifer Dale; great-grandson Landon Dale; all of Hendersonville; a daughter, Susan; and sons, Craig and Bob of Findlay, Ohio.

Special thanks go to all of the staff of Elizabeth House, who cared for him during his last few days.

A service to honor his life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 14, in the chapel at Forest Lawn Mortuary with the Rev. Sherman Waters officiating. The family will receive friends in the chapel, following the service. Burial will be private with military honors conducted by Hubert M. Smith American Legion Post 77, Hedrick-Rhodes VFW Post 5206 and DAV Chapter 14. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.