Richard Oxford

Richard Oxford, 79, of Morganton, NC died unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at his residence. Born in Burke County, NC on September 29, 1931, he was the son fo the late Molten Dewey Oxfor

Richard Oxford, 79, of Morganton, NC died unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at his residence. Born in Burke County, NC on September 29, 1931, he was the son fo the late Molten Dewey Oxford and Grace Naomi Coffey Oxford.Richard was a U.S. Army veteran, later retired from the Army Reserve, and was a member of the American Legion. He was a life-long member of Grace Episcopal Church where he had been active in the Vestry and sang in the choir. He was a Master Mason of Catawba Valley Lodge #217, a Shriner, and a member of Scottish Rites. Richard had been president of Morganton High School Class of 1952 and was very active in the Burke County Democratic Club. He retired from the N.C. Department of Agriculture.A loving husband, father, and grandfather, he is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary Seagle Oxford of the home; daughters, Lora Oxford Lowdermilk and husband, Jeff, and Susan Oxford Arrowood and husband, Brian, both of Morganton; grandchildren, Jordan Lowdermilk, Jade Lowdermilk, and Grace Arrowood; sisters, Betty Oxford Williams of Savannah, GA and Ella Mae Oxford Snipes of Taylor, SC; and a number of nephews and nieces.The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 1, 2011 at Grace Episcopal Church with Rev. Bruce Walker and Rev. Den. Mike Jenkins officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery with military honors provided by the N.C. National Guard and Masonic rites provided by Catawba Valley Lodge #217. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center. At other times the family will be at the residence.Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Episcopal Church, 303 S. King Street, Morganton NC 28655 or to the Catawba Valley Masonic Lodge #217 Benevolence Fund, P.O. Box 215, Morganton, NC 28680.