Robert Fulton Hass, 80, of Owl Creek Road, Murphy died Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2003 in a Murphy hospital. A native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, he was the son of the late C.C. “Lum” and Martha McDonald Hass and the husband of the late Emily Sexton Hass, to whom he was married for 57 years. Robert was retired from the timber industry. He was a charter member of Owl Creek Baptist Church, founded by his father-in-law, Rev. Charlie Sexton, where he was a deacon and Young Adult Sunday School teacher for over 50 years. He was instrumental in building the new church at Owl Creek and getting the property for the cemetery at the church. His church was his life and a legacy he left for others to follow. He was an avid gardener and wood- worker, spending many hours in the field and shop for others to enjoy the fruits of his labor.

He was preceded in death by a treasured son, Charles Hass.

Surviving are a daughter, Pat Hass Hardin of Andrews; two sons, Clarence Sonny Hass and Rick Hass both of Murphy; an adopted daughter, Judith Beyer of Murphy; six grandchildren, Sharon McDonald of Gulfport, MS, Terri Penfold of Portland, OR, Tammie Paske of Green Bay, WI, Teresa Gallegos of Springfield, OR, Dean Hass of Murphy, and Dwight Hardin of Andrews; nine great grandchildren; a sister, Mildred Clark of Maryville, TN; two brothers, Dillard Hass of Big Sandy, MT and Don Hass of Detroit, MI; three devoted sisters-in-law, Lucille Marcus, Lola Hass, and Mary Lou Cordin all of Murphy; a host of beloved nieces and nephews; and constant companions, Spud and Joe Hass.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 AM Friday, Oct. 17 in the Owl Creek Baptist Church with the Revs. Ron McClure and Keith Raper officiating.  Interment was in the church cemetery.  Pallbearers were Norris West, Howard Mingus, Larry Mintz, Gene Cheeks, Larry Kephart, Phillip Marcus, Jerry Patton, and Ralph Hughes.  Honorary pallbearers were Curtis and Brian Hass, Harvey McRae, Howard Beaver, Williard Kephart, Lonnie Mintz, Cliff Killian, and Deacons of Owl Creek Baptist Church.

The family received friends from 6-8 Thursday evening at the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy where the body was until placed in the church 30 minutes prior to the services.

The family requests memorials be made in memory of Robert Fulton Hass to the Owl Creek Baptist Church, c/o Charlene Kephart, 2550 Owl Creek Road, Murphy, NC 28906.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.