Obituary of Tyree Heath Kiser

Tyree H. Kiser, Jr., 89 of Cullowhee, died Thursday, December 22, 2016 at his residence. A native of Gaston County, he had lived in Jackson County for the past 67 years. He was the son of the late Tyree H. Kiser, Sr. and Annie Mae P. Kiser of Bessemer City, NC. He was a veteran of the U.S. 40th Air Engineering Squadron, World War II and he served in the Army of Occupation in Korea. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Cullowhee, NC. He was a 1949 graduate of Gardner Webb University and a graduate of Western Carolina University where he received his master’s degree. In 1963, he received the Western Carolina University Alumni Association’s Outstanding Service Award. In 1978, he was the recipient of the first Paul A. Reid Distinguished Service Award given at Western Carolina University. He retired as Director of Admissions at Western Carolina University in 1984. Surviving are his wife, Sarah C. Kiser of Cullowhee; a son, Tyree H. Kiser III of Waynesville, NC; daughters, Cynthia K. Bowman of Spruce Pine, NC, Karen K. Austin of Pisgah Forest, NC and Donna K. Stoltz of Johns Creek, GA; granddaughters, Laura K. Sleater, Amy B. Gais and Anna G. Harmon; grandsons, Tyree H. Kiser IV, Bret T. Bowman, Daniel C. Austin, Steve R. Stoltz, Nicholas E. Austin, David E. Stoltz and Brian M. Stoltz; and 11 great grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Kenneth G. Kiser, Sr. and his wife Doris (Dot) Kiser of Gastonia, NC. He was preceded in death by a brother James W. Kiser. Graveside Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at Fairview Memorial Gardens with Rev. David Reeves officiating. Family and friends may gather at the home in Cullowhee after the service. Memorial may be made to the Cullowhee United Methodist Church, P.O Box 1267, Cullowhee, NC 28723.