Jessie Putnam

Jessie Van Putnam, 73, of Bessemer City, went to his eternal home on March 21, 2013. He was born on May 7, 1939, in Cleveland County to the late Arthur Lee and Corrine Dedmon Putnam.

Jessie was born and raised in Cleveland County. He graduated from Bethware High School and UNC Chapel Hill School of Pharmacy in 1961. Since 1962 Jessie owned and operated Central Drug Store in Bessemer City. He was a life time participant in civic and religious life in his community. Jessie was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Bessemer City for many years and later Patterson Grove Baptist Church in Kings Mountain. He was a member of the Bessemer City Jaycees and the Bessemer City Lions Club where he held many office positions throughout his tenure. In 1997 Jessie was named Citizen of the year by the Bessemer City Area Chamber of Commerce for outstanding community service. He was currently serving on the advisory board of First National Bank. Jessie was also a founding member of ASPRA. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Steven Yates and the entire staff at Gaston Hematology and Oncology in Gastonia for their love and support. Their thanks also extend to "Father" Tim Hendrick for his constant love and support.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Janice Moore Putnam, his two sons, Andrew and wife Jane Mason Putnam of Jamestown, Robby and wife Melissa Hartis Putnam of Bessemer City; five grandchildren, Jesse Harrison Putnam, Nicholas Van Putnam, Rachel Olivia Putnam, Joshua Lee Putnam, Jordan Rae Putnam; sister, Brenda Bridges and husband Eddie of Mooresboro, NC.

His funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm Sunday at Patterson Grove Baptist Church, Kings
Mountain with Rev. Tim Hendrick officiating.

Interment will follow at the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends after the service in the Family Life Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Challenge to Build at Patterson Grove Baptist Church, 301 Oak Grove Road, Kings Mountain, NC 28086