Rutherford Weekly

Page 2 - Rutherford Weekly 828-248-1408 www.rutherfordweekly.com Thursday, November 16-November 22, 2023 One hundred years ago in Rutherford County, J.R. Lee, a Rutherford County Offi cer, was shot and killed in the line of duty in 1923. His story is being shared again by one of his descendants, Scott Goforth of Forest City. Goforth's grandmother, Ethel Hollifi eld, was married to Offi cer Lee when he was shot while he was on duty. At the time the couple had fi ve children. Mrs. Lee would later marry Charlie A. Hollifi eld. Scott Goforth took it upon himself to honor Offi cer Lee with the placement of a new cemetery memorial stone to further preserve the legacy of Offi cer Lee. The fi rst marker placed at the Rutherfordton City Cemetery "is 100 years old," said Goforth and needs to be repaired. He plans to repair the fi rst marker in the next few weeks and return it to the grave. Goforth shares the refl ections of James Reuben Lee's death and the end of his watch on Aug. 26, 1923. Lee was a 31-year-old rural police offi cer on duty that summer day, August 26. He was gunned down while attempting to arrest two men in Chimney Rock for drinking in public. The account of his death says Lee observed the two men drinking whiskey on the rocks below the Esmeralda Pavilion and approached them to question them. When he asked them if they were armed, one of them took several steps back and opened fi re on him with a .45 caliber handgun, wounding him. Offi cer Lee was transported to Rutherford Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds early the next morning. Both men fl ed the scene but were arrested later in the day. The subject who shot offi cer Lee was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to eight years of hard labor. Lee had served as a rural police offi cer for Rutherford County for several years and was survived by his wife, fi ve children, his father and siblings. His siblings were Clyde Lee, Claude Lee, Bill Lee, Jennie Lee McBrayer and Paul Francis Lee. Here are some of the past refl ections of Offi cer Lee, shared by some who knew him well: Rest in peace. Always know that your service and sacrifi ce will never ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren — Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 91st anniversary year of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son, Larry Lasater, was a fellow police offi cer, murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, Ca. offi cer. Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace — Phyllis Lasater Loya Offi cer Lee, sir it has been 87 years but you are fi nally being honored. I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifi ce for the citizens of Rutherford County. It sickens me to read that your murderer was only sentenced to 8 years hard labor. RIP — Unanimous. Article Provided By: Jean Gordon. Photo Contributed. The new grave marker at J.R. Lee's burial site in Rutherfordton. New monument honors officer slain 100 years ago The Timken Foundation of Canton (Ohio) presented a $50,000 check to college offi cials Thursday, Nov. 10. The company, which has a bearing manufacturing facility in Shiloh, made the grant to support the renovation of the Construction Trades Center at Isothermal Community College. Shown are Dr. Greg Thomas, Vice President of Student and Academic Affairs at Isothermal; Anne Hardy, ICC's Grant Coordinator; Dr. Thad Harrill, the college's Chief Development Offi cer; Abby Causey, Plant Manager; Ryan Parker, Supply Chain Manager; Abby Hines, Operations Manager; Kali Champion, Engineering Manager; and Paul Weidman, HR and Safety Manager. "We are grateful for Timken's generous support of this important project and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our students and the community," said Harrill. Article Provided By: Jean Gordon. Photo Contributed. $50,000 to ICC from Timken Email news and events to events@rutherfordweekly.com or go to or go to www.rutherfordweekly.com www.rutherfordweekly.com to submit online. to submit online. Have interesting news about your business or organization? Email it to us! Email it to us! 2011 S. Lafayette St. (Hwy. 18 S) • Shelby, NC (Hwy. 18 S) • Shelby, NC MERCHANDISE 704-482-8464 www.norrismerchandise.com www.norrismerchandise.com WE NOW CARRY WE NOW CARRY SMOKELESS FIRE PITS! SMOKELESS FIRE PITS! HOURS: Mon. - Fri. 8am - 5:30pm Sat. 9am - 3pm Made in Pennsylvania • Lifetime Manufacturers Warranty

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