Rev. Alfred Clayton Sizemore "Butch"

Reverend Alfred Clayton Sizemore “Butch”, 77, of Vale, passed away on Friday, August 21, 2020. He was born in Mecklenburg County on May 24,1943, the son of the late Clayton Roy Sizemore and Katherine "Mozelle" Lindsey. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, H.B. and Nona “Mama” Lindsey; paternal grandparents, Chester and Martha Sizemore; sister, Margie Sizemore Chester. "Al" was a member of New Covenant Church of God in Hickory, NC and served his Country in the United States Army.

Rev. Al Sizemore's ministry was affiliated with the Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee).  Al started out in music/youth ministry in Paw Creek, North Carolina and this continued onto Lexington, Kentucky.  From there, he and his family moved to Europe and ministered in the COG Ministry to the Military in Frankfurt & Berlin, Germany followed by The Netherlands.  Returning stateside, Al & his family ministered as a pastor in the following places:  Mountain City, Tennessee;  Palmer, Alaska;  Valdosta, Georgia; West Liberty, Kentucky, and retired from his pastoral ministry in the mountains of North Carolina at Scaly Mountain.   But he continued on to minister to his family and friends and in the local church he attended (New Covenant COG in Hickory, NC.)

Al (Butch) left behind a godly heritage to be remembered by his wife, 3 children, 6 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, as well as other family and friends.   On August 21, we believe that Jesus whispered to Al to "Come Home" and he peaceably went to be with His precious Lord and Savior.

Al is survived by his wife, Donna Killman Sizemore; daughters and sons-in-law, Marie Sizemore Reeves & LTC Donald Reeves, Lisa Sizemore Drout & William Drout; son, Jonathan Sizemore; brothers and sisters-in-law, Gene & Vickie Sizemore, Roy & Susan Sizemore; sister and brother-in-law,  Dianne Sizemore Chester & Dale Chester; grandchildren, Gloria, Alayna, Colton, Brendon, Zane, Destiny; great grandchildren, Carlos Jr., and CJ; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2020, 6:00 pm, at Benson Funeral & Cremation Services of Mount Holly with Bishop Dennis Pitts and LTC Donald Reeves officiating; the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 5:00-6:00 pm. Interment, officiated by Bishop Dennis Pitts and LTC Donald Reeves,  will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2020, 12:00 pm, at Western Carolina State Veteran’s Cemetery, Black Mountain, NC, with Military Honors. Safety precautions due to COVID- 19 will be in place however, face coverings are optional. Face coverings are mandatory at the cemetery only.

Dad, you are a blessing beyond words

When I think of you, I think of verbs

One who loves me

A mentor who has taught me

As an example to follow, you lead me

Intercessor who has prayed for me

Musician who has entertained me

Pastor who has shepherded me

When we visit, you hug me

Down and out, you encourage me

Spirit is low, you lift me

Uncertain about myself, you believe in me

Any occasion you can find a way, you give to me

So today and every day that I can

I show honor to God for blessing me with a father who is a godly man

Written by Lisa Sizemore Drout

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith"

2 Timothy 4:7