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Catawba Valley Gem & Mineral Club Show
March 28-30, 2025

CHECK BACK HERE FOR UPDATES

 

 

Larry Dean Huffman Obituary

Larry had a long career as a letter carrier with the United States Post Office and as a regional union representative and local president for the National Association of Letter Carriers. He was a true entrepreneur owning several businesses including Old Hickory Stamp & Coin, Old Hickory Embroidery, several real estate businesses, and food service industries, most notably as the co-proprietor of the Post Office BBQ. His most recent venture was as the co-owner of Southern Gems, Minerals & Fossils.

Larry voluntarily served in a variety of organized rockhounding society roles, including liaison between the Eastern and Southeastern Federations of Mineralogical & Lapidary Societies and the Catawba Valley Gem and Mineral Club, former President and longtime member of the Catawba Valley Gem and Mineral Club, and 1st and 2nd Vice President of the Eastern Federation of Mineralogical & Lapidary Societies.


Harry (Polly) & Larry - March 19, 2011

Larry was dedicated to the service of others and to God. He was a member and trustee of Highland Baptist Church in Hickory, N.C., a 32nd degree mason, member of the Order of the Eastern Star, and Worshipful Master for Lodge #343 of Hickory, N.C. He also was a member of the Catawba County Shrine Club and led their catering and fundraising efforts for many years. He was a charter member of the Oasis Gator Patrol, a Shrine parade unit.

Most importantly, Larry was a loving and caring son, brother, husband, father, uncle, and grandfather. His grandchildren loved spending time with their "Gramps." He was friendly and kind, never met a stranger, and always had a smile or a joke to share. Those who met him were blessed to know him, and his family and friends will never forget the joy of his love.


Larry & Brenda - June 2009

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Brenda Hill Huffman of the home; sons Scott Wade Huffman and wife Carmen of Cullowhee, N.C., and Bryan Alex Huffman and wife Kellie of Cary, N.C.; grandchildren Calvin Alexander Huffman, Linus James Huffman, Ellery Wade Huffman, and Banks Harold Huffman; sister, Kathy Huffman Isenhour and husband Jerry of Hickory; niece, Carrie McCraw of Huntington Beach, CA; nephew, John Andrew Isenhour of Atlanta, GA; and great nephew, Brody James McCraw.

 

Hickory Metro Convention Center,
The CVGMC March 2024 Gem, Mineral,
Fossil and Jewelry Show

Is postponed until
October 18-20, 2024
at the convention center.
See you then.

 

 

Wayne was a longtime CVGMC member.
Click here to view his obituary.

 
Richard Sipe, Sr.

Richard Vance Sipe Sr. passed away peacefully at, 91, Friday Oct. 12, 2018, at Catawba Regional Hospice. Born March 17, 1927, in Conover, he was the son of the late Vance Elcanie and Mary Anna Lail Sipe. Richard loved the Lord, his family and everyone he met, and they loved him. He served in the United States Army at the end of World War II. He met Grace Finegan from Pittsburgh at a Luther League convention and they began their 65 year marriage in 1948 Richard worked as a brick and stone mason and was an owner of R&H Sipe Construction with his brother Harvey. He was a lifelong member of Mt. Zion Lutheran Church in Conover, where he served in numerous capacities. He was instrumental in planning and building the sanctuary and fellowship hall at the church. He was a leading force in establishing and building Camp Lutherock in Newland. He and Grace served as youth group leaders for many years. Mr. Sipe served his community in numerous ways over his lifetime. He was instrumental in establishing the St. Timothy Voluntary Fire Department and served on the Board of Directors for many years. Richard initiated the idea of building the Catawba County Firefighters Museum and donated his labor and materials to build it. Mr. Sipe was awarded The Old North State Award for his contributions to his community. He was an avid rock hound for most of his life and loved to transform a rough rock into a creation of exquisite beauty. He wire wrapped stones that he had cut and polished, transforming them into beautiful pendants which he loved to give away to bring people joy. He has received three Guinness world records for his large carved sculptures.

Click on the following link for a presentation that features some of the fantastic creations by Richard Sipe, Sr.

The Chief and Other Works by Richard Sipe, Sr.

 

 
Glenn Bolick
by Warren Hollar
Rock & Gem Magazine
December 2016

Click on the above picture too read an excellent article!
 

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2016 Gem and Mineral Show
by Velda McLean
2015 Gem and Mineral Show
& EFMLS Convention

by Velda McLean

2014 KENTUCKY GEODE
COLLECTING FIELD TRIP

by Joan Glover


Day 1

Day 2

2013 ANNUAL AUCTION
& CHRISTMAS PARTY

by Joan Glover


 

2013 Gem and
Mineral Show

by Joan Glover

CVGMC at the Catawba
Science Center 2012
by Joan Glover

Club Picnic 2012
by Joan Glover


click picture for video

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