Robert Harold Yonce

On Monday, June 22, 2026, at 5:58 p.m., Robert Harold Yonce peacefully gained his angel wings, surrounded by his loving family and enough love to fill every corner of a small hospital room.

As his daughters left the hospital that evening, LisaKay Henson called her sister Jill and said, "Look outside, Daddy made it to Heaven." Jill stepped onto her deck and was greeted by a magnificent rainbow stretching across the sky. To the Yonce family, it was more than a beautiful sight, it was a reminder of God's promise and a source of peace, comfort, and assurance that Harold had arrived safely home.

Born on November 16, 1938, in Nantahala, North Carolina, to Osborn and Ida Yonce, Harold lived a life marked by faith, family, hard work, humility, and devotion to those he loved.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley Yonce; his infant son, Joseph O. Yonce; his parents, Osborn and Ida Yonce; his brothers, Bill Yonce, J.D. Yonce, Roy Yonce, and Carl Yonce; and his sisters, Grace Tallent, Peggy Yonce, and Nell Pannell.

To those who knew him best, Harold was the porch sitter, the ultimate bargain hunter, and the teller of tall stories. He could stretch a tale with the best of them, and whether every detail was true hardly mattered, the joy was in the telling. He treasured time with family, loved a good deal, and never missed an opportunity to share advice. The phrase that became his trademark and one of his greatest gifts to future generations was simple: "Save your money."

Harold believed in hard work, common sense, and planning for the future. Those values guided his life and left a lasting impression on his children, grandchildren, friends, and neighbors.

A proud and faithful Mason for more than sixty-five years, Harold was a member of Marble Springs Lodge No. 439 A.F. & A.M. Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on July 18, 1960, he served the fraternity in numerous capacities, including Tyler and Master of the Lodge. Throughout his years of service, he exemplified the principles of brotherhood, integrity, charity, and service. Harold leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish his memory: his sons, Bobby Yonce and James Yonce and wife Melissa; his daughters, Lisa Henson and husband Chris and Jill Kernea and husband Larry, all of Murphy; his brother, Paul Yonce of Murphy; and his sister-in-law, Edna Statts of Lakeland, Florida. He was a proud grandfather to Danielle Williams and husband Timmy; Kendall Lovingood and husband Matthew; Kailey Bailey and husband Thristen; Robert Yonce; Lucas Yonce; Michael Kernea and wife Lis; Elizabeth Buchanan and husband Jason; and Cory Killian.

His legacy continues through his beloved great-grandchildren: Aayden Williams, Connor Williams, Maddox Bailey, Kollsen Bailey, Addie Joe Bailey, Sutton Gwen Lovingood, Carter Kernea, Corie Lynn Kernea, Delaney Reid, Ansley Buchanan, Brooks Buchanan, and Kate Buchanan.

He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss him greatly.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Sandi Klaucke and Angie Fultz, Harold's friends and caretakers, whose kindness, compassion, and faithful support brought comfort and companionship during his later years. Harold's greatest pride was his family. His laughter, wisdom, stories, and steadfast presence touched countless lives and created memories that will be treasured for generations to come.

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you." — Numbers 6:24–25

The family finds peace in knowing that Harold is now resting in the presence of his Savior, reunited with those he loved and missed so dearly. The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 28, 2026, 1pm- 3pm, prior to the service. A celebration of Harold's life will begin at 3:00 p.m.

Pallbearers: Timmy Williams, Aayden Williams, Connor Williams, Matthew Lovingood, Michael Kernea, and Thristen Bailey. Honorary Pallbearers: Alex Parker, Kenneth Pannell, David Bruce Yonce, and Ronnie Norton.

Masonic Rites Ceremony will follow immediately at Greenlawn Cemetery.