Paul Ples Cartner, 95, of Statesville, died July 29, 2009, at the Gordon Hospice House in Statesville. He was born July 24, 1914, in Harmony, the son of the late Percy Lee and Etta Foster Cartner. He was the oldest of seven siblings. On Jan. 6, 1934, he married Lois Marie Prather, who survives. Paul and Lois Cartner had recently celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary. Paul Cartner was actually born in the Stimpson plantation house, part of the Stimpson Plantation in the Harmony area. Both of his great-grandfathers were Confederate soldiers, and he had a deep appreciation for his Southern culture and heritage. He farmed for most of his life and always introduced himself as a farmer. He was a dedicated and faithful member of Society Baptist Church and professed a deep and sincere faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, J.P. and Judy Cartner, of Mocksville; grandson and his wife, Brad and Evelyn Cartner, of Fairview, Tenn.; and a great- grandchild, Kobe Cartner. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Friday in the Westmoreland Chapel at Bunch Johnson Funeral Home. The Revs. Jesse Stroud and Paul Childers will officiate. A graveside memorial and burial will take place at Society Baptist Church Cemetery following the funeral. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1 until 3 p.m. prior to the funeral hour. Paul Cartner's life is truly written in the hard work, kindness, laughter, love and faith that can only be displayed by a Southern gentleman with a true sense of honor and integrity. We know your last years of this life's journey were difficult, but now you walk in perfect health, peace and all the joys of heaven. Our separation will not be long, for we are told that our life is but a vapor. We will see you again soon, as we come together as a united family in our eternal home.