Hiram Archie Costner Jr

Hiram "Archie" Costner, Jr. of Huntersville, N.C passed away November 25, 2011. He was 97. Archie was born in Greenville SC on October 26, 1914, the son of the late Hiram Archie Costner and Mary Lorick Costner. He held the title of SC State Champion in the 400 meter relay in high school. Archie lived in Greensboro N.C. from 1933 - 1947. During World War II he worked as a civilian at the ArmyExchange base in Greenville N.C where he learned many business principles. He was an entrepreneur through out his life, owning several businesses including Costner's Cleaners and Laundry in Charlotte NC for 25 years. He retired early in 1975 to care for his first wife, Helen White Costner, during her long illness. Helen passed away in February of 1984, at the age of 68. They had four children who survive him; Mary Costner Inman of Waxhaw; Hiram Archie Costner III and his wife Harriett of Huntersville; Catherine Helen Costner and her partner Regina Ann Eagle of Huntersville; and Kenneth White Costner of Greencastle, Pennsylvania. He is survived by five grandchildren: Susan and her husband Denny Little; Ann and her husband Hector Blanquicet; Courtney and her husband Rick Schofield; Kendall Costner and Conner Costner and also four great-grandchildren Spencer Davis; Rev Blanquicet, Katie Blanquicet and Greyson Whelchel. After the death of his first wife, he was reunited in marriage with his childhood friend, Florine Ellis Costner. They shared seventeen years together during which they traveled around the world. Florine passed away in December of 2003 at the age of 87. Archie was the oldest member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Charlotte NC. He was a 32 Mason and a Shriner and earned his 50 year pin. His legacy to his family is to live a life with integrity, strong determination and a devotion to God and family. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. The family would like to thank all of the healthcare professionals who helped Archie with all of his health care needs. A very special thank you to Regina who gave much love and support to our father. She has inspired us all through her unselfish years of love and special care. A private family gathering will be held at Raymer- Kepner Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Huntersville, NC. Friends may offer on line condolences to the family at www.raymerfh.com