The Akins Funeral Home of Copperhill announces the death of Mr. Donald Jerry Gladson, age 70, of Murphy, NC, who passed away Sunday, May 20, 2012 at his home. Mr. Gladson was born in Dearborn, MI on December 17, 1941 to the late Hoyt Otis and Bertha Mae Ware Gladson. He was retired from Tennessee Chemical as a surveyor. Mr. Gladson served his country in the United States Air Force. He was a member of Simonds Chapel Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Pat Gladson of the home; sons, Gary Gladson of Murphy, NC and Rev. Terry and wife, Angie Gladson of Turtletown, TN; daughter, Teresa Jane Gladson of Sylva, NC; brother, Ronnie Gladson of Copperhill, TN; sisters, Carol Dillard of Murphy, NC, Kay Loudermilk of Murphy, NC and Linda Hembree, of Murphy, NC; six grandchildren and one great grandchild also survive.

Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. from the Simonds Chapel Baptist Church, 290 Simonds Chapel Road, Murphy, NC 28906, with Rev. Roy Clore officiating. Music will be by The Golden Sisters. Military Honors will be provided by the North Georgia Honor Guard. Pallbearers will be Russell Loudermilk, Mark Loudermilk, Keith Jacobsen, Danny Kaylor, Rob Dillard and Dustin Adams. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends at Simonds Chapel Baptist Church on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations may be made to help defray final expenses.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Copperhill is in charge of the arrangements.