Du Ray Lutz

Du Ray "D.R." Lutz, 88, of Hickory, passed away Sunday June 8, 2014 at his residence following a period of declining health. D.R. was born on May 15, 1926 in Catawba County to the late William Arthur "W.A." Lutz and Letha Julian Lutz. Just out of high school, D.R. enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II. and went through Medical Corps training, where he became a Pharmacist Mate. During this time he also went through embalming school in San Diego, CA and worked for Pierce Bros. Mortuary. While still in the United States Navy he worked in the morgue as an embalmer. After returning home, D.R. became a N.C. Licensed Funeral Director in 1948 and started working at Hickory Funeral Home. He also was a drivers license examiner for the N.C. Department of motor vehicles for 15 years. D.R. was a gospel music enthusiast, and was well known for his gospel music radio program and being the MC at most area singings throughout the years. He was a collector of gospel quartet albums, acquiring up to 6,000. He was an electric train hobbyist and specialized in Lionel and H.O. scale trains. Throughout the years D.R. was involved in many area businesses, owning Conova Theatre, owned Catawba County's first pet store, Hickory Pet, and owned with his son Leslie, Cape Hickory Furniture for several years. During this time he worked for many area funeral homes including Bass-Smith Funeral Home, Drum Funeral Home, Catawba Funeral Home, Heritage Funeral Service and most recently Jenkins Funeral Home. D.R. has over 71 years service in the funeral business and was Catawba County's oldest living funeral director. He was a member of the American Legion Post 48 for 55 years, serving on the original firing squad; and was a member of Viewmont Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his two wives, Helen S. Lutz and Laura H. Lutz; two brothers, A.F. Lutz and Earl Lutz; and one sister, Margie Hefner. Survivors include his children, Leslie Lutz and Caren of Hickory; Carolyn Holsclaw and husband Jack of Hickory; one brother, A.L. Lutz and wife Doris of Hickory; three grandchildren, Ashley Mauldin, Jimmy Shumate and wife Tonya, and Stacee Rash and husband Grant; one great-grandchild, Tyler Mauldin; two sister-in-laws, Evelyn Swatzel and Mary Blake Hoffstetter; also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday June 12, 2014 at Viewmont Baptist Church, officiating Rev. Jay Robison. There will be a private interment at Catawba Memorial Park at a later date. The family will receive friends Thursday from 10:00-11:00 A.M. at Viewmont Baptist Church. Area funeral directors are asked to be honorary pallbearers at the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Catawba Regional Hospice, 3975 Robinson Rd. Newton, NC 28658 or Viewmont Baptist Church, 1246 2nd Street NE Hickory, NC 28601. An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com and www.jenkinsfuneralhome.net. Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory of Valdese is serving the family.