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Watauga, Avery Obituaries – Dec. 13, 2016

Bobbye Jean Dutt (Feb. 15, 1933 – Dec. 12, 2016)

Bobbye Jean Dutt, 83, of Banner Elk, died Monday, Dec. 12, 2016 at Life Care Center of Banner Elk.

Funeral arrangements for Mrs. Bobbye Jean Dutt is incomplete and will be announced.

Online condolences may be sent to the Dutt family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.

William Anthony Howell (Nov. 7, 1990 – Dec. 11, 2016)

William Anthony Howell, 26, of Roby Greene Road, Boone, passed away Sunday morning, Dec. 11, 2016 Duke Medical Center in Durham after a courageous battle with cystic fibrosis and a double lung transplant operation in January, 2013.

Anthony was born November 7, 1990 in Boone to Shelley Winebarger Huggins and the late Trey Howell. He was a graduate of Watauga High School and attended Caldwell Community College. Before becoming disabled, he was employed at Back Yard Burgers. According to Ashlyn, her brother was adventurous, compassionate, and loved to watch movies with his little sister. Anthony was an avid hunter and fisherman, always enjoyed reading a good book, and loved conversation with everyone.

He is survived by his mother and step-father, Shelley Jerry Huggins of Boone; sister, Ashlyn Isaacs and favorite niece, Nadia Galicia, of Boone; grandfather, Butch Howell and wife, Maggie, of West Jefferson; grandmother, Kathy Howell of Boone; aunt, Dorothy Dancy and husband, James, of Vilas; and uncles, Dustin Howell of Vero Beach, Florida, Michael Howell of West Jefferson, and Vick Winebarger and wife, Angela, of Clover, SC. Numerous special cousins and many friends also survive.

He was preceded in death by his father, Trey; maternal grandparents, Victor and Donna Winebarger; and his uncle, Jerry Winebarger.

Funeral services for Anthony Howell will be conducted Sunday afternoon, December 18, 2016 at 2:30 at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Chapel, officiated by Rev. Tim Roten. The family will receive friends Sunday from 1 until 2:30, prior to services, at Austin & Barnes.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to Austin & Barnes to assist with expenses.

Online condolences may be shared at austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving Anthonys family.

 

Dorothea Jackson (Aug. 10, 1932 – Dec. 11, 2016)

Dorothea Jackson, 84, of Newland passed away on Dec. 11, 2016 at her residence.

She was born Aug. 10, 1932 in Dade County, FL. the daughter of the late Walter Woodin and Doretta Thode Mauldin.

dorothea-jackson-1481624306Dorothea was a writer and wrote for The Charlotte Observer along with several other newspapers. She was inducted into the South Carolina Academy of Authors and the NC Journalism Hall of Fame. She was the winner of the National Conservation Writer of the Year Award, received the Order of the Silver Crescent and was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.

She was passionate about the environment and the conservation of natural resources, preservation of wildlife and folkways of rural Appalachia.

She was a member of St. Johns Lutheran Church in Walhalla, SC.

Along with her parents, Dorothea was preceded in death by her: brother, Walter Wilds Mauldin; son, Thomas Julian Jackson; granddaughter, Alana Gavenus.

Dorothea has left to cherish her memory her: daughter, Katharine Gavenus of Newland; son, Frederick Jackson and companion Mary Johnson of Burnsville; former husband, William Jackson of Newland; grandsons, Garrett Gavenus and wife Kelly Rose of Newland, Alexander Gavenus of Newland; dear family friend, Dale Buchanan of Newland.

A Celebration of Life for Dorothea will be held at 2pm on December 26th at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Walhalla, SC.

Words of comfort and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.rsfh.net.

Roscoe Clifton Pitts (Sept. 14, 1927 – Dec. 10, 2016)

Roscoe Clifton Pitts of Blowing Rock passed away Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016 at Life Care Center in Banner Elk after a vigilant battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

He was married to Geraldine Moody Pitts for 46 years until her death in 1994. He was the son of Jerry Monroe Pitts and Minnie Oxentine Pitts. In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by and infant son, Roger Clifton Pitts, and his brothers Aaron, Herman, Alfred, Ernest, and Clarence; and sisters, Rosa Lee, Louise and Edith.

pittsHe is survived by his sister Ellen Krulik and long-time best friend, Filomena Rossi of Erie, Pennsylvania and sister-in-law Marie Pitts of Whittier, NC; and locally by his daughters Wanda, and husband Jim Nicholson, and Karen and husband Daniel Winkler; granddaughters, Cissie and husband Damon Scott, Evenlight (Amy) Eagles, Jennifer and husband Dennis Coffey; Morgan Winkler, Charleston, SC; Katrina and husband Rick Moriarity, Racine, WI; Sharri Nicholson, Mt. Pleasant, IA; and Trish and husband Ken Alexander, Rochester, MN; great grandchildren, Bruce Knapp and wife Heather, Alex and husband Lucas Underwood, Juliet Eagles, Waylon and Clay Coffey, Rachel and Braiden Moriarity, Christopher, Elizabeth and Timothy Alexander; one great-great-grand daughter, Jemmye Underwood; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He began work at Blowing Rock Furniture Factory (later Singer Furniture) in Lenoir in 1947 and worked there 46 years until his retirement in 1993. Much of his time outside of the furniture factory was devoted to caring for his parents and working on their farm. His retirement did not mean quitting work – it just gave him more time for mowing, weed eating, and cutting and splitting wood – all of which he loved. He was blessed with wonderful physical health and was able to maintain his hard work ritual right up until fall of 2014 when his dementia worsened.

He was a devoted Christian and loved singing. He was a life-time member of Blowing Rock Church of God, where he served as Clerk, and led singing for over 40 years. After his church closed, he joined the congregation of Blowing Rock Independent Baptist Church. Singing was a lifelong passion. He loved telling a story about his lying down on the bench and singing tenor when he was a little boy and people looking around to see where the voice was coming from. He was known throughout the area for his singing, both with the Pitts Family, as well as by himself. He sang at many churches, homecomings and gospel music venues. He organized family and friends to sing at Davant Extended Care in Blowing Rock every first and third Thursday night of each month from the early 1980’s through December 2014. He even went early to help get the residents into the community room and stayed late to help get them back to their rooms.

He was recognized by many who did not know him personally because they saw him plowing gardens in Blowing Rock with his horse, “Old Ben.” He would never have considered having a tractor. He plowed and logged with Ben for over 20 years.
Roscoe was very proud of his military service and his time in Japan after World War II. Anyone who knew him has heard stories about his ship and train voyages and experiences in Japan. He once was reprimanded for giving leftover cafeteria food to local peasants who lived near the Army base.

Roscoe had a caring heart and devoted much time to anyone who needed him. He was a hard worker and had a fighter spirit all of his life. After illness overtook him, he spent his days thinking he was working and asking if there was anything he could do for you. Alzheimer’s disease took away his ability to walk and silenced his beautiful voice, but he maintained his desire to help others and his fighter spirit right up to the end.

He will be greatly missed by his family who surrounded him throughout his life, and by the many people whose lives he touched. Well done my good and faithful servant.

Funeral services for Roscoe Clifton Pitts will be conducted Wednesday morning, December 14, 2016, at 11:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel.

The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 10:00 until 11:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Reverend Gary Shew, Reverend Michael Merritt, and Reverend Dennis Pitts. Military graveside rites and burial, provided by the United States Army, American Legion Post 130, and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 90, Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery in Blowing Rock.

The family will receive friends Tuesday evening, from 6:00 until 8:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Service.

The family wishes to thank the caring and compassionate staff at Life Care Center in Banner Elk who helped take care of our special Dad/Granddad during the last 16 months of his life. They helped him and us through a very difficult time.

The family respectfully requests no food.

Flowers are appreciated or donations may be made to Blowing Rock Fire and Rescue, 8001 Valley Boulevard, Blowing Rock, North Carolina, 28605.

Online condolences may be sent to the Pitts family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Thomas “Tommy” Templeton (Aug. 10, 1955 – Dec. 9, 2016)

Thomas “Tommy” Templeton, 61, of Snaggy Mountain Boulevard, Boone, passed away Friday evening, December 9, 2016, at Caldwell UNC Heathcare in Lenoir.

templetonTommy was born Aug. 10, 1955 in Lenoir, a son of the late Dr. Ralph G. Templeton and Vera Jane Wilkie Templeton. He was a salesman for the L.D. Hines Company in Lenoir and a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Boone.

Tom Templeton never met a stranger. Whether he was offering you a business card, a warm greeting, or a cold drink, he always seemed to make you laugh and smile. And for those he met who were in need, he never asked if he could help, he just did. He never asked for thanks, and never wanted praise, he just wanted to spread the happiness he found in life. He was a man who lost so much but always managed to keep giving. We will all remember Tom, saxophone man, loyal friend, loving brother, devoted husband, Dad.

Tommy is survived by his wife, Catherine Chen Templeton of the home; two sons, Patrick Templeton and wife Jennifer of Smithfield, North Carolina, and Wesley Templeton and wife Melissa of Annapolis, Maryland; one daughter, Elizabeth Templeton of Chapel Hill; one step-daughter, Isabella Templeton of Boone; three sisters, Linda Chester and husband Paul “Skip” of Lenoir, Roxanne Irvine of Richmond, Virginia, and Susie Irvine and husband Darren of Springfield, Virginia; one brother, Buddy Templeton of Greenville, South Carolina, and three grandchildren, Ruth Templeton, Daisy Templeton, and Joshua Templeton, all of Smithfield, North Carolina.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Janie Templeton.

Memorial services for Thomas “Tommy” Templeton will be conducted Tuesday afternoon, December 13, 2016, at 2:00 o’clock, at Grace Lutheran Church in Boone. Officiating will be Pastor Leonard Bolick, Pastor John Bollinger, and Vicar Sue Lynn White.

The family will receive friends following the memorial service.

Online condolences may be sent to the Templeton family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

 

Daniel Kenneth Stanton (Jan. 7, 1999 – Dec. 9, 2016)

daniel-stanton-1481549888Daniel Kenneth Stanton went on to be with his best friend, Jesus Christ, on Dec. 9, 2016. Daniel is a loved, and now very much missed, son of Carl and Sue Stanton of Banner Elk, NC. He is survived by his parents, and three siblings: Jessica Coombs with her husband Todd and daughter Charli (Charlise), Michael with his wife Carolyn and son Matthias, and Katherine.

Daniel was born in Boone, NC on January 7th, 1999 at Watauga Medical Center and has since lived in Banner Elk, NC. He has been a member of Banner Elk Christian Fellowship his whole life where he has been active in the Youth Group, Worship Team and various domestic missionary opportunities.

Daniel, with his siblings, attended the family’s home school program and has been active in both the Boone and Avery County Home School groups. He participated in the Boone group’s Gavel Club for three years, Avery County’s Co-op Group, Yearbook Staff, and won first place at a Science Fair. He was also dual-enrolled at Mayland Community College.

Daniel enjoyed employment at the Beech Mountain Club pool as a Lifeguard, at the Beech Mountain Ski Resort at the ice skating rink, and at the River Dog Cafe in Linville, NC.

Daniel loved the outdoors and enjoyed his time camping and hiking local trails with his friends, such as in the Linville Gorge, Grandfather Mountain Profile Trail (on which he was known to have hiked barefooted), as-well-as other local Blueridge Parkway trails and various waterfalls and swimming holes in the area.

Daniel is very musical, self-taught on the acoustic and electric guitar and banjo and formally trained on the piano. He enjoys snowboarding, long boarding (skateboard), mountain biking, kayaking, and soccer as-well-as many other activities.

He is a loving, compassionate, witty, caring and fun person to be around. His faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is very strong. He always lived his faith out by loving, caring about and serving those around him. He is a good friend to all.

There will be a Celebration of the Life of Daniel Stanton on December 17th, 2016 at Noon at Banner Elk Christian Fellowship in Banner Elk, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cherokee Cove, 2418 Locust Gap Road, Mountain City, TN 37683.

Words of comfort and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.rsfh.net.

Gregory L. Schweinsberg (Sept. 12, 1935 – Dec. 9, 2016)

bigschweinsberg-2Gregory Lee Schweinsberg, Sr. 81 of Blowing Rock, passed away Friday, Dec. 9, 2016.

Greg divided his time between Blowing Rock and Tampa, Fla. He retired after 37 years as a Master Brewer with the Anheuser Busch Brewery in Tampa. He was a long time member of both Grace Lutheran Church in Boone, NC and Saint Paul Lutheran Church in Tampa.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years Elaine Schweinsberg and their 3 children. His daughter Theresa Hoppach and husband Jeffrey, son Russell Holtsberg and wife Laura and son Gregory Schweinsberg Jr. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, his sister in law Delores Peterson and brother in law Jack Cunningham.

He was preceded in death by his parents Russell and Nellie Schweinsberg and his sister Karen Cunningham.

He was also a father to multiple foster children and exchange students over the years. He was an avid race car fan his whole life. He enjoyed big and small race tracks and many styles of racing and watched races at tracks in 24 different states over his lifetime. He kept meticulous records of the races and drivers and donated many items over the years to the Nascar Library at Appalachian State University.

He will be remembered as a kind and loving man with a big heart. A Memorial Service will held Monday, Dec. 12, 2016 at Grace Lutheran Church. Memorial contributions can be made to Grace Lutheran or Saint Paul Lutheran Church in his honor.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Schweinsberg family.

Bobbie Lee Dennie (Dec. 31, 1932 – Dec. 9, 2016)

Bobbie Lee Dennie, age 83, of Linville Falls passed away on December 9, 2016 at his residence.

A native of Avery County, NC, he was born December 31, 1932 a son of the late Roy Garvel and Emily Dellinger Dennie.

bobbie-dennie-1481294738Bobbie went to Clemson College. He worked at American Thread before moving to Charlotte and becoming a Supervisor at Barnhardt Manufacturing Company where he worked for 36 years and in those years he only missed one day of work.

He was a member of Pisgah United Methodist Church and enjoyed traveling, gardening and being with his grandchildren.

Bobbie has left to cherish his memory his: wife of 60 years, Peggy Sparks Dennie of the home; daughter, Kimberly Ann Hoyes of Linville Falls; brother, Bill Wilson Dennie of Linville Falls; sister, Barbara Coffey and husband Jack of Linville Falls; granddaughter, Megan Nicole Dean and husband Ryan of Linville Falls; grandson, Cory Michael Hoyes of Linville Falls, Great-grandchildren; Chris and Jade Dean; nephew, Roy Dennie; niece Diane Dennie; great niece, Haven Dennie; brother-in-law, Rick Sparks and wife Susan of Myrtle Beach, SC.; sister-in-law, Brenda Price of Shelby, NC.

Funeral services for Bobbie Lee Dennie will be conducted on Sunday, December 11, 2016 at 2:30 p.m. at the Pisgah United Methodist Church with Reverend Ted Henry officiating. Interment will follow in the Pisgah Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until the service time at the church.

At the families request, please do not send flowers, but you may make memorials to Pisgah United Methodist Church Cemetery fund at P.O. Box 114 Linville Falls, NC 28647.

John Bud Greene, Jr. (Sept. 24, 1937 – Dec. 8, 2016)

biggreene-john-b-1First Sergeant Retired John Bud Berlin Greene, Jr., age 79, of Lenoir, passed away Thursday, December 8, 2016 at Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care. Born September 24, 1937 in Blowing Rock, he was a son of the late John B. Greene Sr., and Olean Gryder Greene. Mr. Greene was retired from the US Air Force where he served his country 22 years. He was a member of Middle Fork Baptist Church. Bud was an avid golfer, and loved playing with his group at Rock Barn. He enjoyed sports, hunting and classic cars. Bud played softball until he was no longer able.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Virginia Spann Greene, two sons, Gary Greene and wife Debbie of Hickory and Michael Greene and wife Cindy of Connelly Springs, two grandchildren, Brandon Greene and wife Leah and Kelly Greene, two great grandchildren, Ty and Glen Greene.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two sisters, Caroline Ruppert and Benetta Sis Greene, and two brothers, Plumer Greene and Tommy Greene.

Funeral services for John Bud Greene, Jr., will be conducted Tuesday morning December 13th at 11 am at the Middle Fork Baptist Church. Officiating will be Rev. Peter Vandenberg and Rev. Raymond Spann. Graveside services with military honors will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday evening December 12 from 6 oclock until 7:30 at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home. Online condolences may be shared with the Greene family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Greene family.

Evelyn Young Shoemake (Nov. 2, 1931 – Dec. 7, 2016)

Evelyn Young Shoemake, 85, of Abingdon, Virginia, a native and former resident of Blowing Rock, passed away Wednesday afternoon, December 7, 2016, at her residence.

Evelyn was born November 2, 1931 in Blowing Rock, daughter of the late Mary Lou Young. She was a retired “Master Weaver” for Goodwin Weavers in Blowing Rock.

Evelyn is survived by two sons, Rick Shoemake and wife Jimmie of Boone, and Joe Shoemake and wife Karen of Blowing Rock; two daughters, Emma Shoemake and husband Henry of Lenoir, and Michelle Harris and husband David of Denver, Colorado, and one grandson, Will Pannell of Boone.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one son, Gene Shoemake.

A memorial service for Evelyn Young Shoemake will be conducted at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be sent to the Shoemake family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Johnny Ray Thorne (Oct. 10, 1952 – Dec. 7, 2016)

Johnny Ray Thorne, 64, of 172 Aaron Court, Taylorsville, passed away Wednesday evening, Dec. 7, 2016, at Catawba Regional Hospice in Newton.

thorneJohnny was born Oct. 10, 1952 in Burke County, a son of the late Ralph V. Thorne and Ellie Marie Helton Thorne. He was a retired employee from Vermont American in Boone, where he worked for 16 years. Johnny was a former member of Westview Baptist Church in Boone.

Johnny is survived by one son, Michael R. Thorne and wife Nicole of Conover; two grandsons, Riley B. Thorne and Austin L. Thorne, both of Conover; three sisters, Martha Maebelle Price and Helen Thorne, both of Taylorsville, and Judy Marie Thorne of Hiddenite; one brother, William Vernon Thorne of Taylorsville, and his best buddy, Betty Dyson of Bethlehem, North Carolina. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Ruby Anderson, and two brothers, Robert Franklin Thorne and Ralph Daniel Thorne.

Funeral Services for Johnny Ray Thorne will be conducted Saturday afternoon, December 10, 2016, at 2:00 o’clock, at Westview Baptist Church. Officiating will be Reverend Donald Anderson.
Interment will follow in Westview Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Saturday afternoon, from 12:30 until 2:00 o’clock, at Westview Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Catawba Regional Hospice, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, North Carolina, 28658.

Online condolences may be sent to the Thorne family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Mr. Roy D. Main (May 17, 1932 – Dec. 6, 2016)

bigmain-roy-1Mr. Roy Dean Main, 84, of George Wilson Road, Boone, passed away December 6, 2016 at his home. Born May 17, 1932 in Trade, Tennessee, he was a son of the late Linville and Sarah Potter Main. Roy was retired from ASU, where he worked in the steam plant. He was a longtime member of Westview Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon. Roy also worked part-time for many years at the Outdoorsman.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mary Lee Oliver Main, three children; Carolyn Warren and husband Jimmy of Zionville, David Morris Main and wife Martha of Newton, and Curtis Alan Main and wife Stephanie of Sugar Grove, four grandchildren, Jamie Little and husband Kristopher of Crumpler, Danielle Shook and husband Nathan of Vilas, Justin Main and wife Julie of Raleigh, and Seth Main of Newton, eight great grandchildren, Caleb, Charity and Cara Main, Ty and Wyatt Little, Laney and Devan Shook and Zaylynn Main, one brother, Daniel Main of Boone, and a special friend, Dale Whisenant.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a grandson, Matthew Curtis Main, a son in law, Rick Phillips, one sister, Doris Key and two brothers, Arlie and Ralph Main.

Funeral services for Mr. Roy Dean Main will be conducted Thursday afternoon at 2 oclock at Westview Baptist Church. Officiating will be Rev. Bradley Swift and Rev. Mike Townsend. Burial will follow in the Westview Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday afternoon prior to the service from 1 until 2 oclock at Westview Baptist Church. The family respectfully requests no food. Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to Westview Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 692 NC Hwy 105 Extension, Boone, NC 28607.

Online condolences may be shared with the Main family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Main family.

Tema Williams Hoilman (Feb. 24, 1946 – Dec. 6, 2016)

tema-hoilman-1481271056Tema Williams Hoilman, age 70, of Newland passed away peacefully on December 6, 2016 at Cannon Memorial Hospital.

She was born February 24, 1946 in Charleston, WV., daughter of the late Harold and Beatrice Kirkpatrick Williams.

Tema was a homemaker and worked for many years as a seamstress for Cabin Creek Quilts. She was a strong, adventurous, funny, and caring woman who loved music and loved to dance. Gardening in her flowerbeds was another love of hers that she enjoyed when she was able. She was also an avid reader. She knew her Bible and often commented on how good the Lord had been to her.

Her focus, however, was her family and children. Often joining in on the silly games and shenanigans her children and their friends would get into. She struck a great balance between being a responsible parent and a fun-loving kid at heart. Everyone who spent time around her both loved and respected her, many still thinking of her as a second mother. She had a greater impact on more people than she will ever know. She will be greatly missed.

Along with her parents, Tema was preceded in death by her: husband, Floyd Dayton Hoilman; sisters, Norma Williams, Patsy Johnson, and brother Addie Williams.

Tema has left to cherish her memory her: daughter, Michelle Brooks and husband Sheldon of Roaring Creek; sons, Tony Hoilman of Cary, NC., Mike Hoilman of Cary, NC.; sister, Mary Muncie of Kentucky; brother, Harold “Mickey” Williams, Jr. and wife Belle of West Virginia; grandchildren, William Fisher of Raleigh, NC., Hannah Hoilman of Roaring Creek, Matthew Hoilman of Roaring Creek

Funeral services for Mrs. Hoilman will be conducted on Friday, December 9, 2016 at 7:00 pm at the Grandfather Chapel. Jude Hughes will be officiating. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the services at the funeral home.

The Hoilman family would like to thank Billy Lawrence, Cindy Young and Karen Brown for the care they gave to Tema.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Medi Home Hospice at PO Box 1357 Newland, NC 28657.

Words of comfort and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.rsfh.net.

The care of Tema and her family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland.