1000 x 90

Avery County Obituaries – Compiled Oct. 21, 2014

Floyd Ramsey (Oct. 26, 1932 – Oct. 19, 2014)

Ramsey
Ramsey

Floyd H. Ramsey, 81, of Chime Hill Lane, Banner Elk, passed away Sunday afternoon, Oct. 19, 2014, at Cannon Memorial Hospital in Linville.

Mr. Ramsey was born Oct. 26, 1932, in Avery County, a son of the late Edgar E. Ramsey and Polly Smith Ramsey. He served with the US Army, 2nd Infantry, in the Korean War. Mr. Ramsey was chief of radiology at Cannon Memorial Hospital for more than 35 years. He was a Fraser fir Christmas tree farmer, charter member of Banner Elk Volunteer Fire Department, past president of Banner Elk Kiwanis Club and served on Banner Elk Town Council for many years. Mr. Ramsey was an avid golfer at Mountain Glen Golf Course and a die-hard Tarheel fan. He was an alumnus of Lees-McRae College. Mr. Ramsey was a lifetime member of Arbor Dale Presbyterian Church. Like his father and grandfather before him, he was deeply committed to the welfare of the church, both its members and its building. He served as an elder and on many committees.

Mr. Ramsey is survived by his wife, Dorothy Evelyn Smith Ramsey of the home; one daughter, Diann Ramsey Godley and husband Al of Raleigh; one son, Floyd Scott Ramsey and wife Barbett; of Raleigh; five grandchildren, Laura Elizabeth Godley, Brittany Alexandra Godley, William Alphus Godley III, Evie Grace Ramsey and Ayla Blake Ramsey, all of Raleigh; one brother, Bob Ramsey and wife Helen of Banner Elk, and two sisters, Betty McKinney of Marion, and Helen Nantz and husband Dana “Roy” of Shelby. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Margaret Ramsey Younce, and one brother, Lloyd T. Ramsey.

Funeral services for Floyd H. Ramsey will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 22, 2014, at Arbor Dale Presbyterian Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 1 to 2 p.m. Officiating will be Pastor Thomas Gatewood and Pastor Timothy Ramsey. Military graveside rites and burial will follow in the Smith Cemetery.

A nursery for children will be provided at the church during the funeral service.

The family will receive friends Tuesday evening, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Hampton Funeral Service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Julia Ramsey Scholarship Fund, in care of Arbor Dale Presbyterian Church, PO Box 235, Banner Elk, North Carolina, 28604.

Online condolences may be sent to the Ramsey family by clicking to www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Doyle Franklin Cook (Feb. 24, 1934 – Oct. 11, 2014)

Doyle Franklin Cook, 80, of Jonesborough, Tenn., went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014. He was born in Avery County on Feb. 24, 1934, and was the son of the late Conard and Ollie Stanberry Cook.

Cook
Cook

Doyle was an active member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Jonesborough, faithfully serving his Lord in many capacities for more than 60 years, including trustee and sound system operator. He was also a member of the Rhea Masonic Lodge No. 47 in Jonesborough, Tenn.

He retired from North American Polyester Textiles in Elizabethton, Tenn. He spent his retirement enjoying Johnson City Cardinals baseball games, tending his garden and spending time with his grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five siblings: Dennis Cook (Banner Elk), Lucy Cook Jones (Elizabethton, Tenn.), Betty Cook Estep (Elizabethton, Tenn.), Mildred Cook Crawford (Valdese), and Clearance Cook (Walkertown).

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Margaret Ferguson Cook; son and daughter in law, Tommy and Angie Cook, grandson Daniel, and granddaughter Laura, all of Knoxville, Tenn.; Eula Cook Jones, of Beach Mountain; and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Jesse Ford, Tim Ford, Wayne Taylor, Rex Taylor, Jeff Coggins and Kyle Blankenship. Honorary pallbearers were members of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Men’s Sunday school class.

Family received friends on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2014, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Jonesborough, Tenn.; the service followed, with the Rev. Bud Pate, the Rev. Cody Greene and the Rev. Charles Shelton officiating.

Graveside services were held Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2014 at Mt. Zion Church Cemetery, with the Rev. Brian Nulf officiating. 

Joe Berry (Oct, 19, 1927 – Oct. 17, 2014)

Joe Berry, 87, of Roan Mountain, Tenn., passed away on Friday, Oct. 17, 2014, in the Roan Highlands Nursing Center, following a brief illness. Mr. Berry was born in Norfolk, Va., but was raised in Elizabeth City, N.C., and had lived in the Roan Mountain, Tenn., Community since 1986. He was a son of the late Howard Sawyer and Zola Mae Willoughby Berry.

Mr. Berry was retired from Sears Roebuck Company as a watchmaker, where he served for 30 years. He was also a retired driver for Net-Trans and was a member of Aloma United Methodist Church in Winter Park, Fla. Mr. Berry was a 50-year member of Marshall Masonic Lodge #39 of Lynchburg, Va.; a member of Composite Masonic Lodge, Orlando, Fla.; a member and past Master of Roan Mountain Masonic Lodge No. 566 F&AM; a member of Scottish Rite and York Rite; he was a past Worthy Patron and Charter member of O.E.S. Composite Chapter 305, Orlando, Fla., and he was a present member of O.E.S Orlando Chapter 121; he was a member and past Worthy Patron of Roan Mountain O.E.S. No. 230; a member of Bahia Shrine Temple, Orlando, Fla.; a member and past treasurer of Jericho Shrine Temple in Kingsport, Tenn.; a member of Oasis Shrine Temple, Charlotte, where he was a member of two units; the Tripsters, having made more than 100 trips to various hospitals; and the Avery County Shrine Club, where he had served as a past president and secretary. He was Chapter Dad of Bahia Demolay, Orlando, Fla.; a past Associate Bethel Guardian of Jobs Daughters, Bethel No. 3, Orlando, Fla.; a past Grand Associate Bethel Guardian for the State of Florida. He had the Grand Cross of Color for Rainbow; he had been the Grand Lodge District Youth Chairman for the State of Florida and an Honorary Legion of Honor for Demolay for the State of Florida.

Survivors include his wife of more than 40 years, Eleanor Ginader Berry, of the home; two daughters and sons-in-law, Robin Renea Cone and Dr. Kenneth Cone, Durant, Okla., and Karen Sue Hutter and James Hutter, Durant, Okla.; three step-daughters, Judith Lynne Scott, Durham, Karen Lenore Brandel, Fayetteville, and Donna Katherine Struble, of the home; two grandchildren, Shane Hutter and wife Penny, and Kenneth Cone and wife Brittney; five step-grandchildren, Kara Scott, Brad Scott and wife Carrie, Bonnie Keyworth, James Wickner and Ryan Wickner; two brothers, Howard Berry, his twin brother, and his wife Joyce, Newark, Del., and Bobby Roy Berry and wife Diane, Georgia. Several nieces, nephews and great grandchildren, also survive.

A Masonic funeral service to honor the life of Mr. Joe Berry was conducted at 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 20, 2014, in the Rhododendron Chapel of Tetrick Funeral Home, Roan Mountain, Tenn., led by the Roan Mountain Masonic Lodge No. 566 F&AM. The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. in the funeral home chapel, prior to the service on Monday.

The graveside service was conducted at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2014, in the Holston View Cemetery, 1383 Highway 23 South, Weber City, Va., 24290. Honorary pallbearers were Barney Brown, Russ Becker, Wayne Lowe, Michael Richardson, Robert Braswell, all Masonic Members of Roan Mountain Masonic Lodge, Cranberry Masonic Lodge in Elk Park and the Avery County Shrine Club. Those wishing to attend the graveside service were asked to meet at the cemetery at 10:50 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21.

The family requests donations be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, in lieu of flowers. Please mail to: Avery County Shrine Club, C/O Michael Richardson, 3475 Beech Mountain Road, Elk Park, NC 28622. Please mark donations in memory of Joe Berry.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by clicking to www.tetrickfuneralhome.com and signing the guest book.

Tetrick Funeral Home of Roan Mountain, Tenn., is proudly serving the Berry family.

Johnny Johnson (Oct. 3, 1936 – Oct. 17, 2014)

Thomas Julian Johnson, age 78, of Jonas Ridge passed away on Oct. 17, 2014 at Kirkwood P.C.U.

He was born October 3, 1936 the son of the late Ernest W. and Lucy Chafin Johnson. Johnny was a member of the U.S Army National Guard and served during the Berlin Crisis in Ft. Meade. He was a truck driver and retired from the Teamsters Union. Johnny was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, enjoyed hunting and was very much an Atlanta Braves fan.

Along with his parents, Thomas was preceded in death by his daughter, Carrie Lougene.

Johnny has left to cherish his memory his: wife, Nancy R. Johnson of the home; daughters, Julianne Johnson-Grisanti and husband Carlos of Macon, Ga.; Luci L. New and husband John Wassel of Concord; son, Jonathan Greene Johnson and wife Pom of Bonaire, Ga.; sister, Dorothy Pritchett and husband John of Orlando, Fla.; 10 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Funeral services for Johnny Johnson will be conducted on Sunday, Oct. 19 at 3:30 p.m. at the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Allen Laws officiating. Interment will follow in the Carpenter Cemetery. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: the Alzheimers Association at 3800 Shamrock Dr. Charlotte, NC 28215 or www.alz.org. or to Hospice.

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

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland is serving the Johnson family.

Mildred C. Lane (June 3, 1932 – Oct. 13, 2014)

Mildred C. Lane of Newland, passed away peacefully at her residence on Oct. 13, 2014.

Lane
Lane

She was born in Avery County on June 3, 1932, and was the daughter of the late Ira Monroe and Rosa Bentley Cole. She was an active member of the community by serving on the Newland Town Council, Newland Planning Board, Region D Council of Governments board member, Community Advisory Committee member, Council on Aging member, helping with Caregivers Haven, a volunteer at the Avery Senior Center and other civic endeavors. She enjoyed her many friendships and all her Senior Center “buddies.” She also enjoyed working word puzzles, reading, crocheting and basketball.

Along with her parents she was preceded in death by her husband John R. “Junior” Lane in July 2010 and her many brothers and sisters: Clyde, Hoover and Charles Cole, Alonzo, Ernest and Fred Sluder, Clyde Frank Ernest, Lovie and Claude Cole, Faye Sluder, Bonnie Calhoun, Heaster Wise and Bertha Cole.

Left with countless memories are her daughter, Kathy Combs, and husband, Billy, of Boone, and her son Kevin Lane and wife, Shannon, of Newland, five grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

A sincere thank you to her special physician and friend Dr. Charles Baker for always patching her up and taking such good care of her. A special thank you to all his wonderful staff and the staff at Cannon Memorial Hospital.

At her request memorial services will be private with no visitation.

Donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association or a charity of one’s choice.

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

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland is serving the Lane family.

Bertha Babcock-MacCall-Marsden (May 5, 1916 – Oct. 11, 2014)

Bertha “Babs” Babcock-MacCall-Marsden, 98, passed away at home on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014.

She was born May 5, 1916 in Copenhagen, N.Y., to the late Hiram and Gladys Babcock. Babs had several careers in her lifetime; a top real estate agent in Westchester County, N.Y., manager of a salon in Ossining, N.Y., and as a 19-year old, owned and operated her own business in Black River, N.Y.

Bab’s zest for life and positive attitude was an inspiration to those who knew and loved her. She enjoyed participating in bridge, canasta, entertaining friends, traveling to her summer home in North Carolina, playing her favorite songs on her organ, her independence and most of all, getting to dance. Babs was a loving and caring friend and finest mother and best friend a daughter could ask for. You will always be in our hearts.

She is survived by her daughter, Jayne A. MacCall of Little Rock, Ark., two nieces, Mary Marcyes and Julie Yakabe of San Antonio, Texas, and nephew, John Grunert of Bethel, Conn., and a loving family of friends from Ocala’s On Top of the World and Linville Land Harbor of North Carolina.

She was preceded in death by her son, David J. MacCall, husband of 30 years, David E. MacCall, and husband of 21 years Harold G. Marsden.

A Memorial Service will be held to celebrate Bab’s love of life at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, 2014, at On Top of the World’s Arbor Club, 8447 SW 99th Street Road, Ocala, FL 34481.

The family requests expressions of sympathy take the form of memorial donations the American Heart Association, 1101 Northchase Parkway, Suite 1 Marietta, GA 30067, the American Cancer Society, 21754 State Rd 54, Lutz, FL 33549 or your favorite charity.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by clicking to www.HooperFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Beverly Hills Chapel of Hooper Funeral Homes.

Frank O’Neal (D. Oct. 10, 2014)

Frank L. O’Neal, 75, of Eustis, Fla., and Banner Elk, passed away Friday, Oct. 10, 2014, at Johnson City Medical Center in Johnson City, Tenn.

Frank is survived by his wife, Barbara Jean O’Neal, of the home; two sons, Kevin O’Neal and Todd O’Neal and wife Christine, all of Eustis, Fla.; one grandson, Sean O’Neal of Eustis; one granddaughter, Cadence O’Neal of Eustis, and one brother James O’Neal and wife Pam of Vero Beach, Fla.