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Avery, Watauga Obituaries – Sept. 29, 2015

Rod Jones (Sept. 10, 1939 – Sept. 28, 2015)

Rod Lewis Jones, 76, of Elk Park passed away on September 28, 2015 at his residence.

Rod-Jones-1443530596A native of Avery County, he was born Sept. 10, 1939 a son of the late Frank and Mary Harmon Jones. He was a member of Fall Creek Baptist Church and loved music and playing in a gospel bluegrass band.

Along with his parents, Rod was preceded in death by his: brothers, Benjamin Chester Jones, Basil Jones, Glenn Jones, Judd Jones; sisters, Fairy Church, Mayzie Hagie, Ada Jones.

Rod has left to cherish his memory his: wife, Glenda Jones of the home; daughter, Tammy Jones of Elk Park; son, Jason Jones of Elk Park; grandson, Alex Elkins and wife Kayla of Spruce Pine; great granddaughter, Alexis Elkins of Spruce Pine; great grandson, Easton Elkins of Spruce Pine; brother, Kenneth Jones and wife Pearl of Johnson City, TN; along with many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Rod Lewis Jones will be conducted on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 7:00 p.m. in the Grandfather Chapel of Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home with Rev. Roy Arnett officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until the service hour.

In lieu of flowers, memorials should be made to the Fall Creek Volunteer Fire Department.

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

Inez B. Branham (April 17, 1925 – Sept. 27, 2015)

Inez Bates Branham, 90, of Blowing Rock, passed away Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015, in Watauga Medical Center.

Funeral services will be conducted at a later date.

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

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

Robert S Friedman Jr. (March 17, 1959 – Sept. 26, 2015)

Robert S. “Bob” Friedman, Jr., 56, of Linville, and Myrtle Beach, died unexpectedly on Saturday, September 26, 2015, at his residence in Linville, North Carolina.

Robert-Friedman-1443519838Born on March 17, 1959, in Rock Hill, South Carolina, Bob was the youngest child of Robert Seymour Friedman and Rubinelle McDuffie Friedman. He attended the public schools of Rock Hill and was a graduate of Wofford College. Bob was engaged in real estate with Linville Mountain Properties in Linville, NC, and was a longtime member of the National Board of Realtors.

Bob will be remembered by family and friends for his warm smile and gregarious laughter. He was a carefree spirit who adored dogs and golf. He enjoyed playing golf in Linville and Myrtle Beach and split his year between the two areas with numerous golfing buddies.

Bob loved the study of history and the people and events that have shaped our country. He was an avid reader and relished in good conversation about public affairs. Like his parents, Bob was a fervent Democrat.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Seymour Friedman, in 1993. Bob is survived by his mother, Rubinelle McDuffie Friedman, of Columbia,SC; sisters Belinda Friedman Gergel (Richard) of Charleston, SC, and Daphne Friedman Bethencourt of Columbia, SC; nephews Richie Gergel of New York City and Joseph Gergel of Lagos, Nigeria; nieces Rachel Willis of Kennesaw, GA, and Amanda Day of Acworth, Ga.; and cousins Barbara Rainwater Graves of Columbia, SC; James Overton of Columbia, SC; Angus F. McDuffie of Sumter, SC; Robert B. McDuffie of Summerton,SC; Robert Gross of Beaufort, SC; Larry Gross of Wenatchee, WA; Jean G. Lokken of Big Spring, TX; Marie G. Grisham, of Charlottesville, VA; Ernest F. McDuffie, Jr. of Myrtle Beach, SC; Roy McDuffie of Little River, SC ; and Nina and Missy McDuffie of Myrtle Beach, SC.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 11 at 2:00 PM at the Episcopal Church of

Our Savior, 144 Caldwell Street, Rock Hill, SC.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.rsfh.net

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Newland, NC, is assisting with arrangements.

Frederick Hubert Miller (Sept. 16, 1932 – Sept. 24, 2015)

Mr. Fredrick Hubert Miller, 83, of Lee South Road, Boone, passed away Thursday afternoon, September 24, 2015 at Glenbridge Health & Rehabilitation. Born September 16, 1932 in Watauga County, he was a son of the late Earl and Blanche Proffitt Miller. Mr. Miller was a US Army Veteran and a carpenter. He enjoyed raising goats and Christmas trees.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Rachel Ann Teague Miller, four children, Dennis Miller and wife Tonya Abbott, Joey Miller and wife Kelly, Johnny Miller and wife Deana, and Molly Miller all of Boone, eight grandchildren, Michael, Leslie, Jessica, Chance, Jake, Hayley Brooke and Brittany, five great grandsons, three brothers, Allen Miller and wife Judy of Boone, Grady Miller of Lenoir, Bob Miller and wife Marcel of Boone, one sister, Lena Miller of Lenoir, one sister in law, Carolyn Miller of Sophia, and an number of nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, J. D. Miller and Jim Miller, one sister in law, Dotty Miller and one brother in law, Darrell Miller.

Memorial service for Mr. Fredrick Hubert Miller will be conducted Sunday afternoon at 3 o’clock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Rev. Delmar James. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1 o’clock until 3 o’clock at the funeral home. At other times friends may call at the residence of Molly Miller. Online condolences may be shared with the Miller family at austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

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

Peter Lucas “Rusty” Rasco, Jr. (Dec. 22, 1943 – Sept. 23, 2015)

Peter Lucas “Rusty” Rasco, Jr., 71, of Stoney Brook Lane, Boone, passed away Wednesday evening, September 23, 2015, at his home.

Rasco
Rasco

Rusty was born December 22, 1943 in Jackson Heights, New York, a son of the late Peter Lucas Rasco, Sr. and Susan Pagano Rasco. He was a retired traffic systems computer programmer. Rusty was also a member of New Dawn Community Church since its founding 20 years ago. He loved fishing and the New York Giants.

Rusty is survived by one son, Arthur John Rasco and wife Hanna of Boone; two granddaughters, Emma and Elise Rasco, both of Boone; two grandsons, Jonathan and Joshua Rasco, both of Boone, and one sister, Nancy Calkins and husband David of Marcell, Minnesota. He is also survived by two nieces.

Funeral services for Peter Lucas “Rusty” Rasco, Jr. will be conducted Tuesday evening, September 29, 2015, at 7:30 PM, at New Dawn Community Church in Coral Springs, Florida. Officiating will be Pastor Randall Cutter. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Pompano Beach, Florida.

A reception honoring Rusty will be held Saturday evening, September 26, 2015, from 6:30 until 8:30 PM, at Alliance Bible Fellowship. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Children’s Heart Project, in care of Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, North Carolina, 28607. 

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

Geraldine Accetturo (July 12, 1942 – Sept. 23, 2015)

Geraldine Mrs. A. Accetturo, 73, of Banner Elk, NC, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family, on Wednesday, September 23, 2015. Born in Newark, NJ on July 12, 1942 she was a daughter of Frank and Josephine Infantolino Sottosante.

BigAccetturo 1She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Anthony Accetturo, Sr., her daughters Geraldine Geri Palazzo and Maria Accetturo; her son, Anthony, Jr., and his wife, Helen and the baby, Angelo and his wife, Angela. She had 9 grandchildren: Anthony III, Anthony and Nicole Palazzo, Angelo Jr. and Ava, Nicholas and Natalie, Lola and Sofia; and great grandson, Anthony Accetturo, IV, and brother-in-law, Jim Romano.

In addition to her parents, Frank and Josephine Infantolino Sottosante, she was preceded in death by her sister, Fran Romano.

She was pivotal in their family business, originally Villa Sorrento, now Sorrentos Bistro, where she loved to cook her favorite foods and mingle with her customers and friends.

Mass for Mrs. A. Geraldine Accetturo, will be celebrated 11:00 AM, Saturday, September 26, 2015, at St. Bernadette Roman Catholic Church, Linville, NC.

There will be a gathering of family and friends, following the service, at 4:00 PM at Sorrentos Bistro, Banner Elk, NC.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospitality House of Boone,

PO Box 309, Boone, NC 28607.

 

Charles “Pop” Buchanan (Sept. 7, 1929 – Sept. 23, 2015)

Charles B. “Pop” Buchanan, 86, of Newland, passed away on Wednesday, September 23, 2015.

Buchanan
Buchanan

A native of Buncombe County, he was born Sept. 7, 1929, a son of the late Ben and Hattie Hall Buchanan. Charlie was a devoted member and Deacon of First Baptist Church Newland and a Charter member of the Newland Volunteer Fire Department. Charlie served his country during the Korean Conflict in the US Navy.

He was a member and past Master of the Linville Masonic Lodge AF&AM, the Order of the Eastern Star, and the Shriners. Charlie worked for many years as a Butcher in Newland and was known throughout Avery County for his hardwood flooring and tile, he retired as a Mail Carrier from the United States Postal Service

Charlie enjoyed spending time with his family, cooking and watching ball games with them. He was a “Die Hard” Duke fan. An enthusiastic outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing and coon hunting.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie Burleson Buchanan; a son, Charles Ray Buchanan; and a sister, Vivian Hall.

“Pop” leaves behind to cherish his memory, his daughter, Charlene Caraway of Newland; granddaughters, Missy Pittman, and husband, Robert, of Newland, Sarah Horton, and husband Jesse, of Newland, Nikki Burleson, and husband Jamie, of Spruce Pine; great grandchildren, Kobe, Kaylee, Rylee, Ellee, Lane, Leah Grace, and Hudson; sister, Louise Alderson of Asheville; brother, Ed Buchanan of Black Mountain; a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services for Charles “Pop” Buchanan will be held on Sunday, September 27, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. in the First Baptist Church Newland with Dr. Bill Jones and Rev. Jack Bryant officiating. Interment will follow in the First Baptist Church Cemetery, with Masonic Rites provided by the Linville Lodge and Military Honors provided by the Pat Ray Post of the VFW.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 26, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Newland.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shriners.

Charlie’s family would like to extend their gratitude and thanks to the caring staffs of Medi Home Hospice in Newland, Life Care Center of Banner Elk and Cannon Memorial Hospital in Linville.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.rsfh.net

Peggy Dale (May 17, 1932 – Sept. 21, 2015)

Peggy Franklin Mummert Dale ,age 83, of Pineola passed away on Monday, September 21, 2015 at the Charles A. Cannon Memorial Hospital in Linville.

Peggy-Dale-1443014448A native of Avery County, she was born May 17, 1932 a daughter of the late William Martin Franklin, Sr. and the late Viverella Ledford Franklin.

She was a former member of the Mistress of the Mountain #241 and had worked as the local Avon Representative for over 35 years, winning numerous achievement awards. Peggy appreciated her many faithful customers and friends. She had also been employed at the Mountain Top Restaurant and the Flower Shop in Newland. Peggy was a member of the Pineola Baptist Church.

Along with her parents, Peggy was preceded in death by her: husband, William Franklin Dale; a sister, Frances Kate Hart; and a brother, William Martin Franklin, Jr.

Peggy has left to cherish her memory her: sons, Allen Mummert of Pineola, Eric Dale of Raleigh; grandchildren, Chasity Smith, Stephen Dale; great grandchildren Chloe Witt Smith, Burley Smith, VI and Addie Dale.

A Celebration of Life for Peggy Franklin Mummert Dale will be Friday, September 25th 7:00 p.m. in the Grandfather Chapel of Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home with Rev. Rufus Biddix officiating.

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 Dale family.

Edith Pitts Fortune (Sept. 16, 1924 – Sept. 21, 2015)

Edith Pitts Fortune, 91, formerly of Blowing Rock, passed away Monday, September 21, 2015 at Deerfield Ridge Assisted Living. She was born to Monroe and Minnie Pitts on September 16, 1924. Edith was a homemaker and a prayer warrior. She sang with the Pitts Family and played the piano for her enjoyment.

BigFortune, EdithShe loved being with family and is survived by two sisters, Louise Loudermelt of Boone and Ellen Krulik of Erie, PA.; brother, Roscoe Pitts of Blowing Rock; two daughters, Pat Holloway and husband, Lee, of Greenville, Georgia and Imogene Leupold and husband, John, of Charlotte; six grandchildren, Wayne Teague (Rhonda), Lori Harmon (Ned), Danita Adams (Monty), Angie Pence (Donnie), Margaret Eichner (Charlie), and John Leupold (Ale); eighteen great grandchildren, and fifteen great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Fortune; parents, Jerry Monroe and Minnie Oxentine Pitts; five brothers, one sister, and one granddaughter.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, September 26, 2015, at 11 AM, at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Chapel, officiated by Bishop Dennis R. Pitts. The family will receive friends Saturday morning from 10 until 11 oclock, one hour prior to services, at Austin & Barnes. Graveside services will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Blowing Rock. At other times, friends may visit the family at the home of Betty Ruth Holder Hudgins, 1602 Friendship Church Road, Boone.

The family suggests memorials in Ediths memory to Medi Home Health & Hospice, 400 Shadowline Drive, Suite 102, Boone, NC 28607.

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

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

 

Odell McCurry (Nov. 19, 1944 – Sept. 21, 2015)

Mr. Odell McCurry, age 70, of Church Road, Boone, the Foscoe Community, passed away Monday evening, September 21, 2015 at his residence.

McCurryMr. McCurry was born November 19, 1944 in Caldwell County, a son of the late Dewey Walter McCurry and Lucille Brigman McCurry. He was a retired flooring journeyman, and a member of Alliance Bible Fellowship.

Mr. McCurry is survived by two sons, Jeffrey Odell McCurry and girlfriend Beverly Thompson of Hodges, South Carolina and James Walter McCurry and girlfriend Becky Love of Boone; two sisters, Ginny Austin Ferguson of Sugar Grove and Lucille “Lucy” McCurry Bentley and husband Darrell of Bradenton, Florida; one brother, James Hunter of Morganton; four granddaughters, Tiffany, Heather, Shana and Raven, and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Judy Elaine Harmon McCurry, and two brothers, William Hunter and Paul McCurry. 

Memorial services for Odell McCurry will be conducted Sunday afternoon, September 27, 2015, at 3:00 o’clock, at the Moose Lodge #1805 in Boone. 

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

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

 

Delois Alma Klotzle (March 15, 1934 – Sept. 21, 2015)

Delois Alma Klotzle, age 81, of Morganton passed away on September 21, 2015 at Burke Hospice and Palliative Care.

She was born March 15, 1934 in Avery County a daughter of the late Ralph Stacy and Myra Leonna Sparks Greer.

Delois was a member of South Mountain Baptist Church.

She was a homemaker and enjoyed gardening and crocheting.

Along with her parents, Delois was preceded in death by her: husband, John Russell Klotzle; brother, Odis Greer.

A very caring, genuine and generous lady, Delois has left to cherish her memory her: daughter, Lecia Andrews and husband Ronald of Morganton; sons, John “Bobby” Klotzle of Asheville, Mark Klotzle and wife Penny of Morganton; sister, Linda Vance and husband Joseph of Morganton; six grandchildren; two great grandchildren.

Funeral services for Delois Alma Klotzle will be conducted on Thursday, September 24, 2015 at 3:00 pm at the Grandfather Chapel of Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Ashley Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:30 p.m. until the service hour.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Burke Hospice at 1721 Enon Rd. Valdese, NC 28690.

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 Klotzle family.