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Watauga, Avery Obituaries – April 10, 2018

The following are recent obituary notices from Austin & Barnes and Hampton funeral homes in Boone and Reins-Sturdivant in Newland.

 

Mrs. Lois L. Johns 
(March 07, 1925 – April 1, 2018) 

Mrs. Lois Larkin Johns, 93, of 146 Loblolly Lane, Boone, NC, died Sunday April 1, 2018 at Watauga Medical Center in Boone, NC. She was born March 7, 1925 in Syracuse, NY to the late E. Merritt and Ruth Larkin.
    Mrs. Johns was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Robert Kenyon Johns whom she married in 1952. The couple resided in Pompey, NY, and then Skaneateles, NY where she was a bookkeeper for Empire Aero Services. Upon Mr. Johns retirement as a school teacher at Skaneateles High School they moved to Butler, TN and then Boone, NC. Mrs. Johns was an active member of The Skaneateles Methodist Church while residing there, and then the 1st Presbyterian Church of Elizabethton, TN. 
    Mrs. Johns is survived by her three daughters, Penelope Johns of Redondo Beach, CA; Pamela Johns Vavra of Tucson, AZ, and Priscilla Johns of Sugar Grove, NC; as well as three grandchildren, Kenyon Hall, Justin Hall and Grant Vavra.
    In lieu of flowers, a memorial contributions may be made to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 902 Kirkwood St., NW, Lenoir, NC 28645.
    Online condolences may be shared with the Johns family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
    Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Johns family.

 

 

Mr. Jeffrey L. Ragan 
(July 25, 1963 – April 4, 2018) 

 Jeffrey (Jeff) L. Ragan, 54, of Wilmington, NC, formerly of Watauga County, passed away on Wednesday, April 4, 2018, at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. He was born July 25, 1963, at Watauga Hospital, Boone, NC. Jeff graduated from Watauga High School in 1981 where he was a member of the Pioneer Marching Band, and a member of the Golf and Wrestling Teams; he attended Appalachian State University. Jeff worked as an assistant golf professional at several golf courses including; Blowing Rock Country Club, Port Arthur (TX) Country Club and Country Club of Pine Bluff, NC. He also worked as area manager for Club Car Carriages, Orange Park, FL. Jeff had been employed by 84 Lumber Company in Wilmington for several years at the time of his death. He was a proud UNC Tarheel basketball fan.
    Jeff was the son of Wilma M. Ragan and the late George C. Ragan of Boone. He is survived by his wife Robin Greer Simpson, two children Blake and Brooke Ragan of Hampstead, NC; his mother Wilma Ragan Simpson and stepfather Jack Simpson of Boone; a brother Greg Ragan and wife Heidi and their daughter Libby Ann of Lenoir, NC., two stepchildren Ryan Harris and wife Stephanie, Columbus OH, Brittany Elliott and husband Ben, grandchildren Natalie and Ethan Purvis, Benjamin and Noah Elliott, Atlanta, GA. Numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins also survive. 
    A Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Jeff Ragan will be held at 4PM on Saturday, April 14, at Deerfield United Methodist Church with Rev. Wes Austin and Rev. Barry Raker officiating. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 3pm prior to the service. Burial will be private.
    The family respectfully requests no flowers, memorials may be made to Deerfield United Methodist Church Building Fund, 1184 Deerfield Road, Boone, NC 28607.
    Online condolences may be shared with the Ragan family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
    Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Ragan family.

 

 

Timothy W. Matheson 
(August 08, 1968 – April 8, 2018) 

Mr. Timothy William Matheson, age 49, of Boone, passed away Sunday, April 8, 2018.
    He was a native of Watauga County and retired from Appalachian State University. Timmy enjoyed working on old cars and automobile racing.
    He was preceded in death by his father, Archie Matheson, and his grandmother, Gertrude Isaacs.
    He is survived by his son, Joshua William Matheson and fiancée Taylor Johnson of Butler, TN., three daughters, Brittany Matheson (John) of Mountain City, TN., Faith Matheson and Jewel Matheson both of Boone, his mother and step-father, Helen and Jimmy Cannon of Vilas, three sisters, Sandra Gragg (Stuart Wells) of Newland, Rebecca Mendoza (Luis) of Boone, and Kaylie Matheson of Vilas. Two brothers, David Matheson of Sugar Grove and Andrew Matheson of Vilas. Two grandchildren, Brandon and Alissa Fritts, and many nieces and nephews also survive.
    Funeral services will be conducted Friday, April 13, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. in the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in the Boones Fork Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday, one hour prior to the services, from 12:00-1:00 p.m.
    Online condolences may be shared with the Matheson family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
    Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Matheson family.

 

Grady Moretz, Jr. 
(June 29, 1929 – April 8, 2018)

Grady Moretz, Jr., age 88, of Poplar Hill Drive, Boone, passed away Sunday morning, April 8, 2018 at his home. Born June 29, 1929 in Watauga County, he was a son of Dillard Grady Moretz, Sr. and Grace Rhyne Moretz. Grady was a lifelong member of Grace Lutheran Church. After attending UNC Chapel Hill, Mr. Moretz served a four-year tour in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict. He was a co-founder, owner and operator of Appalachian Ski Mtn. A noted civic leader, Mr. Moretz was involved in numerous community and professional organizations. He served on the Watauga County School Board during the successful bond referendum for consolidation of the local high schools into Watauga High School. He was a founding member of the Watauga Education Foundation, and a member of the Watauga County Hospital Board of Trustees before serving 40 years on the Blowing Rock Hospital Board, 20 years as chairman. He was president of the Boone Jaycees, during the building of the Boone Jaycees Park near Horn in the West, was a member of the Boone Tourism Development Authority soon after its inception, and was a founding member of ASU’s Appalachian Summer Festival. 

    Mr. Moretz was an organizing member and president of both the North Carolina Ski Areas Association and North Carolina High Country Host, and was instrumental in creating the 1981 North Carolina Skier Safety Act legislation. He was president of the Southeastern Ski Areas Association and represented the southeast region on the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) Board of Directors, serving as an officer and a member of numerous committees. In 2005, he was the sole North American recipient of the NSAA Lifetime Achievement Award. 
    
    He was a die-hard Tarheel fan and was a proud supporter of ASU. 
    
    He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Reba Smith Moretz; son, Brad Moretz, wife Jennifer, and their children, Jensen and Avery Elizabeth Moretz, and daughter, Brenda Moretz Speckmann, husband, John, and their children, Wiley and Sophie Speckmann, all of Blowing Rock. 
    Funeral services for D. Grady Moretz, Jr. will be conducted Thursday afternoon, April 12, at 3:00 at Boone United Methodist Church, officiated by Pastor Stephen Troisi and Rev. John Bollinger. Military graveside services, provided by the American Legion Post #130 and the US Navy, will follow at Mount Lawn Memorial Park & Gardens. A reception will follow the graveside services at Grace Lutheran Church. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6 until 8 o’clock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home. 
    The family suggests memorials to Grace Lutheran Church Lutheran Student Center, 115 E. King St., Boone, NC 28607 or Caldwell Hospice & Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood St., NW, Lenoir, NC 28645.
    Online condolences may be shared at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
    Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Moretz family.

 

Joseph C. “Joe” Shoemake
July 03, 1964 – April 03, 2018

Joseph C. “Joe” Shoemake, age 53, of Payne Branch Road, Blowing Rock, passed away Tuesday afternoon, April 3, 2018, at Wake Forest Baptist Medical in Winston-Salem after a lengthy illness.

Joe was born July 3, 1964 in the Panama Canal Zone, a son of the late Doyle and Evelyn Young Shoemake. He and his family moved around in a military family. Joe worked many years as a premier stone mason in and around the Blowing Rock area.

Joe is survived by his wife of thirty years, Karen Zoe Carnes; his dear brother, Rick Shoemake, and two sisters, Michelle Harris and Emma Shoemake. 

A Celebration of the Life for Joseph C. “Joe” Shoemake scheduled and announced at a later date.

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

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements

 
Toney Allen Calhoun
July 4, 1945 – April 4, 2018
Toney A Calhoun, age 72 of Newland, North Carolina passed away on Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at his home. 
He was born on July 4, 1945 in Baltimore County, Maryland, a son of Jess Calhoun and Bessie Garland Calhoun.
Toney was a member of Gloryland Baptist Church in Charlotte. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and loved to build TeePees.
Along with his parents he was preceded in death by: Son, Tony Calhoun; Two Brothers, Tom Calhoun, Dick Calhoun; Sister, Florence Dover;
Toney leaves behind to cherish his memory his: Wife of 51 years, Dianna Daniels Calhoun of Newland, NC; Sons, Chris (Kathy) Calhoun of Charlotte, NC, Daughter, Casey Noelle Calhoun of Charlotte, NC, Daughter-in-law; Beth Calhoun of Mt. Holly, NC, Sister, Marie Autry of Bakersville, NC, Brother, John Calhoun of Crossnore, NC, Brother, Sonny Calhoun.
7 Grandchildren and 2 Great-Grandchildren, plus 1 on the way. 
A host of extended family. 
A celebration of life for Toney A. Calhoun will be held on, Saturday, April 7, 2018 beginning at 2:00PM from the Grandfather Chapel of Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home with Rev. Wesley Duncan and Dr. Bill Jones officiating. 
Pallbearer: Gary Nixon
Interment will be in the Hughes Cemetery on Squirrel Creek. 
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of Medi-Home Hospice, especially to Carol Smith and Brandy Johnson. 
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Medi-Home Hospice, P.O Box 1357, Newland, NC 28657
Words of Comfort and Memories may be shared with the Calhoun family by visiting our websitewww.rsfh.net
The care of Toney and his family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland.

 

 

 
Leonard “LB” Burnett Hayes
April 15, 1939 – April 5, 2018
Leonard “LB” Burnett Hayes, age 78 of Elk Park, North Carolina passed away on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at Watauga Medical Center.
He was born on April 15, 1939 in Avery County, North Carolina, a son of Ernest Fletcher Hayes and Hazel Oaks Hayes.
LB for many years was owner/operator of LB Hayes Tile. He was as a member of Pleasant Valley Baptist Church. He enjoyed fishing and woodworking 
Along with his parents is was preceded in death by Two Daughters, Janice Hayes, Joyce Hayes; Brothers; Richard Hayes and Jack Hayes 
LB leaves behind to cherish his memory his Wife, Jewel Hayes of Elk Park, NC, Sons; Scott (Ramona) Hayes of Elk Park, NC, Keith (Eloine) Hayes of Roan Mountain, TN, Daughter;Sherri (Robert) Heaton of Roan Mountain, TN, Sister, Frieda Winters of Elizabethton, TN, Grandchildren; MaKenzi “Angel” Hayes, Alex Heaton, Lorraine “Princess” Hayes, Joshua Hayes.
Graveside services for LB Hayes will be held on, Sunday, April 8, 2018 beginning at 2:00PM at Taylors Chapel Cemetery (Buck Mountain Community) with Pastor Lynn Pierce officiating. 
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the nurses and staff of Hospice of the Blue Ridge. 
Words of Comfort and Memories may be shared with the Hayes family by visiting our websitewww.rsfh.net
The care of Leonard and his family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland.

 

 
Lois Ann Nance Ray
March 12, 1940 – April 7, 2018
Lois Ann Nance Ray, age 78, of Newland, North Carolina passed away on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at her home in Newland.
Lois was born to Earl and Von Nance on March 12, 1940. She was raised with faith all around her and she maintained her faith with love embodied by her family throughout her life. She was a hairdresser by trade and practiced throughout her young adulthood, until she fell completely in love with her soul mate Kent Ray. They had a short courtship and were married in 1965. The following year, they welcomed their first daughter Amy Jill Ray and two years later their second daughter Joy Renee Ray. Together they were the best parents anyone could ask for. Life and love resided in their household. 
In 1980, a grandson, Patrick Brent Ray, whom she adopted as her own was born. Lois raised Brent as her own child, she and Kent continued to live their lives as a happy family through trials and tribulations until her soul mate Kent passed away in 1995. Through all her trials in her life, she remained a stalwart matriarch and represented a life well lived. 
Her life on this earth ended on April 7th, but her soul will live on in her living family. She is survived by her son Brent Ray, daughter Jill Thompson, granddaughter Savannah Thompson, and son in law Sam Thompson. She is survived by her sisters Virginia Crawford of Elizabethton, Tennessee and Sue Massey of Davidson, North Carolina. 
In addition to her husband, Kent, she was preceded in death by a Daughter, Joy Ray Ogburn; her Father, Earl VanBuren Nance; Mother, Vondola Nance; Brothers, Jim, and Bob Nance; Sister, Martha Platt.
Services for Lois Nance Ray will be held on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 beginning at 2:00 pm from the Church of Jesus Christ with Pastor Dave Atkins officiating. 
The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 pm on Tuesday at Church of Jesus Christ.
Interment will follow in the Newland Cemetery.
The family would like to thank the Nurses and Staff of Medi Home Hospice, especially Carol, Brandy, Mary, Diane and Brinkley for the loving care they provided to Lois.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Medi Home Hospice PO Box 1357 Newland, NC 28657.
Words of Comfort and Memories may be shared with the Ray family by visiting our websitewww.rsfh.net
The care of Lois and her family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland.

 

 

 
Ronnie Ray Moody
June 18, 1957 – April 7, 2018
Ronnie Moody, age 60, of Bristol, Virginia passed away on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at the Bristol Regional Medical Center in Bristol, TN.
He was born on June 18, 1957 in Avery County, North Carolina, a son of the late George Ellis Moody and the late Lillie Smith Moody.
He was a member of the Curtis Creek Freewill Baptist Church and worked for many years as a carpenter. 
He was preceded in death by his wife, Rose Linda Gwyn Moody.
Ronnie leaves behind to cherish his memory his: Son, Ronnie Ray Moody, II of Bristol, VA, Son, Jessie Lee Moody of Bristol, VA, Son, Thomas William Moody of Boone, NC, Sister, Connie Hoilman of Newland, NC, Sister, Barbara M. Shoun of Elizabethton, TN, Sister, Elizabeth Brady of Hickory, NC; six grandchildren.
A service to celebrate the life of Ronnie Moody will be held at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at the Curtis Creek Freewill Baptist Church with Ronnie’s brother-in-law, Pastor Fred Hoilman officiating. The family will receive friends at the church starting at 5pm on Tuesday.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the funeral home to help with the expenses.
Words of Comfort and Memories may be shared with the Moody family by visiting our websitewww.rsfh.net
The care of Ronnie and his family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland.