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Watauga, Avery Obituaries – April 12, 2017

The following are recent obituary notices from Austin and Barnes and Hampton funeral homes in Boone and Reins-Sturdivant in Newland. Send obituary notices to jesse@highcountrypress.com.


Phyllis Wilson Moretz (Dec. 14, 1933 – April 12, 2017)

Mrs. Phyllis Wilson Moretz, 83, of 668 Stadium Drive, Boone, passed away Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at The Foley Center.

Funeral arrangements for Mrs. Phyllis Wilson Moretz are incomplete and will be announced.

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

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


Shelby Rominger Dishman (June 18, 1938 – April 11, 2017) 

Shelby Rominger (Shelley) Dishman, 78, of Dandridge, Tennessee and Ft. Myers, Fl. passed away Wednesday, December 28, 2016 in Ft. Myers. She was born June 18, 1938 in Watauga County, NC to Wilborn and Mattie Rominger. 

Shelley graduated from Cove Creek High School and attended Brevard College for 2 years. Before retirement she worked as a business administrator. Shelley had a great love and a particular gift for crafting and sewing.

She is survived by her mother, Mattie Rominger, brother-in-law, Frank Guy, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bruce and Betty Dishman, sister-in-law, Glenda Dancy as well as several nieces and nephews; and many friends. 

Shelley was predeceased by her husband, George Clint (Doby) Dishman; father, Wilborn Rominger; sister, Shirley Guy; brother, Harold Rominger; nephew, Stephen Dale Wheeler; and father-in-law and mother-In-law, Dave and Annie Dishman.

Memorial services will be conducted Saturday afternoon, April 22nd at 3:30 at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by Rev. Ray Greene and Rev. Eric Cornett. The family will receive friends Saturday from 2:30 until 3:30, prior to services, at Austin & Barnes. 

Memorial contributions in memory of Shelby Rominger (Shelley) Dishman are suggested to Caldwell Hospice, 902 Kirkwood Street NW, Lenoir, NC 28645, or to a charity of choice.

Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Dishman family.


James Brian Sutherland (Aug. 9, 1965 – April 11, 2017)

James Brian Sutherland, 51, of 547 Phillips Branch Road, Vilas, passed away Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at Johnson City Medical Center.

Funeral arrangements for James Brian Sutherland are incomplete and will be announced.

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

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


Pearl Watson (Oct. 31, 1934 – April 11, 2017)

Pearl Watson, 82, of 580 Old Bristol Road, Boone, passed away Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at her residence.

Funeral arrangements for Pearl Watson are incomplete and will be announced.

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

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


Christopher Kirkpatrick (Feb. 4, 1954 – April 10, 2017)

Christopher (Chris) Lee Kirkpatrick, 63, of Banner Elk, North Carolina passed away on Monday, April 10, 2017 at his residence. 

He was born on February 4, 1954 in Prince George’s County, Maryland, a son of John David Kirkpatrick and Opal Mae Smith Kirkpatrick.

Chris enjoyed sailing, wine making , gardening and music. Some of his favorites were classic rock and jazz, Frank Sinatra and Andrea Bocelli. He was an all around handyman. He was a member of Banner Elk Presbyterian Church and in earlier years a Boy Scout Leader in Oak Ridge N.C. Chris enjoyed people: he was very social and made friends with everyone he met. 

He was preceded in death by his Father, John David Kirkpatrick; Mother, Opal Mae Smith Kirkpatrick; Brother, John Austin Kirkpatrick; . 

Chris leaves behind to cherish his memory his: Wife of 31 years, Cheryl Kirkpatrick of Banner Elk, N.C., Son, Lcpl. Michael Kirkpatrick of Camp Lejeune, NC, Sister, Kathryn Ritenour of Macclenny, FL, Sister, Nancy Ann Johnston of Macclenny, FL, Brother, Michael (Kasia) Kirkpatrick of Woodstock, Ontario Canada. 

Services for Chris will be held on Saturday April 15, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Banner Elk Presbyterian Church. 

The family will receive friends following the service at a brief reception in the fellowship hall. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Banner Elk Presbyterian Church- Guatemala Mission Program. 

Words of Comfort and Memories may be shared with the Kirkpatrick family by visiting our website www.rsfh.net 


Gail Vannoy (June 7, 1945 – April 10, 2017)

Gail Vannoy, age 71, of Newland, North Carolina passed away on Monday, April 10, 2017 at Watauga Medical Center.

She was born on June 7, 1945 in Watauga County, North Carolina, the daughter of Russell F. Vannoy Jr. and Vivian Miller Vannoy.

She was preceded in death by her Father, Russell F. Vannoy, Jr.; Mother, Vivian Vannoy; Sister, Phyllis Vannoy.

Gail leaves behind to cherish her memory her: Daughter, Cynthia Patterson of Columbia, SC, Daughter, Elizabethann Barrier of Inman, SC, Grandson, Joseph Castengera, Granddaughter, Amberfawn Lynch.

Gail will be remembered fondly by the community, for her many years of service working in sales and as assistant manager of Sherman’s.

Services for Gail Vannoy will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2017 beginning at 1:00 pm from the First Baptist Church – Newland with Dr. Bill Jones officiating. 
The family will receive friends beginning at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday at First Baptist Church Newland NC.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorials be made to The American Cancer Society, 2200 Lake Blvd. Atlanta, GA 30319.

Words of Comfort and Memories may be shared with the Vannoy family by visiting our website www.rsfh.net.


Glenn Bradley (Jan. 22, 1936 – April 9, 2017)

Glenn was born January 22, 1936 in Tazewell, Virginia, a son of the late Samuel Robert Bradley and Etta Triplett Bradley. He was a retired correctional officer for the North Carolina Department of Correction and was also meat department manager at Harris Teeter, Lowes Food, and A&P. Glenn was a member of Willow Valley Baptist Church.

Glenn is survived by his wife, Geraldine Greer Bradley of the home; one daughter, Derena Bradley and fiance, Chris Chapman of the Foscoe Community; one son, David Bradley and wife Bonnie of Jefferson; one granddaughter, Peyton Trivett; two grandsons, Bradley Trivett and Josiah Bradley; three sisters, Beatrice Laney of High Point, and Alice Grizzby, and Doris Bird and husband Doug, both of Tazewell, Virginia; and two brothers, Leonard Bradley and wife Edith of Morganton, and Grover Bradley of Virginia; one sister-in-law, Alice Stevens and husband Gary of Vilas, and three brothers-in-law, Reverend Burl Greer and wife Linda of Boone, Larry Greer and wife Evelyn of Boone, and James Greer and wife Barbara of Maiden. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Edith and Mildred; two brothers, Harold and Sam; one brother-in-law, Gary Greer, and his father and mother-in-law, Arvil and Vera Greer.

Funeral services for Glenn Bradley will be conducted Tuesday afternoon, April 11, 2017, at 2:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Reverend Ray Greene and Pastor Gordon Noble. Military graveside rites and burial, provided by American Legion Post 130 and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 90, will follow in Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens.

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

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

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


Dr. Jack D. Lawrence, Sr. (Feb. 19, 1920 – April 7, 2017)

Dr. Jack D. Lawrence, Sr., age 97, of Leah Drive, Boone, passed away Friday morning, April 7, 2017, at his home.

Dr. Lawrence, Sr. was born February 19, 1920 in Avery county, a son of the late George Monroe Lawrence and Lena Culver Lawrence. He was a retired dentist, practicing in Boone, for over 35 years. Dr. Lawrence was a charter member of Greenway Baptist Church, and was past President of the North Carolina Baptist Men. He was Watauga County Commissioner, where he served as chairman. Dr. Lawrence, Sr. was a WWII veteran having served in the United States Army. He had a love for fox hunting.

Dr. Lawrence, Sr. is survived by four daughters, Dr. Beth Murray and husband Don of Monroe, Susan Tumbleston and husband Richard, Martha Addison and husband Dana, and Sally Whitson and husband Keith, all of Boone; two sons, Dr. Jack D. Lawrence, Jr. and wife Debbie, of Boone, and Jim Lawrence and wife Susan Blair of Houston, Texas, and one sister-in-law, Sue Aldridge of the Foscoe Community. He is also survived by sixteen grandchildren, twenty-seven great-grandchildren, and a number of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann; one daughter-in-law, Sharray; eight sisters, and four brothers.

Funeral services for Dr. Jack D. Lawrence, Sr. will be conducted Sunday afternoon, April 9, 2017, at 4:30 PM, at Greenway Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 3:30 until 4:30 PM. Officiating will be Reverend Fred Andrews and Jarrett Whiteside. The family will receive friends , from 5:30 until 7:00 o’clock at the church , following the service.

Graveside services, for the family, will be held Monday afternoon, at 1:30 PM, at Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens.

Flowers are appreciated, or memorial contributions may be made to Greenway Baptist Church, 880 Greenway Road, Boone, North Carolina, 28607.

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

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


Hazel Pearl Wilson Huffman (Dec. 29, 1943 – April 6, 2017)

Hazel Pearl Wilson Huffman, age 73, of Duffield, Virginia formerly of Vilas, passed away Thursday afternoon, April 6, 2017, at Ridgecrest Manor Nursing Home in Duffield, Virginia.

Mrs. Huffman was born December 29, 1943 in Watauga County, a daughter of the late Claude and Frances Gragg Wilson. She was a retired inspector for IRC/TRW in Boone, and a member of Beaver Dam Baptist Church.

Mrs. Huffman is survived by two daughters, Renee Huffman Lipford, of Pennington Gap, Virginia, Melinda Watson and husband Jeff, of Fort Blackmore, Virginia, two sons, Tony Huffman and wife Joan, of Mountain City, Tennessee and Tim Huffman, of Vilas, North Carolina, six-grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, four sisters, Liz Carter and husband Mike, of Boone, Lena Combs and husband Lewis, of Vilas, North Carolina, Lois Jestes and Blanche Jones, both of North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, four brothers, Clarence Wilson and wife Pat, of Boone, Jerry Wilson and wife Patsy, of Blowing Rock, Ronald Wilson and wife Linda, of Mountain City, Tennessee and Earl Wilson, of Elk Park, North Carolina. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Willis Dean Huffman, two half-brothers Norman and Homer Wilson, and one half-sister, Zola Corser.

Funeral services for Hazel Pearl Wilson Huffman will be conducted Sunday, April 9, 2017 at 2:00 o’clock at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Burl Greer will officiate. The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock. Interment will follow in Lower Beaver Dam Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon, from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock, at the funeral home, prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hampton Funeral Service to assist the family with funeral expenses. 

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

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


George E. Snyder (Jan. 12, 1929 – April 5, 2017) 

George Elmer Snyder of Blowing Rock, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at the Glenbridge Health and Rehabilitation Center on Wednesday, April 5, 2017. He was 88 years old, born on January 12, 1929 to G. Merlin and Janet M. Snyder in Hagerstown, Maryland. He resided there until moving to Sarasota, Florida in 1975. In 2006, he retired to Blowing Rock. 
    
George was an entrepreneur, inventor, businessman, civic leader, public servant, author of three books and devoted family man.
    
Starting his first business at age 13, he had been self-employed his entire life. His experience included starting and operating retail, wholesale, brokerage and manufacturing businesses. George is credited for being one of the first people to freeze pretzel dough for sale to consumers, and one of the first to market ice cream in a half-gallon container.
    
At age 29, George was elected to the Maryland State Senate. During his 16 years as a legislator, he served as Majority Leader and Chairman of the Finance Committee. In the 1970s, he became the National Director of the Constitutional Amendment for a Balanced Budget. He was also President of the National Taxpayers Union and served on its board of directors for more than 25 years. He later started the first national effort for Congressional term limits. 
    
George received several accolades and honors for his civic and political leadership, including: Outstanding Legislator, Public Official of the Year and Outstanding Jaycee President in the United States. 
    
He was a member of the Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church and a past commodore of the Blowing Rock Yacht Club. 
    
George is survived by his wife of 42 years, Karen Snyder; son, George Chip Snyder and daughter, Laura Young; stepson, Todd Templin and step-daughter, Kelly Ovitz; sisters Jean Hicks and Anne Geyer, and brother, James Snyder.
    
He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren and was preceded in death by twin daughters, Rebecca Snyder and Paige Snyder.
    
A Celebration of the Life of George E. Snyder will be conducted, Saturday, April 22, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. at Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church in Blowing Rock.
    
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1218 Main Street, Blowing Rock, NC 28605.
    
Online condolences may be shared with the Snyder family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Snyder family.