The following are recent obituary notices from Austin and Barnes and Hampton funeral homes in Boone and Reins-Sturdivant in Newland
Gordon Freeman Harris
February 3, 1933 ~ April 21, 2026
Gordon Freeman Harris quietly slipped from his earthly body in the early hours of Tuesday, April 21, and is now soaring above his beloved mountains with his many friends and family who have passed before him.
Gordon was born in Durham, NC, on February 3rd,1933, the last child of Charles A. Harris and Jackie Taylor Harris. As a young boy he enjoyed playing with his friends on Gurley Street in central Durham, and at 12 years of age got his first job delivering newspapers. He attended Durham City Schools and mowed lawns in the summer for extra money. In the summer of 1951, the Durham heat was so intense he turned off his mower and joined the Army. After bootcamp at Fort Benning, he left for Korea where he was assigned to the 2nd Division, 9th Regiment, 3rd Battalion where he received the Silver Star for Bravery and a Purple Heart after being wounded on Heartbreak Ridge.
In 1961 Gordon was raised as a Free Mason in Durham, NC. After moving to Boone he joined Snow Lodge 363; and under the guidance of Bill Fulmer, became a member of the Scottish Rite.
He married the love of his life, Josephine, in 1962, and they raised their family in Northern Durham in a family neighborhood where lifelong memories and home telephone numbers are still remembered. They enjoyed many trips to Cherry Grove Beach and the mountains of NC with special recollections of Tweetsie Railroad, Land of Oz, and Horn in the West.
Gordon acquired the nickname “Flash,” when he worked as a clerk at the US Post Office in Durham and on Duke Campus. At Duke, he made sure 7-foot-tall basketball players didn’t get mailboxes next to the floor. He retired in 1989 after 32 years of service.
Along with Dr. John Curtiss, he was instrumental in spearheading the Lebanon Volunteer Fire Department in 1971, and served as a firefighter when the Department was officially placed in service. He was also involved in the formation of the Carrington Community Education Center to offer older adults access to education for job enhancement. This program was a precursor to the State’s Community Education Program. In his downtime, Gordon enjoyed tooling with his CB radio where his handle was “Sidewinder” from the tactical flashlight he used in the Army.
Gordon loved his family with all his being and was especially proud of his grandchildren. He would light up when he heard their voices on the phone or during the many visits over the holidays. His other love language was a good meal and he enjoyed many over his lifetime. He was especially fond of the extra large oysters Jim provided for him at Mike’s Inland Seafood and the incredibly delicious Meat plus Three prepared by Tim Knight of The Social and former Knights on Main, along with memories of Lily’s Hot Dogs at Jimmie’s Grill in Durham and drives to Bob’s Barbeque in Creedmoor, NC. His Wednesday lunch bunch with Tim Harris and the late H.C. Moretz was especially dear to him.
Gordon never met a stranger. He had a contagious smile and was quick to laugh loudly and full of emotion. He enjoyed singing music of all genres, dancing, App State Football, Carolina Basketball, and the Atlanta Braves. His love of animals was immense. He would call out to owls in the trees and stop to remove a turtle from the roadway. He loved his Country and the rich history that created it.
Along with his parents, Gordon was preceded in death by his sisters, Blanche Morris, Mildred Pecora, Evelyn Recktanwald, Mae Harris, and Susan Canton; and brothers Warren Harris and William Harris.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Josephine Covington Harris, of Boone; his daughter, Julie Harris Farthing and husband Rod of Banner Elk, his son, Jamie and husband, Mark of NYC; and his son John and wife Jessica of Boone; his grandchildren, Rachel Jones (Josh), Jessie Condon (Eoin), Kaity Farthing, Brandon Farthing, James Bency (JB) Harris and John Waylon Harris. He is also survived by three great-grandaughters, Parker Jones, Maeve and Fiadh Condon; brother, Leon Recktenwald, his sister-in-law Marcia Blake (John), as well as many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.
The family would like to thank the many helpful workers at Home Instead, the Staff at Foley Center, and his nephew, Steve Harris and friend, Tim Harris for all their love and support during the past 9 months.
A celebration of life service will take place on Friday, April 24th at 2 pm, at High Country United Church of Christ, 8233 Hwy 421 N., Vilas, NC. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Post #130 and Masonic Final Rights will be provided by Snow Lodge #363.
Flowers are acceptable or donations can be made to the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 90 at P.O Box 2914, Boone, NC 28607or Watauga American Legion Post 130 at 135 Bear Trail, Boone, NC 28607.
Online condolences may be made at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin and Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Harris family.
Kenneth Hubbard
April 3, 2026
Kenneth Hubbard, 75, of Boone, North Carolina, passed away on April 3, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, generosity, and a life well lived.
Kenneth was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Cathleen Hubbard, and a proud and loving father to his two sons, Brian Hubbard and Jason Hubbard. He is also survived by his sister and lifelong pal, Diana Anderson; his stepdaughter, Hannah; his daughter-in-law, Lauren; and his three cherished grandchildren (Cali, KK, and Dean), who brought him immense joy and pride.
Above all else, Kenneth loved spending time with his family and friends. He was a deeply devoted father, giving his sons a lifetime of experiences before they were even 18 years old—memories that will be treasured forever. He loved his wife with his whole heart and especially cherished their time together in Belize. Nothing meant more to him than being with his grandchildren, whom he adored.
Kenneth lived life fully and with enthusiasm. He enjoyed dining out, attending plays, going to football games, and listening to live music. A successful businessman and entrepreneur, he approached life with determination and passion. He was also an avid hunter, having traveled extensively and taken much of what roams in Africa. Known for his distinctive style, Kenneth loved his cowboy boots, cowboy hats, and three-piece suits.
He will be remembered as a loving, kind, and caring man who was always willing to share with others—and who was, without fail, always on time.
A funeral service will be held at a later date at Grace Lutheran Church in Boone, North Carolina.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Lutheran Church Troutman Foundation in his memory.
Kenneth Hubbard will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.
Annoucement courtesy of Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service.
Carol Darlene Watson Butler
January 27, 1947 – April 24, 2026
Carol Darlene Watson Butler age 79 passed away April 24, 2026, at Richmond Pine Nursing and Rehab in Hamlett, North Carolina.
She was born on January 27, 1947, in Watauga County. The daughter of the late Nolan Watson, Sr and Ruby Watson. She was a homemaker and a member of Mount Paran Baptist Church.
She is survived by three sisters, Debbie Sue Starling of Cheraw, SC: Sandra Kay Snyder of Mountain City, TN and Marcella Jane Watson of Boone, NC, one brother, Basil Watson of Fleetwood, NC. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her father and mother she was preceded in death by her husband Buster Butler and one brother Nolan Watson, Jr.
Funeral services will be conducted at11:00 AM Saturday May 2, 2026, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens. Reverend Randall Greene will officiate.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00, prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://donorservices.alz.org
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.
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