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Watauga, Avery Obituaries – April 6, 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.


Mr. D. J. Norris (Jan. 27, 1939 – April 4, 2017)

Mr. D. J. Norris, age 78, of Boone passed away Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at Watauga Medical Center. Born January 29, 1939 in Watauga County, he was a son of the late Marvin and Ella Mae Cox Norris. D.J. was a longtime member of Bethelview Methodist Church. He enjoyed sports, bluegrass and country music. D was retired from ASU.

He is survived by his nieces and nephews; Charles and Darlene Norris, Jerry and Laura Norris, Anita and Charles Cook, Pat and Tony Cook, Kathy and David Hayes all of Boone, and Linda and Keith Nadeau and Susan Holman of Morganton, and a number of great nieces and nephews and one sister in law, Dorothy Norris of Boone. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Ralph, Ronda and Ray Norris, and one sister, Ruth Hayes. 

Funeral services for Mr. D. J. Norris will be conducted Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock at the Bethelview United Methodist Church. Officiating will be Pastor Elaine Hall, Rev. Derick Wilson and Rev. Gary Watson. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:30 until 2 o’clock at Bethelview Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Bethelview United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, in care of Larry Carroll, 200 Dell Coffey Road, Boone, NC 28607. Friends wishing to share food may bring it to Bethelview United Methodist Church for a meal following the service. The family would like to say a special thank you to D’s caregivers, Chad, Tony, Glenda, and Charles Norris and James Harrison. And also a special thank you to members of the community who have cared for and shared meals with D over the years.

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

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


Farris Dean Miller (Jan. 29, 1947 – April 2, 2017)

Farris Dean Miller, 70, of 150 Delmar Street, Boone, passed away Sunday, April 2, 2017 at his residence.

Dean was born Jan. 29, 1947 in Watauga County, a son of the late Howard E. Miller and Virginia Critcher Miller. He was a retired truck driver for Bob Miller Trucking.

Dean is survived by one sister, Jeannie Miller Scott and husband Dean of Todd; four nephews, Randall Scott and wife Kim, and Chad Scott and wife Michelle, all of Fleetwood, Jeremy Miller and wife Christina of Statesville, and Jason Miller and wife Brittney of Summerville, South Carolina; one niece, Kim LeFever and husband Bryan of Statesville; one sister-in-law, Linda Miller of Statesville; two aunts, Marcella Anderson of Boone and Welda Bishop of Lincolnton; one uncle, Bob Miller and wife Emogene, and an additional aunt, Wilma “Bill” Miller, all of Zionville. He is also survived by a number of cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by and one brother, Reverend Keith Miller.

Funeral services for Mr. Farris Dean Miller will be conducted Thursday afternoon, April 6, 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 Joey Byrd and Reverend Rick Critcher. Burial will follow in Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hampton Funeral Service, 683 Blowing Rock Road, Boone, North Carolina, 28607, to assist with funeral expenses.

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


Aretta Sanders Carroll (April 26, 1945 – April 1, 2017)

Aretta Sanders Carroll, 71, of US Highway 221 North, Fleetwood, passed away Saturday afternoon, April 1, 2017, at Watauga Medical Center.

Aretta was born April 26, 1945 in Watauga County, a daughter of Beulah Cornett Sanders and the late Frank Sanders. She was a retired library assistant at Parkway Elementary School, and a member of Liberty Grove Baptist Church.

In addition to her mother, Aretta is survived by her husband, Casey J. Carroll of the home; one son, Charlie J. Carroll and wife Shannon of Deep Gap; one granddaughter, Brooklin Carroll of Deep Gap; one grandson, Bryson Carroll of Deep Gap; three sisters, Lois Townsend of Morganton, Joyce Hartzog and husband Basil of West Jefferson, and Lori Candler of Zionville; one brother, Johnny Sanders and wife Debbie of Zionville, one sister-in-law, Mary Carroll Moore of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and two brothers-in-law, Eugene Carroll and Troy Carroll, both of Lenoir. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by two brothers, David and Larry Sanders.

Funeral services for Aretta Sanders Carroll will be conducted Monday afternoon, April 3, 2017, at 2:00 o’clock, at Liberty Grove Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 12:00 until 2:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Reverend Toby Oliver and Reverend Herbert McCoy. Burial will follow in Gap Creek Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Monday afternoon, from 12:00 until 2:00 o’clock, at the church, prior to the service.

Flowers are appreciated, or memorial contributions may be made to Liberty Grove Baptist Church, PO Box 400, Deep Gap, North Carolina, 28618.

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


James Seldon Wright,, Jr. (Feb. 3, 1939 – March 31, 2017) 

James S. Wright, Jr., 78, of Blowing Rock, passed away Friday, March 31, 2017. He was a native of Watauga County. “Jim” was a plant manager for Emcee Electronics in Venice, Florida before moving back to Watauga County in 1986.

Jim had a passion for motorcycles, racing motorcross for many years locally, and even doing a Kawasaki Motorcycle commercial. He also enjoyed rebuilding cars, car shows, and taking road trips on his motorcycle.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Betty Horton Wright. Four children, Teresa Beshears, Angela, Mike and Sam Taylor. Four sisters, Louise Absher, Abby Hayes, Margaret Jimenez and Eileen Ebright. One brother, Rudy Hayes. Five grandchildren, Tyler Beshears, Carington and Lilli Taylor, Jordyn and Jamie Cantor. Four nephews, Dean and Danny Greene, Morgan Younce and Sherrill Hayes. Five nieces, Janie Hayslett, Gina Greene, Sarah Bruce, Mchala and Sarai Hayes.

No services are planned at this time.

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

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


Mary Molinda Norris (May 31, 1918 – March 31, 2017)

Mary Molinda Norris, 98, of Boone, passed away Friday, March 31, 2017. As was her prayer and desire, Mary took her final breath at her lifelong home on Chestnut Grove Road just across the hall from the same room where her life journey had begun so many years before. 

Miss Norris was born on May 31, 1918 to beloved parents, the late Mary Myrtle and Charles Kelly Norris. In addition to her parents, other family members who preceded her in death were brothers, Luther and Clay Norris and half-brother, Clyde Norris; infant sister; and nephew, Norman Luther Norris. Surviving Miss Norris are nephews, Clay Norris and wife, Deborah, and Jerry Norris, all of Hudson and Jody Norris and wife, Gail, of Lenoir; great nieces and nephews, Lori Norris Jinkerson, Melissa Norris, Melissa Spears, Chris Norris and Tyler Auton; and great-great nieces and nephews, Tyler and Trenton Auler, Mason Webb, Emily Jinkerson and Jody and Kara Spears. Also surviving are special friends, Bud Norris, Richard Hayes and Gladys Greene along with so many others who have shown their love and support over the years. 

Mary spent her life on the family farm and enjoyed “the simple things in life and the old-fashioned way of doing things.” She considered herself to have been blessed beyond measure with such a tremendous circle of friends, both young and old. With a sweet smile and warm embrace, Mary welcomed friends and neighbors from the close knit community she called home along with visitors from all over NC and the US to come in and share laughter, sometimes a little music, and always her quick wit. 

Sincerely appreciative and never taking her blessings for granted, she would often comment on how much the kindness she had been shown had enriched her life over the years. As many have heard Mary say “True friends are more valuable than all the riches in the world. I have been richly blessed with many special friends who show they care.”

As she is now being welcomed into her eternal home and we must say our earthly goodbyes to Miss Mary Norris, may each of us who remain embrace the directive and take comfort in the great promise of these simple yet poignant words. 1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 

At Miss Norris’ request, graveside services will be conducted Tuesday afternoon, April 4th, at 2 o’clock at the Meat Camp Baptist Church Cemetery. Officiating will be Rev. Mike Townsend, Rev.Delmar James and Rev. David Ward. The family respectfully requests no food and suggests, in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the Meat Camp Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, in care of Barry Greene, 527 Jack Hayes Road, Boone, NC 28607.

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

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


Leroy D. Woodring (Oct. 8, 1949 – March 31, 2017)

Leroy D. Woodring, 67, of NC Highway 194 North, Boone, passed away Friday morning, March 31, 2017.

Leroy was born Oct. 8, 1949 in Watauga County, a son of Mae Marie Smith Woodring and the late David Cleveland Woodring. He was a retired housekeeper at Appalachian State University and a member of Liberty Baptist Church. 

In addition to his mother, he is survived by one brother, Danny Woodring of Newton; one niece, Daniell Mizenheimer and husband Adam of Southern Pines, and one nephew, Danny Woodring, II, of Claremont, North Carolina.

Funeral services for Leroy D. Woodring will be conducted, Saturday, April 8, 2017 at 1:00 o’clock at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state from 12:00 until 1:00. Reverend Sonny Hagaman, Reverend T.J. Jackson and Reverend Charlie Woodring will officiate. Burial will follow in Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens.

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

The family respectfully requests no food.

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

Flowers are appreciated, or memorial contributions may be made to Liberty Baptist Church, 1071 Meat Camp Road, Boone, North Carolina 28607. The family respectfully requests no food.

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


Amanda Frazier (Jan. 10, 1933 – March 30, 2017)

Amanda Long Frazier, age 84, of Newland, North Carolina, the Land Harbor Community, passed away on Thursday, March 30, 2017 at her Residence. 

She was born on Jan. 10, 1933 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, a daughter of James Austin Long and Gladys Meredith Long Chavicourt.

Amanda loved teaching children and retired from the Dekalb County School System. She received her undergraduate degree from Georgia State University and her Master’s from Emory University. She was a member of the Crossnore Presbyterian Church and enjoyed singing in the church choir.

She was preceded in death by her Father, James Austin Long; Mother, Gladys Meredith Long Chavicourt; and son Ben Carroll Frazier.

Amanda leaves behind to cherish her memory her: Husband of 67 years, Benny Frazier of Newland, NC, Daughter, Meredith Fraser ( and husband Blake Fraser) of Snellville, GA, Daughter, Rose Culbreath (and husband John) of Concord, NC, Sister, Mary Tolley of Jackson, MS, Brother, Jim Long of Erwin, TN. She was loved and will be missed by six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life Service for Amanda Long Frazier will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2017 beginning at 11:00am at Crossnore Presbyterian Church with Reverend Kathy Campbell officiating.

Words of Comfort and Memories may be shared with the Frazier family by visiting our website www.rsfh.net. The care of Amanda and her family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland.


Ronald Flowers (July 23, 1950 – March 29, 2017)

Ronald P. Flowers, formerly of Hartsville, SC, son of Thomas Earl and Helen Segars Flowers, passed away on March 29, 2017, at his home in Newland, NC.

Born in 1950, he was a graduate of Hartsville High School in 1968 and the University of South Carolina in 1973. He was employed for 12 years on various Daniel Construction jobs and met his future wife Julie, while working in Texas. Julie and Ron enjoyed 38 years of marriage and were the proud parents of two sons, Will, of Raleigh, N.C. and Daniel, of Florence, S.C. He is survived by a sister, Helen Carole Flowers of Hartsville SC and was predeceased by his parents and an older brother, Thomas Earl Flowers Jr.

He was employed at Florence-Darlington Technical College, then Francis Marion University for the remainder of his career. He retired from the State of SC in 2009 and Julie and Ron moved to Newland NC, and while he respected his birthplace, the mountains became his home very quickly. Delivering Meals on Wheels with Julie gave him great pleasure, allowing him to meet many colorful characters all around the county.

He also enjoyed music, reading, riding motorcycles, cooking on the grill, and watching the sunset. As his health began to deteriorate, his favorite activity of the day was getting up with the sun, riding around with his special canine friend, Heidi, in their Jeep while watching Avery County come to life.

He believed that to “do unto others as you would have them do to you” pretty much said it all.

Per Ron’s wishes, there will be no visitation and no service. If you wish to leave a donation in his memory, please consider donating to:
The Avery County Senior Center,
165 Schultz St
Newland, NC 28657

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


Dr. Richard H. Rupp (Nov. 16, 1934 – March 27, 2017)

Dr. Richard (Dick) Henry Rupp passed away peacefully with his family by his side on March 27, 2017, after a brief illness. He was a loving husband, a patient father, and a doting grandfather to ten beautiful grandchildren.
    
Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, Dick attended St. Meinrad Seminary while considering the priesthood. After some reflection, he altered course and decided a life of teaching was his lifes calling. He received his undergraduate and masters degrees from the University of Notre Dame and a Doctorate in English from Indiana University. 
    
After completing his formal education in Indiana, Dick moved to Washington, DC, where he met the love of his life, Mary Frances Grove at church. In June of 1963, they married in the backyard of Marys home in Frederick, Maryland.
    
Dick enjoyed a career teaching English and literature to countless students at outstanding educational institutions across the country: Georgetown University, the University of Miami, Brooklyn College, and Appalachian State University. He came to ASU as the Dean of the Graduate School in 1975 but missed the classroom, so he returned to his calling as an English professor from 1979 until his retirement in 2001. He also authored several novels during his professional career.
    
In addition to his career, Dick raised five children (who all benefited scholastically from his prowess as a grammarian). He served St. Elizabeths Church in various capacities for over 40 years. He was a member of Kiwanis for 60 years, sang tenor in the Mountainaire Barbershop Quartet, served on the WAMY Board of Directors, and was active in community theatre. He enjoyed the finer things in life: traveling, swinging in his hammock, and smoking a good cigar.
    
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mary G. Rupp, his brother Jack Rupp (Mary Anne), and five adult children: Elizabeth M. Rupp, Christopher R. Rupp (Lisa) Nicholas G. Rupp (Karen), Matthew J. Rupp (Sarah), and Daniel W. Rupp (Taryn). In addition, he was a father figure to Thomas Klostermeyer, an honorary family member of the large Rupp Clan. One of the joys of his life was spending time with his dear grandchildren: Katie, Reid, Courtney, Madison, Jenna, Ollie, Meredith, Willa, Scarlett, and Nathaniel (aka Natty Bumppo.
  
A celebration of the life of Richard (Dick) Henry Rupp will occur this Sunday, April 2, at 3:00 pm at St. Elizabeths Catholic Church in Boone, NC. The family wiil receive friends Saturday from 4 until 6 P.M. at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Hospitality House, PO Box 309, Boone, NC, 28607, or to the Boone Kiwanis Club, 1325 Ravens Ridge Circle, Boone, NC 28607.

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