The following are recent obituary notices from Austin and Barnes and Hampton funeral homes in Boone and Reins-Sturdivant in Newland
James “OJ” Orris Arnette
April 21, 1945 ~ March 31, 2026
James (OJ) Orris Arnette of Caldwell County, passed away on March 31, 2026, at the age of 80. He was born to Ralph and Grace Hayes Arnette on April 21, 1945 and was raised with his family at Arnette Hollow, Watauga County.
James was an avid car racing enthusiast with his love for the sport bringing him much joy over the years. He shared this love of racing with his son, Barney and grandson, Stephen Shore. James also loved hunting ginseng with his brothers around the Appalachian mountains where they grew up. He loved reminiscing and telling stories of his baseball playing days with family and friends. James was co-owner of Arnette Brothers Construction for many years with his brother, Junior Arnette and finished his years of labor at Broyhill Furniture in Lenoir, NC.
James is preceded in death by his parents; Ralph and Grace Hayes Arnette, brothers; Junior Arnette, George Arnette, Edward Arnette, and two sisters; Minnie Arnette Story and Linda Arnette.
He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Edith Story Arnette. He is also survived by one daughter, Sandra Arnette Bumgarner and husband Keith, and one son; Barney James Arnette. Six grandchildren; Sabrina Crosby, Stephen Shore and wife Meagan, Todd Arnette and wife Christy, Jayden Arnette, Hunter Bumgarner, and Taylor Bumgarner. Five great-grandchildren; Jordan Crosby, Peyton Crosby, Callie Arnette, Raylan Arnette, and Lily Arnette.
In keeping with James’ (OJ’s) wishes, no public service will be held.
Pendry’s Lenoir Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of James Orris (OJ) Arnette.
Maxwell “Max” Conly Cox
March 31, 2006 – March 28, 2026
Maxwell “Max” Conly Cox, age 19, of Washington, NC, unexpectedly passed away in a car accident on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Blowing Rock, North Carolina on March 28th, 2026. Our beloved Max was born on March 31st, 2006, in Newport News, Virginia, to Jennifer Conly Cox and James Maxwell Cox. He was raised in Franklin, Virginia, and graduated from Nansemond-Suffolk Academy in 2024.
Max had a notable impact on his peers at Nansemond- Suffolk Academy. He played both varsity football and varsity lacrosse throughout his time in high school. Additionally, Max enjoyed mentoring young students as a flag football coach while he was a student at Nansemond-Suffolk. Following graduation, Max attended Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina where he was a proud member of Delta Chi Fraternity. He aspired to graduate with a degree in Construction Management, and upon graduation he planned to join the Marine Corps. Max worked as a powerboating counselor for two summers at Camp Sea Gull in Arapahoe, North Carolina. He served as a positive role model and cared for some of the youngest children at Camp in this position.
Max was an incredible source of light in the lives he touched, and he had an unparalleled enthusiasm for life. Throughout Max’s life, he enjoyed traveling abroad and growing his perspective of a world that transcended his immediate surroundings. He also loved spending time outdoors. In his free time, Max was often found camping or fishing with friends from Camp Sea Gull and Appalachian State in the surrounding Boone area.
Max is survived by his parents Jim and Jen Cox as well as his siblings Henry, Lizzie, and Jack. He also leaves behind several aunts, uncles, and cousins whom he loved dearly. Max joins his maternal grandfather, Charles Conly, and paternal grandparents, Edwin and Sally Cox, in eternal rest.
The funeral for Maxwell Conly Cox will take place on Saturday, April 11th, 2026, at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Episcopal Church on 101 North Bonner Street in Washington, North Carolina.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the camper scholarship fund in Max’s name at YMCA Camps Sea Gull and Seafarer. Donations can be made to Camp Sea Gull and Camp Seafarer, 801 Corporate Center Dr, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607. More kids should be able to have their lives touched by Camp as Max did.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.
Ruth Gibbons
July 9, 1942 – April 1, 2026
Ruth Ann Gibbons, age 83, of Ronda, passed away on Wednesday April 1, 2026, at her home.
Ruth was born on July 9, 1942, in Watauga County to the late James Adams and Sarah “Kathleen” Combs Adams.
In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by a daughter Kimberly Dawn Ward and a stepfather, Narvie Moore.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband Roger Gibbons of the home, a daughter Melissa (Don Guilbault) Davis of Elkin; a brother Oliver (Linda) Adams of Sugar Grove; a sister Margaret (Rudy) Hartley of Zionsville; three grandchildren Jessica (Brandon) Suggs of Mountain City, Sarah (Carson) McCullum of Jonesville, and Katie Spicer of Elkin; step-grandchildren, Nickolas Guilbault of the Republic of Georgia and Christopher Guilbault of Winston Salem; two great-grandchildren Lindsey Suggs and Colton McCullum; and several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life service will be held on Monday April 6, 2026, at 1pm at Little Richmond Baptist Church in Elkin. The family will receive friends from 12:30-1pm prior to the service at the church.
Johnson Funeral Home of Elkin is respectfully serving the Gibbons family. Online condolences may be made at www.johnson-funeral.com.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com
Courtesy of Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service.
Johnny Douglas Reece
March 23, 1949 – April 3, 2026
Boone, NC- Mr. Johnny Douglas Reece, age 77, of Boone, died Friday, April 3, 2026 at his home. Born March 23, 1949 in Watauga County, he was a son of the late Ivey Valentine and Mabel Lowrance Reece and husband of Mrs. Martha Yates Reece with whom he celebrated 51 years of marriage on March 28.
Other than his parents, he is preceded in death by a brother Eugene Reece.
Johnny was a US Army veteran, serving in Vietnam. He was of the Baptist faith. Johnny loved to laugh and bring joy to those around him. He enjoyed his Hardee’s biscuit and gravy, NASCAR Racing and his Atlanta Braves.
Other than his wife Martha, he is survived by his daughter, Deborah Marie Osborne and husband Travis of Zionville, 3 sisters, Mildred Greene and husband Ernie of Albemarle, Lois Aldridge of Marion, Betty Sue Clawson of Mt. City, TN and one brother, Larry Reece and wife Brenda.
A private Graveside Service will be held at a later time.
Online condolences may be sent to the Reece Family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com
Hampton Funeral Service of Boone is in charge of the arrangements.
Verna Belle Hicks
January 3, 1940 – April 5, 2026
Verna Belle Hicks 86, of Elk Park, NC passed away at Glenbridge Health and Rehabilitation Center in Boone, NC, April 5, 2026.
Services are incomplete at this time. Hampton Funeral and Cremation Services are in charge of the Arrangements.
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