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Watauga, Avery Obituaries – Aug. 8, 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.


LTC David Williamson Garvin (June 29, 1937 – Aug. 8, 2017)

LTC David W. Garvin, Sr., age 80, of Boone, passed away Tuesday morning, August 8, 2017, at his home.

David resided in Boone, North Carolina. He was born in Columbia, South Carolina to Dr. and Mrs. (Margaret) O. David Garvin. He was educated at Chapel Hill High School in Pennsylvania. He studied and graduated from Davidson College and furthered his education with a Master’s degree from George Washington University in Washington, DC.

David served his country in the United States Army Medical Corps, retiring after 25 years and from Richland Memorial Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina in 2000.

He was an avid traveler, traveling throughout the country and the world behind the wheel of his motorhome or the helm of his boat. He was a member of the Lake Murray Power Squadron and the Special Military Active Recreational Travelers (S.M.A.R.T.) In recent years, he was a member and secretary of the Military Officer’s Association of America(MOAA), High Country Unit, served on the Salvation Army Board of the High Country, long time secretary of the Boone Kiwanis Club, active in his church, Boone United Methodist Church, and as a volunteer docent for the Blue Ridge Parkway.

David is survived by his wife of 55 years, Martha Goodell Garvin of the home; two sons, David Garvin, Jr. of King George, Virginia and Paul Garvin and wife Kimberly of Cades, South Carolina, and four grandchildren, Michael, Megan, Cyle, and Coy. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. O. David Garvin, MD, MPH, his mother, Mrs. Margaret Garvin, and a brother Peter.

Memorial services for LTC David W. Garvin, Sr. will be conducted Saturday afternoon, August 12, 2017, at 3:00 o’clock, at Boone United Methodist Church. Officiating will be Reverend Jeff McClain and Reverend David Hockett.

The family will receive friends Saturday afternoon, from 2:00 until 3:00 o’clock, at the church, prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Boone United Methodist Church, the Salvation Army of the High Country, or to the Kiwanis Club of Boone. 

Online condolences may be sent to the Garvin family at www.hamptonfuneranc.com.

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


Herb Aldridge (April 28, 1938 – Aug. 7, 2017)

Herb Aldridge, 79, of Newland, North Carolina passed away on Monday, August 7, 2017 at Cannon Memorial Hospital in Linville, NC.

He was born on April 23, 1938 in Avery County, North Carolina, a son of Ben Aldridge and Ruth Harmon Aldridge. Herb enjoyed hunting and fishing in his free time. 

He was preceded in death by his Father, Ben Aldridge; Mother, Ruth Harmon Aldridge; and Brother, Benjie Aldridge.

Herbert leaves behind to cherish his memory his: Daughter, Lori Benfield and husband James of Newland, NC, Son, Sam Aldridge and wife Dorothy of Newland, NC, Son, Joe Aldridge and girlfriend Donna Jones Newland, NC; Granddaughter, Shannon (Chuck) Greene of Minneapolis, NC, Granddaughter, Amber Brown of Pineola, NC, Granddaughter, Samantha (David) Jones of Newland, NC; Seven Great-Grandchildren;
Sister, Freida (Tony) Gibson of Pineola, NC, Brother, William (Mary) Aldridge of Pineola, NC, Brother, Doug Aldridge of Elk Park, NC, Sister, Glo Linda McCombs of Newland, NC.

No services are planned at this time.

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 Aldridge family by visiting our website www.rsfh.net

The care of Herbert and his family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland.


Mr. Howard D. Hutchinson (March 18, 1955 – Aug. 6, 2017)

Howard Dale Hutchinson died at Glenbridge nursing care facility August 6, 2017 in Boone, NC after a prolonged illness. He was 62.

Howard was born March 18, 1955 in Nunnelly, TN to parents Joyce (Owen) and Doyle Hutchinson. He was raised in Fairfield, IL with his sisters, Patty and Kathy, and brother, Ronnie. He graduated from Fairfield High School in 1969. August 12, 1978 Howard married his beloved wife, Susan Hicks. Together they raised a family, including daughter Samantha Joyce and son, Aaron Michael. 

Howard was Director of Environmental Services in FL, GA and NC for private hospitals and HCA Corp. Howard retired from APPRHS in Boone, NC in 2015. He is fondly remembered by many coworkers.

Howard appreciated nature and loved being outdoors. He enjoyed working on his golf game and participated in and won golf tournaments. In addition, he was also talented with music and played the guitar in his spare time. 

Howard was also known for his love of the Bible. He was an elder, active in the Boone congregation of Jehovahs Witnesses. He loved teaching people about the Bible and was well-known for his Bible discourses. After his retirement, and despite his illness, he spent as much time as he could encouraging his friends in the congregation and engaging the ministry.

Howard is survived by his wife, Susan of Boone; his son and daughter-in-law, Aaron and Jocelyn Hutchinson currently of Charlotte; his daughter and son-in-law, Samantha and John Harris of Greensboro; his grandsons, Spencer, Benjamin, and Brody; his mother, Joyce Hutchinson of IL; his sister Patty Keortge of IL; his sister Kathy Hutchison of TN; his brother, Ronnie Hutchinson of IL; and other beloved family members.

Howard will be remembered by friends and family at a memorial service Saturday, August 19, 3 pm, Kingdom Hall of Jehovahs Witnesses, 1484 Old U.S. 421 South, Boone, NC 28607. The family asks in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the World Wide Work of Jehovahs Witnesses at JW.org or Lewy Body Dementia Association at LBDA.org.

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

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


Nancy Hunter Prather (June 9, 1943 – Aug. 6, 2017)

Mrs. Nancy Hunter Prather, 74, of 140 Hade Smith Drive, Banner Elk, passed away, Sunday, Aug. 6, 2017 at Watauga Medical Center.

Mrs. Prather is survived by one daughter, Lisa Hypes and husband Charles of Banner Elk, one son, Andrew Bernard and wife Trisha of Lexington, Kentucky, two Brothers, John Prather and wife Suzannah and Tom Prather and wife Maureen both of Georgetown, Kentucky and four grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Harold Burke Prather and Nancy Jean Welles Prather.

A private service will be held in Georgetown, Kentucky.

The family respectfully request no flowers.

Online condolences may be sent to the Prather family at wwww.hamptonfuneralnc.com

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


Frances (Bow) Eller (Aug. 21, 1933 – Aug. 6, 2017)

Frances (Bow) Eller, 83 of Elk Park, North Carolina passed away on Sunday, August 6, 2017 at her home .

She was born on Aug. 21, 1933 in Avery County, North Carolina, a daughter of Jake H Eller and Mary Tucker Eller.

She was preceded in death by her Father, Jake H Eller; Mother, Mary W Eller; .

Frances leaves behind to cherish her memory her: Brother, Dick Eller, of Elk Park, NC Brother, Buster Eller, of Elk Park, NC Cousin and best friend Wanda Stough and her husband Melvin Goree of Minneapolis, NC.
Numerous nieces and nephews.
No services are planned at this time.

Memorials can be made to: Medi-Home Hospice. P.O. Box 1357, Newland, NC 28657

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

The care of Frances and her family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland.


Bryan D. Johnson (Oct. 5, 1964 – Aug. 5, 2017)

Bryan Dale Johnson, age 52, of Newland, passed away Saturday evening, August 5, 2017.

He retired after 30 years from the N.C. Department of Corrections, where he served as a Unit Manager. He also repaired Monitor Heaters. Bryan enjoyed playing golf as much and as often as he could. And, when not playing golf he was watching it on television. His Canary Yellow golf cart was well known around Mountain Glen Golf Club. He attended Union Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Cynthia T. Johnson, a daughter, Megan Johnson of Fayetteville, N.C. and a son Morgan Johnson of Newland. His parents, Larry and Betty Johnson of Holden Beach, two brothers, Jerry Johnson of Newland and Jason Johnson of Roan Mountain, TN.A sister-in-law Patricia Hollifield of Spruce Pine. Three grandchildren, Dalton, Journey and Penelope Davis. One niece and one nephew also survive.

Services for Bryan Dale Johnson will be conducted Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. in the Mountain Glen Golf Club Clubhouse. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. prior to the services, and also until 9:00 p.m. following the services. 

Memorial donations may be made to the Ronald McDonald House of Winston-Salem, 419 S. Hawthorne Road, Winston-Salem, N.C. 27103.

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

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


Adam Hamilton Greer (May 25, 1991 – Aug. 5, 2017)

Adam Hamilton Greer, 26, of Sunalei View, Zionville, passed away Saturday morning, Aug. 5, 2017.

Adam was born May 25, 1991 in Iredell County. He was single and was a self-employed carpenter.

Adam is survived by his mother, Anita Potts of the home; his father Larry Hamilton Greer and his companion Tina of Mountain City, Tennessee; one sister, Amanda Greer Hicks and husband Joshua of Zionville; one half-brother, Nevan Potter of Mountain City; two step-sisters, Eden Potter Henson and husband Scott of Johnson City, Tennessee, and Brittany Potter of Mountain City; one step-brother, Robbie Potter and wife Brooke of Johnson City; his maternal grandparents, Danny and Brenda Potts of Mocksville, North Carolina; one nephew, Eli Dwayne Hicks; his aunts and uncles, Gary Geer, Robbie Potts and wife Beverly of Mocksville, Carrie Anne Blackburn and husband Keith; one half-uncle, David Joe Price, and three first cousins, Luke Blackburn, Starr and Skyy Blackburn of Sherrill’s Ford, North Carolina. He is also survived by several cousins and relatives on the Potts family and the Greer family in Watauga and Ashe Counties.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Joseph Thomas Greer and Ethel Arnold Greer, and one uncle, Dwayne Potts.

Graveside services and burial for Adam Hamilton Greer will be conducted Thursday morning, August 10, 2017, at 11:00 o’clock, at the Greer Cemetery in Creston. Officiating will be Reverend Sam Lawson.

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

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


Janean Louise Gillette (Feb. 22, 1941 – Aug. 4, 2017)

Mrs. Janean Louise Gillette, 75, of 426 Diamond Ranch Road, Boone, passed away Friday, August 4, 2017 at her residence.

Mrs. Gillette is survived by two sons, Lee Gillette and wife Liz of Banner Elk, Mike McCormick and wife Dana, one grandson, Jordan McCormick, all of Atlanta, Georgia, one sister, Lee Eyler of Fallbrook, California and several step-sisters.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Everett Richard Gillette and father and mother, Earnest Leoni and Alma Guglielmana Leoni.

A memorial service for Mrs. Janean Louise Gillette will be conducted Friday, August 11, 2017 at 2:00 o’clock at Poplar Grove Baptist Church.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 2:00 at the church, prior to the service.

Online Condolences may be sent to the Gillette family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

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


Shaun J. Martin (Jan. 8, 1984 – Aug. 3, 2017) 

Shaun Joseph Martin, age 33, of Crumpler, passed away Thursday, August 3, 2017.

He is survived by his wife, April Dawn Martin, two daughters, Harley Page and Hollie Dawn Moretz of the home. He is survived by his mother, Meachele Ronald Martin of Crumpler, two brothers, Bradley and wife Jessica Martin, and Eric Martin all of Crumpler, grandmother Erica Ronald of Chapel Hill and Aunt Mary Lobe, MD. of Oregon. Shaun is also survived by nieces and nephews Brooklyn, Journey, Alexander, Mariano, Kayleigh and Braxton, and his good friend Shane Caudill. Also by all of his Pennington Hollar Family.

Services will be private.

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


Harold Edward Steelman, Sr. (April 26, 1928 – Aug. 3, 2017)

Harold Edward Steelman, Sr., 89, of 206 Ridgewood Road, Deep Gap, passed away Thursday morning, Aug. 3, 2017, at his home.

Harold was a devoted father and loving husband of 63 years. He was born in the township of Pine Swamp in Ashe County and he enjoyed being with his enormous family. Harold was devoted to all activities he set his mind to and was always punctual. He went 1st grade through high school without ever missing a day. 

He served 15 years in the US merchant marines and 2 years in the US Army. He joined the Merchant Marines and was stationed on an oil tanker during WWII at a time when the German Navy actively targeted Allied oil tankers. During this time he saw many parts of the world. Europe, The Mediterranean, The Middle East, and Africa. Following his years in service Harold came back home to Deep Gap. 

He and his wife Bonnie owned and operated Steelman’s Fabric Shop for 40 years. An avid farmer he always supplied his family, friends, and neighbors with a bounty of food he cultivated. Harold enjoyed fishing and used the practice to teach his family patience. 

He’ll be remembered for his generosity, modesty, and kind heartedness. A devout Baptist Harold used his many gifts to spread God’s love through good works and good deeds. Following the apostles Peter and Andrew’s commandment, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men”.

Harold is survived by his wife, Bonnie Hampton Steelman of the home; two daughters, Gale and husband Paul Blevins, Jr., and Deborah Watson and husband Jerry, all of Deep Gap; one son, Harold “Eddie” Steelman, Jr. and wife Linda of Deep Gap; one granddaughter, Erin Collins and husband Joe of New Bern, North Carolina; three grandsons, Harold Charles “Charlie” Style, Sr. and wife Lauren of Valle Crucis, Ben Style of Columbus, Ohio, and Shane Watson of Deep Gap; two great-grandsons, Wyatt Collins of New Bern, North Carolina, and Harold Charles “J.R” Style, Jr. of Valle Crucis; three sisters, JoAnna S. Blank of Florida, Grace S. Shillinglaw of St. Stephen, South Carolina, and Margaret S. McNeil and husband Kyle of Deep Gap; one brother, James B. Steelman and wife Velva Lynn of Millers Creek, North Carolina; one half-sister, Kathy Brown and husband Gary of Wilkesboro, two half-brothers, Roger Greene and H.S. Greene and wife Kathy all of Wilkes County, a sister-in-law, Betty Steelman of Boone. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Howard S. Steelman and Ethel Mae Miller Steelman; two sisters, Mary Gough and Betty Harrison, and four brothers, William Steelman, H.S. Steelman, Jr., John Steelman, and Samuel Steelman.

Funeral services for Harold Edward Steelman will be conducted Saturday morning, August 5, 2017, at 11:00 o’clock, at Old Fields Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 10:00 until 11:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Reverend Larry Powers. Military graveside rites and burial will follow in Gap Creek Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Saturday morning, from 10:00 until 11:00 o’clock, at the church, prior to the service.

Flowers are appreciated, or memorial contributions may be made to Gap Creek Cemetery fund, in care of Nathan Miller, PO Box 49, Boone, North Carolina, 28607.

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

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


Lois Sanders Townsend (Feb. 5, 1947 – Aug. 1, 2017)

Mrs. Lois Sanders Townsend, 70, of Morganton, formerly of Zionville, passed away, Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2017 at Burke Hospice and Palliative Care.

Mrs. Townsend is survived by one daughter, Shelda Townsend of the home, her mother, Beulah C. Sanders of Zionville, two sisters, Joyce Hartzog and husband Basil of West Jefferson, Lori Candler and friend Steve Brown of Zionville and one brother, Johnny Sanders and wife Debbie of Zionville, two sister-in-laws, Joann and Brenda Sanders both of Zionville, one brother-in-law Casey Carroll of Deep Gap and a number aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Commie Lee Townsend, her father Frank Sanders, one sister, Aretta Sanders Carroll, two brothers, David and Larry Sanders and a nephew, Jonathan Sanders.

Funeral service for Mrs. Lois Sanders Townsend will be conducted Saturday, Aug. 5, 2017 at 2:00 o’clock at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Reverend Marty Bess and Reverend Alan Perry will officiate. The body will lie in state at the church from 12:00 until 2:00. Interment will follow in Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

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

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to, Grace Baptist Church, 1939 Shuping Avenue, Morganton, North Carolina 28655 or Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 1564 Silverstone Road, Zionville, North Carolina 28698.

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

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