The following are recent obituary notices from Austin & Barnes and Hampton funeral homes in Boone and Reins-Sturdivant in Newland.
Mr. Ernest L. Pardue
(May 02, 1930 – December 19, 2017)
Mr. Ernest Lee Pardue, age 87, formerly of the Mabel Community went to sleep peacefully in the arms of Jesus at Glenbridge the morning of December 19, 2017. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mae Pardue and brothers, Burl and Harold Dean Pardue.
He is survived by his sons, Lynn Pardue and wife Rachel of Vilas and Michael Pardue and wife Rebecca of Foscoe, and his very special friend Evelyn Hicks, three nieces and a very large community of extended family and friends.
Funeral services for Mr. Ernest Pardue will be conducted Friday afternoon at 4 PM at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Dr. Sonny Younce and Rev. Derick Wilson. The family will receive friends Friday afternoon from 2 until 4 PM at the funeral home. Graveside services and burial will be conducted Saturday afternoon at 2 PM at the Union Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Union Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 802 North Fork Road, Zionville, NC 28698 or to Caldwell Hospice a& Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street, NW, Lenoir, NC 28645.
Special thanks to his caregivers and fiends at Glenbridge and Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care and also to his church family at Faith Baptist Church of Boone.
Online condolences may be shared with the Pardue family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Pardue family.
Joyce P. Ragan
(August 27, 1936 – December 19, 2017)
Mrs. Joyce Perry Ragan, age 81, of, Burkett Road, Boone, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, December 19, 2017. Born August 27, 1936 in Watauga County, she was a daughter of the late Don Carson and Blanche Williams Perry. Joyce was retired from Highlander Insurance and was of the Baptist faith.
She is survived by one nephew, Carson Perry and wife Karen of Southern Pines, one niece, Diane Perry Barnes and husband Billy of Charleston, SC, one great nephew, two great nieces, one great-great nephew and two great-great nieces, one sister in law, Nancy Price of Zionville, two brothers in law, Joe Ragan of Boone and John Ragan and wife Fern of Eden, NC, special niece, Debe Price Jones and husband R. K. Jones and a special nephew, Brad Price and wife Robin and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services for Joyce Perry Ragan Perry will be conducted Thursday afternoon at 1:30 PM at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Rev. Harold Bennett. Burial will follow at Cove Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service from noon until 1:30 at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home.
The family respectfully requests no food or flowers and suggests memorials to Cove Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, PO Box 68, Boone, NC 28607 or to the Hopewell Community Cemetery, in care of Betty Davis, 4061 NC Hwy 194 N, Boone, NC 28607.
Online condolences may be shared with the Ragan family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Ragan family.
June Knipl Norris
(May 04, 1937 – December 17, 2017)
June Knipl Norris, age 80, of Vilas, passed away Sunday morning, December 17, 2017 at her home. She was born May 4, 1937 in Statesboro, GA. June was a member of the Advent Christian Church in Boone, was a dispatcher for the Watauga County Sheriff’s Department, and retired as a switchboard operator from ASU. A master craftsperson, June was an artist who loved creating and designing greeting cards, quilting, stain-glass windows and water color paintings, to name a few. She enjoyed teaching her talents to others and if she saw a need in the community, she devoted her time and talents to fill that need. 
June is survived by her sons, Martin Norris and wife, Lisa of Lenoir and Marcus Norris and wife, Erin, of Whitney, TX; four grandchildren, Jessica, Paul Marc, Rocky and Hailey; two great-grandchildren; two aunts, Mildred Herman and Reba Herman, both of Vilas; special friends, Mildred Glenn, Jamie Williams and David Walls; and constant companion, her puppy, Molly. She was preceded in death by her husband, Franklin Norris; grandparents, Martin and Junie Herman; and nine half-brothers and half-sisters.
Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday afternoon, December 20, at 2 o’clock at the Advent Christian Church in Boone, officiated by Minister Gordon Noble and Ladies of the Eastern Star. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 1 until 2 o’clock, prior to services, at the church. Entombment will follow at the Mount Lawn Memorial Park Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Legion Post 130, 135 Bear Trail, 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.
Wayne Arthur Cannon
(January 22, 1940 – December 17, 2017)
Wayne Arthur Cannon, age 77, of Ruby Lane, Banner Elk, passed away Sunday evening, December 17, 2017 at his home.
Wayne is survived by his daughters, Debbie Hardy and husband, Buddy, and Karen Eller and husband, Tony, all of Mountain City, Sandra Watson of Banner Elk, Angela Walker and husband, Ryan, of Florida, and Brenda Coffey of Hickory; son, Troy Lee Cannon of Morganton; step-daughter, Mona McClure and husband, Scott, of Banner Elk and step-son, David Drum and wife, Beth, of Florida; brothers, Herman Cannon and wife, Shelby of Vilas and Hencil Cannon and wife, Beulah, of Charlotte; and sister, Rachel Harmon of Banner Elk; 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and 3 step grandchildren; step-daughter, Mona McClure and husband Scott of Banner Elk and step-son, David Drum and wife Beth of Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents, Troy and Ruby Harmon Cannon.
Funeral services for Wayne Cannon are incomplete.
Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Cannon family.
William C. Lentz, Jr.
(April 24, 1944 – December 17, 2017)
William Council Lentz, Jr., age 73 of Tega Cay and formerly of Blowing Rock, died Sunday, December 17, 2017 at CaroMont Health in Gastonia. Born April 24, 1944 in Blowing Rock, he was a son of the late William C. and Martha Elizabeth Lentz. William was an automotive mechanic.
He is survived by one daughter, Heidi Lentz Price and husband William of Tega Cay, SC, three sons, William Council Lentz, III of Wilkesboro, Charles Murray Pete Lentz of Wilkesboro, and James Carson Lentz and wife Carol of Layton, Utah, five grandchildren, Elizabeth, Carson and Grayson Lentz and Johnny and Mattingly Jo Byrd, and one sister, Barbara Lentz Wright.
Graveside services and burial for William Council Lentz, Jr., will be conducted 1:00 PM Friday afternoon, December 22, 2017 at Woodlawn Cemetery in Blowing Rock.
The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6 oclock until 7:30 at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be shared with the Lentz family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Lentz family.
Charles R. Reninger
(February 03, 1935 – December 16, 2017)
Charles Ray Reninger, age 82, of Boone, went to be with the Lord Saturday, December 16, 2017. He was preceded in death by his father William Francis, and Mother, Virginia Dare Miller Reninger. Also preceded by brothers, William Reninger, Jr. and Kenneth Reninger, a sister, Mary Alice McLean and a grandson, Zaiah Asher.
He is survived by a son, Charles Thomas Reninger, three daughters, Billie Asher, Molly Drake and Suzy Williams and her husband Thomas.
Six grandchildren, Samantha Sellers, Kayla Newcomb, Nikki Newcomb, Starr Simpson, and Zoyia Drake. One foster grandchild, Koran, two step-grandchildren, Matthew and Brittany, four great-grandchildren, Manny, Anna, Tobias and Levi.
Funeral services for Charles Ray Reninger will be conducted Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. in the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in the Miller Family Cemetery, Laurel Springs. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Online condolences may be shared with the Reninger family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Reninger family.
Bob R. Denney
(April 16, 1935 – December 14, 2017)
Bartie Ray Bob Denney, age 82, of Zionville, passed away Thursday evening, December 14, 2017. He was born in Ashe County North Carolina, the son of the late Jesse Alvin and Rettie Victoria Wiles Denney. He was in building construction for 50 plus years, living in Washington D.C. and Newark, Delaware before moving to Zionville in 1968. Bob lived the Baptist faith, loving his family and friends. He was a member of Zionville Baptist Church since 1968.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, a daughter Phyllis and a son Allen.
He is survived by a son, Kenney and wife Dena Denney of Cary, one daughter, Kaye Denney of Zionville, two brothers, Joe Denney and wife Connie, and Bruce Denney and friend Gladys, two sisters, Sue Friley and husband Jim, and Juanita Little. Seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter also survive.
Funeral services for Bartie Ray Bob Denney will be conducted Sunday, December 17, 2017 at 2 p.m. in the Zionville Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services from 1-2 p.m. in the church.
Online condolences may be shared with the Denney family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Denney family.
Paul Alton Olander
(January 02, 1973 – December 12, 2017)
Paul Alton Olander, age 44, of Margo Trail, Boone, passed away Tuesday, December 12, 2017. He was born January 2, 1973 in Watauga County. Paul was a graduate of Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Technology. He was a member of Kingdom Hall – Jehovahs Witness and owned and operated Professional Window Cleaning. Paul and his son Jack enjoyed doing all types of outdoor activities together including biking, swimming and canoeing.
He is survived by his son, Jack Antonio Olander of Lillington; parents, Donald Paul and Claire Mayer Olander of Boone; sister, Rachel Olander and wife, Teresa, of Boone; brother, Adam Olander and wife, Catherine, of Morehead City; and niece, Molly Mac Olander and nephew, Warner Wells Olander, both of Morehead City.
Services for Paul will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to a charity of the donors choice.
Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Olander family.
Loy G. Propst
(January 20, 1931 – December 10, 2017)
Loy Glenn Propst, age 86 of Maiden, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday,
December 10, 2017, at his sons residence, after a lengthy battle with cancer. Born January 20, 1931 in Catawba County, he was the son of the late Burlie and Della Propst. Glenn retired from working for the Town of Maiden. He also served in the US Army and served during the Korean War. In addition to his parents, his wife, Vernie Devine Propst; a daughter, Phyllis Ann Propst, a brother Fred Propst and a sister, Rena Dicenzo preceded him in death.
He is survived by: 3 daughters: Janice Propst; Carolyn Frandsen; Ramona Lowman and husband Tim; Son: Lonnie Propst and wife Carla; 3 Grandsons: Ryan Lowman, Jacob and Jackson Propst; Sister-in-law: Yvonne Propst; and, numerous nieces and nephews
The family would like to express special thanks to Debi Bunting for providing such good care over the past year.
A memorial service will be held Saturday,
December 16, 2017 at 11:30 am at East Maiden Baptist Church with Pastor Nathaniel Austin officiating.
Burial will follow in Maiden City Cemetery with military honors from American Legion Post 16.
The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10:00 am – 11:15 am at the church.
Memorials may be made to: Medi Home Health & Hospice, 400 Shadowline Drive, Suites 100-B & 102 Boone, NC 28607 or East Maiden Baptist Church, 1400 East Maiden Road, Maiden, NC 28650.
Burke Mortuary in Maiden and Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory are serving the Propst Family.
PIC Mr. Burl A. Pardue
(September 13, 1924 – December 9, 2017)
Mr. Burl A. Pardue, age 93, of Slabtown Road, Zionville, passed away Saturday evening, December 9, 2017 at his home. Born September 13, 1924 in Watauga County, he was a son of the late Mae Pardue. Burl was of the Baptist faith. He was a farmer and doctored large farm animals for many years.
He is survived by one daughter, Glenda Adkins of Zionville, four grandchildren, Dana Triplett and wife Diane of Lewisville, NC, Greg Triplett and wife Nicole and Michael Adkins and wife Danyelle all of Zionville, and Jennifer Adkins of Wilmington, five great grandchildren, Adam, Aubrey Marley and Tony Triplett and Athena Adkins, and one brother, Ernest Pardue. 
In addition to his mother he was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Edna Miller Pardue, his grandparents, Samuel and Emma Pardue, and one brother, Harold Dean Pardue.
Funeral services for Mr. Burl Pardue will be conducted Wednesday evening, December 13th at 8 oclock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Rev. Derick Wilson. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 6 PM until 8 PM at the funeral home.
Graveside services and burial will be Thursday afternoon, December 14th at 2 PM at the Reece Cemetery. Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to the Reece Cemetery Fund, in care of Charles Cook, 730 Slabtown Road, Zionville, NC 28698 or to Medi-Home Hospice, 400 Shadowline Drive, Suite 102, Boone, NC 28607.
Online condolences may be shared with the Pardue family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Pardue family.
Rachel Whittington
(November 08, 1932 – December 8, 2017)
Rachel Whittington, age 85, of Boone, passed away Friday, December 8, 2017.
She was the daughter of the late John and Cora Hagler Grimes.
She was preceded in death by her husband Lee Whittington.
She is survived by one son, Ronnie Whittington of Nashville, Tennessee, two daughters, Kathy Kampfer of Boone and Nellie Ervin of Chapel Hill.
Funeral services for Rachel Whittington will be conducted Monday, December 11, 2017 at 2 p.m. in Austin and Barnes Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services from 1-2 p.m.
Online condolences may be shared with the Whittington family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Whittington family.
Doris G. Cummines
(May 02, 1924 – December 8, 2017)
Doris Mae Gordon Cummines, age 93 of the Bethel Community, passed away Friday, December 8, 2017. She was a native of Petersburg, Indiana and a resident of Watauga County. She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church and the daughter of the late Allen (A.J.) and Pansy Willis Gordon.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Anson Cummines, two brothers, Doyle Ray and John Thomas Gordon.
She is survived by two daughters, Nancy and husband Vern Johnson of Bethel, and Carolyn and husband Steve Ficklin also of Bethel.
She is also survived by seven grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services for Doris Mae Gordon Cummines will be conducted Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at 7 p.m. in the Bethel Baptist Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services from 6-7 p.m. in the church. Interment will follow in Indiana.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Bethel Baptist Church Building Fund, 123 Mountain Dale Road, Vilas, N.C. 28692.
Online condolences may be shared with the Cummines family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Cummines family.
Estelle Nefores Robinson Fulp
(March 23, 1923 – December 15, 2017)
Estelle Nefores Robinson Fulp RN MPH,age 94, of Raleigh, NC passed away peacefully on Friday, December 15, 2017 in Boone, NC. Her youngest daughter Janice Robinson Rowe was by her side.
Born March 23, 1923 in Braddock, PA, Estelle was the second of four children born to the late Spiros A. and Mathilda Barrett Nefores of Braddock, PA. As well as her parents Estelle was preceded in death by her first husband, Dr. Roy Blair Robinson, her daughter Linda M. Creedon, her brother John B. Nefores, sister and brother-in-law James and Kathleen Baldwin, and her second husband James Nash Fulp.
Estelle graduated from Braddock Hospital School of Nursing in 1944, then worked as an RN at Braddock Hospital where she met and married Dr. Roy Robinson. After his untimely death in 1954, Estelle chose to further her education to support her three daughters. Estelle earned her Bachelors of Science from Duquesne University in 1962, then worked as an RN for the Pennsylvania Department of Public Health. Estelle’s passion for improving the overall health of a community brought her to North Carolina. She graduated from The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill with a Masters of Public Health in 1966.
Estelle worked tirelessly for Public Health in North Carolina for 25 years finally retiring at the age of 70 as the Chief Nurse, North Carolina Division of Health Services. In her free time, she played mahjong, tap danced, and loved to sing. Estelle was also an active member of the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Raleigh, NC.
Surviving are her two daughters, Carole Robinson Rhodes and husband Peter, Janice Robinson Rowe and husband Evan, and son-in-law the Honorable Michael C. Creedon, nine grandchildren; Sherri Rhodes McNamara, Shelley Rhodes Biller, Katherine Creedon Sullivan, Michael C. Creedon II, Evan Keith Rowe, Russell S. Rhodes, Edward B. Creedon, Gretchen E. Rhodes, Elizabeth Rowe McKinney; and eleven great-grandchildren. The family spans three states including North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. Also surviving are her brother, George M. Nefores, his wife Jewell and many loving nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests that donations may be made to the North Carolina Community Foundation, 3737 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 460, Raleigh, NC 27612
(https://donatenow.networkforgood.org).
The family will hold a graveside memorial service in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at a later date.
Online condolences may be sent to the Fulp family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.
Fredrick “Freddie” Nunez
(September 27, 1942 – December 15, 2017)
Fredrick “Freddie” Nunez, age 75, of Conover, passed away Friday morning, December 15, 2017, at Cannon Memorial Hospital in Linville.
Funeral arrangements for Fredrick “Freddie” Nunez are incomplete at this time.
Online condolences may be sent to the Nunez family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.
Lillian Parsons Welch
(March 24, 1944 – December 15, 2017)
Mrs. Lillian Parsons Welch, age 73, of Todd Passed away Friday, December 15, 2017 at Watauga Medical Center.
Lillian was born March 24, 1944 in Ashe County, a daughter of the late Worth and Mabel Trivette Parsons. She was a former employee of Shadowline in Boone until its closing, and a retired employee of Watauga Medical Center. Lillian was a member of South Fork Baptist Church.
Lillian is survived by one son, Chris Welch and wife Debbie of Todd; two granddaughters, Elizabeth Royal and husband Matt, and Katie Welch, all of Todd; one great-granddaughter, Hayley Mae Royal of Todd, and a special niece, Kathy Parsons of Todd. She is also survived by a number of aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister, Alma Jean Parsons, and two brothers, James and Dean Parsons.
Funeral services for Lillian Parsons Welch will be conducted Wednesday morning, December 20, 2017, at 11:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 10:00 until 11:00 o’clock. Burial will follow in the Howell Cemetery in Todd.
The family will receive friends Tuesday evening, from 6:00 until 8:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Welch family, PO Box 117, Todd, North Carolina, 28684.
Online condolences may be sent to the Welch family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements
Frances (Jan) Douty Kirkpatrick
(October 8, 1931 – December 13, 2017)
Frances (Jan) Douty Kirkpatrick, age 86 of Linville, NC passed away on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at Life Care Center of Banner Elk.
She was born on October 8, 1931 in Charleston County, SC, a daughter of Nelson Douty and Jeanette Tumbleston
Frances was a member of Hibben United Methodist Church
She was a member of the Ladies Golf Club at Land Harbor.
Frances enjoyed spending time with her family, golfing and painting. 
Along with her parents Frances was preceded in death by her spouses Harris A. DuBois and B.L. Kirkpatrick; Grandson; Christopher Wilcox and Two brothers.
Frances leaves behind to cherish her memory her: Daughters, Karen Wilcox of Crossnore, NC, Daughter, Cheryl Cummings (LeRoy) of Mount Pleasant, SC.
One Granddaughter, Five Grandsons, Two Great-Granddaughters, Four Great-Grandsons
A special friend for life Charles Burbacher of Pineola, NC
Several Nieces and Nephews
A celebration of life service will be held at a later date in Charleston, SC
The care of Frances and her family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland.
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