The following are recent obituary notices from Austin and Barnes and Hampton funeral homes in Boone and Reins-Sturdivant in Newland
William Moorer Merrill
August 6, 1937 ~ June 4, 2026
Born in Shawnee, OK, in 1937, William Moorer Merrill was destined to do great things. After all, his high school art teacher had encouraged him to “trust his eye for aesthetics.”
Will attended The University of Oklahoma where he studied interior design and pledged Kappa Sigma, quite a prestigious fraternity at the time. During his last year of college, while working at a furniture store, he was asked to do a window display. Everything in the window sold out, and from then Will became a legend in the making.
Graduating from OU with a B.S. in interior design and as a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force, he received orders to report to Loring Air Force base in Northeastern Maine, where he was made a Base Housing Officer responsible for 1,669 houses, a job previously held by a Major. He later became a Missile Control Officer stationed in England. During his time off, he would travel to places like Amsterdam, Paris, Munich, and Greece; each trip reinforcing and refining his love of design and history for later use.
Will always managed to be in the right place at the right time; some examples are being feet away from the Queen of England during an event, and attending Edith Piaf’s last concert before her death.
When his time in the Air Force came to an end, Will was in England, and for the first time in his life was on his own to do whatever he chose. So, his first adventure was to Giudecca Island, Venice, where he planned to visit the Fortuny fabrics factory he had read about. Not only did he visit the factory, but he met the Countess of Gozzi herself, spending an entire afternoon with her hearing about the fabrics and inspiration for her designs, touring the gardens and— oh yes— there were martinis on her private balcony overlooking the property. For many years after he received Christmas cards from the Countess, seeing her several other times when he lived in New York.
During his wonder lusting travels, eventually Will ended up in Egypt. Looking back, he claims this to be one of his greatest experiences of his life. He ended up on an archeological expedition in the Sudan working as the expedition’s drafter, drawing the site and the artifacts as they were discovered. When the expedition ended, he continued his own travels, finally having to decide when and how he was going to make his way back to the States.
Set on having a job in New York before returning to Oklahoma, Will got a job with Lord and Taylor as Rug buyer and quickly worked his way up, over all of the furniture buying for Lord and Taylor. He spent 12 years in New York, fortunate to call Gramercy Park and Beekman Place home during those years, again because of being in the right places at the right time.
Will’s time at Lord and Taylor came to a close when Hickory Chair approached him to be its Executive of Design. He moved to Hickory, NC, remaining in this role for over 20 years, guiding the company in a new, fresh and forward-thinking approach. Will designed pieces of his own, even helping some prominent designers in the industry get their start by partnering with them to develop collections with Hickory Chair.
In 2000 Will retired to Blowing Rock, NC, and immersed himself into the community and his church, St. Mary of the Hills. During his retirement, two of the homes he designed were published in House Beautiful Magazine— the same magazine he would look at as a kid while waiting in the grocery store line for his turn to show his abilities.
In 2005 Will met Andy Sicard and in 2015 they were married in their beloved church, St. Mary of the Hills, and have lived a wonderful life together. Will’s brother Mike Merrill still resides in Shawnee, OK. Will will be missed by many, but his legacy in the furniture world will never be forgotten nor will the impact he has made in so many people’s lives.
A Memorial Service will be held on July 11th, 2026 at 11am at St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church in Blowing Rock NC.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the flower guild at St. Mary of the Hills in Will’s memory, PO Box 14, Blowing Rock, NC 28605.
Lowell “Tommy” Thomas Norris
March 31, 1945 ~ June 8, 2026
Lowell “Tommy” Thomas Norris, age 81, of 357 Betsy Circle, Todd, went to be with his Savior on Monday afternoon, June 8, 2026.
Tommy was born on March 31, 1945, in Watauga County, NC. One of the cherished stories from childhood was how Tommy and his brother, Donnie, were always finding mischief wherever they went. No matter what trouble they stirred up, they could often be found trying to pin the blame on their baby sister, Jeanne. These playful antics became treasured family memories that brought laughter for years to come. Tommy proudly served his country during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged with the rank of Specialist Five. Not only did he serve his country with honor, but he also faithfully served his Lord. He was a deacon at South Fork Baptist Church and a dedicated member of Howards Creek Baptist Church. He retired from Hughes Net, where he worked with computers and satellite communications. After retirement, he devoted much of his time to the people he loved most- his family. You could find Tommy on the sidelines cheering on his grandchildren. Whether it was basketball, football, baseball, volleyball, softball, or gymnastics, he was always there supporting them. When he wasn’t attending games in person, he always loved watching sports on the television with Debbie and his loyal basset hound, Mo. Tommy had a deep love for the outdoors and was an avid fisherman, hunter, golfer, gardener, bird watcher, and amateur weatherman. To his grandkids, however, he was simply “Papa”- the man who could do it all. He filled bicycle and four-wheeler tires, sewed stuffies, made whistles from wood and blades of grass and was known for making the best pancakes around. He loved sharing stories from his childhood and treasured teaching his grandchildren how to fish, hunt, and shoot. He created memories that will be cherished for generations.
Tommy is survived by his wife of 20 years, Debbie Norris; his daughter, Stephanie Smith and husband Ryan of Asheboro; and his son, John Hollar, and wife, Brooke, of Todd. He is also survived by twelve grandchildren, Tera, Tyler, Brandon, Mason, Rayn, Izzie, Henry, Jase, Kaden, Jamison, Nora Jane, and Lucy; and one great grandson, Jameson. In addition to many nieces and nephews he is also survived by his siblings; brother Donnie Norris and wife Lynda and sister Jeanne Norris and husband Ted.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Osa Norris; his first wife, Sherry Cline Norris; and his daughters, Sondra Southard and Christy Hollar.
Services for Tommy Norris will be held on June 14th 2026 in the sanctuary at Howards Creek Baptist Church, 240 Howards Creek Rd, Boone. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:30 pm, with the funeral service to follow at 3:00 pm. Reverand Burl Greene, Reverand Mark Norris, and Reverand David Cooper will officiate. A private family burial will follow at Howell Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts be made in memory of Tommy to Debbie Norris for the “Tommy Norris Grandkids Fund.” Gifts can also be given at LifeStore Bank or Venmo- Deborah-Norris-54.
Online condolences may be made at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Norris family.
Brenda Jean Sheets
January 10, 1951 ~ June 9, 2026
Brenda Spears Sheets, age 75, of West Jefferson, passed away peaceful on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Frye Regional Medical Center. Brenda was born in Wilkes County on January 10, 1951 to Jessie Abner and Ella Treadway Spears. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband Billy Gene Sheets; her grand-daughter, Kesha Marie Ellis; and brothers and sisters, Ronnie Spears, Tommy Spears, Dean Spears, RC Spears, Jay Spears, Jaunita Faw, Georgia Severt, Eleanor Farrington.
She is survived by her brothers; Con Spears and Doug Spears; Daughters, Sandra Sheets, and Teresa Sheets Greene (Terry) of West Jefferson; Grandchildren, Trey Sheets (Carissa) of West Jefferson, Talara Clark (Houston) of West Jefferson, and Brandon Phillips; great-grandchildren Abby Sheets, Trent Sheets, Trace Sheets, Hunter Lyall, Tresston Reese (Tyler), Christina Arnold, Lakelyn Clark, Lacy Clark; and two great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews also survive. Brenda was a faithful member of Bethel Baptist Church, where she considered Bethel her family also. To know her was a blessing, she was greatly loved, and will be deeply missed.
The memorial service will be held Sunday, June 28, 2026 at Bethel Baptist Church at 1407 Lower Nettle Knob Rd., West Jefferson, NC 28694 at 4:00 PM. Officiated by Rev Chris Cox, Jake Miller.
Online condolences may be made at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory are serving the Sheets family.
George Calvin Greene III
March 16, 1954 ~ June 10, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that we announce that on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, George Calvin Greene III, better known as Cal, left to be with our Lord.
Cal was a native of Watauga County and spent much of his youth developing a love for the outdoors. He had a particular love for the water, from fishing to swimming, which he shared with his family. In his early years, Cal attained the Life Rank through the Boy Scouts of America. He also completed Basic Law Enforcement Training through Mayland Community College and was a licensed locksmith. He was a lifelong groundskeeper with a passion for mowing yards.
Cal was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Boone, North Carolina. He was a lover of history, and many of his travels took him to historical sites across North Carolina. He was also a lifetime member of the Southern Appalachian Historical Association, spending many years helping with the productions of Horn in the West and Hickory Ridge Homestead.
Cal was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He was also a cherished friend to many.
Cal leaves behind his wife of 36 years, Freda Lear Greene of Boone, North Carolina; his son, Gregory Lee Stamp of Big Sky, Montana; his daughter, Mindy Lear Greene, and her fiancé, Benjamin Helms, of Sugar Grove, North Carolina; and his two grandsons, Conner Edwin Helms and Zachary Blaine Trivette.
He is also survived by his brother, William “Bill” Greene and wife Cheryl Greene of Germantown, Tennessee; his niece, Elisa Greene of Nashville, Tennessee; his nephew, Nathanial Greene and wife Madilyn Greene of Nashville, Tennessee; as well as many family members whom he loved dearly.
Cal was preceded in death by his parents, George Calvin Greene Jr., better known as G.C., and Marilyn Smith Greene. He was also preceded in death by his grandparents, George Calvin Greene Sr., better known as George, and his wife, Ruth Brown Greene, affectionately known as Mama Ruth. In addition, he was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Todd Greene.
Funeral services for George Calvin Greene will be conducted Thursday afternoon, June 18th at 2:00 PM, prior to services, at The First Baptist Church of Boone.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM. prior to the services, at the church.
Graveside services will follow at Mt. Lawn Memorial Park & Gardens in Boone, 521 Old East King Street, Boone, NC 28607.
The family suggests memorials may be made to the Youth Fund of First Baptist Church, 375 West King Street, Boone, NC 28607 or to the Hickory Ridge Homestead, in care of Horn in the West, 591 Horn in the West Drive, Boone, NC 28607.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at the website
www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Greene family.
Claudia Loraine (Brown) Bake
February 28, 1936 ~ June 14, 2026
Claudia Loraine Brown Bake, age 90, passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, June 14, 2026 from complications resulting from a fall and pelvic fractures. She was surrounded by the love of family and friends during her final weeks at Watauga Medical Center.
Born on February 28, 1936, in Atlanta GA, Claudia lived a life defined by family, faith, and quiet determination. She was the first woman in her family to earn a college degree and pursue a full-time career as elementary school teacher and office administrator. A three-time cancer survivor, she remained resilient throughout her life despite battles with depression and dementia.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, William A. “Bill” Bake, Jr. The couple met while working summer jobs at Yellowstone National Park in 1963 and shared a long, happy marriage. The family settled in Boone NC in 1977 when Bill accepted a role with Appalachian State University.
Claudia is survived by her daughter, Lorena Bake Harris of St. Augustine FL; her son, William A. Bake III of Roanoke VA; daughter-in-law Leslie Bake; and young grandchildren William Bake IV and Lucy Bake.
A devoted member of First Presbyterian Church of Boone for 48 years, Claudia found comfort and faith in her service as church administrator, deacon and active congregant.
In accordance with her wishes, she will be cremated and her ashes scattered alongside her husband’s on Howard Knob. No formal service is planned.
The family extends gratitude to the many long-term friends, church members, and medical professionals who supported Claudia during her final days.
She will be lovingly remembered always.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Bake family
Jerry Dean Cornett
March 31, 1949 – June 12, 2026
Jerry Dean Cornett, a cherished member of the community and a proud United States Army veteran, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2026, in Elizabethton, Tennessee. Born on March 31, 1949, at home in Trade, Tennessee, Jerry’s life was marked by dedication, warmth, and a steadfast love for family and country.
Jerry served honorably as a Specialist 4 in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, where he was awarded the Purple Heart in recognition of his sacrifice and valor. His military service was a defining element of his identity, and he often found comfort and camaraderie in sharing stories about his experiences. A man of quiet strength, Jerry was also laid back, enjoying the simpler pleasures of life such as fishing and tending to his garden—where he was renowned for cultivating some of the prettiest tomatoes and beans anyone had ever seen. Jerry enjoyed traveling- for him the transition was effortless as he could be in Mountain City one minute and halfway to Pigeon Forge the next. His love for flowers and gospel music further reflected his gentle spirit and enduring faith.
He was a devoted member of the Centerview Church of Christ, where his presence was a blessing to many.
Jerry is survived by his sisters, Virginia Trivette and Mary Trivette; brothers Dallas Cornett and wife Mamie; Joe Cornett and wife Kerwin; Lloyd Cornett; Mike Cornett and Kitty; and Randy Cornett. He also leaves behind treasured grandchildren: Harleah Eastridge and her husband Zach, Kelsey Cornett, Devin Cornett and his wife Megan, and Desirae Cornett, along with a beloved great-granddaughter, Sophia Cornett, who was the apple of his eye; great grandson, Radley Eastridge; special nephew, Daryl Cornett, as well as many other nephews and nieces; special friends, Steve Reece, Johnny Miller, Lane Miller, Gale McGlamery, and Bill Reedy, who will all deeply miss his presence in their lives.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Luther Hill Cornett and Wanda Pauline Eggers Cornett; two sons, Richard Dean Cornett and Jason Richard Cornett; his brother, Sam Cornett; sister-in-law, Wanda Cornett; brother-in-law, John Trivette and brother-in-law, Jimmy Trivette and several nephews.
A funeral service for Jerry will be conducted on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 2:00 pm at Hux & Lipford Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm prior to the funeral service. A graveside service will immediately follow in Sunset Memorial Park.
Military honors will be accorded by the Johnson County Honor Guard.
Pallbearers will be Devin Cornett, Travis Cornett, Brandon Cornett, Charlie Cornett, Jeff Hodges, Malachi Myers, Dusty McGlamery and Gale McGlamery.
Jerry’s legacy is one of profound loyalty, gentle kindness, and enduring faith. He will be remembered for his contributions as a devoted soldier, nurturing gardener, a loving brother, grandfather and friend, leaving behind a quiet yet indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew him.
Online condolences and memories may be sent to the family at www.huxlipfordfh.com.
Hux & Lipford Funeral Home 300 W. Main St. Mountain City, Tennessee is honored to serve the family of Jerry Cornett.
Announcement courtesy of Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service
Barbara Knight Oliver
February 22, 1940 – June 15, 2026
Barbara Knight Oliver age 86, of Vilas passed away Monday June 15, 2026, at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital.
Funeral services are incomplete and will be announced.
Online condolences may be sent to the Oliver family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.
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