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Watauga, Avery Obituaries – June 29, 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.


Arthur Wadsworth (D. June 13)

Arthur Wadsworth, passed away quietly on the morning of June 13th. Arthur was born in 1958 in Nkana, Northern Rhodesia.

He is survived by his mother, Mary Wadsworth Cooke, father, Kenneth Wadsworth and brothers Dale and Phillip Wadsworth.

Arthur was a talented craftsman, avid reader and a gentile man who enjoyed the simple things in life.

Arthur leaves behind his loving companion Goldie and the Blue Ridge Mountains he loved so much.

Many thanks to the caring professionals at Caldwell Hospice, Watauga Hospital’s ICU and second floor nurse’s and staff.

A memorial will be held at a later date.


Verline Schofield (D. June 12, 2017)
Verline Ramer Schofield went to sleep in death on June 12, 2017 in West Haven CT. Verline was born in 1926 in Northwest Florida to (Emma) Jessie Laird-Ramer and Henry Washington Ramer. She was  the fifth child in a family that would eventually have seven children.  They were a farming family and worked hard in the Depression era.

She was predeceased by her parents, Jessie and Henry, and four of her siblings, Noma Rushing, Durwood Ramer, Emma Ramer and Murry Ramer. She is survived by sisters Grace Driggers of Plant City FL, June Crosley and husband James of Starke FL and sister in law, Betty Ramer (widow of Murray) of Hanes City, FL, as well as nieces and nephews and friends in Florida.

Verline was a serious and spiritual young person and she pursued the goal of being a missionary. She was invited to attend the 14th Class of Gilead, a school that Jehovah’s Witnesses provide to train individuals who desire to serve in the foreign preaching work.  The class, held in South Lansing NY at that time, graduated in 1950.  Verline was assigned to Venezuela and was able to spend a number of years there in her assignment. 

Verline loved the time she was able to spend in this county, leaning the Spanish language and teaching interested ones about the Bible. This desire to reach others in the preaching work was a love she shared and instilled in her children when they were young.  Due to health problems, Verline had to return to the United States, and while recuperating in New Haven CT, she met Austin Schofield.  They married on October 9, 1954.  Verline and Austin stayed in the West Haven, CT area, eventually having four children.

Austin died in November 1998 and was greatly missed by Verline and their children and grandchildren.  She is survived by Sharon Caldwell and husband Robert of Boone, North Caroline, Sarah Luciano and husband Ronald of West Haven, CT, David Schofield of Germany and Nathan Schofield of Richmond VA.  Granddaughters, Doris Ortiz of West Haven CT, Roxanne Lilly and husband Dana and grandson Songkran “Sonny” Schofield

Verline will be remembered in love by her children and friends as a hard-working and kind woman who certainly put spiritual things first in her life.  We look forward to the promise of the resurrection and being able to see one another again under happy and healthy conditions.  The scriptures in John 5: 28, 29 and Revelation 21: 3, 4 give us these promises.  Memorial service to be held on June 25th at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses,  210 sold Grassy Hill Road, Orange CT at 4 PM. 

 


Thomas Gidley (Sept. 16, 1928 – June 20, 2017)

Bermuda Run – Thomas Gardner Gidley passed away peacefully on June 20 knowing without a doubt he lived a richly blessed life.  Born September 16, 1928 in Athens, GA to Edward Gardner and Lucy Watson Gidley, he was predeceased by his parents, two sisters Jeanette Hannah (William), Virginia Collins (Raymond), and their respective spouses.

A child of The Great Depression, Gardner graduated from Athens High School in 1945 then served briefly in the US Marine Corps.  In 1946 he entered the University of Georgia where he was a swim team letterman and a sculpture major.  Upon completing his Bachelor in Fine Arts degree in 1950, Gardner became a Special Field Representative for the American Red Cross, training first aid and water safety instructors in North Carolina.  While in this capacity, he attended a Nags Head beach party where he met his wife of 62 years, Margaret Gary Norfleet (d.  2014). After an April 1952 wedding in Jackson, NC, Gardner accepted a graduate assistantship at West Virginia University where he earned a Masters degree in recreation planning and was a member of the faculty.

In 1954 the Gidleys moved to the rural village of Clemmons, NC (population 800) where Gardner was first Assistant Manager, then General Manager of the newly created Tanglewood Park.  Under his leadership, Tanglewood was transformed from the farm estate of William Neal and Kate B. Reynolds into one of the finest recreation venues in NC.  Gardner was responsible for the development of two popular golf courses, a par 3 course, driving range, swimming pool, and campgrounds.  He started the summer day camp, Music at Sunset, Annual Steeplechase, the Tanglewood Barn Theatre, and the conversion of the Manor House into a lodge and restaurant.

In the 1960s, Gardner taught sculpture classes at the Arts & Crafts Association (now the Arts Council).  One of his beginning students Earline Heath King became a prolific sculptor for over forty years.

In 1965 Gardner left Tanglewood to establish the firm of Gardner Gidley & Associates specializing in park, recreation, and resort planning.  His first major project was the development of 1,100 acres into Seven Devils Golf and Ski resort.  The firm’s other works included Camp Dogwood for the Blind, comprehensive plans for over 100 cities and counties throughout NC and SC, developments for the Research Triangle Institute, Duke Power Company, and a number of private individuals.  He also designed several golf courses.

In 1970 Gardner accepted the position of President of Old Salem and served there for three years.  From 1982-87 he taught in the Recreation curriculum at UNC-Greensboro where he developed courses for the new Travel and Tourism major.

In 1989 he returned to Tanglewood as a consultant and interim President.   As his working career tapered off, Gardner finally found time to passionately pursue his many and varied interests; golf, travel, birding, painting, photography, sculpting, and watching Georgia Bulldogs football.

Gardner was a past member of the Clemmons Civic Club, the W-S Rotary Club, and the Y-Men’s Club.  He served on a number of boards including The Winston-Salem Symphony, the Arts and Crafts Association, and Camp Robert Vaughn.  Gardner was Vice President of Travel/Tourism for the W-S Chamber of Commerce and also President of the NC Museums Council.  He was a Fellow member of the American Institute of Park Executives. 

Gardner was a member of St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church from its beginning and served as a Sunday school teacher, a choir member, and a member of the Vestry.

Since 2014 Gardner lived at Bermuda Village where he made many new friends, reestablished his interest in Bridge, and served as a “Professor” at the “Bermuda Village University”.  Although his physical body began to limit Gardner in recent months, his eidetic memory remained impressive to all who knew him. He was also the epitome of the family motto, “any story worth telling is worth embellishing”.

Left to cherish many unforgettable stories and lessons from a lifetime of adventures are his three daughters, Margaret Gary Ritz (Jeff), Lucy Hill Gidley (Vinnie Whitt), and Eleanor Lyle Tipton; son Thomas Gardner Gidley, Jr.; five grandchildren, Suzanna Ritz (Scott Burris), Jackson Ritz, Kate Tipton, Gabriela Gidley, and Thomas G. Gidley III; also a special brother-in-law, Eric Hill Norfleet and wife Ethel. 

The family thanks the staffs of Bermuda Village, Novant Pulmonary Palliative Care, and the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Center for their superb support of Gardner and his loved ones.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday June 24 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, 2572 Parkway Drive, Winston-Salem, Father Steven Rice officiating. A reception in the church hall will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.  Salem Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made through www.salemfh.com.


Martha Walls Miller (Jan. 21, 1934 – June 28, 2017)

Martha Walls Miller, 83, of 285 Walls Road, Vilas, passed away Wednesday morning, June 28, 2017, at her home.

Funeral arrangements for Martha Walls Miller are incomplete at this time.

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

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


Charles Hubert Wellborn (April 27, 1928 – June 27, 2017) 

Charles Hubert Wellborn, 89, of Hodges Gap Road, Boone, passed away Tuesday morning, June 27, 2017.

Born April 27, 1928 in Ashe County, he was a son of Robert Alexander and Clemmie Watson Wellborn. Charles was a US Army veteran, serving during the Korean Era. After his military service, he served as a deputy for the Watauga County Sheriffs Department. He was an auto mechanic and owned and operated Wellborn Shell for 32 years. Charles loved spending time with his family, enjoyed his annual vegetable gardens, planting and growing trees, flowers and shrubs, and hunting and fishing. 

Mr. Wellborn is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Cox Wellborn; three daughters, Dinah Pinney, Cara Osborne and husband, Bryce, and Jeannie Wellborn, all of Boone; five grandchildren, Charles Pinney and girlfriend, Christina Hildebrandt of St. Louis, MO, Sharon Gamradt and husband, John of Steamboat Springs, CO, and Daniel and Matthew Osborne and Paul Wellborn, all of Boone; two great-granddaughters, Aria Gamradt and Evelyn Gamradt, both of Steamboat Springs, CO; and two brothers, Junior Wellborn and Sue Hagaman of Boone and Bill Wellborn and wife, Tommie, of Deep Gap. A number of nieces and nephews also survive. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Al, Arthur, Jim and Paul Wellborn; and three sisters, Sarah Graybeal, Daisy Walker and Mildred Michael.

Funeral services will be conducted Sunday afternoon, July 2nd, at 2 oclock at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Chapel, officiated by Rev. Zane Tester. Graveside services with Military Honors provided by the American Legion Post 130 and the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 90 will follow in the Cox Family Cemetery. 

The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 5 until 6:30 at Austin & Barnes. Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Wellborn family.


Nell Hicks Presnell (Oct. 23, 1933 – June 27, 2017)

Mrs. Nell Hicks Presnell, 84, of Elk Park School Road, passed away Tuesday afternoon at Life Care of Banner Elk. 

Funeral arrangements for Nell Hicks Presnell are incomplete. Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com. 

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


Marie Ramsey Townsend (Aug. 23, 1943 – June 25, 2017)

Marie Ramsey Townsend, 73, of Lenoir, North Carolina passed away on Sunday, June 25, 2017 at the Robbins Center Hospice House in Hudson, NC.

She was born on Aug. 23, 1943 in Avery County, North Carolina, a daughter of the late Sidney Ramsey and the late Emma Fields Ramsey.

Marie was a member of the Banner Elk Seventh Day Adventist Church and enjoyed reading her Bible.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her: Husband, Homer Townsend; Sisters, Mildred Johnson, Thelma Pierce, Wilma Roberts; Brothers, Melvin Frank Ramsey, Ted Ramsey, and Andrew Ramsey.

Marie leaves behind to cherish her memory her: Daughter, Kathy (Gordon) Townsend of Lenoir, NC, Daughter, Janice (Dwayne) Townsend of Lenoir, NC, Daughter, Gloria Regalado of Lenoir, NC, Son, Danny Townsend of Boone, NC; Sisters, Edith Buchanan of Pennsylvania, Ruby Townsend of Lansing, NC; Brothers, Mack Ramsey of Banner Elk, Fred Ramsey of Banner Elk, Wayne Ramsey of Fencastle, VA, Sam Ramsey of Radnor, OH; ten grandchildren; seventeen great grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Marie Townsend will be held on Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. from the Banner Elk Seventh Day Adventist Church. Interment will be in the White Rock Cemetery beside her beloved husband, Homer.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Caldwell Hospice 902 Kirkwood Street NW, Lenoir, NC 28645.

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


Robert W. “Bob” Pohle (July 5, 1925 – June 25, 2017)

Mr. Robert W. “Bob” Pohle, 91, of 119 Florida Shores Boulevard, Daytona Beach Shores, Florida and 205 West Indrio Road, Blowing Rock, North Carolina, passed away Sunday, June 25, 2017 at Watauga Medical Center.

Pohle worked actively for almost all of his long life, beginning as a child helping out in his parents’ various restaurants in Philadelphia and New Jersey, most of them called simply “Pohle’s.”

As a teenager and young man, he was a winning competitor in numerous equestrian events on the national level all around the country.

He served in the Merchant Marine during World War II, in high-risk combat areas in both the Atlantic and Pacific. His experiences in the wartime engine rooms of very many ships were one of the factors which later led him to his lifetime career in the automobile industry. After the war, he continued in the Merchant Marine as an official of the maritime union in San Francisco, California and elsewhere.

Returning to his native New Jersey in the late 1940’s, he became a partner in his first auto agency, Pohle-Knight Motors. Over the next two-thirds of a century, he was active in countless different pursuits in the auto industry, always at owner or senior management levels. Serving as President of the Philadelphia-area dealers’ association, while running various dealerships in New Jersey and the Delaware Valley, he several times provided the cars for the Miss America contestants to ride in during their pageant parades in Atlantic City in the 1950s.

Moving to Florida in the late 1960s, he opened two more auto dealerships before he began a long career in the Auto Auction field, first with his own auction and later as the Southeast Regional Manager of Manheim Auto Auctions, and Senior Vice President of Cox Enterprises, which owned Manheim. He actively traveled to their auctions all over the United States.

Retiring officially at age 84 on December 31, 2009, Pohle continued to work a full schedule as a contract consultant until he was 86.

Mr. Pohle is survived by his wife, Linda C. Pohle of the home; two daughters, Mae “Mimi” Riser and husband Rob of Spur, Texas and Terry Dolbier and husband Tad of Boone; one son, Robert W. Pohle, Jr. and wife Maryann of St. Augustine, Florida; three granddaughters, Rita Mae Baldwin and husband Nick of St. Augustine, Florida, Candace Wilson of South Carolina and Kylie Dolbier of Boone, and one great-grandson Graeme Baldwin of St. Augustine, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Victor Hugo Pohle and Vera Morris Pohle; one son, Bryan Pohle, and one sister, Kathryn M. Pohle.

Funeral services for Robert W. “Bob” Pohle will be conducted Saturday morning, July 1, 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. Officiating will be Dr. Randall Whitten. Military graveside rites and burial, provided by the United States Navy, American Legion Post 130, and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 90, will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery in Blowing Rock.

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

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

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


Mr. Arlie W. Isaacs (Aug. 8, 1940 – June 24, 2017)

Mr. Arlie Wesley Isaacs, 76, of Fletcher Branch Road, Vilas, went home to be with his Lord and Savior surrounded by his family on Saturday, June 24, 2017.

Born August 8, 1940 in Watauga County, he was a son of the late Sherman Daniel and Josephine Hicks Isaacs. He was a US Army veteran and a member of Vanderpool Baptist Church. Arlie worked for the Boone Police Department for 27 years, retiring as Captain. In his retirement Arlie owned and operated Isaacs Auto Sales. 

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Lois Johnson Isaacs, three children, Jack Isaacs and fiancé Lisa Greene of Vilas, Karen Isaacs McNeil and husband David of Boone and Teresa Isaacs Jones and husband Terry of Vilas, seven grandchildren, Daniel Isaacs and wife Kathy, Kayla Townsend and husband Travis, Troy McNeil and wife Maggie, Kenzie Jones, Daniel Greene, Cameron Denney and Hailey Denney, and four great grandchildren, Aliese and Mason Isaacs, Rayne and Reece Townsend, and a number of brothers and sisters in law, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers, Austin and Gray Isaacs, one sister, Mary Ellen Townsend and his father-in-law, Willard Johnson. 

Funeral services for Mr. Arlie Isaacs will be conducted Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock at Vanderpool Baptist Church. Officiating will be Rev. Andy Watson, Rev. Thomas Brown, Rev. David Ward, and Rev. Derick Wilson. Burial will follow in the Vanderpool Baptist Church Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by American Legion Post 130. Masonic Graveside rites will be conducted by Snow Lodge # 363. 

The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6 o’clock until 8 o’clock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home. At other times friends may call at the residence. 

Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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


Larry Thomas McLean (Feb. 3, 1972 – June 21, 2017)

Larry Thomas (Tom) McLean Jr, 45, of Charlotte, NC, died on June 21, 2017, at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York City after battling a rare form of kidney cancer. 

Tom was born on February 3, 1972 to Larry Thomas and Alleine Coffey McLean in Watauga County and spent his early years in the Boone-Blowing Rock area. Tom moved with his family to Hendersonville when he was in the fourth grade and graduated as salutatorian from Hendersonville High School in 1990. Tom graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a bachelor of business administration in 1994 and with a juris doctor with honors in 1997, both from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 
    
Tom was an accomplished corporate lawyer and began his career by practicing with Troutman Sanders, LLP in Atlanta and later with Kennedy Covington Lobdell & Hickman LLP in Charlotte. Tom spent most of his career working as corporate counsel for internet companies, including Lending Tree, LLC, Ticketmaster, LLC and Viggle, Inc. Tom made life-long friends in each of his jobs and even served as best man for one of his former co-workers. He enjoyed working as corporate counsel for the opportunity it gave him to be a part of the business team. 
    
As committed as Tom was to his legal practice, he was even more dedicated to his family. Tom was a devoted husband to his wife, Amy Clayborne McLean of Charlotte; a doting father to his children, Caroline Clayborne McLean, 18, and Samuel Thomas McLean, 14; and loving son to his parents, Larry Thomas McLean Sr., who predeceased his son, and Alleine Coffey McLean of Matthews. 
    
Tom was known by his friends and family as being a kind, humble and intelligent man with a great sense of humor and a big heart. He will be sorely missed by the friends and family members whose lives he enriched greatly. 
    
A memorial service will be held for Tom at 2 pm on June 27, 2017, at Stallings United Methodist Church, 1115 Stallings Road, Matthews. A graveside service will be held at 3 pm June 28th at Boones Fork Cemetery on Highway 221 in Blowing Rock. 
    
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions to a scholarship fund for Toms children, which may be made online at https://www.gofundme.com/familymclean, or to the Cycle for Survival program through which Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital raises funds to support its research relating to rare cancers.

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


Ora Mae Massee Burleson (Jan. 3, 1927 – June 21, 2017)

Ora Mae Massee Burleson, age 90, of Marion, North Carolina passed away on Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at her residence.

She was born on January 3, 1927 a daughter of the late Silas Henry and Sallie Elizabeth Cathey Dotson. 

Ora Mae was a Mistress of the Mountains, Order of the Easter Star. She was a longtime member of the Elk Park Baptist Church and taught Sunday school. Ora Mae was also a member of the Henson Creek Baptist Church. 

She was a long time member of the N.C. Agricultural Extension Service as a Home Demonstration Club. Ora Mae along with her husband Joe Massee owned and operated the Hump Mountain Apple House & Orchard for many years. 

Ora Mae was very social and enjoyed visiting with her friends and neighbors. 

Along with her parents Ora Mae was preceded in death by her first husband, Joe Massee , her second husband John Burleson and her son David Massee. 

Ora leaves behind to cherish her memory her Daughters; Kay Meacham “David” of Marion, NC and Sara Smith “Daniel” of Nebo, NC; Daugher-in law Kathie Massee of Linville, NC; Grandson Justin Massee “Kimber” of Johnson City, TN; Granddaughter Taylor Smith of Chapel Hill, NC
Grandson Sterling Smith of Marion, NC; Great-grandson Grayson Massee. 

Graveside services for Ora Mae Massee Burleson will be held on Sunday June 25, 2017 at 2:00 in the Elk Park Cemetery with Rev. Lonnie Barnes officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: American Cancer Society: P.O. Box 42040 Oklahoma City, OK 73123-3000

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


Doug Charles Mast, Sr. (Nov. 7, 1950 – June 20, 2017)

Mr. Douglas Charles Mast, 66, of Buckeye Road, Elk Park, passed away Tuesday morning, June 20, 2017 at his home, surrounded by his family. Born November 7, 1950 in Avery County, he was a son of the late Chester and Carrie Harmon Mast. Doug was a US Army Veteran having served during Vietnam. 

He is survived by his wife, Linda Mast, two children, Doug Mast, Jr., of Vilas and Crystal Underwood and husband Mark of Elk Park, two granddaughters, Montana Underwood of Vilas and Cheyenne Rupard and husband Clay of Chesapeake, VA, two grandsons    Micah and Asa Mast and their mother Kena Mast of Boone, one great granddaughter, Chloe Rupard of Chesapeake, VA, one foster brother, Jackie Harmon and wife Janice of Sugar Grove, and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers, Marshall and Larry Mast.

The family would like to thank Kristen Thompson of Medi-Home Hospice of Avery County for her tender, compassionate care.

Funeral services for Mr. Doug Mast will be conducted Friday afternoon at 1 o’clock at the Beech Valley Baptist Church. Burial with military honors provided by American Legion Post 130 will follow in the Beech Valley Cemetery. Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to Medi-Home Hospice, PO Box 1357, Newland, NC 28657. 

The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:30 until 8:30 at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home. Online condolences may be shared with the Mast family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

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


Larry D. Caudill (Jan. 1, 1947 – June 20, 2017) 

Larry Dallas Caudill, age 70 of Purlear, passed away Tuesday, June 20, 2017, at his home.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM, Thursday, June 22, 2017 at New Hope Baptist Church in Purlear with Rev. Mike Stamper and Rev. Grant Caudill officiating. Burial with Military Honors by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1142 Honor Guard will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 1:45 prior to the service in the New Hope Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.

He was born January 1st, 1947 in Alexandria, VA. His parents are Joe Todd and Inez Triplett Caudill. He was a member of New Hope Baptist Church. Larry felt that his greatest accomplishments were his three Godly sons. He was a licensed Minister, Ordained Deacon, and three time Missionary to Brazil. He was proud to serve his country in the Army during the Vietnam War. He was also married to the love of his life for over 50 years. 

He was preceded in death by his mother and an infant granddaughter; Tyler Cate Caudill.

Mr. Caudill is survived by his wife; Brenda Caudill of the home, three sons; Rev. Grant Caudill and wife Shannon of Bristol, VA, Brad Caudill and wife Stephanie of Wilkesboro and Shane Caudill and wife Allison of Deep Gap, four grandchildren; Kailee Caudill McKinney, Makenzie Caudill, Chase Caudill and Abi Caudill, his father; Joe Todd Caudill of Charlotte, one brother; Steve Caudill and wife Cindy of Rock Hill, SC, two aunts; Iva Peak of Mint Hill, NC and Veva McClane of Ferguson and his mother in law; Ona Dea Yates of Purlear. 

In lieu of flowers; memorials may be made to Gideons International South Camp Po Box 323 Wilkesboro, NC 28697. Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home, North Wilkesboro, is serving the Caudill family.


Edith “Dedie” Andrews (Feb. 27, 1968 – June 20, 2017)

Edith Hamby “Dedie” Andrews, 49, of Newland, North Carolina, the Land Harbor Community, passed away on Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at the Cannon Memorial Hospital in Linville, North Carolina.

She was born on February 27, 1968 in Catawba County, North Carolina, a daughter of Edith Geitner Hamby of Hickory and the late James Carroll Hamby.

She graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelors in Business and Marketing and worked as an Agent for Andrews and Andrews Insurance.

In addition to her mother, Dedie leaves behind to cherish her memory her: Daughter, Elizabeth Andrews of Newland, NC, Daughter, Virginia Andrews of Newland, NC, Daughter, Olivia Andrews of Newland, NC, Sister, Suehonor Connor of Mars Hill, NC, Sister, Ginger Rogg of Silverton, OR.

A service to Celebrate her Life was held on Thursday, June 22, 2017 at the Crossnore Presbyterian Church.

Dedie’s family would like to express their profound appreciation to all of the incredible individuals, groups, and organizations in Avery County who have been extraordinarily generous in their support over the last year. Dedie, in particular, was overcome with gratitude at the outpouring of love. When she passed, she knew that she was being held by the countless prayers of this thoughtful and loving community. 

In lieu of flowers, 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 Andrews family by visiting our website www.rsfh.net 


George E. Richardson (Sept. 10, 1969 – June 19, 2017)

George Richardson, 47, of Spruce Pine, North Carolina passed away on Thursday, May 18, 2017.

He was born on September 10, 1969 in Richmond County, North Carolina, a son of the late George Edwin Richardson and the late Naomi Webb Richardson.

George had served as a Sgt. in the Army National Guard, a Mason and a member of The Marine Corps League.

George leaves behind to cherish his memory his: Wife, Vicki Richardson of Spruce Pine, NC, Son, Jarrett Richardson of Supply, NC, Son, Levi Richardson of Spruce Pine, NC, Son, Ryan Richardson of Spruce Pine, NC, Daughter, Abby Richardson of Spruce Pine, NC, Sister, Connie Edge, and her husband, Paul, of Holden Beach, NC, Sister, Jennie Jordan of Beech Mountain, NC, Brother, Michael Richardson, and his wife, Vickie, of Beech Mountain, NC.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 25, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

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


Richard L. Barker (Sept. 24, 1934 – June 14, 2017)

Richard L. Barker, 82. of Cabin Fever Lane, Boone, passed away Wednesday morning, June 14, 2017, at Glenbridge Health and Rehabilitation Center in Boone.

Richard is survived by his wife, Debra Barker of the home; two daughters, Melanie Martin and husband Brent of Mississippi, and Tirzah Griffin and husband Jeff of Boone; one son, Jonathan Barker and wife Michon of Florida; one grandson, Chase Daniel Barker of Florida, and his mother-in-law, Doris Briggs of Mississippi. He is also survived by many friends.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Richard L. Barker, Sr. and Lydia Anderson Barker.

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

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


Herbert Hoover Yates (Nov. 3, 1928 – June 13, 2017)

Herbert Hoover Yates, 88, of Worley Road, Banner Elk, passed away Tuesday evening, June 13, 2017, at his home.

Herbert was born November 3, 1928 in Watauga County, a son of the late Edward C. Yates and Mamie Matheson Yates. He retired from Appalachian State University where he worked in food services. Herbert was a member of Bethany Baptist Church, where he was a Deacon and Choir Leader.

Herbert is survived by his wife, Doris Barnes Yates of the home; two daughters, Wanda Yates and Vanessa Rupard and husband Gary, all of Banner Elk; one son, Eddie Yates of Banner Elk; one brother, Ralph Yates and wife Evelyn of Boone; three granddaughters, Melanie Winkler and husband Dale of Boone, Amanda Greer and husband Daniel of Trade, Tennessee, and Michele Trivette and husband Sammy Joe of Banner Elk; two grandsons, Travis Rupard and wife Carolyn, and Chadley Rupard and wife Hannah, all of Banner Elk, and his great-grandchildren, Eli Winkler, Ben Winkler, Caleb Clark, Weston Trivette, and Addison Trivette. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by seven sisters, Gladys Presnell, Rose Edna Harmon, Marilyn Trivette, Ruby Yates, Wilma Shook, Irene Storie, and Lola Townsend, and three brothers, Winford, Tommy, and Everett Yates.

Funeral services for Herbert Hoover Yates will be conducted Friday morning, June 16, 2017, at 11:00 o’clock, at Bethany Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 10:00 until 11:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Reverend Harvey Presnell and Reverend Gene Carver. Burial will follow in the Yates Cemetery, conducted by Reverend Richard Trivette.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Yates Cemetery Fund, in care of Vanessa Rupard, 1078 Upper Crab Orchard Road, Banner Elk, North Carolina, 28604, or to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street NW, Lenoir, North Carolina, 28645.

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

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


Dr. Fred Allen Wilson (Feb. 3, 1936 – June 12, 2017) 

Dr. Fred Allen Wilson, age 81, of Canterbury Lane, Boone, passed away Monday evening, June 12, 2017 at The Foley Center at Chestnut Ridge in Blowing Rock. Born February 3, 1936 in Mississippi, he was a son of George and Lillian Wilson. Dr. Wilson retired as a Psychology Professor from Appalachian State University. 

He is survived by his wife, Helga Wittfohn Wilson; daughters, Monica Wilson of Asheville; sons, Phil Wilson and family of Boone and Scott Wilson of Asheville; and sisters, Barbara Wallace of Arkansas and Louise Brenner of Missouri.

Services for Dr. Fred Allen Wilson will be private. Online condolences may be shared with the family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

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