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Watauga, Avery Obituaries – May 11, 2017

Mr. Henry Sanford Hughes (June 04, 1945 – May 10, 2017) 

Henry Sanford Hughes, of the Ingalls community, went home to be with Jesus on May 10th 2017 at Cannon Memorial Hospital. He was 71 years young!

He loved the Lord above all things, with his family a very close second. He was a Sunday school teacher and superintendent for many years, which was one of his greatest joys. He had a wicked sense of humor, and could find something to laugh about no matter what situation or circumstances he found himself in. He was fearless, and had travelled and worked in 48 states as well as Mexico and Canada. He was one of the first telephone linemen and contract cable splicers from this area, and was a master at his craft.

He taught many of the telecommunications workers both in the south and elsewhere, and found work for a great many of his family, friends, and acquaintances for over forty years. He was also the owner of Hughes Cleaning and Maintenance, providing a living for many whom others would not consider hiring or giving a second chance at life. He was loved by countless people and had a love for giving to others, especially when no one else knew. He befriended, supported, and encouraged many pastors over the years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Earl and Willie Mae Stanley Hughes, one brother, Kenneth Ray Hughes, three sisters; Shirley Ann Robinson, Barbara Sue Hughes, and Luceilia Hughes, two nephews; Anthony Ray Tony Hughes and Joseph Thaddeus Bodie Vance, and brother-in-law Eddie Singleton. 

Survivors include the love of his life and wife of 47 years, Jacqueline Hughes; a son, Sanford (Sandy) Glenn Hughes and fiancé Carol Cremen of Bristol Tn., and daughter Misty Hughes and husband, Scott of the Roaring Creek Community; two granddaughters; Eden Hughes and husband Aaron Cox of the home, Sierra Houston and husband Jeff of Ingalls, and two great-grandsons, Riley and Conner Houston; two brothers, Maynard Hughes and wife Renate of Ingalls, Stanley Hughes and wife, Amy of Oxford, NC. He is also survived by two sisters; Louella Singleton of Pyatte, and Lila Vance and husband Butch, also of Pyatte, and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral services for Sanford Hughes will be conducted Friday evening, May 12, 2017 at 7 PM at the Mt. Calvary Freewill Missionary Baptist Church. Officiating will be Rev. Jim Shoupe and Rev. David Troutman. The family will receive fiends prior to the service from 5 PM until 7 PM at the church.

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


Ruth Morrison Grady (Oct. 21, 1919 – May 8, 2017)

Ruth Morrison Grady, 97, of Wilson Ridge Road, Boone, passed away Monday, May 8, 2017, at Glenbridge Health and Rehabilitation in Boone.

Ruth Grady was born and raised in Greensboro, North Carolina. After attending Campbell College, she received a full scholarship to attend dramatic school in New York City in 1937. She went on to perform in theatrical productions on and off Broadway. She did summer stock at the Whitefield Theater in New Hampshire and at the, now legendary, Barter Theater in Abingdon Virginia. She worked as a repertoire actress for Children’s World Theater in New York until 1955. Over the length of her career, she worked with several famous actors including John Forsythe, Jason Robards, John Dall, Burl Ives, Cornell Wilde, Tom Poston and Lilia Skala who was nominated for an Oscar for the 1960 classic Lilies of the Field. Ruth’s last performance was in 1982 at Averett College in Danville Virginia in their production of The Man Who Came to Dinner. After the death of her husband, Roy Grady, Ruth spent 15 years writing her novel – The Last Enemy. She called it a ‘metaphysical soap opera’ about life, death, love and re-incarnation. The book’s title is taken from a quotation from the Book of Revelations – “…the last enemy is death”.

Ruth is survived by three sons, Mike Grady of Boone, John Grady and wife Patricia of Galveston, Texas, and Roy Lee Grady, Jr. and wife Rahily of Milano, Texas; two granddaughters, Brie Hines and husband Clinton of Richards, Texas, and Caitlin Grady of Oakland, California, and one grandson, Dan Grady and wife Jennifer of Cyprus, Texas. She is also survived by nine great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Lee Grady and her father and mother, R.T. and Ethel Seawell Morrison.

Graveside services and burial for Ruth Morrison Grady will be conducted Thursday afternoon, May 11, 2017, at 3:30 PM, at Greenhill Cemetery in Greensboro. Officiating will be Mike Grady.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Medi Home Hospice, 400 Shadowline Drive, Suite 102, Boone, North Carolina, 28607.

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


John Sam (Dec. 15, 1930 – May 8, 2017)

John Sam, 86, of Ravens Ridge Circle, Boone, passed away Monday afternoon, May 8, 2017, at the Foley Center in Blowing Rock.

John is survived by his wife, June Sam of the home; one daughter, Joy Sauls and husband Jim of Findlay, Ohio; three sons, John Sam, Jr. of Atlanta, Georgia, Andrew Sam and wife Laura of Haw River, North Carolina, and David Sam and wife Linda of Parker, Colorado; one brother, Eugene Sam and wife Mary Lou of Evensburg, Pennsylvania; one sister-in-law, Dona Sam of Denver, Colorado; one grandson, Jason Sauls of Gainesville, Florida; one granddaughter, Rachel Sauls Brunk and husband Isaac of Harrisonburg, Virginia, and three great-grandchildren, Lucy, Jack, and Calvin Brunk. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death his father and mother, Andy Sam and Minnie Sam; two brothers, Louis and Carl Sam; one sister, Josephine Sam Palmer; one brother-in-law, Bill Palmer,and one sister-in-law, Mary Lou Sam.

Memorial Services for John Sam will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, May 20, 2017 in the chapel of Hampton Funeral Service.

The family will receive friends following the service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street, Lenoir, North Carolina, 28645, The Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas, 66675, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 90, 135 Bear Trail Lane, Boone, North Carolina, 28607, or to Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, New York, 10018.

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


Dorsey Orlene Jackson (May 5, 1941 – May 8, 2017)

Dorsey Orlene Jackson, 76, of Marion passed away on May 8, 2017 at Asheville Health Care Center.

A native of Avery County, she was born May 5, 1941 a daughter of the late Robert and Biddie Mathes Jackson

Along with her parents, Dorsey was preceded in death by her: Brother Robert Jackson

Dorsey has left to cherish her memory her son Quenton Jackson (Angela)
Sisters: Polly Young, Betty Brown and Carolyn Myles: Brother Edward Jackson
One aunt Jennie Mathes and one uncle Grover Bailey

Funeral services for Dorsey Jackson will be conducted on, Saturday May 13, 2017 at 2:00 at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home. Interment will follow the service at Conley Chapel in Plumtree NC. The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 on Saturday May 13, 2017 

Dorsey retired from Baxter’s, she was a member of Conley Chapel AME Zion. She enjoyed watching soap operas in her spare time. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Alzheimer’s Association
Alzheimer’s Association
P.O. Box 96011
Washington, DC 20090-6011

A special thank you to Care Partners Hospice, Nursing Staff Asheville Care Center. 

Words of comfort and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.rsfh.net.


Edward Dotson (Aug. 11, 1974 – May 7, 2017)

Edward Dotson, 42, of Clayton Hicks Drive, Sugar Grove, passed away Sunday, May 7, 2017.

Edward is survived by two daughters, Ashley Dotson and Jessica Dotson, both of Sugar Grove; one granddaughter, Allison Watson of Sugar Grove; three brothers, Dennis Dotson and Michael Dotson, both of Boone, and Caleb Branton of Sugar Grove; three sisters, Betty Sue Dotson of Boone, Deborah Platt of Newland, and Michelle Dotson of South Carolina, and his mother, Mary Caudill Dotson of Boone.

He was preceded in death by his father, Floyd Dennis Dotson, Sr., and one brother, Daniel Dotson.

Funeral services for Edward Dotson will be conducted Thursday afternoon, May 11, 2017, at 2:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock. 

The family will receive friends Thursday afternoon, from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock, at the funeral home, prior to the service.

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

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


Bob Roland Norman Pruess (Dec. 31, 1933 – May 5, 2017) 

Roland Norman Pruess, 83, of Forest Ridge Drive, Boone, passed away Friday morning, May 5, 2017 at Watauga Medical Center.

Born December 31, 1933 in St, Louis, Missouri, he was a son of Henry and Ellen Biller Pruess. Mr. Pruess was a veteran of the U.S. Army and earned a Bachelors Degree from the University of Missouri. Always active in scouting, he was an eagle scout and served as scout master for Troop 101 in Blowing Rock for many years. Before moving to the Boone area, he developed properties in the Florida Keys, and later, in the Blowing Rock area. He owned and operated the Azalea Gardens Motel and the Alpine Country Store in Blowing Rock for many years. In later years, he devoted more than 17 years caring for his wife who was afflicted with Multiple Scleroses. 

Mr. Pruess is survived by his sons, Greg Pruess and Jody Pruess and wife Christy, all of Boone; and six grandchildren; Jalen, Paxton, Gabriel, Cameron, Chelsea and Barrett Pruess. He was preceded in death his wife, Vaughdean Dina Pruess and sisters, Rose Nichols and Betty Wagner. 

Graveside services with Military Honors provided by the American Legion Post 130 and the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 90, will be conducted Monday afternoon, May 8th, at 2 oclock at Woodlawn Cemetery in Blowing Rock, officiated by Rev. Ben Carson. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Casting Bread Food Ministries, 194 Aho Road, Blowing Rock, North Carolina 28605. 

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


Joyce Shore Rayfield (Oct. 11, 1937 – May 5, 2017)

Joyce Shore Rayfield, age 79, of Bryant Combs Road, Sugar Grove, passed away Friday morning, May 5, 2017, at Life Care Center of Banner Elk.

Joyce was born October 11, 1937 in Watauga County, a daughter of the late Paul D. Shore and Mae Auton Shore. She was a retired machine operator for IRC/TRW in Boone, and was a member of Cove Creek Baptist Church.

Joyce is survived by her husband, Gene Rayfield of the home; two sons, Mark W. Rayfield and wife Tina, of Vilas, and John P. Rayfield of Lenoir; one brother, Perry Wayne Shore and wife Jean of Lenoir, and one sister-in-law, Cora Jane Shore of Charlotte. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Crystal, Michelle, Matthew, Tonya, and Lucas, five great-grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one son, Michael Gene Rayfield; two brothers, Ralph Shore and Coy Shore, and two sisters, Mary Lee Taylor and Louise Bumgarner.

Funeral services for Joyce Shore Rayfield will be conducted Monday afternoon, May 8, 2017, at 2:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Pastor Gordon Noble. Burial will follow in Cove Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Monday afternoon, from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock, at the funeral home, prior to the service.

The family respectfully requests no food.

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


Rose Anna Wade (March 13, 1950 – May 2, 2017) 

Rose Anna Wade passed away on Tuesday, May 2, 2017, after a lengthy illness. She leaves behind Michael, her husband of almost forty-seven years; and three sons and daughters-in-law to whom she was very close–Andrew Bancroft and Danielle, Patrick Michael and Ashley, and Kevin Henry and Jordan.

She is also survived by five grandchildren she dearly loved–Lindsay Rose, Michael, Evie, Mollie, and Atticus. A fourth granddaughter will be born in September. From a large, close family of French heritage, her mother Semay Henry; sisters Gilda Arcuri and Elaine Burns; brothers Tommy, Roy, and Gil also remain to honor her memory, as do their wives (Donna, Anna, and Libby respectively) and her numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Steve and his wife Mila. She was preceded in death by her father, Gilbert Henry, Sr. and sister, Marie Deaton.
    
Rose Anna was born in New Iberia, Louisiana, on March 13, 1950. The oldest daughter of Gilbert and Semay Henry, she was class salutatorian and homecoming queen at Leon Godchaux High School in Reserve, LA. She was an honor graduate at the University of Southwestern Louisiana, graduating early with a degree in mathematics and education. Rose Anna and Mike met in March of 1969, got engaged in April, and married on June 6, 1970. She taught mathematics in Louisiana, Florida, Arkansas, and North Carolina. At Watauga High School, she taught a broad range of math courses, and worked many more hours than there are in a school day. Along the way, she gave her own children the love and attention that enabled them to grow into accomplished young men. Prior to her retirement in 2010 she served as Math Department Chair and was a significant voice in the successful campaign for a new Watauga High School. After retirement, she supervised student teachers for Appalachian State Universitys Department of Mathematics, cared for grandchildren, and worked the polls on election days.
    
Rose Anna lived a full life. She gave freely of her talents and sensibilities, asking little in return. She enabled her husband to complete graduate school; she taught her students and her children to be honorable, independent, and accountable, and was a mentor for young teachers. Her passions were her family and being in the classroom. Her legacy is the success of her students, the respect of her peers, the strong careers and marriages of her children, and the undying love and devotion of a husband who knows that she was the best thing that ever happened to his life.
    
A funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday morning, May 6th, at 10 oclock at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, officiated by Father Matthew Codd. Rite of Christian burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Blowing Rock. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 5 until 7 oclock at Austin & Barnes.

In lieu of flowers, Rose Anna would prefer that people wishing to remember her do so with donations to the Watauga County Education Foundation, PO Box 2658, Boone, NC 28607. Online condolences may be shared at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

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


Annie Madge Brown Drumm (July 14, 1927 – May 2, 2017)

Annie Madge Brown Drumm, 89, of Broadstone Road, Banner Elk, the Valle Crucis Community, passed away Tuesday afternoon, May 2, 2017, at Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care in Lenoir.

Annie Madge Brown Drumm was born to Bertie Mae McDonald Brown & William Victor Brown on July 14, 1927. She was one of eight children raised in Conehatta, Miss. until age 18. 

She then entered The University of Alabama ( Druid City School of Nursing )and graduated in 1948 as an RN. She worked her first job as an RN at the VA Hospital in Louisville, KY. She then became Night Supervisor of Nursing Service of Druid City Hospital in Tuscaloosa , AL. January of 1950 she joined the Army Nursing Corp and served in Osaka , Japan during the Korean war. 

January 1953 she married Robert Douglas Drumm while still in the military. She served two years in Munich Germany and was discharged in 1954.

The next 24 years were filled with raising her family, PTA, Campfire Leader and working Obstetrics at Eden Hospital and as Night Supervisor at Laurel Grove Hospital in Castro Valley, CA.

In 1978, she fulfilled a dream and opened Madge’s Square Dance Wear in San Lorenzo, CA. She spent 20 years selling western wear to her fellow square dancers and country western customers. She loved square dancing for 30 plus years. 

In 2004, she moved to Valle Crucis, NC to live near her daughter Debbie and son-in-law Mike Galleher and their family, where she was welcomed into a community that she loved very much. 

She enjoyed her years living there while attending Valle Crucis United Methodist Church ( a wonderful church family) and playing Rook at The Western Watauga Community Center where she had many dear friends. She loved to crochet, sew and would challenge anyone to a game of Scrabble.

She is survived by her son Mike Drumm, daughter-in-law Sandy, daughter Debbie, husband Mike Galleher and 4 grandchildren, Matt Galleher, Ashley Galleher, Ryan Drumm & Katelyn Drumm , sisters Irene Ferry, Esta McKnight, Sara Bethany, Mary Aycock (Clois) & Patty Doucet, sister-in-law Vera Brown and many loving nieces & nephews. 

She was predeceased by her grandson, Adam Galleher and her two brothers, Bud & Sidney Brown and former husband Robert Drumm.

A memorial service for Annie Madge Brown Drumm will be held on Sunday afternoon, May 7, 2017, at 5:00 o’clock, at Valle Crucis United Methodist Church. Officiating will be Pastor Elaine Hall and Pastor Bob Roten.

A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.

Interment will be at the New Lusk Cemetery in Gilbertown, Alabama on Saturday morning, May 27, 2017, at 10:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Pastor Scottie Fulcher.

Memorial contributions can be made to SmileOn ADG, The Adam Galleher Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 584, Valle Crucis, NC 28691.

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

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


Ian W. Davis (June 4, 1986 – May 1, 2017) 

Ian W. Davis, age 30, of Vilas, passed away Monday, May 1st. 
    
He is survived by: his wife, Hannah R. Davis, his mother, Nancy Davis and Daniel Grodecki; his father, Gary Davis and wife Gayle; two brothers Dan Mackey and fiancée Lynne Sab lack, and Christian Davis; two sisters Brendal Townsend and husband Scott, and Emily Davis; father-in-law, Rick Rominger and wife Maureen; mother-in-law, Teresa Winebarger and husband Roger; brother-in-law, Ross Rominger and wife Jamie; maternal grandmother, Geraldine Dunston; and, maternal aunt, Susan Dunston.
    
Ian was an avid Jimmie Johnson fan and Pittsburgh Penguins hockey fan. He loved woodworking and fishing.
    
 Services for Ian W. Davis will be private.
    
The family respectfully requests no flowers. Donations may be made to Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory to help with expenses. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

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


William Dean Greene (Sept. 8, 1950 – April 30, 2017) 

William Dean Greene, 66, of Rocky Point Acres, Deep Gap, passed away Sunday morning, April 30, 2017 at his home. Born September 8, 1950 in Watauga County, he was a son of Clarence and Ruby Walls Greene.

Dean was a loving husband and took great pride in helping others. He served his community by working with the Deep Gap Volunteer Fire Department in every capacity for more than 43 years. He established Greene Carpet Service and installed flooring for many years and eventually branched out to perform all types of home repairs. Dean was one of those rare individuals who could do almost anything – a self-taught jack of all trades. The challenge of learning a new skill in order to help someone with a project was a joy for him. Dean always felt the need to be busy and productive every day and was never happier than when he was working. Through the years, many people have depended on him to help with repairs and projects while completely trusting him with their homes. He will be missed by many, including several of his “other mothers”, who could always count on him. Although Heaven is a perfect place, we feel that God has a list of leaks, squeaks, tweaks, and repairs for Dean to assure that he continues to feel productive for eternity. 

Dean is survived by his wife, Judy Hayes Greene; sister, Mary Greene Wallace and husband, Tom, of Deep Gap; brother, Gene Greene and wife, Laurie, of Fleetwood; brother-in-law, Joe Hayes and wife, Jerry, and sister-in-law, Evelyn (Sissy) Moore and husband, Marshall, all of Boone. Two nieces, Amanda Irwin and husband Darrell of China and Brandy Eldreth and husband, Drew, of Lenoir; two nephews, Chris Hayes and wife Lori of Granite Falls and Andy Greene and wife Heather, of Lenoir; and several great nieces and great nephews also survive. 

Memorial services will be conducted Wednesday afternoon, May 3rd at 3 o’clock at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Chapel, officiated by Rev. Burl Greer. The family will receive friends from 1:30 until 3 o’clock, prior to services, at Austin & Barnes. 

Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to Medi Home Health & Hospice, 400 Shadowline Drive, Boone, NC 28607 or to the Deep Gap Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 516, Deep Gap, NC 28618. ‘We wish to extend a special thanks to both Medi Home Hospice and the Deep Gap Volunteer Fire Department for all their kindness and professionalism extended to our family. 

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


Mr. Dwight William Hayes (April 24, 1915 – April 28, 2017) 

Mr. Dwight William Hayes, age 102, of Vilas, passed away Friday afternoon, April 28, 2017 at his home. Born April 24, 1915 in Watauga County, he was a son of the late Leonard and Carrie Moody Hayes. Mr. Hayes was a lifelong member of Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon and Sunday School Teacher. His joy was singing bass in the church choir. Dwight worked for the NC DOT for thirty five years, as a motor grader operator and construction supervisor. He was an Atlanta Braves fan and enjoyed golf. Dwight also enjoyed visiting with the sick and shut in folks in the community. 

He is survived by one daughter, Linda H. Gragg, one son, James D. Hayes and wife Julie all of Vilas, six grandchildren, Rick Hayes, Dixanna Howell and husband David, Mark Gragg and wife Jennifer, Robert Gragg and wife Melissa, Carrie Hayes and Matthew Hayes, eight great grandchildren; Joshua, Hannah, Levi and Toby Gragg, Tyler Bean, Aaron Howell, Corbin and Garrett Gragg; two brothers, Tom Hayes of Lincolnton, and Dale Hayes and wife Betty of Boone, one sister, Carolyn Farthing of Boone and a number of nieces and nephews. 

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Dixie Mae Hodges Hayes, one son, Bill Hayes, three brothers, Gene, Roger and Raymond Hayes, and three sisters, Clara Baird, Nina Banner and Josephine Herman.

Funeral services for Mr. Dwight Hayes will be conducted Tuesday afternoon, May 2, 2017 at 3 o’clock at Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church. Officiating will be Pastor Wynn Greer. Burial will follow at Mount Lawn Memorial Park & Gardens. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:30 until 3 pm. At other times friends may call at the residence of James and Julie Hayes, 831 Baird’s Creek Road, Vilas.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church Missions Fund, in care of Rebekah Hayes, 3207 NC Hwy 105 South, Boone, NC 28607 or to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street, NW, Lenoir, NC 28645. Online condolences may be shared with the Hayes family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Hayes


Mr. Timothy D. Nelson (January 25, 1968 – April 28, 2017)

Mr. Timothy Deon Nelson, age 49, of Deep Gap, died Friday afternoon, April 28, 2017 at his home. Born January 25, 1968 in Brevard, he was a son of the late Truett Nelson and Bonita Nelson Moretz. Tim was a member of the Boone Advent Christian Church and a member of the Meat Camp Volunteer Fire Department. Tim was very active as a Firefighter and EMT, he dedicated his time and efforts to working to help the public and to educate and train other Emergency Services Personnel. He started his career as a junior firefighter at the Brevard Fire Department and worked for the Boone Fire Department, Deep Gap Fire Department, Watauga Medics, Watauga Rescue Squad, Wilkes EMS and the Watauga County Emergency Management Services. 
    
    He is survived by his wife, Tammy Townsend Nelson, two brothers, Rick Nelson and wife Tammy of Boone, and David Nelson of Greenville, SC, a special Aunt, Erma Barnett of Brevard, his father and mother in law, Buddy and Daphine Townsend of Boone, one sister in law, Michelle Townsend Cox and husband Chad of West Jefferson, and numerous nieces and nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his step-father, R. H. Moretz.

A Celebration of the life of Tim Nelson will he held on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at noon at the Boone United Methodist Church. Officiating will be Rev. Gordon Noble and Rev. Seth Norris. The family will receive fiends prior to the service from 10 am until noon at Boone United Methodist Church. 

The family respectfully requests no food or flowers. Memorials may be made to Austin & Barnes Funeral Home to assist with funeral expenses. Online condolences may be shared with the Nelson family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Nelson family


J.C. Smith (March 6, 1938 – April 28, 2017)

James Clark (JC) Smith, 79, of Linville passed away on April 28, 2017 in Marshall, NC.

A native of Wilkes Co. North Carolina , he was born March 6, 1938 a son of the late Lester Clarence and Bertha White Smith

Along with his parents, James was preceded in death by his: Sisters: Blanch Elledge, Grace Hayes, Darnell Billings and Deborah Smith.

James has left to cherish his memory his: Wife Brenda Hayes Smith Daughters: Sandy Blair and Patti Turbyfill ( Danny) both of Fairview NC.
Six grandchildren and One great-grandchild.

Sisters: Annie Billings, Wannie Crysel, Barbara Eller, Peggy Pruitt (Ronald) and Kay Fox (Richard). 
Brothers: C.L. Smith (Jessie), Claude Smith (Helen), Archie Smith ( Mary), Jessie Smith and Jerry Smith (Rita)

Service for J.C. Smith will be as follows at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home,visitation Sunday April 30, 2017 1:00 to 2:30, with service to follow at 2:30. Interment services will be held at 3:15 Sunday at Tanglewood Cemetery. 

J.C. had been a long time resident of Avery County. He was owner- operator of Smith Builders Supply for 27 years. J.C. was a charter member of the LVFD, was a member of Sugar Mountain Baptist Church. A former Sunday School superintendent of Faith Baptist Church, and was privileged to serve on the Board of Directors of the former NCNB bank in Banner Elk. J.C. loved to golf especially with his good friends Sherman Pritchard and Ronnie Bunnells. One of his celebrated moments was when he got a hole in one at Mountain Glen Golf Course. J.C. never met a stranger and was loved by many. He was and continues to be larger then life by all that knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Linville VFD.

Words of comfort and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.rsfh.net.

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

Kelly Joe Edmisten (Sept. 10, 1945 – April 27, 2017)

Kelly Joe Edmisten, “Fatjack”, a native of Boone, died at his home on Deerfield Road just prior to midnight on April 27, 2017.

Joe was a graduate of Appalachian High School, class of 1963 and a member of the 1962 undefeated Region Three State Champion football team. He attended East Tennessee State University and graduated from Appalachian State University in 1972.

He was a veteran of the US Air Force and served on B-52s during the Vietnam Conflict. He was a free Mason and a member of the Snow Lodge in Boone.

He retired from the United States Post Office, after thirty-three years of service, including a stint of being Postmaster at Deep Gap and Blowing Rock.

He loved his Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church, his classmates, his golf brothers, and his poker buddies.

Joe is survived by two daughters, Loura Elaine “Lainey” Edmisten and husband Jim Lewis of Todd, and Meghan Ellen Edmisten and husband T.J. Ward of Lenoir; one sister, Connie Edmisten Cook and husband Johnny of Durham; one nephew Joseph Edmisten Hughes and wife Jennifer; one grand nephew Braxton; three aunts, Peggy Trivette, Mary Lee Jones and Ruth Brown, all of Boone, and many cousins who he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Jack and Nannie Edmisten.

Funeral services for Kelly Joe Edmisten will be conducted Tuesday afternoon, May 2, 2017, at 2:00 o’clock, at First Baptist Church of Boone. Reverend Roy Dobyns will officiate. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 1 until 2. Military graveside rites and burial, provided by the United States Air Force, American Legion Post 130, and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 90, will follow in the Jont Brown Cemetery. Masonic graveside rites will follow the military honors.

The family will receive friends Monday evening, from 5:00 until 8:00 o’clock, at First Baptist Church of Boone.

Flowers are appreciated, or memorials may be made to the National MS Society, 3101 Industrial Drive, Suite 210, Raleigh, North Carolina, 27609 or the National Kidney Foundation, 4701 Hedgemore Drive, Suite 810, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28209.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the nurses and staff at Fresenius Kidney Care of Boone.

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


Infant Henry Dale Ellis (April 26, 2017 – April 26, 2017)

Henry Dale Ellis, infant son of Katelyn Danielle Eichelberg and Thomas Cody Ellis of Silverstone Road, Zionville, passed away Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at Watauga Medical Center. 

In addition to his parent, Henry Dale is survived by his maternal grandmother, Angela Byrd of Boone; paternal grandparents, Dale and Derhonda Harmon Ellis of Zionville; aunts, Carley and Emma Ellis of Zionville and Grace Erichelberg of Pilot Mountain; uncle, Tyler Byrd of Pilot Mountain; maternal great grandmother, Brenda ONeal of Pilot Mountain; and paternal great-grandparents, Ed and Carolyn Harmon of Zionville and Hazel and Hughey Pyatt of Banner Elk. 

Memorial services for infant Henry Dale Ellis will be announced at a later date. Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Ellis family.


Dorothy Jean Brown (July 21, 1932 – April 26, 2017)

Dorothy Jean Brown, age 84, of Boone, passed away Wednesday morning, April 26, 2017 at Glenbridge Health and Rehabilitation. Born July 21, 1932 in Watauga County, Dorothy was a daughter of Thomas Roscoe Brown, Sr. and Lelia Moretz Brown. She was a member of Perkinsville Baptist Church. 

Miss Brown is survived by her brother, Roscoe Brown, Jr. and wife, Mary of Raleigh; niece, Elaine Williams of Garner, and nephew, Tim Brown and wife, Debbie of Cary; great niece, Michelle Wheeler and husband, Chris of Benson; great nephew, Josh Waymire of Clayton; and great-great niece, Georgia Wheeler of Benson. 

In addition to her parents, Dorothy was preceded in death by a brother, Grady George Brown. Funeral services for Dorothy Brown will be conducted Saturday afternoon, April 27th at 2 oclock at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Chapel, officiated by Pastor Seth Norris. The family will receive friends Saturday afternoon from 1 until 2 oclock, prior to services, at Austin & Barnes. 

Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to the Jont Brown Cemetery Fund, in care of Steven Trivette, 140 Pine Valley Drive, Boone,NC 28607. Online condolences may be shared at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Brown family.


Faye Harmon Stines (May 26, 1925 – April 26, 2017)

Faye Harmon Stines, age 91, of 1291 Joe Parlier Road, Elk Park, passed away Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at Cannon Memorial Hospital.

Mrs. Stines is survived by three daughters, Gladys Guy of West Jefferson, Wanda Potter and husband Dennis and Glenda Roark of Elk Park, five sons, Kelba Stines of Newland, Bill Stines of Fleetwood, Carl Stines and wife Tammie of Butler, Tennessee, Danny Stines and wife Debbie, and Ronnie Stines all of Elk Park, nineteen grandchildren, forty one great-grandchildren, fourteen great-great-grandchildren, and one sister, Judy Hodge and husband Brownie of Roan Mountain, Tennessee.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Coy Stines, her father and mother, Dayton and Beulah Guy Harmon, six brothers, Ray, Rufus, Glenn, Ralph, Daney and Ed Harmon, four sisters, Susie Dugger, Marie Blankenship, Merle Dugger and Margie Jones and one great-grandchild, Trenton Cody Stines.

Funeral services for Mrs. Faye Harmon Stines will be conducted Friday, April 28, 2017 at Beech Creek Regular Baptist Church at 11:00 o’clock. Reverend Justin Stines, Reverend Jonathan Shepherd and Brother Jerry Greene will officiate.

Interment will follow in the Stines Family Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Friday from 10:00 until 11:00 at the church one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Beech Creek Regular Baptist Church care of Jerry Greene, P.O. Box 61, Sugar Grove, NC 28679.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the nurses and staff of Cannon Memorial Hospital and to Medi Home Hospice for the care and support.

On line condolences may be sent to the Stines family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com


Macie Alberta Brown (August 10, 1942 – April 26, 2017)

Mrs. Macie Alberta Brown, age 74, was called home to be with her Lord April 26, 2017 after a courageous battle with brain cancer. 

Macie was born August 10, 1942 and lived all of her life in Avery County. A member of Frank Presbyterian Church, Macie loved to share the good news of God’s saving grace with others. She was always ready to help those in need. She baked, sewed, made crafts, raised funds, and did whatever she could to improve the lives of those around her. She was a woman who was not afraid of hard work. She always said, “If you notice that something needs doing, then you better get busy doing it!” Her life reflected this motto for sure. She also loved the outdoors: feeding 
birds, growing vegetables and flowers in abundance, and photographing that which she found meaningful and beautiful.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ira and Pearl Brown and a granddaughter, Sarah Allyn Taylor. 

She leaves behind her loving husband of 57 years, Junior Brown of Elk Park NC, a son, Cecil Allen Brown (Libby), of Elk Park, NC, a daughter, Lora Taylor (Dave) of Murfreesboro, TN, a sister, Hazel Brown, of Elk Park, NC, a grandson, Jim Taylor of Franklin, NC, a granddaughter, Kayla Brown of Linville, NC, and two precious great-grandsons, Caden and Caleb Vance of Linville, NC.

Funeral services for Macie Brown will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2017 beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the Grandfather Chapel of Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home with the Rev. Hal McNeely officiating. Interment will follow in the Lee Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11:00 am until the service hour Saturday at the funeral home.

Macie’s family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the Nurses and Staff of Medi Home Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Medi Home Hospice PO Box 1357 Newland, NC 28657 or to St. Judes Childrens Hospital, 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105. Condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.rsfh.net. The care of Macie and her family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home, Newland.


Otis Richard Thompson, Jr. (April 17, 1927 – April 24, 2017)

Dr. Otis Richard Thompson, Jr., 90, of Boone NC passed away on Monday April 24, 2017 at Watauga Medical Center, Boone NC.

He was born on April 17, 1927 in Macon, Georgia to the late Dr. Otis Richard Thompson, Sr. and Hazel Stokes Thompson.

Richard grew up in Macon, Georgia. He attended the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) in Atlanta, Georgia and then proudly served in the United States Navy. He completed his undergraduate education at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. After completing his residency in Louisville, KY, he graduated from Bowman Gray School of Medicine, in Winston-Salem, NC, class of 1957,. He practiced medicine in Black Mountain, NC for 5 years. During this time he met the love of his life, Pauline Jelley and they married in 1960. Richard and Pauline moved to Lenoir in 1963 when he joined Thompson Medical Specialists, PA. “Dr. Richard” practiced medicine there for 29 years, serving the town of Lenoir and surrounding areas, and they raised their 4 children in Lenoir. He was the very best father to Anne, Lynne, Paul and David. Richard and Pauline moved to Boone, NC when he retired from Thompson Medical Specialists, PA. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Lenoir, NC and then Boone United Methodist Church in Boone, NC.

Richard is survived by his daughters, Anne Bryant (Tony) of Winston-Salem, NC, and Lynne Booth (Arnold) of Kernersville, NC; sons, Paul Thompson (Betty) of Lynchburg, VA and David Thompson of Lenoir; granddaughters, Meghan Bryant and McKenzie Bryant of Winston-Salem, NC; sister, Virginia Thompson Couch (Jack) of Macon, Georgia; nephews, Garry DuBose (Sheila and sons Eric and Jeff) of Scottsdale, AZ, Nat Couch (Kim and sons Greer and Cooper) of Gray, GA, and Jeff Couch (Lesley and daughters Maggie and Lara) of Marietta, GA; niece, Jenny Couch Dogan (Fehmi and son Baris) of Turkey.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Pauline Jelley Thompson and his sister, Claire Thompson DuBose of Macon, GA.

A memorial service will be held on May 13, 2017 in the chapel of Boone United Methodist Church at 3 pm.

Our family wishes to thank the wonderful nurses and doctors on 2nd West at Watauga Medical Center for their loving care of our dear father and family members during his hospitalization. We would also like to thank the staff at Glenbridge Health and Rehabilitation for their special care of our father during his residence at the facility.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard’s name to Boone United Methodist Church General Fund, 471 New Market Blvd, Boone, NC 28607.

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