Watauga, Avery Obituaries – May 5th, 2026

The following are recent obituary notices from Austin and Barnes and Hampton funeral homes in Boone and Reins-Sturdivant in Newland

Daniel Patrick Yeoman

December 22, 1961 ~ April 18, 2026

Daniel “Danny” Patrick Yeoman, 64, formerly of Boone, NC and most recently of Bristol, TN, passed away on April 18, 2026, peacefully surrounded by his loving family after a short battle with cancer.

Danny was born on December 22, 1961 in Miami, FL to Roy R. Yeoman Jr. and JoAnne Johnson Yeoman. He was a graduate of North Miami Beach High School. He later relocated to Boone, NC where his family had spent many summers. For many years, Danny was employed by Publix Super Markets in Boone, where he greeted customers by name and made everyone feel like a friend. His dedication to his work was matched only by his humor and the friendly jokes he shared with his customers, friends, and his community.

Outside of work, Danny enjoyed spending time with his four sons, reading his Bible and attending Hope Church of Boone, and cheering for the Washington Commanders his favorite NFL football team, which he always referred to as “The Redskins.”

Danny was known for his warm smile, quick wit, and unwavering kindness. He was a devoted and proud father, and a loving grandfather and is survived by his four children, Christopher, Dale, William, and Joseph (Buddy), and six grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother Roy R. Yeoman III, and two sisters Kathleen Alexander and Patricia Van Buren, as well as three nieces, two nephews, and many friends who will miss him dearly.

A celebration of Danny’s life will be held in Boone, NC on Friday, May 22, 2026. Arrangements are being handled by Austin & Barnes Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hope Church of Boone in Boone, NC, a small non-denominational church close to Danny’s heart.

Danny’s kindness, humor, and gentle spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Online condolences may be made at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com

Austin & Barnes is serving the Yeoman family

Sandra “Sandy” Gail Shook

January 5, 1951 ~ April 25, 2026

Sandra “Sandy” Gail Shook passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on April 25, 2026.

Sandy was born in Washington, D.C., to Col. Carmel Monroe Shook and Della Mae “Pat” Shook (Trivette). She attended Arizona State University, where she earned her degree, before returning to the place she would always call home, Banner Elk, North Carolina. Sandy dedicated over 40 years of her life to the Watauga Democrat, where her editorial talent, steady presence, and deep love for journalism shaped not only the publication but also the people who had the privilege of working alongside her. She mentored others quietly and generously, encouraging a love for storytelling and a commitment to community that reflected her own.

Some people leave their mark loudly. Sandy did so quietly, but no less powerfully. She was deeply rooted in the community she loved and served, and we have truly lost one of our most precious souls.

Sandy is survived by her cousin and partner in crime and constant companion, Colleen Bare; her niece, Spirit Cannon; her nephew, Alexi Cannon; her great-nephews, Ty Cannon and Alexi “JR” Cannon; her great-niece, Mila Gedeon Cannon; her brother-in-law, Alex Cannon; her aunt, Luerette “Rhet” Shook; her cousins, Lisa Shook and Cody Shook; along with Shane and Jamie Bare and family, Donald and Catherine Bare and family, Bob, Steve and Marlene Bare, Tommy and Janet Shook and family, Allan and Mary Shook and family, Mike and Debbie Shook and family, Hal and Patrice Gibson and family, Gary and Vikey Gibson and family, Bruce and Debbie Lacey and family, Sherry and Harry Gilmer and family, Tim and Joy Shook and family, Marc and Elaine Shook and family, Steve & Kim Shook and family as well as many cousins, former colleagues, and fellow thrift-store enthusiasts who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Col. Carmel Monroe Shook and Della Mae “Pat” Shook; her sister, Katharine Ann “Kathy” Cannon; and her brother, Robert Patrick Shook.

Sandy loved traveling along back country roads, where the journey mattered more than the destination. She had a deep love for animals, caring for her dogs and cats, and faithfully feeding the crows she affectionately called her “pretty birds.” She was drawn to Native American culture, spending time learning, reading, and even participating in sweat lodges. Sandy was a black belt in Kung Fu, an artist and painter like her mother, and a devoted thrifter. She found joy in life’s smallest moments.

Sandy’s happiest times were spent exploring with her cousins Colleen “Coe” Bare and Lisa Shook, searching for hidden treasures in thrift shops along winding roads. You could always find her sitting in her kitchen with a Diet Coke in hand, a newly found antique nearby, and a clear view of the tip of Grandfather Mountain.

Sandy had a sharp wit and a mischievous spirit. She loved keeping those around her on their toes—whether it was playfully practicing pressure point techniques on her nieces and nephews, prank calling her sister pretending to be the IRS, or starting water fights in the house. It would be hard to find a photo of Sandy without her signature sense of humor shining through—often marked by a raised middle finger and a smile.

Sandy had a personality all her own. When it came to love, she showed it in her own way—through thoughtful gifts, like dolls or thrifted finds chosen just for the person receiving them. She didn’t express love in traditional ways, but those who loved her understood her deeply—and loved her with all their heart.

Her presence will be felt in the places she loved most.

A service to celebrate Sandy’s life will be held on Sunday, May 24, at 1:00 PM at the Foscoe Community Center, 233 Park Road, Banner Elk, NC 28604

Online condolences may be shared at www.austinandbanresfuneralhome.com

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Shook family

Stewart Edward Hunnicutt

May 25, 1967 ~ April 27, 2026

Stewart Edward Hunnicutt, Jr aka Junior, of Linville NC , aged 58 has peacefully passed away.

Stewart was a loving father, a proud grandfather and a loyal friend to many. His belly laugh, sense of humor and the way he showed up for others will be deeply missed.

Junior was preceded in death by his parents, Stewart and Ann Hunnicutt along with his sisters, Joanne Bowden and Nancy Gilbert.
Stewart is survived by his children, Alex Hunnicutt (Brittany), Jonathan Hunnicutt, and Dana Forth (Michael); and his grandchildren, Colton Hunnicutt, Chloe Hunnicutt, Connor Forth and Taylor Forth who will all carry on his legacy of resilience, love, and laughter.

Services for Junior will be held May 9 th , 2026 at Tanglewood Cemetery in Linville, NC at 11 AM.
Online condolences may be made at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family would graciously accept donations for funeral expenses.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Hunnicutt family

Raymond John Lutz

October 28, 1947 ~ April 28, 2026

Raymond John Lutz, 78, “slipped the surly bonds of Earth to touch the face of God” on April 28, 2026, at his home in Valle Crucis following a long, arduous, and courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Philadelphia on October 28, 1947, to the late Oren F. and Elizabeth M. Cooper Lutz, he was also predeceased by his sister, Theresa. Ray is survived by his beloved wife of 28 years, Pamela Conover; sisters Elizabeth (Betty) Lutz and Mary K. Ferris; brothers Oren (Gabrielle), Casimir, Thomas, and John (Charlene) Lutz; dozens of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; and his faithful German Shepherd, Missy.

A U.S. Army veteran and licensed pilot who loved flying above the clouds, Ray’s generosity, gentle spirit, and sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him. His 50+ year career in the corporate sector included senior executive positions at United Airlines, Holland America Lines, Skyway Freight Systems, ASTAR Air Cargo, the Travel Industry Association of America, and various consulting assignments in the cruise industry. Ray received both MM and MBA degrees from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University and completed the Harvard University International Advanced Senior Management program as well as the Advanced Sales Organization Management program of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Ray’s volunteer service to numerous civic and faith-based organizations cannot be overstated. In the High Country of Western NC, he founded the popular Men’s Night Out ministry of Holy Cross Church and expanded its outreach to include every Episcopal parish in the county. He served with pride on the boards of the Valle Crucis Conference Center and the Hunger & Health Coalition and was a longtime member of the Friends of the Valle Crucis Community Park. Ray and his wife Pam co-chaired the venerable Valle Country Fair for two successful years, lending his organizational skills to an all-volunteer effort that generated tens of thousands of dollars for local charities and families in need.

In Florida, he and Pam lived in Key Biscayne, Weston, and Vero Beach for decades. Ray assisted Bishop Leo Frade of the Diocese of Southeast Florida to address business practices, leadership challenges, and management of property issues. He also supported St. Christopher’s by the Sea Church and its Montessori School, navigating them out of a financial crisis while developing their strategic direction and funding models, along with the expansion and refurbishment of the parish and school campus.

A burial service and celebration of life will be conducted by the Rev. Dr. Scott A. Oxford at The Church of the Holy Cross in Valle Crucis at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 9 with a reception to follow at 11:15 in the Skiles Parish Hall at The Church of the Holy Cross. The family expresses their grateful appreciation to Dr. Bryant Ward and caregiver Bridget Demner.

Online condolences may be made at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Lutz family.

Mary Ragan Bryant

June 6, 1942 ~ April 30, 2026

Mary Ragan Bryant, of Watauga County, passed away on April 30, 2026, at the age of 83.

Mary will be remembered for her life and the love she shared with her family. She leaves behind many who will miss her deeply.

She is survived by her sister, Brenda Phillips and husband James Phillips; her stepdaughter, Dianne Bridges and husband Kenneth Bridges; and her grandchildren, William and Kevin Crane. She’s also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Junior Thurman Bryant (Vanessa Charlie Brooks); her sister, Barbara Eggers; her brother, Billy “Bill” Ragan; and her sister, Nan Barnes and husband Dick Barnes.

Online condolences may be made to www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

Austin and Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Bryant family.

Mary’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Carol Darlene Watson Butler

January 27, 1947 – April 24, 2026

Carol Darlene Watson Butler age 79 passed away April 24, 2026, at Richmond Pine Nursing and Rehab in Hamlett, North Carolina.

She was born on January 27, 1947, in Watauga County. The daughter of the late Nolan Watson, Sr and Ruby Watson. She was a homemaker and a member of Mount Paran Baptist Church.

She is survived by three sisters, Debbie Sue Starling of Cheraw, SC: Sandra Kay Snyder of Mountain City, TN and Marcella Jane Watson of Boone, NC, one brother, Basil Watson of Fleetwood, NC. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her father and mother she was preceded in death by her husband Buster Butler and one brother Nolan Watson, Jr.

Funeral services will be conducted at11:00 AM Saturday May 2, 2026, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens. Reverend Randall Greene will officiate.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00, prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://donorservices.alz.org

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

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

William Gerald Lawrence

October 8, 1938 – May 2, 2026

Philippians 4:6-7

Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

William Gerald Lawrence age 87 of Vilas passed away Saturday May 2, 2026, at The Foley Center.

He was born October 8, 1938, in Watauga County. The son of the late Howard Wright Lawrence and Mariam Kincaid Lawrence. Gerald was a master carpenter and a member of Bethel Baptist Church. He loved his Lord and Savior, he loved his family, his church family and his many friends.

He is survived by one daughter Cindy Lawrence, two sons, James Lawrence and Dallas Lawrence, grandchildren Brent Lawrence (Becky), Corey Lawrence (Elizabeth), Chad Lawrence (fiancé Christine) and Seth Lawrence (Jenna), great grandchildren, Asher, Amberlynn and Callan, one sister Sue Barber (Doug), six brothers John Lawrence (Sarah, Tom Lawrence (Lula), Edwin Lawrence, Joel Lawrence (Regina) and Tom Greene and the mother of his children Rebecca Farthing Lawrence. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his father and mother he was preceded in death by a sister-in-law Willene, his adopted sister Dena Comer and brother-in-law Bruce Comer.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced.

The family respectfully request no food and in lieu of flowers memorials be made to Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery fund, 123 Mountain Dale Road Vilas, NC 28692, Liberty Home Care and Hospice, The Foley Center 621Chestnut Ridge Parkway Blowing Rock, NC 28605 or Amorem Hospice 902 Kirkwood Street NW Lenoir, NC 28645.