The following are recent obituary notices from Austin & Barnes and Hampton funeral homes in Boone and Reins-Sturdivant in Newland
Madge Moody Cornett
(September 17, 1921 – October 31, 2018)
Mrs. Madge Moody Cornett, age 97, of John Cornett Road, Vilas, the Bethel community, passed away Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at her home. Born September 17, 1921 in Watauga County, she was a daughter of Charlie and Letha Norris Moody. Mrs. Cornett was the last living charter member of Mountain Dale Baptist Church. Madge loved her family beyond measure. All her children and grandchildren have quilts and hooked rugs that she lovingly designed and made for each of them. Many of her homemade quilts have been sent to people all over the country. She was always willing to discuss her favorite team, the Atlanta Braves with anyone who would listen. 
Mrs. Cornett is survived by her sons, William Eddie Cornett Sr. and wife, Jane, and Darrell Cornett and wife, Judy, all of Vilas; sister, Bertha Moody of Vilas; seven grandchildren, Julie Cornett of Vilas, William Cornett, Jr. of Wilmington, Margie Clark and husband, Roy and Rachel Robbins and husband, Cotton, all of Lenoir, Jason Cornett and wife, Brandy, of Vilas, Dwayne Cornett and wife, Kayla of Foscoe and Jamie Beaver of Lenoir; eleven great-grandchildren, including Kaycee Gore and Dustin Schouse who both cared for Mrs. Cornett in her home; and eleven great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Edgar Cornett and a daughter, Barbara Clark.
Funeral services for Madge Moody Cornett will be conducted Friday afternoon, November 2, 2018, at 3 oclock at the Mountain Dale Baptist Church, officiated by Pastor Eric Cornett and Rev. Jason Cornett. The family will receive friends Friday from 2 until 3 oclock, prior to services, at the church. Graveside services and burial will follow in the Mountain Dale Baptist Church Cemetery.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Cornett family.
Mr. Robin C. Greene
(March 02, 1961 – November 1, 2018)
Mr. Robin Carl Greene, age 57, of Michigan and formerly of Boone, passed away
Thursday, October 25, 2018 in Michigan. Born March 2, 1961, he was a son of the late Simon Alfred and Nelle Trivette Greene. Mr. Greene was a truck driver and had formerly worked for John Greene Trucking.
He is survived by one son, Jeremiah Greene and wife Amy, two grandchildren, Jeremiah Greene, II and Mya Greene all of Lenoir, his brothers and sisters; Wesley, Alfred, Sam, Charlotte, Isabel, Willie, Elizabeth, Tammy and June.
Graveside services and burial for Mr. Robin Greene will be conducted Sunday, November 4, 2018 at 3PM at the Skyland Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to a charity of the donors choice.
Online condolences may be shared with the Greene family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Greene family.
Thomas R. Dennett
(May 05, 1948 – November 3, 2018)
Thomas (Tom) Russell Dennett, was born on May 5, 1948 in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and passed away on Saturday, November 3rd, 2018. He is survived by the love of his life, Nancy; his beloved four-legged companion, Indi; his daughter and her husband, Crystal Noelle & Garrett McBrayer; his grandchildren, Greenlee and Leland McBrayer; Tom and Marcia Rogull, (brother-in-law and sister-in-law), Joshua Rogull (nephew), Sarah and Jon Parker (niece and nephew) and their children Emma & Charlotte.
To anyone who knew him, Tom was an amazing soul. He was generous with his love. His genuine smile and hugs always warmed your heart. He touched many lives, befriending nearly anyone with whom he came into contact. Tom was caring and dedicated to his nursing profession for over 38 years. He worked for Boone Urology for 18 years, Hospice for 10 years, and was a psychiatric nurse at New River Mental Health. In addition, he provided adult and pediatric home-health care for trach and vent patients. 
In his earlier years, prior to becoming a nurse, Tom was an Art Director for WJAR Channel 10, and Horton Church and Golf, in Providence, Rhode Island. As an entrepreneur, Tom founded Dovetail Enterprises and renovated old log homes. Soon after meeting and marrying his wife Nancy, they opened a Victorian gift shop, Moss & Lace.
In his free time, he loved to garden and go fishing. He also enjoyed remodeling his own home and collecting antiques. While serving in the Naval Air force he played the bugle and with his continued love for music he learned how to play the harp. Toms imaginative abilities were manifested through the jewelry and fused glass pieces that he and Nancy created together as they pursued their passion for the arts.
His great love for the outdoors, hiking, and his sense of adventure always inspired traveling. One of his favorite passions was playing poker with his long-time best friends, Bob, David & Tommy.
Tom had a deep love for all animals. One dark, cold night traveling home from Virginia, he saw something hit his car. He stopped to check what it was only to find a beautiful owl laying in the snow. Gently picking him up, he wrapped him in a blanket and brought him home. With Toms healing hands and the help of the wildlife animal rescue facility in Banner Elk, this owl regained his health. Tom and Nancy celebrated this little owls miraculous recovery when Tom set him free in their backyard. Today Tom is wrapped in the same blanket of love he shared with others and his spirit is now set free.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 9th at 11:00 a.m. at the Temple of the High Country, 1043 West King Street in Boone. Nancy will be sitting Shiva at her home on Saturday, November 10th from 1:00-5:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 11th from 12:00-3:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Temple of the High Country or the Watauga Humane Society.
Online condolences may be shared with the Dennett family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Dennett family.
William A. Martin
(May 09, 1928 – November 4, 2018)
Mr. William Asa Martin, age 90, of Zionville, passed away Sunday, November 4, 2018. He was the son of the late Thomas and Elizabeth (Doll) Martin.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers and four sisters.
He is survived by his wife, Anna Belle Martin of Zionville, one daughter, Ann Lewis and husband David of Zionville, two sons, Donald Martin and wife Ruby of Zionville and Steven Martin and companion Sandy Cook of Zionville.
Four grandchildren, Marie Welch, Wendy Martin, Donald Martin, Jr., and Jason Morefield, two step-grandchildren, Derrek and Phyllicia Sluder. Seven great-grandchildren, one great great grandchild and several nieces and nephews also survive. He is also survived by his four legged family members Freddy and Curly.
Funeral services for William Asa Martin will be conducted Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. in the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Rev. Allen Younce. The family will receive friends from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. prior to the service time.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Austin & Barnes Funeral Home, to offset expenses. The family requests no food please.
Online condolences may be shared with the Martin family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Martin family.
Rayburn “Ray” Farmer
March 21, 1940 – November 01, 2018
Rayburn E. Farmer of Boone passed away on Thursday, November 1 after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 78.
Ray was born in Batesville, Ark. on March 21, 1940 to Sam and Mary Watson Farmer, one of 13 children
He devoted his life to his love of hard work, family and country, earning a Silver Star for his service as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. He also had his own business, Mountaineer Bonding, which he ran for more than three decades.
He grew up on a cotton farm and as an early teen wanted to join the Army, but his mother wouldn’t consent for him to go. So he traveled with his brothers, taking jobs in food processing plants in Michigan and Florida.
Ray joined the Army while still a teenager, a move that allowed him to see the country and the world.
He went to Fort Bragg to train as a paratrooper, excited by the prospect of “jump pay.” He was stationed in Germany for a while but eventually served in Vietnam as America became more deeply involved in the war. Captain Farmer became a helicopter pilot and a flight commander.
His brave exploits were captured in the book Vietnam Helicopter Crew Member Stories, Vol. 2, by H.D. Graham.
50 years ago this month, in an area known as Lai Khe, Captain Farmer made a three daring flights at treetop level – under heavy enemy fire and with little room to make a safe landing – to extract teams that had come under heavy enemy attack.
“His courageous initiative, staunch perseverance and exemplary skill as an aviator significantly contributed to the success of the mission and the saving of many lives,” the Army noted. “Captain Farmer’s unquestionable valor in close combat against numerically superior hostile forces is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army”
He was awarded the Silver Star for his gallantry in 1969. Ray remained friends with many of his fellow serviceman for the rest of his life.
After his military service ended, Ray moved back to eastern North Carolina and began a career in banking.
He married his wife Sheila in 1978, and the family moved to Boone in 1980. A few years later, he started Mountaineer Bonding and served as a bondsman for many years, befriending many in law enforcement and the courts in Watauga and surrounding counties.
He continued to fly long after his military service and had a hangar and single-engine plane at the Boone Airport for several years. He even returned to flying following a plane crash in 1999 that he walked away from despite his plane being destroyed.
In retirement, Ray found joy in being a doting Poppy to his five grandchildren.
Ray is survived by his wife, Sheila Nance Farmer of the home; two daughters, Desiree Garber and husband Paul of Lewisville, North Carolina, and
Cheryl West and husband Alan of Elizabethtown, North Carolina; three granddaughters, Delaney Garber, Madeline West, and Carlie West; two grandsons, Sean Garber and Cameron West; three sisters, Wyveda Mabry and Marlyn “Sue” Vernon, both of Batesville, Arkansa, and Barbara “Dolly” Wilkinson of Lemoore, California, and one brother, Bob Farmer and wife Brenda of Callahan, Florida. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a son, Douglas Wayne Farmer, a veteran of Operation Desert Storm in Iraq; his father and mother; one sister and seven brothers.
Ray was a longtime member of Greenway Baptist Church, and the family would like to thank the members of the church who supported and comforted him during his illness.
Funeral services for Ray will be conducted Sunday afternoon, November 4, 2018, at 3:00 o’clock, at Greenway Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 1:00 until 3:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Reverend Darrell Hobbs and Reverend Harold Bennett. Military honors, provided by American Legion Post 130 and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 90, will be held following the funeral service. Military graveside rites and burial will also be held in Arlington National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon, from 1:00 until 3:00 at the church, prior to the service.
Online condolences may be sent to the Farmer family at www.hamptonfuneralnccom
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.
Ronnie Steve Proffit
July 03, 1947 – November 04, 2018
Ronnie Steve Proffit, age 71, of Big Hill Road, Boone, passed away Sunday, November 4, 2018.
Ronnie is survived by his wife, Carolyn Greene Proffit of Deep Gap; one son, Chris Proffit; of Deep Gap, one daughter, Ashley Proffit of Deep Gap; three brothers, David Proffit and wife Marcella, and Sam Proffit and wife Kim, all of the Meat Camp Community, and Ted Proffit and wife Lisa of Statesville, and two sisters, Deloris Miller and husband Ray of the Meat Camp Community, and Charlotte Miller of Boone, one sister-in-law, Sandy Proffit of Yadkinville, North Carolina. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Cicero and Beulah Davis Proffit; two brothers, Jim and Pete Proffit, and a brother-in-law, Lowell Miller.
Funeral arrangements for Ronnie Steve Proffit are incomplete at this time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family, in care of Carolyn Greene, 124 Stony Fork Road, Deep Gap, North Carolina, 28607, to assist with the funeral expenses.
Online condolences may be sent to the Proffit family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.
Robert L. “Bob” Idol
November 24, 1940 – November 04, 2018
Robert Leonard “Bob” Idol, Sr., passed away peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on Sunday, November 4, 2018, after a year-long battle with Gliomatosis Ceribri.
He was born November 24, 1940, in Deep Gap, North Carolina, to Lane and Annie Idol. He attended Parkway Elementary and Appalachian High School, and in January 1960 he married the love of his life, Evelina Miller. Bob loved his family deeply. A lifelong member of Laurel Springs Baptist Church and longtime member of the Deep Gap Ruritan Club, Bob loved his community and served it well. He enjoyed traveling, working on old cars, eating a big bowl of ice cream, sitting around a campfire, drinking black coffee and eating dessert after dinner, attending Appalachian State football games, playing card games with friends, and singing tenor in the choir at Laurel Springs Baptist Church. Bob worked hard after high school and before his retirement; first at Shadowline and then at Suburban Propane. He instilled in his children and grandchildren commitment to church, the importance of working hard, devotion to family and friends, a love of simple things, and the power of a sweet smile.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Evelina; his two sons, Bobby, and wife Alison of Deep Gap and Michael of St. Augustine, FL; granddaughters Maggie and Callie, grandson Austin, and great-granddaughter Caroline: brothers Jack and wife Norma of Carlsbad, CA, John of Boone, NC, Jim and wife Margaret of Leasburg, NC, Bill of Deep Gap, Joe and wife Zola of Deep Gap, brother-in- law JL Coffey of Deep Gap, and Steve and wife Kathy of Deep Gap; a number of nieces and nephews, and many close friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lane and Annie, sister Joyce, and sisters-in-law Dottie and Maxine (Jack), Marjorie (John), and Ruby (Bill).
Bob’s family is eternally grateful for the loving care shown by the many doctors, nurses, aides, sitters, and friends who worked through this year to keep him comfortable and safe and to show him how loved he was!
Funeral services for Robert L. “Bob” Idol will be conducted Wednesday afternoon, November 7, 2018, at 2:00 o’clock, at Laurel Springs Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 12:30 until 2:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Reverend Travis Suits and Reverend Sherill Wellborn. Burial will follow in Laurel Springs Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Wednesday afternoon, from 12:30 until 2:00 o’clock, at the church, prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Laurel Springs Baptist Church Building Fund, 7504 US Highway 421, Deep Gap, North Carolina, 28618.
Online condolences may be sent to the Idol family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.
Jerry M. Hampton
April 30, 1949 – October 12, 2018
Jerry M Hampton, age 69, of Pompano Beach FL passed away October 12, 2018, at Hialeah Hospital’s Hospice.
He served in the navy as Airman machinist and earned various medals during active duty in the Iran Contra Affair and the US invasion of Greneda including the Bronze Star.
Jerry is survived by sisters Diane J. Aune and Deborah I Panco both of Brook Park Ohio, Aunts Ophelia Hartness of Cleveland Ohio and Ruth Miller of Rutherfordton North Carolina and sister-in-law Dot Hampton of Diamond Ohio. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews and many great and great-great nieces and nephews.
Jerry was preceded in death by parents Melvin M Hampton and Wilmetta Hampton Hodges and brothers Gregory O Hampton, Eric J Hampton, Gary D. Hampton and Dana L Hampton.
A memorial service will be conducted November 17, 2018, at 2:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. Military graveside rites, provided by American Legion Post 130, will follow at the Reece Cemtery.
Online condolences may be sent to the Hampton family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.
Larry Fred Greene
February 01, 1952 – November 06, 2018
Larry Fred Greene, age 66, of 1906 Cranberry Springs Road, Fleetwood, passed away Tuesday, November 6, 2018 at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.
Funeral arrangements for Larry Fred Green are incomplete and will be announced.
Online condolences may be sent to the Greene family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.
Billy “Wild Bill” English
March 8, 1934 – October 28, 2018
Billy (Wild Bill) English passed away on October 28, 2018.
Bill is survived by his brother Larry and his two sons Ronnie and Michael. He traveled all over while in the service and truck driving later on in life. Bill could direct you anywhere and always knew of the best views and coolest spots to take you to. He spent many years collecting antiques and cowboy boots. He sure loved his boots, only thing he probably loved more was a pone of Sue’s cornbread and spending time with his great-great nephew Buster. Bill was one of the most kind and generous people you could know. He would give you the shirt off his back and always showed up when his family or friends needed him. He spent a great deal of time with his niece Cheryl Ollis, he was a huge influence in all five of her children’s lives and continued that presence in his great-great nieces and nephew’s lives. Bill had the greatest stories to tell because he never stopped exploring. Old Speedy never slowed down and never stopped adventuring right up until the end. We know he is up in heaven drinking some sweet tea watching over us all.
The family would like to give a very special thanks to Medi-Home Hospice, Robert Cook, Cytina Reinecke, and Shelly Green for their love and support through the last few months of Bill’s life. A celebration of life will be held on November 11 at 3:00 p.m. at 254 Brookshell rd. Elk Park N.C. 28622. All in attendance please bring a covered dish and your best memories of Uncle Bill.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.rsfh.net
The care of Wild Bill and his family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland.
Esta Brown McKnight
December 14, 1922 – October 29, 2018
Esta Brown McKnight, 95, died at her home in Elk Park, NC, on October 29, 2018. Esta was born in Conehatta, MS on December 14, 1922, to William Victor Brown and Birdie Mae McDonald Brown. She was a graduate of Conehatta High School and the Druid City Hospital School of Nursing in Tuscaloosa, AL. Esta served in the U. S. Army Nurse Corps during World War II. She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Charles M. McKnight, Jr., brothers Thomas S. Brown (Birmingham, AL), Sidney Brown (Halsey, OR), sister Annie Madge B. Drumm (Banner Elk,NC), and her daughter Susan McKnight Dougherty (Lilburn, GA). She is survived by her sons Charles M. McKnight, III (Asheville, NC ), William Craig McKnight (Elk Park, NC) and sisters Irene B. Ferry (Butler, AL), Sara B. Bethany (Lisman, AL), Mary B. Aycock (Saucier, MS), and Patty B. Doucett (Butler, AL); and her grandchildren Abby Dougherty Whatley (Lilburn, GA), Elizabeth Dougherty Griffith (Decatur, GA), Ned Dougherty (Lilburn, GA) and Alison Rose McKnight (Port Orange, FL). Esta had 4 great grandchildren and one more will be born in November. She was a Registered Nurse for over 50 years and a devoted member of the Elk Park Christian Church.
The family wishes to thank the Avery County Senior Services and the Home Based Primary Care team from the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center in Mountain Home, TN. We are especially grateful to Esta’s church family at Elk Park Christian Church.
A memorial service will be held at Elk Park Christian Church on Saturday, Nov. 24, at 2:00 p.m. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Elk Park Christian Church.
Words of Comfort and Memories may be shared with the McKnight family by visiting our websitewww.rsfh.net
The care of Esta and her family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland
Patricia Lewis Matzer
November 13, 1928 – October 29, 2018
Patricia Lewis Matzer, age 89, of Banner Elk, North Carolina passed away on Monday, October 29, 2018 at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville, NC.
She was born on November 13, 1928 in Seminole County, Florida, the daughter of the late Meriwether (M.G.) Gaines Lewis and Maurine Bass Lewis.
She was preceded in death by her Parents; Two Husbands, Kenneth Chesley Talbert, Sr., Rudolph Frank Matzer; Two Sons, Kenneth Chesley Talbert, Jr., Randolph (Randy) Karl Matzer; Two Cousins: Barbara Lewis Lester and Meriwether Porter Kelly.
A long time summer resident, Patricia moved permanently to Banner Elk in 2015 where she became a member of Banner Elk Presbyterian Church. She graduated from Landon High School in Jacksonville, FL and attended the University of South Carolina for three years, where she was an avid member of the cheerleading squad. She finished her Bachelor’s Degree at Jones College in Jacksonville, FL. She enjoyed puzzles, knitting, classic movies and all sports, especially the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Jacksonville Jaguars. She had a special place in her heart for Frank Sinatra and his music.
Patricia leaves behind to cherish her memory her: Son, Michael Talbert of Jacksonville, FL, Daughter, Gale (Gary) O’Neill of Citrus Heights, CA, Cousin, Charles Porter of Jacksonville, FL, and her feline companion, Madigan.
A Memorial Service for Patricia Matzer will be held on Saturday November 3, 2018 at Banner Elk Presbyterian Church at 2 PM with Reverend Feild Russell officiating.
A Reception will follow the Memorial Service in the King Fellowship Hall.
The Family would like to offer a Special Thank You to Patricia’s Friends and Church Family.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to: Banner Elk Presbyterian Church P.O.Box 158 Banner Elk, NC 28604
Words of Comfort and Memories may be shared with the Matzer family by visiting our websitewww.rsfh.net.
The care of Patricia and her family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland.
You must be logged in to post a comment.