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Watauga, Avery Obituaries – Oct. 4, 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.


Richard Merle “Dick” Brown (May 23, 1940 – Oct. 3, 2017)

Brown

On October 3, 2017 native on Boone NC, Mr. Richard M Brown passed away peacefully as he wished in his home. Mr. Brown was born May 23, 1940. He attended Appalachian High School and later Kings College in Charlotte, NC. He was a veteran of the US Army. He owned and operated Brown Tile Co. Mr Richard Brown later met his wife, Mary Stassinos Brown in Charlotte, NC married and moved back to Boone, NC in 1983. He is preceded by her death in 2012, brother Buck and Jim Brown. 

Mr. Brown is survived by his step-son James R Childress and wife Nancy Childress, granddaughter Alicia Albertson, Caroline and Zach Childress. Great grandchildren Alexus and Johnathan Albertson and Jackson Childress. Mr. Brown has two living brothers Bill and wife Martha Brown, children Allen, Blair, and Daniel. Brother Boyce and wife Joan Brown, children Brian and Jennifer. Nephews Jeff and Wayne Brown sons of Jim Brown. 

Funeral arrangements for Richard Merle “Dick” Brown are incomplete at this time.

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

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


Willie R. Combs (June 17, 1942 – Oct. 3, 2017)

Willie R. Combs, 75, of Council Ward Road, Sugar Grove, passed away Tuesday morning, Oct. 3, 2017, at his residence.

Willie is survived by three daughters, Ginger Hale of Zionville, Karen Combs of Sugar Grove, and Michelle Combs of Boone; one son, Willie Keith Combs and wife Dina of Sugar Grove; five granddaughters, Jessi Studstrup of Sugar Grove, Heather Greer of Boone, Deanna Reary of Charlotte, Marie Combs, and Savannah Harmon, both of Sugar Grove; one grandson, Mason Combs of Sugar Grove; one great-granddaughter, Bailee Studstrup of Sugar Grove; two sisters, Lois Henson and husband Chet, and Gail Millsaps and husband Allen, all of Sugar Grove, and two brothers, Clint Combs of Morristown, Tennessee, and Jerry Combs and wife Lucille of Sugar Grove. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Judy Mast Combs; one daughter, Julie Reary; his father and mother, Earl Henry Combs and Martha Elizabeth Ward Combs; one brother, Dean Combs, and one sister, Sue Tucker.

Funeral services for Willie R. Combs will be conducted Thursday afternoon, October 5, 2017, at 2:00 o’clock, at Green Valley Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Pastor Eric Cornett and Pastor Derick Wilson. Burial will follow in the Green Valley Baptist Church Cemetery.

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

Flowers are appreciated, or memorial contributions may be made to Timbered Ridge Baptist Church Fellowship Building Fund, 304 Smith Henson Road, Sugar Grove, NC 28679.

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

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


Carolyn Wright Isaacs (April 10, 1953 – Oct. 3, 2017)

Carolyn Wright Isaacs, 64, graduated into heaven and was received by the Lord Jesus Christ into the eternity of His presence on Tuesday, Oct. 3 following a 15-month battle with metastatic breast cancer. 

Carolyn was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, sister, and grandmother. Radiant throughout her life with the joy of Christ, Carolyn was a Warrior in her battle with cancer, filled with the hope of His promises and residing fully in God’s care, grace, and sovereignty throughout the ordeal. She trusted and loved Christ fully. 

Married to her high school sweetheart, Ken Isaacs, for 46 and one-half years, Carolyn was the heartbeat of the family, carrying it through life’s struggles with grace and strength. She accompanied Ken and their sons to Ethiopia in 1988 to serve with the international Christian relief agency Samaritan’s Purse, uniquely contributing her touch to the mission work there. Over the 29 years that Ken has worked at Samaritan’s Purse, Carolyn was a bulwark, a haven from trial and tribulation, and a constant source of love and peace and perseverance.

Carolyn was independent of spirit, an avid workout enthusiast her entire life, and loved reveling in God’s creation while reflecting on His love while running thousands of miles at Bass Lake in Blowing Rock. Carolyn was very active in Alliance Bible Fellowship for many years, where her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ was always evident in her ministry to the needs of others—caring for the sick, cooking meals, and doing whatever she could to offer encouragement and cheer. Her many kindnesses were honored throughout her illness as many members of the body of Christ and local community came to uplift and support her, pray, encourage, laugh, love, and cheer her onward. Their show of love will be a lasting blessing on all who knew and loved Carolyn.

Carolyn is survived by her husband, Ken; her sons, Major Jamey Isaacs of the U. S. Marine Corps in Alexandria, VA and Coy Isaacs, in international relief and development, in Washington D.C.; daughters-in-law Roberta and Laa; sisters, Sherry Wilson and Robyn Roark; brother, Dewey “Duke” Wright Jr.; her mother, Margie Wright; and four dear grandchildren, Dewey (12), Lily (6), Anna Carolinna (6), and Gloria (5).

The family will host a visitation and receive friends Thursday, October 5th from 5 to 8 pm at Alliance Bible Fellowship. 

Funeral services for Carolyn will be conducted at 11am on Friday, October 6th at Alliance Bible Fellowship. Officiating will be Pastor Scott Andrews and Reverend Franklin Graham. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery in Blowing Rock, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alliance Bible Fellowship building fund at 1035 NC Hwy 105 Bypass, Boone, NC 28607, or to Samaritan’s Purse “Tools for Evangelism” fund, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.

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

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.


Raymond Miller (May 14, 1926 – Oct. 2, 2017)

Raymond Miller, age 91, of Flint, Michigan, passed away Monday, October 2, 2017, at Maple Woods Manor in Clio, Ohio.

Mr. Miller is survived by his children, Donnie Miller and wife Cheryl, Mike Mill and wife Lolly, Dave Huntley and wife Sherry, Floyd Eichorn and wife Tammy; his brothers, Luther Miller and wife Loraine and Douglas Miller and wife Mary, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Billings Miller; one son, Rick Miller, two brothers, David and Grady Miller, and his father and mother, Thomas Jay Miller and Jessie Johnson Miller.

Funeral services for Raymond Miller will be conducted Friday,afternoon, October 6, 2017, at 1:30 PM, at O’Guinn Family Funeral Home in Clio, Michigan. Burial will follow in Flint Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends Friday, from 11:30 until 1:30, at the funeral home, prior to the service.

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

O’Guinn Family Funeral Home, in Clio, Michigan, is in charge of the arrangements.

Announcement courtesy of Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service.


Walter Robert Navone, Sr. (Oct. 22, 1947 – Sept. 30, 2017)

Walter Robert Navone, Sr., 69, of Big Hill Road, Boone, passed away Saturday afternoon, Sept. 30, 2017, at his home.

Mr. Navone was born Oct. 22, 1947 in Millville, New Jersey, a son of the late Edward and Cora Reeves Navone. He was retired for Thomasville Furniture and a member of Doe Ridge Baptist Church. He was loved by everyone.

Mr. Navone is survived by his wife, Donna Tunnell Navone of the home; three sons, Bobby Navone and wife Dawn of Trade, Tennessee, Edward Navone and wife Toni of New Jersey, and Timmy Greer and wife Megan of Crosnore; one daughter, Angela Ward and husband Jeff of Boone; three grandsons, Noah Davis of Crosnore, Edward Navone, Jr. of Ohio, and Adrian Matthew Hartnet of New Jersey; one granddaughter, Jovanna Lynn Hartnet of New Jersey, and two sisters, Jeanie Hughes and Marie Navone, both of New Jersey. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Helen Gale, Sally Frankle and Edna Warfle and two brothers, Frank Navone and Tony Stretch.

Funeral services for Walter Robert Navone, Sr. will be conducted Tuesday afternoon, October 3, 2017, at 2:00 o’clock, at Doe Ridge Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Reverend Arvil Hardy. Burial will follow in the White Cemetery.

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

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

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


Jerry Farmer (April 12, 1950 – Sept. 29, 2017) 

Deputy Sheriff Jerry Dean Farmer, 67 of Mountain City Tennessee died suddenly on Friday, Sept. 29, 2017 while on duty at the Johnson County Courthouse, serving in the profession that he dedicated his life to. At the time of his death he was serving in his 46th year of law enforcement, which started when he was 21 years of age, Jerry was hired as a Deputy Sheriff in Watauga County North Carolina. During his lengthy career he served as a Deputy Sheriff in Watauga County NC, Yancey County NC, and the last 5 years as a Deputy Sheriff in Johnson County TN. In addition to, serving as a Watauga Medical Center Police Officer and Chief of Security at Chetola Resort. 

During his career he received numerous awards and accommodations to include being inducted into the American Police Hall of Fame for Distinguished Achievement in Public Service.

Jerry was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Elizabeth Farmer.

Jerry was a member of First Baptist Church and served as Deacon and taught Sunday school.

He is survived by His wife of 49 years, Linda Thomas Farmer of the home. One daughter Melissa Jane Farmer Snyder and Husband Darian, two sons, Thomas Farmer and wife Lora, Edward Dee Farmer and wife Rachel. Nine grandchildren, Chelsea Farmer, Cassie Nichols, Brennan Peterson, Lily Snyder, Sarah Snyder, Isaac Snyder, Joshua Snyder, Naomi Snyder, and Jesse Snyder .Three great- grandchildren, Zoey, Kinley, and Ellie. One Brother, Jackie Farmer, two sisters, Sheila Church and Betty Johnson.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at the First Baptist Church of Mountain City located at 421 W Main Street, Mountain City, Tennessee. Officiating will be Reverend Ricky W. Campbell, Honorable Judge William Bliss Hawkins, and Honorable Sheriff Mike Reece. 

The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM prior to the service. Graveside service and Burial will be in the Greer-Glenn Cemetery, Sugar Grove, NC following the funeral on Wednesday.

The family will receive friends at the home 170 Chestnut Dr. Mountain City, TN 37683. 

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mountaincityfh.com.

The family of Jerry Dale Farmer has entrusted his services to Mountain City Funeral Home, 224 S. Church Street, Mountain City, TN 37683.


Mary Sadie Ward (May 14, 1937 – Sept. 29, 2017) 

Mary Sadie Calloway Ward, 80, of Boone, passed away Friday evening, Sept. 29, 2017 at her home. Born May 14, 1937 in Watauga County, she was a daughter of the late Julius and Sabret Ward Calloway. Sadie was retired from Watauga Medical Center.

She is survived by one daughter, Libby Miller and husband Fred, one son, James Brad Ward, a foster son, Terry Turbyfill all of Boone, one sister, Mabel Reid of Winston-Salem, two brothers, Albert Calloway and wife Marie of Boone and Frank Calloway and wife Dorothy of Winston-Salem, and one half brother, Gary Presnell of Newton.

Funeral services for Sadie Calloway Ward will be conducted Monday afternoon, October 2, 2017 at 2 pm at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in the Calloway Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service Monday from 1 pm until 2 pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family to help offset expenses. Online condolences may be shared with the Ward family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

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


Lois Ward (January 10, 1926 – Sept. 29, 2017)

Lois Gladys Ward, 91, of Banner Elk, passed away on Friday, Sept. 29, 2017 at The Waters of Roan Highlands in Roan Mountain, TN.

A native of Avery County, NC, she was born January 10, 1926, a daughter of the late Warren and Minnie Guy Turbyfill. Lois loved crafting, quilting, crocheting, knitting and spending time in the beauty of her gardens.

Mrs. Ward was a member of the Heaton Christian Church.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Winford Ward; two children, Timmy and Carol Ward; and her brothers, Bill and Bob Turbyfill.
A loving “Ma”, she leaves behind her sons, Joe and Judy Ward of Banner Elk, Danny and Carolyn Ward of Banner Elk; daughter, Patsy and Gary Vance of Banner Elk; sister in law, Sue Turbyfill of Zephyrhills, FL; along with her six grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and a host of other family and friends.

Services for Lois Ward will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 1, 2017 from the Grandfather Chapel of Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home with Pastor Paul Cole and Pastor Jamie Shell officiating. A private interment service will follow.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 pm until the service hour Sunday at the funeral home.
The family would like to extend their thanks to the nurses and staff of both The Waters of Roan Highlands and Amedisys Hospice for the wonderful and loving care they provided to Lois.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.rsfh.net.

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


Mary M. Waters (Jan. 8, 1932 – Sept. 24, 2017)

Col. Mary Magdalene Waters, 85, of Blowing Rock, passed away Sunday, September 24, 2017.

She is survived by her husband, Col. Jack T. Waters.

Funeral services for Col. Mary Magdalene Waters will be conducted Saturday, September 30, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the Salvation Army, 750 3rd Avenue Place SE, Hickory, N.C. The family will receive friends Saturday from 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. prior to the services.

Online condolences may be shared with the Waters family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

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