Watauga County Obituaries Compiled Feb. 26, 2013
James Louis Avant, D. Feb. 25, 2013
James Louis Avant Jr. of Boone, NC, died at his home on February 25, 2013. Dr. Avant was born in Cleveland, MS, on March 17, 1932 to the late James Louis Avant Sr. and Shirley Jenkins Avant.
Avant served in the U. S. Navy for four years as an aviation electrician. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Florida. He continued his studies at Indiana University, where he earned his masters degree. He completed his doctoral studies at the University of Utah. Prior to coming to Appalachian State University, Avant served as head football coach at Olympic College and later as Intramural Director at Washington State University. He spent 46 years in higher education, 33 of which were at Appalachian State University. He was the Intramural Director at ASU for 20 years, where he developed and expanded the program, including the building of the first campus recreation facility, the Quinn center. He then returned to the classroom in the department of Health, Leisure Studies, and Exercise Science. During the summer, he frequently served as the director of both the Appalachian House in Washington, DC and the ASU Loft in New York City. Prior to his retirement in 2008, he was the director of the Appalachian House for the Fall 2007 semester and the Loft for the Spring 2008 semester. During his tenure at ASU, he was the founding advisor for the ATO Fraternity and was named Faculty Advisor of the year numerous times. His passion for teaching and concern for the success of his students enabled him to be a beloved mentor and inspiration to his students.
As a health promotions professional, Avant lived his teaching ethic. He was an avid runner and ran 6 miles a day for 13 ½ years, without missing a day. He often ran with his Labrador Retrievers. He loved swimming and exercise and spent many happy hours working out at the Paul H. Broyhill Wellness Center.
Avant was predeceased by his parents and his sisters, Doris Smith and Freda Morgan. Dr. Avant is survived by his wife of 27 years, Barbara Matheson Avant, as well as sons Jeffrey Barnes Jackson and wife Lori of Las Vegas, NV, Stephen Barnes Jackson, wife Mina, and children, Alexander, Cameron, Zachary, and CoraRae of Coronado, CA, Andrew Fonda Jackson and wife Christina of Berkeley, CA, and daughter Tracey Avant and husband Maurice Martin of Arlington, VA. He is also survived by brothers John Avant and wife Janice of Water Valley, MS, and Thomas Avant of Navasota, TX, as well as several nieces and nephews. He leaves a son Scott Edward Avant and his daughters Rahne and Briana.
Dr. Avant’s family gives special thanks to Medi Home Hospice for their special care of Jim and for their loving compassion.
The family will receive friends at home at 879 Appalachian Drive, Boone, on Friday, March 1, 2013, from 5:00-7:00 PM. A private memorial will be held by the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the American Red Cross, Watauga County Chapter, 331 Queen Street, Boone, NC 28607 or a charity of choice.
Online condolences may be sent to the Avant family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Avant family.
Fannie Mae Miller Proffit, D. Feb. 25, 2013
Fannie Mae Miller Proffit, age 86, of Grover, North Carolina, a native and former resident of Watauga County, passed away Monday morning, February 25, 2013, at her home.
Mrs. Proffit was born August 27, 1926 in Watauga County, a daughter of the late Larkin and Rosa M. Miller. She was a homemaker and a member of Assembly of God in Meat Camp.
Mrs. Proffit is survived by one daughter, Gail Lambert and husband James of West Jefferson; three sons, Wayne Proffit and wife Janice of Graham, Arlon Proffit and wife Carolyn of Burlington, and Morris Proffit and wife Katie of Grover; one daughter-in-law, Debbie Proffit of Burlington; her grandchildren, Jeff Lambert, Kim Wheeler, Mike Proffit, Kelly Hair, Marsia Schaffer, Justin Proffit, Erin Proffit, Christopher Proffit, Steven Proffit, Gavin Proffit, Anna Oakley, and Aaron Oakley, and her great-grandchildren, Jacob, Nolan, Maximus, Tyler, Savannah, Kyndell, Matthew, Madeline, Morgan, Miller, Adrin, Andrew Julian, Rosa Elena, Nichol, and Caroline. She is also survived by a number of nieces, nephew, and her special caregiver, Betsy Oakley.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dean Proffit; one son, Darrell Proffit; one grandson, Darrell Proffit, II; three brothers, and five sisters.
Funeral services for Fannie Mae Miller Proffit will be conducted Thursday afternoon, February 28, 2013, at 2:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 12:00 until 2:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Reverend Jerry Moretz and Pastor Bruce Miller. Burial will follow in Proffit’s Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Thursday afternoon, form 12:00 until 2:00 o’clock, at the funeral home, prior to the service.
Flowers are appreciated, or memorial contributions may be made to Gaston Hospice, PO Box 3984, Gastonia, North Carolina, 28054.
Online condolences may be sent to the Proffit family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.
Norman Reese, D. Feb. 24, 2013
Norman L. Reese, age 90, of C & B Farm Road, of Conover, and a former resident of Watauga County, passed away Sunday evening, February 24, 2013 at Conover Nursing and Rehabilitation.
Born February 9, 1923 in Watauga County, he was a son of the late Asa and Kate Swift Reese. Norman was a member of Woodlawn Baptist Church in Conover and a former member of Cove Creek and Bethel Baptist Church. He was a WWII Army Veteran, and a former machinist at General Motors. Mr. Reese served as a Magistrate in Watauga County for 10 years and was a farmer.
He is survived by one daughter, Cheryl Guthrie and husband Earl of Hickory; one son, Keith Reese and wife Nancy of Glade Springs, VA, one granddaughter; LeeAnne Reese and fiancé’ Brandon Woods of Greenville, TN, his grandchildren by marriage; Todd Guthrie and wife Marie and their children; Nicholas and Ashley of Miami, Florida, and Kendra Guthrie Flores and husband Raul and their children; Lukas, Cruz and Elliana Flores all of Boone, one brother, Clint Reese and wife Maude of Fuquay Varina; four sisters: Kathleen Reese, Dorcus Hodges, and Betty Shoun all of Vilas and Gladys Shoun of Sylvania Ohio.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Moody Reese, and by four brothers: Asa L. Reese, Jr., Andy Reese, Richard Reese and Lance Reese.
Funeral services for Norman L. Reese will be conducted Thursday afternoon at 2 o’clock at Cove Creek Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends Thursday from 12:30 until 2 o’clock at the church, prior to the service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Kate S. Reese Scholarship % Watauga Education Foundation, PO Box 2658, Boone, NC 28607.
Online condolences may be shared with family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Reese family
Michael Kincaid, D. Feb. 23, 2013
Michael Ivey Kincaid, age 53, of Boone passed away Saturday February 23, 2013. Born September 3, 1959 in Caldwell County he was a son of the late Bill and Eva Lee Ellison Kincaid. Michael was a carpenter and attended Cornerstone Baptist Church.
He is survived by two daughters; Jennifer Kincaid Wandler and husband Brad and Kayla Kincaid all of Boone, two sisters; Iva Dean Proffit and husband Earl of Todd, and Janie Beach and husband Tim of Boone, one brother, Tony Kincaid and wife Cathy of Todd, his fiancé’ Tina Miller of Boone, and a number of aunts, uncles and nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by three sisters; Minnie Bryan, Billie Sipes and Libby Ward and one brother Robbie Kincaid.
Funeral services for Mr. Michael Ivey Kincaid will be conducted Wednesday evening at 6 o’clock at Cornerstone Baptist Church. Officiating will be Rev. Eric Proffit and Rev. David Ward. The family will receive friends Wednesday prior to the service from 4 o’clock until 6 o’clock at Cornerstone Baptist Church.
Graveside services and burial for Michael Ivey Kincaid will be conducted Thursday morning at 11 o’clock at the Potter Main Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family in care of Austin & Barnes Funeral Home. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Kincaid family.
Margaret Jean Clark, D. Feb. 23, 2013
Margaret Jean Clark went home to her Lord and Savior on February 23, 2013. She was born on June 8th, 1931 in Durham, NC to Phillip and Blennie T. Clark.
Margaret lived for years in Newland before residing at Blowing Rock. She was a homemaker also working in her mother’s jewelry store and at Duke University. Margaret loved life, had a big smile and kind word for everyone, and she really enjoyed her grandchildren! Margaret was a member of Westview Baptist Church.
She leaves behind a daughter: Nina Barrier, of Boone, a son: Michael Ripper of Kingsport, TN and two grandchildren; Caleb Barrier of Boone and Quinn Ripper of Kingsport, TN.
Margaret was loved by all and will e greatly missed. Contributions may be made to Medi Home Hospice, PO Box 1357, Newland, NC 28657.
Services for Margaret Jean Clark will be private.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Clark family.
Jim Trivette, D. Feb. 23, 2013
James E. “Jim” Trivette, age 64, of Mount Holly, NC, a former resident of Banner Elk, passed away Saturday, February 23, 2013 at Gaston Memorial Hospital in Gastonia.
Jim was born October 25, 1948 in Avery County, a son of the late Roger E. and Alice Hicks Trivette. He was a retired truck driver for Atlantic Packing Company.
Jim is survived by two daughters, Diane Cevallos and Angela Trivette; three granddaughters, Isabel Cevallo, Sophia Cevallo, and Haleigh Little; three brothers, Bill R. Trivette and wife Eula, Tom Trivette and wife Linda, and Bobby Trivette and wife Barbara; one sister-in-law, Peggy Trivette; one brother-in-law, Dana Cox, one uncle, Harvey Trivette. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Jerry and Chester Trivette, and one sister, Linda Trivette Cox.
Graveside services and burial for James E. “Jim” Trivette will be conducted Sunday afternoon, March 3, 2013, at 2:00 o’clock, at Piney Grove Cemetery in the Rominger Community. Officiating will be Reverend Richard Trivette.
The family will receive friends Saturday evening, from 6:00 until 8:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Service.
On-line condolences may be sent to the Trivette family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.
Rick Stone, D. Feb. 23, 2013
James Richard “Rick” Stone, age 66, of Woodsong Trail in Boone, died Saturday, February 23, 2013 at his home.
Rick is survived by his wife, Annie Stone of the home; daughter, Amy Elizabeth Stone, her husband Jamie Wicks and granddaughter, Poppy Claire Wicks of Orlando, Fla., two brothers-in-law, Sam Martin of Biscoe, NC and Hugh Martin, his wife Cindy, and nephews, Carson, Eli, and Daniel Martin of Biscoe, NC, nephew, Forest Stone and niece, Meleah Stone. Rick’s faithful dog PD remained at his bedside.
Rick was an artist, luthier, musician, devoted husband, loving father, brother, son, grandfather. But he was so much more than these labels could ever contain. His calm, centered, witty presence was quietly compelling. His passionate, creative spirit touched our lives with indescribable beauty. He shared his gifts so freely and we are blessed to have received them. It is with deepest gratitude and honor that his spirit will live forever in our hearts.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Jesse and Lila Austin Stone and one brother Charles Randolph “Chuck” Stone.
Throughout his life, Rick had a deep respect and love of trees and the beautiful wood that was provided by the harvest. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that you honor Rick by planting a tree at your home or in a public space for others to enjoy ~ plant it with a prayer and watch it grow into something beautiful that will give you comfort and replenish the earth.
A memorial service for James Richard “Rick” Stone will be conducted Saturday afternoon, March 2, 2013, at 2:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel.
On-line condolences may be sent to the Stone family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.
Russell Beach, D. Feb. 23, 2013
Russell Jennings Beach, age 86 of Vilas and Millers Creek, died Saturday, February 23, 2013 at Wilkes Regional Medical Center.
Mr. Beach was born June 28, 1926 to the late Enzer and Sarah Leek Beach of the Rich Mountain Community.
He was an honorably discharged veteran, serving in the 3rd Battalion, 32nd Infantry Division. He received the Astatic Pacific Theatre medal, Good Conduct medal, WWII Victory medal and Occupation Ribbon for Korea. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Mr. Beach was the co-owner of Beach and Adams Builders of Boone, NC, where he retired at age 84.
He was a member of Millers Creek Baptist Church, where he served as president of the New Beginnings Sunday School Class. He as an avid blue grass music fan and a talented musician.
Mr. Beach is survived by his wife Dorothy Severt Beach of the home; two sons, Jerry Beach and wife Pam of Vilas, Danny Beach and wife Jeannie of Vilas; a step-son Jeffrey Roten and wife Sherri of Millers Creek, NC; a step-daughter Pamela Johnson and husband Doug of Millers Creek, NC; a sister Mae Eggers of Mountain City, TN; ten grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; a special nephew, Beach Eggers, and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends also survive.
He was preceded in death by the mother of his sons, Bonita Adams Beach, his parents; two sisters, Cora Penley and Ruth Walls; and five brothers, Clay, Don, Grady, Allen and L.W. Beach.
Funeral services for Russell Jennings Beach will be conducted Monday afternoon, February 25th, 2013, at 2:00 o’clock from Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state from 12:30 until 2:00. Officiating will be Reverend Delmar James and Pastor Shannon Critcher. Entombment will follow with military honors at Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum.
The family will receive friends Monday afternoon, from 12:30 until 2:00 PM, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel, prior to the service.
On-line condolences may be sent to the Beach family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.
Irene Ward, D. Feb. 23, 2013
Irene Faye Ward, age 77 of Morganton, a native and former resident of Watauga County, died Saturday morning, February 23, 2013 at Grace Hospital in Morganton.
Irene was born March 14, 1935 in Watauga County, a daughter of the late Edd and Hazel Tester Ward. She was a homemaker and a member of Antioch Baptist Church.
Irene is survived by two brothers, Junior Ward and wife Mildred of Zionville, and Chalmer Ward of Wilkesboro. She is also survived by two aunts, and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, James R. Tester.
Funeral services for Irene Faye Ward will be conducted Tuesday afternoon, February 26, 2013, 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 T.J. Wilson. Burial will follow in the Don Ward Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Tuesday afternoon, from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock, at the funeral home, prior to the service.
On-line condolences may be sent to the Ward family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.
Ethel Stamey Norris, D. Feb. 21, 2013
Ethel Stamey Norris, age 77, of 4916 US Highway 421 North, Vilas, passed away Thursday morning, February 21, 2013, at Watauga Medical Center.
Mrs. Norris was born July 30, 1935 in Watauga County, a daughter of the late Lyns and Rilla Fletcher Stamey. She was a retired inspector for IRC in Boone, where she was employed for 24 years. Mrs. Norris was a member of Henson’s Chapel United Methodist Church.
Mrs. Norris is survived by her husband, Robert Gray Norris of the home, and one half-sister, Reba King of Bristol, Tennessee. She is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister, Betty Sue Presnell, and one brother, Glenn Fletcher.
Funeral services for Ethel Stamey Norris will be conducted Saturday afternoon, February 23, 2013, 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 Reverend Katherine V. Cornell. Burial will follow in Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens.
The family will receive friends Saturday afternoon, from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock, at the funeral home, prior to the service.
Online condolences may be sent to the Norris family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.
Bob Walters, D. Feb. 20, 2013
Robert M. “Bob” Walters, age 82, of 367 Ransom Street, Blowing Rock, passed away, Wednesday evening, February 20, 2013, at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Mr. Walters was born December 23, 1930 in Blowing Rock, a son of the late Grover Cleveland Walters and Stella Mae Coffey Walters. He was a 1950 graduate of Blowing Rock High School and attended Lees McRae College on a basketball scholarship. Mr. Walters left college to join the United States Marine Corp during the Korean Conflict. After returning to Blowing Rock, he was a machineroom specialist for Broyhill Furniture, where he was involved in management, furniture development and prototypes. After an early medical retirement, he continued to design and build furniture with enthusiasm. Mr. Walters was a lifelong resident of Ransom Street in Blowing Rock, and served as a deacon and teacher, at First Baptist Church of Blowing Rock, where he was a member.
Mr. Walters is survived by his wife of 58 years, Ruby Moody Walters of the home; one daughter, Deborah Walters of Boone; one son, Steven Walters of Tucker, Georgia; grandson, Leif Magnuson and Lauren Maley of Raleigh, and great-grandson, Lemy Magnuson of Raleigh; grandson, Ryan Hartley and his finace, Amanda Jones of Boone, and a number of loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family and many friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Elizabeth Walters Bolick and her husband Charles Bolick, Sr., Verdola Walters Sykes and her husband Dean Sykes, Carl Walters, Clifford Walters and his wife Ruth H. Walters, and Norman Walters.
Funeral services for Robert M. “Bob” Walters will be conducted Sunday afternoon, February 24, 2013, at 3:00 o’clock, at First Baptist Church of Blowing Rock. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 1:00 until 2:45 PM. Officiating will be Reverend Rusty Guenther. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery in Blowing Rock.
The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon, from 1:00 until 2:45 PM, at the church, prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Blowing Rock Building Fund, PO Box 3, Blowing Rock, North Carolina, 28605.
Online condolences may be sent to the Walters family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements
Paul Ellis, D. Feb. 20, 2013
Paul William Ellis, 74, of Morganton, died Wednesday February 20, 2013 at Autumn Care Nursing Center, after a period of declining health. Mr. Ellis was born January 28, 1939 in Watauga County, a son of the late Andrew and Jennie Aldridge Ellis. He was a member of the Watauga Baptist Church and retired after 37 years as a truck driver.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a daughter, Karen Metcalf, a brother, Elmer Ellis and a sister Ann Hunnicutt.
Surviving are his wife Della Carpenter Ellis of the home, four sons, Randy Ellis, William Ellis (Maria), Charles Ellis (Rhonda), Eric Ellis, two daughters, Paula Ellis and Kathy Mosteller all of Morganton, one brother, Larry Ellis (Peggy) of Foscoe, five sisters, Rosa Auton (Marvin) of Boone, Jean Ellis, of Valdese, Faye Calloway (Kenneth) of Lenoir, Laura Brown (Melvin) of Morganton and Elaine Ellis of Foscoe. Also surviving are twelve grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services for Paul Ellis will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday February 24, 2013 in the Chapel of Heritage Funeral Service, Valdese. Interment will follow in the Glen Alpine Methodist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Saturday from 6 until 8:00 P.M. at Heritage Funeral Service, Valdese. At other times the family will be at the home of Paul Ellis.
Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 434 Fayetteville St., Mall, 2 Hanover Square, Suite `1605, Raleigh, NC 27601.
An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.heritagefuneralserivces.com.
Heritage Funeral Service, in Valdese, is in charge of the arrangements.
Wanda Turbyfill Phillips, D. Feb. 18, 2013
Wanda Turbyfill Phillips, age 79, of Hanging Rock Estate Lane, Banner Elk, passed away Monday morning February 18, 2013 at Cannon Memorial Hopsital.
Born Octobert 8, 1933, she was a daughter of the late Julius and Ada Ward Turbyfill. Wanda was a member of Elk Park Christian Church. She was retired, having worked at several vocations over the years, including a beautician and later an assembler at TRW. She enjoyed gardening and indoor-plant tending, bird-watching, “watching the weather,” and reading, a trait she passed on to her granddaughter.
Along with her parents, Julius and Ada Ward Turbyfill, she was preceded in eath by two sisters: Hilma Tappen and Audrey Hamilton.
Wanda left behind to cherish her memory, one daughter, Marla Hatch and husband Riley, of Banner Elk, one granddaughter, Jessica Julian, of Banner Elk, and a faithful “grand-dog,” Lexy Hatch, also of Banner Elk; three sisters: Helen Johnon of Jonesborough, TN, Geraldine Ward of Elk Park, and Wilma Ellis and husband Charles of Elk Park; three brothers: Ron Turbyfill and wife Bonnie of Elk Park, Ray Turbyfill and wife Linda of Winston-Salem, and Johnny Turbyfill and wife Gloria of Huntersivlle, NC, as well as a wealth of nieces and nephews.
There will be a time of gathering to celebrate the life of Wanda Phillips at the Elk Park Christian Church on Monday, February 25, 2013, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Elk Park Christian Church in memory of Wanda Phillips, 220 Old Mill Road, Elk Park, NC 28622. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Phillips family.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.
Check out more obituaries in the High Country – Ashe, Avery and Watauga – at https://www.hcpress.com/obituaries.
Listings of Funeral Homes in Watauga County:
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory
194 Queen Street
Boone, NC 28607
828-264-8888
www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
Hampton Funeral Service
683 Blowing Rock Road
Boone, NC 28607
828-264-7100
www.hamptonfuneralnc.com
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