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Watauga County Obituaries – Compiled March 29, 2013

Watauga County Obituaries – Compiled March 29, 2013

Jerry Lee Oliver, D. March 28, 2013

Jerry Lee Oliver, Sr., age 66, of Badger Street, Jefferson, NC, passed away Thursday, March 28, 2013, at his home.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara F. Oliver, of Jefferson; two sons, Jerry Lee Oliver, Jr. of Jefferson; and James Cody Oliver & wife Staci of Fort Meade, MD; one daughter Tina Huffman and husband Bobby of Laurel Springs; three grandchildren, Grayson Huffman of Laurel Springs, Jackson Oliver of Fort Mead, MD, and Caroline Oliver of Fort Meade, MD; one brother, William Jay Oliver of Lansing and one sister Judy Miller and husband reed of Wilkesboro.

He was preceded in death by his parents George Roscoe & Anna Ruth Stamper Oliver and by five brothers: Jack, Jim, John, Joe and Jeff Oliver.

A private Celebration of Life service to honor Jerry will be conducted at a later date.

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

Christine Louise Palmer, D. March 28, 2013

Christine Palmer
Christine Palmer

Christine Louise Palmer, 71, of Smokey Straight in Newland went to be with the Lord on March 28, 2013, surrounded by her loving family. She was the daughter of Oakie Lena Perry Palmer and James Henry Palmer of Roan Mountain, TN. Christine was a child of God who loved to work in the garden, walk and be outdoors. She was a loving sister, aunt, and friend. Her memory will forever be in the hearts of her family and all that knew her.

Christine is survived by her sister Nyoka Palmer Oakes, her nieces April Oakes Potter and husband Jon Scott Potter, Tonya Oakes Forbes and her husband Joshua Lucas Forbes, great nieces Trinity Celestine Forbes and Josalyn Lena Forbes, brother Bobby Gene Palmer and wife Sharon Palmer, niece Karen Melissa Whitehead and husband Joey Whitehead, and great nephews Devin Whitehead and Austin Whitehead.

Services for Christine Louise Palmer will be private.   

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

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

Max Miller, D. March 28, 2013

Max Miller
Max Miller

Max G. Miller, age 85, of Todd, went home to be with the Lord on March 28, 2013, surrounded by his loving wife and two children.

Mr. Miller is survived by his wife of 65 years, Irene Krider Miller; daughter, Charlotte Norris and husband, Denny, of Boone; son, Mackey Miller of Asheville; granddaughter, Christy Norris Fox and husband, Wendell, of Boone; grandson, Derrick Norris of Spartanburg, SC; another granddaughter, Charity Norris Austin and husband, Brandon, of Vilas; two beloved great grandsons, Dakota and Daniel Norris, sons of Christy; and two brothers, R. Z. Miller and wife Kathy, of Alabama, and Henry Miller and wife Dawn, of Mount Airy. Several nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law also survive.

Max was preceded in death by his parents, Reuben and Chessie Graham Miller; infant daughter; and several brothers and sisters.

He served in the US Army during WWII, and was a retired carpenter. Max was a member of South Fork Baptist Church. His greatest love was his family and his most favorite pastime was sitting on his porch with his cats, watching the river and waving at everyone that passed his house.

To honor his request, a private graveside service with military honors provided by American legion Post 130 and the Disabled American Veterans Post 90, will be scheduled.

Max also requested, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made toward a college fund for his two great-grandsons, Dakota and Daniel Norris, in care of Denny Norris, 190 Norris Trail, Boone, NC 28607.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

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

Ruth Friedman Tornick, D. March 28, 2013

Ruth Ada Friedman Tornick, age 85, of Ashville, died Thursday, March 28, 2013.

Mrs. Tornick is survived by two sons, Josef Tornick and wife Annie, of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Edward “Ed” Tornick and wife Denise, of Avon, Connecticut and one granddaughter, Katii Tornick of Avon, Connecticut.

Funeral services for Mrs. Ruth Ada Tornick will be conducted Monday morning, April 1, 2013, at 10:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state at the chapel, from 9:30 until 10:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Chuck Lieberman. Burial will follow in Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens.

The family will receive friends Monday morning, from 9:30 until 10:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Service.

The family respectfully request no flowers.

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

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

William Odell Perry, D. March 25, 2013

William Odell Perry
William Odell Perry

William Odell Perry, age 78, of 483 Cragmont Road, Black Mountain, a and former resident of Watauga County, died Monday afternoon, March 25, 2013, at Mission Hospital in Asheville.

William was born June 18, 1934 in Barber County, Kansas, a son of the late General Blanco Perry and Genevieve Carpenter Perry. He was a retired Electrical Engineer for Liberty Plastics, Inc., and served in the United States Army.

William is survived by his wife, JoAnn Perry of the home; one daughter, Belinda Johnson and husband Kenneth; two sons, Daryll Perry of Bethlehem, North Carolina, and Les Perry of Mesa, Arizona; one step-daughter, Shelly Gibson of Black Mountain; two brothers, James Joe Perry and wife Barbara of Zionville, and Keith Perry and wife Lindel of Boone; two sisters, Mrytle Calhoun and husband Chester of Raleigh, and Marsha Thomas and husband William of Zionville, and one brother-in-law, Willard Lail of Hickory. He is also survived by four grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Christopher Perry, and one sister, Theda Lail.

Funeral services for William Odell Perry will be conducted Friday afternoon, March 29, 2013, at 2:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 12:30 until 2:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Pastor Tim Pierce. Military graveside rites and burial, provided by American Legion Post 130 and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 90, will follow at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Friday afternoon, from 12:30 until 2:00 o’clock, at the funeral home, prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Watauga Humane Society, PO Box 1835, Boone, North Carolina, 28607.

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

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

Joseph Miller, D. March 25, 2013

Joseph Miller
Joseph Miller

Joseph Allen Miller, age 39, of 1115 Laurel Branch Road, Vilas, passed away Monday, March 25, 2013, at Watauga Medical Center in Boone.

Joseph was born Jun 12, 1973 in Watauga County, a son of Joyce Hodges Earp and the late Grant Miller.

Joseph is survived by his daughter, Indi Holt of Durham; his mother, Joyce Earp and her husband Larry of Vilas; one brother, Jonathan Miller of Salters, South Carolina; two half brothers, Arthur Dean Miller and Harold Gene Miller; one half-sister, Donna Hodges and husband Willard; one nephew, Johnny Miller of Boone; a special cousin, Christy Church of Deep Gap, and his best friend, Leon Stacks of Blowing Rock.

A memorial service for Joseph Allen Miller will be conducted Thursday afternoon, March 28, 2013, at 2:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Pastor Rick Critcher.

The family will receive friends following the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Miller family, in care of Hampton Funeral Service, Inc., 683 Blowing Rock Road, Boone, North Carolina, 28607.

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

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

Morgan Lawrence, D. March 25, 2013

Morgan Lawrence
Morgan Lawrence

Morgan Elise Lawrence, 24, of Meadowbrook Lane, Deep Gap, passed away Monday evening, March 25, 2013 at her home. Morgan was born August 17, 1988 in Watauga County. She was a member of Rutherwood Baptist Church and was employed at High Country Vending as warehouse manager.

Survivors include her mother, Joan Phillips Alderson and husband, David, her father, Dwayne Anthony Lawrence and wife Yvonne Mullis-Lawrence, all of Boone; maternal grandmother, Clara Phillips of Boone; paternal grandmother, Anna Lee Lawrence of Vilas; step-sister, Sarah Alderson and step-brother, Jared Alderson and wife, Kayla, all of Zionville; grandparents, Jim and Carol Alderson of Todd; god-parents, Randy and Carolyn Greer of Deep Gap; a number of cousins, and aunts and uncles, including special Aunt, Kathy Addis and husband, Jimmy, of Glen Burney, Md.; her constant companion of seven years, her dog, Nakita; and her special pastor and wife, Rev. Gary and Janet Lawrence. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Howard Phillips and paternal grandfather, Burl Lawrence.

Funeral services will be conducted Thursday afternoon, March 28, 2013, at 2 o\’clock, at Rutherwood Baptist Church, officiated by Pastor Gary Lawrence and Rev. David Ward. The family will receive friends Thursday afternoon from 1 until 1:45, prior to services, at the church.

Morgan was so tender-hearted that she even put the welfare of animals above herself. In Morgan’s memory, the family requests in lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Watauga Humane Society, PO Box 1835, Boone, NC 28607.

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

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

Nicole Presnell Buckner, D. March 24, 2013

Nichole Presnell Buckner
Nichole Presnell Buckner

Nichole Presnell Buckner, age 24, of 214 Thompson Hollow Road, Vilas, passed away Sunday, March 24, 2013, at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem.

Nichole was born May 15, 1988 in Watauga County. She was a beautiful wife and mother. Nichole was a full-time student at Caldwell Community College, where she was recently accepted into the nursing program, and was of the Baptist faith.

Nichole is survived by her husband, Jason C. Buckner of the home; her daughter, Carlie Madison Buckner of the home; her father and step-mother, Danny and Lola Presnell of Boone; her mother, Regina Presnell and her fiance Jonathan Triplett of Zionville; her father and mother-in-law, Raymond and Cleta Buckner of Blowing Rock; two step-sister, Sarah Clark and husband Derek of Boone, and Brooke Coffey of Boone; one sister-in-law, Kimberly Greene and husband Mark of Vilas; two brothers-in-law, Doug Buckner and wife Betty of Zionville, and Loyd Buckner and wife Pat of Blowing Rock; her grandmother, Trudy Thompson and her fiance Bob Elliott of Vilas; her great-grandmother, Maude Thompson of Vilas; her uncles and aunts, Rusty and Becky Trivette, and Bob and Patti Perry, all of Vilas, and special cousins, Joey and Kimberly Trivette of Vilas. She is also survived by a number of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Joe Thompson; her paternal grandfather, Robert Presnell; her paternal grandmother, Lillie Shrewsbury; her maternal great-grandparents, Albert and Ann Miller, and Don Thompson, and her paternal great-grandparents, Carson and Lillie Presnell.

Funeral services for Nichole Presnell Buckner will be conducted Friday morning, March 29, 2013, at 11:00 o’clock, at Willowdale Baptist Church in Vilas. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 10:00 until 11:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Pastor Eugene Braswell and Pastor Stephen Braswell. Burial will follow in Adams Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Thursday evening, from 6:00 until 8:30 PM, at Hampton Funeral Service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to her daughter’s Carlie Madison Buckner Education Fund, in care of Highlands Union Bank, 1013 NC Highway 105, Boone, North Carolina, 28607.

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

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

Mary Rogers Thompson, D. March 24, 2013

Mary Rogers Thompson
Mary Rogers Thompson

Mary Lee Rogers Thompson, age 85, of 5714 Old Highway 421 South, Deep Gap, passed away Sunday evening, March 24, 2013, at Watauga Medical Center in Boone.

Mary Lee was born July 24, 1927 in Watauga County, a daughter of the late Coy and Eula Miller Rogers. She was the owner and operator of Thompson’s Seafood, in Deep Gap, for many years. Mary Lee was a member of Gap Creek Baptist Church and attended Emanuel Baptist Church.

Mary Lee is survived by three sons, Earl Parlier and wife Teresa of Baltimore, Maryland, Mike Parlier and wife Teresa, and Terry Thompson and wife Allison, all of Deep Gap; one daughter, Annette Salyards and husband Randy of Hickory; one sister, Betsy Greene of Salisbury, North Carolina, and her companion, Gene Phillips of Deep Gap. She is also survived by ten grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her first husband, Edward L. Parlier; her second husband, John Thompson; one son, Randy Parlier; one granddaughter, Stacey Lee Parlier; three brothers, Ernest, Wayne, and Jack Rogers, and one sister, Shelby Schmuck.

A memorial service for Mary Lee Rogers Thompson will be conducted Wednesday, March 27, 2013, at 12:00 noon, at Emanuel Baptist Church in Deep Gap. Officiating will be Reverend Paul Coffey.

The family will receive friends Wednesday morning, from 11:00 until 12:00 o’clock, at the church, prior to the service.

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

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

Mary Ruth Ayers, D. March 23, 2013

Mary Ruth Ayers
Mary Ruth Ayers

Mary Ruth Ayers, age 94, formerly of Boone, passed away Saturday afternoon, March 23, 2013 at Autumn Care of Drexel. Born August 6, 1918 in Walnut Cove, she was a daughter of James William and Sarah Rebecca Smith Lasley. Mrs. Ayers was a member of the First Baptist Church of Boone. She was a graduate of Appalachian State Teachers College, majoring in elementary education, and taught in the Watauga County School System for 26 years. Mrs. Ayers was a member of the Boone Garden Club and a member at large of the National DAR.

She is survived by her son, Grant R. Ayers, Jr. and wife Alice, of Morganton; five grandchildren, James R. Ayers of Morganton, Michael Lee Ayers and wife Michele, and Charles Patterson Ayers and wife Lara, all of Wilmington, Mary Virginia Owens and husband Phillip, of Clemmons, and Sarah Katie Parvin of Lexington; eleven great-grandchildren, Andrew Ayers of Morganton, Savannah and Charlize Ayers, and Matthew Cannon, all of Wilmington, Jonathan and Eric Danner, Zachery and Nathan Owens all of Clemmons, and Sarah and Marshall Parvin, both of Lexington, Benson Solomon of Columbia, South Carolina; and two sisters, Betty Kosydar and husband, Walt, of Toledo, Ohio; Susie Lasley of Winston-Salem and one sister in law; Kathryn Lasley of Winston-Salem.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Grant Robert Ayers, Sr.; daughter, Janice A. Sanford; four brothers and three sisters.

Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Ruth Ayers will be conducted Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home. Officiating will be Rev. Roy Dobyns. Burial will follow at Mount Lawn Memorial Park & Gardens. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1 o’clock until 2 o’clock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Burke Hospice & Palliative Care, 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690. Online condolences may shared with the Ayers family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

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

Allen Loux, D. March 20, 2013

Allen Loux
Allen Loux

Allen Lee Loux, age 60, of Meadow Hill Drive, Boone, passed away Wednesday evening, March 20, 2013 at his home. Born March 13, 1953 in Middlesex County, New Jersey, he was a son of William Charles and Delores Fannon Loux. Charles was a beloved caregiver to his companion and worked as a convenience store clerk.

Mr. Loux is survived by his companion and caregiver, Regina Belinda Penland of Boone; his adopted children, Logan Penland of Boone and Lee Anna Ewing of Statesville; and two sons, Joseph and Vincent Loux, both of Virginia.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Services for Allen Lee Loux will be private.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

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

Ben Bosworth, D. March 18, 2013

Ben Bosworth
Ben Bosworth

Ben Gess Bosworth, Jr, 86 passed away unexpectedly March 18, 2013. He was born in Lexington, KY, to Ben Gess Bosworth, Sr. and Nell Bush Bosworth. Ben received his undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia where he was an active athlete, and received an Outstanding Athlete Award as a member of the track and field team. Upon receiving an honorable discharge from the military (serving in both the Navy and Marines), he continued his studies earning a Doctorate in Education from the University of Virginia.

Ben began work at Appalachian State University in 1960, when he became faculty in the education department, primarily focusing on student teaching supervision. Ben’s dedication to the preparation of the future generation of student educators was felt far and wide, especially by his children and grandchildren who always seemed to get the teachers, principals and superintendents who were former students of Ben. In addition to his dedication to education, Ben was a die-hard ASU athletic supporter. He and his wife Kathryn held season tickets in the “kazoo” section of the football stadium and came to know the players and coaches on a first name basis.

Ben’s love of sports wasn’t limited to ASU teams. He was a very active and vocal supporter of his daughters’ athletic endeavors, attending every sports activity they were in – even if it meant driving through snow, pea soup fog or while suffering from a kidney stone.

After retiring, Ben continued running (his trademark military flat top haircut was always spotted jogging around town) and even coaxed his wife into running. An active participant in the Senior games, Ben continued to run races well into his 70s. In addition, he continued participation in the Watauga Gun Club (of which he was a founding member) and took pride in his job site organizational work with Habitat for Humanity.

Ben took an interest in everybody he came in contact with – his students, regular wait staff, bank tellers and friends. He never met a stranger and always greeted everyone by their name and with questions about their family, studies or relationship status. His cheerfulness, sense of humor and character left a mark upon everyone he met and his absence will not only be felt amongst his family and friends, but throughout ASU and Boone.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents, his sister and brother-in law Betty Johnson and James O., and his wife of 55 years, the love of his life, Kathryn. He is survived by his daughters, Kathy North and husband J of Mocksville, and Elizabeth Clark and husband Jerry of Raleigh. Also surviving are his grandchildren – of whom he was very proud – even if they didn’t attend ASU – Sarah Franzheim and husband Neil Chase of Winston-Salem, Jamie and Katie North of Mocksville, Justin Clark of Oak Park, FL and Jeremy Clark of Liberty, NC, several nieces and nephews and close friends.

Memorial services for Dr. Ben Gess Bosworth will be conducted Saturday afternoon at 4 o’clock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 2 o’clock until 4 o’clock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Samaritans Purse, Heal Our Patriots, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

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

Scott Bascombe Appleby, D. March 18, 2013

Scott Bascombe Appleby, III, age 67, of Banner Elk, died Monday, March 18, 2013.

Mr. Appleby is survived by one son, Scott Brooks Appleby, of Vilas, one step-son, Ryan Whelan, of Savannah, Georgia, one step-daughter, Lesley N. Wooten, of Banner Elk, one granddaughter, Jewel Appleby, of Gastonia, two sisters, Virginia Rust of Purceville, Virginia, and Lauren Cerretani,of New Hampshire, and one brother, Anthony Cerretani, of New Hampshire, other family members include, Paul Joseph Carney and wife Rosa Gail Hamrick Carney, and Linda Wynkoop, all of Banner Elk.

A memorial service for Mr. Scott Bascombe Appleby, III will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Hunger Coalition, P.O. Box 1837, Boone, NC 28607.

Online Condolences may be made to the Appleby family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.

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