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Watauga County Obituaries – Compiled March 4, 2014

 Watauga County Obituaries – Compiled

Wilbern Ward, D. March 2, 2014

Wilbern Ward
Wilbern Ward

Wilbern Lee Ward, age 86, of Flowers Branch Road, Deep Gap, passed away Sunday, March 2, 2014, at Lakebridge Health Care Center in Johnson City, Tennessee.

Mr. Ward was born April 10, 1927 in Del Rio, Tennessee, a son of the late James Amos Ward and Mary Elizabeth Hicks Ward. He was a retired orderly with Watauga Medical Center, and served in the United States Army during World War II. Mr. Ward was a member of Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church.

Mr. Ward is survived by his wife; Thelma J. Ward, six sons, Rickey Lee Ward of Boone, Gary D. Ward and wife Charlotte of Fletcher, Wilbern A. Ward and wife Betty of Johnson City, Richard Ward and wife Joy of Gastonia, Wayne Ward and wife Kristi of Hickory, and Tony Ward of Boone; one daughter, Regina Mettam and husband Charles of Boone, and one sister, Corene Woodring and husband Burl of Boone. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sons, Sgt. Larry Grant Ward and John Basil Ward; two brothers, Murphy Ward and Casey Ward, and one sister, Rachel Miller.

Funeral services for Wilbern Lee Ward will be conducted Wednesday afternoon, March 5, 2014, at 2:00 o’clock, at Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Pastor Eric Proffitt. Military graveside rites and burial, provided by American Legion Post 130 and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 90, will follow in the Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.

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

Flowers are appreciated, or memorial contributions may be made Medi Home Health & Hospice, 136 Furman Road, Suite 2, Boone, NC 28607.

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

Dare Greene, D. March 2, 2014

Dare Greene
Dare Greene

Dare Greer Greene, age 85, of Highway 421 South, the Stony Fork Community, died Sunday, March 2, 2014, at Watauga Medical Center.

Mrs. Greene was born January 1, 1929 in Watauga County, a daughter of the late Virgil and Euna Claire Church Greer. Whe was a retired cook for Smithy’s Department in Wilkesboro and a member of Stony Fork Baptist Church.

Mrs. Greene is survived by one daughter, Carolyn G. Proffit and husband Steve of Boone; one son, James Greene and friend Brenda Brewer of Deep Gap, one granddaughter, Ashley Proffit of Boone; three grandsons, Scott Greene and friend Emily Brown of Lenoir, Jesse Greene and wife Anna of Hickory, and Chris Proffit of Boone; one great-granddaughter, Alani Greene of Hudson; three great-grandsons, Matthew Morgan of Hudson, Elisha Greene and Brenin Greene, both of Lenoir; four sisters, Mozelle Miller of Boone, Juanita Welch of Deep Gap, Lazette Greer of Boone, and Joann Greer and husband Bill of Lenoir; three brothers, Joe Greer and wife Joyce, Shanty Greer, and Mack Greer, all of Boone. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, J.C. Greene; one granddaughter, Nicky Greene Morgan, and three brothers, Paul, Silas, and Brook Greer.

Funeral services for Dare Greer Greene will be conducted Tuesday afternoon, March 4, 2014, 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 Reverend Billy Norris and Reverend Sherrill Wellborn. Burial will follow in the Stony Fork Baptist Church Cemetery.

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

Flowers are appreciated, or memorial contributions may be made to the Dare Greene Family, 819 Big Hill Road, Boone, North Carolina, 28607.

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

Hazel Triplett Aldridge, D. Feb. 28, 2014

Aldridge
Aldridge

Hazel Triplett Aldridge, age 81, of Boone, died Friday afternoon, February 28, 2014, at Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care in Hudson.

Mrs. Aldridge was born July 14, 1932 in Wilkes County, a daughter of the late Zeb and Georgia Hall Triplett. She was a retired seamstress for Shadowline, Inc. in Boone. Mrs. Aldridge was a member of Watauga Baptist Church and presently attended North Lenoir Church of God in Lenoir.

Mrs. Aldridge is survived by two daughters, Sylvia Watson and husband Chester of Granite Falls, and Wattula “Tula” Wilson and husband Scott of Lenoir; three granddaughters, Juanita Hartley and Brittney Himes, both of Lenoir, and Natasha Danner of Mountain City, Tennessee; two grandsons, Mark Watson of Lenoir and Jonathan Ellis of the Foscoe Community; three great-grandsons, Hunter Dale Hartley, Adam Michael Himes, and Elijah Jack Danner; two step-daughters, Mary Moretz and husband Joe of Boone, and Shirley Hicks and husband Robert of Vilas, and five step-sons, Jerry Aldridge and wife Marie and Len Aldridge and wife Eva, all of Boone, Billy Aldridge and wife Brenda of Deep Gap, Rick Aldridge and wife Kathy of Cosby, Tennessee, and Eddie Aldridge and wife Kim of Boone. She is also survived by eleven step-grandchildren, thirteen step great-grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert Earl Coffey; her second husband, Rom Earl Aldridge; one daughter, Linda Watson; three sisters and seven brothers.

Funeral services for Mrs. Hazel Triplett Aldridge will be conducted Monday afternoon, March 3, 2014, at 2:00 o’clock, at Watauga Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Reverend R.D. Watson, Reverend Gordon Noble, and Reverend Darrell Wright. Burial will follow in Watauga Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Sunday evening, from 7:00 until 9:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Service.

Flowers are appreciated, or memorial contributions may be made to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street, Lenoir, North Carolina, 28645.

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

Curtis Miller, D. Feb. 28, 2014

Curtis Miller
Curtis Miller

Curtis Miller, age 62, of Deep Gap, passed away Friday, February 28, 2014, at his home.

Curtis was born September 4, 1951 in Watauga County, a son of the late Allie Baxter Miller and Clemmie Alice Miller. He was a truck driver for J.W. Hampton Construction Company and a member of Mount Ephriam Baptist Church.

Curtis is survived by four brothers, Joey Miller and wife Madelene of Morganton, Donnie Lee Miller of Deep Gap, Kelmer Martin Miller of Lenoir, and Kenny Thomas Miller and wife Carolyn of Boone, and two sisters, Gloria Jean Miller and Sadie Ann Miller Ward and husband Johnny, all of Deep Gap. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by nine brothers and one sister.

Memorial services for Curtis Miller will be conducted Wednesday evening, March 5, 2014, at 7:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Johnny Ward, Sadie Ward, and Melinda Bryan.

The family will receive friends Wednesday evening, from 6:00 until 7:00 o’clock, at the funeral home, prior to the service.

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

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

Julie Miller, D. Feb. 28, 2014

Julie Bunchberger Miller, age 56, of Deep Gap, passed away Friday, February 28, 2014, at her home.

She is survived by her mother, Eunice Dotson Buchberger of Boone; a sister, Vickie Miller, and husband Harold of Deep Gap; a half sister, Charlotte Potter and husband Dean of Boone; and a half brother, J.D. Dotson and wife Jan of Sugar Grove. She is also survived by a number of aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

Private memorial services for Julie Bunchberger Miller will be conducted at a later date.

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

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

Robert Norwood, D. Feb. 27, 2014

Norwood
Norwood

Robert Bruce Norwood, age 77, of Blaine Norwood Road, Banner Elk, passed away Thursday, February 27, 2014, at Cannon Memorial Hospital in Linville.

Mr. Norwood was born December 12, 1936 in Avery County, a son of the late Blaine Woodrow Norwood and Beulah Shook Norwood. He was a retired mechanic and truck driver and a member of White Rock Baptist Church.

Mr. Norwood is survived by two daughters, Loretta Ruppard and husband Frankie, and Angela Simmons, all of Banner Elk; four grandchildren, Randall Ruppard and wife Sarah, Russell Ruppard, Myra Simmons, and Jayden Simmons, all of Banner Elk; two great-grandchildren, Blaine and Gideon Ruppard, both of Banner Elk, and one sister, Ruby Coffey and husband Ray of Newland.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Jean Ruppard Norwood.

Funeral services for Robert Bruce Norwood will be conducted Saturday afternoon, March 1, 2014, 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 Reverend Lynn Shook. Burial will follow in the White Rock Baptist Church Cemetery.

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

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

Ron Evans, D. Feb. 27, 2014

Evans
Evans

Ronald Allen “Ron” Evans, age 58, of Pottertown Road, Todd, passed away Thursday evening, February 27, 2014, at Watauga Medical Center.

Ron was born December 1, 1955 in Morris County, New Jersey, a son of Anita Evans and the late Grover Cleveland Evans. He was a truck driver for Greer Paving and a member of Southerland Baptist Church.

Ron is survived by his wife, Dovie Canter Evans of the home; one son, Ron Evans and wife Michelle of Boone; two daughters, Stacy Evans of Granite Falls, and Paula Osborne and husband Paul of Lenoir; one step-son, Gary Potter and wife Rosalee of Creston; one step-daughter, Jeanette Johnson and husband Robert of Mountain City, and his mother, Anita Evans of Boone, and eleven grandchildren. He is also survived by three nephews.

A memorial service for Ronald Allen “Ron” Evans will be conducted at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Evans Family, 256 Pottertown Road, Todd, North Carolina, 28684.

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

C.J. Hayes, D. Feb. 27, 2014.

C.J. Hayes
C.J. Hayes

Charles Jerry “C. J.” Hayes, age 77, of Gladys Street, Boone, passed away Thursday evening, February 27, 2014, at Watauga Medical Center. Born May 7, 1936 in Watauga County, he was a son of Carl Marion and Emma Coffey Hayes. C. J. was a member of the Boone Advent Christian Church. After serving in the US Army during the Korean Conflict, C.J. began a 55-year career at the Appalachian Theater, retiring as manager. He was a master at restoring antique cars.

Most important in his life was his family and spoiling his granddaughters. 

Survivors include his wife, Polly Greene Hayes; daughter, Kelly Hayes Greene and husband, Keith, and two granddaughters, Kinsey and Kloie Greene, all of Boone; sister, Mary Davis and husband, Jim, of Lenoir; and brother, Jim Hayes and wife Betty, of Harrisburg. A number of nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive. 

He was preceded in death by a son, Chuck Hayes; and his parents, Carl Marion and Emma Coffey Hayes. 

Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, March 2, 2014, at 2 PM at the Boone Advent Christian Church, officiated by Pastor Gordon Noble. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 2 PM prior to services, at the Church. Burial, with Military Honors provided by American Legion Post #130 will follow at Mount Lawn Memorial Park & Gardens. 

The family respectfully requests no food or flowers, and suggests memorials to the Seby B. Jones Cancer Center Emergency Fund, PO Box 2570, Boone, NC 28607. 

Drew Main, D. Feb. 27, 2014

Drew Main
Drew Main

Mr. Drew Main, age 26, of 401 Calvin Byers Road, Boone, died Thursday, February 27, 2014.

Drew was born July 14, 1987 in Watauga County, a son of J.O. and Debbie Jackson Main.

In addition to his parents, Drew is survived by three sisters, Crystal Main and husband James, of Boone, Valarie Smith and husband Lantz, of Louisville, Kentucky, and Vanessa Nichols, of Lenoir, his maternal grandparents, Reverend T.J. Jackson and wife Betty, of Boone, two nieces, Hadlie Nichols, of Lenoir, Mia Smith, of Louisville, Kentucky, one nephew, Keaton Nichols, of Lenoir, and several Aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He is also survived by his girlfriend, Danica Barfoot, of Florida.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, R.O. and Melba Ellison Main.

Funeral services for Mr. Drew Main will be conducted Sunday afternoon, March 2, 2014, at 3:30 p.m., at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state from 1:30 until 3:30 p.m. Officiating will be Reverend Corey Richardson and Reverend Delmar James. Burial will follow in Brown Chapel Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 1:30 until 3:30 p.m. at the funeral home, prior to the service.

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

Ann Millsaps, D. Feb. 27, 2014

Millsaps
Millsaps

Mrs. Anne VanNoppen Millsaps, age 72, of Boone, passed away Thursday afternoon, February 27, 2014 in Coal City, Indiana. Born September 13, 1941 in Jamestown, Pennsylvania, she was a daughter of the late John James VanNoppen, III and Ina Woestemeyer VanNoppen. 

Anne moved to Boone with her family in 1947 where she attended the local schools. During summers Anne was an original cast member of the outdoor drama “The Horn in the West”. Upon her graduation from Appalachian High School she furthered her education by graduating from Appalachian State Teachers College. She began her teaching career here in Watauga County as an elementary school teacher. Anne was a consummate student and earned a double masters degree from Appalachian State University. After the birth of her son Robert Millsaps she took a teaching position in Johnson County, Tennessee where she retired after 32 years of teaching. In addition to her teaching career she also spent many years serving the First Presbyterian Church of Boone where she held many leadership positions. An active member of the community Anne served in many service organizations such as the Daughters of the American Revolution, Eastern Star and Colonial Dames of the 17th Century. Anne died after a long battle with cancer at the home of her son Robert in Indiana.

She is survived by one son, Robert Millsaps of Coal City, Indiana and two grandchildren, Jacob and Sophie Millsaps.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Hale Millsaps, one sister, Mary Louise VanNoppen Taylor and one brother, John James VanNoppen, IV. 

Funeral services for Mrs. Anne VanNoppen Millsaps will be conducted Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock at the First Presbyterian Church. Officiating will be Rev. Joel Long. Burial will follow in the Millsaps Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 131 Big Valley Street, Boone, NC 28607. 

The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6 o’clock until 7:30 at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home.

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

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