Watauga County Obituaries – Compiled March 7, 2013
Sidney Wayne Eckert, D. March 4, 2013
Dr. Sidney Wayne Eckert, age 84, of Blowing Rock died Monday, March 4, 2013 at Carteret General Hospital in Morehead City, NC.
Dr. Sidney Wayne Eckert received his B.S. (1956), M.S. (1960) and Ph.D. (1967) degrees in business education from the University of Minnesota. He taught high school for nine years in Minnesota and Illinois, then served as school and district business manager for Rich Township High School in Park Forest, IL, from 1966-68. He held associate professor positions at Delta State University in Cleveland, MS, and Northern Illinois University in Dekalb before becoming professor and chairman of the Department of Business Education and Office Administration at Delta State University for 11 years.
Dr. Eckert came to Appalachian in 1981 as chairperson and professor of business education and office administration. Due to departmental reorganization, he also served in the Department of Management and finally retired from the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. He retired from ASU in 1991.
During his many years in education he also co-authored first and second editions of The Consumers World, Buying, Money Management, and Issues, a personal finance textbook, as well as the student supplement and instructor’s manual.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Vera Eckert, of Blowing Rock, his son, Jeff Eckert and wife Becky, of Las Vegas, Nevada; his daughter Julia Vradelis and husband Tom of Morehead City, North Carolina; his grandchildren Bethany and Ethan Eckert, Hali and Sophie Vradelis, and Kevin and Caroline Eckert. Mr. Eckert is also survived by his brothers John and Frank Eckert, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Inga and Andrew Eckert; his brothers Bob, Harvey, Ed, Jim and Stan; his son, Randy Eckert and his wife Mona Eckert; and his granddaughter Lindsey Eckert.
Memorial services for Dr. Sidney Wayne Eckert will be held at 3:00 PM Saturday, March 9, 2013 at Grace Lutheran Church with Pastor John Bolinger officiating.
Memorials in Sidney’s honor may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, 115 East King Street Boone, NC 28607.
On-line condolences may be sent to the Eckert family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.
Maston Norris, D. March 4, 2013
Maston T. Norris, age 94, of 920 Clint Norris Road, Boone, died Monday, March 4, 2013, at his home.
Mr. Norris was born September 12, 1918 in Watauga County, a son of the late William Patterson Norris and Minnie Williams Norris. He was a retired painting contractor and a member of Howard’s Creek Baptist Church. Mr. Norris served in the United States Army during World War II.
Mr. Norris is survived by one daughter, Lorene Edmisten and husband A.V. of Boone; one son, Bobby Norris of Statesville; one grandson, Kevin Edmisten and wife Evelyn of Boone; one granddaughter, Kimberly Roark and husband Kevin of Todd; two great-grandsons, Kolton Roark of Todd, and Ethan Tyler Edmisten of Mountain City, Tennessee, and one sister, Hazel Gross of Amarillo, Texas. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma Norris; three brothers, Steve, Willard, and Howard Norris, and three sisters, Macie White, Louise Spangler and Mae Norris.
Funeral services for Maston T. Norris will be conducted Thursday afternoon, March 7, 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 Dr. Sonny Younce. Military graveside rites and burial, provided by American Legion Post 130 and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 90, will follow in Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens.
The family will receive friends Thursday afternoon, from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock, at the funeral home, prior to the service. At other times, friends may call at the residence, 920 Clint Norris Road, Boone.
Online condolences may be sent to the Norris family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.
Charles Miller, D. March 2, 2013
Charles J. Miller, age 70, of Morning Dove Lane, Boone, died Saturday afternoon, March 2, 2013 at Watauga Medical Center. Born November 24, 1942 in Watauga County, he was a son of the late Blaine and Goldie Miller. Charles was a member of Howards Creek Baptist Church. He was formerly employed at Blowing Rock Hospital and Mount Lawn Memorial Park & Gardens.
Charles is survived by his wife of 29 years, Lorraine Craig Miller; his children, John Miller and wife, Bobbi Jo, of Statesville, Jennifer Phillips and companion, Bo Bradshaw, of Boone, and Michael Lee Miller and fiancé’, Samantha Sieracki, of the home; six grandchildren, Brooke Wilson, Jordan, Joseph and Bailey Miller, and Destiny Ollis and fiancé’, Seth Miller, and Trey Ollis and fiancé’, Kinzie Testerman; one brother, Tom Miller and wife, Debbie, of Boone; and his faithful companion ‘Tater’.
He was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Octavia Miller; and his parents, Blaine and Goldie Miller.
Memorial services for Mr. Charles J. Miller will be conducted Friday evening, March 8, 2013, at 7 o’clock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Rev. Paul Dula and Rev. Seth Miller. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 5 o’clock until 7 o’clock at the funeral home.
Entombment services will be conducted Saturday morning at 11 o’clock at the Mount Lawn Columbarium. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Miller family in care of Austin & Barnes Funeral Home or to the Watauga County Project on Aging, 132 Poplar Grove Connector Road, Suite A, Boone, NC 28607.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Miller family.
William Richardson, D. March 2, 2013
William Jack Richardson, age 88, of Stanberry Road, Boone, passed away Saturday evening March 2, 2013 at Watauga Medical Center. Born January 13, 1925 in Johnson City, Tennessee, he was a son of the late Addie Mae Watson and Dwight Stanberry. Mr. Richardson was a real estate broker in Florida for a number of years. Jack was the owner and operator of the Wildcat Flea Market which he built in 1972.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years; Elaine Richardson, one daughter; Kathy Rudisill and her husband Dr. Elbert A. Rudisill, Jr., of Hickory, two sons; Keith Richardson and wife Roseann of Fleetwood, and Kevin Richardson and wife Lisa of Boone, and five grandchildren; Corey Richardson, Jason Grimes, Craig Richardson Alexas Jones and Lindsey Nardi.
Memorial services for Mr. William Jack Richardson will be conducted Wednesday morning at 11 o’clock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Father Dave Brzoska.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 259 Pilgrims Way, Boone, NC 28607. Online condolences may be shared with the Richardson family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Richardson family.
Rev. David Austin, D. March 2, 2013
Rev. David Miller Austin, age 81, of Willy Austin Drive, Blowing Rock, passed away Saturday morning, March 2, 2013 at the Watauga Medical Center. Born August 22, 1931 in Watauga County, he was a son of William Walter and Ruth Shores Austin. Rev. Austin\’s call to the ministry led him to pastor many Baptist churches in the area for more than 30 years. They included his home church, Cool Springs Baptist Church, and Bethany, Doe Ridge, Pleasant Grove, Boone Fork, Rich Mountain, Yellow Hill, Mount View, and Bailey\’s Camp Baptist Churches. He also retired from the Town of Boone\’s Water and Sewer Department as superintendent.
Rev. Austin is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Jean Ashley Austin; two daughters, Melinda Schultz of Greensboro, and Deborah McNeil and husband, Douglas, of Boone; two sons, Rev. Wesley Austin and wife, Lisa, of Asheville, and Rev. Michael Austin and wife, Lynda, of Sparta; twelve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and one sister, Maude Black of Linville. A number of nieces, nephews and special friends also survive. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Jared Austin; one brother, Jack Austin; and one sister, Mabel Bowman.
Funeral services for Rev. David Miller Austin will be conducted Monday evening, March 4, 2013, at 6 o’clock, at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by his sons, Rev. Wesley Austin and Rev. Michael Austin. The family will receive friends Monday from 4:30 until 6 pm, prior to services, at Austin & Barnes. Graveside services and burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Jared Austin and Children’s Fund, Post Office Box 622, McLeansville, NC 27301.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Austin family.
Carolyn Miller Siphers, D. March 1, 2013
Carolyn Spainhour Miller Siphers, loving mother, grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully in her sleep early in the morning of March 1st at Sterling House of Fort Myers, FL. The sixth of seven children, Carolyn was born on September 13, 1922 in Wilkesboro, NC to William Franklin and Ruby Spainhour Miller. After spending her youth in Boone where she graduated from Watauga High School, Carolyn attended Eastern Kentucky University, majoring in music education. In 1943 she married United States Army Captain Joseph William Siphers, son of Thomas McGuffin and Mary Fawbush Siphers, of Benham, KY. Though Carolyn lived in Winston Salem, New York, Raleigh, and Florida, she always considered Boone her home. Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, infant son Robert Alan, sisters; Lucille Nash, Marguerite Brabec, Lorene Hamilton Parker, Frances Ramsey, Josephine Crowder, and brother, Bill Miller. She is survived by her son John Siphers and wife Susan of Raleigh, NC, daughter Sue Bruner and husband Buzz of Fort Myers, FL, granddaughters Leslie and Amy Siphers, of Baton Rouge, LA and Chapel Hill, NC, respectively, step-granddaughter Erica Bruner of Willow Grove, PA, and many nieces and nephews. Carolyn never failed to tell her family how proud she was of them. Funeral services for Carolyn Siphers will be conducted Thursday afternoon, March 7th, at 1 o’clock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Mountlawn Memorial Park and Gardens where Carolyn will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband. The family will receive friends prior to the service from noon until 1 o’clock at the funeral home. Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Carolyn’s name. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Sterling House and Hope Hospice of Fort Myers, FL for their unwavering support and care during this time. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Siphers family.
Sally Smith Trivett, D. Feb. 27, 2013
Sally Smith Trivett, age 75, of Banner Elk, passed away Wednesday afternoon, February 27, 2013, at Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care in Hudson.
Mrs. Trivett was born May 17, 1937 in Avery County, a daughter of the late Thomas Isaac Smith and Edith Taylor Smith.
Mrs. Trivett is survived by one daughter, Karen Ponti and husband David of Granite Falls; four sons, Randall Smith and wife Edna of Lenoir, Phil Smith and wife Tonya, and Clyde Trivett and wife Cindy, all of Granite Falls, and Sam Trivett and wife Stacey of Banner Elk; one brother, Fred Smith of Newland, and one sister, Sadie Bryant of Granite Falls. She is also survived by nine grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and a number of nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde Lee Trivett, and six brothers and sisters.
A memorial service for Sally Smith Trivett will be conducted Saturday afternoon, March 2, 2013, at 1:00 o’clock, at Mount Calvary Baptist Church. Officiating will be Reverend Dan Greene and Reverend George Wright.
The family will receive friends Saturday afternoon, from 12:00 until 1:00 o’clock, at the church, prior to the service. A reception will also follow the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street, Lenoir, North Carolina, 28645.
Online condolences may be sent to the Trivett family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.
Michael Scott Greer, D. Feb. 27, 2013
Michael Scott Greer, age 39, of Dewitt Barnett Road, Vilas, passed away Wednesday evening, February 27, 2013 at home. Michael was born October 28, 1973 in Watauga County. He co-owned and operated Bath Renew with his late father, Nelson Greer.
Michael’s love of life was his daughters, granddaughter, wife, and family, and his passion was building and flying model airplanes with the Academy of Model Aeronautics.
He is survived by his wife, Tammi Bumgarner Greer; daughters, Tiffani Burr and husband, Tyler of Foscoe, and Ivy Greer of the home; granddaughter, Madison Burr of Foscoe; his mother, Teresa Greer of Vilas; sister, Melissa Blocker and husband, Jeremy, of Boone, and nephew, Jace Blocker, all of Boone; maternal grandmother, Faye Rhymer of Deep Gap; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Billy Joe and Marie Bumgarner of Vilas; brothers-in-law, Todd Bumgarner of Long Island, NY, and Tony Bumgarner and wife, Holly, of Vilas; three nieces, Andrianna and Chloe Bumgarner, both of Vilas, and Isabella Bumgarner of Long Island; and nephew, Todd Bumgarner of Long Island; special cousin, Jennifer Pastusic of Vilas; and his special friends at the AMA.
He was preceded in death by his father, Nelson; paternal grandparents, Lawrence and Willie Greer; and maternal grandfather, Clise Rhymer.
Funeral services will be conducted Monday afternoon, March 4, 2013, at 2 o’clock at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by Rev. George Wright, Rev. Kenny Newberry and Tony Martin. The family will receive friends Monday from 12:30 until 2 o’clock, prior to services, at Austin & Barnes. Burial will follow at the Danner Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Greer family, in care of Austin & Barnes Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Greer family.
Howard Reed Hall, D. Feb. 27, 2013
Howard Reed Hall, Jr. age 54, of Woodland Lane, Blowing Rock passed away Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at his home. Born August 23, 1958 in Kannapolis, he was the son of Howard Reed Hall, Sr., and Camilla Waller Hall. Reed was a graduate of Appalachian State University and an Eagle Scout.
He is survived by one son; Joshua Hall of Boone, his mother and father; Millie Waller Hall and Howard Reed Hall, Sr. of Kannapolis, one sister; Camilla Buckwell and husband Chip of Kannapolis and their children; Nicholas and Tyler Buckwell of Boone, and a number of aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Graveside services for Mr. Howard Reed Hall Jr. will be held Sunday, March 3, 2013, at 2:00 PM at Carolina Memorial Park, 601 Mount Olivet Road, Concord, NC.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Watauga County Humane Society, PO Box 1835, Boone, NC 28607 or to the Kannapolis Education Foundation, 100 Denver Street, Kannapolis, NC 28803.
Online condolences may be sent to the Hall family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Hall family.
William Charles Samanas, D. Feb. 26, 2013
William Charles Samanas, age 39, of 338 Brook Hollow Road, Boone, N.C., passed away Tuesday morning at Watauga Medical Center in Boone. He was born February 11, 1974 in Xenia, Ohio, to Joseph and Sandra Samanas.
William was born deaf and had many health problems, but it never prevented him from living life to the fullest. He always found a way to communicate and share his love of life to everyone. He was dedicated to his fiancée Brittany Rook and was a dear friend to many.
William grew up in Xenia, Ohio, graduating from Xenia High School in 1994. In 2012, he moved to North Carolina, where he fell in love with the Blue Ridge Mountains. In his last several months, William touched the lives of many at Hospitality House in Boone. William belonged to the Deaf Ministry at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Boone.
“From the time he was born, we did not know if he would live and he did,” Sandra Samanas said. “He was a gift to us all for 39 years. He did not have the words ‘I can’t’ in his vocabulary.”
William recently told his mother when he entered the kingdom of heaven God was going to touch his ears and his mouth.
He is survived by his mother and father; Joseph and Sandra Samanas, one brother; Jay Samanas, all of Xenia, Ohio, and his Grandma Thelma Rose, his aunt and uncle; Michael and Mary Vollman, his fiancée; Brittany Rook, of Boone, and a host of cousins and family.
A Celebration of Life will be hosted at Hospitality House, 338 Brook Hollow Rd., Boone, N.C. on March 2, 2013 at 3:30 p.m. The service will be officiated by Mt. Vernon Baptist Church. A celebratory meal and fellowship will follow at Hospitality House.
Online condolences may be sent to the Samanas family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Samanas family.
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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