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Watauga County Obituaries – Compiled Nov. 11, 2014

William Leon “Bill” Gragg (Feb. 23, 1950 – Nov. 9, 2014) 

Gragg
Gragg

William Leon “Bill” Gragg, 64, of 119 Valley High Lane in Blowing Rock went home to the Lord Sunday, Nov. 9, 2014.

Bill was born Feb. 23, 1950 in Avery County, a son of Edward and Hazel Clark Gragg. He was a home builder and a member of The Church of Jesus in Linville.

Bill is survived by his wife of 45 years, Ruby South Gragg of the home; his son, David Charles Gragg and fiancée Donna Shaw of Beauville; his daughter, Ruby Kathleen Harrison and Dwayne Harrison of Blowing Rock; a daughter-in-law, Robyn Latham Gragg of Boone; three brothers, Wayne Gragg and wife Francis of Boomer, Eugene Gragg and wife Ada of Avery County, and Charles Gragg of Boomer, and one sister, Carolyn Gragg of Boomer. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Heather Boone and husband Bobby of Boone, Gary “Lee” Gragg, Jr. of Blowing Rock, DeRhonda Pearson and Elaina Killiam, both of Fleetwood, James Gragg of Fleetwood, William Harrison and Piper Harrison, both of Blowing Rock, and four great-grandchildren, Maura Gragg Moretz, Briana Boone, Tara Boone, and Lana Pearson.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Gary Lee Gragg, Sr.; one grandson, Randall Elijah Harrison, and one sister, Essie Elaine Daniels.

Funeral services for William Leon “Bill” Gragg will be conducted Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 12, 2014, at 2 p.m., at The Church of Jesus, in Linville. The body will lie in state, at the church, from noon to 2 p.m. Officiating will be Reverend Steve Turbyfill. Burial will follow in Boone Fork Cemetery, in Blowing Rock.

The family will receive friends Wednesday afternoon, from noon to 2 p.m., at the church, prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Gragg family, in care of Ruby Gragg, 119 Valley High Lane, Blowing Rock, North Carolina, 28605.

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

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

Daniel Smith (July 6, 1993 – Nov. 9, 2014) 

William Daniel Smith, 21, of Banner Elk, passed away Sunday night at Johnson City Medical Center.

Funeral arrangements for Mr. William Daniel Smith are incomplete. Online condolences may be shared with the Smith family at austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

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

Lewis Landon May (May 06, 1938 – Nov. 8, 2014)

Lewis Landon May, 76, of Gap Creek Drive in Fleetwood and formerly of Trade, Tenn., passed away Saturday morning, Nov. 8, 2014 at Ashe Services for Aging in West Jefferson.

Born May 6, 1938 in Johnson County, Tennessee, he was a son of Andrew and Nellie Rosella Eggers May. Landon was a member of Centerview Church of Christ in Trade, and retired from Building Services at Appalachian State University. He loved shooting pool, enjoyed music and playing the organ.

May is survived by his wife, Shirley Miller May; two sisters, Janice Stanbury of Lenoir and Jean May of Zionville; step-son, Michael Deck of Fleetwood; and three nephews, seven nieces, and a number of great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Nellie Eggers May; sisters, Ruth Miller and Dorothy Wood; and nephew, Jimmy Stanbury

Funeral services for Lewis Landon May will be conducted will be conducted Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 11, 2014, at 2 p.m. at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by Rev. Derick Wilson and Rev. Nathan Ward. The family will receive friends Tuesday afternoon from 1 until 2 p.m., one hour prior to services, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Zionville Baptist Church Cemetery.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the May family.

Kristin Lee Freeman (Oct. 1, 1991 – Nov. 8, 2014)

Kristin Lee Freeman, 23, of Grand Boulevard in Boone, passed away Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014, at her home.

Kristin was born Oct. 1, 1991 in Lancaster, S.C. She was a student at Appalachian State University.

Kristin is survived by her father, George T. Freeman and wife Susan of Tarboro; her mother, Jennifer Maldonado and husband Tony of Asheville; her twin sister, Jessica Wells Freeman of Hollywood, Fla; her paternal grandparents, Charlie and Sandra Meek of Maggie Valley; her paternal grandfather, George W. Freeman of Waynesville, and her maternal grandparents, George and Carol Van Zee of Cruso. She is also survived by two uncles, one aunt, and a number of nieces and nephews.

Memorial services for Kristin Lee Freeman will be conducted Thursday morning, Nov. 13, 2014, at 11 a.m., at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel.

The family will receive friends following the memorial service.

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

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

Eleanor “Tacky” Vosburgh (June 1, 1926 – Nov. 8, 2014) 

Eleanor V. Smith Vosburgh, “Tacky,” 88, of Blowing Rock passed from this earthly life into her eternal home as her three daughters loved and comforted her, on Nov. 8, 2014. The family would like to sincerely thank the medical staff of Carolina’s Medical Center, especially the loving care of the Progressive Care Unit nurses, doctors, and Dr. Robert Heyer.

Vosburgh
Vosburgh

Tacky was a native “Charlottean”, born on June 1, 1926. She was the daughter of Annie Grace and Watson Smith. Some of her fondest memories included extended family in Huntersville, N.C. She graduated from Central High School in 1944 where she played the clarinet in the marching band and was a proud member of the TNT club…Taint Nothin’ To us…pure fun and silliness.

She acquired her loveable nickname of “Tacky” from a teacher that warned, “Eleanor, if you don’t stop using the adjective ‘tacky’, I’m going to start calling YOU ‘Tacky’”. She didn’t, and it stuck! And she was anything BUT tacky. One of the highlights of her younger years was modeling for Belk’s and Montaldo’s where she fashionably owned the runway, a passion that continued throughout her life as she had the occasion to model in the Annual Blowing Rock Fashion Show for many years. Fashion was a perfect fit for Tacky as she had an incredible sense of style. Tacky met Edwin Baker Vosburgh in 1952 after he asked a buddy, “How do I get a date with that girl?” The friend’s response was, “Pick up the phone and call her.” Eddie did, and a 60 year marriage ensued. In the years following, they celebrated the birth of three daughters, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandson.

In Charlotte, Tacky was a devoted servant at Providence Baptist church where she was honored to be a Deacon, loved her Circle, served with the Youth, Chaired the Fellowship Committee for eighteen years, and served as member of the Building Committee as she tirelessly worked to enhance the life of her beloved church. As she sought to divide her time between home life, church life, and civic life, she also served in the Christian Women’s Club, Charity League, Symphony Women, Young Life, and the Charlotte Mint Museum, founded the local Twin Mothers’ Club, and enjoyed the game of golf with the “Nine Holers” at Carmel Country Club. Many remember Tacky as the carpooling mom shot by the FBI’s most wanted bank robber in 1965. She recovered fully and felt it necessary to share the love of Christ by delivering a Bible to the man in prison.

In the 1970s Ed and Tacky purchased a little piece of heaven overlooking the St. John’s Gorge in Blowing Rock. The family’s endearing name of their summer home became “Glory Be” because of the glorious view of Grandfather Mountain. Tacky marveled at the daily sunsets and could often be heard exclaiming, “Come quickly…look!” Blowing Rock would become their permanent home in 1991.While Tacky resided in Blowing Rock she was a faithful member of Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church, serving as an Elder and she received the honor of being recognized as a Lifetime Member of Women of the Church. In her later years, this church family came to be the foundation of support, love, and fellowship to her. Her civic interests included being a Blowing Rock Community Club Board Member, Blowing Rock Historical Society, Blowing Rock Appearance Advisory Commission, Resort Area Ministries Steering Committee, Member of Blowing Rock Art and History Museum, Appalachian State University Belk Library Advisory Board, and the Annual Fashion Show and Luncheon benefitting the Blowing Rock Hospital which she chaired in 1982. Tacky was named Woman of the Year in 2012, and chosen to be the Honorary Chairwoman of the 37th Annual Fashion Show and Luncheon in 2014.

Tacky loved nothing more than to host a gathering of family and friends. Whether it was coffee at her breakfast room table, a lovely dinner at the dining room table, or a picnic on the porch, she delighted in sharing her home. She valued her friends of many ages and counted them among her best blessings. Family reunions were much anticipated with thoughts and preparations of how to provide everyone’s favorite dish. She took great pleasure in delivering soup to the sick and banana bread to the shut in. Tacky lived her life on a compassionate mission and enjoyed putting pen to paper, often inscribing a message to the grieving, sick, or to a long lost friend. She has left her gift for the love of entertaining and gardening to her three daughters. The seeds of many perennials throughout Blowing Rock have passed through her fingers. She was a doting grandmother and took great pleasure in playing with her grands and just having them in her presence… and they adored their “Mimi”. As Tacky lived, her acts of kindness became a thread that would weave into a tapestry of colors touching the hearts of many. She was preceded in death by her sister, Jane Bryant, and her much-loved husband, Eddie. She is survived by three daughters, Vicki Worsham and her husband, Billy (formerly Nashville, Tn., presently Blowing Rock), and Marty Johnson and her husband, Tim (Fayetteville, N.C.), Julie Vice and her husband, Dannie (Madison, Ga.); seven grandchildren, Graham Worsham, Eleanor Grace Worsham, Palmer Johnson, Tim Johnson, Nellie Page Johnson, Anna Beth Vice, Sara Kate Vice Jenkins and her husband, Jake Jenkins; and one great-grandson, John Austin Jenkins.

The family will receive friends at a reception at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 13, 2014, at Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church, Blowing Rock, 1218 Main Street, followed by a memorial service beginning at 2:00 p.m. The service will be officiated by Dr. Lynn Stall and Rev. Charles Carter. Friends are encouraged to join the family in a celebration of Tacky’s life at the family home, following the service. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church, Appalachian State University Belk Library, or the Blowing Rock Community Library.

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

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

John F. “Jack” Stahl, Jr. (Jan. 1, 1930 – Nov. 7, 2014) 

Stahl
Stahl

John F. “Jack” Stahl, Jr. 84, of 881 Greystone Dr. in Boone passed away Friday, Nov. 7, 2014 at Watauga Medical Center.

Mr. Stahl proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict.

Mr. Stahl is survived by his wife, Diana Proudfit Stahl of the home; one son John F. Stahl III of Monument Colorado; his other children, Diana Mayoral-Mendoza and Federico Mayoral of Caracas, Venezuela and Arturo Mayoral of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; His son-in-law Carlos Mendoza and his daughter-in-law Vivian Afonso; two sisters Mary Stahl Ingram and Margaret Stahl Phillips of Madison, S.D.. Two brothers-in-law, Gene Phillips of Madison, S.D. and Jim Ingram of Florida. One sister-in-law, Ann Stahl. He is also survived by six grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, John Francis Stahl, Sr. and Eleanor McGee Stahl, and one brother, Tom Stahl.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

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

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.

Josephine “Jo” Brown Bingham (Oct. 27, 1926 – Nov. 7, 2014) 

Bingham
Bingham

Josephine “Jo” Brown Bingham, 88, of Boone, passed away Friday, Nov. 7, 2014, at her home.

Mrs. Bingham is survived by one son, John H. Bingham of Grand Junction, Colo., and one brother, D.T. Brown of Boone. She graduated from Cove Creek High School, Appalachian State University, and attended Virginia Intermont, and University of North Carolina-Greensboro. Mrs. Bingham taught in the Watauga County School System, North Wilkesboro City School, Hickory City School, and in Winston-Salem when her husband was a student at Wake Forest Law School.

She was active in the Heart Association on local and state level, professional clubs, and President of Gardnerette’s Garden Club, and two terms as Garden Council President. Mrs. Bingham was on the Board of Directors of the Heart Association and Hickory Landmarks.

She was President and held other positions of the Bar Wives Club at Wake Forest University and an officer in the Christian Women’s Club in Boone. Mrs. Bingham was also of social clubs in Hickory.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Dewitt T. Brown, Sr. and Bessie Moody Brown; one brother, Paul Brown, and one sister, Billie Sutherland.

Funeral services for Josephine “Jo” Brown Bingham will be conducted Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 12, 2014, at 2 p.m., at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 1 to 2 p.m. Officiating will be Reverend Jason Byassee. Burial will follow in the Cove Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Wednesday afternoon, from 1 to 2 p.m., at the funeral home, prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cove Creek Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, in care of Cove Creek Baptist Church, PO Box 68, Sugar Grove, North Carolina, 28679.

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

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

Dr. Jay W. Cranston (June 03, 1942 – Nov. 6, 2014) 

Dr. Jay Cranston, retired Appalachian State University Health Center physician, died Thursday, Nov. 6, 2014 at his home.

Jay graduated from the University of Michigan – School of Medicine, was a Diplomat of the American Board of Family Practice, and an American College Health Association Fellow. While in the Air Force, he served as Director of Dispensary Services at Ext. Air Force Base.

In addition, Dr. Cranston was Director of the Kent State University Health Center. He will be well remembered by his Appalachian State and Kent State athletes.

He is survived by his wife, Becky; his father, Claude Cranston, and his sister Susan Garber.

Private services will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street, NW, Lenoir, NC 28645.

Online condolences may be sent to the family via the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Cranston family.

Harvey Smith Tester (Sept. 13, 1934 – Nov. 5, 2014) 

Tester
Tester

Harvey Smith Tester, 80, of Australia and Creedmoore, a native and former resident of Watauga County, passed away Wednesday morning, Nov. 5, 2014.

Funeral arrangements for Harvey Smith Tester are incomplete at this time.

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

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

Joel L. Coffey (Jan. 13, 1924 – Nov. 5, 2014) 

Mr. Joel L. Coffey, 90, of Deep Gap, passed away Wednesday evening, Nov. 5, 2014, at Watauga Medical Center.

Joel was born Jan. 13, 1924 in Watauga County, a son of the late Joe L. Coffey and Myrtle Watson Coffey. He was a retired Rural Mail Carrier and a lifetime member, past superintendent, and deacon of Laurel Springs Baptist Church. Joel served in the United States Army during World War II, fighting in the Battle of the Bulge, and received two purple hearts and two bronze stars. He was also a charter member of the Deep Gap Volunteer Fire Department where he retired as chaplain.

Coffey
Coffey

Joel is survived by his wife, Geraldine “Gerry” Coffey of the home; one son, Michael Thomas Coffey, Sr. and wife Mary Alice of Deep Gap; one daughter, Brenda Coffey Farthing and husband Len B. of Vilas; one step-daughter, Jane Ragan Pignolet and husband Mark of Braselton, Georgia; one granddaughter, Amanda Farthing Huff and husband Todd of Deep Gap; two grandsons, Michael T. Coffey, Jr. of Sanford, and Joel Farthing and wife Nicole of Vilas; five great-grandchildren, Jackson, Walker, Ella, Colt and Hattie Mae, and one step granddaughters, Amy Ragan Grady and husband Gary of Kettering, Ohio, and their children, Ragan and Riley. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Gaye Warren Coffey, and three sisters, Louis Cary, Margaret Lane, and Sue Craig.

Funeral services for Mr. Joel L. Coffey will be conducted Saturday afternoon, Nov. 8, 2014, at 2 p.m., at Laurel Springs Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 1 to 2 p.m. Officiating will be Pastor Tim Lynch. Military graveside rites and burial, provided by American Legion Post 130 and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 90, will follow in Laurel Springs Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Friday evening, from 6 to 9 p.m., at Hampton Funeral Service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Laurel Springs Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, in care of Stewart Rhymer, 6596 Old US Highway 421, Deep Gap, North Carolina, 28618, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 90, PO Box 2914, Boone, North Carolina, American Heart Association, 128 South Tryon Street, Suite 1588, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28202, or to a charity of the donors choice.

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

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

Melissa Kay Harmon (Feb. 13, 1966 – Nov. 5, 2014) 

Harmon
Harmon

Melissa Kay Harmon, 48, of Isenhour Road, Zionville, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2014, at her home.

Melissa was born Feb. 13, 1966, a daughter of the late George William “Bernerd” Harmon and Mildred Edmisten Harmon Cornett. She was a member of Beech Valley Baptist Church.

Melissa is survived by her husband, Butch Harmon of the home; one son, Travis Presnell and fiancée Karen Michelle Harmon and daughter Abbygail Baylee Ploszaj of Vilas; one step-daughter, Ashlee Harmon of Johnson City; one step-son, Jason Harmon of Zionville; one granddaughter, Madison Kaylynn Presnell of Vilas; one brother, Keith Harmon of Beech Creek, and two sisters, Gaye Graham and husband Dennis of Melborne, Florida, and Kathy Harmon of Beech Creek. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, D. Wayne Presnell, and two brothers, Kent and Kert Harmon.

Funeral services for Melissa Kay Harmon will be conducted Saturday afternoon, Nov. 8, 2014 at 2 p.m. at Beech Valley Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 1 until 2 p.m., prior to the service. Officiating will be Reverend Derrick Wilson and Reverend Chad Cole. Burial will follow in the Harmon Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Saturday afternoon, from 1 to 2 p.m., at the church, prior to the service.

Online condolences may be sent to the Harmon family at wwww.hamptonfuneralnc.com.

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

Franklin O. Auten (March 30, 1932 – Nov. 4, 2014) 

Franklin Oliver “Frank” Auten, age 82, of Boone, died Tuesday, November 4, 2014, at Glenbridge Health & Rehabilitation Center in Boone, following a lengthy illness.

Auten
Auten

Frank will forever be remembered for his generosity, hospitality, jovial spirit and big laugh. He was born in North Belmont, Gaston County, NC, on March 20, 1932, to the late Franklin Benjamin and Gladys Madeline Bradshaw Auten.

After graduating in 1951 from Belmont High School in Gaston County, where he was a member of the “Red Raiders, “he attended the University of South Carolina in Columbia, on a football scholarship before suffering an injury. He later received a B.S. degree in physical education and social studies in 1957 from Appalachian State Teachers College (now Appalachian State University) in Boone, where he played one year of football as one of “the Duggins boys.” He maintained his love of football and golf after graduation and throughout his adult life.

It was at Appalachian that he met his future wife, Janet Sue Houck Auten, whom he married August 24, 1957, in Boone. The Autens resided in Belmont, Asheville, and Charlotte from 1957 until 1963 when they returned to Boone. Frank worked as the district sales manager for Liggett & Myers Tobacco Co. before moving to Boone in the ‘60s, to work with his father-in-law in the family business at Mountain Lumber Company. In 1968 he became a real estate broker and owner of Frank Auten Real Estate where he developed many houses across Watauga County.

He is survived by his wife, Janet Sue Houck Auten, and their little Shih Tzu dogs Buster and Bonnie; brothers Dean Garland Auten (Elaine) of Brunswick, Ga., Steven Joseph Auten (Karen) of New Bern, and a sister, Ruth Patricia “Pat” Pittman (Bob), of Brunswick, Ga. Additional survivors are nephews Mark, Truett, Lane “Put” Auten, and Noah Auten, and nieces Tracie Pittman Perry and Kamby and Sarah Auten. Also surviving are his in-laws Greta Houck Moretz (Warren) of Mooresville, and their children Emily Moretz Wells (Ben), Derek Moretz (Caroline), and John Scott Moretz. Several great-nieces and great-nephews also survive.

The family expresses sincerest appreciation to all personnel in Charlotte, Boone, Mooresville, and Lenoir who provided medical treatment and encouragement to Frank during the past several years.

In lieu of food or flowers, memorials may be made to the Watauga Humane Society, P.O. Box 1835 Boone, N.C. 28607 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905.

A memorial service for Franklin “Frank” Oliver Auten will be held Saturday, Nov. 15, at 2 p.m. at Austin & Barnes Funeral Chapel in Boone, preceded by visitation beginning at 12:30 p.m. Online condolences may be sent to the Auten family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory, Boone, is serving the Auten family.

Philip Howard Logan (Dec. 22, 1942 – Nov. 4, 2014) 

Philip Howard Logan, 71, of Boone, passed away Tuesday morning, Nov. 4, 2014, at Watauga Medical Center.

Philip Logan was a beloved brother, uncle, great uncle, cousin, friend, and local pharmacist. Known to many as “Panther Phil”, he was the team’s loyal fan and supporter from their first year. Even when not very strong, he tried to go to games. To list all his family and friends would fill an entire page.

A graduate of the UNC-Chapel Hill Pharmacy School, he worked in West Jefferson and Boone for many years and before his retirement was the pharmacist at Rite Aid in the Boone Shadowline Shopping Center. During his final days in the Watauga Medical Center and at Glenbridge, many people recognized him as their pharmacist. So many people benefitted from his knowledge and kindness. He loved to laugh and make others laugh. Phil was born in Indiana, where his family roots are, but his heart was in the Appalachian Mountains.

His last four years he lived at Appalachian Brian Estates and there will be a brief memorial for him there on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 2:30 pm. At a later time his family will take his ashes to St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church in Blowing Rock where his parents, Howard and Judy Logan, rest.

In lieu of flowers, please give to the organization of your choice.

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

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