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Watauga, Avery Obituaries – July 17, 2018

The following are recent obituary notices from Austin & Barnes and Hampton funeral homes in Boone and Reins-Sturdivant in Newland.

 

Samuel D. Esposito 
(December 15, 1931 – July 10, 2018) 

    Samuel Donato Esposito, 86, passed away Tuesday, July 10, 2018 in Newland, N.C. Sam was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. He attended Indiana University and while there he played football, basketball and baseball. He played major league baseball for the Chicago White Sox as a Utility Infielder for ten seasons. He moved to Raleigh, N.C. with his wife Noreen to coach basketball and baseball at North Carolina State University. He was the Head Baseball Coach at NC State for twenty-one years. He then transitioned into the NC State Athletics Department until retirement, where he could be found at home smoking cigars and doing crossword puzzles. He has spent the last nine years in assisted living in Newland, close to his daughter Toni. He was preceded in death by his wife Noreen.
    He is survived by his loving daughter Toni Hemp (Danny Hemp) and loving son Sammy Esposito, Jr. (Neal Esposito) and five grandchildren Abby and Elle Hemp, Sam, Olivia and Lilly Esposito.
    A private service of remembrance will be held for Sam and Noreen Esposito. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Wolfpack Club, Attn: Sam Esposito Baseball Endowment; P.O. Box 37100 Raleigh, N.C. 27627.
    Online condolences may be shared with the Esposito family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
    Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Esposito family

 

Jackie C. Perry 
(June 01, 1949 – July 15, 2018) 

    Jackie Carroll Perry, age 69, of Ed Williams Road, Zionville, went to be with the Lord Sunday morning, July 15, 2018 from The Foley Center in Blowing Rock. Born June 1, 1949 in Watauga County, he was a son of Clay Albert and Ola Mae Beach Perry. Jackie blessed the hearts of all who knew him. He was loved by all and he loved all. 
    
    He is survived by his brothers and sisters, Jerry Perry and wife, Violet and Robert (Bob) Perry and wife, Patricia, all of Vilas, Peggy Hagaman and husband, Mark, of Zionville, Dora Dean May and husband, Paul, of Trade, TN, Allen Perry and wife, Sandra Kay, and Larry Perry and wife, Sherrye, all of Vilas, and Betty Belle Boyd and husband, Will, of Mountain City, TN. A number of nieces and nephews also survive. In addition of his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers and sisters, Carlton, Johnny, Grady and Estel Perry, and Helen Beach and Louise Gragg. 
    
    Funeral services for Jackie C. Perry will be conducted Wednesday afternoon, July 18, at 2 o’clock at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. Ray Green. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 1 until 2 o’clock, prior to services, at the church. Graveside services will follow in the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. 
    At other times, friends may call at the home of Jerry Perry, 237 Perry Lane in Zionville. 
    
    The family respectfully requests no food and suggests memorials to the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 1564 Silverstone Road, Zionville, NC 28698, or to Medi Home Health and Hospice, 400 Shadowline Drive, Suite 102, Boone, NC 28607. 
    
    Online condolences may be shared at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
    Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Perry family.

 

Kathleen Elaine “Katie” McDonald

May 18, 1993 – July 09, 2018

We are heartbroken to write the news; Katie succumbed to the devastating effects of a cardiac arrest she suffered on February 8, 2018 and called to Heaven. She fought so hard for these 5 long months, rallied after every setback—of which there were many, and hung on; towards the end, perhaps just for us. For much of the time, she STILL smiled, and every time she smiled, it lit up our hearts.

As we have been posting our journey on Facebook, and now, posting the news of her passing, we have been reading stories – all incredibly similar – of what an impact Katie has made on so many people. Of course, we love Katie, and loved how she could make us feel, but we never knew just how many lives she truly touched with her joy, warmth, true caring, ready & boisterous laugh, and often unfiltered comments.

She made so many feel uplifted and happy, especially when they might have been going through some inner struggle no one knew, just by being her.

Having a military upbringing, she knew what it was like being the new kid and didn’t want people feeling left out, so she always had a ready smile and made instant friends. One of our family friends said it this way: she was beautiful physically, but “the really great thing about Katie Mac, though, was her beautiful soul. She loved people. If you spent 10 minutes with her you left as her friend.”

We also never knew how strong and brave Katie truly was. She was terribly sensitive but could also be tough. She ran the Marine Corps Marathon (still looking photo-ready), the Wilmington NC 13.1, and then a couple months later had to adjust to the news she needed an implanted defibrillator. Unexpected health challenges would arise and she’d handle them with a big dose of humor and perseverance. But her battles over the last 5 months has shown us a depth of strength we never realized she had. But God made Katie all about fun, love and joy.

She loved her friends. She loved making new friends. She loved dancing – anytime, anyplace. Watching her dance was to feel joy and exuberance. She loved running, Zumba, and cycling…she also loved going to Cracker Barrel. She loved going to Disney World. She joked she could be Cinderella, and even had the dress to prove it! She loved NC, Blowing Rock reunions, going to Pinehurst Village – The Roast Office and her favorite Raspberry Truffle Coffee. Jogging around the lake in Whispering Pines for a “casual four” (miles). Hanging out with all our neighbors and (our) childhood friends–who are decades older.

She loved her family – anytime being with grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins was the priority. But I think most of all, she loved us. She had the typical love-hate relationship with her brother but when it came down to it, she knew she couldn’t get rid of him. Watching them crack up laughing over a shared joke (usually at their dad’s expense) or just ridiculous clues for “Heads Up”, was just a joy. During this 5-month ordeal, she always looked forward to Ryan’s arrival and just beamed. Sometimes he was the only one who could make her smile.

What brings us so much comfort – and so much aching loss – is how much she loved us. She truly loved coming home, loved doing anything – or nothing – with us. She even joked we would live together in a family compound. Katie would tell anyone, unabashedly, that she was going home to hang out with her best friends: Mom and Dad.

Nothing will ever fill this aching void Katie’s loss has left – but our lives are so much richer for the 25 years of joy, laughter, and love we had with her.

Katie was surrounded in love by her mother, father, and brother, at her side when she was called to Heaven.

Kathleen “Katie” Elaine McDonald was born May 18, 1993 at the US Air Force Academy, CO and being in a military family, lived in several places: Colorado Springs, CO; Scott AFB, IL; Prattville, AL; Cabot, AR; Springfield, VA; Pope AFB, NC; Scott AFB again, then Whispering Pines, NC.

She attended Westside Elementary in Arkansas, Orange Hunt Elementary in Virginia, Albritton Jr. High and Terry Sanford High School in North Carolina, and graduated from Mascoutah High School in Illinois. Katie began her college quest at University of North Carolina Greensboro and Sandhills Community College in Southern Pines, NC and graduated from University of North Carolina Wilmington with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications Studies.

She participated in the Disney College Program twice, absolutely loved everyone she worked with and loved giving everyone a “magical day.”

Most recently, Katie was a Front Desk Agent at Sapphire Falls Resort, made many instant friends among her co-workers and even some guests. She loved going the extra mile to make their day, to bring a surprised smile of appreciation for an unexpected upgrade or basket of treats.

Katie is preceded in death by her grandparents, Ken and Faith Barnebey, Robert King High, and Bernard McDonald, and her aunt, Laurel (Barnebey) Young.

She leaves behind her loving parents, John and Bonnie McDonald of Whispering Pines, NC and brother, Ryan J McDonald who lives in Ocoee, FL. She also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, and cousins who love her dearly, as well as a multitude of friends and acquaintances whose lives were brightened by her light.

The family will receive friends Saturday afternoon, July 14, 2018, from 12:00 until 2:00 o’clock, at Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home in Winter Garden, Florida. Graveside services and burial will be conducted Saturday afternoon, July 28, 2018, at Woodlawn Cemetery in Blowing Rock, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the American Heart Association in memory of Katie.

“If there is ever a tomorrow that we are not together, there is one thing you should always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is: even if we’re apart, I will always be with you in the heart.” –Winnie the Pooh

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

Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home, in Winter Garden, Florida and Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service are in charge of the arrangements.

 

Claude D. Payne, Jr.

November 13, 1927 – July 10, 2018

Claude D. Payne, Jr., age 90, of Old US Highway 421 South, Boone, a man of great faith, went home to be with his Lord, Tuesday afternoon, July 10, 2018, at Watauga Medical Center in Boone.

Claude was born November 13, 1927 in Watauga County, a son of the late Claude Donald Payne, Sr. and Eva Greene Payne. He was a retired Department Manager at IRC/TRW and a member of Rutherwood Baptist Church.

He is survived by one daughter, Dorothy Foster Dulaney and husband Larry of Boone, one son, Curtis Payne of Boone, two sisters, Grace Ray of Blowing Rock and Mary Farmer and husband Art of Lenoir, four granddaughters, Melissa Granger and husband Andy of Hickory, Jennifer Holder and husband Adam of Wake Forest, Sarah Cox and husband Jeff of Denver, North Carolina and Ashley Cook of Boone, two grandsons, Matthew Payne and wife Courtney of Kernersville and Wesley Hawkins and wife Jamie of Boone, great-grandchildren, Blaine and Madison Butler, Marlowe and Harper Holder, Faith and Layne Cox, Stella Cook and Abi and Aiden Hawkins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma Lea Jones Payne, one son, Don Payne, and nine brothers and sisters.

Funeral services for Claude D. Payne, Jr. will be conducted Saturday afternoon, July 14, 2018, at 2:00 o’clock, at Rutherwood Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Pastor Peter Vandenberg. Burial will follow in Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens.

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

Flowers are appreciated or memorial contributions may be made to Rutherwood Baptist Church, 142 Don Hayes Road, Boone, North Carolina 28607 or The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 93002, Long Beach, California, 90809.

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

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

 

Nell Borders Myhand

April 13, 1926 – July 11, 2018

Nell Borders Myhand, 92, of Deep Gap, North Carolina, formerly of Pine Mountain, Georgia, passed away on July 11, 2018 at the home of her daughter after several years of declining health.  Born Ira Nell Borders in LaGrange, Georgia to Janie Smith and E. Lee Borders, Nell graduated from Rosemont High School in rural Troup County, Georgia and Piedmont Hospital School of Nursing in Atlanta, Georgia.  She worked as a Registered Nurse in West Point, Georgia and LaGrange, Georgia, ending her career as an OB Nurse at West Georgia Medical Center in 1976.  For several years in the 1950’s, she was Head Nurse and Office Manager for Dr. John Render Turner.  She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Pine Mountain, Georgia. 

Mrs. Myhand was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Errol Myhand.  She is survived by her two children, Jane Lonas (Bobby) of Deep Gap, NC and Bob Myhand of LaGrange, GA; her sister, Kara Moss of Valdosta, GA; grandchildren, Justin Lonas (Rachel) of Chattanooga, TN, Melissa Lonas of Deep Gap, NC, Caroline Lonas of Greenville, NC; four great-granddaughters, Canaan, Eden, Salem and Shiloh Lonas; five nieces; sister in law, Bernice Olive of Columbia, SC; brother in law, Bill Kent of Macon, GA; beloved cousins and friends, including the members of the Anola Sunday School Class.  The family would like to thank her several devoted caregivers, including Medi Home Health and Hospice. 

Graveside services will be held on Sunday, July 15, 2018 at 4:00 pm at the Pine Mountain/Chipley Cemetery with Rev. David Timms officiating.  Family will receive friends on Sunday from 2:30-3:30 at the Higgins LaGrange Chapel Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Nell to the First Baptist Church of Pine Mountain, P.O. Box 638, Pine Mountain, Georgia, 31822.  

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

Higgins LaGrange Chapel, in LaGrange, Georgia and Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.

 

Hugh Lee Simpson

March 05, 1948 – July 12, 2018

Hugh Lee Simpson, age 70, of Banner Elk, passed away Thursday evening, July 12, 2018.

Memorial services for Hugh Lee Simpson will be announced and conducted at a later date.

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

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

 

John B. Hicks, Sr.

April 15, 1926 – July 12, 2018

John B. Hicks, Sr., age 92, of Old Liberty Road, Randleman, passed away Thursday morning, July 12, 2018, at his home.

John was born April 15, 1927 in Elizabethton, Tennessee, a son of the late Samuel and Susie Ward Hicks. He was the retired owner and operator of John’s Friendly Plumbing.

John is survived by his wife, Portia Hicks; two sons, John Hicks and wife Tammy and Justin Hicks and wife Michele; two daughters, Jessica Hicks and Cindy Dunagan and husband Brian; fourteen grandchildren, Jennifer Dress and husband Josh, Joshua Herman and Alaina Rominger, Heidi Rankhorn and husband Chris, Josie Jennings and husband Zach, Matthew Williams, Garrett Hicks and wife Sally, Kyle Hicks and wife Keisha, Skylar Wilcox and husband Charlie, Galen Dunagan, Torie Dunagan, Taylor Hicks, Caitlin Hicks, Zach Cheek, and Zander Cheek, and fourteen great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two children, Susie Fay and Hugh Mathew, five brothers and six sisters.

Graveside services and burial, with military rites, provided by American Legion Post 130, will be conducted Saturday afternoon, July 14, 2018, at 5:00 o’clock, at the Hicks Family Cemetery. Officiating will be Pastor John Jackson.

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

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

 

Linda Prevette Storie

July 04, 1947 – July 13, 2018

Linda Prevette Storie, 71, of Salisbury, passed away Friday, July 13, 2018 at Autumn Care of Salisbury.

Born in Wilkes County on July 4, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Lewis Prevette and Alma Nicholson Prevette, who survives.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 49 years, Spencer Storie; her mother, Alma Nicholson Prevette; sons, Martin Storie (Tracey) of Huntersville and Matthew Storie (Melanie) of Shelby; six grandchildren, Samuel, Jonathan, Lily, Sophie, Aidan and Owen and her sister, Doris Swaim (Steve) of Statesville.

Linda spent years volunteering in many activities. She was very instrumental in establishing the Rowan County Relay for Life Chapter, serving on the Board of Directors. Also, she took care of the Luminaries each year. She helped with Meals on Wheels, Crisis Assistance, and was a Hospice volunteer. At church, First Baptist Church of Salisbury, she volunteered with Vacation Bible School, the church nursery, mission trips and taught primary Sunday school. During all of her time volunteering, she was a two- time cancer survivor, a homemaker for her family, sold Mary Kay products and had worked as a teller in banking.

Linda enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and traveling around the world with her husband. She also loved playing cards, especially Canasta.

The Memorial service celebrating Linda’s life will be held Tuesday July 17, 2018 at 2:00PM at First Baptist Church of Salisbury with Dr. Rev. Kenneth Lance officiating. The family will receive friends after the service in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Salisbury Building Fund 223 N. Fulton Street Salisbury, NC 28144 or to Rowan County Relay for Life 1560 Julian Road Salisbury, NC 28146.

Summersett Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Announcement courtesy of Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service.

 

David E. “Dave” Otto

March 09, 1933 – July 14, 2018

David E. “Dave” Otto, age 85, of Will T. Baird Road, Sugar Grove, passed away Saturday morning, July 14, 2018, at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem.

Dave was born March 9, 1933 in Camden, New Jersey, a son of the late William Frank Otto and Loretta Sidebottom Otto. He was a retired employee of Appalachian Management Company in Boone. Dave always had an elaborate story to tell and a special love of buying and trading cars. He was a proud member of the morning “Breakfast Club” at McDonald’s and looked forward to Friday dinner dates with special friends. He was a good “Pop Pop” and will be missed by many.

Dave is survived by his wife, Kathy McDonald Otto of the home; two sons, David Otto, Jr. and wife Joan of Blackwood, New Jersey, and Justin Otto and wife Shilohe of Boone; two daughters, Kim Turnmire and husband Buck of Fleetwood, and Jennifer Willis of Vilas; five granddaughters, Jill Otto, Juliane Otto, Sydney Turnmire, Lauren Turnmire, and Camdyn Otto, and three grandson, Josh, Chase, and Ryker Otto.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, George and Willie Otto.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, July 18, 2018 from 5:00 until 7:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Service.

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

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

 

John Tyler Schultz, Jr.

October 18, 1947 – July 16, 2018

John Tyler Schultz, Jr., age 70, of 211 Milton Brown Heirs Road, Boone, passed away Monday afternoon, July 16, 2018, at Watauga Medical Center in Boone. 

John is survived by two sons, Doug Schultz of Durham, and John Schultz of Fort Meyers, Florida, and on brother, Terry Schultz of Boone.

Funeral arrangements for John Tyler Schultz, Jr. are incomplete at this time.

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

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

 
Elizabeth Dorothy Doughtie
September 20, 1920 – July 4, 2018

Elizabeth passed away peacefully at Cranberry House in Elk Park, North Carolina.

 

 

 

 

 
Kenneth Wayne Melton Sr.
January 4, 1947 – July 9, 2018

Kenneth Wayne Melton Sr., age 71, of Newland, North Carolina passed away on Monday, July 9, 2018 at his home in Newland, NC. 
He was born on January 4, 1947 in Washington County, Tennessee, a son of Vernon and Ruth Miller Melton.
Kenneth was a wonderful man with a great sense of humor that enjoyed life. 
He served his country in the US Army, he served 2 tours in Vietnam. Kenneth was awarded the Purple Heart. 
Kenneth was the owner/ operator of a roofing company for many years. 
He worked as the Director of Maintenance of Beech Mountain Resort, Lees-McRae College and U. S. Forest Service. Kenneth served as Chief of the Avery Country Rescue Squad. He also served as Scoutmaster of Troop 800 in Newland for over 10 years, he always looked forward to the reunion with the scout troop. 
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Kenneth leaves behind to cherish his memory his: Wife of 47 years, Brenda Kaye Melton of Newland, NC; Son; Kenny Melton, Jr.of Newland, NC. Sisters; Carol (Mike) Melton Goode of Elizabethton, TN.; Naomi (Idar) Melton Hydal of Cincinnati, OH. Brother: Kevin Wayne (Norma) Melton of Spruce Pine, NC. 
Services for Kenneth Melton will be held on Wednesday, July 11, 2018 beginning at 7:00PM from the Grandfather Chapel with Rev. Clay Waycaster and Rev. Ronnie Trivette officiating. 
The family will receive friends beginning at 5:00PM up until the service hour, on Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home. 
Interment will be in the VA Mountain Home National Cemetery on Thursday, July 12, 2018 at 1:45 PM. Family and friends will meet at the funeral home at 12:15 on Thursday, July 12, 2018 to go into procession to the cemetery. 
Words of Comfort and Memories may be shared with the Melton family by visiting our websitewww.rsfh.net
The care of Kenneth and his family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland.