Watauga County Obituaries – Compiled April 10, 2012
Lt. Col. Ray Teams D. April 8, 2012.
Lt. Col. Ray Teams, age 85 of1045 Byron Rd. Columbia, SC, a native and former resident of Foscoe community died April 8, 2012.
Local survivors are his sister Eva Nell Miller and her husband Bill of Vilas, NC.
Funeral arrangements for Lt. Col. Ray Teams are incomplete at this time.
Online condolences may be sent to the Teams family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.
Greenlawn Funeral Home inColumbiais in charge of arrangements.
Elijah Presnell, D. April 6, 2012
Elijah Presnell, 58, of Vilas, was suddenly called home to be with his Savior Jesus Christ on the evening of April 6, 2012. He was a loving husband, father, and papaw who will be greatly missed by his family. We would like to celebrate his life and legacy as described by those who know and loved him as he loved us.
Elijah was a kind, compassionate, and loving husband to his wife, Linda, for 39 years. They were high-school sweethearts who carried that love throughout their life together. They enjoyed each others company and enjoyed many trips to their beloved little beach home over the last eleven years. Both Elijah and Linda retired after many years of hard work and were able to enjoy every moment of the last couple of years together.
Elijah, the father, was a hard working man who was given nothing, but made himself very successful through hard work and perseverance. He taught his daughters to be successful persons who are capable of achieving great things. He taught his son-in-laws what it meant to be a God-Fearing leader of a family.
Elijah, the papaw, was the doting man who adored each of his grandchildren. He has watched each one of them grow to be confident in their abilities, and to strive to be like their papaw. There were few events that Papaw was more proud of than the upcoming baptism of three of his grandchildren.
Elijah, the rock of our family, was a man who inspired each and every one of us in so many different ways. He was a man who was not ashamed of his faith in Jesus Christ and showed it in every manner of his life. He did not know a stranger, and his faith and beliefs could be seen by anyone willing to look. He was a faithful member of Beech Valley Baptist Church for 36 years, and served as a deacon and clerk for most of those years.
Elijah, we will all miss you, but we know the Lord will not put more upon us than we can bear, yet it still does not make it easier to live without you. You will be missed, but because of your steadfast faith, we all know that we will see each other again.
Elijah is survived by his wife, Linda Hartley Presnell; three daughters, Michele Adams and husband Jason, of Hudson, Angela Mercer of Hudson and son-in-law, Jeff Mercer of Matthews, and Melissa Hicks and husband, Doug, of Vilas; six grandchildren, Emma, Jacob, and Joshua Adams, Daniel and Mason Mercer, and Sidney Hicks; brother, Alvin Presnell and wife, Rebecca, of Butler, TN; and sisters, Shirley Richardson and husband, David, of Vilas, and Kathy Dayton, of Fleetwood. A number of nieces and nephews also survive.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Craft and Delphia Presnell, and one brother, Benny Dean Presnell.
Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, April 11, ,2012, at 2 o’clock at Beech Valley Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. Josh Hamby and Rev. Bill Warren. Burial will follow at Mount Lawn Memorial Park & Gardens.
The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6 until 8 o’clock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home. At other times, the family will be at the Presnell residence, 627 Love Hollow Road in Vilas, NC.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Presnell family.
Martha Jean Brown Greene D. April 5, 2012
Mrs. Martha Jean Brown Greene age 74, of 312 Ward-Greene Road, Vilas, went to be with her Heavenly Father, at 6:20am on April 5, 2012, at her home.
Martha Jean was born September 30, 1937 in the Bethel Community of Watauga County. An angel on this earth, Martha Jean lived a life full of passion, love and dedication to her Lord and Savior. She married the love of her life Clay Verne Greene on June 6, 1954, and dedicated her life to one of service. Many knew her as a warm and loving teacher’s assistant and school bus driver at Cove Creek Elementary until her retirement in 1990. Her students affectionately called her “Mrs. Martha Jean”. Her heart for serving others and the Lord continued as she was an active member of Brushy Fork Baptist Church. Her beautiful alto voice could always be heard above the choir as her face beamed with the love for the music and in praise of our Lord. Her legacy holds many days of teaching children’s Sunday school, Vacation Bible School and serving in the mission field. She and Clay Verne were very active in their retirement years serving as volunteers for Disaster Relief, making several trips to Gulf Port, Mississippi following Hurricane Katrina. Adventurous travelers, Clay Verne and Martha Jean saw many a sight of this great country from behind the wheel of an RV. Martha Jean lived for soaking up the moments of out west adventures, Smoky Mountain getaways and heading south to a beloved family retreat to a campsite that was always waiting on Big Bear Little Bear loop in Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground and at Jetty Park. It was in these places that she raised a family. It was in these places that she watched her grandchildren grow. It is in these places where we will forever remember her footprints and the wonderful memories we shared with her there.
Martha Jean’s love and dedication to our Savior is evident in the heritage of the family and dear friends she has left behind. Her legacy’s handiwork is not only seen in the beautiful quilts she has made or the hundreds of birthday cakes she baked out of love. To those who knew her best, her greatest handiwork can be seen in the lives of those who loved her most and were blessed in this life to call her Mom and Nana. Our lives are forever changed because of the Christian walk she lived and her willingness to listen to the voice of Jesus calling her to be the difference. Her presence in a room could be felt by the rays of light that her smile and personality would bring. This light is one of the greatest gifts she possessed and one that we all will miss the most.
She is survived by her husband and dearest love, Clay Verne Greene, as they enjoyed 57 beautiful years of marriage. She is also survived by one son, Ricky Greene and wife Carolyn; one daughter, Betty Greene Russell and husband Bud, all of Vilas; four grandchildren Kindsay Greene Reeder and husband Jonathan; Stacey Russell Griffin and husband Keith; Morgann Greene and fiancé Michael McSwain and Preston Russell and wife Rebecca, and one great-grandchild, Graydon Russell. She is also survived by her special family by marriage, Faye Brown, Ivalee Dancey, Mabel Miller, Ted Greene and wife Betty, one maternal aunt and a number of special nieces and nephews.
Martha Jean is also survived by three brothers, Carson Brown and wife Georgia of Pfafftown, NC; Vaughn Brown and wife Sandra of Clover, SC; and Stewart Brown, Jr. and wife Earlene of Boone, NC.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Stewart B. Brown, Sr. and Annie Vines Brown and one brother, Lewis Brown, all of the Rutherwood Community.
A celebration of Mrs. Greene’s life will be held Saturday morning, April 7, 2012, at 11:00 o’clock, at Brushy Fork Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church from 10:00 until 11:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Reverend Bud Russell and Reverend Toby Oliver. Burial will follow in Adams Cemeteryin Vilas.
The family will receive friends Friday evening, from 6:00 until 8:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Service.
The family would like to express their sincere thanks to all of the medical professionals at UNC Hospitals & Watauga Medical Center, Medi Home HOSPICE in Newland, Dr. Bill Beason and staff, Dr. Charlie Sykes and staff for their loving care and concern during Martha Jean’s illness. A very special thanks to the State Employees Credit Union Family House in Chapel Hill for opening their doors in providing hospitality to us and for all the many prayers and expressions of love given to our family by so many wonderful friends.
Martha Jean’s family respectfully asks for friends and family who will join us at her memorial service, to wear bright spring colors in her memory and in celebration of the New Life she is now experiencing with our Risen Lord Jesus Christ!
In lieu of flowers the family respectively suggest memorials be made to: Adams Cemetery Fund,312 Ward Greene Road, Vilas, North Carolina, 28692.
Online condolences may be sent to the Greene family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.
Paul Boyd Ramsey, D. April 5, 2012
Mr. Paul Boyd Ramsey, age 79, of 6788 Hickory Nut Gap Road, Banner Elk, went to be with his Heavenly Father, Thursday evening, April 5, 2012, at his home.
Mr. Ramsey was born April 14, 1932 in Banner Elk, a son of the late William Molton Ramsey and Nonia Frances Berry. He lived a life full of passion, and love dedicated to his Lord and Savior.
Mr. Ramsey is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jean Ramsey; one son, Paul Ramsey of Banner Elk, one daughter, Cynthia Ramsey of the Hughes Community, Avery County, three grandchildren, John Rash of Greensboro, Barbara Monk and husband Richard, and their children Nick and Sam, all of Raleigh, and Kera Rash of Newland. He is also survived by three sisters, Bee Alan of Hudson, Bessie Bentley of Banner Elk, and Doris Taylor of Newland; four sisters-in-law, Bonnie Ramsey of Banner Elk, Maecile Ramsey ofHudson, Nancy Ramsey of Hudson, and Barbara Ramsey ofGraniteFalls, and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by six brothers, John, Adam, Lester, Russell, Bill, and Jake Ramsey, and two sisters, Julia Mae Wilson and Ruth Brandon.
Funeral services for Mr. Paul Boyd Ramsey will be conducted Saturday afternoon, April 7, 2012, at 4:00 o’clock, at Arbor Dale Presbyterian Church in Banner Elk. Officiating will be Dr. John Wilson and Pastor James Ballew. Burial will follow in the Smith Community Cemetery, with music provided by William David Coker.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Smith Community Cemetery Fund, in care of J.B. Smith,390 Memory Lane, Banner Elk, North Carolina, 28604, or Paul Ramsey, 6188 Hickory Nut Gap Road, Banner Elk, North Carolina, 28604.
Online condolences may be sent to the Ramsey family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.
Edgar “Wayne” Reece, D. April 4, 2012
Edgar “Wayne” Reece, age 67, of Trade, Tennessee, passed away on Wednesday, April 04, 2012. He was born on September 7, 1944 to Billie A. Canter Reece Proffitt and the late Edgar Bruce Reece. In addition to his father,Wayne was preceded in death by a son, Edgar Wayne Reece Jr.; brothers: Sherry Reece, Norman Reece and David Reece and nephews: Travis Reece and Gary Thomas.
Wayne was a 1962 Graduate of Johnson County High School. He was a United States Army Veteran.Wayneenjoyed reading his bible and had many hobbies, but his favorites were playing the banjo, woodworking and taking care of his garden. He also enjoyed horses and watching westerns. More than anything,Wayneloved spending time with his grandchildren. He was a former employee of Blue Ridge Shoe Company and had also worked as a paver for various road construction companies. He had attended Centerview Church of Christ and God’s Country Church.
In addition to his mother, Billie Proffitt, Wayne is survived by his wife, Sue Reece; his children: Billy Wayne Reece of Trade, TN, Angela Reece Cornett of Mountain City, TN, Jennifer Main and husband Darren of Vilas, NC, Teresa Stephens Schaller and husband Michael of OK and Jeffery Stephens and wife Patty of Seattle, WA; sisters: Linda Greene and husband Max, Audrey Thomas and husband Larry, Hope Reece, Tammy Lipford, all of Trade, TN and Jane Barnett of Mountain City, TN; brother, Joe Reece, Trade, TN; grandchildren: Zachary A. Reece, Josh Cornett, Christopher Hux, Ashley Main, Bailey Main, Jayden Stephens, Lannie Stephens, Rene’ Schaller, Laura Schaller, John Schaller, Jeremiah Schaller; three great grandchildren; nephews: Nathan Reece, Bruce Reece, Lee Reece, Mitchell Reece, Heath Lipford, David Lipford, Jim Greene, Tim Greene and Jeff McFadden; nieces: Kim Barnett, Amanda Reece Costigan, Charlene Norris and Mary Greene; sisters-in-law: Linda Reece and Peggy Reece
The family will receive friends from 6-8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 6, 2012 at the Mountain City Funeral Home Chapel with the funeral service to follow at 8:00 p.m. with Max Greene and Ron Manuel to officiate. Music will be provided by Gary Manuel, Leonard Fletcher and Slice of Bluegrass. Graveside Service and Interment with Military Honors, conducted by the Johnson County Honor Guard, will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 7, 2012 from the Reece Cemetery, Trade, Tennessee. Active Pallbearers will be: Nathan Reece, Bruce Reece, Josh Cornett, Heath Lipford, Tim Greene, Jim Greene, and Darren Main. Honorary Pallbearers are: Christopher Hux, Zachary Reece, Butch McGuire, Jeff Nelson, David Lipford and Mitchell Reece.
The family will also receive friends at the home, 1234 Bulldog Road, Trade, TN 37691.
Condolences may be sent through our website at www.mountaincityfh.com. The family of Edgar Wayne Reece has entrusted his service to Mountain City Funeral Home, 224 South Church Street, Mountain City, TN 37683.
Curley Miller, D. April 4, 2012
Curley Miller, age 70, of1104 Pardue Road, Hamptonville, North Carolina, a native and former resident of Watauga County, died Wednesday afternoon, April 4, 2012, at his home.
Mr. Miller was born January 25, 1942 inWataugaCounty, a son of the late Allie Baxter Miller and Clemmie Alice Miller.
Mr. Miller is survived by his wife, Barbara Lewis Miller of the home; six daughters, Stephanie Miller of Yadkinville, Jennifer Miller of Hamptonville, Lesley Winters and husband Tim of Yadkinville, Lila Hammons of Hudson, Mary Arney of Lenoir, and Lora Charles and husband Mike of Lenoir; two sons, Clint Miller of Hamptonville, and Jody Miller of Spruce Pine; five brothers, Donnie Miller of Deep Gap, Joey Miller and wife Madeline of Morganton, Curtis Miller and wife Julie of Deep Gap, Kelmer Miller of Lenoir, and Kenny Miller and wife Carolyn of Blowing Rock; two sisters, Gloria Miller of Deep Gap, and Sadie Ward and husband Johnny of Deep Gap; six sisters-in-law, Doris Miller of Deep Gap, Mary Lou Miller of Lenoir, Shirley Miller of Lenoir, Louise Lewis of Zionville, Marie Pierce of Zionville, and Kathy Pierce and husband Gene of Mountain City, and one brother-in-law, Charles Lewis and wife Debbie of Aiken, South Carolina. He is also survived by fourteen grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Bobby Miller; eight brothers, Jacob “J.L.” Miller, Tracy Miller, Glenn Miller, Ronnie Miller, Frankie Miller, Clonnie Miller, J.D. Miller, and Vaughn Miller, and one sister, Katie Brown.
Funeral services for Curley Miller will be conducted Monday afternoon, April 9, 2012, 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. Reverend Cecil Hamby will officiate. Burial will follow in Zionville Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Monday afternoon, from 1:00 until 2:00 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.
Listing of Watauga County Funeral Homes:
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
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