Compiled by Jesse Wood
Watauga County Obituaries – Compiled Feb. 5, 2013
Lt. Col. John L. Banner Jr., D. Jan. 22, 2013
Lt. Col. John L. Banner Jr. (USAF) died in Falmouth Hospital, MA, on Jan. 22, 2013, surrounded by his loving family. He was the son of the late John and Nell Banner, Sr., of Americus, GA.
A retired USAF Pilot, he was born in 1927 in Americus. He joined the U.S Navy during the latter days of WWII. After discharging from the Navy at the end of hostilities, he attended Georgia Southwestern State University and then Florida State.
He then joined the USAF Cadet Pilot Training program, and was a USAF pilot for his entire 22-year career. A Veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars, he was a pilot in the 554th Air Reconnaissance Squadron and flew missions along the Ho Chi Minh trail in a Lockheed EC-121.
Following retirement from the Air Force in 1970, he worked in real estate, later founding Banner Real Estate. He was a member of the Quiet Birdman and Military Officers Association of America, and a proud member of the Falmouth Bicentennial Militia for nearly 20 years.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Stella, and six children; Karla, John III, Linda, Donna, Brenda and Steve, and six grandchildren; Rebecca, Patrick, Victoria, David, Lydia and Callan.
His late Uncle, Wade Brown, was the former Mayor of Boone. His father was born in Banner Elk and his mother in Blowing Rock.
Lt. Col. Banner was buried at Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, MA, with full military honors on 25th of January 2013.
Correspondence may be mailed to Stella Banner, 48 Hudson St, Falmouth, MA 02540.
James Wilson, D. Feb. 5, 2013
James Eugene Wilson, Jr., age 81, of Fletcher Branch Road, Vilas, died Tuesday morning, February 5, 2013, at Watauga Medical Center.
Mr. Wilson was born September 12, 1931 in Mitchell County, a son of the late James Eugene Wilson, Sr. and Lela Blalock Wilson. He was a retired music educator who taught choral music for more than 30 years in Ashe and Watauga Counties. The majority of those years were at Watauga High School.
Mr. Wilson is survived by one son, Derek Martin Wilson and his friend Donna Francis of Vilas; one daughter, Heather Wilson Wingler and husband Eddie of Banner Elk; one grandson, Brandon Mast Combs of Hickory; one granddaughter, Haley Eden Wingler of Banner Elk; one brother, Richard Truett Wilson and wife Joy of Marion; one nephew, Richard Truett Wilson, Jr. and wife Jhan, and their children Daniel and Aaron, all of Frankfort, Kentucky; one niece, Carol Ann Will and husband Dave, and their children, Alex and Natalie, all of Cummings, Georgia, and his favorite companion, Precious, his Yorkie Terrier.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Gaynelle Banner Wilson.
A receiving of friends for James Eugene Wilson, Jr. will be held Friday afternoon, February 8, 2013, from 1:00 until 4:00 o’clock, at Henson’s Chapel United Methodist Church. At other times, friends may call at the Wilson home, 138 Fletcher Branch Road, Vilas.
Flowers are appreciated, or memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 222 South Church Street, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28202.
Online condolences may be sent to the Wilson family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.
Helen Templeton Murray, D. Feb. 4, 2013
Mrs. Helen Templeton Murray, age 96, of 211 Milton Brown Heirs Road, Boone, died Monday morning, February 4, 2013, at Watauga Medical Center.
Mrs. Murray was born June 19, 1916 in Iredell County, a daughter of the late Huie and Bertha Parker Templeton. She was a retired automobile dealer accountant, and a member of Union Grove Christian Church in Union Grove.
Mrs. Murray is survived by one son, William B. “Billy” Murray, Jr. and wife Carolyn Hoover Murray of Ramah, New Mexico; two grandsons, Christopher Murray and wife Ashley of Ramah, and Joshua Murray and wife Lorri of Gardiner, Montana; one granddaughter, Kimberly English and husband Jason of Todd; two great-granddaughters, Grey English of Todd, and Elliot Murray of Ramah; three brothers, Bill Templeton of Sarasota, Florida, Maurice Templeton and wife Marsha of North Wilkesboro, and Phil Templeton and wife Phyllis of Boone; two sisters, Mildred Bolick and husband Coy of Charlotte, and Jean Brady and husband Charles of Cocoa Beach, Florida, and one sister-in-law, Edith Templeton of Pilot Mountain. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William B. “Bill” Murray, Sr.; two brothers, Hal Templeton and James Templeton, and two sisters, Rachel Crawley and Florence Chambers.
Memorial services for Mrs. Helen Templeton Murray will be conducted at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Union Grove Christian Church, PO Box 148, Union Grove, North Carolina, 28689.
Online condolences may be sent to the Murray family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.
Walter Raleigh Johnson, D. Feb. 4, 2013
Walter Raleigh Johnson, Jr., age 88, of Lynn Hill Drive, Boone, died Monday morning, February 4, 2013, at Watauga Medical Center.
Mr. Johnson was born June 6, 1924 in Watauga County, a son of the late Walter Raleigh Johnson, Sr. and Clarissa Kate Johnson. He was a graduate of Bethel High School, Appalachain State Teachers College, Emory University and Michigan State University. He was a teacher and principal at Bethel School in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s. Mr. Johnson was an educator at Wingate Universiy from 1956 thru 1989. He served on both the Watauga County Board of Education and the Union County Board of Education. Mr. Johnson served in the United States Army, during World War II.
Mr. Johnson is survived by his wife, Edith Parker Johnson of the home; two sons, Walter Raleigh Johnson, III and wife Leslie of Sugar Grove, and John Roby Johnson and wife Cherry of Boone; one granddaughter, Lydia Coffman and husband Jerrod of Raleigh; four grandsons, Adam Johnson and wife Jodie Taylor, and Phillip Johnson and his special friend Ashleigh Bretz, all of Boone, Micah Johnson and wife Jessica of Hickory, and Matthew Johnson of Boone; two step-granddaughters, Loren and Sofia, both of Sugar Grove; five great-grandsons, Cody Coffman, Jathan Coffman, Connor Johnson, Parker Johnson, and Jackson Roper, and one great-granddaughter, Kara Johnson.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Hazel Johnson Roark and Ruth Johnson Eggers, and one brother, Fred Johnson.
Funeral services for Walter Raleigh Johnson, Jr. will be conducted Monday afternoon, February 11, 2013, at 2:00 o’clock, at First Baptist Church of Boone. Officiating will be Dr. Roy Dobyns. Military Gravside Rites and Burial, provided by American Legion Post 130 and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 90, will follow in Forest Grove Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon, from 3:00 until 5:00 o’clock, at First Baptist Church of Boone.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wingate University Endowed Scholarship Fund or to the Tree Replacement in the Academic Quad Fund, Wingate University, Resource Development Office, Campus Box 3071, PO Box 159, Wingate, North Carolina, 28174-0159.
Online condolences may be sent to the Johnson family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.
Robert Kincaid, D. Feb. 4, 2013
Robert James “Robbie” Kincaid, age 54 of Robin Lane, Boone passed away Monday morning, February 4, 2013 at Watauga Medical Center.
Born June 29, 1958 in Caldwell County, he was a son of the late Bill and Eva Lee Ellison Kincaid. Robbie was worked as a furniture assembler.
He is survived by one daughter; Cindy Kincaid and husband John Potter or Sugar Grove, two grandchildren; Lacey and John Potter, Jr. both of Sugar Grove, two sisters; Iva Dean Proffit and husband Earl of Todd and Janie Beach and husband Tim of Boone, two brothers; Tony Kincaid and wife Cathy of Todd and Mike Kincaid of Todd and a special friend Brenda Galgano of Sugar Grove. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by three sisters; Minnie Bryan, Billie Sipes and Libby Ward.
Funeral services for Mr. Robbie Kincaid will be conducted Wednesday afternoon at 2 o\’clock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel Officiating will be Rev. Eric Proffit and Rev. Jimmy Galgano. Burial will follow in the Potter Main Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday afternoon prior to the service from 12:30 until 2 o\’clock. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family in care of Austin & Barnes Funeral Home, 194 Queen Street, Boone, NC 28607.
Online condolences may be shared with the Kincaid family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Kincaid family.
Treva Norris Brown, D. Feb. 3, 2013
Treva Norris Hamby Brown, 88, of Wilkesboro, and a former resident of Watauga County, died Sunday, February 3, 2013 at her home.
Born April 13, 1924 in Ashe County, she was a daughter of Thomas and Nancy Greene Norris. Mrs. Brown was a long time member and Sunday school teacher at Stony Fork Baptist Church. She was a homemaker and her hobbies were family, knitting and crocheting.
Mrs. Brown is survived by Norman Triplett, son-in-law, of Wilkesboro, and children, Daphine Townsend and husband, Buddy, of Boone, Donna Triplette and husband, Harold, of North Wilkesboro, Doyce Hamby and wife, Wanda, of Deep Gap, and Debra Vannoy and husband, Terry, of Ormond Beach, Florida; and sister, Thelma Wagner of Elkin; ten grandchildren, Maria T. Melton, Tammy T. Nelson, Michelle T. Cox, Christy T. Hendren, Wesley Triplette, Allen Hamby, Lincoln Triplette, Susan H. Miller, Dustin Vannoy, and Darren Vannoy; and six great grandchildren, Katelyn Cox, Tanner Hendren, Dawson Cox, Madison and Lucas Miller, and Tayton Hendren. A number of nieces, nephews and in-laws also survive.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, Blan Allen Hamby and James H. Brown; two daughters, Darlene Hamby and Diane H. Triplett; and one son, Denver Hamby.
Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, February 6, 2013, at 2 PM at the Stony Fork Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. David Vannoy, Rev. Kenny Newberry, Rev. Chad Hendren and Rev. Vernon Eller. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 12:30 until 2 PM, prior to services, at the church. Burial will follow at Mount Lawn Memorial Park & Gardens in Boone.
Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to the Stony Fork Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, in care of Dennis Winebarger, PO Box 508, Boone, NC 28607.
Friends may call at the Brown residence in Wilkesboro at any time.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Brown family.
Steve Payton Mains, D. Feb. 1, 2013
Steve Payton Mains, 65, of Hickory passed away Friday, February 1, 2013 at Catawba Regional Hospice in Newton.
He was born August 5, 1947 in Watauga County to the late RJ and Lucille Potter Mains.
Steve was of the Evangelical Methodist faith, a member of the Board of Directors, and Past Chairman of St. Stephens Fire Department. He retired as the District Office Manager for the Catawba County Veterans Services on September 1, 2009 after 35 years and 9 months of service. He was a Credited Veteran Service Representative for NC Veterans Affairs, and a board member for friends of NC Veterans Nursing Home. Steve was a 42 year member of American Legion Post 48 and held numerous offices at the state level for American Legion. He was President of Hickory American Legion Fair and past President of the NC Fair Association. One of Steve’s greatest joys was the day the fair would open. He enjoyed standing at the entrance gate and seeing the smiles on children’s faces, not to mention any opportunity he had to spend with his family and grandchildren was always a treat. Steve also enjoyed all the wonderful boating trips on Lake Norman.
Steve was presented with many awards and honors. A few of those include the NC Order of the Longleaf Pine Award presented to him by James Hunt and the Holmes McBride Award presented by the NC Fair Association in 2011. In 1970 he was recognized for outstanding community achievement of Vietnam Veterans by President Jimmy Carter. Steve was also appointed by Bev Perdue to serve on the NC Veterans Commission.
Survivors include his wife, Linda Mains of the home; a daughter, Alyson Mains and her fiance’ David Bruce, her son, Trace McCoy of Hickory; a step daughter, Jennifer DeLa Jara and her husband, Jorge and their children, Julian and Sofia of Charlotte; his step mother, Thelma Mains of Zionville, NC; a sister, Sebrina Mains of Zionville, NC; a granddaughter, Courtney Ellington of Gastonia; a great-grandson, Marley Fischer of Gastonia; a special nephew, Bruce Abernethy of Rutherford College, NC; special friends, Bobby McLamb and Edie Woods, both of Raleigh; and many other special friends at Long Island Marina of Catawba.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3:00 PM Wednesday, February 6th, 2013 at the Hickory American Legion Fairground with Pastor Hugh Whitfield officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.
Memorials may be sent to Catawba Regional Hospice, 3975 Robinson Rd. Newton, NC 28658 or Tri-City Baptist Church, 1409 NC Hwy 16 Conover, NC 28613.
The family would like to offer a special thank you to the Hickory American Legion Fair Board and the Hickory American Legion, Post 48.
Bass-Smith Funeral Home, in Hickory, is in charge of the arrangements.
Bob Baynard McFarland, D. Jan. 30, 2013
Bob Baynard McFarland, professor emeritus of curriculum and instruction at Appalachian State University, 81, of Chapel Hill, died Jan. 30 at Duke Hospice at the Meadowlands in Hillsborough after a long illness.
Born May 10, 1931, in Alexander Mills, he was the son of the late Arthur Leslie and Hattie Alice Baynard McFarland and a 1949 graduate of Cool Springs High School in Forest City. He earned a B.S. degree in English and physical education from Appalachian State Teachers College in 1952. He entered the U.S. Army, serving with the 101st Airborne Infantry and the 93rd Signal Corps during the Korean Conflict.
McFarland received his M.A. degree in English and secondary education in 1958 from Appalachian and completed additional graduate work at Indiana University. He taught at Frank Ashley High School in Gastonia before joining the Appalachian faculty in 1961. He retired in 1993 after teaching for 31 years. McFarland was the last retiring Appalachian professor to have either studied with or served with the University’s first four presidents and chancellors.
McFarland was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church in Boone, where he was a deacon, elder and Sunday School teacher.
He was an avid UNC Tar Heel fan and proud member of the Educational Foundation, Inc. He loved flowers and Big Band music. He was an excellent photographer, a crossword puzzle whiz and, in his younger days, enjoyed golf. He achieved the rare feat of a hole in one.
Survivors include his son, Michael McFarland, and his wife, Jennifer, of Chapel Hill; his daughter, Jill Cook and her husband, Glenn, of Lorton, VA; grandchildren Elisabeth and Margaret McFarland of Chapel Hill, Katharine, Emma and Benjamin Cook of Lorton, Va., and Nicholas Cook of Greensboro; brother-in-law, Harold Mercer of Laurinburg; nephews John Mercer and his wife, Marilyn, of Winston-Salem; Scott Mercer and his wife, Le Ann of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; and niece, Alyce Mercer of High Point; as well as several other nieces, nephews, their spouses and children. His sister was the late Sybil Mercer of Laurinburg. He was the former husband of 44 years to the late Betty Ruth Hodges McFarland of Greensboro.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, Feb. 9, at First Presbyterian Church in Boone at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Gerald Hodges, Bob’s nephew, officiating. A graveside service will follow at Duncan’s Creek Presbyterian Church cemetery near Ellenboro at 4 p.m. The family will receive friends informally after those services.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to First Presbyterian Church, 131 Big Valley St., Boone, N.C. 28607, or the charity of your choice. (Bob, a kind soul, for years supported many good causes to help children, other people in need and the Earth.)
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home of Boone is serving the McFarland family.
Pauline R. Barker, D. Jan. 30, 2013
Pauline R. Barker died peacefully at home on January 29, 2013 surrounded by her loving family. Born May 25, 1920 in Cleveland Ohio, she was the youngest of three children born to parents Mary and Charles Roudman. Pauline grew up in Cleveland, Ohio.
A gifted musician, she played several instruments which included piano, cello, violin and mandolin. After graduating high school, Pauline joined the Women’s Army Air Corps (WWII) and earned the rank of Sergeant. While stationed in Mitchell Field, New York, she met Murray G. Barker, a handsome young man from Richmond, VA.
While dating, Murray proposed to Pauline several times before she accepted his proposal. They were married on August 19, 1945 in Cleveland, Ohio. After serving their country, Pauline and Murray moved to Richmond, VA., and in 1952, they moved to Norfolk, VA. Pauline and Murray were founding members of Temple Israel in Norfolk. Pauline worked at the Naval Safety Center on the Naval Air Station in Norfolk as a key-punch department supervisor.
In 1995, she retired at the age of 75 and for her outstanding service was awarded the Meritorious Civilian Service Award. She was an avid reader and in retirement, she volunteered at the Be a Reader program to assist young children with their reading skills.
Our mother Pauline supported and loved her family with all her spirit and heart. She always knew when her children or grandchildren needed her help and gave it selflessly. She was very independent and wise, courageous and strong, gracious and accepting, and selflessly loved us all without end. We will miss her kind, patient, gentle spirit and her smiles and words of love.
Pauline is survived by her three daughters, Shelley Tarbutton (Kent) of Boone, NC, Beverly Dozier of Norfolk, VA and Joyce Bresloff of Centennial, CO. She is also survived by her grandchildren Chelsea Mathis (John), Lennon Redford, Morgan Tarbutton, Courtney Dozier Weeren (Joe), Travis Dozier, Sean Bresloff, Mandi Autry (Mark) and her two great-grandchildren, Michael and Morgan Autry.
The family wishes to thank Barbra Featherstone for providing wonderful care, friendship and love to Pauline for the past two years. The family also is grateful to High Country Hospice, Mountain Family Medicine and The Cardiology Center of Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (Dr. Paul Vignola) for their loving care and support of Pauline.
Pauline will be buried next to her beloved husband, Murray in a graveside ceremony at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Norfolk, VA.
The family would appreciate any donations in memory of Pauline be made to High Country Hospice or High Country Caregiver Foundation of Boone, NC. Condolences may be written on –line to the family at Austin and Barnes Funeral Home in Boone, NC or H.D. Oliver Funeral Home in Norfolk, VA.
Pauline Rominger Presnell, D. Jan. 30, 2013
Pauline Rominger Presnell, age 78, of Seays Road, Liberty, died Wednesday evening, January 30, 2013, at Wesley Long Hospital in Greensboro.
Born September 13, 1934 in Watauga County, Dorothy Pauline Rominger was a daughter of Millard and Nellie Harmon Rominger. Mrs. Presnell was a member of To God Be The Glory Church in Asheboro. Affectionately known as ‘Granny’, Pauline’s joy was her family.
She is survived by five sons, Kenneth Presnell & wife Jane, Barry Presnell and wife Sheila, Jerry Presnell, and Ray Presnell, all of Liberty, and Michael Presnell and wife Sonya, of Seagrove; four daughters, Linda Barnes of Franklinville, Kay Stanley, and husband, James, of Ramseur, Connie Joyce of Liberty, and Joyce Baldwin and husband, Larry, of Ramseur; two sisters, Virginia Dare May of Boone, and Minnie Presnell of Liberty; and one brother, Paul Rominger of Ohio. Thirty-six grandchildren and forty-six great-grandchildren also survive.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Ralph Presnell; son, Jimmy Ralph Presnell; great-grandson, Jackson Watson Presnell; and her parents.
Funeral services will be conducted Sunday afternoon, February 3, 2013, at 2 o’clock at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by Pastor Danny Jarrell, and Rev. Edd Warren. The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon from 1 until 2 o’clock, one hour prior to services, at Austin & Barnes. Burial will follow in the Danner Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Danner Cemetery Fund, in care of David Hodges, 1075 Laurel Fork Rd., Vilas, NC 28692.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Presnell family.
Barbara Bernice Isaacs Taylor, D. Jan. 29, 2013
Mrs. Barbara Bernice Isaacs Taylor, age 67, of NC Hwy 105 By-Pass passed away Tuesday afternoon, January 29, 2013 at home. Born February 18, 1945 in Watauga County she was a daughter of the late Dewey Ray and Louise Hardy Isaacs. Bernice was retired from Appalachian State University. She was a member of Three Forks Baptist Church.
She is survived by her husband of 49 years, J. B. Taylor, one daughter; Jennifer Taylor King and husband Christopher of Zionville, two sisters; Jean Vannoy and husband Ernest of Boone, and Mae Anderson and husband Gene of Taylorsville, three step grandsons; Eli, Zeke and Caleb King of Winston-Salem, and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents; Dewey Ray and Louise Hardy Isaacs, and two brothers; Paul and Rob Isaacs.
At Bernice’s request there will be no services. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6 o’clock until 7:30 at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home. The family respectfully requests no food or flowers. Memorials may be made to Medi-Home Hospice, PO Box 1357, Newland, NC 28657, or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be shared with the Taylor family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Taylor 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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