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Watauga County Obituaries – Compiled Sept. 12, 2012

Watauga County Obituaries – Compiled Sept. 12, 2012

Judith C. Townsend

Judith Ann Townsend, D. Sept. 11, 2012
Judith Ann ‘Judy’ Townsend, 65, of Penley Branch Road, Blowing Rock, passed away Tuesday morning, Sept. 11, 2012 at her home. Born March 25, l947 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, she was a daughter of Ann Gainey Cappell and the late Jack Cappell. 

Judy was a construction designer of her company, Starview Designs. She also formerly owned and operated Mountain Magic Craft Store in Foscoe and Starview Gallery in Blowing Rock, and was manager of Yonahlossee POA. Her hobbies included knitting, playing tennis, her arts, and especially her travels to the beach.

Mrs. Townsend is survived by her husband of 19 years, Danny Townsend; her mother, Ann Cappell, and brother, John David Cappell, both of Boone; her mother-in-law, Nora Ellen Townsend of Boone, and her faithful doggy friend, Gypsy.

She was preceded in death by her father, Jack Cappell.

A private celebration of life ceremony for Judy Townsend will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary, 18328 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores, Florida 33785.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Townsend family.

Jane Griffith, D. Sept. 11, 2012
Jane (Ardath) Finch Griffith, 93, former resident of Walton, NY, and Bayonet Point, Fla., passed away after a brief illness on September 11, 2012, at the home of her son in Todd, NC.

Born April 2, 1919, in Roscoe, NY, she was the daughter of Carl Finch, a railroad employee, and Clara Kortright Finch, an accomplished seamstress. Immediately after graduating from Middletown (NY) High School, Ms. Griffith completed training with Western Union and took a position in Walton, a job she held until 1943 when she married Robert D. Griffith, a US Army meteorologist during WWII and later president of the National Bank of Delaware County.

After the war, the couple settled in Walton, where they raised two sons. While there, Ms. Griffith was an active member of the Board of Trustees of the William B. Ogden Free Library; the Board of Trustees, Delaware Valley Hospital; a Cub Scout leader; and a regular volunteer at the polls during elections. She also was an avid golfer and bridge player and formed many close friendships wherever she went because of her easy, outgoing personality.

After retirement, the Griffith’s moved to Bayonet Point, Fla. Ms. Griffith moved to Boone, NC, 2 ½ years ago to be near family. She is survived by son Carl A .Griffith and wife Anne, Sidney, NY; son Robert F. Griffith and wife Diane Price, Todd, NC; brother Eugene Finch, Boone, NC; grandchildren Dan Griffith, NYC; Allison Griffith, NYC; Meagan Lesley and husband Stephen and their son Afton, Taylorsville, NC; and Katie Jeane Griffith, Boone, NC.

The family respectfully requests no flowers but memorial donations may be made to; High Country Health Care System Hospice, 400 Shadowline Drive, Suite 100-B, Boone, NC 28607 or The Community Care Clinic, 141 Health Center Dr., Suite B, Boone, NC 28607.

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

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

Margaret S. Harmon, D. Sept. 11, 2012
Mrs. Margaret Swart Harmon, age 70, of Phillips Branch Road, Vilas, passed away Tuesday evening, September 11, 2012 at home. Born November 9, 1941 in Wilmington, NC, she was a daughter of the late Cornelius and Annie Braak Swart. Margaret was a retired Clinical Social Worker, having worked at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. But her greatest joy was being a mother, wife and homemaker. She was an avid hiker, quilter and a member of Holy Cross Episcopal Church.

She is survived by her husband Joe Harmon, one son; Kirk Nance of Fayetteville and one daughter; Emily Jividen of Raleigh, one granddaughter; Harper Jividen of Raleigh, two brothers; Dirk Swart and Andrew Swart both of Castle Hayne, NC and two sisters; Gloria Leonard and Eleanor Davis both of Rocky Point.

Memorial services for Mrs. Margaret Swart Harmon will be conducted Saturday afternoon at 1 o’clock at Holy Cross Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 or to Holy Cross Episcopal Church, PO Box 645, Valle Crucis, NC 28691. Online condolences may be sent to the Harmon family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

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

Eleanor Keeton Sparks

Eleanor Keeton Sparks, D. Sept. 11, 2012
Mrs. Eleanor Keeton Sparks, age 84, of 4438 Hampton Heights Drive, Birmingham, Alabama, passed away Tuesday morning, September 11, 2012, at Watauga Medical Center.

Funeral arrangements for Mrs. Eleanor Keeton Sparks are incomplete at this time.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff at Deerfield Ridge Assisted Living for their loving and caring support.

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

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

William E. Kirby

William E. “Bill” Kirby, D. Sept. 10, 2012
William E. “Bill” Kirby, age 92, of 543 Phillips Branch Road, Vilas, died Monday morning, September 10, 2012, at Deerfield Ridge Assisted Living in Boone.

Mr. Kirby was born January 26, 1920 in Wyoming County, West Virginia, a son of the late Filmore and Alice Davis Kirby. He was a retired welder for the NC Department of Transportation and a member of Willow Valley Baptist Church.

Mr. Kirby is survived by one grandson, James B. Sutherland of Vilas; one great-grandson, Jamison Slate of Boone, and two sisters, Gladys Sullivan and husband Roy of Deland, Florida, and Jackie Oliver and husband Jim of Vilas. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie Ward Kirby; his daughter, Mary Warren; one granddaughter, Kimberly Slate; one sister, Golda Mae Kirby, and five brothers, Ottie, Narvie, Cecil, Walter, and Dan Kirby.

Funeral services for William E. “Bill” Kirby will be conducted Thursday afternoon, September 13, 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. Officiating will be Reverend Toby Oliver and Reverend Ray Greene. Burial will follow in Willow Valley Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Thursday afternoon, from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock, at the funeral home, prior to the service.

Flowers are appreciated, or memorial contributions may be made to the Willow Valley Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, PO Box 277, Vilas, North Carolina, 28692, or to Medi Home Hospice, PO Box 1357, Newland, North Carolina, 28657.

The family respectfully requests no food.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the staffs of Deerfield Ridge Assisted Living and Medi Home Hospice, for their loving support and care of Mr. Kirby.

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

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

Rev. Carl Wilson

Rev. Carl Wilson, D. Sept. 10, 2012
Reverend Carl C. Wilson, age 89, of 248 Raleigh Wilson Road, Vilas, eased into the joy that is Jesus Christ Monday, September 10, 2012.

Born May 13, 1923, a son of the late Raleigh and Mary Eggers Wilson, he married the lovely Mary Proffitt on June 1, 1946. He was ordained as a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in 1953. During his ministry, he was pastor of ten churches in North Carolina and Tennessee. Currently pastor of Antioch Baptist Church, he has preached for a total of 59 years. Serving his country as well as his flocks, he was a World War II veteran.

Numerous friends and loving church families will miss this great man of God, who became a shining Christian example and inspiration to all.

The family wishes to especially recognize the members of Antioch Baptist Church, as well as Preacher Carl’s past churches and his many preacher brethren.

Preacher Carl has touched so many lives throughout his ministry: preaching, teaching, births, marriages, baptism, illness, and death. He’s been there counseling, congratulating, praying, and consoling. He has faithfully shared God’s Word, which has led many souls to the Lord.

His parting leaves us with a hole in our hearts and lives, but after so many years of dedicated service, he deserves God’s “Well done, and welcome home.”

Reverend Wilson is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Mary Proffitt Wilson; four children that cherished him, Dale and wife Carolyn of Vilas, Paul and wife Linda of Sugar Grove, Sandra Reese and husband Steve of Sugar Grove, and Tricia Yates and husband Mitchell of Vilas; eight grandchildren that loved him, Pastor Jeffrey Wilson and wife Michelle, Stephanie Glenn and husband Tony, Bradley Wilson and wife Leslie, Marta Brooks and husband Justin, Kevin Wilson and wife Chasity, Shawn Reese and wife Amy, Stacie Barber and husband Brandon, and Jamie Roark and husband Michael; and nine great-grandchildren that adored him, Molly Roark, Gideon and Melea Glenn, Daniel and Joseph Wilson, Kara Brooks, Troy Wilson, Gracie and Gabriel Reese, a new Barber great-grandchild, due in December, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Frank, Dave, Joe, and Dean; five sisters, Lena Pugh, Minnie Johnson, Nettie Potter, Grace Perry, and Beulah Powell; an infant daughter, Mary Sue Wilson, and an infant great-grandson, Micah Weston Brooks.

Funeral services for Reverend Carl C. Wilson will be conducted Friday afternoon, September 14, 2012, at 2:00 o’clock, at Mountain Dale Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Pastor Eric Cornett, Pastor Derick Wilson, Pastor Ray Greene, and Pastor Tull Oaks. Military graveside rites and burial will follow in Lower Beaver Dam Cemetery, provided by American Legion Post 130 and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 90.

The family will receive friends Thursday, from 4:00 until 9:00 o’clock, at Mountain Dale Baptist Church.

Flowers are appreciated, or memorial contributions may be made to a Hospice of the donors choice, or to the Lower Beaver Dam Cemetery Fund, in care of David Scott, 3476 Mountain Dale Road, Vilas, North Carolina, 28692.

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

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

Patricia Nelson

Patricia T. Nelson, D. Sept. 10, 2012
Mrs. Patricia Nan Tate Nelson, age 74, of Grady Winkler Road, Boone, passes away Monday afternoon, September 10, 2012 at home. Born March 12, 1938 in Cliffside, NC, she was a daughter of the late Robert Tate and Emma Jones Tate. Patricia was an accountant in the aviation field, was a Mary Kay Representative, and worked as a Real Estate Sales Agent.

She is survived by her husband; Jim Nelson, one son; Daniel Robert Nelson and wife Rosa of Boone, two daughters; Kimberly Ann Buckley and husband Kelly of Lakeside, California, and Camille Suzette Owen and husband David of Lafayette, Louisiana, six grandchildren; Monica and Andrew Nelson, Tracy Owen, Rachel Sims, Alicia and Kailey Buckley, her mother; Emma Tate of Boone, one sister; Tamara Benkosky and husband Steve of Boone and one sister in law; Bunny Nelson of Valley Center, California. She was preceded in death by her father; Robert Tate.

Graveside services and burial for Mrs. Patricia Tate Nelson will be private. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, PO Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265-0309. Online condolences may be sent to the Nelson family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

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

Wendell Carroll Hampton, D. Sept. 9, 2012
Mr. Wendell Carroll Hampton, age 69, of Pfafftown, North Carolina, a native of Boone, North Carolina, died Sunday afternoon, September 9, at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

He was born October 21, 1942 in Boone, North Carolina, a son of the late Russell and Fannie Herman Hampton. He owned Hampton Business Forms and was the previous vice-president of sales and marketing at Wesley Business Forms for 31 years. One of his greatest joys was his association with the NCHSAA Wrestling program. He received a Golden Whistle award for over 50 years of officiating and his service as a booking agent for the Piedmont area.

He had a unique passion for gardening and he shared his bounty with friends and family. He had a great affection for listening to a wide variety of music and studying lyrics, and also had a talent for playing musical instruments by ear. His greatest passion was the love of his life, his best friend and wife, Shirley whom he met 45 years ago. Out of this great love, grew a family that was so very special to him. He was greatly cherished as a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. His family was one of the best blessings of his life.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Dawn Shepherd and Mabel “Beth” Trivett, and one brother, J. R. Hampton.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Lee Johnson Hampton of the home; two daughters, Trena Hampton Sides of Winston-Salem, NC and Wendee Leigh Hampton Disher and husband David Disher of Lewisville, NC; four grandchildren, Sophia Sides of Winston-Salem, Johnlee, Jacob, and Lilliemae Disher of Lewisville, NC; two sisters, Beulah “Boots” Southerland of Winston-Salem, and Verdola Cook and husband Gary Morgan of Boone. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to NCHSAA c/o Wendell C. Hampton/Wrestling (add to memo line). Mailing address: NCHSAA, PO Box 3216, Chapel Hill, NC 27515. Online condolences and floral tributes may be made to www.frankvoglerandsons.com.

Announcement courtesy of Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service.

Cleone Hodges

Cleone Hodges, D. Sept. 9, 2012
Ms. Cleone Haynes Hodges, age 103, of Greene Street, Boone, passed away Sunday morning, September 9, 2012 at home. Born July 11, 1909 in Shongaloo, Louisiana, she was a daughter of the late O. H. Haynes, Sr., and Lynn Burns Haynes. Ms. Hodges retired from Appalachian State University after 36 years where she was a professor of Health, Physical Education and Recreation.

After retirement Cleone was very active in the community. She attended and taught Sunday School at the First Baptist Church, was a life member and past president of the Rhododendron Garden Club, she served as secretary with the Watauga Parks and Recreation Commission and was a member of the Boone Town Beautification Committee.

An avid golfer, Cleone was a member of the Blue Ridge Golf Association and of the Blue Ridge Ladies’ Golf Association. She was an active member of the Boone Golf Club, winning the Club Championship in 1975. Ms. Hodges participated in the Senior Games at local, state and national levels into her 90’s.

She is survived by one son; J. B. Hodges of Boone, two granddaughters; Erin Hodges-Demas and Alyssa Hogan both of Hickory, a grandson in law; Brandon Tressler, three great grandchildren; Shawn Collin Hogan, Evelyn Darnell and Cleona Demas, one sister in law; Mrs. O. H. Haynes, and a number of nieces and nephews. In addition to her parenst she was preceded in death by two brothers; J. Y. Haynes and O. H. Haynes, Jr.

Funeral services for Ms. Cleone Haynes Hodges will be conducted Thursday afternoon at 2 o’clock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home. Officiating will be Rev. Roy Dobyns and Dr. George Miles. Graveside services and burial will be private. Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, 375 West King Street, Boone, NC 28607.

The family will receive friends Thursday prior to the service from noon until 2 o’clock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to the Hodges family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

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

William Lee Gibson

William Lee Gibson, D. Sept. 8, 2012
William Lee Gibson, age 23, of 891 Rainbow Trail, Boone, passed away peacefully Saturday afternoon, September 8, 2012, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

William is survived by his mother and step-father, Kelly Shull Gibson and Randy Yates of the home; his father, Chris Gibson of Harriman, Tennessee; two brothers, J.C. Gibson and Michael Gibson, both of Harriman; one sister, Laura Gibson of Harriman; his maternal grandparents, Reverend Jerry Shull and Gladys Oakes Shull of Boone; his paternal grandfather, James W. Gibson of Kingston, Tennessee; his maternal great-grandmother, Jettie Shull of Boone; two aunts, Katie Davis of Fort Mills, South Carolina, and Patty White of Lenoir; one uncle, Daniel Shull of Boone, and a special cousin, Dajiah Minton of Boone. He is also survived by a number of great-aunts, cousins, and many, many friends.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Barbara Gibson; his maternal great-grandfather and grandmother, Roby and Macie Colvard Oakes; his maternal great-grandfather, Fred Shull, and one uncle, Minister Robert White.

Funeral services for William Lee Gibson will be conducted Wednesday afternoon, September 12, 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. Officiating will be Dr. Sonny Younce, Reverend Gordon Noble, and William’s grandfather, Reverend Jerry Shull. Burial will follow in Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens.

The family will receive friends Tuesday evening, from 7:00 until 9:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Service.

At other times the family has welcomed friends to come by the home, 891 Rainbow Trail, Boone, NC 28607.

Flowers are appreciated, or memorial contributions may be made to Medi Home Hospice, PO Box 1357, Newland, North Carolina, 28657.

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

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

Thelma Bunton

Thelma Bunton, D. Sept. 8, 2012
Thelma Lockner Bunton, 78, of US Hwy 321 North, Sugar Grove, died Saturday, Sept. 8. 2012 at Watauga Medical Center. Born July 26, 1934 in Kingsport, TN, she was a daughter of James Martin and Blanie Payne Lockner. Mrs. Bunton was a member of Mountain View Baptist Church in Butler, TN.

She was a loving wife, sister, and aunt to her family, and is survived by her husband of 47 years, Ted Bunton; four sisters, Katherine Lockner of Boone, Nancy Louise Ward of Butler, TN., and Evelyn Greer and husband, Larry, and Vernell Lockner, all of Boone; nieces and nephews, Charlotte and Kenith Ryan, Jeffrey Ward, Greg, Angela, and Jeffrey Bunton, Teddy and Shelby Bunton, Tim Bunton, Michael and Darcy Ward, and Tonya and Steven Watson; great nieces and nephews, McKinlee Waton, Rebekah Bunton , Adrian, Anton, and Brayden Ward, Joshua and Ashley Bunton, Steven and Cheryl Bunton, Marie, Andy, Ben, Ashley and Matthew Bunton, and Landon and Kimberly Bunton; and brothers-in-law, Fred Bunton and wife Mildred of Sugar Grove, and Allen Bunton and wife Lois, of Lexington. Also surviving are her entire church family and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Jewel Dean Lockner.

Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday evening, Sept. 11, 2012 at 8 o’clock at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by Rev. Harold Danner, Rev. Jerry McCoury and Rev. Tim Bunton. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6 until 8 o’clock, prior to services, at Austin & Barnes.

Graveside services will be conducted Wednesday morning at 11 o’clock at the Mount Gilead Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Ted Bunton.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Bunton family.

Budd Hunt

Budd Hunt, D. Sept. 7, 2012
E. A. ‘Budd’ Hunt, 89, of Boone passed away Friday, September 7, 2012. Born February 4, 1923 in Washington, PA, he was a son of John and Ella Hunt. Budd was a veteran of the US Army stationed at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, an event that shaped the rest of his life.

Following his military service, He moved to Miami, FL and joined the City of Miami Fire Department. He remained with the department for 25 years, retiring as a Fire Inspector.Following retirement, Budd and his family moved to the Foscoe community where he served many years as Captain of the Foscoe Fire Department.

He was a one of the founding members of the Foscoe Lions Club. Budd’s life was the embodiment of service to his community and he dedicated his life to helping others. He loved music, ballroom dancing, and camping all across the U.S. and Canada. His love of life and his wonderful sense of humor was truly a gift that he shared with all who knew him. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

A special thank you to Anita Eller who was so much more than a hospice nurse to Budd – you brightened even his darkest days.

He is survived by his wife, Mary ‘Dolly’ Hunt of Boone, who was his dance partner, travel buddy, and ‘Snow White’ to his ‘Prince Charming’. Budd is also survived by his children, Jack Hunt (wife Jackie) of Yacht Barbara Ann; Julie Hunt of Mountain City, TN; Gary Brannon of Boone; Jeff Brannon (wife Jackie) of Charleston, SC; Jenny Byrnes (husband John) of Pahrump, NV; Brian Willis (wife Laura) of Black Mountain and Kristin Harmon (husband Mike) of Sugar Grove. He is also survived by his sister, Peach Mawhinney of Lancaster, PA; nine grandchildren, two great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a younger brother, John Hunt.

Memorial services to celebrate the life of Budd Hunt will be conducted Sunday, September l6, 2012, at 3 PM, at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel. Military Honors will be provided by the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 90. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Foscoe Fire Department, 9230 NC Hwy l05 South, Banner Elk, NC 28604, or to Medi-Home Hospice, PO Box 1357, Newland, NC 28657.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Hunt family.

Leota Goulds Triplett

Leota Goulds Triplett, D. Sept. 6, 2012
Mrs. Leota Goulds Triplett, age 83, of 668 Dogwood Road, Boone, died Thursday afternoon, September 6, 2012, at her home.

Mrs. Triplett was born July 18, 1929 in Watauga County, a daughter of the late Willard and Nellie Pitts Goulds. She was a homemaker and a member of Bibleway Baptist Church.

Mrs. Triplett is survived by two sons, Larry Triplett and wife Sheila, and Sidney Triplett and wife Gayle, all of Boone; two daughters, Rebecca Triplett Thompson and husband Donald T., and Roberta Triplett Pitts and husband Ron, all of Boone; one sister, Phyllis Goulds McBride and husband James of Hickory, and one brother, Melvin Goulds and wife Carol of Lake Wales, Florida. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Rodney Triplett, and one sister, Marjorie Goulds Greene.

Funeral services for Mrs. Leota Goulds Triplett will be conducted Sunday afternoon, September 9, 2012, at 2:00 o’clock, at Bibleway Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Reverend Michael Greene. Burial will follow in Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens.

The family will receive friends Saturday evening, from 7:00 until 9:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Service.

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

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

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