January 27, 2006

John Dewitte Muse Jr.

Mr. John Dewitte Muse Jr., 83, of Granite Falls, N.C., passed away on Jan. 20, 2006, at home after a short illness.

He was born on Sept. 8, 1922 in Henderson, N.C., to the late Dr. John D. Muse Sr. and Martha Britt Muse.

He is survived by his wife of 56-plus years, Jessolyn Muse; two sons, John D. Muse III and wife, Hope, of Statesville and Jesse Anderson "Andy" Muse of Louisburg; one daughter, Martha Lee Muse of Jefferson; two grandchildren, Melanie Muse Moore of Asheville and Christopher Muse of Louisburg; a sister-in-law, Carolyn Muse of Hampton, Va.; two nieces and a nephew of Tarboro, N.C.; and one niece of Hampton, Va.; several cousins, several grand-dogs, and many, many friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

There will be a memorial service at the First United Methodist Church in Granite Falls at 2 p.m., Saturday, January 28th. Everyone wishing to attend is welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the United Methodist Church – Lakeside Drive, Granite Falls, or to your local food bank or homeless shelter.

Glenn Presnell

Mr. Glenn Presnell, 95, of 4337 Cat Square Road, Vale, a former resident of Blowing Rock, died Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2006, at Hospice of Catawba Valley in Newton.

He was born April 16, 1910 in Watauga County, a son of the late John and Maggie Combs Presnell.

Mr. Presnell was a retired truck driver for Paul Coffey Stone Company in Blowing Rock.

Survivors include one daughter, Jean Presnell Teams and husband, Jay, of Vale; two granddaughters, Glenda Teams of Charlotte and Martha Teams and husband, Tony Baldridge of Vale; one grandson, Malcolm Teams of Vale; two great-granddaughters, Brianna Teams and Tonya Baldridge, both of Vale.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Jessie Parker Presnell; one sister, Jennie Miller; and five brothers, Ralph, Forest, Bynum, Conrad and Ernest Presnell.

Services will be conducted Saturday afternoon, Jan. 28, at 2 p.m., at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be the Rev. William Kanupp. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery in Blowing Rock.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Corinth Baptist Church Building Fund, 7929 West North Carolina 10 Highway, Vale, N.C. 28168.

Hampton Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements

January 25, 2006

Mary Ellen Ward Hayes

Mrs. Mary Ellen Ward Hayes,  80, of Linville Street, Glen Alpine, N.C., died Sunday morning, Jan. 22, 2006 at Grace Hospital in Morganton. 

She was born in Watauga County June 25, 1925,  a daughter of the late Carlie William and Dollie Glenn Ward. 

Mrs. Hayes was a retired housekeeper and was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving are her husband, Bill Hayes; one daughter, Rose Mary Presnell of Columbia, S.C.; one granddaughter, Lisa Perrine of Lexington, S.C.; one grandson, James Presnell of Lexington, S.C.; three great-grandchildren, Kristin, Ashley, and Justin Perrine, all of Lexington, S.C.; two step-daughters, Delores Hayes and husband, Donald, of State Road,  and Lorraine Smith and husband, Earl, of Lake Wacamaw. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Lillie Ward and Jesse Ward Presnell; and one brother, Glenn Ward.

Services were conducted Tuesday afternoon at 2 o’clock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Harold Hayes and the Rev. Burl Greer officiating.  Burial followed in the Piney Grove Church Cemetery. 

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

Roy W. Jones

Mr. Roy W. Jones, 77, of 339 Ray Brown Road, Boone, died Friday morning, Jan. 20, 2006, at his residence.

He was born April 4, 1928, a son of the late William and Frances Arnold Jones.

Mr. Jones owned and operated the Roy Jones Grocery on Highway 194 North in the Sands Community for 21 years  (1951-1972). He also owned and operated the Appalachian Campground on Highway 194 for 28 years (1976-2004).

Survivors include his wife, Betty Phillips Jones; three daughters, Donna Jones and husband, Johnny, of Elkin, Deborah Thompson and husband, Mike, of Lenoir, and Miss Marsha Jones of Boone; two sons, Randy Jones and wife, Carolyn, of Boone and Danny Jones and wife, Pam, of Roxboro; two granddaughters, Kinsey Jones of Elkin, and Laney Jones of Roxboro; five grandsons, Brandon Thompson and Tyson Thompson, both of Lenoir; Wesley Jones and Patrick Jones, both of Elkin; and Harrison Jones of Roxboro; seven sisters, Mrs. Wilma Wilson, Gladys Greene and husband, Burl; Ms. Betty Austin, Wanda Proffitt and husband, Gary, and Sherry Pennell and husband, Teddy, all of Boone; Mrs. Shirley Salas of Los Angeles, Calif. and Peggy Vannoy and husband, James, of Vero Beach, Fla. A number of nieces and nephews also survive.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Harold and Ted Jones; and a sister, Louise Ragan.

Services were conducted Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m., at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Eugene Byrd, the Rev. Delmar James, and Mr. Bill Hartley. Burial followed in the Meat Camp Baptist Church Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Watauga County, 136 Furman Road, Boone, N.C. 28607.

Hampton Funeral Service was in charge of the arrangements.

Robert Glenn Pope

Mr. Robert Glenn Pope, 78, of Lenoir, died Jan. 20, 2006, at his residence.

He was born Dec. 20, 1927, in Caldwell County, to the late George Alexander Pope and Maggie Price Pope.

Mr. Pope was retired from Singer and was a veteran of the Army and Navy.

Survivors include his wife, Virginia Nichols Pope; six sons, Robert Steve Pope and wife, Janice; William Pope, Eric Pope and wife, Barbara, all of Hickory, N.C.; Michael Pope of Catawba, Jerry Benge and wife, Clara, of Lenoir, N.C., and Roger Benge and wife, Darlene, of Baton, N.C.; two daughters, Christy Toliver and husband, Tim, of Granite Falls, N.C. and Sue Greene and husband, Mike, of Lenoir. He is also survived by a sister, Hattie Sparks of Tocowa, Ga.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Bernard and Julius Pope; and his daughter, Robin Pope.

Services will be conducted Thursday morning at 11 a.m. at Pendry’s Chapel with Chaplin Steve Butler and the Rev. Mike Greene officiating. Burial will follow at the Greene Family Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 7-8:30 p.m. at Pendry’s Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Caldwell County Hospice & Palliative Care at 902 Kirkwood St. NW, Lenoir, N.C. 28645.

Condolences may be placed online at www.pendrysfuneralhome.com.

Pendry’s Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Clara Childers Spears

Mrs. Clara Childers Spears, 77, of 165 Delta Downs Lane, Salisbury, N.C., died Sunday, Jan. 22, 2006, at The Laurels of Salisbury, following a three month illness.

She was born April 15, 1928 in Alexander County, N.C., the daughter of Viola Harrington Childers of China Grove, N.C. and the late Homer Robinette Childers.

Mrs. Spears was a loving wife, beloved mother, a cherished grandmother and a lovely lady, who will be missed greatly. She received her education in the Alexander County Schools. She retired from Celanese after 18 years of service and was a member of Community Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband, William “Bud” G. Spears; sons, Rickey S. Marshall and wife, Deborah, of Boone, N.C., Bryan K. Spears and wife, Pam, of Salisbury, N.C., William “Buddy” T. Spears and wife, Tammy, of Boone, N.C.; brothers, James D. Childers of Kannapolis, N.C., Harold V. Childers of China Grove, N.C. and Everett J. Childers of Kannapolis, N.C.; a sister, Gracie C. Blackburn of China Grove, N.C.; ten grandchildren, Justin, Candice, Lindsay, Dawn, Heather, Lucas, Joshua, Leigh, Yolanda and Darrell; and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Dianna Kay Lyerly.

Services will be conducted Wednesday at 12:00 noon, at Community Baptist Church, where she will lie in state 30 minutes before the service. The Rev. Christopher O’Guinn will officiate. Burial will follow at the West Lawn Memorial Park in China Grove, N.C.

Memorials may be made to Community Baptist Church Building Fund, 18 Carolina Street, Salisbury, N.C. 28144.

Special thanks to the staff at The Laurels of Salisbury, who saw Mrs. Spears go through her last days with comfort, respect, dignity and love.

Summersett Funeral Home in Salisbury, N.C., are in charge of the arrangements.

Len Edward Winebarger

Mr. Len Edward Winebarger, 65, of Old U.S. Highway 421, Zionville, died Sunday morning, Jan. 22, 2006, at his home.

He was born Jan. 11, 1941 in Watauga County, a son of Clint and Delia Greer Winebarger.

Mr. Winebarger was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He was a house painter and a member of the Mabel United Methodist Church.

Survivors include one brother, Fred E. Winebarger of Big Rapids, Mich.; three sisters, Betty Vines and husband, Vance, of Graham, Jo Ann Main and husband, Otto, of Mountain City, Tenn., and Sarah Greene and husband, Bob, of Boone; and his aunt, Lura Cook of Zionville. A number of nieces and nephews also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clint and Delia Greer Winebarger; his sister-in-law, Grace Winebarger; and one nephew, Alfred Winebarger.

Services will be conducted Wednesday evening at 8 o’clock at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by the Rev. James McKinney. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6-8 p.m., two hours prior to the service, at the funeral home.

Military graveside rites and burial will be conducted Thursday morning at 11 a.m. at the Mabel United Methodist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to Zionville First Responders, in care of Allen Phillips, 1304 Silverstone Road, Zionville, N.C. 29698 or to the Mabel United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, in care of J.C. Winebarger, 4166 Old U.S. Highway 421, Zionville, N.C. 28698.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Winebarger family.

January 23, 2006

Mrs. Alice Maxwell Conner

Mrs. Alice Maxwell Conner, 83, of Robin Lane, Boone, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, Jan. 22, 2006.  

She was born in Montpelier Ohio, a daughter of the late Vernon Clare and Gertrude Preston Maxwell. 

Mrs. Conner was a homemaker. 

Surviving areone daughter, MaryAnne Conner of Phoenix, Arizona; two sons, Patrick and Michael Conner, both of Michigan; and one sister, Norma Davis of Florida.

At Mrs. Conner’s request, there will be no services. 

Memorials may be made to the Watauga County Hunger Coalition, 417 Meadowview Drive, Boone, N.C. 28607.

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

Ida Main Denney

Mrs. Ida Main Denney, 85, of Grandview Heights, Boone, died Wednesday evening, Jan. 18, 2006, at Watauga Medical Center.

She was born April 21, 1920, in Trade, Tenn., a daughter of John and Lillie Wallace Main.

Mrs. Denney was a member of the First Baptist Church in Boone, and was a homemaker.

Survivors include one sister, Grace Smith and husband, Barton, of Blountville, Tenn.; and two brothers, Bill Main and wife, Shirley, of Mountain City, Tenn. and Clyde Main and wife, Gerta, of Boone. A number of nieces and nephews also survive.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lillard Denney; her son, Gene Denney; two sisters, Nell and Sara Jane Main; and five brothers, Carl, Joseph, Wheeler, Oakley and Grady John Main.

Graveside services and burial were conducted Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. at Mount Lawn Memorial Park & Gardens, with the Rev. Harwood Smith officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Post 130, 1006 Briarwood Lane, Boone, or to the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 90, P.O. Box 2914, Boone, N.C. 28607.

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

Felix “Bud” O. Golds

Mr. Felix “Bud” O. Golds, 67, of Raven Maple Drive, Wilkesboro, N.C., died Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2006, at his home.

He was born in Wilkes County, Sept. 8, 1938, to Osco and Cora Smith Golds.

Mr. Golds was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. 

Survivors include his wife, Betty Watson Golds; two daughters, Cindy Coffey and husband, Junior, of Deep Gap; and Patricia Mahaffey and husband, Steve, of North Wilkesboro; four sisters, Velma Golds and Dottie Woodie, both of Purlear; Arlene Spears of Wilkesboro; and Cheryl Yale of Hays; four brothers, Oren Golds and Archie Golds, both of Purlear; J. Harrold Golds of Millers Creek; and Bobby Golds of North Wilkesboro; four grandchildren; and one great- grandchild.

Funeral services were conducted Thursday afternoon at 2 p.m., at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. Phil Chapman, the Rev. Ken Pardue, and the Rev. Gary Watson officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Wilkes, 1907 West Park Drive, North Wilkesboro,  N.C.  28659.

Online condolences may be made at www.reinssturdivant.com.

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in North Wilkesboro was in charge of arrangements.

Rev. Albert Ray Minton

Rev. A. Ray Minton of West Jefferson, N.C., died Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2006, at Ashe Memorial Hospital.

He was born Dec. 20, 1932 to the late Grady Granville and Mary Greer Minton.

Rev. Minton was a faithful pastor to churches in Watauga and Ashe counties for more than 35 years. He died in the grace of our Lord Jesus anticipating a great reunion with his dear wife of more than 50 years, Mabel Jean Danner Minton.

Papaw Ray, as his grandchildren affectionately called him, served his country in Korea. Upon returning home, he completed a teaching degree and taught in Watauga County, and briefly, in Mocksville. He loved officiating high school basketball games. He later worked for the Blue Ridge Shoe Company, becoming plant manager. But his passion was the Lord and His church. Following a call to preach the gospel, he dedicated himself to churches in the region. He sang bass as a member of the Trailway Quartet. As a cancer survivor for more than 20 years, he participated annually in the Relay for Life. One of the greatest joys of his life was his grandchildren. Among their favorite memories are riding in a wagon pulled by his tractor and biking with him down the railroad grade in Todd.

Rev. Minton graduated from Cove Creek High School and Appalachian State University. He also attended Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. At the time of his death, he was pastor of Phoenix Baptist Church in Warrensville, N.C.

Survivors include three daughters, Debbie Danner and husband, Doug, of Huntersville, N.C.; Jeana Furches and husband, Dwight, of West Jefferson, N.C.; and Kristy Aldridge and husband, Kevin, of Todd, N.C.; eight grandchildren, Whitney Triplett and husband, Adam; Daniel Furches, Jesse Danner, Amy Furches, Andrew Danner, Katie Furches, and Lynsey and Abby Aldridge; and one brother, Roy Minton and wife, Alice, of Gardner, N.C.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Dora Lee, Anor and Nannie Ann; and two brothers, Richard and Ralph Minton.

Services were conducted Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. at Boone Family Funeral Home in West Jefferson. A private graveside service was held Saturday morning at Adams Cemetery in Vilas, N.C.

Memorials may be made to the Ashe Relay for Life, in care of Renea Adams, 372 Oscar Day Road, Jefferson, N.C. 28640 or Adams Cemetery Fund, in care of Mr. Clay Verne Greene, 312 Ward Greene Road, Vilas, N.C. 28692.

Boone Family Funeral Home of West Jefferson is serving the Minton family.

James L. “Jim” Sherwood

Mr. James L. “Jim” Sherwood, 87, of Vero Beach, Fla., died Dec. 22, 2005.

He was born May 15, 1918, in Sherwood, N.C., the son of Ed and Ella Sherwood.

Mr. Sherwood moved to Vero Beach, Fla., from Vilas, N.C., in 1956. He attended Appalachian State Teacher’s College. His home church was Cove Creek Baptist Church.

Known to most as Jim, but to some as James L., his second home was the First Baptist Church of Vero Beach. He served in many capacities, including Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School teacher, and deacon in his 49 years as a member of the church. He was instrumental in helping establish the First Baptist Church Endowment Fund. In 2005, he was honored with The Lifetime Deacon Distinction.

Mr. Sherwood served in the Army during World War II as a mail carrier. He was a master electrician and a member of the I.B.E.W. Local 323. During his lifetime he enjoyed outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, shrimping, water skiing, and golf.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Johnnie D. Sherwood; two sons, Stephen D. Sherwood and wife, Francy, of Vero Beach, Fla.; and Daniel Sherwood of Knoxville, Tenn.; a sister, Dora Deane Stalcup of Mountain City, Tenn.; two grandchildren, Kelley and Katherine Sherwood; and one great-granddaughter, Reagan Timmons.

A memorial service was conducted Jan. 7, 2006, at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Vero Beach, with the Rev. James M. Newsome, Jr. officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Endowment Fund of the First Baptist Church, 2206 16th Ave., Vero Beach, FL 32960.