February 3, 2006

Hugh James Alverson

Mr. Hugh James Alverson, age 87, of 366 Watson Drive, Boone, died Monday evening, Jan. 30, 2006, at his residence.

He was born April 24, 1918, in Portsmouth, Va.

Mr. Alverson was a member of the United States Army and a veteran of World War II.

Survivors include one son, Mr. Allen Alverson of Boone; one daughter, Mrs. Irene Jeanette Brown and husband, Stewart, of the home; and a sister-in-law, Jerri Dot Alverson of Tampa, Fla. One niece and three nephews also survive.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Irene O. Alverson; his father and mother; one sister and three brothers.

A memorial service for Mr. Hugh James Alverson will be conducted Saturday afternoon, Feb. 4, at 2:00 o'clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be the Rev.  Marianne Romanat.

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

Flowers are appreciated or memorial contributions may be made to the VFW Post 7031, 144 VFW Drive, Boone, N.C. 28607.

Hampton Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Hazel Hardy Beach

Mrs. Hazel Hardy Beach,  85, of Joe Badger Road, Warrensville, and a former resident of Boone, died Tuesday morning, Jan. 31, 2006, at home. 

She was born June 28, 1920 in Watauga County, a daughter of the late Luther and Lona Lane Hardy. 

Mrs. Beach was a homemaker and a member of Doe Ridge Baptist Church.

Survivors include two daughters, Linda Tucker and husband, Phil, of Warrensville, and Faye Miller and husband, Tom, of Wilkesboro; one son, L. E. Beach and wife, Renee, of Vilas; five sisters, Ruth Baker and Jean Wolfrey of Virginia, Betty Barnett and Hessie Osborne of Wilkesboro and Edith Coffey of North Wilkesboro; her step-mother, Lucy Hardy of Virginia; one half sister, Vickie Proctor of Virginia; and one half brother, Gary Hardy of West Virginia; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and fout great-great-grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her husband Everett Clay Beach; and two sons, Johnny Wilson Beach and William Clay “Bill” Beach; six brothers; two sisters; two half brothers; and one half sister.

Services conducted Thursday afternoon at 2 o’clock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by the Rev. Michael Greene, Brother Michael Grubb and Mr. Phil Tucker.  Burial followed at Mount Lawn Memorial Park & Gardens. 

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Ashe County, PO Box 421, Jefferson, N.C. 28640.

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

Freida Reece Brown

Mrs. Freida Reece Brown, 62, of Silverstone Road, Zionville, died Tuesday morning, Jan. 31, 2006, at her home.

She was born Jan. 11, 1944, in Watauga County, a daughter of Herman and Marjorie Roberts Reece.

Mrs. Brown was a member of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and was a housewife.

Survivors include her husband, James G. “Bud” Brown; one daughter, Angelia Matheson and husband, Everett, of Banner Elk; two sons, Darrell Brown and wife, Jeanette, of Newton and Jason Brown of the home; three grandchildren, Emily Brown of Newton and Lindsey and Michael Brown, both of Boone; three brothers, Kenneth Reece and Lynn Reece, both of Columbia, S.C., and Marty Reece and wife, Vickie, of Zionville; and one sister, Delene Coffey and husband, Ronnie, of Granite Falls. A number of nieces and nephews also survive.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Marjorie Roberts Reece.

Graveside services and burial were conducted Thursday morning at 11 o’clock at the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, officiated by the Rev. Sam Lawson.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Watauga County, 136 Furman Road, Boone, N.C., or to the Scott Mallard Kidney Dialysis, in care of Watauga Medical Center, P.O. Box 2600, Boone, N.C. 28607.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Brown family.

Carlton Calvin Critcher

Mr. Carlton Calvin Critcher, 77, of 1821 Deerfield Road, Boone, died Tuesday morning, Jan. 31, 2006, at his residence.

He was born March 19, 1928, in Watauga County, a son of the late Carnie and Jennie Ward Critcher.

Mr. Critcher was a retired truck driver and farmer and served in the U.S. Army. He was a member of Mount Vernon Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Ester Craig Critcher; two daughters, Angela Miller and husband, Randall, and Anissa Castle and husband, Todd, all of Boone; two sons, Keith Critcher of Dallas, Texas and Derek Critcher of Charlotte; one granddaughter, Miranda Warren and husband, David, of Vilas; three grandsons, Bryan Miller of Lynchburg, Va., Hamilton Castle and Anderson Castle, both of Boone; seven brothers, Edward Critcher and wife, Vee, Truman Critcher and wife, Lenore, Harry Critcher and wife, Wanda, John Critcher and wife, Dana, and Steve Critcher, all of Boone, Rev. David Critcher and wife, Linda, of Meadowview, Va. and Reggie Critcher and wife, Debbie, of Wilkesboro; one sister, Erma Rae Davison and husband, George; and his step-mother, Judy Critcher, all of DeBary, Fla.; and a sister-in-law, Anna Critcher of Boone. A number of nieces and nephews also survive.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Richard and Howard Critcher.

Services were conducted Friday morning, Feb. 3, at 11 a.m., at Mount Vernon Baptist Church, with the Rev. Allan Blume and the Rev. Bud Russell officiating. Burial followed in Mount Vernon Baptist Church Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mount Vernon Baptist Church Building Fund, 3505 Bamboo Road, Boone, N.C. 28607 or to Hospice of Watauga County, 136 Furman Road, Boone, N.C. 28607.

Hampton Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Ruby Johnson Deitz

Mrs. Ruby Johnson Deitz, 82, of Hickory, N.C., died Jan. 31, 2006, after a one-year illness, at Hospice of Catawba Valley.

She was born Nov. 18, 1923, in Catawba County, to the late Lander Hill Johnson and Nannie Mae Shuford Johnson.

Mrs. Deitz was a charter member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church where she was an active member.

She taught school for 30 years. She taught at Glen Alpine Elementary, Mtn. View, and 22 years at Sweetwater School. She retired in 1980. Mrs. Deitz was involved in several fraternal organizations including Women of the Moose, Does, and Women’s Auxiliary of the American Legion. She was a member of Clara’s Friendship Girls and the Hickory Senior Citizens Club. Mrs. Deitz was a loving mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, teacher and friend. She touched many lives and will be greatly missed.

Survivors include one son, Donald “Donnie” Johnson Deitz and friend, Diane Windham, of Hickory, N.C.; one daughter, Debra D. Post and fiance, Ernie Mentesana, of Boone; one brother, Hugh Johnson and wife, Dot, of Hickory, N.C.; one sister-in-law, Freida S. Johnson of Conover, N.C.; two grandchildren, Murphy Post of Boone, N.C. and Bailey E. Post of Wilmington, N.C.

She was preceded in death by one brother, Joe Thomas Johnson.

Services were conducted Thursday afternoon at 1 p.m. at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Dr. Thomas L. Gibson and the Rev. William Garrard officiating. Burial followed in Catawba Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to St. Luke’s UMC Music Ministry, 52 16th Ave., N.W., Hickory, N.C. or Palliative Carecenter & Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, N.C. 28658.

Bass-Smith Funeral Home is serving the Deitz family.

Frank Davis Feimster

Mr. Frank Davis Feimster, 93, of Statesville, N.C., died Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2006.

He was born in Iredell County, April 15, 1912, the son of the late Walter Columbus and Birdie Ward Feimster.

Mr. Feimster was married in 1935 to Elsie Reeves. A master cabinetmaker, he worked at Sherrill Lumber for over 50 years. He gave his children and his grandchildren wonderful pieces of furniture, the products of his handiwork.

His great joy in life was his family, and he looked forward each January to the Feimster Reunion in Harmony. He also loved to dance, to tend his garden, and to fish. A loyal Democrat, he maintained throughout his life a keen interest in politics.

Survivors include two sons, Jack Feimster and wife, Rose Marie, of Boone, N.C. and Charles Feimster and wife, Ann, of Troutman; seven grandchildren, Eric Maxwell Feimster of Statesville, Andrew Davis Feimster of Crumpler, N.C., Leigh Ann Feimster Darty of Statesville, Mark Davis Feimster of Troutman, Hannah Feimster of Greensboro, Lee Anne S. Simmons of Lewisville, and Kristen S. Powell of Statesville; and eight great-grandchildren.

The family wish to thank the staffs of Statesville Place and Hospice for their kindness and the care they have given Mr. Feimster.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Elsie Reeves Feimster in 1992; a grandson, Charles Phillip Feimster in 1981; and his siblings, Robert, Norris, Margaret F. Jenkins, Edna F. Sloan, and  Durand Feimster.

Services were conducted Friday morning at 11 a.m. at Hebron Baptist Church in Turnersburg, where he was a long-time member. Burial followed in the Oakwood Cemetery in Statesville.

Memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, N.C.

Nicholson Funeral Home in Statesville, N.C., is serving the Feimster family.

Peggy Jane Greer Haas

Peggy Jane Greer Haas, 67, of 120 Oak Street, Jefferson, N.C., died Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2006, at the home of her son in Sparta, N.C.

Survivors include a son, Mike Haas and wife, Libby, of Sparta; two grandchildren, Matthew Haas of Sparta, Jennifer Bryant and husband, Lester Ray, of Mt. Airy; a great-grandchild, Kathryn Michele Bryant; a sister, Frances Nadeen Danner and husband, Robert, of Orlando, Fla.; two brothers, Robert “Buck” Greer and wife, Marzetta, of Lenoir, and James “Jimmy” Greer and wife, Faye, of Boone; a special friend, Boyd Barnett of Boone; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be conducted Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. at the Oak Grove Baptist Church in Boone. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will gather at the church at 1 p.m., Saturday.

Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, P.O. Box 4072 Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01202.

Grandview Memorial Funeral Home of Sparta, is serving the Haas family.

Ruth Tester Harmon

Mrs. Ruth Tester Harmon, 94, of Flatwood Road Lenoir, died Monday, Jan. 30, 2006 at her home.

A native of Watauga County, Mrs. Harmon was a daughter of the late James and Sadie Brinkley Tester, and the wife of the late George Calvin Harmon.

Survivors include one son, Baxter O’Neil Harmon and his wife, Rachel, of Lenoir; two daughters, Jamie H. Roberts and husband, Marcus, of Hudson; Margie H. Thomas and husband, Otto, of Zionville; nine grandchildren, Sharon H. Osborne and husband, Craig; Sheldon Harmon and wife, Cathy; Mark Roberts and wife, Kim, and Calvin Harmon, all of Lenoir; Debra R. Templeton and husband, Dennie, of Radford, Va.; Kay R. Swanson and husband, Wayne, of Hudson; Larry Thomas and wife, Audrey, and Joe Thomas and wife, Debbie, all of Boone; Nancy Thomas and husband, Sean Fagan, of Fountain, Colo.; nine great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Owen G. Harmon.

Graveside services were conducted 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 1, at Blue Ridge Memorial Park by the Rev. Bert Blackburn.

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

Online condolences may be offered at www.evansfuneralservice.com.

Evans Funeral Service of Lenoir is serving the Harmon Family.

Gary Lawrence Holman

Mr. Gary Lawrence Holman, age 52, of Todd, died Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2006, at Watauga Medical Center in Boone.

He was born in Watauga County, April 4, 1953, to the late Charles Holman and to Bertha Fulton Holman.

Survivors include his mother, Bertha Holman, of Todd; two brothers, Joe Holman of Glendale Springs and Jeff Holman, of Todd; a half-sister, Shirley Church, of Todd; five sisters, Loraine Tyrie, of Blowing Rock; Edith Dillard of West Jefferson; Vickie Mullis of Laurel Springs; Ann Canter of Todd; and Nancy Toliver  of Creston. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

A memorial service will be held Friday, Feb. 3, at 2 p.m., at Boone Family Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. J.D. Walton and Eugene Calloway officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Watauga County Kidney Dialysis Center, c/o Georgia Potter, 337 Deerfield Road, Boone, N.C. 28607.

You may give the family your condolences at our website at www.boonefuneralhome.com.

Boone Family Funeral Home of West Jefferson is in charge of the arrangements.

Joseph Waverly Rowell

Mr. Joseph Waverly Rowell, 81, of Bristol, Tenn., died Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2006, at his home. 

He was born in Surry, Va., to the late Joseph W. and Mary Elizabeth Bell Rowell, and had lived in Bristol since 1952. 

Mr. Rowell was a graduate of the University of Virginia and was a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II.  He was a former professional baseball player and was retired from Dillard Paper Company. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church where he had served as a deacon and an elder. He had served as president of the Bristol Host Lions Club and the Bristol Tigers. Mr. Rowell was a member of the Board of Directors of the Salvation Army and was a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow.

Survivors include his wife, Frances Proffit Rowell; four sons, Steve Rowell and his wife, Nancy, of Winston-Salem, and their children, Kathryn and Jeff; Brent Rowell and his wife, Phantipa, of Lexington, Ky., and their daughter, Andrea; John Rowell and his wife, Kathleen, of Valle Crucis, N.C., and their children Grey, Logan and Thomas; and David Rowell and his wife, Lisa, of Winston-Salem, and their children Michael, Emily and Nathan.

Joe will be remembered for his love of woodworking, antiques, antique car restoration, travelling and sports, particularly baseball, golf, tennis and fishing. Most of all, he loved all his neighbors, friends and family, and was so appreciative of all their many kindnesses and prayers over the past year.

The committal service and interment was conducted at 3 p.m., Sunday afternoon, Jan. 29, 2006, in Glenwood Cemetery. A memorial service was conducted at 4 p.m. Sunday afternoon at First Presbyterian Church in Bristol, Tenn. Dr. Gordon Turnbull officiated at both services. The family received friends immediately following the memorial service in the church fellowship hall. 

Memorial contributions may be sent to First Presbyterian Church, 701 Florida Avenue, Bristol, TN 37620, the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 887, Bristol, TN 37621, Wellmont Hospice, 280 Steele’s Road, Bristol, TN 37620 or to the Joe and Frances Rowell Scholarship Fund, Wake Forest University, P.O. Box 7227, Winston-Salem, NC 27109.

Mr. Rowell and his family are in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, Tenn.

February 1, 2006

Arnie Franklin Isaacs, Sr.

Mr. Arnie F. Isaacs, Sr., 89, of 235 Smith Isaacs Road, Zionville, died Sunday, Jan. 29, 2006, at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem.

He was born Feb. 3, 1916, in Watauga County, a son of the late Smith and Myrtle Reece Isaacs.

Mr. Isaacs was a farmer and a truck driver for O.M. Little Charles O. Greene and Ivy Wilson Trucking Company and a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Maude Johnson Isaacs; two daughters, Marcis Harmon and husband, Bart, of Vilas and Shari Brown and husband, Kenneth, of Zionville; three sons, A.F. Isaacs, Jr. and wife, Vickey; Larry Isaacs and wife, Teresa, and Mike Isaacs and wife, Susie, all of Zionville; six grandsons, Terry Isaacs and wife, April; Brad Isaacs and wife, Sara; Chad Isaacs, Eric Harmon and wife, Jessica, all of Vilas; Jason Brown of Zionville, and Landon Isaacs of Asheville; three granddaughters, Vonda Sharpe and husband, James, of Vilas, Kristi Langdon of Zionville, and Heather Rhem and husband, Jon, of High Point; nine great-grandchildren, Matthew Church, and Robyn Langdon, both of Zionville; Kelsey Isaacs, Brandon Mast, Ashtyn Mast, Kayla Harmon, and Jacob Harmon, all of Vilas; and Avery Rhem and Taylor Rhem, both of High Point; two sisters, Ella Greer of Boone and Madge Campbell of Zionville; three sisters-in-law, Dare Isaacs of Zionville, Geneva Johnson of Vilas and Hazel Cornett and husband Linnie of Mountain City, Tenn. A number of nieces and nephews also survive.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Smith and Myrtle Reece Isaacs; three brothers, Loyd, Dennis and Raymond Isaacs; and three sisters, Mae Beach, Wilma Greer and Madeline Watson.

Services will be conducted Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 1, at 2:00 o'clock, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. The body will lie in state at the church from 1-2 p.m. Officiating will be the Rev. Thomas Whray and the Rev. Herbert McCoy. Burial will follow in the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hand-In-Hand Building Fund at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 1564 Silverstone Road, Zionville, N.C. 28698.

Hampton Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Ronald L. Johnson

Mr. Ronald L. Johnson, 69, of 190 Sunny Lane, Powderhorn Mountain, Deep Gap, died Sunday, Jan. 29, 2006, at his residence.

He was born Oct. 3, 1936, in Huntington, West Virginia.

Mr. Johnson was a retired Traffic Engineer for G.T.E.

Suvivors include his wife, Nancy Hill Johnson; one daughter, Keron Johnson Poteat of Powderhorn Mountain; one son, Deron L. Johnson of Raleigh; one grandson, Clint Poteat of Powderhorn Mountain; a son-in-law, Mark Poteat of Powderhorn Mountain; and two sisters, Donna Gayle Lincoln of Bluffton, S.C. and Kay Hines of Beaufort, S.C. Five nieces, one nephew, four great-nieces and four great-nephews also survive.

Memorial services will be conducted Saturday afternoon, Feb. 4, at 2:00 o'clock, at the Campbell Memorial Chapel in Powderhorn Mountain. Officiating will be the Rev. Melanie Childers. Entombment will follow in the Campbell Memorial Columbarium.

A reception will follow the memorial service at the Powderhorn Mountain Community Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Watauga Medical Center Oncology Department, PO box 2600, Boone, N.C. 28607.

Hampton Funeral Services is in charge of the arrangements.

Thomas Edward May

Mr. Thomas Edward May, 69, of BH Duncan Road, Zionville, N.C., died Sunday, Jan. 29, 2006, at Life Care Center of Banner Elk.

He was a life-long resident of Watauga County and was a son of the late Ralph G. May, Sr. and Hassie Lewis May.

Mr. May worked for Watauga Ready Mix for 40 years and loved his farm. He was a hard worker and a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was a member of Friendship Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Wilma Cox May; two daughters, Edwina May of Boone and Mary Ann May Wilson and husband, Mike, of Mountain City, Tenn.; two sons, Tom Edward May, Jr. and wife, Sandra, of Sugar Grove, N.C. and Tim May and wife, Melissa, of Zionville; two sisters, Virginia Thomas and husband, Grant, of Zionville and Vivian Winters and husband, Clayton, Minister of Erwin, Tenn.; a brother, Ned May and wife, Anita, of Zionville; five grandchildren, April Nicole May, Montra Renee May, Samantha May, Alex May, and Blake May; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, R.G. May, Jr.

Services will be conducted Wednesday afternoon at 2 p.m., at Friendship Baptist Church with Pastor Maurice Ward officiating. Interment will follow in the May Family Farm Cemetery. Pallbearers will be family and friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cemetery Fund, c/o Tim May, 280 Oscar Road, Zionville, N.C. 28698.

Condolences may be made online at www.mountaincityfuneralhome.com.

Mountain City Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

January 30, 2006

Mr. Lanny Alan Badin

Mr. Lanny Alan Badin, 57, of Lansing, N.C., died Thursday, Jan. 26, 2006 at the Forsyth Medical Center.

He was born May 18, 1948 in Kings County, New York to the late Murray and Katie Wisokski Baden. 

Mr. Badin was a member of the Faith Lutheran Church and served on the church council.  He loved sports and was a big horse racing fan.

Survivors include his wife,  Pamela Hingson Badin; two step-sons, David Moore of Tampa, Fla. and Daniel Moore of Savannah, Ga.; one step-daughter, Heather Moore-Reed and husband, William Reed Jr., of Wilmington, N.C.; one grandson,   William H. Reed III of Wilmington, N.C.; two sisters, Bonnie Calabro and Robin Salpeter, both of New York; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial services were conducted Saturday afternoon at  3 p.m., Feb. 4, at the Faith Lutheran Church in Whitetop, Va., with the Rev. Will Robertson officiating.

You may email your condolences to the family through our website at www.badgerfuneralhome.com

Badger Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Helen Barlow Baucom

Mrs. Helen Barlow Baucom, 95, life-long resident of Banner Elk, N.C., died Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2006, at Hospice Care Center, St. Joseph Hospital, in Lexington, Ky.

An avid gardener, she was a member of the Banner Elk Garden Club and was a life-long active member of the Banner Elk Presbyterian Church.

Survivors include her daughter, Jane B. Stephenson; her grandchildren, Jennifer McLamb and her husband, Brooks, Rebecca Stephenson and her husband, Barry Richardson, and David Stephenson and wife, Angie, along with three great-grandchildren, Jonathon and Cullen Lamb and Victoria Stephenson, all of Lexington, Ky.; one brother-in-law, Bill Rowe of Marion, N.C.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Braxton L. Baucom.

Services were conducted Saturday morning, Jan. 28, at 10 a.m. at the Banner Elk Presbyterian Church in Banner Elk, N.C. Burial followed at the Marshville Cemetery at 4 p.m.

Memorials may be made to the Banner Elk Presbyterian Church, Banner Elk, N.C. 28604 or Hospice of the Bluegrass, 2312 Alexandria Dr., Lexington, Ky. 40504.

Online register book at www.lakesfuneralhome.com

Lakes Funeral Home in Berea, Ky., are in charge of the arrangements.

Gary Lee Bentley

Mr. Gary Lee Bentley, 59, of John Ward Road, Sugar Grove, died Thursday evening, Jan. 26, 2006, at the Watauga Medical Center.

He was born Nov. 8, 1946 in Watauga County,  a son of Tracy and the late Beulah Love Bentley. 

Mr. Bentley was a member of the Zionhill Baptist Church.  He was formerly employed by Carroll Leather, Inc. in Boone.

Mr. Bentley is survived by his wife, Barbara Harmon Bentley; his father, Tracy Bentley of Blowing Rock; his sister, Sharon Cook and husband, Bruce, of Boone; one niece, Melissa Soto and husband, Dan; and one great-nephew, Jesse Presnell, all of Sugar Grove. Also surviving are special friends, Karin Combs, Karin Bare, Brandy and Matthew Harmon, Jessica Bumgarner, Jennifer Potter and Lindsey Matheson.

Funeral services were conducted Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock at the Zionhill Baptist Church, officiated by the Rev. James Hagaman and the Rev. Quincy Norris.  Burial was in the Harmon Cemetery.

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

Col. Robert Delano Blanton

Col. Robert Delano Blanton, USMC (Ret.), of North Charleston, S.C., died Thursday, Jan. 26, 2006.

He was born Feb. 16, 1935, in Charleston County, S.C., a son of the late Edward Patterson and Helen Geiger Blanton.

Col. Blanton was a graduate of Chicora High School (1953); attended the College of Charleston, excelling at physics while playing varsity basketball; graduated from the University of South Carolina (1957) and later attended the School of Forestry Management at Duke University.

Col. Blanton joined the Marine Corps in 1957 where he learned to fly. He left the Marine Corps for three years, working as a crop dusting pilot and then flew for the U.S. Forestry Service in North Carolina fighting forest fires. He once landed a plane on I-40 west of Durham, N.C. after the police blocked traffic for him. He rejoined the Marine Corps and became a Naval flight instructor.

He served in Viet Nam where he performed medical evacuation of wounded Americans – often under hostile fire. While serving in Viet Nam, he was four-times awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the highest honor awarded to pilots. He was also awarded 57 Air Medal citations, three Bronze Stars, a Silver Star and a number of other medals. The citations frequently referred to evacuating wounded Americans under hostile fire “... without regard for his personal safety.”

Col. Blanton returned to Viet Nam for a second tour flying escort missions in Cobra helicopters. No aircraft he escorted was ever shot down.

After the war, he became commanding officer of two different helicopter squadrons. Later in his career, he was a popular leader with young Marines and was acting commanding officer of The Basic School where all new Marine Corps officers receive their fundamental officer training.

Other notable moments in Col. Blanton’s career followed important world events and include providing emergency assistance after Hurricane Betsey in 1965; leading an operation to remove mines from the Suez Canal in Egypt in 1974; evacuation assistance in Cyprus after the Greek coup and subsequent Turkish invasion; planning assistance for Middle-East operations during the Iran hostage crisis; Fleet Marine Force operations for the Pacific Ocean.

Col. Blanton’s military and leisure travel took him to over 16 countries. He easily bonded with people, and always enjoyed the company of the local people and their culture. He was a legendary athlete in a number of sports throughout his life and was always involved in his sons’ academic and athletic activities. Col. Blanton retired to his beloved Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, recently residing in Jonas Ridge.

Survivors include his wife, Joyce Humphries Blanton; three sons, Dr. Sean A. Blanton and wife, Yasemin Ipek, of Chicago, Ill.; Jason R. Blanton and wife, Amy, of Washington, D.C. and Matthew E. Blanton of Chicago, Ill.; two sisters, Ann Mixson and Mary Louise Seyle, both of N. Charleston, S.C.; two brothers, Edward P. Blanton, Jr. of N. Charleston, S.C. and Eugene Blanton of Mt. Pleasant, S.C.; and a granddaughter, Pelin Elizabeth Blanton.

Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday morning, Feb. 1, at 11 o’clock, at St. George’s Episcopal Church in Summerville, S.C. Inurnment will follow in Riverview Memorial Park in North Charleston, S.C.

Friends may call at J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Greenridge Road Chapel, at N. Charleston, S.C., Tuesday evening, from 6-8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 5900 Core Rd., Ste 504, N. Charleston, S.C. 29406 (www.cancer.org), or The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 1247 Lake Murray Blvd., Irmo, S.C. 29063 (www.leukemia-lymphoma.org).

A memorial message may be written to the family by visiting the website www.jhenrystuhr,com.

J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. in N. Charleston, S.C., are in charge of the arrangements.

Helen Payne Carr

Mrs. Helen Payne Carr, 67, of The Villages, Fla., died Saturday, Jan. 28, 2006.

She was born in Hamilton, Ohio. She moved to Leesburg from Hamilton, Ohio in 1954. She was a member of St. Timothy Catholic Church.

Mrs. Carr was a retired teacher after 35 years. She taught at Dabney Elementary, Carver Middle School and Leesburg High School. She was active in the Highland Games at Grandfather Mountain, where she was a volunteer of the year in 2005. She was active in the Avery County Arts Council. Mrs. Carr enjoyed traveling, the mountains and her family.

Survivors include a son, William Joseph Carr, Cmdr, U.S. Navy; a daughter-in-law, Gannon Wilson Carr; grandsons, William Joseph Carr, Jr. and Jackson Payne Carr; and a granddaughter, Morgan Savannah Carr, all of Chula Vista, Calif.

Memorial services will be held Tuesday morning at 11 a.m. at Beyers Funeral Home with the Rev. Art Ayris officiating.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Summerfield Suites of Hospice of Marion County, 17421 S.E., 109th Terr Road, Summerfield, Fla. 34491.

Beyers Funeral Home in Leesburg, Fla., are in charge of the arrangements.

Paul Dollar

Mr. Paul Dollar, 78, of College Street, Wilkesboro, N.C., died Thursday, Jan. 26, 2006, at Wilkes Regional Medical Center.

He was born June 5, 1927 in Ashe County to Neil and Voltie Davis Dollar.

Mr. Dollar was a member of Peace Haven Baptist Church.

Surviving are three sons, David Lee Dollar, of Lillington, Daniel Dollar of Aberdeen, and Donald Dollar and wife, Judy, of North Wilkesboro; one daughter, Dorothy Penwell and husband, Mack, of Aberdeen; one sister, Edna Watson of Deep Gap; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mattie Belle Watson Dollar; a brother, Silas Dollar; and a sister, May Idle.

Graveside services were conducted Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m., at Mountlawn Memorial Park with the Rev. Tim Pruitt officiating. 

Memorials may be made to the Activities Department, Avante at Wilkesboro, 1000 College Street, Wilkesboro, N.C. 28697.

Miller Funeral Service in North Wilkesboro are in charge of the arrangements.

Clayton George May

Mr. Clayton George May, 68, of West Jefferson, N.C., passed away on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2006, at Watauga Medical Center after a lengthy illness.

He was born in Carleroi, Pa., on March 18, 1937 to George and Ann Dinert May.

Mr. May graduated from Parkersburg High School in West Virginia and from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio in 1960, where he earned a BS in Geology. He met his future wife, Mary Elaine Olson there. They married in 1961. He served in the United States Air Force and the Air Force reserves. He lived in Pittsburgh, Pa., Charleston, West Virginia and then in Charlotte, N.C. for 30 years.

Always a salesman, he worked for Dun & Bradstreet and Employer’s Mutual of Wausau in insurance while in Pittsburgh then for Amercoat, Inc. in West Virginia. After relocating to Charlotte, he founded his own company with a partner, Chandler Arndt. They worked together successfully as a manufacturer’s representative sales company for many years as Alternate Energy Concepts until its sale upon their retirement. After retirement he worked as a starter/ranger at Emerald Lake Golf Club, a labor of love.

He was always active in his children’s lives, never missed a football, basketball or baseball game or a wrestling or tennis match.

In 1999, he and Mary built a home and moved to the mountains of North Carolina in West Jefferson. He had plenty of time to golf, fish and just spend time with nature. He loved his family, his country, dogs, travel, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Duke Basketball.

Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Mary Olson May; four children, Curt May and granddaughter, Ames Liah May; Craig May and wife, Kristi, and grandsons, Cameron, Christian and Jordan, Scott May; and Kristen May, all of Charlotte, N.C.

He was preceded in death by a son, Christopher, who passed away at 5 months of age.

His wife, Mary, his children, grandchildren and friends will all miss his strong spirit, his intelligence, his humor and his wise guy attitude.

A visitation for friends and family was held on Sunday evening, Jan. 29, at 7 p.m. at Boone Family Funeral Home Chapel in West Jefferson, N.C.

A memorial service to celebrate Clayton’s life will be held Monday morning, Jan. 30, at 11 a.m., at the Boone Family Funeral Home Chapel with Father Joe Mulligan officiating.

Memorials may be made to American Kidney Foundation, 6110 Executive Blvd. Suite 1010, Rockville, Md. 20852.

You may give the family your condolences at our website www.boonefuneralhome.com.

Boone Family Funeral Home, Inc. of West Jefferson is in charge of the arrangements.