March 31, 2006

Ronnie Keith Hicks

Mr. Ronnie Keith Hicks, 52, of Rogers Drive, Boone, died Monday evening, March 27, 2006 at the Watauga Medical Center. 

He was born August 7, 1953 in Banner Elk, a son of the late Dewey and Margie Love Hicks.

Mr. Hicks was a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church. Ronnie was a well known local bluegrass and gospel musician.  He was a member of the Cove Creek Ramblers and volunteered at the Project on Aging  for the past 39 years. Ronnie was especially proud of his Volunteer of the Year Award recognizing his contributions to the citizens and agencies of Watauga County.

Survivors include three sisters, Nancy Hicks of Boone and Judy Chapman and Linda Soloman and husband, Kevin, all of Greenville, Tenn.; two brothers, Jerry Hicks of Boone and Dewey Hicks, Jr. and his wife, Shaw  Marie of Greenville, Tenn.  Three nieces and six nephews also survive.

Services were conducted Thursday morning at 11 o’clock at Beech Valley Baptist Church, officiated by the Rev.  Harvey Presnell, the Rev. Arvil Hardy and the Rev. Quincy Norris. Burial followed in the Beech Valley Baptist Church Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Watauga Chapter of the North Carolina Council for the Blind, in care of Kathleen Ward, 270 Rush Branch Road, Sugar Grove, N.C. 28679.

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

Ruby Downs Roach

Mrs. Ruby Downs Roach, 76, of Ivy Terrace Drive, Boone, died Tuesday morning, March 28, 2006 at Watauga Medical Center. 

She was born October 2, 1929, in Watauga County, a daughter of Velma Hatten Downs and the late Clyde W. Downs. 

Mrs. Roach attended Cool Springs Baptist Church and was a retired waitress and cashier.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by one daughter, Judy Lee Gragg Phillips of Boone; one son, Tommy Roach of Lexington; and one sister-in-law, Tunseko Downs of Boone. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Roach; her father, Clyde W. Downs; and two brothers, J. C. and Bill Downs.

There will be no services. 

The family suggests memorials to Project on Aging, Home Delivered Meals, 132 Poplar Grove Connector, Suite A, Boone, N.C. 28607.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Roach family.

Janie Wilkie Templeton

Mrs. Janie Wilkie Templeton, 86, of Lenoir, died Tuesday, March 28, 2006, at Lenoir HealthCare Center.

She was born May 16, 1919 in China Grove to the late Thomas Stowe Wilkie and Vera Eddleman Wilkie.

Mrs. Templeton was a homemaker and secretary. She was a member of St. Stephens Lutheran Church, and a charter member of Lenoir Service League. She was a graduate of UNC Greensboro.

Survivors include two sons, Ralph Gordon Templeton, Jr. of Greenville, S.C. and Thomas Wilkie Templeton of Boone; three daughters, Linda Templeton Chester of Lenoir, Roxanne Templeton Irvine of Richmond, Va. and Susan Templeton Irvine of Springfield, Va.; a sister, Laura Jo Wilkie Barksdale of Charlotte; 11 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her spouse, Dr. Ralph Gordon Templeton.

Services will be held Saturday, April 1, at 2 p.m. at the St. Stephens Lutheran Church with the Rev. Tony Bradshaw officiating. The body will lie in state 30 minutes prior to the service. Burial will follow at Belleview Cemetery.

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

Pallbearers will be John Chester, Jim Chester, Jeff Templeton, Chuck Sobrito, Brett Forbes and Patrick Templeton.

The family requests no cards, calls, food, only prayers.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 6000 Fairview Road, Suite 200, Charlotte, N.C. 28210.

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

March 29, 2006

Howard H. Cook

Mr. Howard H. Cook, 73, of Interlachen, Fla., a native of Boone, died Saturday, March 25, 2006 in Gainesville, Fla.

He was born August 16, 1932 in Watauga County, a son of the late George Russell and Annis Matney Cook.

Mr. Cook was a retired painter and a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Lenoir.

Survivors include his wife, Pauline Cook of Interlachen, Fla.; two daughters, Sharon Gentry and husband, Don, of Renton, Wash., and Karen Jayne of  Las Vegas, Nev.; two sisters, Kathleen Kirley of Deep Gap, and Marjetta M. Timm of Lewisville; one brother, Rev. Russell Cook and wife, Irene, of Morganton; five grandchildren, Jeremy Brand, Sharon Brand, Christopher Inman, Timothy Inman, and Joshua Gentry; and five great-grandchildren, Alexander Gentry, Tyler Inman, Caden Inman, Rain Shadden, and Joren Brand. A number of nieces and nephews also survive.

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

Services will be conducted Friday afternoon, March 31, 2006, at 2 o'clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state from 12:30 until 2:00 o'clock. Officiating will be the Rev. Sonny Younce and the Rev. Vance Triplett. Burial will follow in the Liberty-Matney Community Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Friday afternoon, from 12:30 until 2:00 o'clock, at the funeral home, prior to the service. At other times, the family will be at the Annis Cook home place, 595 Old Hampton Road, Boone.

Flowers are appreciated, or memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Baptist Church, 2963 Playmore Beach Road, Morganton, N.C.  28655.

Hampton Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

John ‘Jack’  Rockwell Roman

Mr. John “Jack” Rockwell Roman, 91, of Lake Placid, Fla., died March 19, 2006.

He was a carpenter and builder of everything from houses and boats to furniture and appliances. A retired PBX repairman, he had retired from Southern Bell after more than 45 years and after building the lake house in Lake Placid, where he and his wife had retired. He was an Eagle Scout and a scoutmaster in South Florida.

Mr. Roman participated with his wife in the various dances held at the Sebring Seniors Club and the Lake Placid American Legion Post. He built their home they lived in, in Coral Gables, prior to moving to Lake Placid and had additionally built or remodeled several cabins and homes in North Carolina during their summers spent in the mountains. He was a member of Lake Placid Memorial United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his sons, Allen R. of Tallahassee, John D. of Sebring and Scott L. of Longwood; a brother, William B. of Fort Pierce; and five grandchildren.

A graveside memorial service was held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lake Placid, with the Rev. Jim Leach officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lake Placid Memorial United Methodist Church.

Scott Funeral Home in Lake Placid, Fla., were in charge of the arrangements.

March 27, 2006

James Harvey  ‘Jim’ Aldridge

Mr. James Harvey “Jim” Aldridge, 74, of N.C. Hwy. 105 South, Banner Elk, the Foscoe Community, died Friday afternoon, March 24, 2006 at Watauga Medical Center.

He was born in Watauga County, August 21, 1931, a son of the late Linville and Julie McLean Aldridge. 

Mr. Aldridge was a member of the Foscoe Christian Church and the Foscoe Fire Department.  He was a founder of the Foscoe Fun Days, and was a little league coach and umpire.  He was a retired carpenter.

Survivors include his wife, Claudia M. Aldridge; thee daughters, Sandra Denney and husband, Bart, of Smyrna, Ga., Jamie Parris of Banner Elk, and Tonya Hill and husband, Greg, of Woodstock, Ga.; two sons, Mark Aldridge and Harvey Aldridge and wife, Tanya, all of Banner Elk; four grandchildren, Shona Parris, Brandon Aldridge, Nolen Hill and Bryson Aldridge; three sisters, Snow Hopper of Foscoe, Mina Joe Storie of Boone, and Bernell Meredith of Leesburg, Fla. and Foscoe. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five brothers, Clus, Shula, Garner, Frank, and Shona Aldridge; and two sisters, Verla Aldridge and Mamie Ethel Shook.

Services were conducted Sunday afternoon at 5 o’clock at the Foscoe Christian Church, officiated by Minister Lance Hostetter.

Memorials may be made to the Foscoe Christian Church, 8834 Hwy. 105 South, Boone, N.C. 28607 or to Hospice of Watauga County, 136 Furman Road, Boone, N.C. 28607.

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

Gurney J. Canter

Mr. Gurney J. Canter, 71, of Horse Bottom Road, Banner Elk, died Friday, March 24, 2006, at his home.

A native of the Meat Camp community of Watauga County, he was a son of the late Frank and Lillie Icenhour Canter, and the husband of Mrs. Jonelle Teague Canter. He was born Oct. 7, 1934, and was of the Baptist faith.

Survivors include his wife, Jonelle Teague Canter; seven sons, Jason Teague and Jody Teague, both of Banner Elk; David Strader of Gastonia; J.C. Canter of Todd; Arnold Canter and wife, Angela, of Boone; Jeff Canter of Mountain City, Tenn.; Gene Canter of Todd; four daughters, Melissa Miller of Warrensville; Betty Roark and husband, Boyd, of Mountain City, Tenn.; Elaine Woodring and husband, Jay, of Boone; Dolly Icenhour and husband, Billy, of Todd; one step-son, Wayne Teague of Pennsylvania; one step-daughter, Amy Chase of Hickory; one brother, Harvey Canter of Todd; two sisters, Viola Coffey of Yadkinville and Dorothy Miller of Hickory, N.C.; 24 grandchildren; one step-grandchild and nine great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by eight brothers, two sisters, three children and one grandchild.

Graveside services will be conducted Monday afternoon at 2 p.m. at the Main Cemetery in Todd with the Rev. Bruce Miller officiating. The family will receive friends at their residence.

Hampton Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Eileen Mulvey Krause

Mrs. Eileen Mulvey Krause, 71, of Boca Raton, Fla., and a seasonal resident of Blowing Rock, died Monday, March 20, 2006, at the Boca Raton Community Hospital.

She was born Dec. 5, 1934 in Buffalo, New York.

Mrs. Krause was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister. She raised a family in Munster, Ind., later moving to Nashville, Tenn., Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. and finally to Boca Raton. She was a member of St. Jude Catholic Church in Boca Raton. Mrs. Krause was an airline stewardess prior to marrying and later attended nursing school.

Survivors include her faithful, devoted husband of 47 years, Frank Krause; her daughter, Nancy Griffin and husband, Mark, of Blowing Rock; two sons, David Krause and wife, Nora, of Nashville, Tenn. and Sean Krause of Boone; three grandchildren, Kelly Griffin of Blowing Rock, and Davie and Lily Krause, both of Nashville; three sisters, Mary Howe of State College, Pa., Patsy McGee of Lackawanna, New York and Nancy Conroy of Oswego, Ill.;  and two brothers, Thomas and Charles Mulvey, both of Buffalo, New York. A number of nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends also survive.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Patrick and Mary Mulligan Mulvey; and two brothers, Gerald and Kevin Mulvey.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday at noon at the St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, officiated by Father Joe Mulligan. The family will receive friends Monday morning from 11 a.m.-noon, one hour prior to services, at St. Elizabeth. Christian burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Blowing Rock.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Krause family.

William Copeland Linney IV

Mr. William Copeland Linney IV, 78, of Union Grove, died Thursday, March 23, 2006, at Iredell Memorial Hospital in Statesville, N.C.

He was born August 3, 1927 to William Talmadge Linney and Elsie Fern Clark Linney in Mecklenburg County.

Mr. Linney actively attended Taylor Springs Baptist Church. He owned and operated Linney’s Mill, one of the few remaining active sawmills in North Carolina for close to 60 years. As a visionary, he produced his own electricity and supplied it to the REA at one time. He developed the “Ole Water Mill Campground” in 1970 and created many wonderful lifetime relationships with the campers and their families. He enjoyed providing the grounds for Baptisms conducted for area churches.

Survivors include one son, Billy Linney and wife, Juanita, of Union Grove; one daughter, Kimberly Wilson and husband, Robert, of Lenoir; three grandchildren, Crystal Linney, Olivia and Ryan Wilson; one brother, Gene Linney and wife, Janette, of Taylorsville; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Grace Reid Linney; and one sister, Mary Evelyn Linney.

Services will be conducted Monday afternoon at 2 p.m. at Taylor Springs Baptist Church in Union Grove, with the Rev. Perry Link and the Rev. Wayne Riddle officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the Linney family at alexfuneralsvc@bellsouth.net.

Alexander Funeral Service in Taylorsville, N.C., are in charge of the arrangements.

James C. ‘Jim’ Sluder

Mr. James C. “Jim” Sluder, 77, of Briarwood Lane, died Saturday, March 25, 2006, at Blowing Rock Hospital.

He was born March 4, 1929 in Mountain City, Tenn., a son of the late Hillary and Sarah Guy Sluder.

Mr. Sluder was a retired farmer.

Survivors include one brother, Wesley A. Sluder and his wife, Lois, of Zionville; one sister-in-law, Cleo Sluder of North Wilkesboro; a special friend, Mary Strong of Blowing Rock; a number of nieces and nephews; two sisters-in-law, Nell Sluder of Mountain City and Celia Guy of Boone; and a brother-in-law, Marvin Woodard of Boone .

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Maggie Woodard; two brothers, Calvin and Henry Sluder; one half-sister, Ella Reece; and five half-brothers, Rom, Onnie, and Lloyd Sluder and Charlie and Sam Guy.

Services will be conducted Tuesday afternoon at 2 p.m. at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Dan Church officiating. Burial will follow in the Reece Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 7-8:30 p.m. at Hampton Funeral Service, and other times at the home of the brother, Wesley and Lois Sluder, 105 Tater Hill Road, Zionville, N.C.

Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to the Reece Cemetery Fund, c/o Earl Wilson, 725 Mabel School Road, Zionville, N.C. 28698.

Online condolences may be sent to the Sluder family at www.hamptonfuneralservice.com

Hampton Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Paul Ethan Yates

Mr. Paul Ethan Yates, 25, of 247 Upper Crab Orchard Road, Banner Elk, died Thursday, March 16, 2006.

He was born Feb. 27, 1981, in Watauga County, a son of Ruth K. Yates and the late Paul Julius Yates.

Mr. Yates attended Valle Crucis School and Watauga High School and earned his GED from Caldwell Community College in 1997. He was employed by Lowes Food in Banner Elk and Winn Dixie in Boone as third shift stocker for several years.

Survivors include his mother, Ruth Yates of Banner Elk; one sister, Jennifer Yates Edmisten and husband, Bruce, of Boone; one niece, Katie Edmisten; and one nephew, Paul Edmisten, both of Boone.

He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Julius Yates.

Services were conducted Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Betty Henson officiating. Burial was in Liberty/Matney United Methodist Church Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Liberty/Matney Cemetery Fund, in care of Vanessa Rupard, 1078 Upper Crab Orchard Road, Banner Elk, N.C. 28604.

Hampton Funeral Service was in charge of the arrangements.