May 5, 2006

Elaine Leek Hensley

Mrs. Elaine Leek Hensley, 62, of 205 Ivy Terrrace Drive, Boone, died Tuesday morning, May 2, 2006, at Watauga Medical Center.

She was born March 9, 1944 in Queens County, New York, a daughter of the late Benjamin and Cornelia Thompson Leek.

Mrs. Hensley was a retired Nurses Aid and a member of Friendship United Methodist Church.

Survivors include two daughters, Lorry A. Hoover and husband, Donald, of Boone, and Dawn Morse and husband, Brian, of Allijay, Ga.; one brother, Carl Timmann of Salem, Oregon; two sisters, Annmarie Brigham and husband, Ben, of Hillsbourgh, Oregon, and Veronica Smith of McMinnville, Oregon; two granddaughters, Marisa Hoover of Boone, and Elizabeth Morse of Allijay, Ga.; and two grandsons, Donald Hoover, Jr. of Boone, and Jay Morse of Allijay, Ga.

Private memorial services for Mrs. Elaine Leek Hensley will be conducted at a later date.

Hampton Funeral Service was in charge of the arrangements.

Dallas W. Hodges

Mr.  Dallas W. Hodges, 91, of 418 Hodges-Miller Road, Blowing Rock, died Tuesday morning, May 2, 2006, at his home.

He was born March 22, 1915 in Watauga County, a son of the late General Grant and Mamie Moody Hodges.

Mr. Hodges was a retired heavy equipment operator and a member of Laurel Fork Baptist Church.

Survivors include three daughters, Ruby Bolick and husband, Lester, Jean Taylor and husband, Sammy, of Blowing Rock, and Shirley Taylor and husband, Alton, of Boone; four sisters, Doris Miller and Bonnie Eggers and husband, Reverend Carson Eggers, of Blowing Rock, and Zadia Trivette and Marie Icenhour and husband, Doug, of Lake Placid, Fla.; nine granddaughters, Janet Gregg and husband, Pete, Teresa Canton and husband, Bruce, Sheila Chambers, Reta Miller, Sandra Muller and husband, Michael, Sharon Wolf and husband, Bubba, Joyce Wright, Kimberly Shroyer and husband, George, and Annette Ward and husband, Gregg; and one grandson, James Taylor and wife, Sharon. He is also survived by 31 great-grandchildren, 14 great-great-grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Agnes Miller Hodges; one daughter, Genevieve Coffey; and two brothers, Dow Hodges and Hubert Hodges.

Services will be conducted Sunday afternoon, May 7, 2006, at 3 o’clock at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Daniel Featherstone officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery in Blowing Rock.

The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon from 1:30-3 p.m. at the funeral home, prior to the services.

Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to Laurel Fork Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1147, Boone, N.C. 28607.

Hampton Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

John Allen Mast

Mr. John Allen Mast, 69, of Georges Gap Road, Sugar Grove, died at home.

He was born in Watauga County, Jan. 27, 1937,  a son of the late Vardry and Dora Shell Mast. 

Mr. Mast graduated from Appalachian State Teachers College with a BA and an MA in Education. He was a retired Professor of English Literature, having taught at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He was a member of Cove Creek Baptist Church. 

Surviving are two daughters, Malinda Rathbone of Cary and Amy Mast of Atlanta, Ga.; two sons, John Allen Mast, Jr. of Decatur, Ga. and Tim Mast of Atlanta, Ga.; two brothersl, Leo Mast and wife, Anne, of Sugar Grove, and Benjamin Mast and wife, Ingrid, of Washington; one sister-in-law, Mary Joines of Banner Elk; two grandchildren, Morgan and Bailey Rathbone of Cary; and a number of nieces and nephews. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Georgia Swift; one brother, Harold Mast; and one sister, Dorothy “Dottie” Mast Harrigan. 

Graveside services and burial was conducted Thursday afternoon at 2 o’clock at the Cove Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, officiated by the Rev. James D. Hagaman. 

Memorials may be made to the Class of 1955 Scholarship Fund, in care of James Hagaman, 4545 Old US Hwy. 421, Zionville, N.C. 28698. 

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

Claud W. Moretz

Mr. Claud W. Moretz, 92, of Banner Elk, the Foscoe community, died Monday, May 1, 2006, at Watauga Medical Center.

He was born May 19, 1913 in Watauga County, a son of the late Alfred Jason and Addie Wagner Moretz.

Mr. Moretz was a retired owner and operator of the Watauga Motel in Boone for a number of years. He served with the United States Air Force during World War II and was a member of South Miami Lutheran  Church in Miami, Fla.

Survivors include his wife, Delcie Welch Moretz; one son, John W. Moretz and wife, Kim, of Miami, Fla.; and a sister-in-law, Mrs. Katie Moretz of Cornelius. Also surviving are a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant child; and two brothers, Jake Moretz and Jack Moretz.

Services were conducted Thursday afternoon,  May 4, 2006, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating was Pastor Larry Campbell. Burial  followed in the Gap Creek Cemetery in Deep Gap.

Memorials may be made to Gap Creek Cemetery Fund, in care of William G. Moretz, P.O. Box 575, Deep Gap, N.C. 28618.

Hampton Funeral Service was in charge of the arrangements.

James ‘Crow’ Parsons

Mr. James "Crow" Parsons, 71, of 393 Carter Miller Road, Todd, died Tuesday evening, May 2, 2006, at Watauga Medical Center.

He was born Sept. 18, 1934 in Ashe County, a son of Mabel Trivett Parsons and the late Walter Worth Parsons.

Mr. Parsons was a retired attendant at the Deep Gap Container Site and a member of South Fork Baptist Church.

Survivors include his mother, Mrs. Mabel Parsons; one sister, Lillian Welch, both of Todd; and one brother, Dean Parsons of Lexington. A number of nieces and nephews, including Mary Kathrine Parsons, of the home, also survive.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by one sister, Alma Jean Parsons.

Funeral services for Mr. James "Crow" Parsons were conducted Friday afternoon, May 5, 2006, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating was the Rev. Joe Morgan. Burial followed in the Howell Cemetery in Todd.

Hampton Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Charles  ‘Chuck’ Stone

Mr. Charles "Chuck" Stone, 55, of 1549 Big Hill Road, Boone, died Tuesday, May 2, 2006, at Watauga Medical Center.

He was born May 6, 1950 in Washington, D.C., a son of the late Jesse Ray and Lila Austin Stone.

Mr. Stone was an electrician with Watauga Medical Center and was also self-employed.

He is survived by his fiancé, Margie Brown of Boone; one daughter, Meleah Stone; one son, Jesse Forrest Stone; one granddaughter, Lindsey Rose Stone; his mother, Lila Austin Stone of Boone, and one brother, Rick Stone and wife, Ann, all of Boone. One niece, Amy Stone and husband, Jamie Wicks of Orlando, Fla.

Services will be conducted Saturday evening, May 6, 2006, at 8:00 o'clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel.The body will lie in state from 6:00 until 8:00 o'clock. Officiating will the Rev. Marianne Romanat.

The family will receive friends Saturday evening, from 6:00 until 8:00 o'clock, at the funeral home, prior to the service.

Hampton Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Lila Austin Stone

Mrs. Lila Austin Stone, 89, of 2418 Friendship Church Road, Boone, died Wendesday morning, May 3, 2006, at Blowing Rock Hospital.

She was born Jan. 28, 1917 in Caldwell County, a daughter of the late William Austin and Pansy Brown Austin Norris.

Mrs. Stone was a homemaker and a member of the Boone United Methodist Church. Survivors include one son, James Richard Stone and wife, Ann, of Boone; granddaughters, Amy Stone and husband, Jamie  Wicks, of Orlando, Fla., and Meleah Stone of Boone; grandson, Jesse Forrest Stone of Boone; one great-granddaughter, Lindsey Rose Stone of Boone; one sister, Mary Lou Mathis and husband, Warren, of Pinehurst; and one brother, Warren "Buddy" Austin and wife, Iris, of Sanford. A number of nieces and nephews also survive.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse Ray Stone, and one son, Charles "Chuck" Stone.

Services will be conducted Saturday evening, May 6, 2006, at 8:00 o'clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state from 6:00 until 8:00 o'clock. Officiating will be The Rev. Marianne Romanat. Private entombment will follow in the Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens Mausoleum.

The family will receive friends Saturday evening, from 6:00 until 8:00 o'clock, at the funeral home, prior to the service.

Hampton Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Vonnie Gilliam Tester

Mrs. Vonnie Gilliam Tester, 96, of Odes Wilson Road, Zionville, died Tuesday morning, May 2, 2006, at her home.

She was born Jan. 29, 1910 in Watauga County, a daughter of the late William and Cora Harmon Tester.

Mrs. Tester was a homemaker and a member of Antioch Baptist Church.

Survivors include one son, Tom Tester and wife, Margaret, of Zionville; one daughter-in-law, Mrs. Clyde Tester of Reidsville, N.C.; four granddaughters, Ms. Beth Tester of Reidsville, Mrs. Cindy Bryant and husband, Dwayne, of Madison, N.C., Mrs. Dawn Layman and husband, Matt, of Mebane, N.C., and Mrs. Jackie Lawrence and husband, James, of Zionville; one grandson, Ben Tester and wife, Missy, of Reidsville; two step-granddaughters, Mrs. Myra Snider and husband, Ernie, of High Point, and Mrs. Debra Briggs and husband, Clint, of Sunset Beach, N.C. Seven great-grandchildren, four nieces and one nephew also survive.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Ben Tester; one son, William Clint Tester; one daughter, Betty Jean Holt; one grandson, William Clint Tester; one sister, Birdie Greer; and two brothers, Harvey Gilliam and Richard Gilliam.

Services were conducted Thursday evening, May 4, 2006, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating were the Rev. James Hagaman and the Rev.  David Luster. Graveside services and burial were conducted Friday morning, at Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, in care of Ben Trivette, 4460 Rominger Road, Banner Elk, N.C. 28604.

Hampton Funeral Service was in charge of the arrangements.

Owen Craig Wilson, Sr.

Mr. Owen Craig Wilson, Sr., 97, of McLean Drive, Lenoir, passed away Tuesday, May 2, 2006, at Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care.

He was born August 17, 1908 in  Caldwell County to the late John Madison Wilson and Elizabeth Craig Wilson.  

Mr. Wilson attended Mars Hill College. He was manager for 16 years of Smithey’s Department Stores in Boone, N.C. He was Alderman for the town of  Boone and a member of Boone’s volunteer fire department. He moved to Lenoir in 1947 and started Fairway Super Market, Red Pig Bar-B--Q, Service Distributing Company, Fairway Coin Laundry and Fairway Tire.  He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Lenoir and a Kiwanis’s Club of Whitnel charter member. 

He had a great love for his family. He would entertain them with amazing stories from his past, especially about his world travels. He had traveled to 28 countries, and across the U.S. His favorite trip was the one he took to the Holy Land. Mr. Wilson often said that God took him there. He also had a passion for flying; he went so far as to get his “instrument rating” to fly his plane. He spent many summers cultivating his garden, and enjoyed having his family help pick and eat its rewards.  Mr. Wilson was called “Opa” by his family, which is German for grandfather. His favorite book was his Bible, which was well read and written in throughout. 

Survivors include a son, Owen C. Wilson, Jr. and wife, Carolyn, of Lenoir; four grandchildren, Tamara H. Wilson and husband, Brian, of Mooresville, Dane B. Howard and wife, Susan, of Davidson, Owen C. Wilson, III “Tres” and wife, Mary, of Lenoir and Wesley W. Wilson of Lenoir; seven great-grandchildren, Shannon Wilson, Jake Wilson, Landon Howard, Tanner Howard, Shelby Wilson, Dillon Wilson and Owen C. Wilson, IV.

 In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Georgia Waugh Wilson; a daughter, Beverly Waugh McKeithan; four sisters, Adell Wilson, Jessie McLaurine, Anne Wilson, Elizabeth W. Hinshaw; three brothers, Gaither, John and Woodrow Wilson.

Services were conducted Friday morning at 11 a.m. at the First Methodist Church of Lenoir with the Rev. John Fowler and the Rev. Marietta Smith officiating. Burial followed at Blue Ridge Memorial Park.

Serving as pallbearers will be Brian Wilson, Owen Wilson, III, Wesley Wilson, Dane Howard, Mike Moretz and Sanford Bolick.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Lenoir, Building Fund,  309 Church Street,  Lenoir, N.C.  28645 or to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street, Lenoir, N.C. 28645.

Online condolences may be sent to:  www.pendrysfuneralhome.com

Pendry’s Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

May 3, 2006

Buster Lee Butler

Mr. Buster Lee Butler, 82, of Park Street, Newland, died Friday, April 28, 2006 in the Life Care Center of Banner Elk.

A native of Mitchell County, he was a son of the late Frank and Nellie Ledford Butler.

Mr. Butler was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corp serving during World War II. He worked for Georgia Pacific in S.C. He enjoyed watching football and baseball,  especially the Atlanta Braves. 

Survivors include his wife, Carol Watson Butler; two sons, Roger Butler and wife, Debbie, of Kingsport, Tenn. and Larry Butler of Charlotte, N.C. He is also survived by two grandchildren and two nieces. 

Services were conducted Monday evening, May 1, at 7 p.m., in the Grandfather Chapel of Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home with the Rev. Joe Ingham officiating. Interment followed at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday morning in the Mountain Home VA Cemetery.

Condolences may be made by visiting www.reinssturdivantfunerlhome.com

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland is serving the Butler family.

Avian Hall DeWire

Ms. Avian Hall DeWire, 37, of 1050 21st St. Dr., Hickory, N.C.,  died Saturday, April 29, 2006 at Caldwell Memorial Hospital, Lenoir, N.C., from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

She was born June 4, 1968 in Grand Island, NE, the daughter of Leota Clemens Reith of Salisbury and the late Earl Henry Hall. 

Ms. DeWire was educated in the Camden, N.Y. Schools and graduated from Camden High School.  She graduated from the State University of New York at Fredonia, Fredonia, N.Y. and received her Masters degree in audiology from Bloomsburg University, Bloomsburg, Pa.

Her clinical credentials include Fellow of American Academy of Audiology (FAAA) and Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCCA) through American Speech- Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

She started her professional career as clinical audiologist in 1993.  She served the hearing health care needs of hundreds of patients, which included work in Pennsylvania and North Carolina.  Most recently, she served as clinical audiologist at the office for Blue Ridge Ear, Nose & Throat of Boone, N.C., where she served the North Carolina High Country for more than four years.

In addition to her mother she is survived by her step-father, Gerald Reith of Salisbury;  brother, Michael E. Hall of Salisbury; paternal grandmother, Margaret Hall of Baldwinsville, N.Y., and an aunt and uncle, Roxanne and Brian Richardson of Memphis, N.Y.

The family will receive friends at the Summersett Funeral Home from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday and at other times will be at the home of her parents, Leota and Gerald Reith, 3055 Airport Road, Salisbury, N.C. 28147.

A memorial service will be held in Salisbury at a later date.  An additional memorial service will be held in New York with interment at Coal Hill Road Cemetery in Taberg, N.Y.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn.  38105-1905; or the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, 950 W. Faris Road, Greenville, S.C. 29604.

Summersett Funeral Home in Salisbury, N.C., is serving the DeWire family.

Richard T. ‘Dick’ Horn

Mr. Richard T. “Dick” Horn, 75, of 140 Hobard Road, Sugar Grove, died Sunday, April 30, 2006, at Life Care Center of Banner Elk.

He was born March 3, 1931 in Milford, Delaware. He was a son of the late John Merrick and Viola Macklin Horn.

Mr. Horn was a retired saw blade machinist with Vermont American Corporation.

Survivors include five daughters, Debbie Penuel of Deep Gap, Cathy Hackett and husband, Jamie, and Judy McDonnell and husband, Richard, both of Cape Coral, Fla.; Stacey Linsinrigle of Levittown, Pa.; Cathy Jacobs and husband, Richard, of Dover, Delaware; one son, Richard “Skippy” Horn and wife, Lendia, of Lake City, Fla.; one sister, Louise “Doty” Aden and husband, Bruce, of Milford, Delaware; one nephew, Tommy Horn of Milford, Delaware; one niece, Claudia Horn of California; ten grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Budda and Ned Horn; and one nephew, Gary Aden.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Burial will be in the Green Cemetery in Sugar Grove.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Green Cemetery Fund, c/o Tommy Tester, 2384 Peoria Road, Sugar Grove, N.C. 28679.

Hampton Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Floyd L. Hodges

Mr. Floyd L. Hodges, 79, of 396 Hodges Road, Deep Gap, N.C., died Sunday, April 30, 2006, at Glenbridge Health Care.

He was born July 8, 1926 and  was a native of Watauga County. He was a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church, a retired machinist with Vermont American Corporation and a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.

Survivors include two daughters, Debbie Jett and husband, Roger, of Granite Falls and Audrey Watson and husband, Jim, of Deep Gap; two sons, R.D. Hodges of Blowing Rock and James Hodges and wife, Susan, of Greenwood, S.C. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Halbrooks Hodges; a daughter-in-law, Elaine Clawson Hodges; his father and mother, Judson and Vinnie Carroll Hodges; two sisters, Etta Wheeler and Lonarene Hodges.

Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday morning, May 3, 2006, at Cornerstone Baptist Church by the Rev. Harvey Presnell, the Rev. Bud Russell and R.D. Hodges. Burial will follow in the Hodges Family Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at Hampton Funeral Service from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, May 2, 2006 and at other times at the home of Audrey and Jim Watson, 653 Wildcat Road, Deep Gap.

Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to Cornerstone Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 565, Deep Gap, N.C. 28618.

Hampton Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Hazel Isaacs Roark

Mrs. Hazel Isaacs Roark, 93, Asbury Place, Johnson City, Tenn., died Monday, May 1, 2006 at the Johnson City Medical Center.

She was a native of Mabel, N.C. in Watauga County and had lived in Johnson City since 1951. She was a daughter of the late John Henry and Nancy Elizabeth Greer Isaacs.

Mrs. Roark was a member of Oakland Avenue Baptist Church.

Survivors include one son, Larry Roark and his wife, Edith H. Roark, of Gray; one grandson, Jon Roark and his wife, Stephanie, of Gray; two granddaughters, Nancy Renfro and her husband, Jeff, of Johnson City and Beth Roark of Allen Park, Michigan; four great-grandchildren, Aaron McKee, Audrie McKee, Josie Roark and Mattie Roark; four step-great-grandchildren, Alex  Renfro and his wife, Bethany, Christy Renfro, Jonathan Renfro and Thomas McKee; and several nieces and nephews.

Her husband, Paul Roark, two brothers and three sisters, preceded Mrs. Roark in death.

Services will be conducted at 2 p.m., Thursday, May 4, 2006 from the Morris-Baker Funeral Home South Chapel. Dr. Gene Lasley and the Rev. Bill Warren will officiate. Graveside services will follow in Monte Vista Memorial Park.

Active pallbearers will be Jon Roark, Jeff Renfro, Cecil Hagaman, Paul D. Roark, Mike Roark and  Harry Greer. Honorary pallbearers will be Gene Isaacs, Paul Matheson and Claude Babb.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m.,Wednesday, May 3, 2006 at the funeral home and at other times at the home of her son, Larry Roark, 222 Norwood Drive, Johnson City, TN 37615.

Floral tributes will be appreciated but for those who wish memorial contributions may be made to Union Church Cemetery, c/o Roxanna Miller, 6797 Old Hwy 421, Zionville, N.C. 28698.

Online condolences may be made through www.morrisbaker.com.

Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 Oakland Ave., Johnson City, Tenn., is serving the family.

May 1, 2006

Perry Glenn Bentley, Jr.

Mr. Perry Glenn Bentley, Jr., age 36, of NC Highway 105 South, Vilas, died Saturday morning, April 29, 2006. 

He was born March 6, l970 in Watauga County, the son of Perry Glenn “Sam” Bentley, Sr. and Betty Phillips Bentley of Vilas. 

Mr. Bentley was a member of Shull’s Mill Baptist Church.  He was an employee of Boone Rent-All. 

In addition to his parents, he is survived by two sisters, Carole Watson and husband, Billy, of Vilas and Teresa Hopper and husband, Lynn, of Rowlett, Texas; one niece, Amanda Greene and husband, Josh, of Boone; and two nephews, Terry Wolfe, Jr. of Boone and Jason Wolfe of Vilas.  A number of aunts, uncles and cousins also survive.

Services will be conducted Tuesday morning at 11 o’clock at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by the Rev. Delmar James.  Burial will follow in the Shull Cemetery.

Flowers are appreciated or the family suggests memorials to Hospice of Watauga County, 136 Furman Road, Boone, N.C. 28607.

The family will receive friends Monday evening from 7 until 8:30 at Austin & Barnes.  At other times, the family will be at the home of his parents, 141 Roby Bentley Road in Vilas.

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

Ruth Davis Green

Mrs. Ruth Davis Green, 86, of Lenoir, N.C., died Wednesday, April 26, 2006.

Ruth, a founding member of United Presbyterian Church, served as an elder and Sunday School teacher. She was retired from Thomasville Furniture. “Nanny” embraced life and family. As the matriarch of the Greene Clan she presided over her kitchen, which served as the heart of her home. It was there that her inviting smile encouraged great conversation and debate sessions. She delighted in cooking feasts for family gatherings and church socials. She will always be remembered by any who visited for the incredible warm welcome home given to one and all –  sit long/talk much.

She taught us by example as she raised eight children and 47 grand, great and great-great grandchildren to have the courage to face adversity, the humor to laugh at ourselves, and the unstinting love that was always there to help heal us body and soul.

She is survived by four sons, Ralph Davis Greene and wife, Lynn of Lenoir, John Daniel Greene and wife, Claudia of Statesville, Louis Walter Greene of Lenoir and David Gordon Greene and wife, Terri of Charlotte; two daughters survive her: Mina Greene Pritchard and husband, Curtis of Lenoir and Janice Greene Driscoll and husband, Edmund of Oak Hill, Va. She is also survived by one brother, Jefferson Woodrow Davis and wife, Jean of Lemon Springs, N.C.; one sister, Annie Davis Burkheimer of Lenoir and two sisters-in-law, Mary Davis of Waynesville and Hazel Davis of Greensboro, N.C. Ruth was blessed with 20 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; eight step-grandchildren; eight step-great-grandchildren; two grand-poodles and a great number of loving nieces, nephews, neighbors, friends and relatives.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Biddie Houck Davis of Todd; her father, Walter Lenoir Davis and stepmother, Dora Houck Davis of Todd and Lenoir, N.C. She was also preceded in death by her son, Harold Donnell Greene of Lenoir; her daughter, Mary Anne Greene Patterson of Lenoir and her grandson, Michael Davis Greene of Lenoir. Three brothers preceded her in death: Albert William Davis of Bonlee, N.C., Thomas Walter Davis of Elk Creek, Va. and Samuel Victor Davis of Waynesville, N.C. Cheryl Flippin Greene, her daughter-in-law, of Kings Mountain, N.C. also precedes her in death.

Services were held Saturday, April 29, 2006 at 11 a.m. at United Presbyterian Church conducted by the Rev. Steve Austin. Graveside services were held at 2:30 p.m. at Zion United Methodist Church Cemetery in Todd.

Serving as pallbearers will be Pamela G. Gilbert, Timothy Greene, Grady (Butch) Greene, John C. Greene, Crickett G. Wallace, R.C. Greene, Lynn P. Hague, Suzette Patterson, Jeremy Greene, Joshua Greene, Jonathan Greene, Jaimee Driscoll, Edmund Driscoll III, April G. Davis, Summer Greene and Cory Greene.

Memorial contributions may be made to United Presbyterian Woman, P.O. Box 1495, Lenoir, N.C. 28645.

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.

Zelma Luther Greer

Mrs. Zelma Luther Greer, 89 of Salisbury, N.C., died Friday, April 28, 2006 at Rowan Regional Medical Center, Salisbury.

She was born Aug. 26, 1916 in Watauga County, N.C., the daughter of the late John Luther and Margaret Payne Luther.

Mrs. Greer graduated from Deep Gap School, Deep Gap, N.C. She had worked for Cannon Mills and retired from Erik Anders as a seamstress. She was of the Methodist faith and loved taking care of children and grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband of 72 years, Winfield “Win” Marshall Greer, married April 7, 1934; sons, Rex Greer and wife, Irene, of Salisbury, Robert Greer and Wife Charlotte of Salisbury; grandchildren, Gerald Greer and Wife Debbie of Salisbury, Sharon McDuffie and husband, Jerry, of Landis, Michael Greer and wife, Heather, of Rockwell, Bambi Amick and husband,  Michael, of Raleigh, Susan Pickler and husband, Wayne, of Salisbury, Marshall Greer of Salisbury, Debbie Gilbert and husband, Eugene, of Kannapolis, Angie Ranson and husband, Dallas, of Spencer, Donna LaRose and husband, Dan, of China Grove, and 19 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by sons,  Ronnie Greer, who died in 1945; Max Greer who died in May 2000; and a grandson, Michael James Greer, who died Nov. 1994.

Services were conducted Monday morning, May 1, at the Powles Funeral Home Chapel, Rockwell, conducted by the Rev. Billy Ervin, Pastor of Rock Grove United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Brookhill Memorial Gardens, Rockwell.

Memorials may be made to Rowan County Relay For Life, C/O Freeda Martin 7789 Stokes Ferry Road, Salisbury, N.C. 28146 or to St. Judes Research Hospital for Children, 501 St., Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105

Online condolences may be sent to www.powlesfuneralhome.com

Powles Funeral Home is serving the Greer family.

Roy Dean Hodges

Mr. Roy Dean Hodges, 77, of Boone, died Thursday morning, April 27, 2006 at the Watauga Medical Center. 

He was born June 22, 1928 in Watauga County, a son of Clyde Bryan and Blanch Hartley Hodges. 

Mr. Hodges was a member of Rutherwood Baptist Church.  He was a retired carpenter.

Survivors include his wife, Lois R. Hodges; three daughters, Janet Trivett and husband, Bob, of Zionville, Jeanette Israel and husband, Mike, of Hickory and Norma Jean Hodges and husband, John Schmeelk, of Qatar, Persian Gulf; one brother, Rupert Albert ‘Al’ Hodges of Heber, Arkansas; his half-brother Henry Taylor and wife, Ruth, of Boone and five grandchildren.

Services will be conducted Sunday afternoon at 3 o’clock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Chapel, officiated by the Rev. Gary Lawrence.  Burial will follow in the Rutherwood Baptist Church Cemetery. Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to the Gideon’s, in care of Rutherwood Baptist Church, 142 Don Hayes Road, Boone, N.C.  28607.

The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon from 2 until 3 at Austin & Barnes.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Hodges family.

David Lee Mosley

David Lee Mosley, 6 month infant son of Billy and Betty Presnell Mosley of Boone, died Saturday morning, April April 29, 2006, at the Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem.

He was born October 27, 2005 in Watauga County.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his maternal grandparents, Ralph and Rachel Presnell of Sugar Grove; his paternal grandmother, Joyce Slusher of Fox Lake, Illinois; his paternal great-grandmother, Gladys Valentine of Louisville, Kentucky; two uncles, Bobby Allen Presnell of Sugar Grove and Tony Cole of Holland, Michigan; and three aunts, Cindy Cole, Natasha and Windy Slusher, all of Fox Lake, Illinois.

Services will be conducted Wednesday morning at 10 o’clock at the Chapel of the First Baptist Church in Boone, officiated by Dr. Wayne Brown.  Burial will follow in the Presnell Cemetery.

The family will be at the home of Ralph and Rachel Presnell, 7186 Rominger Road in Sugar Grove.

Flowers are appreciated or the family suggests memorials to the Presnell Cemetery Fund, in care of Ida M. Harmon, 405 Jimmy Billings Road, Vilas, N.C. 28692.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Mosley family.

David Baxter Proffitt

Mr. David Baxter Proffitt, 50, of 5 Sherrill Drive, Granite Falls, died Thursday, April 27, 2006, at his home.

He was born August 15, 1955 in Watauga County.

Mr. Proffitt was a self-employed sandblaster and a member of Mount Hermon United Methodist Church in Granite Falls.

Survivors include his father, Rev. Baxter Proffitt, his mother, Geneva Main Proffitt, both of Mount Airy; four sisters, Ann Owenby of Kingsport, Tenn., Margaret Bowman and husband, Scott, of Speedwell, Tenn.; Barbara Blood and husband, Larry, and Gail Proffitt-Kernodle, all of Mount Airy; one brother, Charles Proffitt of Mount Airy; his grandmother, Clemmie Main of Blowing Rock; two aunts, Viola Norris and husband, Russell, and Mrs. Edith Miller, all of Boone; and one uncle, Ronda Main, of Granite Falls. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Henry and Mae Norris Proffitt and Charlie Main.

Servuces were conducted Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m. at Hopewell United Methodist Church with the Rev. Mike Howard, and the Rev. Jonathan Brake officiating. Burial followed in the Hopewell United Methodist Church Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hopewell United Methodist Church Cemetery in care of Betty Davis, Boone, N.C. 28607.

Hampton Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Lola Byrd Wilson

Mrs. Lola Byrd Wilson, 96, died Friday, April 28, 2006.

She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity and charitable spirit. She taught for 41 years in Yancey, Buncombe, Henderson and Caldwell County Schools.

In retirement, she enjoyed traveling and visiting family.  She volunteered at Watauga Hospital for 12 years.  She was a member of First Baptist Church in Boone for more than 30 years, where she attended the Fidalis Sunday School class.  She was also a charter member of the John Barden Golden Kiwanis Club and a member of the North Carolina Retired Teachers Association.

Mrs. Wilson leaves fond memories with her loving family, daughters Iva Hartley and husband Jim of Boone; and Joyce Huggins and husband Larry of Charlotte; grandchildren Heather Hartley of Chicago; Eric Hartley and wife Lynette of Boone; Michele Huggins of Charlotte; and Laura Huckaby and her husband Rodney of Charlotte; and great-grandson Ethan Hartley of Boone.

She is preceded in death by her father and mother, Charles and Maggie Byrd; her husband Charles Hollis Wilson; and sisters Maphra Bennett and Monnie Buckner.

Services were conducted Monday morning at 11 o’clock at the First Baptist Church Chapel with Dr. Wayne Brown and Mr. George Miles officiating.  Graveside services and burial will be conducted Monday afternoon at 3 o’clock at the Wilson Cemetery in Burnsville.

Memorials may be made to the NC Baptist Children’s Fund, Joy Cove Ministries, PO Box 338, Thomasville, N.C. 27361-9911. 

The family thanks all the caregivers who provided care and assistance, Dr. Bill Beason, Dr. Robert Griffith, Dr. Peter Haibach, and Dr. John Whitlock.  Also thanks to Watauga Medical Center Home Health and the nurses at Watauga Medical Center.

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