May 19, 2006

Ralph M. Bath

Mr. Ralph M. Bath, 73, formerly of 214 Keeth Dr., Banner Elk, N.C., died Thursday, May 5, 2006 at Roan Highlands Nursing Center, Roan Mountain after a battle with cancer. 

A native of Pottstown, Pa., he was a son of the late Ralph M. Bath, Sr. and the late Sara Rosenberry Bath.

Mr. Bath spent his early life in Pughtown, Pa. He was a commercial artist who became well known doing college logos all along the eastern seaboard.

He is survived by his wife, Donna Bath, Banner Elk, N.C.; daughter, Judi Shirk of Pennsylvania; and sister, Shirley Rozelle of New Jersey.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-son, Peet Danials.

A memorial service will be conducted Sunday, May 28, at 2 p.m., at Hickory Ridge Homestead, Boone, N.C.

Memorial donations may be made to Hickory Ridge Homestead, P. O. Box 295, Boone, N.C.  28607.

Arrangements made by Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton.

Richard Alfred Braun Jr.

Mr. Richard Alfred Braun, Jr., 51, of Highway 105 South, Banner Elk, died Wednesday, May 10, 2006 at his residence. 

He was born Feb. l6, 1955, in Beckley, West Virginia. 

Mr. Braun was a costing and inventory control specialist.

Survivors include his father, Richard Braun, Sr. of Louisville, Ky.; and one sister, Jackie Louise Braun of Lexington, Ky.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Genevieve Shrewsbury Braun.

A celebration of life memorial will be conducted Friday afternoon at 3 o’clock at the Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church Fellowship Hall in Vilas, officiated by the Rev. Wynn Greer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Doctors Without Borders, Post Office Box 5030, Hagerstown, Maryland  21741.

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

Lorene E. Greene

Mrs. Lorene E. Greene, 74, of Collettsville Road, Lenoir, died Tuesday, May 16, 2006, at Caldwell Memorial Hospital.

She was born August 26, 1931 in Ashe County, to Mrs. Bessie Killen Eldreth of Boone and the late James E. Eldreth.

Mrs. Greene was retired from Frye Laundry and Dry Cleaning and was a member of Yadkin Valley Baptist Church where she was the Adult Women’s Sunday School Class teacher for 14 years.

Survivors in addition to her mother, include her husband, Buster B. Greene; four sons, Danny Wheatley and Robert “Donald” Wheatley, both of Lenoir; Calvin Wheatley of Purlear and Michael Wheatley of the home; one daughter, Mrs. Joyce Wheatley Beane of Lenoir; three step-sons, Tommy Greene, Billy Greene and B.L. Greene, all of Lenoir; three step-daughters, Mrs. Rita Nichols and Mrs. Joyce Watson, both of Lenoir, and Mrs. Carol Hughes of Marion; five brothers, Fred Eldreth, Carl Eldreth, Roger Eldreth, Bobby Eldreth and Denver Eldreth, all of Boone; four sisters, Mrs. Grace Holman of Todd, Mrs. Betty Cable of Boone, Mrs. Virginia Baugess of Elkin and Mrs. Patsy Reese of Vilas; 15 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Earl R. Wheatley; a brother, Clyde Eldreth; and a great-grandson, Ryan Edwards.

Services were conducted Thursday afternoon, May 18, at 2 p.m. at Greer-McElveen Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Bobby Pritchard and the Rev. Larry Winkler officiating. Interment followed at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.

Serving as pallbearers were Shane Wheatley, Marty Wheatley, Samuel Wheatley, Kenneth Greene, Joey Greene and Johnathan Pritchard. Honorary pallbearers were church deacons, Eddie Cheeks, Dennis Watson, Paul Lovins, Gregg Bryant, Todd Waters and Josh Dillard.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 500 East Morehead Street, Suite 211, Charlotte, N.C. 28202.

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Greene family.

Mary Bell Potter McLean

Mrs. Mary Bell Potter McLean, 72, of  Upton Place, Lenoir, died Monday, May 15, 2006 at Frye Regional Medical Center, Hickory, N.C.

She was born July 26, 1933 in Carter County, Tenn., to the late Dave Potter and Hattie Brewer Thompson.

Mrs. McLean was a member of John’s River  Baptist Church where she was a member of the choir and a Sunday school teacher, and church clerk.

Survivors include her husband, Bela Isaac McLean; three sons, Jerry McLean and wife, Sandra, of Lenoir, N.C., Charles McLean of Lenoir, N.C., Jack McLean and wife, Debbie, of Elk Park, N.C.; one daughter, Wanda Scragg and husband, Chuck, of Collettsville, N.C.; a sister, Faye Crisp of Lenoir, N.C.; two grandchildren, Leslie McLean and Christan McLean; a step-brother, Jack Thompson; and a step-sister, Judy Critcher.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Clayton and Dayton Potter; four step-brothers, Albert, Floyd, and Willie and Johnny Thompson;  four step-sisters, Joyce Aldridge , Lora Wright, Catherine Webb, and Lahoma Thompson; and step-father, Samuel Thompson.

Services were conducted Thursday afternoon, May 18, at 2:00 p.m. at the John’s River Baptist Church with the Rev. Rick Crisp and the Rev. Jack Lewis officiating. Mrs. McLean will lie in state one hour prior to the service at the church.

Serving as pallbearers were Jack Wilkinson, Jimmy Crisp, Abe Nail, Clyde Woody, Jr., Jerry Gragg, and Gerald McLean. Honorary pallbearers were Johnny Rich, Randy Scragg, Bill McLean, Ralph Kincaid and Charles Thompson.

Memorials may be made to Caldwell Hospice & Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood St., Lenoir, N.C. 28645 or to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 3300 East Sunrise Dr., Tucson, AZ  85718.

Condolences may be placed online at www.pendrysfuneralhome.com. Pendry’s Funeral Home in Lenoir, N.C., was in charge of the arrangements.

Verna Mae Price

Mrs. Verna Mae Price, 94, of Laurel Springs, N.C., died Monday, May 15, 2006 at the Segraves Care Center in Jefferson, N.C. 

She was born Sept. 18, 1911 in Ashe County.

Mrs. Price was a member of the Rock Creek Baptist Church.  

Survivors include sons, Rick Price of West Jefferson, N.C., Doug Price of West Jefferson N.C., and Doyle Price of Forrest City, N.C.; daughters, Jean Colvard of Laurel Springs, N.C., Glenda Bentley of North Wilkesboro, N.C., Carol Roark of Boone, N.C., Willa Trivette of Trade, Tenn., and Donna Cooper of Mouth of Wilson, Va.; brothers, James Stout, Eddie Stout, and Kenneth Stout, all of Columbus, Ohio; Eugene Stout of Ohio, and William Stout of West Virginia; a sister, Magdalene Williams of Ohio; 22 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Myrtle Roark; her husband, Glen Doyle Price; and a son, Eddie Dean Price. 

Services were conducted Wednesday afternoon, May 17, at 4:00 p.m. at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel. The eulogy was provided by John Bentley.  The family received friends from 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, prior to the funeral service, at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel. 

Memorials may be made to Segraves Care Center, 200 Hospital Avenue, Jefferson, N.C. 28640. 

Ashelawn Memorial Chapel was in charge of the arrangements.

William David Puckett

Mr. William David Puckett, 52, of Chattanooga, Tenn., died Sunday, May 14, 2006, after a short battle with cancer. 

He had lived in Chattanooga for 32 years, coming here from Banner Elk, N.C.  He was a member of Grace Baptist Church and worked at UPS for 32 years.  He was a very kind and loving husband, father and son and a man of deep faith in the Lord. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Pam Puckett; daughters, Katie Puckett of Chattanooga, JoLeigh Puckett of Birmingham, Ala.;  his parents, William and Shirley Puckett; brothers, Stephen Puckett and wife, Debbie, and Thomas Puckett, all of Banner Elk, N.C.; sisters, Linda (Rob) Hertler and husband, Rob, of Miami, Fla., Betty Ritchey and husband, Forrest, of Winston-Salem, N.C., Martha Hartley and husband, Skip, of Roan Mountain, Tenn., and  Theresa Puckett of Marion, N.C.; sisters-in-law, Denise and husband, Michael;  and Diana of Wappingers Falls, New York; Debbie Groves, and Reva Virginia;  and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Carrie Chapel and William Lester Puckett, Sr. and Hazel and Wiley Stout.

Services were conducted Thursday afternoon, May 18, at 3 p.m. in the chapel of Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home, with the Rev. Luther Carver officiating. Burial followed in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Banner Elk.

The family received friends Thursday afternoon from 1-3 p.m., prior to the service.

Contributions may be made to Gideon's International or to Grace Baptist Church Missionary Fund.

Condolences may be sent at www.reinssturdivantfuneralhome.com

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

Tiffany Michelle Rhodes

Tiffany Michelle Rhodes, 18, of 1387 West Brushy Fork Rd., Zionville, N.C., passed away on Monday, May 15, 2006 at Wilkes Regional Medical Center in Wilkesboro, N.C.

She was born on July 25, 1987 to Deborah Rhodes Davis of Lansing, N.C.

Tiffany was a 2005 graduate of Ashe County High School. She had finished her first year at Wilkes Community College. She was a member of Green Valley United Methodist Church.

Survivors include her mother, Deborah Rhodes Davis; two sisters, Elizabeth Ashley Rhodes-Gentry and Amber Nichole Davis of Lansing, N.C.; two brothers, Jeffery Daniel Rhodes and Austin Allen Davis of Lansing, N.C.; her loving grandparents, Len and Fran Wilson; and great-grandmother, Jeane Wilson of Zionville, N.C.; two aunts, Sandra Keilel and husband, Seth, of Winston-Salem, N.C., and Angel Sapia of Baltimore, Md.; two uncles, Michael Rhodes of Rural Retreat, Va. and Skipper Hamm and wife, Stephanie, of Atkins, Va.; and great-uncle, Lewis Wilson and wife, Linda, of Mountain City, Tenn.; several nieces and  nephews; and also a special classmate, Chantel Darnell of Lansing, N.C.

She was preceded in death by her great-grandfather, Ernest Wilson.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 19, 2006 from Green Valley United Methodist Church with Pastor Ricky Mitchell and Pastor Ken Furches officiating. Burial followed in the Wilson Cemetery in Zionville, N.C.

The family received friends Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m., at Mountain City Funeral Home.

 Pallbearers were Jeffery Rhodes, Brandon Mains, Burman Mains, James Payne, Keith Roark, and Barney Mahala. Honorary pallbearers were Jim Osborne, Steve Osborne, crew at Tri-State, students and teachers at Ashe County High School, Junior Seatz, Eugene Seatz, Nathan Seatz, and Dayton Seatz.

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

Mountain City Funeral Home in Mountain City, Tenn., is  serving the Rhodes family.

May 17, 2006

Eva Elrod Moody

MrsEva Elrod Moody, 90, of Hickory, N.C., died Sunday, May 14, 2006, at her residence.

She was born June 4, 1915 in Watauga County, to the late Edward and Josie Nelson Elrod.

Mrs. Moody was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and was formerly with Rudisill Food Center.

Survivors include one daughter, Elaine Evington and husband, Tom, of Hickory; two sons, Glenn Moody and wife, Hazel, of Rosman, N.C. and George Moody and wife, Debbie, of Hickory, N.C.; a step-daughter, Ruth Warren and husband, Joe, of Zionville, N.C.; a brother, Ronard Elrod of Blowing Rock, N.C.; two sisters, Georgia Woods of Blowing Rock and Belle Holman of Boone; four grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; two great-step-grandchildren; and two great-great-step-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Glenn Moody; two sisters, Pearl Crumley and Jewel Matthews; and a step-daughter, Dorothy Goetz.

Services were conducted Wednesday morning at 11 a.m. at Bass-Smith Funeral Home with the Rev. Robert Howard officiating. A graveside service was conducted Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. at the Adams Cemetery in Vilas, N.C., with the Rev. Thomas Whray officiating.

Memorials may be made to Palliative Care, Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Rd., Newton, N.C. 28658 or to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Zionville, N.C.

Bass-Smith Funeral Home & Creamtory is serving the Moody family.

Norton E. Patrick

Sergeant/Major (U.S. Army Retired) Norton E. "Pat" Patrick, age 75, of 1116 Watauga River Road, Sugar Grove, died Saturday, May 13, 2006, at  Hillcrest  Hospital in  Simpsonville, S.C.

He was born June 2, 1930 in  Washington County,  Missouri, a son of the late Lloyd and Sadie Hilsenbeck Patrick.

He retired after 30 years with the United States Army, serving in the Korean War and two tours of duty in Viet-Nam. Mr. Patrick was a member of Brushy  Fork Baptist  Church.

He is survived by his wife, Sarah Combs Patrick; one daughter, Judy Patrick Crowe and husband, Jeff; one granddaughter, Josie Crowe; and one grandson, Jacob Crowe, all of Simpsonville,  S.C.

Services were conducted Tuesday afternoon, May 15, 2006, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating was the Rev. Tony Duck.  Burial followed in the Cove  Creek Baptist  Church  Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cove Creek Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 68, Sugar Grove, N.C. 28679.

Hampton Funeral Service was in charge of the arrangements.

May 15, 2006

Joseph Thomas ‘Joe’ Cole

Mr. Joseph Thomas “Joe” Cole, 79, of Baird’s Creek Road, Vilas, died Friday evening, May 12, 2006 at his home.

He was born March 12, 1927 in the Creston community of Ashe County, the son of Abner Preston and Nora Belle Phipps Cole. 

Mr. Cole was a member of Mount Lebanon Baptist Church and was a retired welder from Vermont American.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen White Cole; his children, Michael Cole and wife, Elizabeth, of Boone, Roberta “Jeannie” Davis of Valle Crucis, Bobby Cole of Vilas and Jerry White and wife, Donna, of Bethlehem; one sister, Ruby Hutchens and husband, Jim, of Middlebrook, Va.; five grandchildren, Marlin Baker, Kevin White, Scott and Kelly Cole and James Davis; and five great-grandchildren, Coley, Tanner, Zachary, Lindsey and Andrew.  A number of nieces and nephews also survive. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Pale Cole; and one sister, Alma Fillinger.

Services will be conducted Monday afternoon at 2 o’clock at the Mount Lebanon Baptist Church, officiated by the Rev. Wynn Greer and the Rev. Carl Wilson.  The body will lie in state at the church from 1 until 2 o’clock.  Burial will follow in the White Cemetery.

Flowers are appreciated or the family suggests memorials to Hospice of Watauga County, 136 Furman Road, Boone or to the White Cemetery Fund, in care of Tommy Cooke, 1237 Shulls Mill Road, Boone, N.C.  28607.

The family received friends Sunday evening from 6 until 8 o’clock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home.

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

Rebecca Jeanine Andrews DeAngelo

Rebecca Jeanine Andrews DeAngelo, 69, of Hudson, N.C., succumbed May 12, 2006, after a lengthy cancer fight.

She was a former resident of St. Augustine, Fla. She was an avid gardener with a passion for quilting and painting. She was a 1955 graduate of Hickory High School.

Survivors include her husband, Anthony S. DeAngelo, Sr.; one daughter, Tenita Couturier; two sons, Anthony S. DeAngelo, Jr. and Rodrick DeAngelo; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Altha Vail and Lynn Cook; and one brother, Keith Andrews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rebecca and Tyrus J. Andrews of Hickory.

No services will be held at this time.

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

Bass-Smith Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the DeAngelo family.

Ruth Maine Greer

Mrs. Ruth Maine Greer, 91, of the Masonic & Eastern Star Home in Greensboro, N.C., and a former resident of Boone, and Granite Falls, died Tuesday afternoon, May 9, 2006, at the Masonic & Eastern Star Home.

She was born in Watauga County, July 4, 1914, a daughter of the late Charles Henry and Lottie Irelee Thomas Maine.

Mrs. Greer was retired from Appalachian State University where she had worked as a baker. She was a member of Friendship Baptist Church in Greensboro, a former member of Baton Baptist Church in Lenoir, and a member of Hope Chapter 1 Order of the Eastern Star.

Survivors include two daughters, Mary Carroll and husband, Vaughn, and Betty G. Carroll, all of Lenoir; one son, Mack J. Greer and wife, Marie, of Hudson; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Odell Greer; one son, Worth E. Greer; one sister, Blanche Reese; and three brothers, Donald, James and Frank Maine.

Services were conducted Thursday afternoon, May 11, at 2 p.m. at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Roger Parker officiating. Burial followed at Mount Lawn Memorial Park & Gardens.

Pallbearers were Glenn Carroll, Danny Greer, Wesley Carroll, Reggie Carroll, Bruce Austin and Bradley Carroll.

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

Harold R. McCroskey

Mr. Harold R. McCroskey, 86, of 1501 Land Harbor, Newland, died Wednesday evening, May 10, 2006, at Watauga Medical Center.

He was born May 21, 1919 in Rockingham, N.C., a son of the late Martha Ellen Hicks McCroskey and Robert Emmitt McCroskey.

Mr. McCroskey was a graduate of Mars Hill College and a member of the board of advisors. He was a member of Avery County Kiwanis Club, drove Meals on Wheels, worked with the Avery County Senior Citizens Center and Habitat for Humanity. He was a member of Aaron Baptist Church and served on the board of directors for the POA of Linville Land Harbors.

Survivors include two daughters, Dr. Lenora E. McCroskey and husband, Channing Prothro of Denton, Texas, and Patricia M. Holmes and husband, Edward, of Chapin, S.C.; one sister-in-law, Crosby “Jenks” Allen of Yaupon Beach, N.C.; two brothers-in-law, Robert P. Allen and wife, Sarah, of Greenville, S.C. and Dr. Alton W. Greenlaw of Winston-Salem. Three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews also survive.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Allen McCroskey; one son, Harold M. McCroskey; one sister, Ruby Greenlaw; and two brothers, Robert and Audrey McCroskey.

A memorial service will be conducted Saturday afternoon, May 27, 2006, at 2 o’clock at Aaron Baptist Church in Montezuma. Officiating will be the Rev. Dennis Aldridge and the Rev. Brent Price.

The family will receive friends following the service, at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Aaron Baptist Church, P.O. Box 266, Montezuma, N.C. 28653.

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

Hampton Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

James Leroy Norris

Mr. James Leroy Norris, 62, of 1st Ave. SW Hickory, died Wednesday, May 10, 2006 at his residence.

He was born in Watauga County, August 3, 1943, the son of the late Dean and Florine Melinda Sigmon Crist.

Mr. Norris was an accountant for a textile manufacturer.

Survivors include two nieces, Deborah Eggers and husband, Kyle, and Gail Eller and husband, Cecil, all of Vilas, N.C.; three nephews, Michael Dean Norris of Vilas, Michael Norris and Craig Norris of Hickory; two sisters-in-law, Wilma Harmon of Vilas and Helga Norris of Hickory; and several grand nieces and nephews.

Two brothers, Harvey Dean Norris and Nelson Norris preceded him in death.

Services were conducted Saturday morning at 11 a.m. at Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed at Catawba Memorial Park.

The family requests that memorials be made to the American diabetes Association, 222 S. Church Street, Charlotte, N.C. 28202.

Family and friends may express their thoughts and memories online at www.jenkinsfuneralservices.com.

Jenkins Funeral Home and Cremation Service is serving the Norris family.

Wilma Yates Shook

Mrs. Wilma Yates Shook, 74, of Covington Drive, Advance, N.C., died Tuesday evening, May 9, 2006 at Forsyth Medical Center. 

She was born in Watauga County Jan. 14, 1932, a daughter of the late Ed and Mamie Matheson Yates. 

Mrs. Shook was a retired nursing assistant.  She attended Bethlehem United Methodist Church. 

Surviving are her husband, Stuart Shook, Sr.; one son; Stuart Shook, Jr. and wife, Deborah Moretz Shook, of Boone; one daughter; Jane Grace Long and husband, Kevin, of Lenoir; three granddaughters, Angela Shook of Boone and Katelyn and Kathryn Long, both of Lenoir; three brothers, Herbert Yates of Banner Elk, Everett Yates of Greencastle, Pa. and Ralph Yates of Boone; one sister, Rose Edna Yates Harmon of Banner Elk; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Services will be conducted Friday afternoon at 3 o’clock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel.  Officiating will be the Rev. Mark Weekley and the Rev. Dennis Marshall. Entombment will follow at Mount Lawn Memorial Park & Gardens Mausoleum. 

The family will receive friends Friday afternoon prior to the service from 1-2:30 p.m. at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home. 

Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to the Bethlehem United Methodist Church, 321 Redland Road, Advance, N.C. 27006 or to Deerfield United Methodist Church, 1184 Deerfield Road, Boone, N.C. 28607.

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