December 8, 2006

Audrey Hollar Ragan Arnette

Mrs. Audrey Hollar Ragan Arnette, 75, of Lenoir, died Monday, Dec. 4, 2006, at Gaston Memorial Hospital.

She was born Oct. 6, 1931 in Watauga County, a daughter of the late Adam William “Dick” and Rhoda Belle Greer Hollar.

Mrs. Arnette had worked for Bernhardt Furniture for many years.

Survivors include two daughters, Loretta Martin and husband, Lonnie, of Stanley, and Belinda Turbyfill of Stanley; two brothers, A.C. Hollar and wife, Glenna, and J.B. “Chuck” Hollar, all of Boone; three sisters, Billie Eades and husband, Jerry, of Olin; Joanne Waters and husband, Albert, and Patricia “Pat” Reese and husband, Lee, all of Boone; two grandsons, Keith Harmon of Stanley and Christopher Martin and wife, Janell, of Grand Forks, North Dakota; one granddaughter, Lisa Morrison and husband, Timothy, of Stanley; and one great-granddaughter, Brittany Bryant of Stanley.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Kenneth Harold Ragan; her second husband, Charles William Arnette; and one sister, Tudy Niceley.

Graveside services will be conducted Friday afternoon at 3 p.m., Dec. 8, 2006, at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens in Lenoir with the Rev. Ed Greene officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday from 1-2 p.m., prior to the service, at Evans Funeral Service of Lenoir.

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

Online condolences may be sent to the Arnette family at www.evansfuneralservice.com.

Evans Funeral Service of Lenoir is in charge of the arrangements.

Mary Lou Vines Carroll

Mrs. Mary Lou Vines Carroll, 77, of Charlotte, died Tuesday morning, Dec. 5, 2006, in Charlotte.

She was born Nov. 1, 1929 in Watauga  County, a daughter of the late Thomas Clayton and Beulah Ward Vines.

She was a retired rural mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service for 23 years, and was also a retired manager at H & R Block for 30 years. Mrs. Carroll was a member of Three Forks Baptist Church in Boone, where she was a children’s Sunday School teacher and WMU director.

Survivors include four daughters, Roxanna Slaughter and husband, Bill, of Graham, Denise Carroll of Toano, Va., Lila Phillips and husband, Buddy, and Nelda Smith and husband, Larry, all of Charlotte; three sons, Terry Carroll and wife, Carol, of Wilkesboro, Marc Carroll and wife, Terry, of Swansboro, and Sabin Carroll and wife, Jennifer, of Hudson; seven sisters, Carolyn Cook of Boone, Pauline Hicks of Vilas, Betty Smitherman and Jean Dancy and husband, Ernest, all of Boone; Shirley Johnson of Sugar Grove, and Mildred Kurek and husband, Kenny, of Smith Mountain Lake, Va., Nancy Glenn and husband, Gale, of Sugar Grove;  and one brother, John C. "Pete" Vines and wife, Jean, of Chesapeake, Va. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, one step-grandchild, and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Alison Smith; and one sister, Reba Robinson.

Services will be conducted Friday morning, Dec. 8, 2006, at 10:00 o'clock, at  Three Forks Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 9:00 until  10:00 o'clock. Officiating will be the Rev. Darrell Bare and the Rev. Lynn Powers. Burial will follow in the  Cable  Cemetery.

The family received friends Thursday evening, from 6:30 until 8:30, at Hampton Funeral Service. At other times, friends may call at the home of Nancy and Gale Glenn, 3026 Rush Branch Road, Sugar Grove, N.C.

Memorial contributions may be made to Three Forks Baptist Church, 1922 Highway 421 South, Boone, N.C. 28607.

Hampton Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Eddie London Cooper

Mr. Eddie London Cooper, 88, of Rush Branch Road, Sugar Grove, died Saturday afternoon, Dec. 2, 2006 at Watauga Medical Center. 

He was born in Chatham County, March 11, 1918, a son of the late Tave and Lou Perry Cooper. 

Mr. Cooper was a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church in Pittsboro, N.C. and was a retired dairy farmer.

Surviving are his wife, Carlene Willis Glenn Cooper; two sons, Eddie Cooper Jr. of Siler City, and Charles A. Cooper and wife, Brenda, of Pittsboro; three step-sons, Dale Norris and wife, Linda, of Greensboro, Bobby Norris and wife, Margaret, of Madison, and Randy Norris and wife, Abbie, of Ft. Meyers, Fla.; one daughter-in-law, Katie Cooper of Pittsboro; nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; and five  step-great-grandchildren. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Irene Clark Cooper; one son, Tave Cooper; his parents; and three sisters, Flonnie Hatley, Mamie Oldham, and Lannie Cooper. 

Services were conducted Sunday evening at 7:30 at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel.  Officiating was the Rev. James D. Hagaman. The family received friends Sunday evening prior to the service from 6-7:30 at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home. 

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Avery County, 351 West Mitchell Street, Newland, N.C. 28658.

Graveside services and burial was conducted Monday morning at 11 o’clock at the Dow Ward Cemetery. 

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

June A. Greene

Mr. June A. Greene,  94, of 1616 Highway 194 North, Boone, died Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2006, at Watauga Medical Center.

He was born June 12, 1912 in Watauga County, a son of the late Richard and Dora Woodring Greene.

Mr. Greene was a retired sawmill operator and a truck driver for PYA Goodnight Brothers in Boone. He was a member of Howard’s Creek Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Thelma Brown Greene of the home; and two sons, Edsel Greene of Zionville, and Jim Greene and wife, Chessie, of Boone. Six grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 21 great-great-grandchildren also survive.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one great-great-granddaughter, Chloe Harmon; and three sisters, Anna Paulson, Mae Lookabill, and Ida Greene.

Services will be conducted Friday morning, Dec. 8, 2006, at 11:00 o'clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 10:00 until 11:00 o'clock. Officiating will be the Rev. Ken Trivette, the Rev. Gary Norris, the Rev. Len Aldridge, and the Rev. Mark Chaney. Burial will follow in the Meat Camp Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Friday morning, from 10:00 until 11:00 o'clock, at the funeral home, prior to the service.

Hampton Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Wesley Pollard Saylors, Sr.

Maj. Wesley Pollard Saylors, Sr., U.S. Marine Corps (Retired), 68, of Boone, died Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2006, at Cannon Memorial Hospital in Linville.

He was born July 30, 1938 in Anderson, S.C., a son of the late Col. John Howard Saylors, Sr. and Johnnie Pollard Saylors.

Maj. Saylors received his undergraduate degree from Furman University and two master degrees from Appalachian State University. He taught Spanish, French and German, and at the time of his death, was a professor at Greenville Technical College in Greenville, S.C. Maj. Saylors was an avid sports enthusiast and almost a golf professional. He served in the Marine Corps as an intelligence officer, and did a tour of duty in Vietnam. At the time of his discharge from the Marine Corps, he  held the rank of Major.

Survivors include his wife, Issa Verges Saylors; one son, Wesley Pollard Saylors, Jr. of Boone; two daughters, Valerie Del Pilar Saylors of the U.S. Navy in San Antonio, Texas and husband, Challace Pair of the U.S. Navy in Hawaii, and Marta Marissa Saylors of Glendale, Calif.; and one brother, John Howard Saylors, Jr. and wife, Janice, of Myrtle Beach, S.C. He is also survived by six sisters-in-law, and one brother-in-law.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant sister.

A memorial service will be conducted at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, in care of Glenda Hodges, 810 Parkcrest Drive, Boone, N.C. 28607, or to St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 259 Pilgrims Way, Boone, N.C. 28607.

Hampton Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

December 6, 2006

Georgia Lee Mode Lenher

Georgia Lee Mode Lenher of Hickory, N.C., died Monday, Dec. 4, 2006, at Palliative Care & Hospice of Catawba Valley.

She was born Feb. 22, 1932, in McDowell County to Archie Hamit and Bonnie Lee Dotson Mode. She was retired from Belk Department Stores and was a member of Penelope Baptist Church.

Survivors include two daughters, Gail Andrews of Montana and Gwynn Schneider of Omaha, Nebraska; three sisters, Irene Church of Virginia, Frankie Hendrix of Granite Falls, N.C., and Margie Phillips of Deep Gap, N.C.; a brother, Larry Hicks of Boone, N.C.; a granddaughter, Maria Moretti of Montana; two grandsons, Brandon Ramirez of the U.S. Navy in Montana; and Joshua Andrews of Montana; three great-grandsons, Sydney Moretti of Montana, Jason Carman Jr. of Nevada, and Noah Moretti of Montana.

A memorial service was conducted Tuesday afternoon at 2 p.m. at Penelope Baptist Church with the Rev. Larry McCracken officiating.

Memorials may be made to Palliative Care & Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Rd., Newton, NC 28658.

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

David Newton Spainhour Jr.

Mr. David Newton Spainhour, Jr., 54, of Creston, N.C., formerly of State Farm Road, Boone, N.C., died Saturday, Nov. 30, 2006, at his residence.

He was born Dec. 13, 1951 to the late David Newton Spainhour, Sr. and Nan D. Spainhour of Kingsport, Tenn.

Mr. Spainhour was a landscaper and was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Boone.

Survivors include his wife, Marina Spainhour of Creston, N.C.; three sons, Joseph Spainhour, James Spainhour, and John Spainhour, all of Jefferson, N.C.; his mother, Nan Spainhour of Kingsport, Tenn.; two sisters, Dee Spainhour Ginn of Kingsport, Tenn. and Elizabeth Spainhour Wilkes of Athens, Georgia.

Memorial services will be conducted Friday morning, Dec. 8, at 11 a.m. at Warrensville Methodist Church with the Rev. Greg Plot officiating. Burial will be Saturday, Dec. 9, at 1 p.m. at the Lenoir Cemetery in Lenoir, N.C.

Boone Family Funeral Home is serving the Spainhour family.

Erma Baird Williams

Mrs. Erma Baird Williams, 93, of Newport News, Va., former resident of Watauga County, daughter of the late A.L. and Rosa Hubbard Baird, died Saturday, Nov. 25, 2006 in Newport News, Va.

Survivors include two sons, James Haigler and wife, Myra, of Richmond, Va. and Dennis Haigler and wife, Judy, of Granite Falls; two daughters, Patricia Haigler of Newport News, Va. and Priscilla O’Neil and husband, Danny, of San Antonio, Texas; two step-sons, David Williams of Granite Falls and Marvin Williams and wife, Patty, of Claremont. She is also survived by a number of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Henry Haigler; her second husband, Marshall Williams; five sons, Paul, Billy, Gene, Dean and Jack Haigler; five brothers, Dennis, Herbert, William “Bill”, Baxter and Junior Baird; four sisters, Ruby and Gladys Baird, Mrs. Selma B. Johnson and Mrs. Jessie B. Winebarger.

The family received friends Monday, Nov. 27, from 7-9 p.m. at Bass-Smith Granite Funeral Service, Granite Falls, N.C.

Graveside services were conducted Tuesday morning at 11 a.m., Nov. 28, at Sunset Hills Cemetery in Granite Falls with Dr. Robert B. Evans officiating.

Bass-Smith Granite Funeral Service in Granite Falls was in charge of the arrangements.

December 4, 2006
Joseph David ‘Jody’ Church

Mr. Joseph David “Jody” Church, 35, of 4520 Beaver Dam Road, Vilas, died Sunday morning, Dec. 3, 2006, at Mission Hospital in Asheville.

He was born August 2, 1971, in Watauga County, a son of David and Vivian Elaine Eggers Church.

Mr. Church was a stone mason for Tim Church Masonary Company in Boone and a member of Westside Baptist Church.

Survivors include two sons, Dillon and Harley Church and his fiancée, Tammy Hodges, all of Vilas; his father and mother, David and Elaine Eggers Church; and one brother, Tim Church and wife, Michelle;  one niece, Cameron Church; and one nephew, Ty Church, all of Trade, Tenn.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Blaine and Ella Jean Eggers; and his paternal grandparents, Enoch and Josephine Church.

Services will be conducted Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock at Westside Baptist Church. The body will lie in state at the church from 1-2 p.m. Officiating will be the Rev. Rector Henson, the Rev. Dean Ward and the Rev. Harold Danner. Burial will follow in the Vanderpool Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Hampton Funeral Service. At other times the family will be at the former home of Blaine D. and Ella Jean Eggers, 124 Lynnhill Road, Boone.

Hampton Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Elizabeth Ann Cornett

Ms. Elizabeth Ann Cornett, 57, of 2939 North Pine Run Road, Boone, died Wednesday morning, Nov. 29, 2006, at her residence.

She was born Feb. 8, 1949 in Watauga County, a daughter of Louise Presnell Cornett and the late Albert G. Cornett.

Ms. Cornett was a Licensed Practical Nurse at Life Care of Banner Elk, and a member of Bibleway Baptist Church.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by one daughter, Vicki Canter and husband, Jeff, of Boone; three granddaughters, Brittney, Christy, and Ashley Canter, all of Boone; three sisters, Linda Wolfferts, Kathy Deas and husband, John, and Shelia Perry and husband, Nathan, all of Boone; one brother, Larry Albert Cornett and wife, Lockwood, of Vilas; and her grandmother, Mrs. Bonnie Shaw Cornett of Boone. She is also survived by a number of aunts, uncles, one niece and one nephew.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Link and Ann Presnell.

Services were conducted Friday afternoon, Dec. 1, 2006, at Mountain Dale Baptist Church. Officiating were the Rev. Carl Wilson and the Rev. Eric Cornett. Burial followed in the Mountain Dale Baptist Church Cemetery.

Hampton Funeral Service was in charge of the arrangements.

Hester D. Reece Eggers

Mrs. Hester D. Reece Eggers, age 89, of 919 Medical Park Drive, Mountain City, formerly of Trade, Tenn., passed away, Friday, Dec. 1, 2006 in the Mountain City Care Center following an extended illness.

She was a native of Johnson County and was born Sept. 14, 1917 to the late Roby C. and Callie Miller Reece.

Mrs. Eggers was a member of the Mountain City Church of Christ and loved flowers, gardening, quilting and her family and friends.

Survivors include three sons, Donald Eggers and wife, Louise, of Vilas, N.C., Curtis Eggers and wife, Lucy, of Boone, N.C., Norman Ray (Bub) Eggers or Trade, Tenn.; five daughters, Louise Morefield and husband, Everette, of Meadowview, Va., Lucille Cress of Mountain City, Juanita Eggers of Mountain City, Cara Lee Johnson and husband, Bernard, of Boone, N.C. and Jo Ella Winters of Mountain City; one daughter-in-law, Susie Eggers of Catawba, N.C.; one brother, Roby Reece Jr. of Have-De-Grace, Md.; one sister, Dora Eggers of Mountain City, Tenn.; 28 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren;  several nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Edgar W. Eggers, who passed away Jan. 3, 2004; also by a son, Cecil Eggers; four brothers and five sisters; one son-in-law, Allen Cress; one great-granddaughter; and one great-grandson.

Funeral services were held 2:00 p. m. Sunday, Dec. 3, 2006 from the Chapel of the Henson Funeral Home with Mr. Vergil Cretsinger and Mr. Bill Reece, ministers officiating. Burial followed in the Sunset Memorial Park

Memorial contributions may be given to the Johnson County Rescue Squad, 203 Vandilla Street, Mountain City, Tenn. 37683.

Online condolences may be e-mailed to the family through our website at www.hensonfuneralhome.com .

Henson Funeral Home is serving the Eggers family.

Mabel Zora Main Ellison

Mrs. Mabel Zora Main Ellison, 98, of Meat Camp Road, Todd, died Wednesday morning, Nov. 29, 2006, at her home.

She was born March 1, 1908 in Watauga County, a daughter of M.A. and Bessie Osborne Main.

Mrs. Ellison was a member of Elk Knob Baptist Church. She was a cafeteria cook at the old Pottertown Elementary and Mabel Elementary Schools. Mrs. Ellison lived in Elkton, Md. for more than 50 years where she was employed at the American Powder Plant.

Survivors include her daughter, Elithe China Ellison Johnson and husband, Fred, of Todd;  and one sister, Arabelle Potter of Todd.

She was preceded in death by one daughter, Zelma Pearl Potter; six brothers and seven sisters.

Services were conducted Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Herbert McCoy and the Rev. Dwayne Tester officiating. Burial followed at Mount Lawn Memorial Park & Gardens.

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

Carolyn Coffey Heavner

Mrs. Carolyn Coffey Heavner, 62, of 6277 Reitzel Drive, Hickory, died Saturday, Dec. 2, 2006.

She was born in Watauga County and was retired after 34 years from Appalachian State University where she served as administrative assistant for four chancellors.

Survivors include her husband, Harry Heavner; her parents, Homer and Ersal Coffey of Boone; one son, Travis R. Taylor and wife, Nicole, of Raleigh; one granddaughter Ruby Leone Taylor; one brother, Grayson Coffey of Boone; one step-daughter, Beth Watson and husband, Greg, of Hickory; one step-son, Rusty Heavner and wife, Laurie, of Hickory; four grandchildren, Preston Heavner, Carah Watson, Natalie Heavner and Gretchen Heavner.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2006 at Hollybrook Cemetery in Lincolnton with Pastor David Lohr officiating. A service celebrating Mrs. Heavner's life will be held at 4 p.m Wednesday at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Hickory with Pastor David Keck, Jr. officiating. The family will receive friends following the memorial service at the church. In addition, the family will hold a viewing at Warlick's Funeral Home in Lincolnton from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday before the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers the family requests gifts in Mrs. Heavner's name to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Western North Carolina Chapter, 5950 Fairview Road, Suite 250, Charlotte, N.C. 28210.

Warlick Funeral Home of Lincolnton is serving the Heavner family.

Nancy Valliant Jones

Mrs. Nancy Valliant Jones, 98, of Boone, died Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2006, at her residence.

She was born July 14, 1908, in Laurel, Delaware, to William Edward Valliant and Ann Bowers Sutliffe.

Mrs. Jones graduated from Hannah Moore Academy in 1927, in Baltimore, Md., and then became an Occupational Therapist in 1929. She came to Penland, N.C. in 1933 to volunteer and learn weaving. She worked as an occupational therapist in Hartford, Conn., New York City, Washington, D.C., and at Johns Hopkins Hospital in the 1940’s in Baltimore, where she met her husband, Robert Schmidt Jones. They were married 55 years and had two children, Robert Valliant Jones and Zan Valliant Landowne. She has six grandchildren. Her hobbies were knitting, reading and correspondence.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her brothers, William Enos Valliant and Edwin Stearns Valliant; her sisters, Nina Valliant (Mrs. Henry Stevens Hamm) and Mary Valliant.

Memorial services will be held at Old Trinity Church in Cambridge, Md., on Dec. 16, 2006, at noon.

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

Kathryn Ada Roney Lawrence

Mrs. Kathryn Ada Roney Lawrence, 102, of Blowing Rock, N.C., died Saturday, Dec. 2, 2006, at the Blowing Rock Hospital.

She was born June 11, 1904 in Burlington, N.C., and was the daughter of the late Dr. Robert Henry Roney of Burlington, N.C. and Minna Lee McKey Roney of Mooresville.

Mrs. Lawrence attended Burlington schools and Elon College. She grew up in Rocky Mount, N.C. and lived in Fayetteville, N.C. and Greensboro, N.C., where she was a dietitian at Greensboro College. She was married to the late Larry Carlton Lawrence, Jr., who died in 1949.

In 1963 she moved to Blowing Rock to make her home and in 1968 became the owner and operator of the Sunshine Inn (now Crippens) until her retirement in 1980. She enjoyed reading, working in the yard and cooking. In Blowing Rock, she was a member of St. Mary’s of the Hills Episcopal Church and was voted Woman of the Year by the Blowing Rock Community Club.

Survivors include a grandson, Larry Carlton Lawrence IV of Blowing Rock; a granddaughter, Kim Lawrence Poteat of Arlington, Texas; her daughter-in-law, Sylvia Johnson Lawrence of Columbia, S.C.; a sister, Frances Roney Belmore of Hickory, N.C.; two great-grandchildren, Kathryn Elizabeth Poteat and Christian Michael Poteat of Arlington, Texas. Also surviving are 16 nieces and nephews, including Ginger Roney Evaugh of Blowing Rock.

She was preceded in death by a son, Larry Carlton Lawrence III in 1992; three sisters, Blanche Roney Gaynor, Gladys Roney Kivett, Alma Lee Roney Lawrence; and two brothers, Ben E. Roney and John R. Roney.

A memorial service will be conducted Tuesday morning at 10 a.m., Dec. 5, 2006, at St. Mary’s of the Hills Episcopal Church with the Rev. Rick Lawler and the Rev. Kent Belmore, Jr., her nephew, officiating. The family will speak with friends following the services.

A graveside service will be conducted Tuesday afternoon at 3 p.m. at Snow Creek United Methodist Church with the Rev. Kent Belmore, Jr., officiating.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s of the Hills Episcopal Church or to the Blowing Rock Community Club.

Nicholson Funeral Home of Statesville, is serving the Lawrence family.

Barbara Hardy Manteau

Mrs. Barbara Hardy Manteau, 68, of New Chicago, Ind., and a native and former resident of Watauga County, died Sunday morning, Dec. 3, 2006.

She was born May 10, 1938, in Blowing Rock, N.C., the daughter of Jack and Nora Moody Hardy.

She was married on August 11, 1962 to Graham Manteau in Mariana, Pa.

Mrs. Manteau was a homemaker, who loved Bingo, cooking, and buck dancing.

She was also a member of Real Life Community Church in Portage.

Survivors include her husband, Graham Manteau; two daughters, Sandy Leone and husband, Jim, of Kemah, Texas and Mary Manteau and fiancée, Dean Fugleberg of New Chicago, Ind.; one son, Nick Manteau and fiancée, Jill Hollars, of New Chicago, Ind.; three grandchildren, Alicia Grace, Danielle Parker and Joseph Fugleberg; and one great-grandchild, Devon Grace; two sisters, Faye Foley and husband, Robert, of Boone and Sissy Holshouser of Ruby, S.C.; and one brother, B.J. Hardy of Boone.

She was preceded in death by infant two daughters; her father and mother, Jack and Nora Moody Hardy; three sisters, Bessie Rodriguiz, Mary Linda Hardy and Sylvia Jackie Hardy; and infant twin brothers.

Services will be conducted Thursday morning at 11 o’clock at Rees Funeral Home-Hobart Chapel in Hobart, Ind.

The body will lie in state from 10-11 a.m. Officiating will be Pastor Duane Schmidt. Burial will follow in Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends Wednesday afternoon from 2-4 p.m. and Wednesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home-Hobart Chapel in Hobart, Ind.

Flowers are appreciated, or memorial contributions may be made to Real Life Community Church.

Rees Funeral Home in Hobart, Ind., is in charge of the arrangements.

Roderick E. McCaskill

Mr. Roderick E. McCaskill died Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2006.

He was born March 14, 1919 in Maxton, N.C., to John and Virginia McCall McCaskill.

Mr. McCaskill was a distinguished pilot in World War II and Vietnam and retired as a Colonel from the United States Air Force in 1971 after 30 years of service, with over 14 years of that service in foreign assignments.

His many decorations and medals included the Legion of Merit Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service and the Air Force Commendation Medal.

After retiring from the United States Air Force, Mr. McCaskill became an executive for the Northrop Corporation in Saudi Arabia for more than ten years.

Upon retirement from the Northrop Corporation, he lived several years in Pinehurst, N.C., and finally settled in Blowing Rock, N.C.

Survivors include his wife, Esther McCaskill; granddaughter, Joy Auren; and numerous nephews.

He was preceded in death last year by his son, Roderick E. McCaskill II.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory of Boone, is serving the McCaskill family.

Ruby Edith Triplett McCrary

Mrs. Ruby Edith Triplett McCrary, 76, of Lenoir, N.C., died Thursday, Nov. 30, 2006, at Caldwell Memorial Hospital.

She was born Jan. 29, 1930, in Watauga County, to the late Walter M. Triplett and Lillie Greer Triplett.

Mrs. McCrary was a member of Refuge Missionary Baptist Church in Lenoir, N.C. and was an active member of the Adult Life Program.

Survivors include two sons, Rufus M. McCrary and wife, Sharon; Roger D. McCrary and wife, Priscilla, all of Lenoir; a daughter, Phyllis Forte and husband, Marshall, of Lenoir; two sisters, Opal Triplett of Lenoir and Virginia Muriel Starnes of Concord, N.C.; four brothers, Garnett Triplett of Boone, N.C., Glen R. Triplett of Vilas, N.C., Roby Triplett of Seattle, Wash., and Delmar Triplett of Concord, N.C.; nine grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by three brothers, Gary Triplett, Lincoln Triplett, and Charles Richard Triplett; and one sister, Frances Irene Triplett Seaford.

Services were conducted Sunday afternoon, Dec. 3, 2006, at 3 p.m. at the Mt. Ephraim Baptist Church in Triplett, N.C., with the Rev. Darrell Miller and the Rev. Jerry Woodie officiating. Burial followed in the Simmons Cemetery in Triplett, N.C.

Memorials may be made to Refuge Missionary Baptist Church, 375 Mt. Herman Rd., Hudson, N.C. 28638, or to the Adult Life Program, 1002 Kirkwood St., NW, Lenoir, N.C. 28645.

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

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

Douglas Neil Roberson

Mr. Douglas Neil Roberson, 39, of Incline Drive, Vilas, died Saturday, Dec. 2, 2006 at home. 

He was born Jan. 31, 1967 in Charlotte, N.C., a son of the late Linda Freeman and Maurice Roberson. 

Mr. Roberson was a professional chef. 

Surviving are his wife, Jennifer M. Roberson; one daughter, Truman Elizabeth Hawks of Abingdon, Va.; one brother, William Reid Roberson of Mobile, Ala.; his biological father, Sherrill Hawks of Charlotte; his mother and father-in-law, Pam and Jerry Beach of Vilas; three brothers-in-law, Adam Beach and Jeff Beach of Vilas, and Shellie Beach and wife, Cathy, of Crystal Lake, Ill.; one sister-in-law, Marissa McNeil of Fairfield, Ill.; his step-mother-in-law, Robin McNeil of Fairfield, Ill.; one niece; and one nephew. 

Services will be conducted Wednesday morning at 11 o’clock at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by the Rev. Rick Carson. 

The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10 until 11 o’clock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home; at other times friends may call at the home of Pam and Jerry Beach, 361 Dogskin Road, Vilas. Burial will follow in the Ward cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.

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

Marian H. Templeman

Mrs. Marian H. Templeman, 87, of Mulberry St., Lenoir, passed away Thursday, Nov. 30, 2006 in Atlanta, Ga.

 She was born July 31, 1919 in Forsyth County to the late Charles A. Hege and Addie Heightman Hege.

Mrs. Templeman was a member of the First Baptist Church of Lenoir, past president of the North Carolina Auxiliary Optometric Society, Lifetime Member Service League, an organist, and active in the Library of the First Baptist Church of Lenoir.

During WWII she was a member of the Civil Air Patrol and flew all over the state of North Carolina with the Adjacent General.

Survivors include a son, Dr. Sam Templeman of Lenoir; daughters, Carol Templeman Rader and husband, Richard, of Social Circle, Ga., Sara “Sally” Templeman of Lenoir; son-in-law, Pete Wainwright of Morehead City, N.C.; one sister, Ruth Highsmith of Winston-Salem, N.C.; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Samuel H. Templeman; one daughter, Betty Wainwright; one brother, Paul Hege; and two sisters, Marjorie Hege and Eloise Hege.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2006, at 11:00 a.m. in the  Belleview Cemetery, Lenoir, N.C. with Dr. David B. Smith officiating. The family received friends from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, 2006, at Pendry’s Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood St., Lenoir, N.C. 28645 or to the First Baptist Church of Lenoir, 304 Main St.NW, Lenoir, N.C. 28645.

Condolences may be placed online at www.pendrysfuneralhome.com. Pendry’s Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.