Archived

Faye Beck Cherry
Mrs. Faye Beck Cherry, 90, of Holly Grove Rd., Lexington, died Tuesday, May 8, 2007, in Blowing Rock Extended Care.
She was born Dec. 2, 1916 in Davidson County to Percy Madison Beck and Eva Eldora Burkhart Beck.
Mrs. Cherry was a retired sales person having worked in Gift Sales and was a member of Second United Church of Christ.
Surviving are a son, Robert L. Cherry, Jr. and wife, Terry W. Cherry, of Boone, N.C.; daughter, Sarah Jeanette Cherry Parks and husband. Raymond Dean Parks, Jr.. of Sequim, Wash.; grandchildren, Lee Cherry, III, Terry Beth Cherry, Dale Parks, Dana Parks and two great-grandchildren; three brothers, Alex Beck, Brasco Beck, Leonard Beck, all of Lexington; and a sister, Mary Kivett of Lexington.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Lee Cherry, Sr.; a grandson, Bobby Parks; and brothers, Waldo Beck and Colon Beck.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 11, 2007 in Davidson Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jerry Moore and Dr. Billy Joe Leonard officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Friday, prior to the service.
Memorials may be directed to Second United Church of Christ, 330 N. Church St., Lexington, N.C. 27292.
Online condolences may be made at www.davidsonfuneralhome.net.
Davidson Funeral Home in Lexington, N.C., is in charge of the arrangements.

Doris Luker
Ms. Doris Luker, 85, of Ptaquemine, La., formerly of Ivey Street in Boone, died May 6, 2007, in Riverside, Texas.
She moved from Houston, Texas to Boone in 1967. She worked with food services at Appalachian State University, and retired after 18 years of service. Ms. Luker worked with other food services until the age of 80. She completed her career at Tuckers Café in the Boone Mall, where she greeted customers.
Ms. Luker loved people and the beautiful flowers that she grew around her apartment. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She moved back to Texas in November of 2006 to be with her family and grandchildren.
Survivors include two daughters, Brenda Slmp and husband, Bob, of Republic, Wash., and Jody Cox and husband, Jimmy, of Houston, Texas, and formerly of Boone; two sons, William D. Luker, Jr. and Johnny M. Luker, both of Riverside, Texas. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.
There were no funeral services for Ms. Luker.


Elizabeth Ann Coyner McRee
Mrs. Elizabeth Ann Coyner McRee returned peacefully to her Creator on April 24, 2007, at the age of 96.
She had been living in Lake Oswego, Oregon since 1999, nearby her daughter, Charlotte Jane McRee Kolzow. She is survived by her other three children, Ruth McRee Schultz and husband, Dr. Robert Schultz, of Seattle, Wash., Richard T. McRee and wife, Judy Garrigan McRee, of San Francisco, Calif., and Walter A. McRee of Blowing Rock, N.C.; 11 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren; two brothers, Rev Edwin Coyner of Kernersville, N.C. and Kenneth Coyner of Dover, Del.
She was preceded in death by her two sisters, Mrs. Charlotte Coyner Brady and Mrs. Eva Coyner Boyd.
Mrs. McRee was born Sept. 25, 1910, in Waynesboro, Va. She moved with her family to Conover, N.C. in 1920 where she attended Concordia College and later Lenoir Rhyne College in Hickory, N.C. where she was one of the first women students to graduate from the school.
She married the late Rev. Oswald Theodore “Ted” McRee of Newton, N.C. in 1933 and moved to Trenton, N.J. where together they started a mission church, Bethany Lutheran. In almost 60 years of parish and institutional church work, Mrs. McRee served a host of roles from church secretary to pianist for the Sunday School.
The family took additional church assignments in 1949 in Detroit, Mich., and then in 1959 at the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Yardley, Pa. While in Detroit, she served as the regional president of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML). In 1978, newly retired, she and Rev. McRee began Church of the Savior, Newland N.C., the first Lutheran-Episcopal shared parish fellowship in the United States.
Following Rev. McRee’s death in 1992, Mrs. McRee returned to live about a mile from her childhood home in Conover, N.C. for six years before moving to Lake Oswego to be closer to her children on the West Coast.
She was known as a model of kindness and her gentle nature always accompanied her commitment to help and serve others.
Memorial services will be held in Lake Oswego, Ore., and in Newton, N.C. on June 23rd when she will be interred with her husband at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church.

Charles Henry Lincoln “C.L.” Vickers
Mr. Charles Henry Lincoln “C.L.” Vickers, beloved husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle, died Monday, May 7, 2007, after a period of declining health.
A long time resident of Stanly County, he was born Jan. 28, 1920, in Montgomery County, to Charlie A. and Dowd P. Vickers.
After graduating from Albemarle High School, he married Cethal Jane Fesperman and later moved to Wilmington where he worked as an electrical technician at the Ship Yard. In 1945, their daughter, Kaye, was born and the family soon moved to Albemarle. With only a flatbed dump truck, he started what became C.L. Vickers Transfer with multiple facets of trucking. At one time, he sold mobile homes, obtained a North American Van Lines franchise, buying, selling, and trading used cars and trucks. This was in addition to hauling, grading, excavation, and demolition work. Even at the time of his death, he still maintained his N.C. dealer’s license. Over five decades, he employed many people and met so many friends and business contacts. The late Lois Hudson, was a valuable employee and a vital part of the company.
He was successful in his life because of his wisdom, honesty, integrity, and professionalism while striving daily to live by the Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. A jokester, with a sense of humor, he genuinely cared for others and their well-being. He was always ready with a joke, funny story or encouraging word, leaving you uplifted. For many months of his life, his past time was sharing golden delicious apples and rain gauges with folks who came to his home or he would arrange delivery. He even named a dwarf apple tree in his back yard in honor of his four year old great-granddaughter, Karmalana Sengduone Wilder “Miss Precious”. She always received apples as an expression of his love, even when she had not yet developed teeth. Many will remember C.L. every time it rains or when they see golden delicious apples.
In 1950, he helped organize and launch the Eastside Volunteer Fire Department on N.C. Hwy. 740. He, and the late Roy Shaver, delivered the first fire truck from New York. Fifty-seven years later, the Eastside VFD, is still actively serving the needs of the community.
Even with so little free time, other interests included Horseless Carriage Club, highlighted with travel and friends, while keeping his various antique cars road worthy. He was always playing pranks on his fellow drivers while on their tours. He was also a valued member of the Shriners and a Mason with Albemarle Masonic Lodge, as long as his health allowed. NASCAR racing was also a favorite pastime.
In June 1994, he married the former Ramelle Pickler Long, and retired in May 1998. He looked forward to travel and spending more leisure time. He even made time for partnership in Galloway’s 4-Wheel Drive in Boone for several years.
Above, all C.L. was a strong spiritual leader and devoted member of Anderson Grove Baptist Church for 75 years, where he served as a deacon and on various committees. His extended family, friends, and business associates were such a vital part of his life; loving them, longing to spend time with them; enjoying every minute spent in Boone at his vacation home. He attended services at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church while in Boone.
Now he is rejoicing in his Heavenly home with no help or time restrictions. He will be missed by all who knew him and loved him. Always be mindful of the Golden Rule each day and be reminded of C.L.
Survivors include his wife, Ramelle P. Vickers; his daughter, Kaye V. Wilder and husband, Mike, of Albemarle; grandchildren, W. Charles “Chad” Wilder and Christopher M. Wilder and wife, Rathavone “Thoy”, of Albemarle; great-grandchildren, Karmalana and Ky William Wilder; step-children, Barbara L. Mayo and husband, Frank, of Burlington, James Long of Charlotte; step-grandchild, Caroline Mayo King and husband, Jamie; step-great-grandchildren, Crissie and Hannah Grace King of Mebane; brother-in-law, Reade Daniel; and nephews, Charles R. Daniel and Neil Vickers.
He was predeceased by his parents; his first wife of 55 years, Jane F. Vickers; a daughter, Wanda Jane Vickers; his brother, Cecil B. Vickers; and a sister, Willie Grey Daniel.
Funeral services will be conducted Friday afternoon, May 11, at 2 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home, with the Rev. Ron Huneycutt, the Rev. Dan Abernathy, and the Rev. David Hatley officiating. Entombment will follow at Fairview Memorial Mausoleum Park in Albemarle.
Mr. Vickers’ family would like to thank friends, neighbors, area churches, and special caregivers, Ted Clinton, Lucine Morris, Donna Marsha, Elaine Stewart, Kay Branch, and the late Lou Hendley, for the expressions of kindness, compassion, and heart-felt prayers.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Anderson Grove Church, 2225 East Main Street, Albemarle, N.C. 28001; East Side Volunteer Fire Department; or to the charity of one’s choice.
Condolences may be made to www.hartsellfh.com.
Hartsell Funeral Home, 522 North Second Street, Albemarle, N.C. is serving the family.

Barney Fred Watson

Mr. Barney Fred Watson of San Diego, Calif., passed away peacefully Saturday, May 5, 2007.
He was born July 28, 1924, in Stoney Fork, N.C.
Mr. Watson, a loving husband, was survived by his wife of 59 years, Ramona Watson; a sister, Katherine Greene of North Carolina; son, Eugene Watson and daughter-in-law, Dianne Watson; son, Russell Watson and daughter-in-law, Lynn Watson; daughter, Barbara McElfresh; granddaughters, Dianne McElfresh, Holland Watson, and Savannah Watson; great-grandson, Josh McElfresh; great-granddaughter, Jerzy McElfresh; and a step-great-grandson, Gavin Rush.
In addition to his loving family, he cherished his memories of his childhood in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, raised by his grandparents until moving to San Diego at the age of 13, at which point he was raised by his father.
Mr. Watson graduated from San Diego High School in 1941, and enlisted in the Army in 1942 where he was in charge of an Engineering Platoon in the European African Middle Eastern Theatre at a young age. Shortly after an Honorable Discharge in 1946, he lived the “luckiest day of his life” (his words) when he happened upon Winnette Drive and met Ramona Nadine Hada and married Oct, 5, 1947.
He worked in the appliance, aircraft, and ship-building industries until joining the Salk Institute in 1964 where “two weeks turned into 25 years.” Mr. Watson enjoyed NASCAR and the music of Doc Watson.
Since retirement, he and his wife, Ramona, made the long trek back to the North Carolina Cook and Watson Reunions with Ginny and Dianne McElfresh, whom they helped to raise.
Services were held Friday morning, May 11, at 10:00 a.m. at Community Mortuary, located at 855 Broadway, Chula Vista, Calif. Final resting place will be at Greenwood Memorial Park.
Memorials may be made to a local Hospice organization.

May 9, 2007
Mario R. Lombardi Sr.
Mr. Mario R. Lombardi, Sr., 81, of Newland, died Saturday, May 5, 2007 at his home with his family by his side.
He was born May 3, 1926 in Manhattan, New York, a son of Italian immigrants John and Stephanie Lombardi.
Following graduation from high school he served in the U. S. Army during World War II. After his discharge, he worked as a diamond cutter and then for the City of New York. In l948 he married Sylvia DeBenedictis whom he had known since grade school. He retired to Ormond Beach, Florida in l969, then moved to Newland in 1991. Mr. Lombardi was an accomplished pianist and an avid tennis player.
A devoted husband and father, Mr. Lombardi is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Sylvia; a brother, Tullio Lombardi of Yorktown Heights, New York; his daughters, Leslie Morganti and Stephanie Lombardi, both of New Port Richey, Fla.; and his son, Mario R. Lombardi, Jr. of Snellville, Ga. He has six dearly loved grandchildren, Danielle Katz, Paul Morganti, Lisa and Christopher Lombardi, Kristina Hodges and Ellice Hodges; and three great-grandchildren, Virginia and Nicholas Morganti and Alexander Katz.
His friends and family recognized him as a wonderful human being and he will always be a beautiful memory to all who know him.
Memorial services will be conducted Saturday afternoon, May 12th at 2 o’clock at the Land Harbor Recreation Building, 22 Land Harbor Plaza, Newland, N.C. 28657. Presenting the eulogy will be his son, Mario Lombardi, Jr.

May 7, 2007
Harold Gragg
Mr. Harold Gragg, 75, of Drum Lane, Granite Falls, passed away Tuesday, May 1, 2007, at Duke University Medical Center, Durham, N.C.
He was born Oct. 21, 1931 in Caldwell County, to the late William Thurman Gragg and Lydia Coffey Gragg.
Mr. Gragg was a retired U.S. Air Force Veteran and of the Baptist Faith. He was an avid bowler and was involved in many Leagues over the years.
Survivors include his wife, Hsu Li “Shirley” Gragg; a son, Charles “Chuck” Gragg of Hudson; a daughter, Sandra Coffey and husband, Richard, of Lenoir; three sisters, Nola Couts, Penny Catterton, Jackie Baucom; three brothers, Richard Gragg of Blowing Rock, Dayton Gragg of Blowing Rock, and Dean Gragg of Biloxi, Mississippi; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a son, Gary Steven Gragg.
Services were held on Saturday, May 5, 2007, 2:30 p.m. in the Bass Smith Granite Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Ed Warren officiating. Entombment followed in the Woodlawn Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. The family received friends from 1-2:30 p.m. prior to the service at Bass Smith Granite Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 4-A Oak Branch Drive, Greensboro, NC 27407.
Bass-Smith Granite Funeral Service in Granite Falls, is in charge of the arrangements.

Alma Greer Hartley
Mrs. Alma Greer Hartley, 92, of Grandview Circle, Lenoir, N.C., Christian servant and loving mother, passed from this life and into the arms of her Savior on Wednesday, May 2, 2007 at Lenoir HealthCare. Her legacy of prayer and gift of unselfish devotion to her faith and family ensure that she will not be forgotten. She will be deeply and dearly missed.
She was born August 18, 1914 in Watauga County, to the late Robert Greer and Bessie Harrison Greer Walker.
Mrs. Hartley was a homemaker.
Survivors include one son, David M. Hartley and wife, Donna, of Lenoir; seven daughters, Mrs. Geraldine “Gerrie” H. McBride and husband, Danny Ray of Winston-Salem; Mrs. Yvonne H. Pruette and husband, Revis, of Blowing Rock, Mrs. Naomi H. Lewis and husband, James, of Hudson, Mrs. Arita H. Townsel and husband, Tony, Mrs. Norma H. Whitt and husband, Marshall, Mrs. Bessie H. Waters and husband, Max, and Ms. Edith Ann Hartley, all of Lenoir; a sister, Mrs. Stella Keller Dobbins of Blowing Rock; 15 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie McNairy Hartley; and three sisters, Lois Walser, Helen Artie Grant and Blanda Hampton Martin.
Services were held Sunday, May 6, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at Greer-McElveen Funeral Home Chapel conducted by the Rev. Clyde W. Smith, Jr. Services concluded at the Hartley Family Cemetery in Boone, behind Mt. Vernon Baptist Church at 4:00 p.m.
The family received friends from 1-2 p.m., prior to the service, at the funeral home.
Serving as pallbearers were grandsons and great-grandsons.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Hartley Family Cemetery Fund, c/o David Hartley, 3063 Sunset Trail, Lenoir, N.C. 28645.
Online condolences may be left at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com.
Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory was in charge of arrangements.

Randolph ‘Randy’ Lowe McKee
Mr. Randolph "Randy" Lowe McKee, 62, of 91 Tree Top Lane, Banner Elk, died Friday morning, May 4, 2007, at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.
He was born August 29, 1944 in Chatham County, Ga., a son of Thomas L. McKee, Sr. and the late Jesse Tobias Mckee.
Mr. McKee was a therapist and administrator of Grandfather Home for Children for the past 20 years. Mr. McKee was a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.
Survivors Include his wife, Jeanne Walker McKee; one daughter, Elizabeth McKee and fiancé, Jaime Hall, of Manhatten, N.Y.; his father, Thomas L. McKee and wife, Trudy,, of Brevard; two sisters, Susan Martin and husband, Steve, of Brevard, and Peggy Ayres and husband, Barry, of Augusta, Ga.
In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by one brother, Thomas L. McKee, Jr.
A memorial service was conducted Monday morning, May 7, 2007, at Saint Luke's Episcopal Church. Officiating was the Reverend Cynthia Banks.
Memorial contributions may be made to Grandfather Home for Children, P.O. Box 98, Banner Elk, N.C. 28604, Saints Luke's Episcopal Church, 170 Councill Street, Boone, N.C. 28607, or to Cannon Memorial Hospital, P.O. Box 767, Linville, N.C. 28646.
Hampton Funeral Service was in charge of the arrangements.

Kenneth Norman Rothrock
Mr. Kenneth Norman Rothrock, 63, of Terrace Drive, Lexington, N.C., passed away on Friday, April 27, 2007, at Forsyth Medical Center.
He was born in Forsyth County on Nov. 7, 1943, to the late Koyt and Kate Yokley Rothrock.
Mr. Rothrock was a graduate of Gray High School, attended Gaston Tech and had retired from R.J. Reynolds Packaging. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corp Reserves.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Shelia Hightower Rothrock; a son, Kevin and wife, Emily, of Vilas; a daughter, Leann Spencer and husband, Jeff, of Greensboro; four grandchildren, Ethan and Lydia Kate Rothrock and Hudson and Cambree Spencer; two sisters, Cherry Coney and husband, Deke, of Greensboro and Kay Savage and husband, Jim, of Winston-Salem; a brother-in-law, Jim Hightower and wife, Judy, of Greensboro; three nieces; and a nephew.
Mr. Rothrock will be remembered as an avid sportsman with a heart of service to others. He was a devoted husband, father, and friend and served the Lord by serving and helping others. He attended a weekly Bible study at Calvary and worked on short-term mission trips to the Gulf Coast, Kentucky and Wyoming. He helped raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society through road biking. He was involved in hunting, fishing, biking, golfing, fixing anything, and loved spending time with family. He never met a stranger.
A funeral service was conducted Tuesday, May 1, at Calvary Baptist Church, with Dr. Guy Hipp and the Rev. Timothy Wolf officiating. Burial, with military honors, followed at Westlawn Gardens of Memory in Clemmons.
Memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church Missions, 5000 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem, N.C. 27104 or to Multiple Sclerosis Society, 2211 W. Meadowview Road, Suite. 30, Greensboro, N.C. 27407.