Archived
James Howard Elrod
Mr. James Howard Elrod, 80, of Cajah’s Mountain, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007 at Caldwell Memorial Hospital.
He was born on Dec. 20, 1926 in Caldwell County to the late George and Etta Parlier Elrod.

Mr. Elrod was a member of Mountain Grove Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and usher, and for the past 15 years visited the shut-ins as a part of Mountain Grove’s Homebound Ministry. He was a charter member of Baton Ruritan Club, and was a fireman for North Catawba Fire Department where he served on their Board of Directors. He retired after 34 years from Henredon Furniture, and after retirement he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
Survivors include his wife Gail Beane Elrod; his daughter, Sherry Elrod Robertson and husband, Gary, of Cajah’s Mountain; his son, David C. Elrod and wife, Alice, of Cajah’s Mountain; two step-sons, Greg Duncan and wife, Jennifer, and Chris Duncan and wife, Diane, all of the Baton Community. He is survived by step-grandchildren, Melissa Duncan of Charlotte, Kristy and Danielle Duncan of Hudson, and Morgan Duncan of Baton; two sisters, Edith Jones of Stow, Ohio and Mabel Parlier of Granite Falls; and one brother, Jack Elrod of Lenoir.
In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his first wife, Edna Ruth Elrod; his grandson, Dereck Kent Robertson; his brothers and sisters, Frank Elrod, Walter Elrod, Ruth Whisnant and Nellie Shook.
Services were held at 5:00 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 18, 2007 at Mountain Grove Baptist Church. Officiating was Dr. Clifton Black, the Rev. John Brashears, and the Rev. Keith Gilliam. Interment followed in the Mountain Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family received friends Thursday from 4:00-5:00 p.m. at Mountain Grove Baptist Church.
Memorial gifts may be made to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 NW Kirkwood Street, Lenoir, N.C. 28645 or Mountain Grove Baptist Church, 2485 Connelly Springs Rd. Granite Falls, N.C. 28630.
An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com.
Heritage Funeral Service in Valdese is in charge of the arrangements.

Yvonne B. McKercher
Mrs. Yvonne B. McKercher, 69, of Clayton, N.C., died Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007.
Survivors include her husband, Jim McKercher; a daughter, Kate Johnson Foley and husband, Stephen, of Raleigh, N.C.; a son, Pete McKercher and wife, Jeanette D., of Providence, N.C.; one granddaughter, Heather Danielle Johnson; two grandsons, Woody Johnson and Dakota McKercher.
A memorial service was held Thursday, Oct. 18, at 7 p.m. at McLaurin Funeral Home Chapel. The family received friends from 6-7 p.m. at McLaurin Funeral Home, prior to the service.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.mclaurinatpinecrest.com.
McLaurin at Pinecrest, Funerals & Cremations in Clayton, are in charge of arrangements.

Barbara Cuzner Parrott
Mrs. Barbara Cuzner Parrott, 85, of Killeen, Texas, died Sunday, Oct. 14, 2007 at Watauga Medical Center.
She was born in Oneida, New York, March 23, 1922, a daughter of the late Edward James and Margaret Blair Cuzner.
Mrs. Parrott was a homemaker and a devout Catholic.
Surviving are one son; Richard Blair Parrott and wife, Geri, of Boone; one grandson, Matthew Blair Parrott and wife, Christy, of Arlington, Va.; one granddaughter, Elizabeth P. Presnell and husband, Jonathan D. Presnell, of Clemmons; and one great-granddaughter, Sarah Elizabeth Presnell of Clemmons.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lt. Colonel (Retired) William Richard Parrott; and one sister, Muriel Seely.
Services will be conducted Tuesday morning, Oct. 23, 2007 at 11 o’clock at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home Chapel in Killeen, Texas. Burial will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday morning from 10 o’clock until 11 o’clock prior to the service at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home.
The family respectfully requests no flowers and suggests memorials to the American Heart Association, PO Box 5216, Glen Allen, Virginia 23058-5126 or to American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, in care of Glenda Hodges, 810 Parkcrest Drive, Boone, N.C. 28607.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Parrott family.

Vera Norris Richardson
Mrs. Vera Norris Richardson, 82, formerly of 207 Cherry Brook Lane, Boone, died Monday evening, Oct.15, 2007, at Watauga Medical Center.
She was born April 9, 1925 in Ashe County, a daughter of the late Wilson and Edith Maxwell Norris.
Mrs. Richardson was active in the Boone Garden Club and especially enjoyed flower gardening, reading, and time with her grandchildren. She was also a long-standing member of First Baptist Church in Boone. She touched and helped many through her caring nature and giving spirit.
Survivors include one daughter, Lisa Richardson Robinson and husband, Danny, of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; two sons, Larry Richardson and wife, Barbara, of Greensboro, and Mark Richardson and wife, Jo, of Simpsonville, S.C.; seven grandchildren, Chris Richardson of Cary, Justin Richardson of Greensboro, Derek Robinson of Myrtle Beach, Jordon Robinson of Columbia, S.C., Jackie Otto of London, England, Scott Richardson and wife, Kim, of Greensboro, and Stacie Richardson of London, England; one brother, James Norris of Winchester, Va.; and three sisters, Essie Hayes of North Wilkesboro, Nell Fitzgerald of Indianapolis, Ind., and Neva Keith of Fort Walton Beach, Fla.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of almost 60 years, W.C. “Woody” Richardson, former Watauga County Extension Agent; and three sisters, Virginia Swanson, Erma Withrow, and Betty Barnett.
Services will be conducted Friday morning, Oct. 19, 2007, at 11:00 o'clock, at First Baptist Church of Boone. The body will lie in state, at the church from 10:00 until 11:00 o'clock. Officiating will be Dr. Wayne Brown. Entombment will follow in the Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens Mausoleum.
The family will receive friends Friday morning, from 10:00 until 11:00 o'clock, at the church, prior to the service.
Flowers are appreciated, or memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Boone, 375 West King Street, Boone, N.C. 28607, or to Glenbridge Health and Rehabilitation, 211 Milton Brown Heirs Road, Boone, N.C. 28607.
Hampton Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

John W. (J.W.) Snipes, Jr.
Mr. John W. (J.W.) Snipes, Jr., 96, of Durham, died Tuesday morning, October 16, 2007.
He was born in Durham, the son of the late John Wilbur Snipes, Sr. and Mary Clay Bennett Snipes.
Mr. Snipes was a graduate of Durham High School in 1930. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. An avid golfer, he was a member of the N.C. Seniors Golf Association. He was an active member of the United Commercial Travelers Association and the Durham Sertoma Club. J.W. retired from the City of Durham as a housing inspector and continued working as a salesman for the Doug Jefford’s Company until his retirement in 2004. He was a member of Braggtown Baptist Church.
Surviving are three daughters, Martha S. Caldwell and husband, Jim, of Boone, Lida S. Barton and husband, Mike, of Durham and Wanda S. Wilson and husband, Wayne, of Raleigh; one sister; Jeanette Lawson of Archer, Fla.; five grandchildren, Amy Hartig and husband, Matt, Brian Caldwell and wife, Rachel. Julie Barton, Lindsey Wilson and Geoff Wilson; and four great-grandchildren, Jackson Hartig, Samuel Hartig, Lily Caldwell and Robert Caldwell.
He was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Esther Gentry Snipes; and his sister, Lina Mae Ferrell.
Services were held 2 p.m. Thursday at Hall-Wynne Funeral Chapel in Durham. Burial was in Woodlawn Memorial Park.
Memorials may be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 601597, Charlotte, NC 28260-1597.
Online condolences www.hallwynne.com, select obituaries.
Hall-Wynne Funeral Service in Durham, N.C. are in charge of arrangements.

Arnold Boyd Waldrop
Mr. Arnold Boyd Waldrop, 88, of 5058 Highway 11, died on Monday, Oct. 15, 2007.
He was a native of Greer, S.C. and a son of the late Hubert B. and Laura Bridges Waldrop.
Mr. Waldrop was a retired textile employee, a World War 11 veteran, and a member of Fingerville First Baptist Church. He was a graduate of New Prospect High School.
Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Hubert B. and Patricia Waldrop of Inman, S.C. and Vilas N.C.; two grandchildren, Mark and Melinda; and one great-grandchild, Amelia.
He was predeceased by his wife, Inez Jolley Waldrop; and two brothers, Clarence D. and Eston F. Waldrop.
Visitation will be held from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007 at Eggers Funeral Home of Boiling Springs.
Services will be conducted at Fingerville First Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 18, 2007 officiated by the Rev. Andy Case. Interment will be in Good Shepherd Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Fingerville First Baptist Church, P. O. Box 69, Fingerville, S.C. 29338 or to Mobile Meals, P. O. Box 461, Spartanburg, S.C. 29304.
E-Condolences may be sent on line at www.eggersfuneralhome.com
Eggers Funeral Home in Boiling Springs is in charge of the arrangements.

Linda Elaine Watson
Mrs. Linda Elaine Watson, 55, of 171 Taylor Road, Boone, died Tuesday evening, Oct. 16, 2007, at her residence.
She was born Sept. 21, 1952 in Caldwell County, a daughter of Hazel Triplett Aldridge and the late Earl Coffey.
Mrs. Watson was a member of Watauga Baptist Church.
Survivors include one son, Timothy Mark Watson of Lenoir; her mother, Hazel Aldridge, and her step-father, Rom Aldridge, both of Boone; two sisters, Sylvia Watson and husband, Chester, of Granite Falls, and Wattula Wilson and husband, Scott, of Mountain City, Tenn.; two step-sisters, Mary Moretz and husband, Joe, and Shirley Hicks and husband, Bobby, all of Boone; and five step-brothers, Jerry Aldridge and wife, Marie, and Len Aldridge and wife, Eva, all of Boone, Bill Aldridge and wife, Brenda, of Wilkesboro, Rick Aldridge and wife, Kathy, of Cosby, Tenn., and Eddie Aldridge and wife, Kim, of Boone. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.
Services will be conducted Friday afternoon, Oct. 19, 2007, at 2:00 o'clock, at Watauga Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 1:00 until 2:00 o'clock. Officiating will be the Rev. R.D. Watson, the Rev. Gordon Noble, and the Rev. Zane Tester. Burial will follow in Watauga Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Thursday evening, from 6:00 until 9:00 o'clock, at Watauga Baptist Church.
Hampton Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Robert L. White
Mr. Robert L. White, age 96, of 700 South Holden Road, Greensboro, the Masonic and Eastern Star Home, a former resident of Boone, died Wednesday morning, October 17, 2007, in Greensboro.
Mr. White was born December 31, 1910 in Washington County, Pennsylvania, a son of the late Phillip and Leona Risher White. He was retired from Appalachian State University, where he worked in the laundry, and was a member of Grace Lutheran Church. Mr. White was a Shriner and Mason for over 50 years.
Mr. White is survived by his wife, Lessie G. White of the home; one son, Richard D. White and wife Susan of Boliva, North Carolina; one grandson, Travis Wesley White and wife Debbie of Winnabow, North Carolina; one granddaughter, Shannon White Snuggs and husband Chris of North Wilkesboro; one daughter-in-law, Nadine White of Boone; two step-granddaughters, Monica Hampton Allsbrook and husband Richard of Greenville, North Carolina, and Vonda Hampton and husband Kevin McCusker of Herndon, Virginia; one great-grandson, Zack Rogers of Winnabow, and four step great-grandchildren, Chris and Eric Snuggs of Wilkesboro, and Julia and Jackson Allsbrook of Greenville.
He was preceded in death by a son, Roddy White, and his father and mother, Phillip and Leona Risher White.
Funeral services for Mr. Robert L. White will be conducted Saturday morning, October 20, 2007, at 11:00 o'clock, at Grace Lutheran Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 10:00 until 11:00 o'clock. Officiating will be Pastor Tim Smith and Vicar Dave Wegner. Masonic graveside rites and burial will follow in Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens.
The family will receive friends Friday evening, from 7:00 until 8:30, at Hampton Funeral Service. At other times, friends may call at the home of Nadine White, 355 Bub Teams Road, Boone.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Masonic and Eastern Star Home of North Carolina, 700 South Holden Road, Greensboro, North Carolina, 27407, or to Grace Lutheran Church, 115 East King Street, Boone, North Carolina, 28607.
Hampton Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Gregory “Smokey” Whitfield
Mr. Gregory “Smokey” Whitfield, 44, formerly of Linville, died Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007 at his residence in Atlanta, Ga.
He was a chef at Eseeola Lodge in nearby Linville, N.C. One of Smokey's character flaws (if you could call it that!) was that he didn't know how to cook for just 4-6 people. It was always for like 20 people, so he shared it with friends and co-workers who all quickly fell in love with his cooking. He wasn't real good with names and when all else failed, he simply called you “lil' fellar”. He had two successive Yorkshire terriers that he would stuff in his jacket and ride them around on his motorcycle everywhere he went. He even got leather hats, leather jackets and goggles for them.
In addition to being an accomplished chef, Smokey was also skilled at ice carving. He was an excellent vocalist and frequently favored us with a song. He had a big, hearty laugh that let you know when he was amused. Diabetes took its toll as the years went by. This summer he moved to Atlanta to be close to his sister. He struggled with it all. He would rather be here in these mountains with his friends, working, giving parties, making others happy, riding his motorcycle (dog in jacket) and just generally making the world a better place by being here. He was a good one. And Lord knows the world needs more good ones.
He was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his sister, Denise, of Atlanta; his brother, Steve, of Chicago; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and a host of friends.
Arrangements are being finalized through Gus Thornhill's Funeral Home in Atlanta with services being planned for October 23, 2007. Locally, friends can call Nathan Seamone at 828-262-0575 for more information or to pass on condolences to the family.

Lorna Culham Paul
Mrs. Lorna Jean Culham Paul, 71, of Hickory, passed away on Wednesday, Oct.10, 2007 at Lutheran Home Hickory West.
She was born Oct. 24, 1935, in Coral Gables, Fla., to the late Frederick Lorne and Louie Dailey Culham.
Mrs. Paul was a member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church of Hickory. She received a degree in Art from the University of Miami, Fla. She previously was a music director at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Boone, N.C. She also served on the Charlotte Catholic Diocesan Liturgical Committee and the Diocesan Parish Counsel Development Committee. She designed and made banners for various churches and the Charlotte Diocese. Lorna was also a volunteer for the Lucy Brock Child Development Center at Appalachian State University and in the elementary schools of Watauga County, especially involving the children in her love for and knowledge about the birds and butterflies of N.C. She was known for always sharing her love for flowers with everyone with whom she came in contact.
Lorna was a loving homemaker, providing a home away from home for many of her church family, community and her husband’s students and colleagues. She was known as “Mom Paul” to over 500 men and women of the ASU Men’s Glee Club. Indeed, her “boys” and “girls”, their spouses and children, now think of themselves as Lorna’s children and grandchildren.
She lived a life of Grace and was a beacon to all who crossed her path.
In addition to her parents, a sister, Betty Lou Culham Day, preceded her in death.
Lorna is survived by her husband of 49-plus years, Philip M. Paul of Hickory; a daughter, adopted in love, Jane Turner Blackburn of Arlington, Texas; three brother-in-laws, Larry Day of Okeechobee, Fla.; Richard Paul and wife, Roger, of Eustis, Fla.; David Paul and wife, Judy, of Williston, Fla.; two nieces, Linda Day Jones and husband, Lee, of Okeechobee, Fla. and Karen Paul of Orlando, Fla.; six nephews, Richard Day and wife, Birgit, of Federal Way, Wash.; Fred Day and wife, Patty, of Largo, Fla.; Edward Day and wife, Cyndi, of New Smyrna Beach, Fla.; Ronald Day and wife, Tracie, of Seattle, Wash.; Blake Paul and wife, Elizabeth, of Lakeland, Fla.; Douglass Paul and wife, Claire, of Atlanta, Ga.; Nathan Paul and Wesley Paul, both of Ocoee, Fla.; four great-nieces and five great-nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, Oct.19, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Hickory with Father Bob Ferris officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. A graveside service will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery in Blowing Rock, N.C. on Friday, Oct. 19, 2007 at 3:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lutheran Home-Hickory West, 1125 10th St. Blvd N.W. Hickory, NC 28601; or to the Palliative Care Center & Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658 or Appalachian State University Foundation (ASU Box 32064, Boone, NC 28608, ATTN McKinney Alumni Center) for the "Philip and Lorna Paul Scholarship for the Men's Glee Club".
Bass-Smith Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Lorna Jean Culham Paul.

October 15, 2007
Mary Frances Brookshire Bumgarner
Mrs. Mary Frances Brookshire Bumgarner, 83, of 315 East Ridge Drive in Boone and formerly of Appalachian Brian Estates, died Wednesday evening, Oct. 10, 2007, at her home.
She was born April 17, 1924, in Wilkes County, to Martha and Edgar Brookshire.
Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Beth and Jim Morris of Boone; one granddaughter, Casi Morris of San Francisco, Calif.; one grandson, Steven Bumgarner and wife, Jill; two great-granddaughters, Brittany Bumgarner and Erica Bumgarner, all of Winston-Salem; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Marcella and Clyde Carpenter and Bonnie and Michael Cook; one daughter-in-law, Neva Bumgarner; one sister-in-law, Helen Walsh and her husband, Ernest, all of North Wilkesboro. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William Orrin Bumgarner, Sr.; her son, William O. "Bill" Bumgarner, Jr.; one daughter-in-law, Joy Heath Bumgarner; one sister and brother-in-law, Thelma Brookshire Dyer and H. C. Dyer.
Family visitation was held Sunday, Oct. 14th, from 1:30 until 2:30 at the Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in North Wilkesboro. A funeral service followed at 3:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial was in the Mountlawn Memorial Park and Gardens in Wilkes County.
It was the request of Mrs. Bumgarner that no flowers be sent, but rather memorial contributions be made to the charity, church, or organization of the donor's choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.reinssturdivant.com.
Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in North Wilkesboro, N.C. was in charge of the arrangements.

Louise Greene Houck
Mrs. Louise Greene Houck, 82, of 318 Todd Railroad Grade Road, Todd, died Saturday, Oct. 13, 2007, at her residence.
She was born Nov. 7, 1924 in Ashe County, a daughter of the late Ernie and Inez Howell Greene.
Mrs. Houck was a homemaker, and a member of Liberty Grove Baptist Church.
Survivors include one daughter, Diana Houck and Ricky Penley of the home; one son, Dana Houck of Todd; one granddaughter, Erin Lambert Greer of Fleetwood; three grandsons, Kevin Lambert of the U.S. Navy, Norfolk, Va., Dustin Houck and Daniel Houck, both of Jefferson; one great-grandson, Jamerson Dean Greer of Fleetwood, and her caregivers, Shelia Johnson and Rita Lambert. She is also survived by three nieces and three nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Thomas Houck; and one son, Jeffrey Houck.
Services will be conducted Friday afternoon, Oct. 19, 2007, at 2:00 o'clock, at Liberty Grove Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 1:00 until 2:00 o'clock. Officiating will be the Rev. John Elledge. Burial will follow in the Liberty Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Thursday evening, from 7:00 until 9:00 o'clock, at Hampton Funeral Service.
Hampton Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

David William Miller
Mr. David William “Pudge” Miller, 48, of 565 Causby Road, Morganton, died Friday, February 2, 2007, at Frye R. Memorial Center in Hickory.
He was born Dec. 21, 1958 in Beaver Dam, Va., a son of the late Sherman “Red” Miller and Iva Lee Church Miller.
Mr. Miller worked for Robinson Lumber Company for over 15 years and was a retired meter reader for the City of Lenoir. He also helped several vendors at the Jamestown Flea Market in Morganton, and was an avid bowler for over 25 years in the Lenoir and Morganton area. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Lenoir.
Survivors include one uncle, Luther Church and wife, Faye, of Blowing Rock; and his former wife, Kayla Shomaker of Badin Lake, and her family.
A memorial service for Mr. David William Miller was conducted Saturday afternoon, October 13, 2007, at Woodlawn Cemetery in Blowing Rock. Officiating was the Rev. Kenny Newberry.
Hampton Funeral Service was in charge of the arrangements.

Jimmy Wayne ‘Hippy’ Presnell
Mr. Jimmy Wayne “Hippy” Presnell, 54, of Salem Road, Morganton, N.C., died Saturday, Oct. 13, 2007 at Valdese General Hospital following a brief illness.
He was born in Watauga County, on June 20, 1953, the son of Arlie Presnell and Marie Love Huffman.
Mr. Presnell worked as a mechanic and was widely known for his work on transmissions. He was a loving son, father, grandfather, and brother. He was an avid fisherman and NASCAR fan, particularly of Jeff Gordon.
Survivors include his father, Arlie Presnell of Beech Creek, N.C.; his mother, Marie Love Huffman and husband, Marcus, of Beech Creek; a daughter, Regina Parker and husband, Tony, of Morganton; grandsons, Derick and Justin Parker of Morganton; brothers, Kenneth Presnell of Glen Alpine, N.C. and Melvin Presnell and wife, Jennifer, of Beech Creek; sisters, Wanda Blazer and husband, Michael, of Beech Creek and Linda Pope of Deep Gap, N.C.; and a number of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Tommy Presnell; and a maternal grandmother, Florrie Love.
A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007 in Glen Alpine Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday evening at Sossoman Funeral Home from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. At other times the family will be at the residence of Regina and Tony Parker, 4655 Scott Road.
Condolences may be made online at www.sossomanfuneralservice.com.
Sossoman Funeral Home are in charge of arrangements.