Archived
Mary Nell Holman Barr
Ms. Mary Nell Holman Barr, 78, of Cook Drive, West Jefferson, died Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 23, 2008, at Cannon Memorial Hospital.
She was born in Ashe County, Sept. 25, 1929, a daughter of the late George and Mary McCorkle Holman.
Ms. Barr was a member of Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church, and was a retired cook.
Surviving are one son, Rev. Randy Barr and wife, Kay, of Grove City, Ohio; two daughters, Kimberly Franklin of Banner Elk and Ellen Russell and husband, Raeford, of Foscoe; four grandchildren, Matthew Reed Franklin and wife, Burlene, of Banner Elk, Jason Ray Cook and wife, Mindy, of Vilas, Stephanie Michelle Barr of Cleveland, Tenn., and Dakota Russell of Foscoe; four great-grandchildren, Eva Marie Cook and Thomas Riley Cook of Vilas, and Sidney Cole Franklin and Payton Marie Franklin of Banner Elk; two sisters, Deane Wilcox of Todd and Mossie Davis of Blowing Rock; and one brother; Greer Holman of Vilas.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Mabel Wilcox and Ruth Prince; five brothers, Coolidge, Jess, Joe, Freeman and Roger Holman; and a son-in-law, Dale Franklin.
Memorial services will be conducted Saturday afternoon, Jan. 26, 2008, at 2 o’clock at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be the Rev. Richard Holshouser. The family will receive friends prior to the service on Saturday, from noon to 2 p.m. at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 222 South Church Street, Charlotte, N.C. 28202.
Online condolences may be sent to the Barr family at austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Barr family.

I. G. Hodges
Mr. I. G. Hodges, 85, of 825 Circle Dr., Mountain City, Tenn., passed away Thursday, Jan. 24, 2008, at James H. Quillen VA Medical Center.
He was born on Nov. 15, 1922 in the Mabel community of Watauga County, N.C., to the late Isaac Garfield and Mary Louise Baxter Hodges.
Mr. Hodges worked at Mountain Electric Cooperative for 14 years, Johnson County Motors for 12 years, and was the manager of Ramsey’s Ben Franklin Store for 15 years. He was a member of the Jaycee’s, the Lions Club, the American Legion, Post No. 61 and the Johnson County Honor Guard. Mr. Hodges was past president of the Civitan Club, past Master of the Taylorsville Masonic Lodge No. 243 and past president of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post No. 6908. He was a member of the Church of Christ.
Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Arna Mae Hodges; his son ,James Gordon Hodges and wife, Frances, of Smyrna, Ga.; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Ruth Norris; and three brothers, Baxter, Owen and Fincher Hodges.
Services will be conducted Saturday afternoon, Jan. 26, 2008, at 2 p.m. at Mountain City Funeral Home with Jim Hutchinson, Minister, officiating. Masonic Rites will be conducted by Taylorsville Masonic Lodge No. 243. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. Military Rites will be conducted by the Johnson County Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 12:30-2:00 p.m., before the service, at Mountain City Funeral Home.
Those who wish may send memorial contributions to Johnson County Rescue Squad, 203 Vandilla St., Mountain City, TN 37683
Condolences may be made online at www.mountaincityfuneralhome.com.
Mountain City Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Clara Bell Miller Jones
Mrs. Clara Bell Miller Jones, 66, of Jefferson, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, at Ashe Memorial Hospital.
She was born in Ashe County on Monday, April 14, 1941 to the late Reggie Miller and Minnie Marie Eldreth Miller.
Mrs. Jones was a cook at Lansing Elementary School.
Survivors include her husband, Boyd Jones; two sons, Randy Jones and wife, Gina, of Jefferson and Jeff Jones, of Tampa, Fla.; a sister, Pat Grubb, of Boone; and a grandson, Aaron Jones, of Asheville.
Services were held on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2008 at 2 p.m. at Boone Family Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. George Grubb and the Rev. Thomas Russell officiating. Burial followed in the Ashelawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Ashe Services for the Aging, P.O. Box 9, West Jefferson, N.C. 28694.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.boonefuneralhome.
Boone Family Funeral Home of West Jefferson is in charge of the arrangements.

Eula Thompson McKinney
Mrs. Eula Thompson McKinney, 94, of Newland, passed away on Jan. 22, 2008, at Watauga Medical Center.
She was born a daughter of the late Julius LaFayette and Alice Hayes Thompson.
Mrs. McKinney was a member of Altamont United Methodist Church and enjoyed reading her Bible, singing, spending time with her family, sewing and traveling.
Survivors include her two daughters and son-in-laws, Virginia and James Parker of Charlotte and Alice Reid and husband, Kenneth Lee, of Lenoir; three sons and daughter-in-laws, Charles Edwin and Barbara of Boone, James Lee and Linda of Boone, and David Neil and Alda of Valdese; daughter-in-law, Frances McKinney of Morganton; 13 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Charles R. McKinney; and a son, Jack Douglas McKinney.
Services will be conducted Sunday afternoon, Jan. 27, 2008, at 3 p.m. at Altamont United Methodist Church with the Rev. Keith Nickols and the Rev. Keith Tutterow officiating. Interment will follow at the Pisgah Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon from 1:30-3:00 p.m., prior to the service, at Altamont United Methodist Church.
Memorials may be made to Altamont United Methodist Church at 100 Altamont Church Road Newland, N.C. 28657.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.rsfh.net.
Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Walter Garland “Wally” Steele III

Mr. Walter Garland “Wally” Steele III, 38, of Banner Elk, died Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2008, at the Johnson City Medical Center in Johnson City, Tenn.
He was born in Bristol, Tenn., and graduated from Virginia High School.
Mr. Steele attended Lees-McRae College, received his associate degree from Caldwell Community College, and later attended Appalachian State University. He was an Eagle Scout and a member of State Street United Methodist Church. He was a talented artist and sculptor, a history buff and a collector.
Survivors include his mother, Anne Griffith Steele; his sisters, Mandi Dennis and her husband, Mark, and their children Ellie, Sam and Gabby, and Millie Anne VanDevender and her husband, Brent, and their son, Abraham; his paternal grandmother, Pauline Steele; his maternal grandparents, Carl and LaNelle Griffith; his beloved Serena Crawford and her son, Austin; numerous loving aunts, uncles and cousins; and his faithful companions Achilles and Monkey.
He was preceded in death by his father, Walter Garland “Wink” Steele Jr.; and his paternal grandfather, Walter Garland Steele.
Services will be conducted at 5:30 Saturday evening at State Street United Methodist Church in Bristol, Tenn., with the Rev. Reed Shell and the Rev. Sharon Wright officiating.
Wally’s friends from North Carolina are invited to visit with the family at the church prior to the service from 3 to 5 p.m. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall immediately following the service and at any time at the home.
The committal service and interment will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. in Mountain View Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Watauga County Humane Society, P.O. Box 1835, Boone, N.C. 28607.
Condolences and memories may be shared and viewed by visiting www.oakley-cook.com.
Mr. Steele and his family are in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home in Bristol, Tenn. The funeral home’s phone number is (423) 764-7123.

Jack Edwards Park
Mr. Jack Edwards Park of Charlotte passed away on Jan. 22, 2008 with his wife and son at his bed side. He was just one day short of his 80th birthday.
He was born in Elkin, N.C. on Jan 23, 1928, the son of John and Ruth Park.
Mr. Park proudly served his country during the Korean conflict. Upon his return he graduated from Appalachian State Teachers College. He was a teacher, coach and athletic director for 37 plus years at Wilson Jr. High (and Middle School), which would be unheard of today. Jack “Coach Park” impacted more lives than he ever knew, and maintained relationships with former students and their families throughout his life. His legacy remains part of the Wilson campus with the “Jack Park Gymnasium” and a special tree that was planted by his friends in his honor.
His pride and joy over the years has been Appalachian State University, where his granddaughter Anna is a 4th generation sophomore, and especially the football program. He was part of the football team under Coach E. C. Duggins. The group known today as “The Duggins Boys” is still recognized annually during the Appalachian football season. This group of teammates, classmates, and friends for life, are still part of each others lives. “The Duggins Boys” were part of the reason Jack was able to fight his cancer as long as he did. These friends were with Jack right up until his last breath. The family wants to express it’s sincere gratitude for the loving support of “The Duggins Boys”.
Mr. Park was a founding charter member of Pine Island Country Club in 1968 and still resided there until his death. Jack was also a member at the Little Church on the Lane in Charlotte where he served in numerous capacities throughout the years.
He is survived by his wife, Joan; his son, Brian and wife, Linda, their children Anna , Haley and Davis of Huntersville, and daughter-in-law, Esta, and her children, Mary Baker Grantham, John and Jackie of Charlotte. He is also survived by his sisters, Marilyn and her husband, Frank; and Brenda; and brothers Bob and his wife, Tha, Dan and his wife, Sallie; numerous nieces and nephews, and Joan’s extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Juanita Beroth Park; and most recently by his son, G. Bruce Park.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. Peter S. Justis of the Charlotte Medical Clinic and Dr. John F. Mahoney of the Carolinas Hematology-Oncology Associates, and their staffs, also a special thanks to the staff at the Robin Johnson Hospice House in Dallas, N.C.
The family will receive friends from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. at the Little Church on the Lane, 522 Moravian Lane, Charlotte, N.C. 28207, with a celebration of Jack’s life to follow at 12:00 Noon, Saturday, Jan. 26, 2008.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Jack and Juanita Park Endowment for Athletics at Appalachian State University, Boone N.C.; The Little Church on the Lane, Charlotte N.C., or the Robin Johnson House of Gaston Hospice, 5005 Shepherds Way Dr. Dallas, N.C. 28034, 704-922-4211.
Harry and Bryant Company has the honor of serving the Park family.

Helen Elizabeth Correll Patterson
Mrs. Helen Elizabeth Correll Patterson, formerly of Bluebird Lane, Boone, died Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008 at Deerfield Ridge Assisted Living, Boone, N.C.
She was born April 20, 1929 in Baltimore, Md., daughter of Monte Floyd Cummings, Sr. and Audrey Geneva Correll.
She is survived by half-brothers, George Whetzel of Hancock, Md., Monte Floyd Cummings, Jr., of Cedartown, Ga., and Robert Thomas Cummings of Duryea, Pa.; daughters, Linda Diane Milan of Sparta, N.C., Nancy Ellen Campbell of Waynesboro, Va.; son, Henry Franklin Patterson, Jr., of Union, S.C., ten grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including Dalton McKay Bare, formerly of the home, now of Knightdale, N.C.
She was preceded in death by her parents; step-father, Joseph Matthew Whetzel, Sr.; and half-brother, Joseph Matthew Whetzel, Jr.; half-sister, Nancy Irene Cummings Baumbach; husband, Henry Franklin Patterson, Sr.; sons, Theodore Stanley Patterson, George Howard Patterson, and Joseph Dale Patterson; daughter, Marie Louise Patterson; and granddaughter, Melissa Ann Raymond Bare of the home.
Arrangements to Human Gift Registry of West Virginia were assisted by Austin-Barnes Funeral Home, of Boone.

January 23, 2008
Selma Lee Foster Bolick
Mrs. Selma Lee Foster Bolick, 73, of Cape Carteret, N.C., died Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, at Carteret General Hospital.
She was born Feb. 14, 1934, in Blowing Rock, N.C., to the late James Randall Foster, Sr. and the late Selma Robbins Foster.
Survivors include daughters, Mary Lee Cuthrell and husband, D. Wayne Cuthrell, of Morehead City, N.C.; Selena Kaye Bolick of Morehead City, N.C.; and Cindy Bolick Hudson and husband, James C. Hudson, of Vass, N.C.; a brother, James “Sonny” Foster of Cape Carteret, N.C.; two grandchildren, D. Douglas Cuthrell of Bridgeton, N.C. and Pamela M. Cuthrell of Raleigh, N.C.; and beloved companion, Cass.
Services were conducted Saturday afternoon, Jan. 19, 2008, at 2 p.m. at Brooks Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Claude Andrews officiating. Burial will take place at 1 p.m., Friday, Jan. 25, 2008, at Woodlawn Cemetery in Blowing Rock, N.C., with the Rev. Robert F. “Pug” Greene officiating.
Memorial donations are suggested to Atlantic Beach Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 10, Atlantic Beach, N.C. 28512.
Access to online obituary and internet condolences may be made through brooksfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.
Brooks Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., in Morehead City, N.C., are in charge of the arrangements.

Patty Lee Hass
Mrs. Patty Lee Hass, 56, died Jan. 15, 2008.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 26, 2008 at the Church of the Transfiguration in Bat Cave, N.C. with a reception to follow.
Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.

Patricia Ann Eagan ‘Patty’ Optekar
Mrs. Patricia Ann Eagan “Patty” Optekar, 52, of Northridge Drive, Boone, died Tuesday morning, Jan. 8, 2008 at home.
She was born in Hackensack, N.J., a daughter of the late Rev. John Joseph and Sylvia Rose Henning Eagan.
In addition to working with her husband at Blue Ridge Tree Experts, Patty was a mother and a homemaker. She enjoyed baking and decorating cakes, and was of the Lutheran faith.
Surviving are her husband, Buddy Optekar; one daughter, Katie Optekar of Charlotte; one son, Jesse Optekar of Boone; one sister, Dorie Mailander of North Easton, Mass.; and one brother, John Eagan of Florida.
A celebration of life service will be conducted Friday afternoon, Jan. 25 at 5 o’clock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be the Rev. Tim Smith.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Heifer International, Post Office Box 8058, Little Rock, Arkansas 72203-8058 or to High Country Health Care System Hospice, 400 Shadowline Drive, Suite 100-B, Boone, N.C. 28607.
On line condolences may be sent to the Optekar family at austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Optekar family.

January 21, 2008
Arlene Thomas Baumgardner
Mrs. Arlene Thomas Baumgardner, 77, of Farris Valley Drive, Zionville, passed away peacefully Saturday afternoon, Jan. 19, 2008, at home surrounded by her family.
She was born in Watauga County, March 19, 1930, a daughter of the late Conley and Ila Cable Thomas.
Mrs. Baumgardner attended Union Baptist Church, and was active in Relay for Life.
She was retired from the Federal Land Bank as an administrative assistant, and enjoyed traveling and participating in activities at the Western Watauga Community Center.
Surviving are one son, Mark Baumgardner and wife, Susan; two granddaughters; Kimberly Sanders and husband, Jonathan, and Karen Baumgardner, all of Zionville; three great-grandsons, Calvin, Daniel and Trenton Sanders of Zionville; one sister, Pauline Gooch of Little Rock Arkansas; two half-sisters, Beatrice Reece and Wanda Wilson, both of Trade, Tenn.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Baumgardner; her foster parents, Fate and Maude Warren; an infant brother; and one foster brother, M. L. Warren.
Memorial services will be conducted Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel.
Officiating will be the Rev. Derek Wilson, the Rev. Thomas Ray and the Rev. Terry Smith.
The family will receive friends Wednesday afternoon prior to the service from 12:30 until 2 o’clock.
The family respectfully requests no flowers, and suggests memorials to the Western Watauga Community Center, attention Jackie Cornett, 1081 Old US Highway 421, Sugar Grove, N.C. 28679.
On line condolences may be sent to the Baumgardner family at austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Baumgardner family.

Selma Lee Foster Bolick
Mrs. Selma Lee Foster Bolick, 73, of Cape Carteret, N.C., died Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, at Carteret General Hospital.
She was born Feb. 14, 1934, in Blowing Rock, N.C., to the late James Randall Foster, Sr. and the late Selma Robbins Foster.
Survivors include daughters, Mary Lee Cuthrell and husband, D. Wayne Cuthrell, of Morehead City, N.C.; Selena Kaye Bolick of Morehead City, N.C.; and Cindy Bolick Hudson and husband, James C. Hudson, of Vass, N.C.; a brother, James “Sonny” Foster of Cape Carteret, N.C.; two grandchildren, D. Douglas Cuthrell of Bridgeton, N.C. and Pamela M. Cuthrell of Raleigh, N.C.; and beloved companion, Cass.
Services were conducted Saturday afternoon, Jan. 19, 2008, at 2 p.m. at Brooks Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Claude Andrews officiating.
Burial will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Blowing Rock, N.C.
Memorial donations are suggested to Atlantic Beach Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 10, Atlantic Beach, N.C. 28512.
Access to online obituary and internet condolences may be made through brooksfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.
Brooks Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., in Morehead City, N.C., are in charge of the arrangements.

Jack M. Earp
Mr. Jack M. Earp, 68, of 214 George Wilson Road, Boone, died Thursday evening, Jan. 17, 2008, at his home.
He was born Nov. 5, 1939 in Watauga County, a son of the late Rev. Ronda N. and Gertie Greer Earp.
Mr. Earp was a retired boiler operator at Appalachian State University and served in the U.S. Air Force. Mr. Earp was a member of Brushy Fork Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Geraldine “Jerrie” Earp; one daughter, Kim Jones and her husband, Paul, of Boone; two sons, Chris Earp and his wife, Michele, of Deep Gap, and Jackie Wayne Richardson and his wife, Maria, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; two granddaughters, Beth Jones of Boone, and Jennifer Todd of Colorado Springs; three grandsons, David Richardson of Murfreesboro, Tenn., Zachary Jones of Boone, and Isaac Earp of Deep Gap; one sister, Mary Stanbery and her husband, Edward, of Mountain City, Tenn.; two brothers, Dean Earp and his wife, Alma, of Boone, and Johnny Earp and his wife, Ruby, of Lenoir; and three sisters-in-law, Mary Jo Earp of Elizabethton Tenn., Ruth Earp of Lexington, N.C., and Geneva Earp of Vilas. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Raymond, Robert, and Dewey Earp.
Services were conducted Friday evening, Jan. 18, 2008, at Brushy Fork Baptist Church. Officiating were Pastor Andy McFarland and the Rev. Darrell Bare. Graveside services and burial were conducted Saturday morning, at Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Kidney Fund, 6110 Executive Blvd., Rockville, Md. 20852, or to High Country Health Care System/Hospice, 400 Shadowline Drive, Suite 100-B, Boone, N.C. 28607.
Online condolences may be sent to the Earp family at www.hamptonfuneralservice.com
Hampton Funeral Service was in charge of the arrangements.

Harold Floyd Miller
Mr. Harold Floyd Miller, 71, of 1078 Belwood Lanwndale Rd., Belwood, N.C., died Jan. 19, 2008, at Carolina’s Medical Center.
He was a man who enjoyed life. He loved working, gardening, traveling and meeting new people. His family was his pride and joy, but his grandchildren held a special place in his heart. Mr. Miller was the owner and operator of Miller’s Convenience Store and Express Food Mart. He was also a member of Norman’s Grove Baptist Church and the Hibritan Lodge #262. Mr. Miller was also proud of his service in the U.S. Navy, which served for four years.
Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Asilee Collins Miller; his mother, Maggie Penland Miller of Lenoir; two sons, Mitch Miller and wife, Renada of Boone, and Ken Miller and wife, Ann, of Belwood; brother, Reece Miller and wife, Mary, of Hickory; sister, Janet Lawrence and husband, Rev. Gary Lawrence of Boone; and three grandchildren, Caleb Miller, Cole Miller and April Miller.
His father, Floyd Theodore Miller preceded him in death.
Services will be conducted Monday afternoon at 3 p.m. at Norman’s Grove Baptist Church. Officiating will be the Rev. Cecil Buff, the Rev. Stewart White, and the Rev. Gary Lawrence. Burial will follow in Norman’s Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, with Military Honors and Masonic Graveside Rites.
The family will receive friends Monday afternoon from 2-3 p.m. in the Norman’s Grove Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.
Memorials may be made to Norman’s Grove Baptist Church, c/o Lynn Willis, 309 Casar-Belwood Rd., Lawndale, N.C. 28090.
Online condolences may be made at www.stameyfuneralhome.com.
Stamey Funeral Home in Fallston, N.C., are in charge of the arrangements.

James Lee Shomaker
Mr. James Lee Shomaker, 89, of Balm Highway, Banner Elk, a life-long resident of Avery County, died Saturday morning, Jan. 19, 2008, at Johnson City Medical Center.
He was born Nov. 2, 1918 to Joseph and Annie Greer Shomaker.
Mr. Shomaker was a member of Mount Calvary Baptist Church and for more than 60 years owned and operated Lee Shomaker Garage in Banner Elk.
Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Juanita Glenn Shomaker; one daughter, Jackie S. Burleson and husband, Buster, of Banner Elk; one grandson, Brad Burleson and wife, Kathryn, of Asheville; one granddaughter, Michelle B. Aldridge of Parksville, Md.; and four great-granddaughters, Riley, Payton, Bailey and Reagan Aldridge, all of Parkville, Md.
Memorial services will be conducted Monday evening at 7 o’clock at Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Banner Elk, officiated by the Rev. George Wright and the Rev. Durl Jones. The family will receive friends following services at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to Mount Calvary Baptist Church Building Fund, 1161 Balm Highway, Banner Elk, N.C. 28604.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Shomaker family.

John Alfred Pritchett, Jr.
Mr. John Alfred Pritchett, Jr., 82, of 228 Pritchett Farms Road, Vilas, died Wednesday evening, Jan. 16, 2008, at Watauga Medical Center.
He was born June 4, 1925 in Nashville, Tenn., a son of the late John Alfred Pritchett, Sr. and Ethel Griffith Pritchett.
Mr. Pritchett was a career educator with degrees from East Tennessee State University and George Peabody College. His career started at Chuckey-Doake Elementary and Dobyns-Bennett High School in East Tennessee. From 1950-1956, he was a faculty member at Northeast Louisiana State University. From 1956-1991, he served as a faculty member at Appalachian State University, retiring as faculty emeritus. Mr. Pritchett pioneered audio-visual education during his tenure at Appalachian State, and was known nationally in his field for the integration of media in the field of education. He had a unique combination of skills in the performing arts (music), photography, humanities, liberal arts, technology, and education.
In 1965, John purchased the first parcel of Pritchett Farms in Vilas, N.C. He has operated and expanded the farm for the last 42 years. His wife and sons continue to reside in Vilas and operate the farm. He also kept close ties along with his father to the family farm in Washington County, Tenn., which his grandfather, James Alfred, purchased and settled in the 1880’s. These properties are still part of the family business.
Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Agnes Robinette Pritchett; one daughter, Cassandra P. Mabe and husband, Philip, of New Orleans, La.; two sons, J. Alfred Pritchett and wife, Elissa, and Charles L. Pritchett and wife, Joy, all of Vilas; two grandsons, Matthew Mabe of New York, N.Y., and Levi Pritchett of Vilas; six granddaughters, Sarah Zimmerman and husband, Ward, of Boston, Mass., Mary Boudreault and husband, Luke, of Greensboro, Laura Kaufman and husband, Kenny, of High Point, Cara Mabe of New Orleans, Rebekah Pritchett of Chapel Hill, and Emily Pritchett of Greensboro; two cousins, Elgin Kintner and wife, Ethel, of Maryville, Tenn., and L.D. Simmons and wife, Janie, of Johnson City; and one brother-in-law, Billy Robinette and wife, Ruth, of Greeneville, Tenn. He is also survived by a number nieces and nephews of the Robinette family.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Walden James Pritchett.
Services were conducted Sunday afternoon, Jan. 20, 2008, at Knob Creek Church of the Brethren in Johnson City, Tenn. Officiating were Pastor Allen Campbell, Mr. L.D. Simmons, Mr. Steve Ferguson, J. Alfred Pritchett and Rev. Allen Marsh. Burial followed in Monte Vista Memorial Gardens in Johnson City.
In lieu of flowers, Mrs. Pritchett requests memorial contributions be made to one’s local church, or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be sent to the Pritchett family at www.hamptonfuneralservice.com
Hampton Funeral Service was in charge of the arrangements.

Earl Gwyn Winkler
Mr. Earl Gwyn Winkler, 48, of 1421 Walt Arney Road, Lenoir, passed away unexpectedly at his residence on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2008.
He was born Oct. 3, 1959 in Watauga County, a son of the late Burl and Alice Vannoy Winkler.
Mr. Winkler was a past employee of Winn-Dixie Grocery Stores, working in the produce department.
He is survived by one sister, Doris Isaacs and husband, Tony; and two brothers, Dean Winkler and wife, Gina, and Doug Winkler, all of Boone; two special aunts, Barbara Wyatt of Wilmington, Dela., and Jane Kolessar of Pleasant Garden, N.C.; two uncles, Charles Vannoy and wife, Grace, of Boone, and Wayne Vannoy and wife, Marilyn, of Manuta, Ohio; and two aunts, Sue Teague and husband, Dwight, of North Wilkesboro, and Kate Stephens and husband, Ned, of Old Town, Fla. He is also survived by three nieces, Emma, Abby and Emily Winkler; and four nephews, Travis Isaacs, and Caleb, Tyler and Ethan Winkler.
A memorial service will be conducted Sunday afternoon, Jan. 20, 2008, at 2:00 o'clock, at Deerfield United Methodist Church. Officiating will be the Rev. Jeff Sweeney.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to High Country Health Care System/Hospice, 400 Shadowline Drive, Suite 100-B, Boone, N.C., or to the American Heart Association, 222 South Church Street, Charlotte, N.C. 28202.
On behalf of Mr. Winkler, the family would like to thank his friends, Kim and Jack Sanders, Laura and Jimmy Shrake, Debbie Ehling, Teresa and Jonathan West, Trisha and Steve Griffin, Jack and Geneva Kincaid, Homer and Bertha Griffin and their whole family, Don Austin, Joanne Caudill, and Erica and Steve Peterkin for all their support. The family would also like to thank the entire staff at Lenoir Physical Therapy, Russell Bridges, and Larry Lewis who helped in his recovery after heart surgery in 2003.
Online condolences may be sent to the Winkler family at www.hamptonfuneralservice.com
Hampton Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.