Archived

Blanche Brown
Mrs. Blanche Greer Brown, 98, of Lenoir, passed away Jan. 12, 2009 at Gateway Rehabilitation Center, surrounded by a host of loving family members.
She was born May 19, 1910 in Watauga County, to the late Frank and Nettie Greer.
Mrs. Brown was a member of Central Baptist Church in Whitnel for 55 years.
Survivors include a son, Bernard Brown and his wife, Wanda, of Sawmills; a daughter, Geraldine “Gerri” Walker and her husband, Billy, of Lenoir; five grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Edward Brown; a brother, Grady Greer; a sister, Grace Greer; and a brother who died in infancy.
Services were held Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. at Pendry’s Chapel with the Rev. John Jernigan and the Rev. David Crisp officiating. The family received friends one hour prior to the service. Burial followed the service at Blue Ridge Memorial Park. Serving as pallbearers were her great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to Caldwell Hospice & Palliative Care at 902 Kirkwood St. NW, Lenoir, N.C. 28645; or to Central Baptist Church at 311 Connelly Springs Rd. SW, Lenoir, N.C. 28645.
Condolences may be placed online at www.mem.com
Pendry’s Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.

John Finley ‘Johnny’ Greene
Mr. John Finley “Johnny” Greene, 46, of Diamond Ranch Road, Boone, died Monday morning, Jan. 12, 2009, at Johnson City Medical Center.
He was born in Avery County, the son of Jim and Louise Ward Greene.
Mr. Greene was a painting contractor and an avid deer hunter. He was a member of the First Independent Baptist Church in Blowing Rock.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, Kimberly L. Greene; two wonderful children, John Monty Greene and Savanna Paige Greene; one sister, Robin Rickards and husband, Mike, and two nieces, Cora Sage Roebuck and Finley Jade Rickards, all of Virginia Beach, Va.; and a number of cousins.
He was preceded in death by a brother, James Leemont “Monty” Greene; his maternal grandparents, Amos Lee and Dessie Ward; and his paternal grandparents, Harlen James Greene Sr. and Cora Lee Greene; and a number of great aunts and uncles.
Services were conducted Thursday afternoon at 1 o’clock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating was the Rev. Gary Shew. Burial followed at Woodlawn Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the John Monty Greene and Savanna Paige Greene Education Fund, in care of Jim and Louise Greene, 711 Possum Hollow Road, Blowing Rock, N.C. 28605.
The family received friends Wednesday evening from 6 o’clock until 8 o’clock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home
Online condolences may be sent to the Greene family at austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Greene family.

Rev. Charles Hughes Kincaid Sr.
Rev. Charles Hughes Kincaid, Sr., 91, of Cedar Valley Road, Hudson, went home to be with His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009, at Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care.
He was born Nov. 12, 1917 in Caldwell County to the late George and Roxianna Simmons Kincaid.
Rev. Kincaid graduated from Fruitland Baptist Bible College in Hendersonville, N.C. He was a Baptist minister for 60 years, serving as pastor at Perkinsville Baptist Church in Boone, N.C., Cross Memorial Baptist Church in Morganton, N.C., Central Baptist Church in Lenoir, Temple Hill Baptist Church in Granite Falls, and various times at Unity Baptist Church in Lenoir. He also served as Interim Pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Lenoir, Zacks Fork Baptist Church and various times at Unity Baptist Church. He was well known throughout the community as a “Prayer Warrior.”
Survivors include one son, Charles H. Kincaid, Jr. and wife, Jerry, of Lenoir; three daughters, Mrs. Anne Kincaid Simmons and husband, Ronnie, of Hudson, Mrs. Celeste Kincaid Price and husband, Richard, and Mrs. Judy Kincaid Bryant and husband, Bruce, both of Lenoir; two brothers, Benjamin Harrison Kincaid and Harold D. Kincaid, both of Lenoir; one sister, Mrs. Louise Kincaid Taylor of Lenoir; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Myrtle Leggette Kincaid; two brothers, Ernest Kincaid and J. Wade Kincaid, Sr.; and three sisters, Ruth Kincaid Robbins, Edna Kincaid Tuttle, and Carrie Kincaid Bush.
Services will be held Friday, Jan. 16, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church conducted by Dr. Allan Carr, the Rev. Larry Winkler and the Rev. Bobby Pritchard. The body will be placed in the church 30 minutes prior to the service. Interment will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Park.
The family received friends Thursday from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Greer-McElveen Funeral Home.
Serving as pallbearers will be Anthony Kincaid Simmons, Danny Charles Kincaid, Mark Christian Bryant, Samuel S. Edminsten, III, Steve Cable and Ben Earp.
Memorial contributions may be made to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood St., Lenoir, N.C. 28645 or Caldwell Baptist Association Mission Work, PO Box 1555, Lenoir, N.C. 28645.
Online condolences may be left at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com.
Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Bonnie Devall Ward Kirby
Mrs. Bonnie Devall Ward Kirby, 89, of 543 Phillips Branch Road, Vilas, passed away peacefully Tuesday evening, Jan. 13, 2009, at Blowing Rock Extended Care.
She was a former employee of IRC and Shadowline of Boone, and a homemaker. She was a member of Willow Valley Baptist Church.
Mrs. Kirby is survived by her husband of 69 years, William Edward (Bill) Kirby; one daughter, Mary Warren and husband, Len, of Vilas; one granddaughter, Kimberly Slate of Boone; one grandson, James B. Sutherland of Vilas; one great-grandson, Jamison Slate; one brother, David P. Ward and wife, Unadale, all of Boone; four sisters-in-law, Mrs. Jackie Oliver and husband, Jim, of Vilas, Mrs. Gladys Sullivan and husband, Roy, of Deland, Fla.; and Luiva Ward and Ella Mae Ward of Vilas; and two step-grandsons, Larry Warren and wife, Brenda, of Zionville, and Barry Warren and wife, Becky, of Boone. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Custer and Gladys Shell Ward; two sisters, Wilmetta Yates and Dare Isaacs Presnell; and three brothers, Payne, Blaine, and Baker Ward.
Services will be conducted Saturday afternoon, Jan. 17, 2009, at 2:00 o'clock, at Willow Valley Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 1:00 until 2:00 o'clock. Officiating will be the Rev. Ray Greene and Pastor Jeffery Sweeney. Burial will follow in Willow Valley Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Friday evening, from 6:00 until 8:00 o'clock, at Hampton Funeral Service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Willow Valley Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, in care of Brandon Greer, Treasurer, 436 Clark Swift Road, Vilas, N.C. 28692.
The family has respectfully requested no food.
Online condolences may be sent to the Kirby family at www.hamptonfuneralservice.com.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Daniel Everett Scott
Daniel Everett Scott, 17, of White Dogwood Lane, Boone, died Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 13, 2008, at his home.
He was born April 29, 1991 in Watauga County. Daniel was a member of Boone United Methodist Church. He was a senior at Watauga High School and was an avid music lover and musician.
Daniel was a beloved son and brother to his parents, David Jeffrey Scott of Boone and Lana Jean Miller Scott of Boone; two brothers, Jerry Scott Cline and friend Anthony Justice of Charlotte and Matthew David Scott of the home; two sisters, Christy Cline Halbedel and husband, Joe, of Indian Trail and Jana Cline Griebel and husband, Jeff, of Charlotte. He is also survived by his maternal grandparents, Ray and Elsie K. Scott of Kinston; his maternal grandmother, Alice P. Miller of Catawba; and a number of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Everett Lee Miller.
Daniel will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Services will be conducted Saturday afternoon at 3 o’clock at the Boone United Methodist Church, officiated by the Rev. John Fitzgerald, the Rev. A. J. Thomas, Dr. George Naff and the Rev. Dr. Tim Smith.
The family will receive friends Saturday afternoon from 1 until 3 o’clock, prior to services, at the church.
Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to the Daniel Everett Scott Scholarship Fund at Watauga High School, 400 High School Drive, Boone, N.C. 28607.
The family will be at the home of Lana Jean Miller Scott, 199 White Dogwood Lane, Boone.
Online condolences may be sent to the Scott family at austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Scott family.

Jennie Linn Taylor
Jennie Linn Wright Taylor of Spartanburg passed away Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009, at Skylyn Place Nursing Center in Spartanburg.
She was born on June 11,1920 in Landis, N.C., to the late Frances Ephriam Wright and Creola Linn Wright.
She graduated from Landis High School and Queens College in Charlotte where she was a member of Kappa Delta Society. After graduation, she married her beloved husband of 46 years, George Bower Taylor of Mt. Holly, N.C. They made their home in Landis, N.C., where they joined Trinity Lutheran Church. Jennie was employed as a 2nd grade teacher for 25 years and was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma.
During their marriage, Jennie and George traveled extensively, always returning to their summer home in Blowing Rock, N.C. Here, they were able to golf, play bridge and enjoy their children, grandchildren, family and friends.
She is survived by her son, George Bower Taylor and wife, Lou (Jackson),of Atlanta, Ga.; daughter, Margaret Derrick Becker and husband, Dr. Randal L. Becker, of Blowing Rock; four grandsons, George Bower Taylor III of Acworth, Ga., Andrew Preston Taylor of Grundy, Va., Zachary Newton Taylor and wife, Jennifer (Seel), and great-granddaughter, Zoe Marie Taylor, of Atlanta, Ga.; and James Reed Derrick of Spartanburg, S.C.
Jennie was preceded in death by her two brothers, Joe and Clay Wright of Landis and her husband George in 1989.
The family will receive friends from 2- 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church in Blowing Rock. A memorial service will follow at 2:30 p.m. with the Rev. Charles Landreth officiating.
Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Angels Inc., 6600 Wilkinson Blvd., P.O. Box 710 Belmont, N.C. 28012-0710 or to the charity of one's choice.
Hampton Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

January 14, 2009
Emma Clerico Haibach
Mrs.Emma Clerico Haibach, 93, of Chickamauga, Ga., went home to be with the Lord Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009.
She was born in New York City, N.Y., to the late Constantine and Theresa Biginelli Clerico.
Prior to residing in Chickamauga she had formerly lived in the New York City, N.Y., and Orlando, Fla. communities. She was the former secretary for Schrimsher’s Plumbing in Orlando, Fla., and had also been a volunteer secretary for Fort Gallatin Alliance Church. Mrs. Haibach was a member of First Alliance Church in Orlando, Fla. where she had taught Sunday School and participated in the Women’s Ministry. One of her pastimes was knitting.
Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Jeanne and Donnie Bostick of Chickamauga, Ga.; her son and daughter-in-law, Peter and Betsy Haibach of Boone, N.C.; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Haibach.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Christian and Missionary Alliance towards the “Great Commission Fund” at P.O. Box 35000, Colorado Springs, CO 80935-3500.
Online register book at www.wilsonfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by Wilson Funeral Homes-J. Avery Bryan Chapel, Chickamauga, Ga.

John J. Kaplafka
Mr. John J. Kaplafka of Arlington Heights, Ill., passed away Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009.
He was born on April 3, 1935 in Shenandoah, Pa., to John and Elanor Kuchinski Kaplafka.
Mr. Kaplafka was a 1953 graduate of the Milton Hershey School. He served during the Korean War as a Captain of Recon Marines. He was Past District Governor of Lions Dist. 31J in North Carolina and Past President of the Arlington Heights Lions Club. He helped start both Girl’s Haven and the Zoological Park in N.C. He also volunteered at Our Lady of the Wayside Church and the Arlington Heights Senior Center where he taught wood shop.
Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Grace Kirk Kaplafka; his children, Virginia (Doug) Butcher of Beckley, West Virginia, John A. (Deborah) Kaplafka of Nashua, New Hampshire, and Robert Kaplafka of Arlington Heights; his grandchildren, Brian, Elliot, Dustin, Jessica and Katherine; his sister, Dorothy (Richard) Leach of Ringtown, Pa.; and his brothers, Robert J. (Paulette) Kaplafka of Sarasota, Fla., and Daniel (Christina) Banonis of Shenandoah, Pa.; and two aunts, Mary Ann Lawrence and Sue Aldridge, both of Boone.
Visitation was held from 3-9 p.m., Friday, Jan. 9, 2009, at the Glueckert Funeral Home, Ltd., 1520 N. Arlington Heights Rd., (4 blocks south of Palatine Rd.) Arlington Heights. Prayers 9:15 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 10, 2009, at the funeral home to Our Lady of the Wayside Church, 450 S. Mitchell Ave. for Mass at 9:30 a.m. Interment was private.
Memorials may be made in PDG Lion John’s name to the Lions of Arlington Heights Foundation, P.O. Box 513, Arlington Heights, IL 60006. Information www.GlueckertFH.com (847) 253-0168.
Glueckert Funeral Home, Ltd., in Arlington Heights, Ill., was in charge of arrangements.

Edward Ellsworth ‘Ed’ Laughlin
Mr. Edward Ellsworth “Ed” Laughlin, 93, of Dayton, Ohio, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2009.
He was born Sept. 8, 1915 in Henry County, Ind., the oldest child of Donel and Mabel Tapscott Laughlin.
Mr. Laughlin lived most of his life in Dayton before moving to Deep Gap, N.C. He spent his last eight years in Dayton to be close to family.
He married Mary Virginia (Ginny) Kamenish of Louisville, Ky. on Aug. 11, 1941. Ed served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, in Norfolk, Va. He was honorably discharged after three years of duty.
Upon retirement from the City of Kettering Parks Department, he and Ginny moved to Powder Horn Mountain, N.C. where he worked as a realtor for 20 years.
“Big Ed” as his family and friends affectionately knew him, was an avid outdoorsman and fisherman.
Survivors include four children: Dan (Kay) Laughlin, Pat (Debbie) Laughlin and Katie (Ed) Timko, all of Dayton, Ohio, and Mark (Diana) Laughlin of Salisbury, N.C. He also leaves behind a sister June Newbold of Dayton, Ohio and 12 grandchildren, Joey, Greg, Darrin, Heather, Carrie, Rachael, David, Beth, Eddie, Sarah, Michael and Mary. He was also blessed with five great-grandchildren, AJ, Justin, Megan, Max and Valerie.
He was preceded in death by his wife Ginny; his oldest son Michael; and his brother, Scott.
Services were held on Jan. 13, 2009 at Morris Sons Funeral Home in Dayton. His final resting place will be on Powder Horn Mountain, N.C. at a later date, in the mountains he loved.

Charles B. Miller
Mr. Charles B. Miller, 89, of Kingsport, Tenn., a native and former resident of Watauga County, died Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009, at Brookhaven Manor in Kingsport.
He was born in Watauga County, a son of the late Grant and Ida M. Miller.
Mr. Miller was a machinist for Vulcan Materials Company and was of the Baptist faith.
Survivors include a stepdaughter, Ella Weis D. Smallwood of Kingsport; six sisters, Lois M. Young of Boone, Chloe M. Hodges of West Jefferson, Clara M. Hodges of Lenoir, Nell M. Greene of Hudson, Peggy Colvin and husband, Bobby, of Chester, S.C., and Joyce Rhymer and husband, Stewart, of Deep Gap; three brothers, Boyd Miller and wife, Martha, Herbert Miller, and Homer Miller and wife, Betty, all of Lenoir; a grandson, James David Davis; a granddaughter, Louise Redmond Vaughn; and a number of nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Hallie Mae Miller; a stepson, Junior Davis; a granddaughter, Natoka Lee Smallwood; and two sisters, Fay Katherine Miller and Tois M. Hampton.
Services will be conducted Wednesday morning, Jan. 14, 2009, at 11:00 o'clock, at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home in Kingsport. Officiating will be Pastor Kyle Falin. Graveside services and burial with military honors will follow at 2:30 p.m., at Laurel Springs Baptist Church Cemetery in Deep Gap. Officiating will be the Rev. Brent Bolick.
The family will receive friends, Wednesday morning, from 10:00 until 11:00 o'clock, at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home.
Flowers are appreciated, or memorial contributions may be made to Laurel Springs Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, in care of Stewart Rhymer, 6596 Old US Highway 421 South, Deep Gap, N.C. 28618.
Online condolences may be sent to the Miller family at www.hamptonfuneralservice.com.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service and Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes in Kingsport are in charge of the arrangements.

Marjorie Ruth Miller
Ms. Marjorie Ruth Miller, 73, of N. C. Norris Road, Boone, died Saturday afternoon, Jan. 10, 2009, at Kindred Hospital in Greensboro.
She was born in Winder, Ga., Nov. 12, 1935, a daughter of the late Roger C. and Ruth Elder Miller.
Ms. Miller was an active member of Baird’s Creek Presbyterian Church, where she served as an Elder and Sunday School Teacher. She was a retired Driver’s License Revocation Officer.
Surviving are two daughters, Debra Carole Kern and husband, Denny, of Leland, N.C. and Cheryl Dianne Kern and Richard Smithson of Oviedo, Fla.; two sisters, Mary Emma “Jinx” Miller of Boone, and Linda Anne Miller of Mountain City, Tenn.; two nephews, Clifford Earl Smithson and wife, Wendy, of Thomson, Ga. and Paul Mitchell Smithson and wife, Brenda, of Suffolk, Va.; and one niece, Lucinda Smithson Cavanaugh and husband, Michael, of Mountain City, Tenn.
Memorial services will be conducted Wednesday afternoon at 1 o’clock at the Baird’s Creek Presbyterian Church. Officiating will be the Rev. Darrell Bare. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the church fellowship hall.
Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to Baird’s Creek Presbyterian Church Handicapped Access Remodeling Fund, 2174 NC Hwy 194 South, Vilas, N.C. 28692 or to Samaritan’s Purse, Post Office Box 3000, Boone, N.C. 28607. Burial will follow at a later date in the Baird’s Creek Presbyterian Church Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made to the Miller family at austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Miller family.

Dr. Wyman Loren Williams Jr.
Dr. Wyman Loren Williams, Jr., 81, of Hidden Ridge Road, Deep Gap, died Monday morning, Jan. 12, 2009, at his home.
He was born on May 5, 1927 in Columbia, S.C., the eldest son of Wyman and Lorraine Williams.
After graduating from Dreher High School in 1943 he enrolled at the University of South Carolina as an engineering major. In 1945, he enlisted in the US Navy, trained in electronics and in early 1947 was assigned to the Aviation Electronics Shop on board the USS Antietam. Although combat operations were over before he was at sea, he sailed on several tours in the Pacific and was discharged in 1949 as a Chief Petty Officer. He returned to USC and completed his BA and MA in psychology. He was awarded his PhD in psychology from the University of Tennessee in 1955, with a 15 month hiatus after being called up for service at the commencement of the Korean War.
He married Sarah Green on June 26, 1954 in Knoxville. For the next ten years, Loren worked for the Human Resources Research Office of the Department of the Army, assigned to posts in El Paso, Tex., Hampton and Alexandria, Va. During that time he and Sarah had three sons, Loren, Steve and David. He left the Army and joined the faculty of the Medical College of Georgia, in Augusta as the Director of Educational Research. Eight years later he took a similar position at the Medical College of Virginia, in Richmond, where he worked for another 17 years. After his retirement in 1989, he and Sarah moved to Sugar Grove, N.C., outside of Boone, to open a bed and breakfast, which they named Rivendell. Five years later, they gave up innkeeping and settled in Seven Devils, N.C., where Loren contributed to the community as a volunteer fire fighter, town council member and collector of stray golf balls. For his entire adult life, he was an active member of the various Episcopal parishes he belonged to, culminating in many active ministries and contributions to St. Luke’s parish in Boone.
Loren was proud of his Scottish heritage (Clan Macnachtan), and made several trips to Scotland to explore family history and the outdoors. He was fond of Spam and read deeply and broadly, especially military history. He was an avid hiker and outdoorsman. This was a passion that he inculcated in his family and numerous Boy Scouts.
But these facts do not do justice to his life. Loren was a man animated by curiosity, integrity and a practice of contributing his presence, wisdom, and sinews to all of the communities that he has been a part of. He was a good friend to many, a respected colleague, a loving, life-long partner to Sarah and a loving and generous father.
Survivors include his wife, Sarah; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Leland and Cornelia Williams of Columbia, S.C., Cooper and Barbara Williams of Lake St. Charles, Missouri, Ellison and Elizabeth Smith of Conway, S.C.; his sons and daughters-in-law, Loren and Susan Williams of Decatur, Ga., Steve and Helen Williams of Deep Gap, N.C., David Williams and Sarah Zapolsky of Alexandria, Va.; and five grandchildren.
A memorial service will be conducted Saturday afternoon, Jan. 17, 2009, at 4:00 o’clock, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Boone. Officiating will be the Rev. Cynthia Banks.
The family will receive friends following the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to: Hospitality House of Boone, 302 West King Street, Boone, N.C. 28607; The Hunger and Health Coaltion, 141 Health Center Drive, Boone, N.C. 28607; High Country Health Care Systerm/Hospice, 400 Shadowline Drive, Boone, N.C. 28607; or to St. Luke's Episcopal Church Memorial Fund, 170 Council Street, Boone, N.C. 28607.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service, in Boone, is in charge of the arrangements.

January 12, 2009

James G. Cross

Mr. James G. Cross, 53, of 169 Robin Lane, Boone, died Wednesday evening, Jan. 7, 2009, at Brookside Rehabilitation and Care in Burnsville.
He was born Feb. 7, 1955 in Baltimore, Md., a son of Ethel Lucke and the late James Gilbert Cross.
Mr. Cross was a member of Faithbridge United Methodist Church.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Gloria Jeanne Cross of Boone; one son, Brian Gruntman of Baltimore, Md.; two step-sons, Robbie Moretz and Willet Harry Moretz, both of Hickory; one step-daughter, Angela Gail Browne of Lawndale; one sister, Deborah Obrien of Baltimore; one half-brother, Doug Lucke of Texas; and two half-sisters, Florence Brittain and Pam Laver, both of Baltimore. He is also survived by ten grandchildren.
A memorial service for Mr. James G. Cross will be conducted Monday evening, Jan. 12, 2009, at 7:00 o'clock, at Boone United Methodist Church. Officiating will be the Rev. Marianne Romanat.
The family will receive friends Monday evening, from 6:30 until 7:00 o'clock, in the chapel of Boone United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faithbridge United Methodist Church, PO Box 2308, Blowing Rock, N.C. 28605, to assist the James Cross family with expenses.
Online condolences may be sent to the Cross family at www.hamptonfuneralservice.com.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Larry Lawrence Davis
Mr. Larry Lawrence Davis, 66, of Warner-Robins, Ga., passed away Friday evening, Jan. 9, 2009, at the Perry-Houston Health Care Center in Perry, Ga.
He was born Oct. 6, 1942 in Jefferson, N.C., to Robert and Zella Lawrence Davis.
Mr. Davis was the C.E.O. of Royal Moldings Inc. of Marion, Va., a manufacturer of moldings.
Survivors include two daughters, Joy McNutt of Kathleen, Ga. and Cynthia Davis of Jacksonville, Fla.; one sister, Peggy Taylor of Boone, N.C.; and one granddaughter, Hillary Grace McNutt.
Services will be held Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at Boone Family Funeral Home Chapel in West Jefferson, N.C. with the Rev. John Duvall officiating. Burial will follow in the Bald Mountain Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 7-9 p.m., Monday at the Boone Family Funeral Home, 2005 Mount Jefferson Road, West Jefferson, N.C.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Saint Labre Indian School, Ashland, MT 59004-1001.
Condolences can be sent to the family at www.boonefuneralhome.com.
Boone Family Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Tara Hope Guy
Tara Hope Guy, infant daughter of Kevin James and Natasha Proffit Guy of East Mill Creek, Todd, died Saturday morning, Jan. 10, 2009, at Forsyth Memorial Hospital in Winston-Salem.
In addition to her parents, Tara is survived by her maternal grandparents, David and Marcella Proffit of Boone; her paternal grandparents, Douglas Guy of Vilas and Linda Farthing and husband, Dewey, of Banner Elk; maternal great-grandparents, Beulah Proffit of Boone and Melvin and Hallie Trivette of Deep Gap; paternal great-grandparents, Victoria Harmon of Blowing Rock and formerly of Zionville, J. D. Guy of Traphill, and Merle Guy of Vilas; two aunts, Phoebe Proffit and daughter, Areanna, of Knightdale and Tabitha Proffit of Wilkesboro; and three uncles, Terry Guy and wife, Loretta, and their children Cody and Hannah, all of Vilas, and Keith Guy and children Taylor and Austin, all of Banner Elk.
She was preceded in death by her maternal great-grandfather, Cicero Proffit; and her paternal great-grandfather, Smith Harmon.
Graveside services and burial will be conducted Tuesday afternoon at 2 o’clock at the Beech Valley Baptist Church Cemetery, officiated by the Rev. Randy Harmon.
Online condolences may be sent to the Guy family at austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Guy family.

Nellie Wilson Hagaman
Mrs. Nellie Wilson Hagaman, 97, of Camp Joy Road, Zionville, died Thursday morning, Jan. 8, 2009, at home.
She was born July 9, 1911 in Watauga County, the daughter of the late Lemuel and Cornelia Wilson.
Mrs. Hagaman was a homemaker and a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. She was a devoted Christian and anchor of love for her family.
Surviving are four daughters, Betty Greear of Zionville, Margaret “Peggy” Sipe of Zionville, Janice Ritenour and husband, Don, of Springfield, Va. and Barbara McElyea and husband, Johnny, of Zionville; five sons, Dr. Royce Hagaman and wife, Susan, of Charlotte, Rev. James Hagaman and wife, Mayselle, of Zionville, Jerry Hagaman and wife, Robin, of Johnston, S.C., David Hagaman of Bethel, and Terry Hagaman and wife, Sherry, of Mooresboro, N.C.; 20 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. John S. Hagaman; one son, Jack Garland Hagaman; one grandson, Shannon Hagaman; two sons-in-law; and eight brothers and sisters.
Services were conducted at 3:00 p.m., Sunday afternoon, Jan. 11, 2009, at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating was the Rev. Herbert McCoy. Burial followed in the Old Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family received friends Sunday afternoon prior to the service from 1-3 p.m. at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to the North Carolina Baptist Children’s Home, Post Office Box 338, Thomasville, N.C. 27361 or to Old Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, in care of Joe Warren, 146 Warren Lane, Zionville, N.C. 28698.
The family would like to give a special thank you to all the caregivers who have helped through the years; to Home Health, especially Amanda Berry and Sharon Keiser, and to Dr. Placentra for service beyond the call of duty.
Online condolences may be sent to the Hagaman family at austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Hagaman family.

Clida Ella Isaacs
Mrs. Clida Ella Isaacs, 89, of 211 Milton Brown Heirs Road, Boone, died Thursday evening, Jan. 8, 2009, at Watauga Medical Center.
She was born May 4, 1919 in Watauga County, a daughter of the late Clyde and Rose Perry Croums.
Mrs. Isaacs was a homemaker, a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, and a former member of Stony Fork Baptist Church.
Survivors include two daughters, Martha Parks of Kernersville, and Betty Clawson and husband, Robert, of Morganton; and two sons, James C. Isaacs and wife, Barbara, of North Wilkesboro, and William G. Isaacs and wife, Debbie, of Hickory. She is also survived by ten grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Grover Cleveland Isaacs; an infant son, L.C. Isaacs; and son, Glenn Allen Isaacs; one grandson, Steve Clawson; and two sisters, Hazel Moody and Vestalee Wheeler.
Services were conducted Sunday afternoon, Jan. 11, 2009, at 2:00 o'clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating was the Rev. Mike Townsend. Burial followed in Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens.
Online condolences may be sent to the Isaacs family at www.hamptonfuneralservice.com.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Marjorie Laws Rominger
Mrs. Marjorie Laws Rominger, 75, of Huffman Road, Vilas, died Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009 at Watauga Medical Center.
She was born Oct. 8, 1933 in Johnson County, Tenn., to Ivan Luke and Beulah Dugger Laws.
Mrs. Rominger was a member of Charity Baptist Church and was a homemaker.
She was the mother of four daughters, Debbie Isaacs and husband, Randy, of Vilas; Angela Rominger of Mountain City, Tenn.; Pamela Gomez and husband, Martin, and Lois Guy, all of Vilas. She was also the greatest “mother” to her ten grandchildren, Bobby Jo Wilson, Hazel Diann Wilson, Melissa Danner, Tammy Hodge, Julie Ann Webb, Amy Hodge, Misty Rominger, Robbie Rominger, Eddie Mac Perkins, and Brandon Guy; her 15 great-grandchildren, Jesse, Heather, Eden, Tiffany, Destiny, Bronson, Brooklyn, Alyssa, Trevor, Jeremy, Harley, Faith, Madison, Abigail, and Devon; and by one great-great-granddaughter, Kaylie; two brothers, Ray Laws and wife, Alice, of Hildebrand and Joseph Burton Laws and wife, Cindy, of Vilas; six sisters, Juanita Hicks of Hickory, Rethia Britten of Claremont, Mae Belle Rominger and husband, Paul, of Cambridge, Ohio, Betty Tims and husband, Herman, and Roma Jean Heaton and husband, Jim, all of Mountain City, Tenn., and Gladys Rominger and husband, Cecil, of Vilas; two half-brothers, J. L. Laws and wife, Francis, of Boone and Kenny Laws of Mountain City; and five half-sisters, Mary Laws and Linda Laws, both of Mountain City, Bobby Laws of Tennessee, and Anna Atkins and Carrol Hicks and husband, Raymond, all of Lenoir.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Rominger; one son, John Henry Rominger; one grandson, Calvin Rominger; four sisters, Alma Rominger, Margaret Slaughter, Sue Britten and Rosa Lee Woods; one half-brother, Isaac Luke Laws; and her parents.
Services were conducted Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at Charity Baptist Church, Vilas, officiated by the Rev. David Ward. Burial was at the Lower Beaver Dam Cemetery, Vilas, N.C.
Memorials may be made to the Rominger Family in care of Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory, 194 Queen Street, Boone, N.C. 28607.
Online condolences may be sent to the Rominger Family at austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Rominger family.

Ruth Cook Shull
Mrs. Ruth Cook Shull, 94, of Boone, N.C., died Monday evening, Jan. 5, 2009, at the Watauga Medical Center in Boone.
She was born in Birmingham, Ala., Dec. 20, 1914, the daughter of Frank Henry and Josephine Dale Cook.
Mrs. Shull moved to Anniston as an infant and lived there until the last few years of her life when she moved to Boone, N.C. She was very active in the First United Methodist Church of Anniston, Ala., and the Carrie Sunday School Class, serving as president of the class at one time. For many years she taught Sunday School for 6th grade boys.
She was a founding member of the Camellia Garden Club and was active in the Sew ‘n Sew Club for many years. Her eggery (the art of egg decoration) was well known and was featured in newspaper articles. She took up art in her fifties and became an art teacher. She often worked at Cook Furniture Company, owned by her husband and father.
Survivors include one sister, Mildred Cole of Anniston; a son, Kenneth Shull, Jr. and wife, Carolyn, of Boone; one grandson, Kenneth Shull III and his wife, Kristen, of Christiansted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands; one granddaughter, Gwyndolen Ridenhour and her husband, Jamie, of Bismarck, North Dakota; and two great-grandchildren, Ian Ridenhour and Eva Ridenhour.
She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.
Services were conducted Friday, Jan. 9, 2009, at the First United Methodist Church in Anniston, Ala. Burial was in Forest Lawn Gardens in Anniston. A memorial service was held in the chapel of the First United Methodist Church at 1:00 p.m. and the family received friends following the service.
Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1798, Anniston, Ala. 36202.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Shull family in Boone. Brown & Kuhn Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements in Anniston.

Charles E. Yates Sr.
Mr. Charles E. Yates Sr., 72, of 10179 Letzburg Rd., Greencastle, Pa., died at Saturday afternoon, Jan. 10, 2009, at his home. He had been in declining health for the past year.
He was born August 22, 1936 in Cool Springs, in Watauga County, the son of the late Edward Commodore and Mamie Blanche Matheson Yates.
Mr. Yates had worked as a police officer in Blowing Rock, N.C. and also for the Sheriff’s Dept. of Watauga County. He last worked as a Loss Prevention Manager with K-Mart having retired from the Chambersburg, Pa. store.
He was a member of the Macedonia United Brethren Church of Greencastle, Pa. where he sang with the Macedonia Messengers. He was the manager, lead vocalist and upright bass player with The Country Gospelaires since 1982.
Mr. Yates enjoyed restoring antique gas pumps.
He and his wife, Mary A. Miller Yates were married Dec. 22, 1977 in York, Pa.
Surviving family in addition to his wife are, a son, Dennis K. Yates of Mount Joy, Pa.; a daughter, Dorothy V. "Ginger" Adrian of Carlisle, Pa.; a step-son, John Timothy Leonard of Columbia, Pa.; a step-daughter, Deborah Ellen Yates of Greencastle, Pa.; a sister, Rose Edna Harmon of Banner Elk, N.C.; two brothers, Herbert Hoover Yates of Banner Elk, N.C. and Ralph Edward Yates of Boone, N.C.; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sons, Brian E. Yates in 2004, Charles E. Yates Jr. in 2006; and six sisters and three brothers.
Services will be held Thursday Jan. 15 at 11:00 a.m. from the Macedonia United Brethren Church, 11887 Worleytown Rd., Greencastle, with the Rev. Gayle L. Ruble Sr. officiating. Burial will be in the adjoining church cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 6-8 p.m.. at the Harold M. Zimmerman And Son Funeral Home 45 S. Carlisle St. Greencastle, Pa. and at the church one hour before the service on Thursday.
Memorial contributions may be given in his memory to the Macedonia United Brethren Church, 11887 Worleytown Rd., Greencastle, Pa. 17225
Online condolences may be expressed at www.zimmermanfh.com
Zimmerman Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.