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WALTER GREY McMAHAN

Walter Grey McMahan, 73, formerly of Micaville, passed away Friday, June 5, 2009 in Chunns Cove Assisted Living.  A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Rev. Biss and Bertha Carroll McMahan.  He was also preceded in death by a sister:  Lydia McMahan and brothers:  Paul, Charlie and Silas McMahan.

Surviving are his step mother:  Stella Hollifield of Burnsville; 6 sisters:  Ola Young and Dollie Martin of Burnsville, Betty Ann Cassingham and husband, Alan, of Hamilton, OH, Gladys Saylor of Lenoir, Glenna Randall and husband, Randy, of Macon, GA and Violet Buchanan and husband, Donald, of Spruce Pine; 2 brothers:  Rev. Claude McMahan and friend, Wanda McMahan, of Burnsville and Lawrence McMahan and wife, Madge, of Penland and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 PM Sunday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.  Rev. Daniel McMahan will officiate.  Burial will be in the McMahan Family Cemetery on Rector Hill.

The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

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MARY WILL SCOTT

Mary Will Scott, 88, of Plum Branch, passed away Wednesday, June 3, 2009, at Brookside Rehabilitation and Care.  A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Arcemus and Lessie Lee Ledford.  She was a member of Plum Branch Baptist Church.

Surviving are her husband of 73 years:  Carl Scott; a daughter:  Kathy Penland and husband, Harold; a son:  Leland Scott and wife, Anna, all of Burnsville; a sister:  Shelby Jean Byrd of Burnsville; a brother:  Donald Ledford of Burnsville; 5 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; and, 3 great, great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2PM Saturday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.  The Revs. Rick Bennett and Glen Autrey will officiate.  Burial will be in the Scott Cemetery on Prices Creek.

The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service and at other times will be at the home on Plum Branch.

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LOUISE McMAHAN HUGHES

Louise McMahan Hughes, 77, of the Estatoe Community went to be with the Lord, Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at Brian Center of Spruce Pine.  A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late William and Mamie McFalls McMahan.  Louise was a retired employee of Coats America.  She was also preceded in death by a daughter:  Patricia Hughes Rowe and a brother:  Bill McFalls.

Surviving are a daughter:  Gail Hughes Galgano of Estatoe; 5 grandchildren and 7 greatgrandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM Monday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

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FRANKLIN WILSON LAWHERN

Franklin Wilson Lawhern, 88, of Spring City, TN, died Monday, June 1, 2009 at NHC Healthcare in Oak Ridge, TN.  A former resident of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Lonnie F. and Bulah Denny Lawhern and the husband of Mary Belle Ayers Lawhern who died in 2003.  He was also preceded in death by a sister:  Victoria “Toni” Keck and brothers:  Jesse and Luther Lawhern.

Surviving are his son:  Steven F. Lawhern and wife, Sondra, of Knoxville, TN; 3 sisters:  Pat Greene of Wilmington Beach, SC and Catherine Bulsiewicz and Margaret Shuman of Asheville; 3 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 7:00 PM Friday in the Chapel of Vaughn Funeral Home in Spring City, TN.  Rev. Dale Wyrick will officiate.  The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM prior to the service at Vaughn Funeral Home.

Locally, the family will receive friends from 1:00 until 1:45 PM Sunday at Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.  A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday in the Academy Cemetery.

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JENNIE HOWELL

Jennie Howell, 82, of Clyde, left us Sunday, March 8, 2009, at Haywood Regional Medical Center.  A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Andrew Parson and Texanna Tomberlin Hensley.  She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, teacher and friend.  Jennie loved to sing, loved the beach and loved people, especially her grandchildren.  Once you met her, you would never forget her.  She retired as a health and physical education teacher in 1978 from the Haywood County Schools.

Surviving are her husband of 54 years: Gene Howell; son:  Gary Howell and wife, Renee, of Asheville; a daughter:  Tammy Brown of Maggie Valley; 3 grandchildren:  Katie and Buck Brown and Ashley Howell.

A memorial service will be held at 7 PM Thursday in Maggie Valley United Methodist Church of which she was a member.  Revs. Erma Bond and Richard Buff will officiate.

The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 PM Thursday prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Maggie Valley UMC, c/o After School Program, 4192 Soco Road, Maggie Valley, NC 28751 or Haywood County Senior Games, c/o Haywood County Parks and Rec. Dept., 1233 North Main Street, Box 11, Waynesville, NC  28786.

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MARIE McINTOSH

Marie McIntosh, 84, of Bakers Creek, went to be with the Lord Saturday, March 7, 2009, at the Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine.  A native of Yancey County, she was the daughter of the late Elmer and Carrie Howell Byrd, and the wife of John A. McIntosh, who passed away in 1984.  She was a member of Riverside Baptist Church.

Surviving are 2 daughters:  Nadine Deyton and husband, Howard, of Hildebran and Wilma Dulaney and husband, Roger Carroll, of Burnsville; sons:  John McIntosh, Jr. and wife, Brenda, of Old Fort and Elmer Lee McIntosh and wife, Marilyn, of Marion; 10 grandchildren; and, 7 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2PM Tuesday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.  The Rev. Marty Connor will officiate. Burial will be in the Cherry Springs Memorial Park in Old Fort.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the funeral home.

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MAX PRESNELL

Max Presnell, 69, of Waynesville, went home to be with the Lord, Thursday, March 5, 2009 at the John F. Keever Solace Center.  A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Lonnie and Mae Belle Wiseman Presnell.  He was also preceded in death by 2 great grandchildren.  Max was very active in his community and deeply loved.

Surviving are his wife:  Linda Anglin Presnell; 3 daughters:  Karen Hudgins, Helen Presnell and Linda Presnell all of Burnsville; 2 stepdaughters:  Dawn Buddenhagen of Travelers Rest, SC and Penny Arrington of Canton; 2 sisters:  Mildred Swalinski of Waynesville and Wilma Webber of Boone; 3 brothers:  Haston Presnell of Richmond, VA, Lowell T. Presnell and Howard Presnell of Burnsville; 5 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday in the Fellowship Independent Baptist Church of which he was a member.  Rev. Anthony Greene will officiate.  A graveside service will be held at 4:00 PM Saturday in the Youngs Chapel Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery in Burnsville. 

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8:00 PM Friday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home and from 10 until 11:00 AM Saturday prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to Care Partners Hospice and designated to John F. Keever Solace Center, P. O. Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813.

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JERRY LEE PATE

Jerry Lee Pate, 57, of Woodfin, went home Thursday, March 5, 2009, at the John F. Keever Solace Center.  A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Naff Pate and Trula Bryant Pate of Green Mountain.  Jerry was a Sergeant with the N. C. Department of Corrections with 22 years of service, currently at the Black Mountain Correction Facility. 

Surviving, in addition to his mother, is his daughter:  Rachel Boone and husband, Rev. Bradley Boone; grandchildren:  Trey, Gabe and Reagan Boone, all of Burnsville; a brother:  Jim Pate of Green Mountain; a nephew:  Preston Pate of Burnsville; and, numerous friends within the Department of Corrections. 

Funeral services will be held at 8:00 PM Saturday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home with Honors by the N. C. Department of Corrections Honor Guard.  Rev. Bradley Boone will officiate.  A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday in the Peterson Hill Cemetery at Green Mountain.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8:00 PM prior to the service at the funeral home. 

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Buncombe County or John F. Keever Solace Center.

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LEROY McCRACKEN

LeRoy McCracken, 73, of Burnsville, passed away Wednesday, March 4, 2009, at his home.  A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Harry and Bessie Ellison McCracken.  He was also preceded in death by his son:  Ricky Jay McCracken; a sister:  Ruth Butler; and, a brother:  Jimmy McCracken.

Surviving are his wife:  Della Edwards McCracken; daughter:  Elaine Whitson and husband, Roger, of Green Mountain; daughter-in-law:  Tonya McCracken of Burnsville; 3 sisters:  June McCracken of Gray, TN, Fay Jenkins and husband, Harold, of Johnson City, TN, and Shirley Martin of Thomasville; a brother:  Doug McCracken of Hickory; 6 grandchildren; and, 5 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2PM Saturday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.  The Revs. Steve Robinson and Glen Autrey will officiate.  Burial will be in McCracken Cemetery.

The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

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JAMES C. WHEELER

James C. Wheeler, 88, of Arden, passed away March 2, 2009.  He was born October 22, 1920 in Burnsville, NC.  Preceding him in death was a brother:  Charles Wheeler.  Surviving are his wife:  Billie Doris Wood Wheeler; a sister:  Gladys Silvers of Burnsville; and, 12 nieces and nephews.  James was a member of Laurel Branch Baptist Church at Pensacola, NC.  He was a son of the late Floyd and Maude Wheeler.

James was a veteran of World War II, having served proudly in the Pacific, Aleutian Islands, and in the recovery effort of Nagasaki, Japan.  By trade he was an instrument mechanical engineer, working at the Atomic Energy Savannah River Project in Aiken, SC, and later retired from Gerber in Skyland in 1985.

Funeral services will be held at 2PM Thursday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Wood Cemetery at Pensacola.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Life together was so good for James and Billie as husband and wife.  God put a song in their hearts, a song of love and devotion.  They would have celebrated their 65^th wedding anniversary March 7^th.

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HUNTER MANEY

Hunter Maney, 92, of Indian Creek, went home Thursday, February 26, 2009 at Mountain Manor Assisted Living.  A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late C. C. and May Ball Maney.  He was the husband of Beatrice McIntosh Maney who died in 1980.  He was preceded in death by brothers:  Oliver Maney and Kenny Maney.  Hunter was a WWII Army Veteran having served 3 ½ years in The Pacific.  He was a farmer and a respected member of his community and will be missed by all who knew him.

Surviving are a son:  Garrett Maney of Burnsville; 5 grandsons:  Neil Maney, Kevin, Travis, Gregory and Alan Bagwell all of Burnsville; 4 sisters:  Ethel Maney of Burnsville, Alice McSwiggin of Maryland, Emogene Longmire of Henderson and Pearl Day of Georgia; a brother:  Claude Maney of Anchorage, AK; a niece:  Katherine Case and 3 great nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Sunday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.  Rev. Philip Garland will officiate.  Burial will be in the Maney Cemetery with military graverites conducted by Sgt. E. L. Randolph Chapter 57 DAV. 

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Yancey County, 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.

The Maney family wishes to extend their appreciation to Hospice of Yancey County for the care and support during Hunter’s long illness.

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LELA TAYLOR DOAN

Lela Taylor Doan, 88, died Tuesday, February 24, 2009, at Holly Springs Retirement Center in Rutherford County.  A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Troy and Luella Adkins Taylor.  Lela was retired from the Hadley Corporation, Robinson’s Family Clothing and as a Certified Nursing Assistant.  She was also preceded in death by a daughter:  Margaret Nell Doan.

Surviving are her husband of 73 years:  Jeff; sons:  William Doan and wife, Jackie, and Jeff David Doan, Jr. and wife, Katrinka, both of Asheville; a daughter:  Lois Evelyn Gornto and husband, Norris, of Ellenboro; grandchildren:  Kendall Doan and wife, Karen, Tracy Gornto Bell and husband, Mike, Kristie Gornto Bogle, Johnny Doan, and Wendy Gornto Bennett and husband, Todd; 8 great grandchildren:  Travis and Cassidy Bell, Dalton Doan, Hannah, Victoria and Olivia Bennett and Ben and Franklin Bogle.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday in Pleasant Valley Baptist Church.  The Rev. Davy Shelton will officiate.  Burial will be in the family cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

A reception for friends and family members will follow in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, Burnsville, NC 28714, or Hospice of Rutherford County, P. O. Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043.

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MASEL HOWELL

Masel Howell, 72, of the Crabtree Community, went to his Heavenly Home Monday, February 16, 2009, at his home after a long illness.  A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Joe and Caroline Bradford Howell.  He was also preceded in death by a sister:  Nadine Howell; and, a brother:  J. R. Stanley.  Masel was a retired coal miner.

Surviving are his wife:  Evelyn Payne Howell; a son:  Steve Howell and wife, Sherry, of Ash Camp, KY; 2 daughters:  Ruth Ann Harris and Theresa Potter of Pikeville, KY; a foster daughter:  Jessica Renfro of the home; 4 brothers:  Roy Howell and wife, Ellen, of Patterson, VA, Arthur Howell and wife, Earlene of Anacoca, LA; Eugene Howell and wife, Jackie, of Marion, and Charles Howell of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; 3 sisters:  Ella Shafer of Kenova, WV, Dixie Byrd of Burnsville and Susie Lewis of Gastonia; 6 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren; and, many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2PM Thursday in Crabtree Chapel Baptist Church, of which he was a member.  The Revs. Fred Proctor and Cephas Renfro will officiate.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8PM Wednesday at Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.

The family wishes to express their deep appreciation for the care given by Hospice of Yancey County.

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ARLE HONEYCUTT

Arle Honeycutt, 78, of Burnsville, went home to be with the Lord Monday, February 16, 2009 at Mission Hospitals Memorial Campus.  A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Lonnie and Mary Bryant Honeycutt.  He was also preceded in death by a sister: Mable Morrison; 4 brothers:  Eugene, Wayne, Cecil and Jimmy Honeycutt and a great grandson:  Aiden Stamper.  Arle was a self-employed building contractor and a retired foreman with Tyner Construction Company.

Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Thelma Wilson Honeycutt; 4 daughters:  Carol Danford and husband, Joe, and Terrie Patton of Burnsville; Shirley Gibbs and husband, Buddy, of Orlando, FL and Debbie Callahan of Sugar Hill, GA; a sister:  Kay Champion and husband, Leo, of Carolina Beach; 6 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM Thursday in West Burnsville Baptist Church of which he was an active member, serving as Deacon and Trustee.  Pastor Ricky Ray and Rev. Buddy Gibbs will officiate.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 3:00 PM prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to Gideons International, P. O. Box 264, Burnsville, NC 28714 or Hospice of Yancey County, 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC  28714.

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LUCKY HENSLEY

William Lucky Hensley, 51, of the Little Creek Community, went home to be with the Lord Thursday, February 12, 2009 at UNC Hospital at Chapel Hill.   A native of Yancey County, he was the son of the late Freemont Hensley and the grandson of Ulysses and Sally Hensley, who raised him.

Surviving are his wife:  Sherry Hensley; a stepson: Raymoth Camby of Burnsville; his mother:  Jackie Moore of Thomasville; two sisters:  Sandy Petterson of Silver Valley and Lisa Smith of High Point; four brothers:  Michael Stanley of Okinawa, Japan, William Stanley, Jr. of Archdale, Freddie Stanley of Randleman and Chuck Catlett of Burlington.

Funeral services will be held at 2 P. M. Wednesday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.  The Revs. Waylon Ledford and Lew Franklin will officiate.  Burial will be in the Ulysses Hensley Cemetery on Little Creek.

The family will receive friends from 12 Noon until 2 P. M. prior to the service.

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JACK L. WILSON, JR.

Jack L. Wilson, Jr., 45, Attorney-At-Law, went home to be with the Lord, Thursday, February 12, 2009 in the St. Joseph Campus of Mission Hospitals.  A native of Yancey County, he was a son of Jack and Maphrie Chrisawn Wilson of Burnsville.  He was preceded in death by a brother,  James Ronnie Wilson.  A U. S. Marine Corps Veteran with 5½ years of service, Jack was a graduate of Appalachian State University, received his law degree from The University of North Carolina, and established a law practice in Burnsville in 1991.  Mr. Wilson had served several years as a Trustee of Mayland Community College, was an avid Harley Davidson enthusiast and was a founding member of The Mount Mitchell Toy Run.  Jackie touched many lives and will greatly be missed by all his family and friends.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his sister:  Debbie McCartha and husband, C. E., of Old Fort; 3 brothers:  Ricky Wilson of Conover, Larry Wilson and Dennis Wilson of Burnsville and 6 nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 8:00 P.M. Monday in the chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.  Rev. Forrest Westall will officiate.  Military graverites will be conducted by the U. S. Marine Corps at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday in the Robinson Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5 until 8:00 P.M. prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Mount Mitchell Toy Run or Hospice of Yancey County.

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FRANCES "GRANNY BUG" WYATT BRIGGS

Frances “Granny Bug” Wyatt Briggs, 80, of Micaville completed her time here with us and began spending eternity with her Lord on Wednesday, February 11, 2009. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert E. Wyatt, her father and mother, Lee and Flossie Harris all of Micaville, two sisters, Colleen Branch and Addie Lee Caraway, and three brothers, Frank, Rex, and Cecil.

“Granny Bug” is survived by a sister, Marie Pittman, and five brothers, Bill, Carl, Clarence, Don and Sonny. She is also survived by a daughter, Joy Young and her husband, Fritz, of Newdale; two sons, Frank Wyatt and his wife, Janet, of Newdale, and Robert (Benny) Wyatt and his wife, Glenda, of Micaville. She is also survived by four loving grandchildren, Josh Wyatt and his wife, Felicia, of Newdale, and Micah Wyatt of Newdale, Melissa McCurry and her husband, John, of Burnsville, Samantha Fender and her husband, Jeff, of Burnsville.   Eight great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild also survive.

“Granny Bug” spent her life “serving others”.   No one ever left her home hungry or unloved.  Her love was unconditional and her “adopted” family extended into the hundreds, as families and individuals moved in and out of her home and life throughout the years.  Whether mailing “care packages” to college students, opening her dining room on Sundays to all who would come, or just carrying food to the sick; she was always faithful.

Many thanks to all those caregivers who made her last few years better.

She always said, “Give me my flowers while I’m alive so I can enjoy them more!”  With that thought in mind, in lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Yancey County Feed-A-Child Program.

Checks may be made to:  Liberty Covenant Church – OFAC, P.O. Box 648,

Micaville, NC 28755.

The funeral service will be held at 2 PM Saturday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends from 12 until 2 PM Saturday prior to the service at the funeral home.

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HOMER T. PRICE

Homer T. Price, 89, of Burnsville went home to be with the Lord, Wednesday, February 11, 2009 in Mission Hospitals Memorial Campus.  A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Will P. and Eula Harris Price and the husband of Elsie Simmons Price who died in 2004.  Homer was a World War II Army Veteran and Past Master of Burnsville Lodge #717 AF & AM.

Surviving are his sister and brother-in-law:  Billie Jean and Lee Thompson of Burnsville; 2 nephews:  Roger Thompson of Burnsville and Tim Thompson of Omaha, NE; 2 nieces:  Sherry Dale and Jennifer Laws of Burnsville; 9 great nieces and nephews and 2 great-great nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 PM Sunday in West Burnsville Baptist Church of which he was a member.  Revs. Ricky Ray and Roger Thompson will officiate.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church and at other times, at the home of Billie Jean and Lee Thompson.

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LESLIE J. HENSLEY

Leslie J. Hensley, 82, of Asheville went home to be with the Lord Monday, February 9, 2009.  A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Shelby and Eula Wilson Hensley.  He was also preceded in death by sisters:  Hilda Hensley and Doris Roland and a brother:  Albert Hensley.   Leslie was a U. S. Navy Veteran of World War II.

Surviving are 5 brothers:  Molt and Wilson Hensley of Burnsville, Lloyd Hensley of Baton Rouge, LA, Craig Hensley of Charleston, SC and Ronnie Hensley of Marion; and special friends and neighbors:  Ron Hensley and family.

A memorial service will be held at 10 AM Thursday in Biltmore Christ Temple Church on Fairview Road.  The Rev. James Gass will officiate.   Graveside services will be held at 2 PM Thursday in Byrd Branch Cemetery in Yancey County.  The Rev. Bill Roland will officiate.  Military graverites will be conducted by Sgt. E. L. Randolph Chapter 57 DAV.

Memorials may be made to Gideons International, P. O. Box 264, Burnsville, NC  28714.

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RUBY B. SMITH

Ruby Blalock Smith, 86, of Cane River, went home to be with the Lord Saturday, February 07, 2009, at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital. A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Ben and Pearl Harris Blalock. Ruby was a faithful member of Shoal Creek Baptist Church.

Funeral services will be held at 3pm Tuesday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. The Rev. Dick Westbrook will officiate. Burial will be in the Carroway Cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

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WILLIAM PATRICK ‘BILLY’ PARRIS

William Patrick ‘Billy’ Parris, 25, of Asheville died Thursday, February 5, 2009.  He was a machinist at Coldbond in Asheville.  Billy was a beloved boyfriend, brother, son, nephew, cousin and friend.  He was preceded in death by his mother:  Patricia ‘Patty’ Hensley Parris.

Surviving are his girlfriend:  Karissa Olivet; brother:  Terry Parris, Jr,; and, father: Terry Parris, Sr.

A memorial service will be held at 12 Noon Wednesday, February 11, 2009 in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home in Burnsville.  The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

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RUTH HENSLEY KING

Ruth Hensley King, 89, of Burnsville, went home to be with the Lord, Wednesday, February 4, 2009 at the John F. Keever Solace Center in Asheville.  A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Carter and Mary Ledford Hensley.  She was preceded in death by a son, James Nelson King, 10 brothers and sisters:  Carl and Creed Hensley, Haddie King, Blanche Yates, Vivian Fox, Sue Fox, Addie Yates, Ruby Hensley, Lillie Ray and Ada Sellers.  She was a member of the Church of God of Prophecy.  Ruth loved her family, church and friends and will be missed by all who knew her.

Surviving are a son:  Clyde Ellis King and wife, Beverly, of Aberdeen, MD; a daughter:  Mildred Whitson and husband, Sherrill, of Yancey County; 7 grandchildren:  Venita, Patricia, John, Sherry, Sophia, Denise and David; 17 great grandchildren and 12 great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Friday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.  Revs. Holt Whitson, Jr., and Robert Norris will officiate.  Burial will be in the McCracken Cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

The family requests family and friends to join them at Toe Cane Baptist Church for a meal following the service.

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MADGE LEDFORD METCALF

Madge Ledford Metcalf, 88, of Ferndale, MI, passed away Sunday, February 1, 2009, at St. Johns Hospital in Ferndale.  A native of Yancey County, she was the daughter of the late S. C. and Addie McNaughton Ledford.  She was preceded in death by her husband:  Floyd C. Metcalf; son:  John Clyde Metcalf; 4 brothers:  Geter, Emmett, Mack and John Ledford; and, a sister:  Kate Ledford Ferguson.  Madge lived on Prices Creek until 1950 when she moved to Michigan, living there until her death.  She was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving are a daughter:  Juanita Metcalf Turner of Detroit, MI; a granddaughter:  Heather Turner of Chicago; a sister:  Mae Ledford of Burnsville; and, a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2PM Saturday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.  Rev. Burl Ledford will officiate.   Burial will be at the Middle Fork Cemetery in Madison County.

The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

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NINA CHANDLER

Nina G. Chandler, 78, of Chandler Branch, went home to be with the Lord after an extended illness Friday, January 30, 2009, at her home.  A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late W. P. and Jaylina McKinney Chandler.  Nina retired from Ohio Electric at age 70.  She was preceded in death by a sister:  Pearl Deaver; and, 2 brothers:  Vernon and Bobby Chandler.  Nina was a member of Ivy Gap Baptist Church.

Surviving are a daughter:  June Miller and husband, Gerald, of Mars Hill; 3 grandchildren:  Vickie Presnell and husband, Buddy, Joey Miller and wife, Beverly, and Susan Ramsey and husband, Josh; 5 great grandchildren:  Toby, Samuel, Karmen, Dalton and Brandon; 3 sisters:  Myrtle Deaver of Weaverville, Dorothy Fox of Mars Hill and Carolyn Shepherd of Burnsville; 3 brothers:  Edd Chandler of Burnsville, Calvin Chandler of Mars Hill and Donald Chandler of Virginia.

Funeral services will be held at 5PM Sunday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.  A graveside service will be held at 11AM Monday in the Chandler Cemetery at Ivy Gap.

The family will receive friends from 3 until 5PM prior to the service at the funeral home.

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DANNY LEE HUGHES

Danny Lee Hughes, 51, of Duplin Hill, died Friday, January 30, 2009, at his home.  A native of Yancey County, he was a son of Bobby Joe Hensley of Keene, New Hampshire and Betty Jean Perkins of Hickory.  He was preceded in death by a sister:  Dawn Perkins.

Surviving, in addition to his parents, are his wife:  Jana Pate Hughes; 2 sons:  Cody Hughes of the home and Jason Edwards of Burnsville; 2 sisters:  Kathy Wilson of Newton and Lisa Absher of Hickory; and, a brother:  Casey Perkins of Hickory. Many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends also survive.

Funeral services will be held at 2PM Monday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.  The Rev. Ricky Ray will officiate.  Burial will be in the Smith Cemetery.

The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

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SHERRY SHEHAN McMILLIAN

Sherry Shehan McMillian, 54, of Micaville, passed away Monday, January 26, 2009, in Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine.  A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Bobby and Betty Hall Shehan, and the wife of Mac McMillian who died in 2006.  Sherry was also preceded in death by a twin sister:  Shelia Shehan; and, a grandson:  Dakota Jerome Honeycutt.  She was a loving Mom and Mammie, and will be greatly missed.

Surviving are a son:  Bobby Robinson and wife, Heather, of Micaville; a daughter:  Shannon Honeycutt and husband, Jamie, of Burnsville; 4 grandchildren:  Brittany and Brice Honeycutt, and D. J. and Tracy Robinson; and, 2 brothers:  Kent and Keith Shehan of Micaville.

A memorial service will be held at 7PM Thursday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.  The Rev. Todd Robinson will officiate.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 7PM prior to the service at the funeral home.

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BERTHA ANN BANKS

Bertha Ann Banks, 90, of Georges Fork, passed away Thursday, January 22, 2009, at Brookside Rehabilitation and Care.  A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Geter and Lizzie Hensley Austin, and the wife of Roy Banks who died in 1998.  She was also preceded in death by a son:  Royce Banks; 2 sisters:  Frances Elkins and Eula Jean Moore; and, 2 brothers:  Talmadge and Charlie Went Austin.

Surviving are 2 daughters:  Juanita Sheperd of Burnsville and Marie Banks Melton of Pleasant Gardens; 4 sons:  Russell Talmadge Banks and wife, Cheryl, of Burnsville; Calvin Banks and wife, Pat, of Hendersonville; Randy L. Banks and wife, Laura, of Lincolnton and Bobby Banks of Hendersonville; a brother:  Wade Austin of Burnsville; 15 grandchildren; and, 20 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at Noon Saturday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Motsinger-Banks Cemetery with grandsons serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

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WILLIAM C. “BILL” DAVIS

William C. “Bill” Davis, Sr., 81, of Burnsville, went to be with the Lord Tuesday, January 20, 2009, at Brookside Rehabilitation and Care.  A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Roy and Queenie Thomas Davis.  Bill was a World War II U.S. Army veteran, a retired employee of International Minerals, a member of Cane River Baptist Church, and a member of Burnsville Masonic Lodge #717 A.F. & A.M.

Surviving are his wife of 59 years:  Virginia Buchanan Davis; a son:  Bill Davis, Jr. and wife, Lisa; a granddaughter:  Destini Davis Whitson and husband, Matthew; and a grandson:  Mark Davis, all of Burnsville; and, a sister:  Jean Sparks and husband, Bill, of High Point.

Funeral services will be held at 7:30 P.M. Wednesday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.  The Rev. Blaine Whitson will officiate.  A graveside service will be held at 11AM Thursday in the Double Island Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 7:30 P.M. Wednesday prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Yancey County, 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.

“I have fought a good fight.  I have kept the faith.”
 

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HERBERT CARTER BRADFORD

Herbert Carter “H. C.” Bradford, 70, of Asheville, passed away Monday, January 19, 2009, at his home.  A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Thad and Beatrice Black Bradford.

Survivors include 3 daughters:  Debra Dison of Gray, TN, Sharon Yancey of Memphis, TN and Cynthia Bradford of Johnson City, TN; 3 grandchildren:  Daphanie Parham, Cody Dison and Julia Yancey; and, a great granddaughter:  Erica Lowery.

Burial was in the Silvers Cemetery on Bear Wallow Road.   

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DEWEY SILVERS

Dewey Silvers, 72, of Bailey Branch, passed away unexpetedly Thursday, January 15, 2009, in Morristown, TN. A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Silas and Leisa Higgins Silvers. He was the husband of Barbara Tyndal Silvers who died in August 2006. Dewey was preceded in death by sisters: Hope and Ruby Thurlene Silvers, Ena Allison, Martha Allbright, Clara Bradford and Belle Garland; and, brothers: Hollis, Clyde, Joe, Bradley, Sheridan and Jim Silvers. Dewey's loves were his family, his farm and most of all spending time with his great granson.

Surviving are a son: Morris Silvers and wife, Judy, of Burnsville; 2 grandsons: Brian Silvers and Brandon Silvers and wife, Amanda, of Burnsville; a great grandson: Alex Silvers; 3 sisters: Miranda Robinson and Gladys Woodby of Burnsville and Valley Phillips of Fayetteville; and 3 brothers: Jack, Dolph and S.W. Silvers, all of Burnsville.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 P.M. Sunday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. The Revs. Ray Wilson and Marvin Silvers will officiate. Burial will be in the Jack Silvers Family Cemetery.

The family will recieve freinds from 12:30 P.M. until 2:30 P.M. prior to the service at the funeral home.

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ATLAS McINTOSH

Atlas McIntosh, 85, of Bee Log, passed away Thursday, January 15, 2009, in a Buncombe County Assisted Living Center.  A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Rex and Bessie Pate McIntosh and was also preceded in death by a sister:  Cynthia Ann McIntosh Foster.

Surrviving are two nephews:  James B. Foster, Jr., of Raleigh and Timothy Allen Foster of Candler; 2 nieces; a great niece; and, a great nephew.

Funeral services will be held at 2PM Saturday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.  Brother Dayton Lewis will officiate.  Burial will be in the Bee Log Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

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MARGARET S. TYNER

Margaret S. Tyner, 90, of Burnsville, passed away Tuesday, January 13, 2009.  A native of Greenville, SC, she was a daughter of the late Lewis and Tessa Taylor Swink and the wife of Torrey M. Tyner who died in 1961.  She was also preceded in death by a brother, Lewis J. Swink.  Margaret had been a resident of Yancey County since 1951, co-owner of The Pendulum Antique and Framing Shop for many years, a member of Burnsville Women’s Club, having served as president.  She was instrumental in the inception of the Mt Mitchell Crafts Fair.

Surviving are two sons:  Benson L. Tyner and wife, Jeanne, Harrison D. Tyner and wife, Martha, of Burnsville; grandchildren:  Marc Tyner and wife, Erika, Meg Tyner, Christopher Tyner and Carol Tyner; and a great grandson:  Forrest B. Tyner.

A graveside service will be held at 12 noon Thursday in Academy Cemetery.  A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM Thursday in Higgins Memorial United Methodist Church of which she was a member.  Rev. Wes Sharpe will officiate.

The family will greet friends immediately following the memorial service at the church.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Yancey County, 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.

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CHARLES ED ANDERS 
 
Charles Ed Anders, 69, of Pensacola, passed away Friday, January 9, 2009, at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital.  A native of Buncombe County, he was a son of the late John and Clyde Shepherd Anders.
 
Surviving are his wife:  Evelyn Calloway Anders; 2 daughters:  Sherry Anders and Shirley Anders; a son:  Doug Anders and wife, Barbara; a niece:  Pam Wilson and husband, Terry, all of Burnsville; 3 grandchildren:  Ryan, Lacie and Casey; 4 sisters:  Pauline Anders, Faye Moody, Nell McLaughlin and Kate Anders; and, 3 brothers:  Bob, Tucker and Guy B. Anders.
 
Funeral services will be held at 2PM Sunday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. 
The Rev. Ray Strickland will officiate.  Burial will be in the Eddie McMahan Cemetery.
 
The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

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JAMES W. McKINNEY

James W. McKinney, 76, of the Jacks Creek Community, passed away Friday, January 2, 2009, in Mission Hospitals St. Joseph Campus.  A native of Yancey County he was a son of the late Rama and Stella McCourry McKinney.   He was preceded in death by a daughter:  Judy McKinney Webb.  James was a retired employee of the NC Department of Transportation.  He was a Deacon and song leader at Bible Baptist Church.

Surviving are his wife of 52 years:  Lois Murphy McKinney; a daughter:  Wanda Honeycutt and husband, Eddie, of Green Mountain; 2 sons:  Pete McKinney and wife, Anita, of Green Mountain and Tim McKinney and wife, Regina, of Burnsville; son in law:  Mike Webb of Burnsville; grandchildren:  Heather McClure, Adam Honeycutt, B.J. Webb, Brinton McKinney; step grandchildren:  Chris Honeycutt and Connie Honeycutt; great grandchildren:  Ashlynn and Tanner McClure, Kaitlynn and Natalie Honeycutt; 6 brothers:  Wayne McKinney, Eugene McKinney and Wes McKinney of Green Mountain, Royce and Sam McKinney of Peach Bottom, PA and Jack McKinney of Mtn. City, TN; and, 2 sisters:  Mary Dale of Burnsville and Helen Murphy of Green Mountain.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 PM Monday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.  The Revs. Noah Hughes and Blaine Whitson will officiate.  Burial will be in the James W. McKinney Cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. 

Memorials may be made to Gideons International, P.O. Box 264, Burnsville, NC 28714, or Hospice of Yancey County, 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.

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BILLY WAYNE ROBINSON

Billy Wayne Robinson, 71, of the Halls Chapel Community, went home to be with the Lord Sunday, December 28, 2008, at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital.  A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Walter B. and Pearl Grindstaff Robinson, and the husband of Pauline Bolick Robinson who died in 2001.  He was also preceded in death by a brother:  Clarence Robinson; 3 half-sisters; and, 3 half-brothers.

Surviving are a half-sister:  Julie Millen of Kings Mountain; and, several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2PM Wednesday in Halls Chapel Baptist Church, of which he was a member.  The Rev. Holt Whitson, Jr. will officiate.  Burial will be in Grindstaff Cemetery on Halls Chapel Road.

The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Yancey County, 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.

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Eugene “Gene” Shepherd, 78, of the Swiss Community, beloved husband for 22 years with his wife, Joan, went home to be with his Lord on Sunday, December 28, 2008, at his home.  A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late B. E. and Virgie Sparks Shepherd.  He was also preceded in death by his loving sisters:  Lena White and Lillian Tomberlin; half-brother:  Horace “Paddle” Shepherd; and, brother:  Ray Shepherd.  Gene was a US Army Korean Conflict Veteran, and retired from Drexel Furniture after 35 years service.

In addition to his wife, Gene is survived by his loving sister:  Gailya Fuller and husband, Dan, of Burnsville; and, sister-in-law:  Roberta (Charles) Bonham of Clyde.  He will always be remembered and loved by his stepchildren:  Cynthia (Jeff) Glenn of Asheville, Neva (Bob) Johnson of Newport, KY, Joseph Johnson of Asheville and Hugh (Donna) Johnson of Kent, OH; many grandchildren and great grandchildren, special nieces and nephews.

Many family and friends grieve his going; but we all know he was tired and needed to rest in the bosom of his Lord.

Special services will be held by Rev. Jerry Shelton, Senior Pastor, at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church on Sunday, January 4, 2009, at 3:00 P.M.  Private burial will be at a later date.

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ROY EDWARD RIDDLE

Roy Edward Riddle, 58, of Franklin Town Community, went home to be with the Lord Friday, December 26, 2008, at his home.  A native of Yancey County he was a son of the late Ben and Cordelia Buchanan Riddle.  He was also preceded in death by a sister:  Lily Kay Bradford.  Roy was a member of White’s Memorial Baptist Church.  He was retired from Unimin Corporation in Mitchell County, where he worked for over 30 years as Chief of Environmental Protection.  Roy was an avid gardener and loved working in his flowers.  His other special loves were his family, children and grandson.

Surviving are 2 children:  Amber Riddle of Asheville and Matthew Riddle and wife, Michele, of Burnsville; a grandson:  Jonathan Cole Riddle; 8 sisters:  Anna McCourry, Minnie Ogle, Rachel Fox, Molly Briggs, Margaret Walker, Polly Fox, Mildred Tomblin and Karen Johnson; a brother:  David Riddle; several nieces and nephews in Roy’s family and from his former marriage to the mother of his children:  Rhonda Miller, daughter of Rev. Charlie and Virginia Miller; a stepson:  James Clark; a step grandson:  Kenneth Clark; great nieces and great nephews also survive; a special friend:  Martha Biddix; and his beloved cat:  Blackie.

Funeral services will be held at 2PM Tuesday in the Double Island Baptist Church.  The Revs. Shane Buchanan and Ricky Woody will officiate.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8PM Monday at Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home, where the body will remain until taken to the church to lie in state 30 minutes prior to the service.

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MACK BASCOMBE RAY

Mack Bascombe Ray, 91, went to be with our Lord, December 10, 2008, at his home.  Born and reared in the Paint Fork community of Madison County, he graduated from Berea College.  He worked in Yancey County for the Farmers’ Home Administration.  He pioneered a loan program to help small farmers for which he received the Award of Superior Service from the U. S. Department of Agriculture.  His last five years of employment were spent in the far western counties of North Carolina developing an airport, golf course, water system, etc., in one of three pilot programs in the United States.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bascombe and Sue Robinson Ray; siblings: Tennie Anders, Kelly Ray, Sr., Peggy Ledbetter, Ada Chambers, Lena Haynes, Hughie Ray, and their spouses.  He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Dorothy Stuart Ray; a daughter, Carolyn and husband, David A. Cort; four granddaughters: Lisa Owen and husband, Jeffrey, of Asheville; Heidi Van Til and husband, Ethan, of Traverse City, Michigan, Carrie Friesen and husband, Brad, of Winston Salem, Gretchen Banks and husband, Seth, of Winston Salem; three great-granddaughters: Susannah and Sophia Owen and Greta Friesen; and sister, Fay and her husband, Troy Allen, of Marshall.

He served in World War II as a rifleman in Patton’s Third Army, 83rd Infantry Division.  He participated in the Hurtgen Forest and Battle of the Bulge campaigns, suffering multiple machine gun and shrapnel wounds.  He further was an active farmer growing the traditional tobacco and cattle of this time.

He was active in his church and community.  At the Higgins Memorial United Methodist Church, he held virtually all positions of leadership at various times and was a lay speaker.  He was active in leadership with the United Way campaigns, was an American Legion commander, former president of the Chamber of Commerce, and a founder of the Burnsville Men’s Club.  He served on the N. C. Forestry Council, The N. C. Health Coordinating Council, and the N. C. Highway Commission.  He was awarded the Carnegie Medal for helping save two children from drowning despite himself being a weak swimmer.  He was twice chairman of the Yancey County Democratic Party and was awarded the Liston Ramsey Democratic Service Award.  One of his greatest joys came in helping others in need, often anonymously.  As a Christian, he believed this to be his obligation and privilege.  Governor James B. Hunt conferred on him the Order of the Long Leaf Pine of the State of North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, any memorials can be given to the Higgins Memorial United Methodist Church Building Fund or Benevolence Fund, P. O. Box 85, Burnsville, NC, 28714. His funeral will be at 2:00 p.m. December 20, 2008, at the Higgins Memorial United Methodist Church in Burnsville.  Visitation will be at the church at 1:00 p.m. prior to the service and afterwards at the daughter’s home. Burial will be in the Academy Cemetery.

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JIM TOLLEY

Jim Tolley, 55, of Baccus Siding Road in the Double Island Community, passed away Wednesday, December 10, 2008 in the St. Josephs Campus of Mission Hospitals.  A native of Yancey County, he was the son of the late Earl and Maude Hughes Tolley.  Jim was an employee of the NC Department of Transportation.

Surviving are his wife:  Debbie Taylor Tolley; a son:  Michael McKinney; a daughter:  Rebecca Yelton and two grandchildren:  Kyle and Nicholas Yelton all of Burnsville.

Funeral services will be held at 8:00 PM Friday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.  Rev. Billy Mitchell will officiate.  A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday in the Hughes Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8:00 PM prior to the service at the funeral home.

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MARGIE ALLEN BURLESON 
 

Margie Allen Burleson, 84, of the Banks Creek Community, passed away Sunday, December 7, 2008, at her home. A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Clyde and Dorothy Scott Allen, and the wife of John Burleson who died in 2006.  Margie was a former employee of Blue Bell and Taylor Togs, and a founding member of Banks Creek Union Church, where she was song leader for 50 years.  She was also preceded in death by brother:  Dallas Allen; and sister:  Louise Arrowood.

Surviving are 3 children:  Jane Biggs and husband, Phillip, Glen Burleson and Jerry Burleson and wife, Nina, all of Burnsville; 2 grandchildren:  Charles Burleson and Sharon Biggs; sisters:  Ellen Banks of Burnsville, Jewell Ledford of Myrtle Beach, SC, Evelyn Edwards and Bernice Davis, of Erwin, TN; and, 2 brothers:  B.A. Allen of Gray, TN and Roy Allen of Smyrna, AL.

Funeral Services will be held at 8 PM Tuesday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. The Revs. Charles Burleson and Kenneth Craine will officiate. Graveside services will be held at 10 AM Wednesday in the Burleson Cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Yancey County, 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.

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WILLIAM N. FARIS

William N. Faris, 99, passed away Friday, December 5, 2008, at Jonas Ridge Adult Care Facility.  A native of San Marcos, TX, he was born October 30, 1909 and was a son of the late Leslie and Mabel Williamson Faris.  William was educated from kindergarten through a Master’s degree in education and history at the same campus, Southwest State Teacher’s College in San Marcos, now the University of San Marcos.  He devoted 13 years to being a teacher and principal of schools in Texas and New Mexico.  While attending college William was close friends with former President Lyndon B. Johnson, and there is correspondence between the two at the Johnson Library in Texas.  He married three times and fathered one child by his first marriage to Alice Louise Uy of Kansas City, KS.  He fathered two children by his second marriage to Ruth Ann Echols, Dona J. Faris Knudsen and Denisha Ann Faris Schukert.  His third wife, Leona Brown, whom he married in Tierra Amarilla, NM, preceded him in death 13 years ago. He is also survived by grandchildren and great grandchildren of KS, MO, TN, NC, GA and FL. His daughter, Dona, encouraged him to move from the Good Samatarian Assisted Living Village in Las Cruces to North Carolina 13 years ago, where he resided until entering Jonas Ridge Adult Care due to colon cancer.  Prior to his last marriage he purchased acreage on the Chama River in El Vado, NM, where he built cabins and ran a fishing camp.  He donated approximately 350 acres in El Vado to the State of New Mexico for a park, sold his remaining 5 acres and moved to Williamsburg, NM.  He later sold this property and moved to Las Cruces prior to moving to Burnsville, NC approximately 13 years ago.  William was an artifact appraiser, and was instrumental in the donation of Indian pottery and artifacts to the Burnsville Library for the Yancey Museum. 

William was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Burnsville, NC.  His prior arrangements made years ago were to be cremated and interred at the family plot in San Marcos, TX.  At his request, no funeral or memorial services will be held.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Avery County, P. O. Box 221, Newland, NC 28657.  Hospice of Avery County and Jonas Ridge Adult Care staff provided excellent tender loving care during the last weeks of his life.  Jonas Ridge held a beautiful surprise 99^th birthday party will all staff, residents and Dona and Richard Knudsen, daughter and son-in-law, present, which William enjoyed tremendously.  He said it was the best birthday he ever had.

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DON RAY RAMSEY

Don Ray Ramsey, 68, of Arden, passed away Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at his home.  A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Johnnie and Ruth Hensley Ramsey.  He was the husband of Libby Johnson Ramsey who passed away in 2007.  He was preceded in death by a sister, Ruby Wilson and brothers:  Glenn and Kenneth Ramsey and a brother-in-law:  Mack Wilson and sister-in-law:  Earline Ramsey.  He and his brothers operated Ramsey Brothers Produce at the WNC Farmers Market.

Surviving are a sister:  Ima Jean Hendrix and husband, Jim, of Erwin, TN; a brother:  Tate Ramsey of Asheville; 2 sisters-in-law Chloe Ramsey and Louise Ramsey of Burnsville; a son:  John Jones of Arden; 5 step children; 7 step grandchildren and 10 step great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 8:00 P.M. Friday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.  Revs. Burl Ledford and Eugene Duyck will officiate.  A graveside service will be held at 9:30 AM Saturday in the Johnnie Ramsey Family Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8:00 P.M. prior to the service at the funeral home.

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JUANITA WESTALL BUTNER

Juanita Westall Butner, 78, of Burnsville passed away Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at her home.  A life-long resident of Yancey County, she was the daughter of the late Eugene and Tee Rue Robinson Westall and the wife of Frank “Boog” Butner who died in 2005.  She was also preceded in death by a brother:  Bill Westall.

Surviving are 2 sisters:  Betty Morris and husband, Bill, of Morganton and Jenny Hewitt and husband, Tom, of Tupelo, MS; 2 brothers:  Wade Westall and wife, Ann, of Morganton and Zade Westall and wife, Geraldine, of Marion.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.  Rev. Richard Muri, Rev. Willie Rash and Tom Hewitt will officiate.  Burial will be in the Academy Cemeter

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Yancey County, 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714 or First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 425, Burnsville, NC 28714


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THOMAS DAVIS, JR.

Thomas Davis, Jr., 87, of the Pensacola Community of Yancey County died Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital.  A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Carrie Atkins Davis and Thomas Davis, Sr.   He was also preceded in death by 5 brothers.

Surviving are 2 sisters:  Pauline Jackson of Surgoinsville, TN and Mary Atkins of Asheville and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 AM Saturday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.  Rev. Nelson Ponder will officiate.  Burial will be in the Atkins-Ledford Cemetery.

The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior to the service at the funeral home.

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PHILLIP WAYNE LETTERMAN 
 

Phillip Wayne Letterman, 68, of Green Mountain, went home to be with the Lord, Wednesday, December 3, 2008, in Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine.  A native of Mitchell County, he was a son of the late Walter E. and Blanche Gortney Letterman.  He was preceded in death by a sister:  Peggy Peterson.  Phillip was a retired employee of Henredon, a member of Clearmont Fire Department, a member of Ridgeview Presbyterian Church, and of Bakersville Masonic Lodge.

Surviving are a sister:  Annette Buchanan and husband, Dennis, of Burnsville; 3 nephews:  Joey Buchanan, Rick Peterson and Roger Peterson; 4 nieces:  Terri Grindstaff, Rachel Austin, Theresa Briggs and Wanda Miller; 3 great nieces and 8 great nephews; and, an aunt:  Helen Letterman Keyes of Johnson City, TN.

Funeral services will be held at noon Friday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.  The Rev. Roger Laws will officiate.  Burial will be in Ridgeview Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  At other times the family will be at the home of Theresa Briggs, 5275 State Highway 197 North, Green Mountain, NC.

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PAULA MAE HIGGINS

Paula Mae Higgins, 78, of Mountain View Road, passed away Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at her home.  A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Paul A. and Willie Mae Robertson Higgins.  She graduated from Mars Hill College and Appalachian State Teachers College and was a school teacher and principal for 34 years.  Paula Mae was an active Ruling Elder of the First Presbyterian Church in Burnsville.  She was a realtor associated with Carolina Mountain Realty, and later, a partner in Styles Properties.  She was active in the Democrat Party.

Surviving are a sister:  Irene Penland of Burnsville; 3 nephews:  Alex Penland and wife, Betty Carolyn, of Burnsville, Will Penland and wife, Nancy, of North Cove and Eric Penland and wife, Rhonda, of Green Mountain; a great niece, Lydia Penland of North Cove; 2 great nephews:  Ed Penland and Joe Penland and wife, Rachel, of Burnsville; 3 great-great nieces:  Emily, Brianna and Adrianna Penland and 2 great-great nephews:  Bryson and John Penland.

Funeral services will be held at 7:30 PM Thursday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.  Revs. Drayton Cooper, Warner Anthony and Joe Bennett will officiate.  A graveside service will be held at 11 AM Friday in the Penland Family Cemetery on Maney Branch.  Rev. Maggie Lauterer will officiate.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 7:30 PM Thursday prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, P O. Box 635, Burnsville, NC 28714.

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BONNIE WILSON

Bonnie Wilson, 96, of Marion passed away Thursday, November 27, 2008 at Brookside Rehabilitation and Care.  A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Harvey and Sarah McDowell Storie and wife of William Champ Silver who died in 1957 and the late Will Wilson.  She was also preceded in death by a daughter:  Zula Wilson, and a son:  William David Silver.  She was a member of Hicks Chapel Baptist Church. 

Surviving are a daughter:  Jean Allen of Burnsville; 3 sons:  Frank Junior Silver and wife, Doris, Jerry Dean Silver and wife, Patricia, of Burnsville and Dennis Champ Silver and friend, Shirley, of Marion; 3 sisters:  Blanche Romine of Marion, Ruby McMahan of Burnsville and Nell Stafford of Hickory, 28 grandchildren and several great and great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2 P.M. Saturday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.  Rev. Jerry Shelton will officiate.  Burial will be in the McClurd Cemetery at Low Gap.

The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Yancey County, 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.

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CLARENCE HALL

Clarence Hall died Tuesday, November 25, 2008 at the age of 88.  Born on April 12, 1920 at Blue Rock in Yancey County, Clarence worked in the mining and construction fields domestically and internationally before retiring in 1981.  He was married to the late Joyce Drymon Hall and had 8 children.

He is survived by 6 children:  Clarence Hall, Jr., of Huntingdon, PA, Michael Hall of Puerto Rico, Richard Hall of Buffalo, Wyoming, Steven Hall of Austin, TX, Deborah Harkey of Greeneville, TN and Susan Martin of Austin, TX; 26 grandchildren and a brother:  Cleveland Hall of Morganton.

There will be a private memorial service and interment in the Newdale Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Newdale Presbyterian Church Cemetery Fund.

The children of Clarence and Joyce wish to express deep gratitude to the church for the many years of ministry and fellowship their parents enjoyed. 

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ELVINA ROBINSON

Elvina Robinson, 75, of the Double Island Community passed away Sunday, November 23, 2008 at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital.  A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Rev. Arthur and Pauline Woody Thomas and the wife of Worley Robinson who died in 1987.

Surviving are 3 daughters:  Elizabeth Krohn and husband, Chuck, of Burnsville, Kathy Gibson and husband, Coy, of Nebo and Christine McCarthy and husband, Roger, of Marion; 3 sons:  Jerry Robinson and wife, Gail, of Double Island, Terry Robinson and wife, Mary, of Bakersville, and Rev. Perry Robinson and wife, Rebecca, of Micaville; 5 sisters:  Leeila Fender of Weaverville, Tony Ann Souther of Arden, Vickie Barnwell of Fletcher, Cynthia Buckner of Weaverville and Patsy Hughes of Burnsville; 2 brothers:  Billy Thomas of Concord and Denzil Thomas of Taylors, SC; 9 grandchildren, 7 step grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, 7 step great grandchildren and a step great-great grandson.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Wednesday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.  Revs. Ronnie Gouge and Lawrence Glenn will officiate.  Burial will be in the Double Island Baptist Church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8:00 PM Tuesday at the funeral home and at other times will be at the home of Rev. Perry Robinson or Jerry Robinson.

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DONNA GAIL WOODY HARDING

Donna Gail Woody Harding, 41, of Burnsville went home to be with the Lord, Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at St. Joseph Hospital.  A native of Yancey County she was a daughter of Ola May Hughes Woody of Burnsville and the late Vernon Woody.  Donna was a devoted mother.

Surviving in addition to her mother are three daughters:  Aleshia, Crystal and Gracie Harding all of the home; a sister:  Anita Woody; a brother:  Jerry Woody and wife, Annie; a niece:  Wendy Woody and three nephews:  Robert and Billy Woody and Dustin Buchanan; and a maternal grandmother:  Sinnia Hughes all of Burnsville.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday in Victory Baptist Church of which she was a member.  Revs. Scot Garland and Billy Mitchell will officiate.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8:00 P.M. Friday at the church.

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REED C. BRIGGS

Reed C. Briggs, 71, of Micaville, passed away Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at St. Joseph Hospital.  A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Pearl Briggs and Rev. Roscoe Briggs, Sr.   He was also preceded in death by two infant sons:  Patrick and Evan Briggs and two brothers:  Thurman and Paul Briggs.  Reed was a retired employee of Henredon Furniture after 27 years of service.

Surviving are his wife of 49 years:  Clara Boone Briggs; two daughters:  Marlene Fender and husband, Morrise, and Michelle McNeill and husband, John; three brothers:  Roscoe Briggs, Jr., Charles and Claude Briggs; three sisters:  Clara Lee Chrisawn and Frances Boone all of Burnsville, and Shirley McKinney of Spruce Pine; four granddaughters:  Chasity and Meghan Fender and Morgan and Paige McNeill all of Burnsville.   

Funeral services will be held at 8:00 P.M. Thursday in the chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.  Rev. Burl Ledford will officiate.  A graveside service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Friday in the Pete Young Cemetery. 

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8:00 P.M. Thursday prior to the service at the funeral home.

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LINNIE STREET AYERS

Linnie Street Ayers, 88, of Green Mountain, passed away Sunday, November 16, 2008, in Brookside Rehabilitation & Care.  A native of Mitchell County, she was a daughter of the late Will and Izabelle Street.  She was the wife of Dewey Ayers who passed away in 1992.  Linnie was also preceded in death by a daughter:  Mary Belle Ayers; brothers:  Cal, Fred and Jess Street; and, sisters:  Inas Shell, Etta Davis and Sally Thomas.  She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

Surviving are 3 sons:  Charles Junior Ayers and Laskie Ayers of the home, and Walter Ayers and very special friend, Mary, of Statesville; 4 daughters:  Lucille Hardin and husband, Dean, of Glen Alpine, Earnestine Peterson and husband, Wayne, of Morganton, Betty McLaughlin of Burnsville and Cora Bennett and husband, J. L., of Green Mountain.  6 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren also survive.

Funeral services will be held at 12 o’clock noon Tuesday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.  The Rev. Joe Bennett will officiate.  Burial will be in the Pleasant Grove Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Yancey County, 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.

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SHIRLEY COOPER