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Home
20th Reunion, 1980
41st Reunion, 2001
45th Reunion, 2005
50th Reunion - 2010
Great Teachers!!
SCHS Class of 1960
In Memory of....
1960 Senior Trip
Special Pictures
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Printable list In Memory of.....
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The following classmates have gone on to
their final and eternal reunion..... They have left us behind but they
will never be forgotten....... They are our longtime friends and
classmates and will always be with us........ |
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Christine
Ball Bryant, 60, of the Buchner's Branch community, died Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2001, in Winston
Salem. A native of Swain County, she was the daughter of the late
Reuben and Carrie Ball. She had worked as a production seamstress for
Heritage Quilts and Tuckasegee Mills for many years. She was a member
of Mount Carmel Baptist Church.
She is survived by two daughters, Tina Peterson of Leicester and Donna
Bryant of Hendersonville; a special friend, Buel Anthony of Bryson City;
four sisters, Mary Holstead of Greenville S.C., Marilyn Knox of
Greenwood, S.C., Gladys Ensley of Bryson City and Eva Neil Brigham of
Lexington; three brothers, John, Butch and Gene Ball, all of Bryson
City; and five grandchildren, Randall Dean Wilson, Jr., James Wesley Fincannon,
Jacob Chase Peterson, Tene Myrick and Nicia DeLane Fincannon.
The funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday in the chapel of
Crisp Funeral Home. The Revs. Junior Killian and Tony Cochran will
officiate. Burial will be in Sawmill Hill
Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the the
funeral home.
Note:
Christine attended all of the
planning meetings for the 2001 Reunion . She knew that her heart
condition was very bad and it got much worse in August, 2001.
She was hospitalized in Winston Salem and was waiting on a
transplant but did not make it. Passed away on Nov. 7, 2001 and our
reunion was on Sept. 15, 2001.
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Christine Ball Bryant |
Date of
Birth: 1941 |
Date of
Death: November 7, 2001 |
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This is
Louise's senior picture. More
information will be provided as it becomes available. |
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Louise Ball |
Date of
Birth: |
Date of
Death: |
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This
is Faye's senior
picture, we would appreciate any information your can provide us so
that we may complete Faye's memorial on this webpage. |
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Faye Bowers Whited |
Date of
Birth: July 24, 1942 |
Date of Death: March 17, 2013 |
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This is
Lillie Mae's junior year picture. More
information will be provided as it becomes available. |
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Lillie Mae Bowers Husky |
Date of
Birth: November 16, 1940 |
Date of
Death: May 31, 2000 |
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This is Betty's Senior year picture. More
information will be provided as it becomes available.
If you can provide any information
concerning Betty it would be greatly appreciated. |
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Betty Lou Brown |
Date of
Birth: |
Date of
Death: |
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DURHAM—Mitzi Eckstein Twine died at Duke Hospital on November 17 after a
period of declining health. Mitzi was born on July 13, 1942, in
Williamsport, PA to Ruth Wilson and Louis Welsh Eckstein, Sr. …
Nickname: Mitzi |
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Margaret Ann (Mitzi) Eckstein Twine |
Date of Birth:
July 13, 1942 |
Date of Death:
November 17, 2019 |
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Frieda A. Duvall,
63, of Brookwood, Alabama
formerly of Bryson City, died Sunday, April 9, 2006 at Hospice of West
Alabama. Her parents, Mary F. Hawkins and Charles Bruce Hawkins,
and granddaughter, Ashley Nychole Wade, preceded her in death.
Frieda was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
She was dearly loved by all who knew her, and will be greatly missed.
She was a strong woman and full of life who fought until the end. She
told us she loved us and made us cry/She made her peace and said
goodbye.
Survivors include her husband, William Jack Duvall; daughters, Michele
L. Battles (Harold), and Mary Elizabeth (Beth) Duvall; son, Brian A.
Duvall; grandchildren, Holley Wade, Vicki Wade, William Duvall, Damon
Green, and Morgan Taylor Jordan; and two great-grandchildren, Haley
Howton and Farrah Hubbard.
Graveside services were held on Wednesday, April 12 in Memory Hill
Gardens with Chad
Palmer officiating and Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel Funeral Home
directing.
Pallbearers were Jeff Hubbard, Alan Tingle, Charles Miller, Wilbourne
Helton, Sis and Johnny Herron and Bobby Howton. Honorary pallbearers
were Hospice of West Alabama and close friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of West Alabama.
Note
Frieda did RSVP that she was going to
attend the Reunion but was too ill to make the trip in September.
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Frieda Hawkins Duvall |
Date of
Birth: 1942 |
Date of
Death: April 9, 2006 |
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Diane Hicks Hoyle, 77, of Bryson City,
passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday November 20, 2019. A lifelong
resident of Bryson City she was the daughter of the late Fred and Doris
Hicks, and wife of the late Wade Hoyle.
She is survived by one son,
Eric Hicks and wife Amber of Warner Robins, GA; one step-son, Jason
Hoyle and wife Lisa of Bryson City; one step-daughter, Tonya Wilson of
Bryson City; three grandchildren, Bailey, Zakery, and Bryn; one brother,
Rodney Hicks and Carol of Lilburn, GA; one nephew, Andy and one niece,
Allison.
A memorial service will be held 2:00 PM Sunday at Crisp Funeral Home
Chapel.
The family will receive friends form 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM Sunday at
the Funeral Home
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Diane Hicks Hoyle |
Date of
Birth: 1942 |
Date of
Death: November 20, 2019 |
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This is
Sue's sophomore year picture. More
information will be provided as it becomes available.
If anyone has any information about
Sue we would appreciate you sharing with us so we can update this
memorial for Sue. Thank you |
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Wilma Sue Mundy |
Date of
Birth: |
Date of
Death: September 1, 2000 |
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Margaret
Pilkey McMahan, 63, of
Macon, Ga. formerly of Bryson City, passed away Thursday, Nov. 3, 2005.
Surviving are Walter McMahan her husband, formerly of Bryson City;
Cynthia White, daughter; Alma Pilkey, mother; Lee Pilkey and Ernest
Pilkey, two brothers; three grandchildren, Shalani White, Breana White
and Derrick Lannon; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 5 in the chapel of
Macon Memorial Park Funeral Home. Interment followed in Glen Haven
Memorial Gardens.
The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. |
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Margaret Pilkey McMahan |
Date of
Birth: November 19, 1941 |
Date of
Death: November 3, 2005 |
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Obituary of Virginia Gail Treadway
Virginia Cline Treadway,
72, of Bryson City went home to be with the Lord Thursday,
December 18, 2014 in a Swain County health care facility. A
native of Swain County she was the daughter of the late James
and Edna Monteith Cline. She was a member of the Bryson City
First Baptist Church. She is survived by two sons, Wally
Treadway and wife Stephanie of Bryson City, Mike Treadway and
wife Regina of Bryson City; four grandchildren, Alex, Brett,
Tori, and Nathan Treadway all of Bryson City; and three
brothers, Charles Cline of Asheville, and Jerry and Rick Cline
of Bryson City. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm
Sunday in the chapel of Crisp Funeral Home. The family will
receive friends from 1 to 3 pm Sunday at the funeral home.
To send flowers to the family
of Virginia Treadway, please visit
Tribute Store
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Virginia Gail Cline Treadway |
Date of Birth:
1942 |
Date of Death:
December 18,2014 |
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Obituary of
Lillie Mae Ramsey Hall
Lillie and David were married 13 September 1962, Jackson County, North
Carolina.
Lillie Ramsey Hall, age 77 of
Kissimmee, FL passed away on February 18, 2019. She was born on June 4,
1941 in Webster, NC to Charlie and Lizzie Ramsey. Lillie was a member of
the First Baptist Church of St. Cloud and was an office manager in the
retail industry.
Lillie loved a variety of outdoor
activities, she was an avid bowler and swimmer. She was a loving,
gracious wife who loved her husband, children and grandchildren to no
end. Lillie went out of her way her entire life to make sure her family
was safe, healthy, and happy. To know a woman like her is to be blessed
and she will forever be missed. The life of her family will never be the
same.
Lillie is survived by her loving
husband David Ansel Hall II; son, David A Hall III (Pamela); Daughters,
Elizabeth Hall of Whittier, NC, and Angela Conger of Eustis, FL;
grandchildren, Marvin Hall, David Helms, Marcus Helms, Christopher
Carpenter, Elizabeth Conger, James Conger, Victoria Hazel (Justin) and
Christina Hoopaugh; great grandchildren Theodore Tubbs, Zoe Messer,
Halen Messer, Warren Hazel, and Curtis Hazel.
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Lillie Mae Ramsey Hall |
Date of Birth:
June 4, 1941 |
Date of Death:
February 18, 2019 |
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Obituary of Darcus Welch
The family of Darcus Welch will receive
friends from 6 to 8 pm Friday at Crisp Funeral Home. A full
obituary will be posted as soon as it is available.
To plant a tree in memory of Darcus Welch,
please visit
Tribute Store
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Darcus Welch |
Date of Birth:
1942 |
Date of Death:
2018 |
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In
Loving Memory of Monte Armitage
Monte Armitage 57 passed away on July 3, 1998. He was the son of Olin
and Minnie Armitage. Grandparents were Emma and Eugene Armitage.
Monte is survived by Hilda Armitage his wife of 35 years and two
children Wendy and Jeff Armitage.
Monte worked for Heritage Quilts of Bryson City.
He was a member of the 1958-59 Swain Hi Basketball Team and along with
his team mates inducted into the Hall of Fame. Monte was a member of
the Class of 1960.
Funeral Services were held at Crisp Funeral Home with Eddie Deitz
officiating. Burial was in Swain Memorial Park.
This is
Monte's senior picture. |
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Monte Clark Armitage |
Date of
Birth: September 24, 1941 |
Date of
Death: July 3, 1998 |
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WILLIAM EARL BAILEY
January 20, 1939 - July
29, 2004
BRYSON CITY - William Earl Bailey, 65,
of Mountain View Manor Nursing Home in Bryson City, died Thursday July
29, 2004, at Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva.
He was born in Swain County on Jan. 20,
1939, the son of the late William Lee Bailey and the late Mae Oliver
Bailey. Mr. Bailey was a veteran of the Army and was retired from the
N.C. Department of Transportation. He was a member of the Bryson City
Church of God.
He is survived by two sons, W. Lane
Bailey and wife, Ruth of Lenoir and Chris L. Bailey and wife, Lisa of
Dillsboro; godson, Rick Smith of Bryson City; brother Joe Bailey and
wife, Pat, of Bryson City; sister Judy Bailey; four grand children,
Colton Lee Bailey, Madison Grace Bailey, Brennan Patrick Bailey and
Katherine Grace Bailey; and four nephews, Jeremy Bailey, Dale Smith,
Wayne Smith and Tiny Smith.
The funeral service will be held at 2
p.m. Sunday, Aug. 1, in the chapel of Crisp Funeral Home. The Rev. Arvil
Nations will officiate. The graveside service for the family will be
held at Swain Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be James Calhoun, Sid
Ball, Leroy Cloer, George Oliver, Corey Wike and Dale Green.
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William E. Bailey |
Date of
Birth: January 20, 1939 |
Date of
Death: July 29, 2004 |
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John B. Battle Jr., 71, of
North Wilkesboro died Monday, June 24, 2013 at Wilkes Senior
Village.
Funeral services were held
Wednesday, June 26, 2013, at 11 a.m., at the First Baptist Church of
North Wilkesboro with Dr. N. Nelson Granade Jr. officiating. Burial
will be in Mountlawn Memorial Park.
The family received at
Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home from 6 until 8 Tuesday night.
Mr. Battle was born in Jackson
County, N.C., on March 16, 1942, to John B. Battle Sr., and Verna
DeBord Battle. He was a graduate of Western Carolina University and
moved to Wilkes in 1971 with wife, Annette Duncan Battle, to begin
working at Duncan Electric Corp. Mr. Battle became president after
the death of Isaac Duncan in 1978 and remained president until
retiring in 2010.
Mr. Battle was a member of the
First Baptist Church of North Wilkesboro and served for many years
on the diaconate, building and grounds committee, chairman of the
finance and numerous building and renovation projects. John loved
his church and the people in it. He was known to have a strong
business sense with an active faith stance.
Mr. Battle was a member of the
Rutledge Masonic Lodge No. 35 in Union, S.C., from 1966 until he
moved his membership to Mount Pleasant Masonic Lodge No. 0593 in
Wilkes in May 1981.
Mr. Battle joined the North
Wilkesboro Rotary Club in August 2003 and enjoyed participating in
the many fundraising events and activities and managing the 15-acre
Rotary Park in North Wilkesboro. His main objective was to help make
the park a safer and more efficient place to hold many community
events. John was awarded the 2009-2010 Distinguished Rotarian Award
and was known to always be reliable, have sound judgment, a kind
word, a good heart and a strong hand. John was very proud to be
associated with such a great group of outstanding and caring men and
women.
Mr. Battle was a member of the
O.F. Hiking Club since it was organized in 2000. He hiked every
Wednesday with a diverse group of men who shared the love of the
outdoors and found pleasure in the wonder of nature, regardless of
the weather.
In addition to his parents, Mr.
Battle is preceded in death by a twin sister, Joan Elizabeth Battle;
and a half-brother, A.A. Nichols of Florida.
Mr. Battle is survived by his
wife of 49 years, Annette; a sister, Jean B. Fisher and husband,
Bob, of Asheville; three sons, John I. Battle and wife, Kristina,
Jeffery D. Battle and wife, Nicole, all of Wilkesboro; Brian C.
Battle and wife, Leslie of Charlotte; and eight grandchildren,
Duncan, Landon, Eli, Maizie, Kayli, Ansley, Breanna and Ashley. John
loved his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time with
them and watching them play sports.
In lieu of flowers, memorials
may be made to the First Baptist Church of North Wilkesboro, P.O.
Box 458, North Wilkesboro, N.C. 28659; or to the American Cancer
Society, 4-A Oak Branch Drive, Greensboro, N.C. 27407.
The family would like to extend
their sincere appreciation to the staff and caregivers of Wilkes
Senior Village for the love, support, and dignity they showed John
during his time as a resident. Also, to the First Baptist Church
family, friends and family for their support and love shown to the
Battle family during this very difficult time. God bless all of you.
Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home
is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at
www.reinssturdivant.com.
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John B. Battle |
Date of
Birth: March 16, 1942 |
Date of Death: June 24, 2013 |
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If anyone has any information on Sam it would be greatly appreciated if
you would share it with us. Thank you. |
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Sam Bowers |
Date of Birth: |
Date of Death: |
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Theodore Jerome Brady
February 27, 1937 - April 15, 2017
Theodore Jerome Brady, 80, of Bryson City went home to be with the Lord
Saturday, April 15, 2017. A native of Swain County, he was the son of
the late Mary Brady McMillan. He was a member of Cherokee Baptist
Church, a member of the Swain County Rescue Squad for 38 years and
served two years in the U.S. Army. He was a member of the Eastern Band
of Cherokee Indians and retired from the NC Department of Transportation
after 35 years of service. He was preceded in death by his brothers,
Alfred Brady, Larry, Howard and Earl McMillan; great granddaughter, Kali
Cochran; and his father, T.H. Woods. He is survived by his wife of 54
years, Jean Brady; two daughters, Pamela Brady (Danny), Paula Brady
(Tommy); grandson, Joshua Cochran (Lacey); great grandson, Levi Cochran;
two step great granddaughters, Gabby and Maya; his aunt, Sally Rogers;
sisters, Leola McMillan and Margaret Woods; brothers, Harold Woods,
Herman, Wayne and Tommy McMillan; and multiple cousins, nieces and
nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday in the chapel
of Crisp Funeral Home. Rev. Mike Cogdill and Joshua Cochran will
officiate. Burial will be in the Holly Springs Cemetery with military
graveside rites being conducted by the Bryson City VFW Post # 9281. The
family will receive friends from 6 to 9 pm Monday at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be family and friends. Honorary pallbearers will be
members of the Swain County Rescue Squad.
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Jerome Brady |
Date of Birth: February 27, 1937 |
Date of Death: April 15, 2017 |
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Obituary of Russell Daniel Childers
Russell Daniel Childers,
Jr. of Bryson City left this world on November 9, 2013. Russell
was born on August 4, 1942 to Russell D and Carrie Plemmons
Childers. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Peggy
Childers, son Russell D Childers III (Dannie) and wife Carol,
their children Brittany and Eli, daughter Cindi Barnes and
husband Jerry, their children Cydney, Whit, and Hunter, his
brother David Childers and wife Imogene, his sister Carolyn
Peterson and husband Scott, three nieces, and one nephew.
Russell worked as the public health administrator for Swain
County Health Department and retired in 95. Following his
retirement, Russell worked as an interim health director all
over the state of North Carolina. He coached youth football for
numerous years, and loved to give nicknames to all of his
players. Russell was a faithful attendee of Victory Baptist
Church. Russell was an avid outdoorsman and golfer. He loved
singing, camping, gardening, swimming, whole milk topped with
cornbread, bird dogs, and fish frys. Most of all, he was a great
dad, Papaw, husband and friend. He will be greatly missed by all
who knew him. Visitation for family and friends will be at
Victory Baptist Church from 12:00 - 3:00 pm on Monday, November
11th, and the funeral will follow at 3:00 pm. In lieu of
flowers, the Childers family asks that donations be sent to the
Elevation 4:12 Youth Group at Victory Baptist Church. Crisp
Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
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Russell Daniel Childers, Jr. |
Date of
Birth: August 4, 1942 |
Date of Death: November 9, 2013 |
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Obituary of James Thomas Cloer
James
“Thomas” Cloer, 80, of the Alarka community went home to be with the
Lord on April 26, 2022. A Swain County native, he was the son of the
late David and Hester Cloer; and also preceded in death by his
brothers Carroll and Kenneth Cloer and nephews, Charles and Steve
Cloer. He was a member of Mt. Vernon Freewill Baptist Church, where
he served as deacon and choir leader for over 50 years. He loved his
church and church family and loved to sing in the church choir. He
was a veteran of the US Army and served in Vietnam. He was retired
from the Swain County School System. He is survived by his wife of
57 years, Frances; brother, Russell Cloer (Elsie), sister-in-law,
Myrtle Cloer; very special family friends, Beth Gibson and Sarah,
Darrell and Jill Thompson, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral
services will be held at 2:00 pm Friday at Mt. Vernon Freewill
Baptist Church. Revs. Jeff Waldroup and Chris Nations will officiate
with burial in Swain Memorial Park. The family will receive friends
from 12 to 2 pm Friday at the church. Crisp Funeral Home is
assisting the family.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of James Cloer, please
visit our Tree
Store |
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James
Thomas Cloer |
Date of Birth:
1941 |
Date of Death:
April 26, 2022 |
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Obituary for Richard O.
"Dick" Cochran, MAJ US Army (Ret)
On December 7, 2016, after many
brave years of fighting, Dick won his final battle and found
eternal peace.
He was born on February 3, 1942, to Leona and Dock Cochran in
Bryson City, North Carolina. Dick entered the United States Army
in 1961 and faithfully served for 20 years with two tours in
Vietnam. While in the army, he earned a Bachelor’s degree and a
Master’s degree in Business Administration. Upon his retirement,
he served as a project manager with Northrop Grumman for 23
years at Fort Eustis, Virginia.
Dick had many things in life that he loved. One of the greatest
was a deep and abiding love for the Lord. During many moves to
various states, he would quickly find a church home for his
family, and served as a deacon at Landmark Baptist Church in
Petersburg, Virginia, under his lifelong friend, Pastor Buck
Palmer. He loved traveling with his wife Ann, so much so that,
they can claim they have been to all 50 states and 23 countries
together. He also enjoyed several hobbies such as golfing,
bowling, hunting, skiing, and family trips to the beach.
Left to cherish his memory are his devoted and caring wife of 55
years, Ann Wiggins Cochran, and three children: Donna Cochran,
Lisa Hornsby and husband Roger, and Scott Cochran and wife Anna.
Dick also adored his seven grandchildren: Daniel O’Donnell and
husband Dusty, Kristin Clontz and husband Jesse, Bradley
Hornsby, Amy Osborn and husband Michael, Jordan O’Donnell and
wife Jennifer, Jessica Hornsby and fiancé Logan Croswell, and
Taylor Hornsby. Bringing great joy to Dick were his four
great-grandchildren: Caine Clontz, Nora Clontz, Colton Hornsby,
and Rory O’Donnell. He is also survived by a brother, Warren
Cochran, brother-in-law, Larry Wiggins and wife, Pansie,
sister-in-law, Betty Wiggins and fiancé, Tony Merriman, and
several nieces and nephews. Another special person in Dick’s
life was his friend and caregiver, Margie Kaye.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at
the Vincent Funeral Home, 9923 Pocahontas Trail, Providence
Forge, VA, 23140, with interment at Arlington National Cemetery
at a later date. Family will receive friends at 2:00pm with a
service to follow at 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider
donating to the Alzheimer’s Foundation.
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Richard (Dick) O. Cochran |
Date of
Birth: February 3, 1942 |
Date of Death: December 7, 2016 |
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Douglas
Aaron Cole
Douglas Aaron Cole passed away on June 5, 1968 as a result of an
automobile accident.
He was the son of Vernie F. and Nina Ammons Cole of Bryson City.
Shortly after graduating from Swain County High School, Douglas joined
the US Navy and was stationed in Rhode Island. After completing his
tour of duty he moved to Louisville, Kentucky, where he was employed by
the L&N Railroad.
Douglas is survived by his wife Pat Tainsh Cole, son Sean Cole, sister
Janice Cole and brother Carl Cole.
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Douglas Aaron Cole |
Date of
Birth: June 18, 1942 |
Date of
Death: June 5, 1968 |
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Obituary of Landon Crisp
Landon Crisp,
82, of Bryson City went home to be with the Lord Friday, April 15,
2022. Landon was preceded in death by his mother, Ethel Crisp and
the young man he raised as his own, Ronnie Fisher. He was retired
from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Service and was a US
Army Veteran. Landon was survived by many cousins, family and
friends and his special nieces and caretakers who lovingly cared for
him during his declining health, Dee Ola Pelkey, Gail Page, Deanna
McDermott, Ava and Riley McDermott, Jerry Pelkey Sr. and Jerry
Pelkey Jr. Funeral Services will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, April 23,
2022 at Crisp Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Marty Pressley will
officiate with burial at Lauada Cemetery. The family will receive
friends from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM Saturday, April 23, 2022 at the
Funeral Home.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Landon Crisp, please
visit our Tree
Store |
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Landon Crisp |
Date of Birth: 1939 |
Date of Death: April 15, 2022 |
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If anyone has any information on Larry we would appreciate you sharing
with us so we can add to this "In-Memory" page. Thank you
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Larry DeHart |
Date of
Birth: |
Date of Death: |
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Obituary of James Edwards
James William Edwards,
76, of Bryson City, went home to be with the Lord Sunday, July 28,
2019. A native of Swain County he was the son of the late Maurice
and Naomi Carson Edwards. In addition to his parents he was also
preceded in death by three sisters, Willma Edwards, Louise
Stephenson Willis, and Yvonne Gregory.
James traveled with The Happy Voices Quartet singing with his
family, and was a recognized song writer. James joined the U.S. Air
Force in July, 1960. He took his first phase of basic training at
Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. There he qualified as a sharp
shooter. Then he was shipped to Amarillo Air Force Base Texas, where
he took a second phase of basic training and also spent 17 weeks in
the Fuel Specialist School. He was then shipped to the Tactical
Fighter Wing Seymore Johnson Air Force Base, and in August 1961, he
went TDY to England Air Force Base, Louisiana to participate in an
Air Transportable Hydrant School. It was then that he was promoted
at the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base performing the duties of Fuel
Specialist, 64350 Level.
James is survived by his wife of 55 years, Reva Edwards; one
daughter, Karen Edwards (Jeff Smith); one son, Mark Edwards and wife
Greta; three amazing grandchildren which he loved dearly, One
grandson, Jamie Edwards; two granddaughters, Gracie Edwards, and
Rylee Anna Rawls; one sister, Joan Gillette of Bryson City; two
brothers, John Edwards and wife Jerrie, and Earl Edwards and wife
Cathy both of Louisiana, and many special nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held 2:00 PM Wednesday at Crisp Funeral
Home Chapel. Alex Phillips and Rev. Jim Frady will officiate with
burial at Sawyer Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM
Wednesday at the Funeral Home.
The family would like to say a special thank you to Mt. Zion
Baptist Church. To send flowers to the family of James Edwards,
please visit
Tribute Store
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James William Edwards |
Date of
Birth: 1942 |
Date of
Death: July 28, 2019 |
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This is
Tommy's senior picture. More
information will be provided as it becomes available. |
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Tommy Fowler |
Date of
Birth: |
Date of
Death: |
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Ray Franklin
Gibson, 63, of Norcross,
Ga., died Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2005, at his home.
He was a son of Kathleen Patton Gibson Booker and the late J.R. Gibson.
Also preceding him in death was his step father, Donald Booker.
He was a 1960 graduate of Swain County High School and attended Western
Carolina
University. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force serving from
1961-1965.
Surviving, in addition to his mother, are brother, Sam Gibson of Bryson
City; sisters,
Kathy Crossley of Simpsonville, S.C., Rita Lamb of Cheyenne, Wyo., and
Beth Smith of
Salem, S.C. He is also survived by several aunts, nieces, nephews and
friends.
He was employed by Solar Com in Georgia.
The funeral service was held at 3 p.m. Tuesday at Moody Funeral Home in
Bryson City.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to American
Cancer Society.
The family will receive friends at the home of Kathleen Booker in Bryson
City following the services.
Thank You in Smokey Mountain Times from The Ray
Gibson Family
The family of Ray F. Gibson would like to thank all the friends
for their many acts of kindness during a sorrowful time.
A special thanks to Swain Co. High School Class of 1960 as
Ray is loved and remembered. We will always remember you.
Family of Ray Gibson
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Ray Franklin Gibson |
Date of
Birth: 1942 |
Date of
Death: November 23, 2005 |
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Obituary of John Lenard Hedden
John Lenard Hedden, 78, husband of
Edna Mae Brendle Hedden for 58 years, went to be with the Lord
on Sunday, May 17, 2020. Mr. Hedden was born in Bryson City, NC
to the late John Hedden and Bonnie Ledford Hedden. He was an
alumnus of Hampton University and Western Carolina College and
retired after 32 years of teaching school. He was a member of
Unity Baptist Church and had been a long-time member of Buckroe
Baptist Church in Hampton, VA. John enjoyed fishing,
woodworking, NASCAR, and helping people. He served as a
volunteer for the Far West Affordable Housing for many years. He
loved serving others through church activities. He served as a
Sunday School teacher, Deacon, church bus driver and on the
Benevolence Committee. Surviving, in addition to his wife, are a
son, Mike Hedden; a daughter, Michele Wright and husband Roger;
four grandsons, Samuel Hedden and wife Amber, Alex Hedden,
Brenden Wright and fiancé Amelia Godolphin, and Noah Wright; and
three great-grandchildren, A.J., Sammy and Lailynn. He was
predeceased by two brothers, Monroe Hedden and Ray Hedden.
Graveside services will be 11 o’clock Tuesday at Unity Baptist
Church Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Miracle Hill
Ministries, 409 S. Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville, SC 29607.
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John Lenard Hedden |
Date of
Birth: 1942 |
Date of
Death: May 17, 2020 |
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Dr. Morris Austin
Herron
September 25, 1942 - April 24, 2020
Dr. Morris Austin Herron, age
77, of Thomasville died Friday, April 24, 2020 at Thomasville Medical
Center. Dr. Herron was born September 25, 1942 the son of William
Pearlie Herron and Edna Miller Buckner Herron. Dr. Herron was a
native of Swain County. He taught business at East Montgomery High
School and was Principal at Star School for 10 years. He was the former
Director at Foster Estes Technical College in Oklahoma City, OK and the
former Dean of Instruction at Durham Technical College in Durham, NC.
Mr. Herron enjoyed reading, hunting and working with older cars. He
loved traveling and has visited all 50 states. In addition to his
parents, he was preceded in death by his great grandchild, Logan Bell
and sister, Edna Joyce Herron. He is survived by his son and
daughter in law, Austin Lee and Kaye Herron of Trinity; grandchildren,
Kassie Herron, Kayla Herron, and Jonathan Herron; great grandchildren,
William Perdue, Dakota McDaniel, Shelby Bell, and Graceleigh Herron;
sister, Denise Greene of Texas; brother, Norris Herron of Washington
State; and sisters, Lois Howell and husband Don of North Carolina and
Sana Sutton and husband Jim of Tennessee. No services are planned.
Any memorials (no flowers please) may be made to the Baptist Children’s
Homes of North Carolina, P.O. Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27361-0338 or to
the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK
73123-1718 in his honor. Pugh Funeral Home in Asheboro is serving the
family. Remembrances and online condolences may be made at
www.pughfuneralhome.com.
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Dr. Morris Austin Morris |
Date of
Birth: September 25, 1942 |
Date of Death: April 24, 2020 |
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William's Obituary
Funeral services for Sgt. Major
William E. Hyatt will be held August 25, 2015 at 10:00 at South Bossier
Baptist Church located at 1155 Sligo Rd. Bossier City, Louisiana.
Officiating his service will be Pastor Chris Young, along with special
music by vocalist Angela Tejada. Graveside service with full military
honors will be conducted at the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in
Keithville immediately following the funeral service. In his honor, the
procession will be lead by the Patriot Guard Riders of Louisiana. Sgt.
Major Hyatt passed away August 12, 2015 at Vanderbilt University Medical
Center following a brief illness. He was 73 years old. William Eugene
"Gene" Hyatt was born March 5, 1942 in Jackson County, North Carolina.
He attended Swain County High School where he received his high school
diploma. In 1960, at the age of 18, he enlisted in the Army. During that
time he held various positions including dental assistant, EMT, and
Military Police. He received countless awards and medals; Army
Commendation, Army Achievement, Humanitarian Service Medal and the
Legion of Merit Award, just to name a few. In 1973, he graduated from
Baptist Christian College with a Bachelor Degree in Science. After
obtaining his degree, he remained an active duty member of the armed
forces. In 1991, he served one mission during Desert Storm and was
stationed at Ft. Hood in Texas. He made the military his career,
retiring in 1992 as Sgt. Major. After retiring from the Army, he worked
as a school teacher as well as a basketball coach, but most importantly
he served as a mentor to those who knew him. During his lifetime, he
made lots of friends and never had an enemy. He was a traveler. He loved
the mountains back home in North Carolina where he grew up and visited
them every summer. He frequented Arkansas to dig for diamonds because he
was indeed going to find the biggest one. He lived day to day, not
thinking about tomorrow, but focusing on the present. Some have said he
was a "legend" and what a legacy he left behind. He was "that guy",
everyone's best friend, a hunting and golfing buddy to some and a coffee
date to others. He loved telling stories, and no matter how fabricated
they were, you believed it because it was Gene's story and it was HIS
truth. There was only one Gene Hyatt and we were so blessed to have him
for as long as we did. Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him would
agree. Awaiting his arrival were his parents Edward and Molly Hyatt,
grandparents Roxie and Jess Williamson and Dixon and Ethel Hyatt,
brother Paul Hyatt, and two daughters Kimberly Hyatt and Stephanie Hyatt
Taylor. Left to cherish his memory are his siblings Barbara Ogle and
husband Bob, Linda Hyatt, and brother Clyde Hyatt. His children Eddie
Hyatt and wife Tonya, Geoffrey Hyatt, and Tiffany Hyatt Douglas and
husband Jamie. Immediate grandchildren Haley, Cammy, and Eddie Hyatt, Jr
(papaws lil man,) Kasey Adams Smith, Collin Hyatt, Caylon and Austin
Gardner, Faith Douglas, and Megan, Drake and Nathan Taylor. He had step
children and step grandchildren whom he spoke of frequently even
reconnecting with them prior to his passing. People truly loved him no
matter the circumstances. He had numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews
that are also bearing the loss of this great man everyone knew as Gene!
We, the family, would like to personally thank the vascular team as well
as the ICU nursing staff at Vanderbilt University Medical Center for the
exceptional care that was given to our beloved daddy, papaw, brother,
uncle, and friend. A very special "thank you" to Dr. Patrick Henson who
was readily available to answer any and all questions we had, remained
optimistic, never tarnished and brought a ray of sunshine into the room
every time he entered. Derrick Smith with the Louisiana Department of
Veterans Affairs, THANK YOU! Without your guidance and help we would
have been lost. God placed you in our path at just the right time. To
the Patriot Guard Riders for stepping up and wanting to lead our daddy
to his final resting place, words can't express our gratitude. In
conclusion, few people knew that our daddy wrote poetry and love songs.
His best friend Ed Franks would vouch for that. Our daddy had a way with
words, knew just what to say at the right time, and always said "it'll
be alright!" So the next poem you read or love song you hear, our daddy
may whisper in your ear "hey I wrote that" and guess what? You will
believe it because after all, it was HIS story.
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William Eugene Hyatt |
Date of
Birth: March 5, 1942 |
Date of Death: August 12, 2015 |
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CHARLOTTE - Samuel Johnson Jones, 51, of 531 Morningside Road died May
20, 1993, Carolinas Medical Center. Funeral is 2:30 P.M. Monday at
Mount Vernon Freewill Baptist Church in Bryson City with the Reverends
Tony Oliver and Lelon Green officiating. Burial will be in Swain
Memorial Park in Bryson City. Visitation is 7 to 9 P.M. Sunday at
the church. Mr.
Jones, a performance technician for Duke Power Company, was a native of
Bryson City.
Survivors are his wife, Mrs.
Helen Byrd Jones; son, Robert Jones; daughter, Miss Cindy Jones;
parents, Wheeler and Evie Green Jones of Bryson City; brothers Dave
Jones and Earl Jones both of Bryson City; sisters, Mrs. Gail Cochrane of
Fort Mill, South Carolina; Mrs. Pearl Snyder and Mrs. Shirley Jenkins
both of Mount Holly, Mrs. Jessie Jenkins; half-brother, Clyde Jones of
Bryson City; one grand-child.
Memorials may be made to
National Kidney Foundation, 5970 Fairview Road, 3 Fairview Plaza, Suite
412, Charlotte, North Carolina 28210 |
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Sam Jones |
Date of
Birth: 1942 |
Date of
Death: May 20, 1993 |
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THE SMOKY
MOUNTAIN TIMES- Thursday, January 7, 2010,
DENNIS E. PEDERSEN, SR,
Dennis E. Pedersen Sr, of
Danielsville, Georgia passed away Tuesday January 5, 2010.
A native of Bryson City, he was
the son of the late Lester Einar and Margaret Ensley Pedersen. He
was retired from GMAC and of the Baptist faith.
Funeral services will be at 2
p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9 at Crisp Funeral Home, Bryson City.
Visitation will be from 1 p.m.. to 2 p.m. prior to the service.
Survivors include his wife, Dyanne Shook Pedersen, children, Dennis E. Pedersen, Jr and Leigh
Anne (Gregg) Pruitt, sister Beth Pedersen; brother David (Beth)
Pedersen; and 5 Grand children
Derrick Pedersen, Joshua
Pedersen (sons of Dennis, Jr.)
Kayla Pruitt, Christopher
Graham, Morgan Pruitt (daughters and son of Leigh Anne Pruitt)
The family will receive friends
from 7 to 9 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 7 at Lord & Stephens Funeral Home,
Danielsville, Ga.
Internment: Dennis was laid to rest in Swain Memorial
Cemetery Bryson
City, NC.
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Dennis E. Pedersen |
Date of
Birth: December
29, 1941 |
Date of
Death: January 5, 2010 |
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Thedore
Donald Sherrill, 71, of Whittier, NC, went home to be with the Lord on
October 29, 2012, he was a resident at the Oaks of Brevard, in NC. He
was born on March 9, 1941 in Swain County, son of the late Homer and
Arizona Sherrill.
Don lived most of his life in
Jackson County, Whittier NC. He worked for the North Carolina DOT as a
surveyor for 12 years. He owned and operated a Sears catalog store in
Spruce Pine for 20 years and also in Brevard for 3 years. Upon his
retirement from Sears, he moved back to Whittier where he built two
homes and two log cabins. He loved spending his time helping others and
being involved in outreach ministries. He was a member of Mt Carmel
Baptist Church.
Don was preceeded in death by his
parents and one brother, Douglas "Nick" Sherrill of Sylva.
Surviving is his wife of 49 years
Malene Bumgarner Sherrill. Two daughters - Cindy Bryson and husband
Jeff, Donna Ledford and husband Randy of Brevard: three grandchildren,
Kacey White and Donovan Pittman of Beaumont, Texas and Keri Bryson of
Brevard; three great-grandchildren, Gabriel Lee and Layla Malene White
and Brayden Tripp Bryson' Holden; one brother, Jack Sherrill and wife
Deborah of Raleigh. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
A Memorial Celebration will be held
Friday, November 2, 2012 at Appalachian Funeral Home in Sylva.
Visitation will be held from 2 pm to 3 pm with Memorial service
following. Rev. Charles Murrell officiating and Rev. Lewis Crisp, first
cousin of the deceased, will assist. Burial will be held at Bumgarner
Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family would
like to ask for donations to be made to "Memorial Fund for Donald
Sherrill" at United Community Bank, 10 Park Place East, Brevard
NC 28712, phone number 828-884-2600 |
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Theodore Donald Sherrill |
Date of
Birth: March 9, 1941 |
Date of
Death: October 29, 2012 |
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Von Thomas
Smith, age 75, of Clarkesville passed away on Tuesday, September 26,
2017 at his residence surrounded by family.
Born on May 7, 1942 in Swain County, North
Carolina, Mr. Smith was the son of Ollie Tuck Smith and the late
Marshall Smith. Mr. Smith graduated from Swain County High School in
1960. He graduated from Western Carolina University with a BA degree in
education. Mr. Smith spent his entire professional career with General
Motors Acceptance Corporation, retiring from management. Mr. Smith held
church memberships in First Baptist Church of Toccoa, Mountain Park
Baptist in Mountain Park, GA, Pierpont Baptist Church in Charleston, SC
and most recently Clarkesville Baptist Church. Mr. Smith faithfully
served in every church he attended He has served as Chairman of
Deacons, Sunday School Director, Sunday School Teacher. Mr. Smith also
worked as a Royal Ambassadors Leader and served with Brotherhood and on
mission trips. Mr. Smith had a true servants heart. He volunteered
with Team Atlanta as a driver transporting Veterans from all over
Northeast Georgia to and from the Veterans Hospital. Mr. Smith was a
Gideon and a member of the Grindstone Walkers.
Survivors include his wife Allean York
Smith of the home, his mother Ollie Tuck Smith, daughters Yvonne
Michelle DeFoor and Marsha Danielle Kellum, son Thomas Von Smith,
brother Dean Marshall Smith, as well as nine grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Friday,
September 29, 2017 at 11:00 AM at Clarkesville Baptist Church with Rev.
Grady Walden and Rev. David Turner officiating. The family will receive
friends at the church prior to the service from 10:00 AM until 11:00
AM. Interment will follow the service at 3:30 PM in Deep Creek
Cemetery, Bryson City, North Carolina with Rev. Larry Spencer
officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made
to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s, Grand Central Station,
PO Box 4777, New York, NY 10163-4777 or by visiting michaeljfox.org .
An online guest registry is available at
www.hillsidememorialchapel.com.
Arrangements by Hillside Memorial Chapel,
Clarkesville. 706-754-6256.
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Von Thomas Smith |
Date of Birth: May 7, 1942 |
Date of Death: September 20, 2017 |
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James
L. Sossamon, Business and Civic Leader Dies at 48
James Lee Sossamon, 48, of Route 4, Morgan Branch Road, Leicester, died
Thursday at his residence.
A native of Swain County, he received a degree in aeronautical
engineering from N.C. State University in 1965. He was employed by
Boeing Aircraft Co. in Seattle, Wash, before returning to North
Carolina. He was owner and manager of Money Tree stores. He was
president of Tuckasegee Mills Inc. of Bryson City. He was a member of
Zion Hill Baptist Church and former president of Newfound Community
Development Club. He was a member of Western N.C. Sheep Producers
Association and Southern Appalachian Wool and Fiber Growers. He
volunteered in community development and youth related organizations.
Surviving are his wife, Judy Bryson Sossamon; daughter, Elizabeth
Sossamon of the home; a step-daughter, Regina Wiggins of Bryson City;
his parents, Leroy and Ora Lee Sossamon of Bryson City; and two sisters,
Ann Marie Decker of Black Mountain and Beth Eckstein of Greenville, N.C.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in Zion Hill Baptist Church,
Newfound Road, Leicester. The Rev. Jackie Collins will officiate. Burial
will be in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at Groce
Funeral Home, where the body will remain until 30 minutes before the
services.
Memorials may be made to Mountain Area Hospice, P.O. Box 16, Asheville,
N.C. 28816 or Zion Hill Baptist Church, Newfound Road, Leicester, N.C.
28748. |
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James Lee Sossamon |
Date of
Birth: March 6, 1942 |
Date of
Death: October 18, 1990 |
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Edward AP Thomas
1941 - 2020
Obituary of Edward AP Thomas
Edward Thomas, 78, of the Kirkland
Creek community went home to be with the Lord Saturday, November
21, 2020. He was the son of the late Walter and Maggie Ledford
Thomas. Ed was preceded in death by his brother, Dennis Thomas.
He is survived by many friends including his best friend, Bill
Williamson. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday
at Swain Memorial Park.
To plant a tree in memory of Edward Thomas,
please visit
Tribute Store
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Edward AP Thomas |
Date of
Birth: 1941 |
Date of Death: November 21, 2020 |
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Edward Joe Thomas was granted his angel wings
peacefully in his sleep on July 18, 2015. His final days were spent
in his home surrounded by his family, friends, and his beloved dog,
Kiera.
A native of Swain County, he was born August
4, 1941 to the late Lamar and Mary Manor Thomas. He was also
preceded in death by his brothers, George, Andrew, and Elbert
Thomas; and sisters, Ollie Williamson, Lucille Burris, and Mary
Ellen Sawyer.
Joe was very proud of his 10 years of service
in the U.S. Air Force. He would always tell his daughter, ìI just
love people,î and that was evident to anyone who met him. He loved
to make people laugh. He enjoyed cooking and playing golf with his
buddy, Terry.
Joe is survived by his loving wife of 43
years, Nellie Cline Thomas; his daughter, Kerston Vaugh who he
called everyday just to tell her he loved her; son-in-law, Brint
Vaughn, who he thought of as his own son; granddaughter, Sierra
Vaughn, who you would know all about the first minute you met him
because she was the person who he was most proud of in his life;
brothers, Vincent (Peggy), Gordon (Mildred), and Freddy; sister,
Helen Harris; sisters-in-law, Amy Taylor ìSisî and Katherine Thomas;
and a number of nieces and nephews who he loved very much.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00pm
Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at Thomas Chapel Cemetery in Bryson City
with Rev. Mike Smith officiating. The family will receive friends
from 6:00 to 8:00pm, Tuesday, in the Kirby Memorial Chapel of Shuler
Funeral Home and at other times at the home of Brint and Kerston
Vaughn.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to
the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 75817, Topeka, KS 66675.
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Edward Joe Thomas |
Date of Birth: August 4, 1941 |
Date of Death: July
18,2015 |
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Charles Aaron
Welch, 67, of the Alarka
Community, went home to be with the Lord
Sunday, April 2, 2006, in a Swain County Hospital. A native of
Swain County, he was the son of the late Matthew and Ella Calhoun Welch.
He was retired after 32 years with the North Carolina Department of
Transportation. He was a member of the Tuckaseegee Chapter 427 of the
Masonic Order. He was a member of Mt. Vernon Freewill Baptist Church.
Charles was instrumental in starting the first little league program for
the children of Swain County. He was preceded in death by two brothers,
Cecil and Virgil Welch, three sisters, Bonnie and Nina Pilkington and
Bertha
Herron. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Ann Green Welch;
one daughter, Lynese Barker
and husband, Tim, of Bryson City; two granddaughters, Jordan and
Courtney Barker; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral service were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the chapel of Crisp
Funeral Home.
The Revs. Eddie Stillwell, Jim Vaughn, and Ray Lambert will officiate
with burial in
Brendle Hill Cemetery with Masonic Graveside Rites conducted by the
Tuckaseegee
Chapter 427 of the Masonic Order.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral
home. Pallbearers
will be nephews and Honorary pallbearers will be fellow workers from the
North Carolina
Department of Transportation.
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Charles Aaron Welch |
Date of
Birth: 1940 |
Date of
Death:
April 2, 2006 |
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This is
Tank's senior picture.
Richard Woodard, 53 passed away on
April 30, 1995. His death was due to a massive heart attack. He was the
son of Wayne and Lucile Woodard of the Ela Community in Swain County.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Joe Woodard.
Richard was survived by his son, Jonathan Woodard and daughter,
Elizabeth Woodard. He was also survived by the mother of his children,
Alison Woodard.
He was employed by
Swain County Department of Social Services at the time of his death.
He was also a member of the Swain High Class of 1960.
Burial was in the McHan Cemetery located in Ela, N.C.
Nick name:
Tank
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Richard James Woodard |
Date of
Birth: January 16, 1942 |
Date of
Death: April 30, 1995 |
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