Obituaries
Ted Lewis McKinney
Jun 1, 2025
Ted Lewis McKinney, 85, of Burnsville, passed away Sunday, June 1, 2025 at The Greens of Spruce Pine.
He was born in Mitchell County on March 8, 1940 to the late Robert McKinney and Hattie Twiggs McKinney. Ted managed the River Breeze Trade Lot for many years. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army, and he enjoyed trout...
Jean Lowrance Rumfelt
Jun 1, 2025
Jean Lowrance Rumfelt, 91, of Nebo, passed away peacefully at her home on the morning of Sunday, June 1, 2025 surrounded by her family.
Jean was born on September 17, 1933 to the late Clay Lowrance and Bessie Bailiff Lowrance. Her family was a large one who supported themselves by farming in the hills of Avery County.
For many years, Jean worked...
Randolph "Buddy" Clay McKinney
May 31, 2025
Randolph “Buddy” Clay McKinney, 80, of Marion, passed away Saturday, May 31, 2025 at Magnolia Lane Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
He was born in Mitchell County on August 11, 1944 to the late Clay Lowery and Edna McKinney.
Buddy had a passion for old cars and trucks, particularly those of the Ford brand. He had exceptional talent for tinkering and working on...
Norbert Bernhard Lewald
May 30, 2025
Norbert Bernhard Lewald, 68, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Friday, May 30, 2025 at The Greens of Spruce Pine.
A native of Germany, he was born April 7, 1957 to Erna Kempe Lewald and the late Bernhard Lewald. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Ralph Lewald and Gerald Lewald.
Norbert served proudly in the United...
Michael Eric Parks
May 30, 2025
Michael Eric Parks, 65, of Marion, departed this life on Friday, May 30, 2025 at his residence.
He was born in McDowell County on December 17, 1959 to the late William Parks, Sr. and Jeanette Forney Parks. He worked for over 34 years in the cement business.
He is survived by three children, Lauree Conley, Elizabeth Jackson, and Eric Jackson; five grandchildren;...
Margaret Bean Grindstaff
May 26, 2025
Margaret Bean Grindstaff, a cherished educator and beloved family member, went to meet with her Lord and Savior at CarePartners Solace Center in Asheville on May 26, 2025. Born on November 25, 1944, in McDowell County, Margaret dedicated over 40 years of her life to teaching, with 37 of those years spent at Old Fort Elementary. Her unwavering faith in...
John Raymond Smith, III
May 25, 2025
John Raymond “Johnny” Smith, III, 52, of Marion, passed away, Sunday, May 25, 2025, at Mission McDowell Hospital.
Johnny was born in Coatesville, Pennsylvania on February 7, 1973, to the late Virginia and John Raymond Smith, Jr. He was a dedicated family man who always did his best to make sure his family was happy. His wife, children, and grandchildren were...
Cynthia Wrenn Phillips
May 24, 2025
Cynthia Wrenn Phillips, age 70, passed away on May 24, 2025 at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center in Asheville, North Carolina. Cynthia was born in Buncombe County North Carolina on June 20, 1954, to the late George William Wrenn and Carol Lee Warren Wrenn. She was also preceded in death by her husband, James Jefferey Phillips on February 2, 2025.
Cynthia had...
James Robert Keene
May 24, 2025
James Robert “J.R.” Keene, 74, of Marion, passed away Saturday, May 24, 2025, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family.
J.R. was born in Folkston, Georgia on May 17, 1951, to the late Doris Delane Nettles and James Alvin Keene. He served his country proudly in the United States Army during the era of the Vietnam conflict. Throughout his life,...
James Donald Jones, Sr.
May 23, 2025
James Donald Jones, Sr., passed away on May 23, 2025, in Marion, NC. Born on September 22, 1941, in McDowell County, he was a source of joy and laughter for many, known for his wonderful sense of humor and his signature style of western shirts and cowboy boots. He also loved guns and drinking sweet tea.
James was a devoted family...
Beulah Robinson Holland
May 22, 2025
Beulah Robinson Holland, 90, of Marion, passed away Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Autumn Care of Marion.
Beulah was born in Yancey County, NC on August 2, 1934, to the late Carl Wilson and Isabelle McPeters Wilson. She was married to the late Olis Robinson and was later married to Clarence Holland. Beulah attended Catawba Heights Baptist Church. She loved flowers...
Samuel Garland "Bo" Patton, II
May 22, 2025
Samuel Garland “Bo” Patton, II passed away Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville.
Bo was born in McDowell County, NC on January 25, 1954, to the late Samuel Garland Patton, Sr. and Ruby Mae Sumlin Patton. He was married to Rita Chadwell Patton. Bo was a classic car enthusiast and a hard worker who never met a...
Justin Morgan
May 22, 2025
Gary “Justin” Morgan, 42, of Marion, passed away Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills in Forest City.
Justin was born in Burke County, NC on January 11, 1983, to Jeri E. Morrow and the late Gary Lee Morgan. He was a lifelong member of Maranatha Baptist Church and never knew a stranger. Justin was a very devoted...
Steve Simmons
May 21, 2025
Ralph Stephen Simmons, known to family and friends as “Steve”, peacefully went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at, at Stone Creek Health & Rehabilitation in Asheville. He was under the care of Four Seasons Hospice and CCLD of Swannanoa, NC. His oncology team at Messino Cancer Center, Dr Andrew Beardsley, and his wonderful staff, our...
Glenda Faye Ambrose Dalton
May 19, 2025
Glenda Faye Ambrose Dalton, 69, of Nebo, passed away Monday, May 19, 2025 at UNC Blue Ridge in Morganton.
She was born in Sylvester, Georgia on November 9, 1955 to the late Curtis Ambrose and Velver Wiley Ambrose.
Glenda retired from Ingles and was a beloved member of Grace Baptist Church. Throughout her life, she embodied the spirit of kindness and generosity....
Reba Mae Lail Holmes
May 18, 2025
Reba Mae Lail Holmes, 96, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on the evening of Sunday, May 18, 2025 at Mountain Ridge Health & Rehabilitation.
She was born in Maiden, North Carolina on November 30, 1928 to the late Eck Lail and Maggie Viola Bell Lail.
Reba was a hard worker, and she held a career at Baxter Healthcare that...
Thelma Marie Stamey Williams
May 18, 2025
Thelma Marie Stamey Williams, 88, of Marion, passed away Sunday, May 18, 2025 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
A native of Avery County, she was born May 2, 1937 to the late Floyd and Linnie Mace Stamey.
Marie was a loving mother who took great care of her family. She enjoyed frequent phone conversations with each member of her family to make...
Paul Edward Smith, Jr.
May 13, 2025
Paul Edward Smith, Jr., 71, of Black Mountain, passed away at the Solace Center in Asheville on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. Paul was born in Buncombe County on October 22, 1953 to the late Paul Edward Smith and Joyce Ann Williams Smith. Paul is also preceded in death by his former spouse, Linda Ann Rapan Smith.
Paul enjoyed spending time rock...
Terrance Lashawn Anderson-Whiteside
May 13, 2025
Terrance Lashawn Anderson-Whiteside, 33, of Morganton, passed away Tuesday, May 13, 2025 in Old Fort.
He was born in Marion on December 23, 1991. Terrance was an avid sports fan who was a very talented football and basketball player himself. Terrance loved his family, especially his mama and grandma, and would do anything to help them. His most prized possession is...
Stetson Hensley Vess
May 12, 2025
Stetson Hensley Vess, infant son of David Jennings Vess, Jr. and Karlee Dalton Vess went home into the arms of Jesus on Monday, May 12, 2025. He was preceded in death by his brother Winston Louis Vess.
Along with his parents he is survived by his brother, Zolen Dexter Vess; paternal grandparents, David and Janet Vess; maternal grandfather, Todd Dalton; maternal...
Ted Lewis McKinney
Jun 1, 2025
Ted Lewis McKinney, 85, of Burnsville, passed away Sunday, June 1, 2025 at The Greens of Spruce Pine.
He was born in Mitchell County on March 8, 1940 to the late Robert McKinney and Hattie Twiggs McKinney. Ted managed the River Breeze Trade Lot for many years. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army, and he enjoyed trout...
Jean Lowrance Rumfelt
Jun 1, 2025
Jean Lowrance Rumfelt, 91, of Nebo, passed away peacefully at her home on the morning of Sunday, June 1, 2025 surrounded by her family.
Jean was born on September 17, 1933 to the late Clay Lowrance and Bessie Bailiff Lowrance. Her family was a large one who supported themselves by farming in the hills of Avery County.
For many years, Jean worked...
Randolph "Buddy" Clay McKinney
May 31, 2025
Randolph “Buddy” Clay McKinney, 80, of Marion, passed away Saturday, May 31, 2025 at Magnolia Lane Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
He was born in Mitchell County on August 11, 1944 to the late Clay Lowery and Edna McKinney.
Buddy had a passion for old cars and trucks, particularly those of the Ford brand. He had exceptional talent for tinkering and working on...
Norbert Bernhard Lewald
May 30, 2025
Norbert Bernhard Lewald, 68, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Friday, May 30, 2025 at The Greens of Spruce Pine.
A native of Germany, he was born April 7, 1957 to Erna Kempe Lewald and the late Bernhard Lewald. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Ralph Lewald and Gerald Lewald.
Norbert served proudly in the United...
Michael Eric Parks
May 30, 2025
Michael Eric Parks, 65, of Marion, departed this life on Friday, May 30, 2025 at his residence.
He was born in McDowell County on December 17, 1959 to the late William Parks, Sr. and Jeanette Forney Parks. He worked for over 34 years in the cement business.
He is survived by three children, Lauree Conley, Elizabeth Jackson, and Eric Jackson; five grandchildren;...
Margaret Bean Grindstaff
May 26, 2025
Margaret Bean Grindstaff, a cherished educator and beloved family member, went to meet with her Lord and Savior at CarePartners Solace Center in Asheville on May 26, 2025. Born on November 25, 1944, in McDowell County, Margaret dedicated over 40 years of her life to teaching, with 37 of those years spent at Old Fort Elementary. Her unwavering faith in...
John Raymond Smith, III
May 25, 2025
John Raymond “Johnny” Smith, III, 52, of Marion, passed away, Sunday, May 25, 2025, at Mission McDowell Hospital.
Johnny was born in Coatesville, Pennsylvania on February 7, 1973, to the late Virginia and John Raymond Smith, Jr. He was a dedicated family man who always did his best to make sure his family was happy. His wife, children, and grandchildren were...
Cynthia Wrenn Phillips
May 24, 2025
Cynthia Wrenn Phillips, age 70, passed away on May 24, 2025 at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center in Asheville, North Carolina. Cynthia was born in Buncombe County North Carolina on June 20, 1954, to the late George William Wrenn and Carol Lee Warren Wrenn. She was also preceded in death by her husband, James Jefferey Phillips on February 2, 2025.
Cynthia had...
James Robert Keene
May 24, 2025
James Robert “J.R.” Keene, 74, of Marion, passed away Saturday, May 24, 2025, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family.
J.R. was born in Folkston, Georgia on May 17, 1951, to the late Doris Delane Nettles and James Alvin Keene. He served his country proudly in the United States Army during the era of the Vietnam conflict. Throughout his life,...
James Donald Jones, Sr.
May 23, 2025
James Donald Jones, Sr., passed away on May 23, 2025, in Marion, NC. Born on September 22, 1941, in McDowell County, he was a source of joy and laughter for many, known for his wonderful sense of humor and his signature style of western shirts and cowboy boots. He also loved guns and drinking sweet tea.
James was a devoted family...
Beulah Robinson Holland
May 22, 2025
Beulah Robinson Holland, 90, of Marion, passed away Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Autumn Care of Marion.
Beulah was born in Yancey County, NC on August 2, 1934, to the late Carl Wilson and Isabelle McPeters Wilson. She was married to the late Olis Robinson and was later married to Clarence Holland. Beulah attended Catawba Heights Baptist Church. She loved flowers...
Samuel Garland "Bo" Patton, II
May 22, 2025
Samuel Garland “Bo” Patton, II passed away Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville.
Bo was born in McDowell County, NC on January 25, 1954, to the late Samuel Garland Patton, Sr. and Ruby Mae Sumlin Patton. He was married to Rita Chadwell Patton. Bo was a classic car enthusiast and a hard worker who never met a...
Justin Morgan
May 22, 2025
Gary “Justin” Morgan, 42, of Marion, passed away Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills in Forest City.
Justin was born in Burke County, NC on January 11, 1983, to Jeri E. Morrow and the late Gary Lee Morgan. He was a lifelong member of Maranatha Baptist Church and never knew a stranger. Justin was a very devoted...
Steve Simmons
May 21, 2025
Ralph Stephen Simmons, known to family and friends as “Steve”, peacefully went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at, at Stone Creek Health & Rehabilitation in Asheville. He was under the care of Four Seasons Hospice and CCLD of Swannanoa, NC. His oncology team at Messino Cancer Center, Dr Andrew Beardsley, and his wonderful staff, our...
Glenda Faye Ambrose Dalton
May 19, 2025
Glenda Faye Ambrose Dalton, 69, of Nebo, passed away Monday, May 19, 2025 at UNC Blue Ridge in Morganton.
She was born in Sylvester, Georgia on November 9, 1955 to the late Curtis Ambrose and Velver Wiley Ambrose.
Glenda retired from Ingles and was a beloved member of Grace Baptist Church. Throughout her life, she embodied the spirit of kindness and generosity....
Reba Mae Lail Holmes
May 18, 2025
Reba Mae Lail Holmes, 96, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on the evening of Sunday, May 18, 2025 at Mountain Ridge Health & Rehabilitation.
She was born in Maiden, North Carolina on November 30, 1928 to the late Eck Lail and Maggie Viola Bell Lail.
Reba was a hard worker, and she held a career at Baxter Healthcare that...
Thelma Marie Stamey Williams
May 18, 2025
Thelma Marie Stamey Williams, 88, of Marion, passed away Sunday, May 18, 2025 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
A native of Avery County, she was born May 2, 1937 to the late Floyd and Linnie Mace Stamey.
Marie was a loving mother who took great care of her family. She enjoyed frequent phone conversations with each member of her family to make...
Paul Edward Smith, Jr.
May 13, 2025
Paul Edward Smith, Jr., 71, of Black Mountain, passed away at the Solace Center in Asheville on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. Paul was born in Buncombe County on October 22, 1953 to the late Paul Edward Smith and Joyce Ann Williams Smith. Paul is also preceded in death by his former spouse, Linda Ann Rapan Smith.
Paul enjoyed spending time rock...
Terrance Lashawn Anderson-Whiteside
May 13, 2025
Terrance Lashawn Anderson-Whiteside, 33, of Morganton, passed away Tuesday, May 13, 2025 in Old Fort.
He was born in Marion on December 23, 1991. Terrance was an avid sports fan who was a very talented football and basketball player himself. Terrance loved his family, especially his mama and grandma, and would do anything to help them. His most prized possession is...
Stetson Hensley Vess
May 12, 2025
Stetson Hensley Vess, infant son of David Jennings Vess, Jr. and Karlee Dalton Vess went home into the arms of Jesus on Monday, May 12, 2025. He was preceded in death by his brother Winston Louis Vess.
Along with his parents he is survived by his brother, Zolen Dexter Vess; paternal grandparents, David and Janet Vess; maternal grandfather, Todd Dalton; maternal...
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