Obituaries

James Jefferey Phillips

James Jefferey Phillips

Feb 2, 2025

James Jefferey Phillips, born on January 9, 1946, in Buncombe County, passed away on February 2, 2025, at the Hospice Solace Center in Asheville NC. He lived a life rich with service, creativity, and cherished relationships.

After devoting 35 years to Memorial Mission Hospital, James retired from the medical community and  left a lasting impact, embodying his deep sense of duty...

Victor Duane Clark

Victor Duane Clark

Feb 1, 2025

Victor Duane Clark was freed from pain and suffering early Saturday morning, February 1, 2025 at the Hospice Center at the Veterans Hospital in Oteen, NC after a period of extended illness.

 

Duane was born in Mitchell County to the late Steve and Lorine Autrey Clark. He lived most of his life in McDowell County. He was also preceded in death...

Clyde Lamar Silver

Clyde Lamar Silver

Jan 31, 2025

Clyde Lamar Silver, 91, lifelong resident of Old Fort, North Carolina, passed away at his home on Friday, January 31, 2025. 

 Clyde was born and raised in Old Fort. He was born on August 7, 1933, to Clarence and Annie Early Silver, both of whom preceded him in death. He is also preceded in death by his brother, David Silver, also...

Joel William Robinette

Joel William Robinette

Jan 30, 2025

 Joel W. Robinette, age 73, passed away Thursday, January 30, 2025, after a lengthy illness.

 Joe was born March 30, 1951, in Marion, NC, to the late Harold J. and Sallie Robinette. Joe retired from the carbon plant in Morganton and after years of helping his father in the masonry business. Other than his parents, preceding Joe in Death are his...

Herman Arthur Stamper

Herman Arthur Stamper

Jan 30, 2025



Herman Arthur Stamper, 74, of Marion, departed this life on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.

 

He was born in Old Landing, Kentucky on December 22, 1950 to the late Larson Stamper and Ada Ashcraft Stamper.

 

Herman was formerly employed by Murphy Elevator Company, and he served in the United States Army. After he married his wife, Joyce, they...

Travis Ashley Proctor

Travis Ashley Proctor

Jan 29, 2025

Travis Ashley Proctor, born on July 21, 1967, in Wayne County, Georgia, passed away on January 29, 2025. He is remembered as a dedicated and nurturing individual, whose legacy will be cherished by his family, friends, and colleagues.

A proud graduate of McDowell High School, class of 1985, Travis devoted 23 years of his career to Baxter Healthcare, where he was...

Francis Paul Kulka

Francis Paul Kulka

Jan 27, 2025



Francis Paul Kulka, better known as Frank to family and friends, peacefully departed this life for his eternal home just after midnight on Monday, January 27, 2025 while at Autumn Care of Marion. He was 74 years old.

 

Frank was born on August 4, 1950 in Luzerne County Pennsylvania to the late James Andrew Kulka and Rosaline Dereniuq Kulka. He was...

Alvin Eugene "Gene" Callahan, Jr.

Alvin Eugene "Gene" Callahan, Jr.

Jan 27, 2025



Alvin Eugene “Gene” Callahan, Jr., age 71, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Monday, January 27, 2025 at Autumn Care of Marion.

 

A lifelong resident of Marion, Gene was born August 25, 1953 to the late Alvin Eugene Callahan, Sr. and Hazel Owenby Callahan.

 

Gene spent his career in the automotive supply business, where he dedicated many years of...

Debra Kay Patton Wilson

Debra Kay Patton Wilson

Jan 26, 2025



Debra Kay Patton Wilson, 67, of Nebo, departed this life on Sunday, January 26, 2025 at her home. 

 

Debbie was born in McDowell County on November 14, 1957 to the late Hezekiah Patton, Jr. and Barbara Ann Baird Patton. She was formerly employed as a CNA and will be remembered as being a hard worker. A loving mother, sister, and grandmother,...

Cheri Ann Burns

Cheri Ann Burns

Jan 25, 2025

Cheri Ann Burns, 74 of Black Mountain, NC, peacefully went to be with the Lord on the morning of Saturday, January 25, 2025.

 

Cheri was born on Oct 24, 1950, in Leesville, Louisiana, to Overton B. Burns, Sr. and Jimmie Goldia Britt Burns. She was raised in Vernon Parish, surrounded by a large, close-knit family that helped shape the deep faith...

Don "Butch" Evan Lambert, Jr.

Don "Butch" Evan Lambert, Jr.

Jan 25, 2025



Don “Butch” Evan Lambert, Jr., age 66, of Marion, passed away Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.

 

He was born in Concord, North Carolina on November 24, 1958 to Joyce Furr Foster and the late Don Evan Lambert, Sr. 

 

Butch was a graduate of the North Carolina School for the Deaf, an accomplishment that he was very proud of....

Michelle Dawn Parker Hunt

Michelle Dawn Parker Hunt

Jan 25, 2025

Michelle Dawn Parker Hunt, 55 of Marion, went to be with the Lord on the morning of Saturday, January 25, 2025 at the Elizabeth House in Flat Rock. After a two year battle with breast cancer, Michelle with one last beautiful smile to her loving family beside her, crossed over the river as gently as a soft summer breeze.

Michelle was...

Marion Petry

Marion Petry

Jan 23, 2025

Marion Petry, born on August 6 1935 in Jamesburg, NJ, has passed away on January 23 2025 at the Deer Park Health and Rehabilitation in Nebo, NC at the age of 89. 

Marion moved to Nebo, NC to live among the mountains and nature she loved so much. 

In accordance with her Wishes no services will be held. 

Eddie Joe Cable

Eddie Joe Cable

Jan 21, 2025

In Loving Memory of Eddie Joe Cable Age 65 – Marion, NC Eddie Joe Cable, 65, of Marion, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at Mission Hospital in Marion. Eddie was the son of the late Wince Henry Cable and Maggie Laws Cable. He fought a courageous ten-year battle with cancer and COPD, showing remarkable strength and...

James Curtis Edwards

James Curtis Edwards

Jan 20, 2025

James Curtis Edwards, born on February 22, 1971, in McDowell County, passed away on January 20, 2025. A beloved son, brother, and uncle.

James was the proud son of Mae Frady. He is remembered fondly by his siblings: sister, Jennifer Michelle Frady; and brothers, Freddie Jay Frady and Allen Eugene Edwards. His family expanded through numerous nieces and nephews.

An avid lover...

David Allen Whittington

David Allen Whittington

Jan 19, 2025

 David Allen Whittington, 25, of Nebo, passed away Sunday, January 19, 2025, at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem.

 David was born in McDowell County, NC on July 14, 1999, to Donna Whittington and the late Jerry Burdett Whittington. David was a member of Pinnacle Baptist Church and loved being outdoors. He enjoyed skateboarding, fishing, and tree climbing. David was...

Stephen Daniel Hyatt, Sr.

Stephen Daniel Hyatt, Sr.

Jan 18, 2025

 Stephen Daniel Hyatt, Sr., 61, of Old Fort, passed away Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville. 

 Stephen was born in Middlesex County, NJ, on October 21, 1963, to the late Thomas Theodore Hyatt, Sr. and Marlene Mary Phillips Sneed. Stephen loved music and enjoyed playing his guitar. He enjoyed cooking, riding Harley Davidson motorcycles, and watching western...

Shirley Kaye Miller

Shirley Kaye Miller

Jan 17, 2025

Kaye Mills Miller, born on November 2, 1954, in Rutherford County, departed this life on January 17, 2025, in Mission Hospital McDowell. Kaye was the loving wife of Larry Dean Miller for 51 years and a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Larry; her mother, Shirley Mills; her daughter, Keisha Miller Hastings,...

Baxter Woodrow Stafford

Baxter Woodrow Stafford

Jan 17, 2025

Baxter Woodrow Stafford, a beloved member of his community, was born on October 14, 1939, in McDowell County. He peacefully went to be with the Lord at his residence on January 17, 2025, at the age of 85.

Baxter was not only a lifelong member of the Fairview Free Will Baptist Church but also a cherished family man who dedicated his...

Gerald Lewald

Gerald Lewald

Jan 16, 2025

It is with sadness that the Lewald Family announces that Gerald (affectionately known as German) Lewald fell asleep peacefully in his camper on January 16, 2025. He had been battling health issues for many years and we are grateful that he is at rest. 

Predeceased by his Papa, Bernhard Lewald (2010) and his younger brother, Ralph Lewald (2008).

Survived by his brother,...

James Jefferey Phillips

James Jefferey Phillips

Feb 2, 2025

James Jefferey Phillips, born on January 9, 1946, in Buncombe County, passed away on February 2, 2025, at the Hospice Solace Center in Asheville NC. He lived a life rich with service, creativity, and cherished relationships.

After devoting 35 years to Memorial Mission Hospital, James retired from the medical community and  left a lasting impact, embodying his deep sense of duty...

Victor Duane Clark

Victor Duane Clark

Feb 1, 2025

Victor Duane Clark was freed from pain and suffering early Saturday morning, February 1, 2025 at the Hospice Center at the Veterans Hospital in Oteen, NC after a period of extended illness.

 

Duane was born in Mitchell County to the late Steve and Lorine Autrey Clark. He lived most of his life in McDowell County. He was also preceded in death...

Clyde Lamar Silver

Clyde Lamar Silver

Jan 31, 2025

Clyde Lamar Silver, 91, lifelong resident of Old Fort, North Carolina, passed away at his home on Friday, January 31, 2025. 

 Clyde was born and raised in Old Fort. He was born on August 7, 1933, to Clarence and Annie Early Silver, both of whom preceded him in death. He is also preceded in death by his brother, David Silver, also...

Joel William Robinette

Joel William Robinette

Jan 30, 2025

 Joel W. Robinette, age 73, passed away Thursday, January 30, 2025, after a lengthy illness.

 Joe was born March 30, 1951, in Marion, NC, to the late Harold J. and Sallie Robinette. Joe retired from the carbon plant in Morganton and after years of helping his father in the masonry business. Other than his parents, preceding Joe in Death are his...

Herman Arthur Stamper

Herman Arthur Stamper

Jan 30, 2025



Herman Arthur Stamper, 74, of Marion, departed this life on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.

 

He was born in Old Landing, Kentucky on December 22, 1950 to the late Larson Stamper and Ada Ashcraft Stamper.

 

Herman was formerly employed by Murphy Elevator Company, and he served in the United States Army. After he married his wife, Joyce, they...

Travis Ashley Proctor

Travis Ashley Proctor

Jan 29, 2025

Travis Ashley Proctor, born on July 21, 1967, in Wayne County, Georgia, passed away on January 29, 2025. He is remembered as a dedicated and nurturing individual, whose legacy will be cherished by his family, friends, and colleagues.

A proud graduate of McDowell High School, class of 1985, Travis devoted 23 years of his career to Baxter Healthcare, where he was...

Francis Paul Kulka

Francis Paul Kulka

Jan 27, 2025



Francis Paul Kulka, better known as Frank to family and friends, peacefully departed this life for his eternal home just after midnight on Monday, January 27, 2025 while at Autumn Care of Marion. He was 74 years old.

 

Frank was born on August 4, 1950 in Luzerne County Pennsylvania to the late James Andrew Kulka and Rosaline Dereniuq Kulka. He was...

Alvin Eugene "Gene" Callahan, Jr.

Alvin Eugene "Gene" Callahan, Jr.

Jan 27, 2025



Alvin Eugene “Gene” Callahan, Jr., age 71, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Monday, January 27, 2025 at Autumn Care of Marion.

 

A lifelong resident of Marion, Gene was born August 25, 1953 to the late Alvin Eugene Callahan, Sr. and Hazel Owenby Callahan.

 

Gene spent his career in the automotive supply business, where he dedicated many years of...

Debra Kay Patton Wilson

Debra Kay Patton Wilson

Jan 26, 2025



Debra Kay Patton Wilson, 67, of Nebo, departed this life on Sunday, January 26, 2025 at her home. 

 

Debbie was born in McDowell County on November 14, 1957 to the late Hezekiah Patton, Jr. and Barbara Ann Baird Patton. She was formerly employed as a CNA and will be remembered as being a hard worker. A loving mother, sister, and grandmother,...

Cheri Ann Burns

Cheri Ann Burns

Jan 25, 2025

Cheri Ann Burns, 74 of Black Mountain, NC, peacefully went to be with the Lord on the morning of Saturday, January 25, 2025.

 

Cheri was born on Oct 24, 1950, in Leesville, Louisiana, to Overton B. Burns, Sr. and Jimmie Goldia Britt Burns. She was raised in Vernon Parish, surrounded by a large, close-knit family that helped shape the deep faith...

Don "Butch" Evan Lambert, Jr.

Don "Butch" Evan Lambert, Jr.

Jan 25, 2025



Don “Butch” Evan Lambert, Jr., age 66, of Marion, passed away Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.

 

He was born in Concord, North Carolina on November 24, 1958 to Joyce Furr Foster and the late Don Evan Lambert, Sr. 

 

Butch was a graduate of the North Carolina School for the Deaf, an accomplishment that he was very proud of....

Michelle Dawn Parker Hunt

Michelle Dawn Parker Hunt

Jan 25, 2025

Michelle Dawn Parker Hunt, 55 of Marion, went to be with the Lord on the morning of Saturday, January 25, 2025 at the Elizabeth House in Flat Rock. After a two year battle with breast cancer, Michelle with one last beautiful smile to her loving family beside her, crossed over the river as gently as a soft summer breeze.

Michelle was...

Marion Petry

Marion Petry

Jan 23, 2025

Marion Petry, born on August 6 1935 in Jamesburg, NJ, has passed away on January 23 2025 at the Deer Park Health and Rehabilitation in Nebo, NC at the age of 89. 

Marion moved to Nebo, NC to live among the mountains and nature she loved so much. 

In accordance with her Wishes no services will be held. 

Eddie Joe Cable

Eddie Joe Cable

Jan 21, 2025

In Loving Memory of Eddie Joe Cable Age 65 – Marion, NC Eddie Joe Cable, 65, of Marion, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at Mission Hospital in Marion. Eddie was the son of the late Wince Henry Cable and Maggie Laws Cable. He fought a courageous ten-year battle with cancer and COPD, showing remarkable strength and...

James Curtis Edwards

James Curtis Edwards

Jan 20, 2025

James Curtis Edwards, born on February 22, 1971, in McDowell County, passed away on January 20, 2025. A beloved son, brother, and uncle.

James was the proud son of Mae Frady. He is remembered fondly by his siblings: sister, Jennifer Michelle Frady; and brothers, Freddie Jay Frady and Allen Eugene Edwards. His family expanded through numerous nieces and nephews.

An avid lover...

David Allen Whittington

David Allen Whittington

Jan 19, 2025

 David Allen Whittington, 25, of Nebo, passed away Sunday, January 19, 2025, at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem.

 David was born in McDowell County, NC on July 14, 1999, to Donna Whittington and the late Jerry Burdett Whittington. David was a member of Pinnacle Baptist Church and loved being outdoors. He enjoyed skateboarding, fishing, and tree climbing. David was...

Stephen Daniel Hyatt, Sr.

Stephen Daniel Hyatt, Sr.

Jan 18, 2025

 Stephen Daniel Hyatt, Sr., 61, of Old Fort, passed away Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville. 

 Stephen was born in Middlesex County, NJ, on October 21, 1963, to the late Thomas Theodore Hyatt, Sr. and Marlene Mary Phillips Sneed. Stephen loved music and enjoyed playing his guitar. He enjoyed cooking, riding Harley Davidson motorcycles, and watching western...

Shirley Kaye Miller

Shirley Kaye Miller

Jan 17, 2025

Kaye Mills Miller, born on November 2, 1954, in Rutherford County, departed this life on January 17, 2025, in Mission Hospital McDowell. Kaye was the loving wife of Larry Dean Miller for 51 years and a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Larry; her mother, Shirley Mills; her daughter, Keisha Miller Hastings,...

Baxter Woodrow Stafford

Baxter Woodrow Stafford

Jan 17, 2025

Baxter Woodrow Stafford, a beloved member of his community, was born on October 14, 1939, in McDowell County. He peacefully went to be with the Lord at his residence on January 17, 2025, at the age of 85.

Baxter was not only a lifelong member of the Fairview Free Will Baptist Church but also a cherished family man who dedicated his...

Gerald Lewald

Gerald Lewald

Jan 16, 2025

It is with sadness that the Lewald Family announces that Gerald (affectionately known as German) Lewald fell asleep peacefully in his camper on January 16, 2025. He had been battling health issues for many years and we are grateful that he is at rest. 

Predeceased by his Papa, Bernhard Lewald (2010) and his younger brother, Ralph Lewald (2008).

Survived by his brother,...

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