All Obituaries

  Nancy Simpson Bradford, age 68, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away following a brief illness on Sunday, March 24, 2019 at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine. Her loving family was by her side.  A native of McDowell County, born June 28, 1950, she was the daughter of the late Hewie and Essie Williams Simpson Clark.   An avid reader, she loved to do crossword puzzles and was a true fan of Elvis Presley.  Known for her famous cornbread, Nancy was dearly...

  Darlene Ross Wright, loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 23, 2019 with her loved ones at her side at Asheville Health Care Center.  The daughter of the late Clarence and Rosa Leigh Bailey Ross, she was born in McDowell County, North Carolina on October 2, 1949.    Darlene was a member of Clinchfield Presbyterian Church in Marion.   Left to cherish her precious memories are her loving husband of 51 years,...

  On the evening of Saturday, March 23, 2019, Mr. Gerald S. Young of Marion, North Carolina, and a veteran of the United States Navy, passed away at Pardee UNC Health Care in Hendersonville, North Carolina.    In keeping with Mr. Young’s wishes, no services are planned.

  Scott Olin Lutz, age 59, of Nebo, North Carolina, passed away on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at The Laurels of Summit Ridge in Asheville.  The son of the late Stuart Allen Lutz and Mary Frances Brown Eggmyer, he was born in Red Bud, Illinois on July 15, 1959.    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Annie Mae Hearn Lutz, who passed away on September 24, 2007.   Scott, who enjoyed listening to music, was an avid Kentucky Wildcats and...

    Bill Pyatt, age 83, of Marion, North Carolina passed away on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at the CarePartners Hospice Solace Center in Asheville. A native of McDowell County, Bill was born on December 19, 1935 to the late Clyde and Annie Mae Fisher Pyatt.   He is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Jo Pyatt and a daughter-in-law, Joan Pyatt.   Bill was a member of the Marion Moose Lodge. Back in the 1950s, he enjoyed dirt track racing. Bill owned many businesses...

    In the evening of Tuesday, March 19, 2019, Wilma Finley McKinney, age 74, of Marion, North Carolina passed away at her residence with her family by her side. Born on May 29, 1944 in McDowell County, Wilma was the daughter of the late Garland and Pauline Finley.   Wilma was a member of Redeemed Free Will Baptist Church. She enjoyed being outdoors, especially gardening. Wilma was known for always helping others and never met a stranger. Her family was her life and she...

    In the early morning hours of Tuesday, March 19, 2019, Gaynell Dalton Leslie, age 81, of Marion, North Carolina passed away at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center in Asheville. A native of Rutherford County, Gaynell was born on January 31, 1938 to the late Theodore and Annie May Woods Dalton.   She is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph M. Leslie; infant son, Robert Francis Leslie; grandson, Rick Schism; two brothers, Wilber and Cecil Dalton and two sisters, Lois...

    Joseph Martin Burke, age 64, of Marion, passed away Tuesday March 19, 2019.   No services are planned at this time.

  Lewis Smith, Jr. “LJ”, age 74, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 18, 2019 at Memorial Campus of Mission Hospital in Asheville.  A native of Rutherford County, North Carolina, he was born on January 31, 1945 and was the son of the late Lewis and Pearl Hatcher Smith.  He was also preceded in death by one sister, Lois Brumley.   A devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather, LJ enjoyed fishing, hunting, tending to his...

    Roberta Lynn Smith Hartwell, age 66, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2019 at her residence with her loving family at her side.  The daughter of the late Robert and Savannah Grindstaff Smith, she was born in Michell County, North Carolina on April 20, 1952.    She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Andrew Hartwell; one sister, Angie Thomas; and one son-in-law, James Roland.   A loving and devoted mother,...