Obituaries
Charles William Patton
Jun 12, 2025
Charles William Patton, fondly known as William, passed away on June 12, 2025, at Mission Hospital Asheville, while surrounded by loving family, He was born on May 23, 1951 to the late Lester and Violet Childers Patton.
William had a distinguished career as a retired licensed contractor, leaving a legacy of homes built throughout McDowell and the surrounding counties.
Beyond his professional...
Troy Logan Powell
Jun 12, 2025
Joshua Troy Logan Powell, 20, of Nebo, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 12, 2025.
He was born in Marion on June 23, 2004. Troy was a member of Rocky Pass Free Will Baptist Church. He enjoyed dancing and singing as well as playing with cell phones and balloons. He was loved by all who knew him, and...
John Ray Davis Jr.
Jun 11, 2025
John Ray Davis Jr., age 85, passed away Wednesday, June 11th, 2025, at the Veteran Hospital in Asheville, NC. He was born September 4th, 1939, to Jessie and John Ray Davis Sr.
He was preceded in death by both of his parents, his brother Grayson, and his in-laws Jack and Minnie Sue Boyd. He is survived by his wife Joyce Boyd...
Daniel Maurice Wilson
Jun 11, 2025
Daniel Maurice Wilson, 82, passed away Wednesday morning, June 11, 2025 at Deer Park Health & Rehabilitation.
A native of Buncombe County, he was born July 15, 1942 to the late Daniel Woodrow Wilson and Evelyn Isabel Bolch Wilson. Mr. Wilson was a 1960 graduate of Marion High School. He later graduated from North Carolina State University with a degree in...
Wilhemina Brown Buckner
Jun 10, 2025
Wilhemina Brown Buckner, 90, of Old Fort, NC, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2025, at 11:06 a.m. She was born on September 20, 1934, to Eula Parker of Old Fort, NC. Wilhemina was a devoted Christian whose unwavering faith and love for the Lord were evident to all who knew her. She lived a life of kindness, strength, and...
Willow River Ferguson
Jun 8, 2025
Willow River Ferguson, age 8, of Morganton, passed away Sunday, June 8, 2025.
She was born in Burke County on November 25, 2016. Willow had a variety of interests and hobbies. She loved swimming and going to the movies. She enjoyed dancing and listening to music. A true “Swiftie,” she was a devoted Taylor Swift fan. Willow played softball, and her...
Willie Newcomb Hardy, Jr.
Jun 7, 2025
Willie Newcomb Hardy, Jr., 80, of Marion, passed away at Deer Park Health & Rehabilitation on Saturday, June 7, 2025.
No services are planned.
Barbara Ann Wise
Jun 7, 2025
Barbara Ann Biggerstaff Wise, born on February 26, 1942, in Burke County, NC, passed away peacefully at her residence on June 7, 2025. She was a beloved mother, sister, and grandmother, known for her warmth and her nurturing spirit.
Barbara was a proud homemaker whose culinary talents brought joy and comfort to all who knew her. She was celebrated not only...
John Kevin Rose
Jun 6, 2025
John Kevin Rose, born on July 21, 1961, in Crossnore, North Carolina, entered eternal rest on June 6, 2025. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, and grandfather who exemplified a life of hard work and dedication.
Known as a hard-working man, John’s commitment to his family was matched only by his love for the great outdoors. He cherished the simple...
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...
Gregory Adonis Giles Rutherford
May 31, 2025
Gregory Adonis Giles Rutherford, born on May 12, 1991, in Burke County, left this world on May 31, 2025, at the age of 34. He will be remembered not only for the joy he brought into the lives of those around him but also for his remarkable ability to forge connections and make friends wherever he went.
Gregory was known affectionately...
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 a...
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...
Charles William Patton
Jun 12, 2025
Charles William Patton, fondly known as William, passed away on June 12, 2025, at Mission Hospital Asheville, while surrounded by loving family, He was born on May 23, 1951 to the late Lester and Violet Childers Patton.
William had a distinguished career as a retired licensed contractor, leaving a legacy of homes built throughout McDowell and the surrounding counties.
Beyond his professional...
Troy Logan Powell
Jun 12, 2025
Joshua Troy Logan Powell, 20, of Nebo, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 12, 2025.
He was born in Marion on June 23, 2004. Troy was a member of Rocky Pass Free Will Baptist Church. He enjoyed dancing and singing as well as playing with cell phones and balloons. He was loved by all who knew him, and...
John Ray Davis Jr.
Jun 11, 2025
John Ray Davis Jr., age 85, passed away Wednesday, June 11th, 2025, at the Veteran Hospital in Asheville, NC. He was born September 4th, 1939, to Jessie and John Ray Davis Sr.
He was preceded in death by both of his parents, his brother Grayson, and his in-laws Jack and Minnie Sue Boyd. He is survived by his wife Joyce Boyd...
Daniel Maurice Wilson
Jun 11, 2025
Daniel Maurice Wilson, 82, passed away Wednesday morning, June 11, 2025 at Deer Park Health & Rehabilitation.
A native of Buncombe County, he was born July 15, 1942 to the late Daniel Woodrow Wilson and Evelyn Isabel Bolch Wilson. Mr. Wilson was a 1960 graduate of Marion High School. He later graduated from North Carolina State University with a degree in...
Wilhemina Brown Buckner
Jun 10, 2025
Wilhemina Brown Buckner, 90, of Old Fort, NC, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2025, at 11:06 a.m. She was born on September 20, 1934, to Eula Parker of Old Fort, NC. Wilhemina was a devoted Christian whose unwavering faith and love for the Lord were evident to all who knew her. She lived a life of kindness, strength, and...
Willow River Ferguson
Jun 8, 2025
Willow River Ferguson, age 8, of Morganton, passed away Sunday, June 8, 2025.
She was born in Burke County on November 25, 2016. Willow had a variety of interests and hobbies. She loved swimming and going to the movies. She enjoyed dancing and listening to music. A true “Swiftie,” she was a devoted Taylor Swift fan. Willow played softball, and her...
Willie Newcomb Hardy, Jr.
Jun 7, 2025
Willie Newcomb Hardy, Jr., 80, of Marion, passed away at Deer Park Health & Rehabilitation on Saturday, June 7, 2025.
No services are planned.
Barbara Ann Wise
Jun 7, 2025
Barbara Ann Biggerstaff Wise, born on February 26, 1942, in Burke County, NC, passed away peacefully at her residence on June 7, 2025. She was a beloved mother, sister, and grandmother, known for her warmth and her nurturing spirit.
Barbara was a proud homemaker whose culinary talents brought joy and comfort to all who knew her. She was celebrated not only...
John Kevin Rose
Jun 6, 2025
John Kevin Rose, born on July 21, 1961, in Crossnore, North Carolina, entered eternal rest on June 6, 2025. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, and grandfather who exemplified a life of hard work and dedication.
Known as a hard-working man, John’s commitment to his family was matched only by his love for the great outdoors. He cherished the simple...
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...
Gregory Adonis Giles Rutherford
May 31, 2025
Gregory Adonis Giles Rutherford, born on May 12, 1991, in Burke County, left this world on May 31, 2025, at the age of 34. He will be remembered not only for the joy he brought into the lives of those around him but also for his remarkable ability to forge connections and make friends wherever he went.
Gregory was known affectionately...
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 a...
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...
Subscribe
Subscribe to get alerts on new obituaries
Please wait
Verifying your email address
Please wait
Unsubscribing your email address
You have been unsubscribed
You will no longer receive messages from our email mailing list.
You have been subscribed
Your email address has successfully been added to our mailing list.
Something went wrong
There was an error verifying your email address. Please try again later, or re-subscribe.
A Year of Grief Support
Sign up for one year of weekly grief messages designed to provide strength and comfort during this challenging time.
Please wait
Verifying your email address
Please wait
Unsubscribing your email address
You have been unsubscribed
You will no longer receive messages from our email mailing list.
You have been subscribed
Your email address has successfully been added to our mailing list.
Something went wrong
There was an error verifying your email address. Please try again later, or re-subscribe.
