Van Ray McKinney

Van Ray McKinney

Sep 22, 2025

Van Ray McKinney, age 67, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 22, 2025, at his home.

Van was born on February 5, 1958, in Mitchell County to the late Ray Dover McKinney and Vonceil Juanita Hughes McKinney.

Van spent over 40 years as a radio broadcaster with WBRM (1250), where his voice became a familiar and comforting presence to many. He was...

John Paul Norton, Jr.

John Paul Norton, Jr.

Sep 22, 2025

     John Paul Norton, Jr., 80, of Nebo, NC, passed away Monday, September 22, 2025, at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills in Forest City.

     John was born in Jackson County, NC, on November 6, 1944, to the late Teresa Parker and John Paul Norton, Sr. John served his country proudly in the United States Army. He was married...

Terry Andy Wilson

Terry Andy Wilson

Sep 21, 2025



On the morning of Sunday, September 21, 2025, Terry Andy Wilson, 74, of Marion, passed away at Elevate Health & Rehabilitation.

A native of McDowell County, Terry was born on February 6, 1951 to the late Andy Wilson and Grace Ellen Wilson.

Terry, who was known for his great intelligence, received a scholarship to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel...

Bobby Joe Kincaid

Bobby Joe Kincaid

Sep 21, 2025

     Bobby Joe Kincaid, known to his friends as, “Stump,” passed away at his residence in Nebo, on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at the age of 88.

     Bobby was born in Sandstone, West Virginia on December 22, 1936, to the late Elsie and Layton Kincaid. He was married to the late Thelma Kincaid, his wife of more than...

Alma Alene Pate Shuford

Alma Alene Pate Shuford

Sep 20, 2025



Alma Alene Pate Shuford, 91, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at home with her family by her side.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Minnie McIntosh Pate; brothers, Bruce and Bronas Pate; sisters, Alice Pate and Lillian Hensley; and a granddaughter, Katie Noyes Jernigan.

She is survived by her husband,...

Charles Edward Goforth

Charles Edward Goforth

Sep 20, 2025



Charles Edward Goforth, 80, of Marion, passed away Saturday, September 20, 2025 at the CarePartners Hospice Solace Center after a brief illness.

He was born in Madison County on May 11, 1945 to the late Hubert Pinkney Goforth and Evia Adaline Walker Goforth.

Charles formerly worked as a bus driver for his family’s business. He was a veteran of the United States...

Matthew Eugene Bradley

Matthew Eugene Bradley

Sep 19, 2025



Matthew Eugene Bradley, 54, of Marion, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 19, 2025.

A native of Marion, Matthew was born March 19, 1971 to Grace “Laura” Reel Bradley and the late Donald Eugene Bradley.

Matthew was formerly employed in the furniture business, and he was also a talented mechanic. An avid fan of NASCAR, Matthew also enjoyed time spent riding his...

Jerry Mitchell Shipley

Jerry Mitchell Shipley

Sep 19, 2025

Jerry Mitchell Shipley, passed away at his residence on Friday, September 19, 2025. Born on February 3, 1946, in Buncombe County, Jerry exemplified a life characterized by hard work, dedication, and love for his family.

As a loving father and grandfather he leaves behind his daughters, Nicole Shipley (Antione) and Melissa Howard (Red). Jerry was also proud to be a brother...

Guy "Ronnie" Mace

Guy "Ronnie" Mace

Sep 19, 2025



Guy “Ronnie” Mace, 75, of Glenwood, passed away Friday, September 19, 2025 at the Mitchell House in Spruce Pine.

A native of Marion, Ronnie was born on September 10, 1950 to the late Guy Mace and Lucille Adams Mace. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Troy Mace.

Ronnie proudly and honorably served in the United States Army. An avid...

William Kenneth Benge

William Kenneth Benge

Sep 18, 2025

William Kenneth Benge, a cherished member of the community and devoted family man, passed away on September 18, 2025, at Memorial Mission in Asheville. William was born on May 12, 1939, in Caldwell County, and dedicated over 40 years of his life to serving with the Old Fort Fire Department, where he held the esteemed position of chaplain. His commitment...

Gregory Dean Shell

Gregory Dean Shell

Sep 17, 2025



On September 17, 2025, Gregory Dean Shell ran, with two perfect legs, into the arms of Jesus.

Greg, who spent most of his life in Burke County, was a member of Soul’s Harbor Tabernacle in Mooresboro. Having been brought up in a devout, Christian home, Greg’s father and mother modeled a life of faith in God and service to others. As...

Jackie Dean Turner, Jr.

Jackie Dean Turner, Jr.

Sep 17, 2025



Jackie Dean Turner, Jr., 61, of Marion, passed away Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at Frye Regional Medical Center.

He was born on October 10, 1963 in McDowell County. Jackie dedicated his life to the service of others, spending his career in law enforcement. Jackie started his journey as a driver license examiner and went on to serve as a deputy sheriff...

Sidney Allen Cannon

Sidney Allen Cannon

Sep 17, 2025



Sidney Allen Cannon, 80, of Marion, passed away Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at Mission Hospital McDowell.

He was born in Hendersonville, North Carolina on November 1, 1944 to the late Eurie Cannon and Pauline Connor Cannon.

Sid was a faithful husband to his late wife of 54 years, Jennie Craig Cannon. He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy where...

Jim Adam Hall

Jim Adam Hall

Sep 16, 2025



In the early morning hours of Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Jim Adam Hall, 85, of Marion, passed away at Mission Hospital in Asheville.

A native of Marion, he was born November 13, 1939 to the late Wood Hall and Maude Mace Hall.

Jim dedicated much of his career to the textile industry, where he retired as a supervisor. He loved the Lord...

Patricia Ann Michales Taylor

Patricia Ann Michales Taylor

Sep 16, 2025

Patricia Ann Michales Taylor, born on February 4, 1941, in Buncombe County, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2025, at the age of 84. She was a loving wife, devoted mother, cherished sister, and grandmother who brought joy and warmth to those fortunate enough to be part of her life.

Patricia was married to Robert Taylor for an incredible 63 years....

Charles Wilard Barrier

Charles Wilard Barrier

Sep 16, 2025

Charles Wilard Barrier, 87, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on the morning of Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at his home with loved ones by his side.

A native of McDowell County, he was born September 7, 1938 to the late William Seth Barrier and Bessie Mae Freeman Barrier.

Mr. Barrier was formerly employed at Drexel Furniture. Earlier in life,...

Adam Keith Rumfelt

Adam Keith Rumfelt

Sep 15, 2025

     Adam Keith Rumfelt, 35, of Marion, passed away Monday, September 15, 2025, at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville.

     Adam was born in McDowell County, NC on September 4, 1990, to Suzie Skeens and Robert Keith Rumfelt. Adam loved music and enjoyed working with computers. He was a good-hearted man who will be greatly missed by his friends...

Shirley Ross Tilley Dyer

Shirley Ross Tilley Dyer

Sep 12, 2025



Shirley Ross Tilley Dyer, 87, of Marion, passed away peacefully at home with family by her side on the morning of Friday, September 12, 2025.

She was born in Gordo, Alabama on August 29, 1938 to the late Olin Eugene Tilley and Emily Jewell Boothe Tilley.

Shirley was the matriarch of her family. She loved and cherished her family. Shirley was very...

Ashley Renee Pentaude

Ashley Renee Pentaude

Sep 11, 2025



Ashley Renee Pentaude, age 40, of Lake Lure, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday evening, September 11, 2025 at Mission Hospital McDowell. She was born in Henderson County on September 30, 1984.

Ashley was known for her kindness and empathy, often demonstrating a deep understanding of the struggles faced by others. Her infectious sense of humor brought joy to those around her,...

Anita Dumas Cole

Anita Dumas Cole

Sep 10, 2025

Anita Dumas Cole, lovingly known as “Nia” to her grandchildren, passed away peacefully at her home in Nebo, North Carolina, on September 10, 2025.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John “Johnny” Morris Cole. Anita is survived by her two sons, Rodney Dumas Cole and Joseph Edward Cole with wife Meredith Cole, as well as her cherished grandchildren:...