Obituaries
Ronnie Richard McKinney
Oct 15, 2026
Ronnie “Day Day” Richard McKinney, 79, of Nebo, passed away Thursday, October 15, 2026 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
He was born in McDowell County on September 16, 1947 to the late Steve McKinney and Hazel Mitchell McKinney.
Affectionately known as “Day Day,” he was an avid woodworker all his life. He made a career out of it, and he enjoyed doing...
Sandra Cook Schroeck
Oct 14, 2026
Sandra Cook Schroeck, age 83, passed away peacefully at her residence on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
Sandra was born on August 31, 1943, to the late James Cook and Katherine Bedinger Cook. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Schroeck, and her brother, James Cook.
Sandra had a deep love for the outdoors, especially...
Virgil "Wayne" Bradburn, Jr.
Oct 14, 2026
Virgil Wayne Bradburn Jr., 91, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on June 6, 1935, he was the son of the late Reverend Virgil and Elma Bradburn. He was also preceded in death by his brother, David Lee Bradburn.
A proud Marion Ripper, he was a graduate of Marion High School's Class of 1953. He...
Rachel Williams Bounds
Oct 13, 2026
Rachel Marie Williams Bounds, 64, of Lenoir, passed away Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville.
Rachel was born in Fayetteville, NC, on September 14, 1962, to the late Elmer Williams and Ethel Powell Williams. She was married to the late Joel Glenn Bounds, her husband of 30 years. Rachel was a teacher with...
Judy Carolyn Logan
Oct 13, 2026
Judy Carolyn Logan, 75, of Old Fort, passed away at Autumn Care of Marion on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
Judy was born on September 1, 1951, in McDowell County. She is preceded in death by her beloved Luther Logan, her sister Margaret Bean Grindstaff, and her parents, Ralph and Ruth Knupp Bean.
She enjoyed doing crafts and had a special talent for...
Arturo Alexander Garcia
Oct 13, 2026
Arturo Alexander Garcia, 19, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at his residence surrounded by family and friends after an illness.
He was born in McDowell County on September 9, 2007. Alex was a member of Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church. He was a 2026 graduate of McDowell Academy for Innovation and was always volunteering in the...
Howard Asa Baker, Jr.
Oct 12, 2026
Howard Asa Baker Jr, a loving father, grandfather, husband and brother passed away peacefully onOctober 12, 2026, at age 80 at his home in Belmont, North Carolina.
Howard is preceded in death by his parents Howard Asa Baker Sr. and Lucena Adolphson Baker, and his wife of 55 years Diane. He is survived by his brother Ken Baker and sisters Lucena...
Deborah Jean Lynch
Oct 12, 2026
Deborah Jean Lynch, 72, of Morganton, passed away Monday, October 12, 2026 at her residence surrounded by her loving family.
She was born in Rutherford County on May 11, 1954 to the late Ben and Mattie Lynch.
Deborah was a member of Bridge42 Church. She had a true servant’s heart and could always be found helping others. She volunteered at Burke United...
Rebecca Lynn Orick
Oct 12, 2026
Rebecca Lynn Orick, age 60, passed away peacefully at her residence on Monday, October 12, 2026.
Born on November 19, 1965, Rebecca was the daughter of the late John Melanson and Mildred Busby Melanson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Rhonda Melanson, and her brother, John Howard Melanson.
Rebecca was a hardworking, strong-willed woman who...
James Eric Trivette
Oct 12, 2026
James Eric Trivette, 59, passed away Monday, October 12, 2026 at Deer Park Health & Rehabilitation after a lengthy illness.
James was born in Hickory on July 27, 1967 to the late Ralph Trivette and Sue Hamby Trivette. He was also preceded in death by four brothers.
James was a car enthusiast. He especially enjoyed Mustangs, motorcycles, and trips to the racetrack....
Ronald Fate Hollifield
Oct 11, 2026
Ronald Fate Hollifield, 85, of Marion, NC passed away Sunday, October 11th 2026 at Mission Hospital in Asheville, NCHe was a good and faithful man who fought his battle with courage and strength. When his fight was finally over, God placed his hand upon his soul and called him home, saying 'You have fought your fight and now it is...
Ruby Carlene Vaughan
Oct 10, 2026
Ruby Carlene Watson Vaughan, 92, of Pineola, passed away Saturday, October 10, 2026, at her residence.
Ruby was known to her family as, “Tootsie.” She was born in Avery County, NC on February 13, 1934, to the late Maude Snyder Watson and Samuel Avery Watson, Sr. In 1952, she married Andy Vaughan, III. Together, they founded, owned and operated Vaughan’s Blue...
Josephine Epley
Oct 10, 2026
Josephine Banks Epley, age 93, passed away on October 10, 2026, at her residence. She was born on March 30, 1933, in McDowell County and lived a life marked by faith, service, and kindness to others.
Mrs. Epley was a longtime member of Zion Hill Baptist Church, where she served faithfully as a Sunday school teacher, a member of the food...
Robert Gordon Jarrett, Jr.
Oct 9, 2026
Robert “Bob” Gordon Jarrett, Jr., 90, of Marion, passed away Friday, October 9, 2026, at his residence.
Bob was born in McDowell County, NC on December 20, 1935, to the late Robert Gordon Jarrett, Sr. and Zilpah Throneburgh Jarrett. Bob served his country proudly with the United States Army, as an MP, in post WWII Germany. In 1961, he earned a...
John William Letterman
Oct 7, 2026
John William Letterman, age 43, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2026, at Memorial Mission Hospital in Buncombe County.
Born on December 27, 1982, John was the son of Sherry and Micheal Letterman. He was preceded in death by his sister, Kimberly Letterman.
John was a deeply caring and loving person who had a special way of making those around him feel...
Tammy Lynn Whitson
Oct 6, 2026
Tammy Lynn Simmons Whitson, 66, of Old Fort, passed away at her residence on Tuesday, October 06, 2026. While her family takes peace in knowing she is with the Lord, the life Tammy lived and the legacy she left will not be forgotten.
Tammy was a lifelong member of Old Fort First Baptist Church and lived every day of her life...
Tracey Renee Parrish Smith
Oct 4, 2026
Tracey Renee Parrish Smith, 54, of Morganton, passed away Sunday, October 4, 2026, at her residence.
Tracey was born in North Carolina on April 6, 1972, to the late Velva Marie Lambe Parrish and Dallas Ray Parrish. She enjoyed shopping at thrift stores. Tracey was very mindful of fashion and had an appreciation for clothing, makeup, and...
Barbara McFarland
Oct 4, 2026
Barbara Gaye Morrell McFarland, 76, of Marion, passed away Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Mountain Ridge Rehabilitation and Wellness Center in Black Mountain.
Barbara was born on June 24, 1950 and was raised by Bernice Cable from the age of 18 months. She was married to the late Alfred Thomas McFarland, Jr., who passed away in 2013....
Arthur Lee Williams
Oct 4, 2026
Arthur Lee Williams, age 73, of Dawn Drive in Marion passed away Sunday, October 4, 2026 at Care Partners Solace Center in Asheville.
Born on November 24, 1952 in McDowell County, he was the son of the late Garland and Lena Pearson Williams. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sisters; Faye Waycaster and Joyce...
Joe Gregory
Oct 3, 2026
Mr. Joe Gregory, born October 23, 1935, in Chase City, Virginia, passed away on October 3, 2026. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather whose life was grounded in faith, family, and the simple joys that brought him happiness.
Mr. Gregory was a founding member and deacon of Sunnyview Freewill Baptist Church, a role that reflected the...
Ronnie Richard McKinney
Oct 15, 2026
Ronnie “Day Day” Richard McKinney, 79, of Nebo, passed away Thursday, October 15, 2026 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
He was born in McDowell County on September 16, 1947 to the late Steve McKinney and Hazel Mitchell McKinney.
Affectionately known as “Day Day,” he was an avid woodworker all his life. He made a career out of it, and he enjoyed doing...
Sandra Cook Schroeck
Oct 14, 2026
Sandra Cook Schroeck, age 83, passed away peacefully at her residence on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
Sandra was born on August 31, 1943, to the late James Cook and Katherine Bedinger Cook. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Schroeck, and her brother, James Cook.
Sandra had a deep love for the outdoors, especially...
Virgil "Wayne" Bradburn, Jr.
Oct 14, 2026
Virgil Wayne Bradburn Jr., 91, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on June 6, 1935, he was the son of the late Reverend Virgil and Elma Bradburn. He was also preceded in death by his brother, David Lee Bradburn.
A proud Marion Ripper, he was a graduate of Marion High School's Class of 1953. He...
Rachel Williams Bounds
Oct 13, 2026
Rachel Marie Williams Bounds, 64, of Lenoir, passed away Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville.
Rachel was born in Fayetteville, NC, on September 14, 1962, to the late Elmer Williams and Ethel Powell Williams. She was married to the late Joel Glenn Bounds, her husband of 30 years. Rachel was a teacher with...
Judy Carolyn Logan
Oct 13, 2026
Judy Carolyn Logan, 75, of Old Fort, passed away at Autumn Care of Marion on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
Judy was born on September 1, 1951, in McDowell County. She is preceded in death by her beloved Luther Logan, her sister Margaret Bean Grindstaff, and her parents, Ralph and Ruth Knupp Bean.
She enjoyed doing crafts and had a special talent for...
Arturo Alexander Garcia
Oct 13, 2026
Arturo Alexander Garcia, 19, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at his residence surrounded by family and friends after an illness.
He was born in McDowell County on September 9, 2007. Alex was a member of Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church. He was a 2026 graduate of McDowell Academy for Innovation and was always volunteering in the...
Howard Asa Baker, Jr.
Oct 12, 2026
Howard Asa Baker Jr, a loving father, grandfather, husband and brother passed away peacefully onOctober 12, 2026, at age 80 at his home in Belmont, North Carolina.
Howard is preceded in death by his parents Howard Asa Baker Sr. and Lucena Adolphson Baker, and his wife of 55 years Diane. He is survived by his brother Ken Baker and sisters Lucena...
Deborah Jean Lynch
Oct 12, 2026
Deborah Jean Lynch, 72, of Morganton, passed away Monday, October 12, 2026 at her residence surrounded by her loving family.
She was born in Rutherford County on May 11, 1954 to the late Ben and Mattie Lynch.
Deborah was a member of Bridge42 Church. She had a true servant’s heart and could always be found helping others. She volunteered at Burke United...
Rebecca Lynn Orick
Oct 12, 2026
Rebecca Lynn Orick, age 60, passed away peacefully at her residence on Monday, October 12, 2026.
Born on November 19, 1965, Rebecca was the daughter of the late John Melanson and Mildred Busby Melanson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Rhonda Melanson, and her brother, John Howard Melanson.
Rebecca was a hardworking, strong-willed woman who...
James Eric Trivette
Oct 12, 2026
James Eric Trivette, 59, passed away Monday, October 12, 2026 at Deer Park Health & Rehabilitation after a lengthy illness.
James was born in Hickory on July 27, 1967 to the late Ralph Trivette and Sue Hamby Trivette. He was also preceded in death by four brothers.
James was a car enthusiast. He especially enjoyed Mustangs, motorcycles, and trips to the racetrack....
Ronald Fate Hollifield
Oct 11, 2026
Ronald Fate Hollifield, 85, of Marion, NC passed away Sunday, October 11th 2026 at Mission Hospital in Asheville, NCHe was a good and faithful man who fought his battle with courage and strength. When his fight was finally over, God placed his hand upon his soul and called him home, saying 'You have fought your fight and now it is...
Ruby Carlene Vaughan
Oct 10, 2026
Ruby Carlene Watson Vaughan, 92, of Pineola, passed away Saturday, October 10, 2026, at her residence.
Ruby was known to her family as, “Tootsie.” She was born in Avery County, NC on February 13, 1934, to the late Maude Snyder Watson and Samuel Avery Watson, Sr. In 1952, she married Andy Vaughan, III. Together, they founded, owned and operated Vaughan’s Blue...
Josephine Epley
Oct 10, 2026
Josephine Banks Epley, age 93, passed away on October 10, 2026, at her residence. She was born on March 30, 1933, in McDowell County and lived a life marked by faith, service, and kindness to others.
Mrs. Epley was a longtime member of Zion Hill Baptist Church, where she served faithfully as a Sunday school teacher, a member of the food...
Robert Gordon Jarrett, Jr.
Oct 9, 2026
Robert “Bob” Gordon Jarrett, Jr., 90, of Marion, passed away Friday, October 9, 2026, at his residence.
Bob was born in McDowell County, NC on December 20, 1935, to the late Robert Gordon Jarrett, Sr. and Zilpah Throneburgh Jarrett. Bob served his country proudly with the United States Army, as an MP, in post WWII Germany. In 1961, he earned a...
John William Letterman
Oct 7, 2026
John William Letterman, age 43, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2026, at Memorial Mission Hospital in Buncombe County.
Born on December 27, 1982, John was the son of Sherry and Micheal Letterman. He was preceded in death by his sister, Kimberly Letterman.
John was a deeply caring and loving person who had a special way of making those around him feel...
Tammy Lynn Whitson
Oct 6, 2026
Tammy Lynn Simmons Whitson, 66, of Old Fort, passed away at her residence on Tuesday, October 06, 2026. While her family takes peace in knowing she is with the Lord, the life Tammy lived and the legacy she left will not be forgotten.
Tammy was a lifelong member of Old Fort First Baptist Church and lived every day of her life...
Tracey Renee Parrish Smith
Oct 4, 2026
Tracey Renee Parrish Smith, 54, of Morganton, passed away Sunday, October 4, 2026, at her residence.
Tracey was born in North Carolina on April 6, 1972, to the late Velva Marie Lambe Parrish and Dallas Ray Parrish. She enjoyed shopping at thrift stores. Tracey was very mindful of fashion and had an appreciation for clothing, makeup, and...
Barbara McFarland
Oct 4, 2026
Barbara Gaye Morrell McFarland, 76, of Marion, passed away Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Mountain Ridge Rehabilitation and Wellness Center in Black Mountain.
Barbara was born on June 24, 1950 and was raised by Bernice Cable from the age of 18 months. She was married to the late Alfred Thomas McFarland, Jr., who passed away in 2013....
Arthur Lee Williams
Oct 4, 2026
Arthur Lee Williams, age 73, of Dawn Drive in Marion passed away Sunday, October 4, 2026 at Care Partners Solace Center in Asheville.
Born on November 24, 1952 in McDowell County, he was the son of the late Garland and Lena Pearson Williams. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sisters; Faye Waycaster and Joyce...
Joe Gregory
Oct 3, 2026
Mr. Joe Gregory, born October 23, 1935, in Chase City, Virginia, passed away on October 3, 2026. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather whose life was grounded in faith, family, and the simple joys that brought him happiness.
Mr. Gregory was a founding member and deacon of Sunnyview Freewill Baptist Church, a role that reflected the...
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