Obituaries
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...
Paul Eugene Houck
Oct 3, 2026
Paul Eugene Houck, 81, of Nebo, passed away Saturday, October 3, 2026 at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center.
Paul was born in McDowell County on December 27, 1944 to the late George Woodrow Houck and Virginia Dare Gray Houck.
He served honorably in the United States Army in Vietnam and was a Purple Heart recipient. Later on, he served on the honor guard...
Sherry Frances Boykin
Oct 2, 2026
Sherry Frances Boykin passed away peacefully at her home on October 2nd surrounded by love. After a journey with cancer, she is now home with her family and pets that have passed before her. Sherry was born May 31, 1950, in Lakeland, FL, to Bill and Betty (Randall) Boykin. She was preceded in death by both of her parents and...
Coleen Brown Grant
Oct 2, 2026
Coleen Brown Grant, 80, of Marion, passed away Friday, October 2, 2026, at Mission Hospital McDowell.
She was born in Buncombe County on April 5, 1946, to the late Sewell William Brown and Eunice Marjorie Davis Brown.
Coleen loved flowers and working in her yard. A talented seamstress, she previously worked as a weaver at Marion Manufacturing and loved sewing and quilting...
Coy Silas Davis, Jr.
Oct 2, 2026
Coy Silas Davis, Jr., 80, of Old Fort, passed away Friday, October 2, 2026 at his residence with his loving family by his side.
A native of McDowell County, he was born May 25, 1946 to the late Coy Silas Davis, Sr. and Hettie Buchanan Davis.
A faithful Christian, Coy loved the Lord and was very intentional about sharing the love of...
Everett Hardin
Oct 2, 2026
Everett Hardin, 88, of Marion, passed away Friday, October 2, 2026 at Autumn Care of Marion.
He was born in Unicoi County, Tennessee on July 31, 1938 to the late Hobert Hardin and Pansy Pate Hardin. He was also preceded in death by all nine of his siblings and their spouses.
Everett was a longtime member of Rocky Pass Free Will Baptist...
Troy Eugene Williams
Oct 1, 2026
Troy Eugene Williams, affectionately known as “Skip,” passed away on October 1, 2026, at Charles George VA Hospital. He was born on April 18, 1948, in McDowell County. His passing marks the loss of a devoted family man, a faithful church member, and a man whose life reflected service, dedication, and steadfast love.
Mr. Williams served his country with honor for...
Ronnie Gene Ruff
Oct 1, 2026
Ronnie Gene Ruff, 77, of Marion, passed away Thursday, October 1, 2026 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
A native of McDowell County, he was born October 29, 1948 to the late James Vestal Ruff. Ronnie retired from the Department of Transportation. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army, having served honorably in Vietnam. An avid...
Beatrice Maye Lankford
Oct 1, 2026
Beatrice “Bill” Buchanan Lankford, 95, of Marion, passed away Thursday, October 1, 2026, at The Greens of Spruce Pine.
Mrs. Lankford was born in Mitchell County, NC, on February 10, 1931, to the late Bernice Weatherman and Earl Buchanan. She was married to Ralph Lankford, who passed away on May 16, 2000. Mrs. Lankford was a member...
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...
Paul Eugene Houck
Oct 3, 2026
Paul Eugene Houck, 81, of Nebo, passed away Saturday, October 3, 2026 at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center.
Paul was born in McDowell County on December 27, 1944 to the late George Woodrow Houck and Virginia Dare Gray Houck.
He served honorably in the United States Army in Vietnam and was a Purple Heart recipient. Later on, he served on the honor guard...
Sherry Frances Boykin
Oct 2, 2026
Sherry Frances Boykin passed away peacefully at her home on October 2nd surrounded by love. After a journey with cancer, she is now home with her family and pets that have passed before her. Sherry was born May 31, 1950, in Lakeland, FL, to Bill and Betty (Randall) Boykin. She was preceded in death by both of her parents and...
Coleen Brown Grant
Oct 2, 2026
Coleen Brown Grant, 80, of Marion, passed away Friday, October 2, 2026, at Mission Hospital McDowell.
She was born in Buncombe County on April 5, 1946, to the late Sewell William Brown and Eunice Marjorie Davis Brown.
Coleen loved flowers and working in her yard. A talented seamstress, she previously worked as a weaver at Marion Manufacturing and loved sewing and quilting...
Coy Silas Davis, Jr.
Oct 2, 2026
Coy Silas Davis, Jr., 80, of Old Fort, passed away Friday, October 2, 2026 at his residence with his loving family by his side.
A native of McDowell County, he was born May 25, 1946 to the late Coy Silas Davis, Sr. and Hettie Buchanan Davis.
A faithful Christian, Coy loved the Lord and was very intentional about sharing the love of...
Everett Hardin
Oct 2, 2026
Everett Hardin, 88, of Marion, passed away Friday, October 2, 2026 at Autumn Care of Marion.
He was born in Unicoi County, Tennessee on July 31, 1938 to the late Hobert Hardin and Pansy Pate Hardin. He was also preceded in death by all nine of his siblings and their spouses.
Everett was a longtime member of Rocky Pass Free Will Baptist...
Troy Eugene Williams
Oct 1, 2026
Troy Eugene Williams, affectionately known as “Skip,” passed away on October 1, 2026, at Charles George VA Hospital. He was born on April 18, 1948, in McDowell County. His passing marks the loss of a devoted family man, a faithful church member, and a man whose life reflected service, dedication, and steadfast love.
Mr. Williams served his country with honor for...
Ronnie Gene Ruff
Oct 1, 2026
Ronnie Gene Ruff, 77, of Marion, passed away Thursday, October 1, 2026 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
A native of McDowell County, he was born October 29, 1948 to the late James Vestal Ruff. Ronnie retired from the Department of Transportation. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army, having served honorably in Vietnam. An avid...
Beatrice Maye Lankford
Oct 1, 2026
Beatrice “Bill” Buchanan Lankford, 95, of Marion, passed away Thursday, October 1, 2026, at The Greens of Spruce Pine.
Mrs. Lankford was born in Mitchell County, NC, on February 10, 1931, to the late Bernice Weatherman and Earl Buchanan. She was married to Ralph Lankford, who passed away on May 16, 2000. Mrs. Lankford was a member...
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