Obituaries
James Wesley Henry
Jul 26, 2026
James Wesley Henry, 46, of Morganton, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 26, 2026.
He was born in Burke County on November 15, 1979. James served honorably in the United States Army for four years. During his period of service, he worked at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. James had a passion for cars and motorcycles. He will be remembered...
Bruce Wayne Hollifield
Aug 11, 2026
Bruce Wayne Hollifield, age 78, of Pleasant Hill Estates in Marion, passed away Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at his home.
Born on December 2, 1947 in McDowell County, he was the son of the late Starling and Elsie Buchanan Hollifield. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Lois Ann Owensby Hollifield who passed away...
Krystal Dawn Jackson
Aug 10, 2026
In Loving Memory of Krystal Dawn JacksonKrystal Jackson passed away on August 10, 2026, at the age of 38. Her unexpected passing leaves a tremendous loss in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.Krystal was born on October 18, 1987 in Marion, NC to Joe and Bonnie Hicks. She spent her life caring about her family, cooking, taking...
Tammy Jean Story Drake
Aug 10, 2026
Tammy Jean Story Drake, 62, of Morganton, passed away Monday, August 10, 2026 at her residence.
She was born in Guilford County, North Carolina on October 10, 1963 to Mary Elizabeth Smith Story and the late Robert Story.
Tammy was a woman of many interests. She was very creative and enjoyed making crafts and arranging beautiful flowers. She also loved fishing. Her...
Sharon Danielle Bailey
Aug 9, 2026
Sharon Danielle Bailey, 44, of Marion, passed away Sunday, August 9, 2026, at UNC Healthcare Blue Ridge in Morganton.
Sharon was born in Burke County, NC, on October 2, 1981, to Ricky Allen Bailey and the late Linda Gail Lawing Bailey. Sharon was a free spirit with a fun-loving personality. She loved to smile and was known...
Maxine Duncan Padgett
Aug 9, 2026
Maxine Padgett, 91, of Marion, passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2026 at Mountain Ridge Health and Rehabilitation Center.
Maxine was one of 14 children. She was born on May 27, 1935 to the late Jasper Duncan and Docia Webb Duncan. She is also preceded in death by her husband, Danny Padgett; her brothers, Warren, James, Robert and Jack Duncan; her...
Danny Shane Davis
Aug 7, 2026
Mr. Danny Shane Davis, age 56, of Marion, passed away, Friday August 7, 2026. He was born in McDowell county on August 25, 1969 and was the son of Charles and Mary Smith Davis. Danny was preceded in death by his sister Rebecca Davis.
Danny loved the outdoors, when he was able he loved hunting and fishing. His hobbies also included...
Lionel "Lonnie" William Putnam
Aug 5, 2026
Lonnie was born in Dubuque, Iowa to Lorna Hill Putnam and Lionel Thomas Putnam on July 13, 1945. At the end of World War II Lonnie's parents moved to Rutherfordton, N.C. where he was raised.
Lonnie graduated from R.S. Central High School and then attended Gardner Webb College and then graduated from The Basic Law Enforcement Training at The Institute of...
Billy Ray Miller
Aug 5, 2026
Billy Ray Miller, 64, of Nebo, passed away Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at the Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte.
Billy was born in Yancey County, NC, on March 28, 1962, to Rosalee Hyleman and the late Jay Lloyd Miller. He was married to his wife of 27 years, Elizabeth Ann Caraway Miller. Billy was a...
Scott Robert Ryan
Aug 5, 2026
Scott Robert Ryan, 67, of Morganton, passed away Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at his residence.
Scott was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, on August 1, 1959, to the late Barbara June Bruce and La Moine Ryan. He attended Denton’s Chapel in Morganton and was a dedicated fan of the UNC Tarheels and San Francisco 49ers. Scott loved all...
John Michael Fussell
Aug 5, 2026
John Michael Fussell, age 72, of Coxes Creek Church Road in Marion, went to be with his Lord on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at his home.
Born on November 19, 1953 at Fort Benning, GA, he was the son of the late Jarman Levine Fussell and Dorothy Davis Fussell who still survives. John had lived in McDowell for the past eleven...
Charles Howard Ray
Aug 4, 2026
Charles Howard Ray, known fondly by those around him for his warmth, humor, and spirited love of life, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2026, at UNC Blue Ridge in Morganton. Born on November 22, 1940, in McDowell County, Charles lived a full life that touched the hearts of many.
Charles will be deeply missed by his family, who were central...
Jackie Eugene Edwards, Sr.
Aug 4, 2026
Jackie Eugene Edwards Sr passed away on Tuesday August 4, 2026, peacefully at his home in Spruce Pine with his loving wife of twenty-eight years Sheila Edwards by his side.
Born August 18, 1943 in Greensboro, North Carolina to the late William Edgar and Eva Myrtle Edwards. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by brothers; Leroy, Bob,...
Jewelleen Sheehan Surratt
Aug 4, 2026
Jewelleen Sheehan Surratt, 81, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at her residence.
She was born in McDowell County on June 9, 1945 to the late Clarence Edward Sheehan and Julia Nora Sheehan.
Jewell loved the Lord and formerly attended the First Free Will Baptist Church of Marion where she enjoyed helping in the soup kitchen. She was a loving...
Michael Alan Umberger
Aug 3, 2026
It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Alan Umberger, on August 3, 2026. Michael was born on October 3, 1972, with a congenital heart defect that he faced with remarkable courage and resilience throughout his life. We were incredibly blessed to have him for 53 years, but his passing came far too suddenly. He is...
Aimee Marie Harwood
Aug 3, 2026
Aimee Marie Harwood, 43, of Marion passed away on the evening of Monday, August 3, 2026 at Memorial Mission Hospital in Asheville. She was born on June 19, 1983 in McDowell County to Donald Clay Harwood and Robin Hollifield Pace.
Aimee was preceded in death by her father, Donald Harwood; grandparents, Herman Hollifield, Ruby Looper and Ivory Harwood.
She loved spending time...
Rhonda Thomas Huskins
Aug 3, 2026
Rhonda Thomas Huskins, age 69, of Cleveland, TN, formerly of Spruce Pine, passed away Monday, August 3, 2026 at her home. Born on March 22, 1957 in Mitchell County, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Norma Thomas.
Rhonda was a member of the First Baptist Church of Myrtle Beach. While living in Spruce Pine, she was employed by...
Clyde Lee Conner
Aug 3, 2026
Clyde Lee Conner, 83, of Marion, passed away at his residence on Monday, August 3, 2026.
Clyde was born in McDowell County to the late John Conner and Ethel Arrowood Conner on April 6, 1943. He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Bobbie Hill, Charles Conner, Pauline Revis, Pat Stines and Frances Reel.
Clyde was a member of Ridgeway FWB...
Donna Angela Bingham
Aug 3, 2026
Donna Angela Bingham, 59, of Old Fort, passed away Monday, August 3, 2026 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
She was born in Cleveland County on August 8, 1966. Donna attended Grace Community Church. An avid sports fan, she faithfully followed the Los Angeles Dodgers, Dallas Cowboys, and the North Carolina Tarheels. She also enjoyed watching wrestling. Donna had a special place...
Phyllis Ann White Long
Aug 1, 2026
Phyllis Ann White Long, 76, of Marion, passed away Saturday, August 1, 2026 at her residence.
A native of McDowell County, she was born on November 10, 1949 to the late Arnold White and Ruby Lawing White. She was also preceded in death by a step-grandchild, Collin Beam, and a step-great-grandchild, Eli.
Phyllis attended Redeemed Free Will Baptist Church. She loved the...
James Wesley Henry
Jul 26, 2026
James Wesley Henry, 46, of Morganton, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 26, 2026.
He was born in Burke County on November 15, 1979. James served honorably in the United States Army for four years. During his period of service, he worked at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. James had a passion for cars and motorcycles. He will be remembered...
Bruce Wayne Hollifield
Aug 11, 2026
Bruce Wayne Hollifield, age 78, of Pleasant Hill Estates in Marion, passed away Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at his home.
Born on December 2, 1947 in McDowell County, he was the son of the late Starling and Elsie Buchanan Hollifield. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Lois Ann Owensby Hollifield who passed away...
Krystal Dawn Jackson
Aug 10, 2026
In Loving Memory of Krystal Dawn JacksonKrystal Jackson passed away on August 10, 2026, at the age of 38. Her unexpected passing leaves a tremendous loss in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.Krystal was born on October 18, 1987 in Marion, NC to Joe and Bonnie Hicks. She spent her life caring about her family, cooking, taking...
Tammy Jean Story Drake
Aug 10, 2026
Tammy Jean Story Drake, 62, of Morganton, passed away Monday, August 10, 2026 at her residence.
She was born in Guilford County, North Carolina on October 10, 1963 to Mary Elizabeth Smith Story and the late Robert Story.
Tammy was a woman of many interests. She was very creative and enjoyed making crafts and arranging beautiful flowers. She also loved fishing. Her...
Sharon Danielle Bailey
Aug 9, 2026
Sharon Danielle Bailey, 44, of Marion, passed away Sunday, August 9, 2026, at UNC Healthcare Blue Ridge in Morganton.
Sharon was born in Burke County, NC, on October 2, 1981, to Ricky Allen Bailey and the late Linda Gail Lawing Bailey. Sharon was a free spirit with a fun-loving personality. She loved to smile and was known...
Maxine Duncan Padgett
Aug 9, 2026
Maxine Padgett, 91, of Marion, passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2026 at Mountain Ridge Health and Rehabilitation Center.
Maxine was one of 14 children. She was born on May 27, 1935 to the late Jasper Duncan and Docia Webb Duncan. She is also preceded in death by her husband, Danny Padgett; her brothers, Warren, James, Robert and Jack Duncan; her...
Danny Shane Davis
Aug 7, 2026
Mr. Danny Shane Davis, age 56, of Marion, passed away, Friday August 7, 2026. He was born in McDowell county on August 25, 1969 and was the son of Charles and Mary Smith Davis. Danny was preceded in death by his sister Rebecca Davis.
Danny loved the outdoors, when he was able he loved hunting and fishing. His hobbies also included...
Lionel "Lonnie" William Putnam
Aug 5, 2026
Lonnie was born in Dubuque, Iowa to Lorna Hill Putnam and Lionel Thomas Putnam on July 13, 1945. At the end of World War II Lonnie's parents moved to Rutherfordton, N.C. where he was raised.
Lonnie graduated from R.S. Central High School and then attended Gardner Webb College and then graduated from The Basic Law Enforcement Training at The Institute of...
Billy Ray Miller
Aug 5, 2026
Billy Ray Miller, 64, of Nebo, passed away Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at the Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte.
Billy was born in Yancey County, NC, on March 28, 1962, to Rosalee Hyleman and the late Jay Lloyd Miller. He was married to his wife of 27 years, Elizabeth Ann Caraway Miller. Billy was a...
Scott Robert Ryan
Aug 5, 2026
Scott Robert Ryan, 67, of Morganton, passed away Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at his residence.
Scott was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, on August 1, 1959, to the late Barbara June Bruce and La Moine Ryan. He attended Denton’s Chapel in Morganton and was a dedicated fan of the UNC Tarheels and San Francisco 49ers. Scott loved all...
John Michael Fussell
Aug 5, 2026
John Michael Fussell, age 72, of Coxes Creek Church Road in Marion, went to be with his Lord on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at his home.
Born on November 19, 1953 at Fort Benning, GA, he was the son of the late Jarman Levine Fussell and Dorothy Davis Fussell who still survives. John had lived in McDowell for the past eleven...
Charles Howard Ray
Aug 4, 2026
Charles Howard Ray, known fondly by those around him for his warmth, humor, and spirited love of life, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2026, at UNC Blue Ridge in Morganton. Born on November 22, 1940, in McDowell County, Charles lived a full life that touched the hearts of many.
Charles will be deeply missed by his family, who were central...
Jackie Eugene Edwards, Sr.
Aug 4, 2026
Jackie Eugene Edwards Sr passed away on Tuesday August 4, 2026, peacefully at his home in Spruce Pine with his loving wife of twenty-eight years Sheila Edwards by his side.
Born August 18, 1943 in Greensboro, North Carolina to the late William Edgar and Eva Myrtle Edwards. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by brothers; Leroy, Bob,...
Jewelleen Sheehan Surratt
Aug 4, 2026
Jewelleen Sheehan Surratt, 81, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at her residence.
She was born in McDowell County on June 9, 1945 to the late Clarence Edward Sheehan and Julia Nora Sheehan.
Jewell loved the Lord and formerly attended the First Free Will Baptist Church of Marion where she enjoyed helping in the soup kitchen. She was a loving...
Michael Alan Umberger
Aug 3, 2026
It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Alan Umberger, on August 3, 2026. Michael was born on October 3, 1972, with a congenital heart defect that he faced with remarkable courage and resilience throughout his life. We were incredibly blessed to have him for 53 years, but his passing came far too suddenly. He is...
Aimee Marie Harwood
Aug 3, 2026
Aimee Marie Harwood, 43, of Marion passed away on the evening of Monday, August 3, 2026 at Memorial Mission Hospital in Asheville. She was born on June 19, 1983 in McDowell County to Donald Clay Harwood and Robin Hollifield Pace.
Aimee was preceded in death by her father, Donald Harwood; grandparents, Herman Hollifield, Ruby Looper and Ivory Harwood.
She loved spending time...
Rhonda Thomas Huskins
Aug 3, 2026
Rhonda Thomas Huskins, age 69, of Cleveland, TN, formerly of Spruce Pine, passed away Monday, August 3, 2026 at her home. Born on March 22, 1957 in Mitchell County, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Norma Thomas.
Rhonda was a member of the First Baptist Church of Myrtle Beach. While living in Spruce Pine, she was employed by...
Clyde Lee Conner
Aug 3, 2026
Clyde Lee Conner, 83, of Marion, passed away at his residence on Monday, August 3, 2026.
Clyde was born in McDowell County to the late John Conner and Ethel Arrowood Conner on April 6, 1943. He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Bobbie Hill, Charles Conner, Pauline Revis, Pat Stines and Frances Reel.
Clyde was a member of Ridgeway FWB...
Donna Angela Bingham
Aug 3, 2026
Donna Angela Bingham, 59, of Old Fort, passed away Monday, August 3, 2026 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
She was born in Cleveland County on August 8, 1966. Donna attended Grace Community Church. An avid sports fan, she faithfully followed the Los Angeles Dodgers, Dallas Cowboys, and the North Carolina Tarheels. She also enjoyed watching wrestling. Donna had a special place...
Phyllis Ann White Long
Aug 1, 2026
Phyllis Ann White Long, 76, of Marion, passed away Saturday, August 1, 2026 at her residence.
A native of McDowell County, she was born on November 10, 1949 to the late Arnold White and Ruby Lawing White. She was also preceded in death by a step-grandchild, Collin Beam, and a step-great-grandchild, Eli.
Phyllis attended Redeemed Free Will Baptist Church. She loved the...
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