Obituaries
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...
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...
Joyce Wilma Nettles
Oct 1, 2026
Joyce Wilma Nettles, born September 29, 1937, in McDowell County, passed away on October 1, 2026, at Mountain Ridge Health and Rehab.
Joyce will be remembered as a woman who loved her family and friends deeply, especially her children and grandchildren. She placed service to others above herself and lived with a generous spirit that touched those around her. She also...
Charles Ray Gardner, Sr.
Sep 29, 2026
Charles Ray Gardner, Sr., 89, of Morganton, passed away Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at his residence.
He was born in McDowell County on November 22, 1936 to the late Parley Gardner and Margie Jimison Gardner. A longtime member of Hankins Baptist Church, Charles was a family man who loved the Lord wholeheartedly. Fishing was his passion and something he truly enjoyed.
In...
Ruth Denise Duncan
Sep 29, 2026
Ruth Denise Duncan, age 82, passed away peacefully at her residence on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
Born on October 28, 1943, Denise was the daughter of the late Thomas Lee and Mary Randolph Lee. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Eugene Lee and Jay Will Lee; and her sisters, Wilma Palmore, Ethel Shelton, Gladys...
Debra "Deb" Ann Robinson
Sep 29, 2026
Debra Ann Robinson, of McDowell County, passed away at her residence on September 29, 2026, at the age of 68. Born on May 30, 1958, in McDowell County, she lived a life marked by faith, devotion, and deep love for those around her.
Mrs. Robinson was a devoted Christian whose life reflected the values she held close. She attended Yancey Street...
Lola Jean Goforth Yoder
Sep 28, 2026
Lola Goforth Yoder, age 86, of Marion, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 28, 2026.
Born on September 21, 1940, Lola was the daughter of the late Grover Goforth and Pearl Wright Goforth. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Yoder, and a brother Jackie Goforth.
Lola was a devoted mother and grandmother who...
Louise Swafford Church
Sep 28, 2026
Louise Swafford Church, 84, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on September 28, 2026, at Mission Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina. Born June 12, 1942, in Marion, she was the daughter of George Bailey and Maggie Swafford Bailey. To those who loved her, she was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, nana, friend, entrepreneur and advocate for those with special...
Johnny Matthew Wallace, Sr.
Sep 28, 2026
Johnny Matthew Wallace, Sr., beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 28, 2026, at the age of 85. Born on August 26, 1941, in Asheville, North Carolina, Johnny was the son of Jensie Alleen Wallace. He had a hard
upbringing but always made the most of every opportunity. He made his home in Marion, North...
Thomas Plato Ray
Sep 27, 2026
Thomas Plato Ray, 87, of Old Fort, passed away Sunday evening, September 27, 2026 at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine.
A native of Yancey County, he was born March 5, 1939 to the late Ralph Ray and Ernie Westall Ray. He was also preceded in death by sisters, Betty and Peggy.
Tommy lived a life shaped by steady work, deep...
Aloysia Marie O'Connell Gardner
Sep 26, 2026
Aloysia Marie O’Connell Gardner, age 96, of Marion, departed this life on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at her residence surrounded by her loving family.
A native of Cape May County, New Jersey, she was born June 6, 1930, to the late Joseph O’Connell and Marie Miller Davies.
Aloysia was an avid reader, especially her Bible. She was a member of New Manna...
Manuel Gene Williams
Sep 24, 2026
Manuel Williams, 70, of Rutherfordton, passed away September 24, 2026, following a sudden illness. Born October 17, 1955, in Cleveland County, he was the son of Buford Williams and Bonnie Schism Moore. He graduated from West Lincoln High School and worked 40 years at Carolina Mills, as well as a number of years at Outdoor Color. In more recent years,...
Patricia “Trisha” Branch Phillips
Sep 24, 2026
Patricia “Trisha” Branch Phillips of Marion passed away on September 24, 2026. Trisha spent her life loving her family and making sure the people around her felt cared for, supported, and loved.
Trisha was small in stature, but the love she carried for her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and family was anything but small. Her love was unmatched, and she gave...
Dennis Benjamin Repke
Sep 24, 2026
Dennis Benjamin Repke, age 84, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 24, 2026, in Marion, NC.
Born on June 23, 1942, Dennis was the son of the late Benjamin and Laverne Repke. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant daughter and his brother, Errol.
Dennis will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Gayle; his children, Mark...
Leland "Guy" Herbert Gorecki
Sep 24, 2026
Leland “Guy” Herbert Gorecki, 74, passed away September 24, 2026 surrounded by his loving family at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center. He was born in Elkhorn, WI on April 28,1952 to Raymond and June Gorecki. At age 18 he moved to Charlotte, NC to attend heavy equipment operation school. From then on, he called North Carolina home.
Guy is survived by his...
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...
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...
Joyce Wilma Nettles
Oct 1, 2026
Joyce Wilma Nettles, born September 29, 1937, in McDowell County, passed away on October 1, 2026, at Mountain Ridge Health and Rehab.
Joyce will be remembered as a woman who loved her family and friends deeply, especially her children and grandchildren. She placed service to others above herself and lived with a generous spirit that touched those around her. She also...
Charles Ray Gardner, Sr.
Sep 29, 2026
Charles Ray Gardner, Sr., 89, of Morganton, passed away Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at his residence.
He was born in McDowell County on November 22, 1936 to the late Parley Gardner and Margie Jimison Gardner. A longtime member of Hankins Baptist Church, Charles was a family man who loved the Lord wholeheartedly. Fishing was his passion and something he truly enjoyed.
In...
Ruth Denise Duncan
Sep 29, 2026
Ruth Denise Duncan, age 82, passed away peacefully at her residence on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
Born on October 28, 1943, Denise was the daughter of the late Thomas Lee and Mary Randolph Lee. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Eugene Lee and Jay Will Lee; and her sisters, Wilma Palmore, Ethel Shelton, Gladys...
Debra "Deb" Ann Robinson
Sep 29, 2026
Debra Ann Robinson, of McDowell County, passed away at her residence on September 29, 2026, at the age of 68. Born on May 30, 1958, in McDowell County, she lived a life marked by faith, devotion, and deep love for those around her.
Mrs. Robinson was a devoted Christian whose life reflected the values she held close. She attended Yancey Street...
Lola Jean Goforth Yoder
Sep 28, 2026
Lola Goforth Yoder, age 86, of Marion, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 28, 2026.
Born on September 21, 1940, Lola was the daughter of the late Grover Goforth and Pearl Wright Goforth. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Yoder, and a brother Jackie Goforth.
Lola was a devoted mother and grandmother who...
Louise Swafford Church
Sep 28, 2026
Louise Swafford Church, 84, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on September 28, 2026, at Mission Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina. Born June 12, 1942, in Marion, she was the daughter of George Bailey and Maggie Swafford Bailey. To those who loved her, she was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, nana, friend, entrepreneur and advocate for those with special...
Johnny Matthew Wallace, Sr.
Sep 28, 2026
Johnny Matthew Wallace, Sr., beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 28, 2026, at the age of 85. Born on August 26, 1941, in Asheville, North Carolina, Johnny was the son of Jensie Alleen Wallace. He had a hard
upbringing but always made the most of every opportunity. He made his home in Marion, North...
Thomas Plato Ray
Sep 27, 2026
Thomas Plato Ray, 87, of Old Fort, passed away Sunday evening, September 27, 2026 at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine.
A native of Yancey County, he was born March 5, 1939 to the late Ralph Ray and Ernie Westall Ray. He was also preceded in death by sisters, Betty and Peggy.
Tommy lived a life shaped by steady work, deep...
Aloysia Marie O'Connell Gardner
Sep 26, 2026
Aloysia Marie O’Connell Gardner, age 96, of Marion, departed this life on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at her residence surrounded by her loving family.
A native of Cape May County, New Jersey, she was born June 6, 1930, to the late Joseph O’Connell and Marie Miller Davies.
Aloysia was an avid reader, especially her Bible. She was a member of New Manna...
Manuel Gene Williams
Sep 24, 2026
Manuel Williams, 70, of Rutherfordton, passed away September 24, 2026, following a sudden illness. Born October 17, 1955, in Cleveland County, he was the son of Buford Williams and Bonnie Schism Moore. He graduated from West Lincoln High School and worked 40 years at Carolina Mills, as well as a number of years at Outdoor Color. In more recent years,...
Patricia “Trisha” Branch Phillips
Sep 24, 2026
Patricia “Trisha” Branch Phillips of Marion passed away on September 24, 2026. Trisha spent her life loving her family and making sure the people around her felt cared for, supported, and loved.
Trisha was small in stature, but the love she carried for her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and family was anything but small. Her love was unmatched, and she gave...
Dennis Benjamin Repke
Sep 24, 2026
Dennis Benjamin Repke, age 84, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 24, 2026, in Marion, NC.
Born on June 23, 1942, Dennis was the son of the late Benjamin and Laverne Repke. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant daughter and his brother, Errol.
Dennis will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Gayle; his children, Mark...
Leland "Guy" Herbert Gorecki
Sep 24, 2026
Leland “Guy” Herbert Gorecki, 74, passed away September 24, 2026 surrounded by his loving family at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center. He was born in Elkhorn, WI on April 28,1952 to Raymond and June Gorecki. At age 18 he moved to Charlotte, NC to attend heavy equipment operation school. From then on, he called North Carolina home.
Guy is survived by his...
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