Obituaries
Steven Edward Culbertson
Jun 29, 2025
Steven Edward Culbertson, affectionately known as Steve, passed away on June 29, 2025, at his residence. Born on August 1, 1951, in Rutherford County, he was a vibrant and passionate individual who truly loved life.
Steve was an avid golfer, spending countless hours on the course. He thrived in the competitive atmosphere of golf tournaments, where he celebrated many championships. His...
Tony Lee Lawson
Jun 28, 2025
Tony Lee Lawson, 67, of Old Fort, passed away Saturday, June 28, 2025 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
A native of McDowell County, he was born on November 29, 1957 to Rena Carr Hall and the late William Lee “Bill” Lawson.
Tony was employed with Morganton Pressure Vessels for over twenty years. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army. Tony...
Timothy Andrew Gautney
Jun 28, 2025
Timothy Andrew Gautney, 65, of Nebo, passed away Saturday, June 28, 2025 at Swannanoa Valley Health & Rehabilitation.
A native of Colbert County, Alabama, Tim was born September 18, 1959 to the late James “Cal” Gautney and Lois “Polly” Dorton Gautney.
Tim retired from the McDowell County Senior Center where he worked in food service. He loved cooking and took great pride...
Kasey Nicole Woody
Jun 27, 2025
Kasey Nicole Woody, devoted wife, and remarkable mother, passed away on June 27, 2025, at the age of 42. Born on July 16, 1982, in Burke County, Kasey was a beacon of love and joy to all who knew her.
In her life, Kasey embodied the qualities of a loving wife and a nurturing mother, dedicating herself wholeheartedly to her family....
Donald Christopher Childers
Jun 27, 2025
Chris Childers, 52, of Nebo, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, June 27, 2025 at Mission Hospital McDowell.
He was born in Burke County on January 8, 1973 to Wanda Sprinkle Childers and the late Donald H. Childers.
Chris was a faithful member of Zion Hill Baptist Church. He was well known for the numerous wrestling organizations he was...
John F. Ridley
Jun 26, 2025
John F. Ridley, 84, of Lake Lure, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 26. 2025. Born on September 6, 1940, in Rutherford County, he was predeceased by his Father Ira Ridley and his mother, Mary Conner Ridley. John was a proud native of the area and a beloved member of the Lake Lure community, where he lived for...
Raymond Lanning, Jr.
Jun 24, 2025
Raymond Lanning, Jr., affectionately known as "Radar," passed away peacefully at his residence on June 24, 2025, at the age of 51. Born on July 17, 1973, in McDowell County, he was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.
Raymond was known as a jack of all trades, embodying a spirit of generosity that touched the lives of those around...
Merl Smith Stanley, Jr.
Jun 23, 2025
Merl Smith Stanley Jr. passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on Monday, June 23rd, 2025.
He was born on April 22, 1957 in Mount Holly, New Jersey to the late Merl Smith Stanley Sr. and Virginia (Scearce) Stanley.
Growing up in the Valdese area, Merl was affectionately known as “Smitty” by his close friends. He was a member of the...
Sylvia Ann Mullis Barrier
Jun 23, 2025
Sylvia Ann Mullis Barrier, 74, of Old Fort, passed away Monday, June 23, 2025 at Mountain Ridge Health and Rehabilitation.
She was born in Monroe, North Carolina on July 18, 1950 to the late Kirby Mullis and Dorothy Newsome Mullis.
Sylvia formerly worked for McDowell County Family Services. She was a loving mother, and she lived her life for her children and...
Johnny David Lyons
Jun 23, 2025
Johnny David Lyons, 55, of Marion, passed away early Monday morning, June 23, 2025 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in McDowell County on July 20, 1969 to the late Harold Lyons and Wanda June Whitehead Lyons. He was also preceded in death by an infant sister.
Johnny was employed for 25 years as a Correctional Officer...
Geraldine Mae Short
Jun 22, 2025
Geraldine Mae Short, 80, of Morganton, passed away Sunday, June 22, 2025, at Amorem Hospice in Valdese.
Geraldine was born in Lansing, Michigan, on September 24, 1944, to the late Frank Gordon Upton and Josephine Marie Jury Upton. She was married to her husband of 52 years, Gerald Nathan Short, who passed away in 2018. Geraldine was an active and dedicated...
Billy Eugene Daniels, Jr.
Jun 21, 2025
Billy Eugene Daniels, Jr., 62, of Vilas, North Carolina, passed away Saturday, June 21, 2025 at his residence.
A native of Avery County, he was born April 5, 1963 to the late Billy Eugene Daniels, Sr. and Anna Mae Beam Daniels. He was a talented cook who worked in restaurants in the Boone area throughout his career. An avid fan of...
Frank Edward Love, Sr.
Jun 19, 2025
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Frank Edward Love, Sr., who left this world on June 19, 2025, at the Charles George VA Medical Center. Born on February 25, 1945, Frank was not only a devoted family man but also a proud U.S. Marine veteran whose life was marked by his unwavering commitment to his...
Larry Garland
Jun 18, 2025
Larry Garland, age 65, born on March 23, 1960, in Johnson City, Tennessee, passed away on June 18, 2025. He was a devoted husband, dad, pap, and a cherished member of the Buladean community. Known for his unwavering commitment to his family and faith, Larry was admired as a pillar within his community.
For 32 years, he owned and operated the...
James Albert Patrick Jr.
Jun 16, 2025
James “Jimmy” Albert Patrick Jr., passed away on June 16, 2025, at Amorem Hospice of Burke County. He was born on February 25, 1962, in McDowell County. Jimmy leaves behind a legacy of love and commitment to his family and friends, along with cherished memories that will be held close by all who knew him.
For many years, Jimmy built a...
Maria De La Luz Ambrocio Guerrero
Jun 16, 2025
Maria De La Luz Ambrocio Guerrero, 65, of Marion, passed away Monday, June 16, 2025 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
She was born on September 1, 1959 in Cheran Michoacan, Mexico. She formerly worked at Baxter Healthcare. She loved animals, especially her pet chickens, and she enjoyed gardening and crocheting in her free time. Maria’s family was her world, and her...
Babi Gail Morrow
Jun 16, 2025
Babi Gail Morrow, 57, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Monday, June 16, 2025 at her residence.
She was born on October 26, 1967 to Bobby Morrow and the late Arzelia Wilson Morrow.
Babi was born on the George Air Force Base in Victorville, California, but she made Marion her lifelong home. She found joy in simple activities like...
Barbara Ann Babb Wilson
Jun 15, 2025
Barbara Ann Babb Wilson, 86, of Marion, passed away Sunday, June 15, 2025, at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville.
Barbara was born in Buncombe County, NC, on May 26, 1939, to the late Roy Gordon Babb and Kathleen Virginia Owensby Babb. She was married to the late William Daniel Wilson. Barbara was a member of Story Memorial Presbyterian Church and the...
Linda Sue Sisk Freeborn
Jun 15, 2025
Linda Sue Sisk Freeborn, 60, of Morganton, passed peacefully at her home on Sunday, June 15, 2025 surrounded by her loving family.
She was born in McDowell County on September 29, 1964 to the late Alvin Lee Sisk and Myrtle Sue Pyatt Sisk Bradley.
Linda had a career in textiles and later worked in convenience stores. Her family, however, was more important...
Charles William Patton
Jun 12, 2025
Charles William Patton, fondly known as William, passed away on June 12, 2025, at Mission Hospital Asheville, while surrounded by loving family, He was born on May 23, 1951 to the late Lester and Violet Childers Patton.
William had a distinguished career as a retired licensed contractor, leaving a legacy of homes built throughout McDowell and the surrounding counties.
Beyond his professional...
Steven Edward Culbertson
Jun 29, 2025
Steven Edward Culbertson, affectionately known as Steve, passed away on June 29, 2025, at his residence. Born on August 1, 1951, in Rutherford County, he was a vibrant and passionate individual who truly loved life.
Steve was an avid golfer, spending countless hours on the course. He thrived in the competitive atmosphere of golf tournaments, where he celebrated many championships. His...
Tony Lee Lawson
Jun 28, 2025
Tony Lee Lawson, 67, of Old Fort, passed away Saturday, June 28, 2025 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
A native of McDowell County, he was born on November 29, 1957 to Rena Carr Hall and the late William Lee “Bill” Lawson.
Tony was employed with Morganton Pressure Vessels for over twenty years. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army. Tony...
Timothy Andrew Gautney
Jun 28, 2025
Timothy Andrew Gautney, 65, of Nebo, passed away Saturday, June 28, 2025 at Swannanoa Valley Health & Rehabilitation.
A native of Colbert County, Alabama, Tim was born September 18, 1959 to the late James “Cal” Gautney and Lois “Polly” Dorton Gautney.
Tim retired from the McDowell County Senior Center where he worked in food service. He loved cooking and took great pride...
Kasey Nicole Woody
Jun 27, 2025
Kasey Nicole Woody, devoted wife, and remarkable mother, passed away on June 27, 2025, at the age of 42. Born on July 16, 1982, in Burke County, Kasey was a beacon of love and joy to all who knew her.
In her life, Kasey embodied the qualities of a loving wife and a nurturing mother, dedicating herself wholeheartedly to her family....
Donald Christopher Childers
Jun 27, 2025
Chris Childers, 52, of Nebo, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, June 27, 2025 at Mission Hospital McDowell.
He was born in Burke County on January 8, 1973 to Wanda Sprinkle Childers and the late Donald H. Childers.
Chris was a faithful member of Zion Hill Baptist Church. He was well known for the numerous wrestling organizations he was...
John F. Ridley
Jun 26, 2025
John F. Ridley, 84, of Lake Lure, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 26. 2025. Born on September 6, 1940, in Rutherford County, he was predeceased by his Father Ira Ridley and his mother, Mary Conner Ridley. John was a proud native of the area and a beloved member of the Lake Lure community, where he lived for...
Raymond Lanning, Jr.
Jun 24, 2025
Raymond Lanning, Jr., affectionately known as "Radar," passed away peacefully at his residence on June 24, 2025, at the age of 51. Born on July 17, 1973, in McDowell County, he was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.
Raymond was known as a jack of all trades, embodying a spirit of generosity that touched the lives of those around...
Merl Smith Stanley, Jr.
Jun 23, 2025
Merl Smith Stanley Jr. passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on Monday, June 23rd, 2025.
He was born on April 22, 1957 in Mount Holly, New Jersey to the late Merl Smith Stanley Sr. and Virginia (Scearce) Stanley.
Growing up in the Valdese area, Merl was affectionately known as “Smitty” by his close friends. He was a member of the...
Sylvia Ann Mullis Barrier
Jun 23, 2025
Sylvia Ann Mullis Barrier, 74, of Old Fort, passed away Monday, June 23, 2025 at Mountain Ridge Health and Rehabilitation.
She was born in Monroe, North Carolina on July 18, 1950 to the late Kirby Mullis and Dorothy Newsome Mullis.
Sylvia formerly worked for McDowell County Family Services. She was a loving mother, and she lived her life for her children and...
Johnny David Lyons
Jun 23, 2025
Johnny David Lyons, 55, of Marion, passed away early Monday morning, June 23, 2025 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in McDowell County on July 20, 1969 to the late Harold Lyons and Wanda June Whitehead Lyons. He was also preceded in death by an infant sister.
Johnny was employed for 25 years as a Correctional Officer...
Geraldine Mae Short
Jun 22, 2025
Geraldine Mae Short, 80, of Morganton, passed away Sunday, June 22, 2025, at Amorem Hospice in Valdese.
Geraldine was born in Lansing, Michigan, on September 24, 1944, to the late Frank Gordon Upton and Josephine Marie Jury Upton. She was married to her husband of 52 years, Gerald Nathan Short, who passed away in 2018. Geraldine was an active and dedicated...
Billy Eugene Daniels, Jr.
Jun 21, 2025
Billy Eugene Daniels, Jr., 62, of Vilas, North Carolina, passed away Saturday, June 21, 2025 at his residence.
A native of Avery County, he was born April 5, 1963 to the late Billy Eugene Daniels, Sr. and Anna Mae Beam Daniels. He was a talented cook who worked in restaurants in the Boone area throughout his career. An avid fan of...
Frank Edward Love, Sr.
Jun 19, 2025
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Frank Edward Love, Sr., who left this world on June 19, 2025, at the Charles George VA Medical Center. Born on February 25, 1945, Frank was not only a devoted family man but also a proud U.S. Marine veteran whose life was marked by his unwavering commitment to his...
Larry Garland
Jun 18, 2025
Larry Garland, age 65, born on March 23, 1960, in Johnson City, Tennessee, passed away on June 18, 2025. He was a devoted husband, dad, pap, and a cherished member of the Buladean community. Known for his unwavering commitment to his family and faith, Larry was admired as a pillar within his community.
For 32 years, he owned and operated the...
James Albert Patrick Jr.
Jun 16, 2025
James “Jimmy” Albert Patrick Jr., passed away on June 16, 2025, at Amorem Hospice of Burke County. He was born on February 25, 1962, in McDowell County. Jimmy leaves behind a legacy of love and commitment to his family and friends, along with cherished memories that will be held close by all who knew him.
For many years, Jimmy built a...
Maria De La Luz Ambrocio Guerrero
Jun 16, 2025
Maria De La Luz Ambrocio Guerrero, 65, of Marion, passed away Monday, June 16, 2025 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
She was born on September 1, 1959 in Cheran Michoacan, Mexico. She formerly worked at Baxter Healthcare. She loved animals, especially her pet chickens, and she enjoyed gardening and crocheting in her free time. Maria’s family was her world, and her...
Babi Gail Morrow
Jun 16, 2025
Babi Gail Morrow, 57, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Monday, June 16, 2025 at her residence.
She was born on October 26, 1967 to Bobby Morrow and the late Arzelia Wilson Morrow.
Babi was born on the George Air Force Base in Victorville, California, but she made Marion her lifelong home. She found joy in simple activities like...
Barbara Ann Babb Wilson
Jun 15, 2025
Barbara Ann Babb Wilson, 86, of Marion, passed away Sunday, June 15, 2025, at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville.
Barbara was born in Buncombe County, NC, on May 26, 1939, to the late Roy Gordon Babb and Kathleen Virginia Owensby Babb. She was married to the late William Daniel Wilson. Barbara was a member of Story Memorial Presbyterian Church and the...
Linda Sue Sisk Freeborn
Jun 15, 2025
Linda Sue Sisk Freeborn, 60, of Morganton, passed peacefully at her home on Sunday, June 15, 2025 surrounded by her loving family.
She was born in McDowell County on September 29, 1964 to the late Alvin Lee Sisk and Myrtle Sue Pyatt Sisk Bradley.
Linda had a career in textiles and later worked in convenience stores. Her family, however, was more important...
Charles William Patton
Jun 12, 2025
Charles William Patton, fondly known as William, passed away on June 12, 2025, at Mission Hospital Asheville, while surrounded by loving family, He was born on May 23, 1951 to the late Lester and Violet Childers Patton.
William had a distinguished career as a retired licensed contractor, leaving a legacy of homes built throughout McDowell and the surrounding counties.
Beyond his professional...
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