Obituaries
Jose Luis Mendoza
Jul 11, 2025
Jose Luis Mendoza, 57, of Marion, passed away Friday, July 11, 2025 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
He was born in Mexico on November 8, 1967 and was lovingly known as “Beavis” to many. A talented builder, Jose worked in residential construction doing framing and trim work. He was known as a hard worker, and when he was not on a...
Mary Jane Smith Walker
Jul 11, 2025
Mary Jane Smith Walker, 84, of Old Fort passed away peacefully on Friday afternoon, July 11, 2025 at Mission Hospital McDowell.
A native of McDowell County, she was born October 18, 1940 to the late Earl Smith and Blanche Robinson Smith.
Mary Jane always put others before herself and ensured no one went without. She loved her family, and her grandchildren and...
Garrett Dean Shepard
Jul 10, 2025
Garrett Dean Shepard, 22, of Nebo, passed away Thursday, July 10, 2025 at his residence.
He was born in McDowell County on October 27, 2002. Garrett was a proud co-owner of Shepard Constructors LLC. Known as a kind-hearted person, he truly loved the Lord. He enjoyed riding motorcycles and listening to music. Garrett looked forward to times spent with family and...
Dan Russell Boyd
Jul 10, 2025
Dan Russell Boyd, 68, of Nebo, passed away Thursday, July 10, 2025, with his family at his side.
Dan was born in McDowell County, NC on March 15, 1957, to the late Joe E. Boyd and Devon Fender Boyd. He was a member of Hillcrest Freewill Baptist Church and the Tow River Bear Association. Dan was among the last of the...
Ronald Eugene Stevens
Jul 10, 2025
Ronald Eugene “Punk” Stevens, 58, of Old Fort, passed away Thursday, July 10, 2025, at the Solace Center in Asheville.
Ronald was born in McDowell County, NC, on March 30, 1967, to the late Calvin Washington Stevens and Elizabeth Anne Robinson Stevens. Ronald loved being outdoors. He had a big heart and loved helping others in need. He will always be...
Rebekah Epley Smith
Jul 9, 2025
Rebekah Epley Smith, 86, of Marion, passed away surrounded by her girls on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.
A native of McDowell County, she was born December 2, 1938 to the late Benjamin and Annie Lee Epley.
Rebekah’s family meant everything to her. She especially enjoyed time with her great-grandson, Grayson. She also looked forward to visits from her grand-dogs, Bailey and Maya....
Fred Roger Sanders
Jul 9, 2025
Fred Roger Sanders, 80, of Marion, passed away Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville.
Fred was born in Caldwell County, NC on October 9, 1944, to the late George and Laura Cardwell Sanders. He was married to his beloved wife of 52 years, Wanda Faye Sanders, who passed away in 2016. Fred was a member of Garden...
Judy Duncan Howard
Jul 7, 2025
Judy Duncan Howard, 81, of Marion, passed away peacefully at her residence on Monday, July 7, 2025 with family by her side.
A native of McDowell County, she was born December 12, 1943 to the late Florence Duncan.
Judy was wholly devoted to her family, and she found joy in the small moments spent with her loved ones. She delighted in the...
Blanche Roland Howard
Jul 4, 2025
Blanche Elizabeth Roland Howard, 82, of Nebo, passed away Friday, July 4, 2025, at the Solace Center in Asheville.
Blanche was born in Old Fort, NC on August 10, 1942, to the late Lester John Roland and Marie Wilson Roland. She worked at Ethan Allen, with whom she retired after many years of dedicated service. Blanche was a devoted Christian and...
Celesta Shae Johnson
Jul 4, 2025
Celesta Shae Johnson, a beloved member of her family and community, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2025. Born on July 26, 1980, in Buncombe County, she was known for her vibrant spirit and her capacity to spread joy to those around her.
Celesta cherished all things Disney, a passion that brought laughter and happiness not only to her own life...
Harold Franklin Bower
Jul 2, 2025
Harold Franklin Bower, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at his residence on July 2, 2025. Born on October 29, 1941, in Fairmont, West Virginia, Harold lived a life deeply rooted in faith and service.
Harold dedicated six years of his life to the United States Navy, serving proudly as a pilot. His commitment to...
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...
Sammy Eddie Whitson
Jun 28, 2025
Sammy Eddie Whitson, 69, of Nebo, passed away Saturday, June 28, 2025 at UNC Health Blue Ridge.
A native of McDowell County, he was born on June 12, 1956 to the late Lucy Vaughn Whitson. In his earlier years, Sam was employed as a lineman. He enjoyed tinkering, and he will be remembered for his ability to fix anything. He loved...
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...
Alisa Diane Hamrick Smith
Jun 27, 2025
Alisa Diane Hamrick Smith, 54, of Marion, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, June 27, 2025 at Mission Hospital McDowell.
She was born in Marion on July 30, 1970. She was a very giving person who was always ready to listen to others to help them in their lives. Alisa enjoyed treasured friendships with many people. She was a devoted mother, loving...
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...
Sharon Renee Walker Calloway
Jun 26, 2025
Sharon Renee Walker Calloway, 72, passed away at Bear Mountain Health & Rehabilitation on Thursday evening, June 26, 2025.
She was born in Caldwell County on March 27, 1953.
No services are planned.
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...
Jose Luis Mendoza
Jul 11, 2025
Jose Luis Mendoza, 57, of Marion, passed away Friday, July 11, 2025 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
He was born in Mexico on November 8, 1967 and was lovingly known as “Beavis” to many. A talented builder, Jose worked in residential construction doing framing and trim work. He was known as a hard worker, and when he was not on a...
Mary Jane Smith Walker
Jul 11, 2025
Mary Jane Smith Walker, 84, of Old Fort passed away peacefully on Friday afternoon, July 11, 2025 at Mission Hospital McDowell.
A native of McDowell County, she was born October 18, 1940 to the late Earl Smith and Blanche Robinson Smith.
Mary Jane always put others before herself and ensured no one went without. She loved her family, and her grandchildren and...
Garrett Dean Shepard
Jul 10, 2025
Garrett Dean Shepard, 22, of Nebo, passed away Thursday, July 10, 2025 at his residence.
He was born in McDowell County on October 27, 2002. Garrett was a proud co-owner of Shepard Constructors LLC. Known as a kind-hearted person, he truly loved the Lord. He enjoyed riding motorcycles and listening to music. Garrett looked forward to times spent with family and...
Dan Russell Boyd
Jul 10, 2025
Dan Russell Boyd, 68, of Nebo, passed away Thursday, July 10, 2025, with his family at his side.
Dan was born in McDowell County, NC on March 15, 1957, to the late Joe E. Boyd and Devon Fender Boyd. He was a member of Hillcrest Freewill Baptist Church and the Tow River Bear Association. Dan was among the last of the...
Ronald Eugene Stevens
Jul 10, 2025
Ronald Eugene “Punk” Stevens, 58, of Old Fort, passed away Thursday, July 10, 2025, at the Solace Center in Asheville.
Ronald was born in McDowell County, NC, on March 30, 1967, to the late Calvin Washington Stevens and Elizabeth Anne Robinson Stevens. Ronald loved being outdoors. He had a big heart and loved helping others in need. He will always be...
Rebekah Epley Smith
Jul 9, 2025
Rebekah Epley Smith, 86, of Marion, passed away surrounded by her girls on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.
A native of McDowell County, she was born December 2, 1938 to the late Benjamin and Annie Lee Epley.
Rebekah’s family meant everything to her. She especially enjoyed time with her great-grandson, Grayson. She also looked forward to visits from her grand-dogs, Bailey and Maya....
Fred Roger Sanders
Jul 9, 2025
Fred Roger Sanders, 80, of Marion, passed away Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville.
Fred was born in Caldwell County, NC on October 9, 1944, to the late George and Laura Cardwell Sanders. He was married to his beloved wife of 52 years, Wanda Faye Sanders, who passed away in 2016. Fred was a member of Garden...
Judy Duncan Howard
Jul 7, 2025
Judy Duncan Howard, 81, of Marion, passed away peacefully at her residence on Monday, July 7, 2025 with family by her side.
A native of McDowell County, she was born December 12, 1943 to the late Florence Duncan.
Judy was wholly devoted to her family, and she found joy in the small moments spent with her loved ones. She delighted in the...
Blanche Roland Howard
Jul 4, 2025
Blanche Elizabeth Roland Howard, 82, of Nebo, passed away Friday, July 4, 2025, at the Solace Center in Asheville.
Blanche was born in Old Fort, NC on August 10, 1942, to the late Lester John Roland and Marie Wilson Roland. She worked at Ethan Allen, with whom she retired after many years of dedicated service. Blanche was a devoted Christian and...
Celesta Shae Johnson
Jul 4, 2025
Celesta Shae Johnson, a beloved member of her family and community, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2025. Born on July 26, 1980, in Buncombe County, she was known for her vibrant spirit and her capacity to spread joy to those around her.
Celesta cherished all things Disney, a passion that brought laughter and happiness not only to her own life...
Harold Franklin Bower
Jul 2, 2025
Harold Franklin Bower, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at his residence on July 2, 2025. Born on October 29, 1941, in Fairmont, West Virginia, Harold lived a life deeply rooted in faith and service.
Harold dedicated six years of his life to the United States Navy, serving proudly as a pilot. His commitment to...
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...
Sammy Eddie Whitson
Jun 28, 2025
Sammy Eddie Whitson, 69, of Nebo, passed away Saturday, June 28, 2025 at UNC Health Blue Ridge.
A native of McDowell County, he was born on June 12, 1956 to the late Lucy Vaughn Whitson. In his earlier years, Sam was employed as a lineman. He enjoyed tinkering, and he will be remembered for his ability to fix anything. He loved...
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...
Alisa Diane Hamrick Smith
Jun 27, 2025
Alisa Diane Hamrick Smith, 54, of Marion, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, June 27, 2025 at Mission Hospital McDowell.
She was born in Marion on July 30, 1970. She was a very giving person who was always ready to listen to others to help them in their lives. Alisa enjoyed treasured friendships with many people. She was a devoted mother, loving...
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...
Sharon Renee Walker Calloway
Jun 26, 2025
Sharon Renee Walker Calloway, 72, passed away at Bear Mountain Health & Rehabilitation on Thursday evening, June 26, 2025.
She was born in Caldwell County on March 27, 1953.
No services are planned.
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...
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