Obituaries
Rev. Billy Gene Riggs
Jul 14, 2023
Rev. Billy Gene Riggs, 81, of Old Fort, passed away Friday, July 14, 2023 at Memorial Mission Hospital.
A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Bill was born on June 30, 1942 to the late Otis Andrew Riggs and Lillian Askings Tatum. His stepfather was George Tatum.
Rev. Riggs attended Bible college and served as a minister for 50...
Benjamin Paul Flynn
Jul 13, 2023
Benjamin Paul Flynn, 30, of Asheville and formerly of Marion, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, July 13, 2023.
He was born in Marion on December 4, 1992. He was known to many as Ben or Benji. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed being in nature. He loved his family and always put them first in his life....
Charles "Jack" Culbertson Blount
Jul 12, 2023
Charles “Jack” Blount, 86, of Marion passed away at his residence on Wednesday, July 12, 2023.
Jack was born in Tampa, Florida on May 6, 1937 to the late Edward Buck Blount and the late Josephine Alma Monrose Blount. He is also preceded in death by his son, Charles Blount, Jr.
Jack proudly served his county in the US...
William Eugene Surratt
Jul 11, 2023
William Eugene Surratt, 74, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at Atrium Health Pineville.
He was born on October 14, 1948 to the late William Earl Surratt and Nelle Woody Surratt. He is also preceded in death by his spouse, Josie Rockett; siblings, Barbara Hefner, Patsy Hutchins, and Jack Surratt; and a nephew, Chuck Surratt.
...
Gloria Margaret Dupree Finke
Jul 11, 2023
Gloria Margaret Dupree Finke, 71, of Marion formally of Old Town, Florida, passed away at her residence on Tuesday, July 11, 2023.
Gloria was born on March 3, 1952 to the late Herman Williams and to the late Joyce Daniels Williams. She was known as a hardworking woman who enjoyed quilting and crocheting. Gloria was a loving mother, grandmother...
Carmen Eileen Worley Hall
Jul 11, 2023
Carmen Eileen Worley Hall, 55, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 11, 2023.
Carmen was born on August 19, 1967 to Rev. Douglas Worley and Eva Mae King Worley. She was of the Baptist faith and attended many churches with her family and her husband as he pastored. She was a pianist and...
Joseph Alan Dutton
Jul 11, 2023
Joseph Alan Dutton, 71, of Morganton, North Carolina, passed away Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.
He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on July 5, 1952 to the late Frank James Dutton and Mary Ann Yendrich Dutton.
Mr. Dutton served in the United States Army and later in the United States Navy. He...
James Everett Sumlin
Jul 10, 2023
James Everett Sumlin, 86, of Dysartsville, passed away on the afternoon of Monday, July 10, 2023.
James was born on August 08, 1936 to the late Rufus Edgar Sumlin and the late Julia Edna Washburn Sumlin. His son, Ricky Dean Buckner, also preceded him in death along with his good friends, Sherrill Dixon and Lawrence Fortune.
He was a...
Samuel Martin Brown
Jul 9, 2023
Samuel Martin Brown, 76, of Nebo, North Carolina, peacefully went to be with His Lord and Savior at Memorial Mission Hospital in Asheville surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Onslow County on March 1, 1947, to the late Lyman Brown and Myrtie Richardson Brown. He is also preceded in death by his wife, Freida Brown,...
Russell Lewis Riggins
Jul 9, 2023
Russell Lewis Riggins, 64, of Marion passed away at his residence on Sunday, July 9, 2023.
No services are planned at this time.
Robert Ray Bechtel
Jul 9, 2023
Robert Ray Bechtel, 97, of Black Mountain, formerly of Michigan, passed away Sunday morning, July 9, 2023 at Mountain Ridge Health and Wellness Center.
Mr. Bechtel was born in Michigan on April 13, 1926. He served his country proudly in the United States Navy and was a member of the United Methodist Church. He worked on...
Christian August Powser
Jul 7, 2023
Christian August Powser, 49, of Nebo, passed away Friday, July 7, 2023 at Mission McDowell Hospital.
Christian was born in Monterey County, California, on July 20, 1973, to Earl Clifford Peyatt and Joy Lee Thompson Peyatt. Christian was an avid fan of the Los Angeles Rams. He was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, and a...
Helen Hennessee Nelson
Jul 7, 2023
Helen Hennessee Nelson, 82, passed away on Friday, July 7, 2023 at her residence in Connelly Springs, North Carolina.
Helen was born in McDowell County, on February 17, 1941, to the late Gilmer and Nora Hennessee. She graduated from North Cove High School and later attended Western Carolina University. She enjoyed watching Braves Baseball with her son,...
Edith Duncan Allison
Jul 6, 2023
Edith Duncan Allison, 83, of Marion and formerly of Old Fort, passed away peacefully surrounded by her three girls on Thursday, July 6, 2023.
She was born in Marion on March 14, 1940 to the late Jasper and Docia Webb Duncan. She is also preceded in death by the love of her life, Joseph Henry Allison.
Edith’s...
Donna Jean Shepard
Jul 4, 2023
Donna Jean Shepard, 67, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, July 4, 2023 at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center.
A native of Marion, she was born January 31, 1956 to the late John Shepard and Libby Smith Shepard. A granddaughter, Brooke Buchanan, also precedes her in death. Donna enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Taking care of her...
Clara Rebecca McCall
Jul 4, 2023
Clara Rebecca McCall was born November 22, 1939 to the late Charles Alexander McCall and Lela Marlowe McCall. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Alma Childers, her brother, Alvin McCall and nephew Charles Richard McCall “Rick”. She is survived by nephews, John Childers (Bonnie), Bill Childers (Arlene), Jeff McCall (Melanie); nieces Martha Jordan (Ben) and Nancy...
Charles Timothy Higdon
Jul 1, 2023
Charles Timothy Higdon, 43, of Marion, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 1, 2023.
He was born in Lincoln County on April 9, 1980. He was affectionately known by many as “Big Tim.” He was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing, hiking, camping, hunting, and digging for herbs. The outdoors truly brought him peace and joy. He was...
John Max Metcalf
Jul 1, 2023
John Max Metcalf
October 12, 1967 – July 1, 2023
John was diagnosed April 2022 with terminal stage 4 bone cancer. They gave him 2 weeks 2 months 2 years. He chose to fight and did just that. He fought for 15 months. Strong is an understatement.
Whether you know John Boy, Johnny Max, or Black...
Kaye Roland Simmons
Jul 1, 2023
Mrs. Kaye Roland Simmons, widow of the late Billy Simmons, joined him and their Heavenly Father on July 1, 2023. Mrs. Simmons of the South Toe Community of Yancey County, was preceded in death by two young brothers and by her parents, Thomas Roland and Maine Whiteside of Marion, NC.
Mrs. Simmons is survived by an abundant loving...
Tina Marie Madrazo
Jul 1, 2023
Tina Marie Madrazo, 64, of Old Fort, passed away at her residence on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Tina was born on October 2, 1958 in Ithaca, NY to the late John D. Ford, II and the late Elva Louise Summers Ford.
Left to cherish her memory are her siblings, Debbie Warfel (Mark) of Kingston, Ga., David Ford (Nancy)...
Rev. Billy Gene Riggs
Jul 14, 2023
Rev. Billy Gene Riggs, 81, of Old Fort, passed away Friday, July 14, 2023 at Memorial Mission Hospital.
A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Bill was born on June 30, 1942 to the late Otis Andrew Riggs and Lillian Askings Tatum. His stepfather was George Tatum.
Rev. Riggs attended Bible college and served as a minister for 50...
Benjamin Paul Flynn
Jul 13, 2023
Benjamin Paul Flynn, 30, of Asheville and formerly of Marion, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, July 13, 2023.
He was born in Marion on December 4, 1992. He was known to many as Ben or Benji. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed being in nature. He loved his family and always put them first in his life....
Charles "Jack" Culbertson Blount
Jul 12, 2023
Charles “Jack” Blount, 86, of Marion passed away at his residence on Wednesday, July 12, 2023.
Jack was born in Tampa, Florida on May 6, 1937 to the late Edward Buck Blount and the late Josephine Alma Monrose Blount. He is also preceded in death by his son, Charles Blount, Jr.
Jack proudly served his county in the US...
William Eugene Surratt
Jul 11, 2023
William Eugene Surratt, 74, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at Atrium Health Pineville.
He was born on October 14, 1948 to the late William Earl Surratt and Nelle Woody Surratt. He is also preceded in death by his spouse, Josie Rockett; siblings, Barbara Hefner, Patsy Hutchins, and Jack Surratt; and a nephew, Chuck Surratt.
...
Gloria Margaret Dupree Finke
Jul 11, 2023
Gloria Margaret Dupree Finke, 71, of Marion formally of Old Town, Florida, passed away at her residence on Tuesday, July 11, 2023.
Gloria was born on March 3, 1952 to the late Herman Williams and to the late Joyce Daniels Williams. She was known as a hardworking woman who enjoyed quilting and crocheting. Gloria was a loving mother, grandmother...
Carmen Eileen Worley Hall
Jul 11, 2023
Carmen Eileen Worley Hall, 55, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 11, 2023.
Carmen was born on August 19, 1967 to Rev. Douglas Worley and Eva Mae King Worley. She was of the Baptist faith and attended many churches with her family and her husband as he pastored. She was a pianist and...
Joseph Alan Dutton
Jul 11, 2023
Joseph Alan Dutton, 71, of Morganton, North Carolina, passed away Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.
He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on July 5, 1952 to the late Frank James Dutton and Mary Ann Yendrich Dutton.
Mr. Dutton served in the United States Army and later in the United States Navy. He...
James Everett Sumlin
Jul 10, 2023
James Everett Sumlin, 86, of Dysartsville, passed away on the afternoon of Monday, July 10, 2023.
James was born on August 08, 1936 to the late Rufus Edgar Sumlin and the late Julia Edna Washburn Sumlin. His son, Ricky Dean Buckner, also preceded him in death along with his good friends, Sherrill Dixon and Lawrence Fortune.
He was a...
Samuel Martin Brown
Jul 9, 2023
Samuel Martin Brown, 76, of Nebo, North Carolina, peacefully went to be with His Lord and Savior at Memorial Mission Hospital in Asheville surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Onslow County on March 1, 1947, to the late Lyman Brown and Myrtie Richardson Brown. He is also preceded in death by his wife, Freida Brown,...
Russell Lewis Riggins
Jul 9, 2023
Russell Lewis Riggins, 64, of Marion passed away at his residence on Sunday, July 9, 2023.
No services are planned at this time.
Robert Ray Bechtel
Jul 9, 2023
Robert Ray Bechtel, 97, of Black Mountain, formerly of Michigan, passed away Sunday morning, July 9, 2023 at Mountain Ridge Health and Wellness Center.
Mr. Bechtel was born in Michigan on April 13, 1926. He served his country proudly in the United States Navy and was a member of the United Methodist Church. He worked on...
Christian August Powser
Jul 7, 2023
Christian August Powser, 49, of Nebo, passed away Friday, July 7, 2023 at Mission McDowell Hospital.
Christian was born in Monterey County, California, on July 20, 1973, to Earl Clifford Peyatt and Joy Lee Thompson Peyatt. Christian was an avid fan of the Los Angeles Rams. He was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, and a...
Helen Hennessee Nelson
Jul 7, 2023
Helen Hennessee Nelson, 82, passed away on Friday, July 7, 2023 at her residence in Connelly Springs, North Carolina.
Helen was born in McDowell County, on February 17, 1941, to the late Gilmer and Nora Hennessee. She graduated from North Cove High School and later attended Western Carolina University. She enjoyed watching Braves Baseball with her son,...
Edith Duncan Allison
Jul 6, 2023
Edith Duncan Allison, 83, of Marion and formerly of Old Fort, passed away peacefully surrounded by her three girls on Thursday, July 6, 2023.
She was born in Marion on March 14, 1940 to the late Jasper and Docia Webb Duncan. She is also preceded in death by the love of her life, Joseph Henry Allison.
Edith’s...
Donna Jean Shepard
Jul 4, 2023
Donna Jean Shepard, 67, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, July 4, 2023 at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center.
A native of Marion, she was born January 31, 1956 to the late John Shepard and Libby Smith Shepard. A granddaughter, Brooke Buchanan, also precedes her in death. Donna enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Taking care of her...
Clara Rebecca McCall
Jul 4, 2023
Clara Rebecca McCall was born November 22, 1939 to the late Charles Alexander McCall and Lela Marlowe McCall. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Alma Childers, her brother, Alvin McCall and nephew Charles Richard McCall “Rick”. She is survived by nephews, John Childers (Bonnie), Bill Childers (Arlene), Jeff McCall (Melanie); nieces Martha Jordan (Ben) and Nancy...
Charles Timothy Higdon
Jul 1, 2023
Charles Timothy Higdon, 43, of Marion, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 1, 2023.
He was born in Lincoln County on April 9, 1980. He was affectionately known by many as “Big Tim.” He was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing, hiking, camping, hunting, and digging for herbs. The outdoors truly brought him peace and joy. He was...
John Max Metcalf
Jul 1, 2023
John Max Metcalf
October 12, 1967 – July 1, 2023
John was diagnosed April 2022 with terminal stage 4 bone cancer. They gave him 2 weeks 2 months 2 years. He chose to fight and did just that. He fought for 15 months. Strong is an understatement.
Whether you know John Boy, Johnny Max, or Black...
Kaye Roland Simmons
Jul 1, 2023
Mrs. Kaye Roland Simmons, widow of the late Billy Simmons, joined him and their Heavenly Father on July 1, 2023. Mrs. Simmons of the South Toe Community of Yancey County, was preceded in death by two young brothers and by her parents, Thomas Roland and Maine Whiteside of Marion, NC.
Mrs. Simmons is survived by an abundant loving...
Tina Marie Madrazo
Jul 1, 2023
Tina Marie Madrazo, 64, of Old Fort, passed away at her residence on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Tina was born on October 2, 1958 in Ithaca, NY to the late John D. Ford, II and the late Elva Louise Summers Ford.
Left to cherish her memory are her siblings, Debbie Warfel (Mark) of Kingston, Ga., David Ford (Nancy)...
Plan Ahead
- Peace of Mind Planning Kit
- Traditional Funeral Information
- Cremation Information
No Pressure. Just Information.
Subscribe
Subscribe to get alerts on new obituaries
A Year of Grief Support
Sign up for one year of weekly grief messages designed to provide strength and comfort during this challenging time.
