Obituaries

Joseph Wilson Lyle, Jr.

Joseph Wilson Lyle, Jr.

Mar 28, 2025



“Poor and Hungry, Sad and Lonely No More”

Joseph Wilson Lyle Jr. died Friday, March 28th, 2025. He was 71 years old.

Born on January 7th, 1954 in Memphis, Tennessee, Joe moved east to the coast of North Carolina before settling down in the beloved mountains of western North Carolina.

His decades of dedicated work in the lumber business gave him a sharp...

Larry Lee Stephens

Larry Lee Stephens

Mar 28, 2025

     Larry Lee Stephens, 40, of Marion, passed away on Friday, March 28, at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville. Larry was born in Georgia to his mother, Elaine Bussey, along with his sisters Maryanne, Lindsey, and Amanada—Go Dawgs!—and is survived by his wife, Jennifer Stephens, as well as his life partner, Summer Cable. He is deeply loved by all...

Joseph Harold Howell

Joseph Harold Howell

Mar 28, 2025



The sweetest, kindest man I've ever known died peacefully in his sleep at home in the early morning hours of Friday, March 28, 2025, just 4 days passed his 86th birthday. My comfort is the assurance that Joe is with Jesus, he's at rest because of his decision to believe in Him as the only way to eternal life. I...

Brandon Lee Kucera

Brandon Lee Kucera

Mar 27, 2025

Brandon Lee Kucera,  age 52, a beloved son, passed away at his residence on March 27, 2025.  Born in Madison, Ohio, on September 14, 1972, Brandon leaves behind a legacy characterized by his passion for the outdoors.

Brandon was a loving son to Janice New Kucera and cherished his time spent with his mother. He is survived by his children, Sidney...

Donald Clarence McClure

Donald Clarence McClure

Mar 26, 2025



Donald Clarence McClure, 79, of Marion, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on March 26, 2025 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.

He was born July 27, 1945, in Gaston County, North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents, Georgia Marie Kimsey McClure and Festus (Pet) Dee McClure, and two beloved sisters, Linda McClure Shelton and Barbara...

Gordon Elliott Ray

Gordon Elliott Ray

Mar 25, 2025

     Gordon Elliot Ray, 62, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at his residence.

     Gordon was born in Buncombe County, NC, on March 7, 1963, to the late Anita Horton and Kenneth Marvin Ray. Gordon was very health conscience and loved to exercise. He was very fond of the outdoors and enjoyed hiking and swimming. Gordon...

Thomas F. Hollifield, Jr.

Thomas F. Hollifield, Jr.

Mar 24, 2025



Thomas F. Hollifield, Jr., 79, of Nebo, peacefully departed this life in the early morning hours of Monday, March 24, 2025 at Frye Regional Medical Center.

Tommy was born in Marion on June 21, 1945 to the late Thomas F. Hollifield, Sr. and Polly Ann Anderson Hollifield. He served for over 25 years as the Lake Tahoma Warden, a career that...

Ernest Wayne Elkins

Ernest Wayne Elkins

Mar 24, 2025



Ernest Wayne Elkins, 73, of Marion, passed away Monday, March 24, 2025 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.

A native of Yancey County, he was born May 5, 1951 to the late Talmadge Elkins and Cora Fox Elkins. He was also preceded in death by three siblings, Roger Elkins, Vonda Owensby, and Mary Thomas.

He was a cherished member of his community, remembered...

Maria Trinidad Arriola-Acosta

Maria Trinidad Arriola-Acosta

Mar 23, 2025



Maria Trinidad Arriola-Acosta, 45, of Marion, passed away Sunday, March 23, 2025 at her home.

She was born on June 10, 1979. Maria was a very religious lady who loved her culture. She will be remembered as a kind, generous, and outgoing person who had a great sense of humor. She found joy in plants and butterflies as well as in...

Bobby Reed

Bobby Reed

Mar 23, 2025



Bobby Reed, 93, of Marion, passed away Sunday evening, March 23, 2025 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.

He was born in Buncombe County on September 20, 1931 to the late Clarence Reed and Elsie Penley Reed. As the owner and operator of Reed Plumbing, Bobby earned a reputation as a skilled and dependable plumber. His commitment in service made him a...

Gail Parker Grant

Gail Parker Grant

Mar 23, 2025

Donna Gail Parker Grant, 73, of Glenwood passed away unexpectedly Sunday, March 23, 2025. She closed her eyes in sleep on Earth and opened them in her heavenly home. Born December 4, 1951, Gail was the daughter of the late Charles Glenn and Thelma Seay Parker. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Debra...

Frankie Lee Greer

Frankie Lee Greer

Mar 22, 2025

     Frankie Lee “Pete” Greer, 55, of Forest City, NC, passed away Saturday, March 22, 2025.

     Pete was born in Ashe County, NC, on April 5, 1969, to the late Roby Gene Greer and Wanda Grace Lawson Greer. He was married to his wife of 22 years, Cynthia Marlene Hebenstreit Greer. Pete enjoyed being outdoors. He loved fishing...

Wayne Burton Rumfelt

Wayne Burton Rumfelt

Mar 22, 2025

Wayne Burton Rumfelt, 88, of Marion, NC passed away peacefully on the morning of March 22, 2025 at the Mitchell House after a period of declining health. Born June 8, 1936, he was the son of the late Houston B. and Eursley Rhom Rumfelt.

Wayne began his professional life at American Thread quickly deciding that wasn't for him. After accounting training,...

Ruby Jane Morris Piercy

Ruby Jane Morris Piercy

Mar 21, 2025

Ruby Jane Morris Piercy, age 82, of Nebo, passed away on Friday, March 21, 2025 at Deer Park Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Ruby was born in McDowell County on April 09, 1942 to the late Irby Morris and the late Elda Johnson Morris. She is also preceded in death by all her siblings and her son Danny Leon Davis.

She would put...

Beatrice "Elaine" Snypes

Beatrice "Elaine" Snypes

Mar 20, 2025



Beatrice “Elaine” Snypes, 68, of Greensboro, passed away Thursday, March 20, 2025 at the Hospice Home in Burlington.

Elaine was born in McDowell County on September 20, 1956 to the late Robert Snypes and Beatrice Fox Snypes. She was also preceded in death by a special aunt and uncle, Mabel and Dewey James.

She was a 1974 graduate of McDowell High School...

Kevin Clarke Swepson

Kevin Clarke Swepson

Mar 20, 2025

Kevin Clarke Swepson, 67, of Marion, passed away Thursday, March 20, 2025 at Mission Hospital McDowell.

He was born in Marion on February 8, 1958 to the late Isaac Moore and Josie Swepson. A brother, Michael Swepson, also preceded him in death.

A graduate of McDowell High School, Kevin was a wonderful football player who earned the nickname, “Hoss.” Later in life,...

Reva Sue Suttles Allison

Reva Sue Suttles Allison

Mar 19, 2025

Reva Sue Suttles Allison, 75, of Marion, passed away at her home surrounded by her loved ones on Wednesday morning, March 19, 2025.

She was born in Madison County on April 30, 1949. She enjoyed working with and planting flowers, and she did so for a number of years as she worked for a greenhouse. She loved her family deeply, and...

Nellie Mae Vance Gilland

Nellie Mae Vance Gilland

Mar 18, 2025



Nellie Mae Vance Gilland, 83, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Rutherfordton on June 11, 1941 to the late James Vance and Effie Moles Vance.

Nellie enjoyed the simple pleasures in life such as sitting outside and watching the birds and squirrels in God’s creation. She thoroughly enjoyed the...

Thomas Auburn Hendley

Thomas Auburn Hendley

Mar 17, 2025



Thomas Auburn Hendley, better known as Tommy to family and friends, went to be with the Lord on the afternoon of Monday, March 17, 2025 at the Charles George VA Medical Center. He was 88 years old.

A native of McDowell County, Tommy was born on November 11, 1936 to the late Ken Shuford and Mildred “Tommie” Hilton Shuford.

Tommy lived a...

Russell Roland

Russell Roland

Mar 16, 2025

Russell Roland, beloved son of Karen Roland, was born July 31st, 1983, in Marion, North Carolina. He peacefully passed away on March 16th, 2025, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy of kindness and laughter.

Russell was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Bobby R. Roland and Bobbie S. Jones Roland. Also preceding Russell in death was his loved pet...

Joseph Wilson Lyle, Jr.

Joseph Wilson Lyle, Jr.

Mar 28, 2025



“Poor and Hungry, Sad and Lonely No More”

Joseph Wilson Lyle Jr. died Friday, March 28th, 2025. He was 71 years old.

Born on January 7th, 1954 in Memphis, Tennessee, Joe moved east to the coast of North Carolina before settling down in the beloved mountains of western North Carolina.

His decades of dedicated work in the lumber business gave him a sharp...

Larry Lee Stephens

Larry Lee Stephens

Mar 28, 2025

     Larry Lee Stephens, 40, of Marion, passed away on Friday, March 28, at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville. Larry was born in Georgia to his mother, Elaine Bussey, along with his sisters Maryanne, Lindsey, and Amanada—Go Dawgs!—and is survived by his wife, Jennifer Stephens, as well as his life partner, Summer Cable. He is deeply loved by all...

Joseph Harold Howell

Joseph Harold Howell

Mar 28, 2025



The sweetest, kindest man I've ever known died peacefully in his sleep at home in the early morning hours of Friday, March 28, 2025, just 4 days passed his 86th birthday. My comfort is the assurance that Joe is with Jesus, he's at rest because of his decision to believe in Him as the only way to eternal life. I...

Brandon Lee Kucera

Brandon Lee Kucera

Mar 27, 2025

Brandon Lee Kucera,  age 52, a beloved son, passed away at his residence on March 27, 2025.  Born in Madison, Ohio, on September 14, 1972, Brandon leaves behind a legacy characterized by his passion for the outdoors.

Brandon was a loving son to Janice New Kucera and cherished his time spent with his mother. He is survived by his children, Sidney...

Donald Clarence McClure

Donald Clarence McClure

Mar 26, 2025



Donald Clarence McClure, 79, of Marion, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on March 26, 2025 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.

He was born July 27, 1945, in Gaston County, North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents, Georgia Marie Kimsey McClure and Festus (Pet) Dee McClure, and two beloved sisters, Linda McClure Shelton and Barbara...

Gordon Elliott Ray

Gordon Elliott Ray

Mar 25, 2025

     Gordon Elliot Ray, 62, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at his residence.

     Gordon was born in Buncombe County, NC, on March 7, 1963, to the late Anita Horton and Kenneth Marvin Ray. Gordon was very health conscience and loved to exercise. He was very fond of the outdoors and enjoyed hiking and swimming. Gordon...

Thomas F. Hollifield, Jr.

Thomas F. Hollifield, Jr.

Mar 24, 2025



Thomas F. Hollifield, Jr., 79, of Nebo, peacefully departed this life in the early morning hours of Monday, March 24, 2025 at Frye Regional Medical Center.

Tommy was born in Marion on June 21, 1945 to the late Thomas F. Hollifield, Sr. and Polly Ann Anderson Hollifield. He served for over 25 years as the Lake Tahoma Warden, a career that...

Ernest Wayne Elkins

Ernest Wayne Elkins

Mar 24, 2025



Ernest Wayne Elkins, 73, of Marion, passed away Monday, March 24, 2025 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.

A native of Yancey County, he was born May 5, 1951 to the late Talmadge Elkins and Cora Fox Elkins. He was also preceded in death by three siblings, Roger Elkins, Vonda Owensby, and Mary Thomas.

He was a cherished member of his community, remembered...

Maria Trinidad Arriola-Acosta

Maria Trinidad Arriola-Acosta

Mar 23, 2025



Maria Trinidad Arriola-Acosta, 45, of Marion, passed away Sunday, March 23, 2025 at her home.

She was born on June 10, 1979. Maria was a very religious lady who loved her culture. She will be remembered as a kind, generous, and outgoing person who had a great sense of humor. She found joy in plants and butterflies as well as in...

Bobby Reed

Bobby Reed

Mar 23, 2025



Bobby Reed, 93, of Marion, passed away Sunday evening, March 23, 2025 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.

He was born in Buncombe County on September 20, 1931 to the late Clarence Reed and Elsie Penley Reed. As the owner and operator of Reed Plumbing, Bobby earned a reputation as a skilled and dependable plumber. His commitment in service made him a...

Gail Parker Grant

Gail Parker Grant

Mar 23, 2025

Donna Gail Parker Grant, 73, of Glenwood passed away unexpectedly Sunday, March 23, 2025. She closed her eyes in sleep on Earth and opened them in her heavenly home. Born December 4, 1951, Gail was the daughter of the late Charles Glenn and Thelma Seay Parker. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Debra...

Frankie Lee Greer

Frankie Lee Greer

Mar 22, 2025

     Frankie Lee “Pete” Greer, 55, of Forest City, NC, passed away Saturday, March 22, 2025.

     Pete was born in Ashe County, NC, on April 5, 1969, to the late Roby Gene Greer and Wanda Grace Lawson Greer. He was married to his wife of 22 years, Cynthia Marlene Hebenstreit Greer. Pete enjoyed being outdoors. He loved fishing...

Wayne Burton Rumfelt

Wayne Burton Rumfelt

Mar 22, 2025

Wayne Burton Rumfelt, 88, of Marion, NC passed away peacefully on the morning of March 22, 2025 at the Mitchell House after a period of declining health. Born June 8, 1936, he was the son of the late Houston B. and Eursley Rhom Rumfelt.

Wayne began his professional life at American Thread quickly deciding that wasn't for him. After accounting training,...

Ruby Jane Morris Piercy

Ruby Jane Morris Piercy

Mar 21, 2025

Ruby Jane Morris Piercy, age 82, of Nebo, passed away on Friday, March 21, 2025 at Deer Park Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Ruby was born in McDowell County on April 09, 1942 to the late Irby Morris and the late Elda Johnson Morris. She is also preceded in death by all her siblings and her son Danny Leon Davis.

She would put...

Beatrice "Elaine" Snypes

Beatrice "Elaine" Snypes

Mar 20, 2025



Beatrice “Elaine” Snypes, 68, of Greensboro, passed away Thursday, March 20, 2025 at the Hospice Home in Burlington.

Elaine was born in McDowell County on September 20, 1956 to the late Robert Snypes and Beatrice Fox Snypes. She was also preceded in death by a special aunt and uncle, Mabel and Dewey James.

She was a 1974 graduate of McDowell High School...

Kevin Clarke Swepson

Kevin Clarke Swepson

Mar 20, 2025

Kevin Clarke Swepson, 67, of Marion, passed away Thursday, March 20, 2025 at Mission Hospital McDowell.

He was born in Marion on February 8, 1958 to the late Isaac Moore and Josie Swepson. A brother, Michael Swepson, also preceded him in death.

A graduate of McDowell High School, Kevin was a wonderful football player who earned the nickname, “Hoss.” Later in life,...

Reva Sue Suttles Allison

Reva Sue Suttles Allison

Mar 19, 2025

Reva Sue Suttles Allison, 75, of Marion, passed away at her home surrounded by her loved ones on Wednesday morning, March 19, 2025.

She was born in Madison County on April 30, 1949. She enjoyed working with and planting flowers, and she did so for a number of years as she worked for a greenhouse. She loved her family deeply, and...

Nellie Mae Vance Gilland

Nellie Mae Vance Gilland

Mar 18, 2025



Nellie Mae Vance Gilland, 83, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Rutherfordton on June 11, 1941 to the late James Vance and Effie Moles Vance.

Nellie enjoyed the simple pleasures in life such as sitting outside and watching the birds and squirrels in God’s creation. She thoroughly enjoyed the...

Thomas Auburn Hendley

Thomas Auburn Hendley

Mar 17, 2025



Thomas Auburn Hendley, better known as Tommy to family and friends, went to be with the Lord on the afternoon of Monday, March 17, 2025 at the Charles George VA Medical Center. He was 88 years old.

A native of McDowell County, Tommy was born on November 11, 1936 to the late Ken Shuford and Mildred “Tommie” Hilton Shuford.

Tommy lived a...

Russell Roland

Russell Roland

Mar 16, 2025

Russell Roland, beloved son of Karen Roland, was born July 31st, 1983, in Marion, North Carolina. He peacefully passed away on March 16th, 2025, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy of kindness and laughter.

Russell was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Bobby R. Roland and Bobbie S. Jones Roland. Also preceding Russell in death was his loved pet...