Oct. 30, 2019: Obituaries
Vonley Kilby, 89
The man, the myth, the legend, Vonley Lee Kilby passed away Sunday, October 27, 201 at his home at the age of 89.
Vonley is preceded in death by his parents; Ernest Kilby and Edna Miller Kilby, his wife of 51 years; Rosie Lee Kilby, a son; Roger Lee Kilby, a daughter; Patricia Ann Mash and a granddaughter; Lisa Marie Lindsey, two sisters; Raydell Wyatt and Jean McAllister and three brothers; Odell Kilby, Ottis Kilby and J.D. Kilby.
He is survived by two sons; Bobby Kilby and wife Sharon of China Grove and Vonley Ray Kilby of Millers Creek, a daughter; Lori Kilby of Wilkesboro, five grandchildren; Bryson Lindsey, Chris Kilby and wife Tammy, Nathan White and wife April, Kayla White and Samuel Kilby and wife Kaylin, six great grandchildren; Drake, Zoe, Courtney, Julian, Katie and Allie and one great great grandson; Corbin, three sisters; Marie Pressley, Karen Huffman and husband Bill, Rachel Huffman and one brother; Glen Kilby.
Mr. Kilby leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter. He was adored and respected by all who knew him. Vonley was always willing to lend a hand whenever he could. He was a hero to many. His family never doubted the love he had for them.
He was a faithful member of Union Baptist Church. Vonley loved his community and was often thought of as "the mayor of Sheets Gap". He enjoyed visiting with his friends and neighbors and loved making his rounds. He was an Army Veteran in the Korean War and served in the reserves for several years after.
A celebration of his life was held at Union Baptist Church, October 29, with Pastor Steve Faw and Kayla White officiating. He was laid to rest beside his wife at Ole Garden Cemetery with Military Honors by Veterans War Post 1142.
Flowers will be accepted.
Master Khylin Lewis
Master Khylin Gray Lewis infant son of Breanna Lewis passed away Sunday, October 27, 2019 at Brenner's Children Hospital.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Friday, November 1, 2019 at Bible Way Baptist Church with Pastor Paul Siceloft officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 PM Wednesday evening at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home.
Rhylin was born October 18, 2019 at Wake Forest Baptist Wilkes Medical Center.
He was preceded in death by his twin brother; Rhylin Nate Lewis, great-great grandfather and great-great grandmother: Forest and Hilda Frazier, great-great grandfathers; Garlie Lovette and David Hollar.
He is survived by his mother; Breanna Lee Lewis of the home, a brother; Korbin David Mick of the home, grandmother; Gina Lovette, great grandfather and great grandmother; Larry and Debbie Lovette, grandfather; Steve Wingler, great-great grandmother; Mildred Lovette, great grandfather and great grandmother; Stanley and Darlene Lewis, Uncle; Nathan Lewis, Aunts and Uncles; Cody and Danielle Wingler and Stevie and Kenny Medley, Aunts; Chasity Lovette and Melissa Miller and cousin; Allison Lewis.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to March of Dimes Donation Processing Center PO Box 18819 Atlanta, GA 31126.
Billy Harrold, 81
Mr. Billy Ray Harrold, age 81 of Hays, passed away Friday, October 25, 2019 at Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson.
Graveside services were October 28, at Mountlawn Memorial Park with Rev. Richard Caudill officiating.
Mr. Harrold was born August 27, 1938 in Wilkes County to Leonard and Ora Huie Harrold. He retired as a Store Manager for Lowes Foods and was a member of Maple Grove Baptist Church.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister; Clemmie Harrold Williams.
He is survived by his wife; Barbara Jean Brown Harrold of the home, a daughter; Theresa Harrold Thomas and husband Bill of Huntersville, a son; Tommy Harrold of Mt. Airy, four grandchildren; Joseph Ray Harrold, Nikki Ray Crislip, Casey Rae Williamson and Cameron Rae Williamson, two great grandchildren; London Kay Harrold and Elliott Rae Williamson and a brother; James Harrold and wife Sue of Hays.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Woltz Hospice Home 945 Zephyr Road Dobson, NC 27017.
Stacy Coffey, 85
Our loving "Aunt" Stacy Coffey, age 85 of Hays went home to be with her Lord on Friday, October 25, 2019 at Wake Forest Baptist-Wilkes Medical Center surrounded by her loving family.
Funeral services were October 27, at Little Mountain Baptist Church with Rev. Brian Mathis and Rev. Steve Shumate officiating. Burial was in Round Mountain Baptist Church Cemetery.
Stacy was born March 11, 1934 in Wilkes County to Treely and Minnie Billings Coffey. She retired from Bassett Walker and was a member of Little Mountain Baptist Church.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by three brothers; Stanley, Marvin and Vance Coffey and one sister-in-law; Clella Coffey and one brother-in-law; Melvin Hutchinson.
She is survived by one sister; Wanda Hutchinson of North Wilkesboro, four nieces; Deborah Brown and husband Kenneth of Hays, Sharon Kralick and husband Charles of Rocky Mount, Lucille Kelly and husband Ronnie of Hays and Diane Farrington and husband Mike of North Wilkesboro two nephews; Tony Coffey and wife Vicky of Ohio and Keith Hutchinson and wife Karen of North Wilkesboro, a sister in law; Dorothy Coffey and several great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Round Mountain Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 3228 Airport Road, Hays, NC 28635.
John Walker, Jr., 55
John Wesley Walker, Jr., age 55, of Wilkesboro, passed away Thursday, October 24, 2019 at his home. He was born April 18, 1964 in Wilkes County to John Wesley Walker, Sr. and Mattie Kathleen Church Walker. Mr. Walker was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Debbie Walker.
Surviving are his sons, Brandon Walker and spouse Justine of Charlotte, Justin Walker of Wilkesboro; siblings, Joy Eller of Wilkesboro, Zora Lee Stevens and spouse Ray, Ricky Eller and spouse Glenda all of North Wilkesboro, Diane Smithey and spouse James of Wilkesboro, Cindy Brooks and spouse Jamie of Millers Creek, Denise Dancy and spouse Gary, Tammy LaPrad, Vanessa Smith and spouse Mark all of North Wilkesboro; granddaughter, Adalyn Walker.
Funeral service was October 28, at Mountlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel with Rev. Tim McCann officiating. Burial followed in Mountlawn Memorial Park. Flowers will be accepted.
Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.
Willie Perry, 79
Willie "Willard" Perry, age 79, of Jonesville, passed away Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at Forsyth Medical Center. Mr. Perry was born June 9, 1940 in Wilkes County to Lonnie Roosevelt and Mollie Royal Perry. Willie was a member of Harvest Time Ministries. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Roger Perry; and sisters, Lois Johnson and Victoria Clonch.
Surviving are his wife, Carrie Brown Perry; son, Willie Dean Perry and spouse Debra of North Wilkesboro; daughters, Kathy Kidd and spouse Victor of Hudson, Linda Santiago of Jonesville, Betty Savage and spouse Ed of Tarboro, brother, J.C. Perry and spouse Dorothy of Wilkesboro; sister, Haley Royal and spouse Edward of Wilkesboro; grandchildren, Christopher Kidd, Anthony Cleary, Jessica Hodges, Amanda Brooks, Shannon Perry, Michael Perry, Brandon Savage and Christopher Savage; great grandchildren, Matthew Bell, Ginger Cleary, Andrew Barger, Bradley Barger, Isabella Byrd, Levi Perry, Desire Savage, Olivia Perry, Mason Kidd, Chloe Kidd and Rylee Perry.
Funeral service was October 27, at Harvest Time Ministries with Rev. Gene Shepherd and Rev. Ronnie Helton officiating. Burial l followed in Mountlawn Memorial Park. Flowers will be accepted.
Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.
Linda Dutton, 84
Linda Blevins Dutton 84 of Davidson NC, a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away peacefully at Olde Knox Commons Nursing Facility in Huntersville, NC on 23 October 2019 surrounded by her family.
Graveside services were held October 28, 2019 at Laurel Valley Cemetery in Konnarock, Va.
Mrs. Dutton was born on May 15, 1935 in Konnarock, Va to Jayhue and Margaret Blevins the youngest of eleven children. She retired from Walmart after 25 years and traveled the USA setting up new stores where she specialized in the jewelry department. She was known by the founder of Walmart Sam Walton personally.
In addition to her parents and all her siblings, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph R. Dutton of Chilhowie, Va.
She is survived by her only son, Dennis R. Dutton and wife Stephanie of Davidson, NC and four grandchildren Desiree D. Wilson and husband Jared Wilson of Charlotte, NC , Derek R. Dutton of Waialua, Hawaii, Grace M. Dutton of Davidson NC and Jack D. Dutton of Davidson, NC. Also, three great-grandchildren of Charlotte, NC Benjamin, Alex, and Cooper Wilson. There are also many cousins, extended family, and friends living in Wilkes and surrounding area.
Mrs. Dutton will be remembered for her loving spirit and her devotion to her family in every way possible. She always made everyone feel special and included and was an example of how to treat all of our fellow human beings. Her sacrifices will never be forgotten.
A special thank you goes out to the staff at Olde Knox Commons and Hospice of Lake Norman for their support. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to The Parkinson's Foundation @ Parkinson.org.
Larry Stromer, 76
Mr. Larry Chester Stromer, age 76 of Boomer, passed away Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at his home.
Funeral services were, October 26, at Goshen Baptist Church with Rev. Brian Miller officiating. Burial with Military Honors by the United States Air force was in the church cemetery. Mr. Stromer was born October 15, 1943 in Moline, ILL to Lawrence and Eiline Stromer. He retired as Manager of Catherine Barber Homeless Shelter and a member of Goshen Baptist Church. Mr. Stromer served in the United States Air force during the Vietnam War. He was an avid volunteer with BROC for many years.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother; Ronnie Stromer.
He is survived by his wife Dare Wells Stromer of the home, a son; Ronnie Crisp and wife, Ann of Boomer and a special granddaughter; Alison Brianna Crisp of Boomer.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wake Forest Care at Home Hospice 126 Executive Drive Suite 110 Wilkesboro, NC 28697 and Goshen Baptist Church 6524 West NC Hwy 268 Wilkesboro, NC 28697.
Margaret Blevins, 88
Margaret Louise Blevins, age 88, of North Wilkesboro, passed away Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at her home. Margaret was born April 2, 1931 in Wilkes County to George Roy and Beulah Jane Johnson Alexander. She was a member of Springfield Baptist Church. Mrs. Blevins was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Van Herbert Blevins.
Surviving are her children, Dale Blevins and spouse Debbie of Taylorsville, Sheila Miller of North Wilkesboro, Mary Church of Wilkesboro, Brian Blevins and spouse Dee of North Wilkesboro; sisters, Nell Hanks and spouse Oliver, Jessie Smith and spouse C.L. both of Hays; grandchildren, Chris Blevins and spouse April, Justin Church and spouse Jessica, Jennifer Sheets and spouse Kenneth; and six great grandchildren.
Funeral service was October 26, at Miller Funeral Service with Rev. Gary Stanley officiating. Burial followed in Mountlawn Memorial Park. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Wake Forest Baptist Hospice, 126 Executive Drive, Suite 110, Wilkesboro, NC 28697.
Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.
Gene Church, 76
Rev. Gene Church, age 76, of Wilkesboro, passed away Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at his home. Gene was born May 3, 1943 in Mercer County, West Virginia to Walton Newton and Lily Ruth Danner Church. He was a US Army Veteran and a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. He enjoyed racing, playing golf and hunting. Mr. Church was preceded in death by his parents.
Surviving are his wife, Cheryll Church; eleven children; three grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.
Funeral service was October 26, at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church with Rev. Dean Adams officiating. Burial with military honors by Veterans of Foreign Wars Honor Guard Post 1142 followed in the church cemetery. Flowers will be accepted.
Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.
Marcell Cress, 82
Mrs. Marcell Nichols Cress, age 82 of Wilkesboro, passed away Monday, October 21, 2019 at Wilkes Sr. Village.
Funeral services were October 28, at Wilkesboro Baptist Church with Dr. Chris Hefner officiating. Burial was in Pilgrim Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mrs. Cress was born October 13, 1937 in West Virginia to Millard F. and Lelia Bishop Nichols. She worked at Southern Bell for many years prior to working as a Benefits Counselor at and retiring from Tyson Foods. She was a member of Wilkesboro Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters; Mozelle Nichols and Luna Nichols Walker Watson and five brothers; Jessie Wayne, Arnold, Carson, Paul and Bobby Nichols.
Marcell is survived by a daughter; Denise Michael and husband Tommy of Wilkesboro, a son; Billy Todd Cress and wife Lisa of North Wilkesboro, three grandchildren; Jessica Michael, Jennifer Michael Day and Alexandria Cress, three great grandchildren; Taia Alexander, Kobe Alexander and James Thomas Day and a sister; Bernice Frazier of Gibsonville, NC.
Memorials may be made to Wilkesboro Baptist Church PO Box 61 Wilkesboro, NC 28697 or New Covenant Christian Church 1701 Industrial Drive Wilkesboro, NC 28697.
Rita Wood, 57
Mrs. Rita Absher Wood, age 57 of Roaring River, passed away Monday, October 21, 2019 at the home of her daughter, Jessica Cox in Boonville, NC.
Funeral services were October 24, at Bethany Baptist Church with Rev. Tim Pruitt and Pastor Daniel Shores officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Mrs. Wood was born April 27, 1962 in Wilkes County to Billy Ray Absher and Barbara Handy Absher. She was retired from Unifi.
In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her first husband; Timothy Wood, and a brother; Tony Absher.
She is survived by her husband; Darrell Wood of the home, mother; Barbara Handy Absher of Hays, a mother in law; Margaret Brink and husband Don of Traphill, a daughter; Jessica Cox and husband Craig of Boonville, a step-daughter; Danielle Clark and husband Travis of Millers Creek, two grandchildren; Gabby Cox and Charlotte Cox both of Boonville, a sister; Pam Griffin and husband Mike of Roanoke VA and a brother; Terry Absher of Hays.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Mtn. Valley Hospice and Palliative Care 688 North Bridge Street Elkin, NC 28621.
Gary Wyatt, 61
Gary Mitchell Wyatt, age 61, passed away Monday, October 21, at Westwood Hills Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Wilkesboro. He suffered from a rare neurodegenerative brain disorder known as Progressive Supranuclear Palsy PSP. Mr. Wyatt was born December 28, 1957 in Iredell County to Mitchell and Georgia Minton Wyatt. As a young boy, Gary had a passion for mechanics, which led to his certification in motor and automotive repair post-graduation from West Wilkes High School. He used those skills in heavy equipment and forklift repair, and as a self-employed auto mechanic. Later in life, he became an entrepreneur and opened his own used car dealership and service in Wilkesboro.
Mr. Wyatt's other passions included drag racing and cycling. He raced at the North Wilkesboro Dragway and surrounding tracks for several years, and later became an avid cyclist within Wilkes County cycling community. He was involved in the Brushy Mountain Cyclists Club, and he helped construct many of the trails along the W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir. He was extremely proud of his accomplishments in cycling, having won the annual Blue Ridge Brutal 100 Bike Ride in 1998.
Mr. Wyatt is preceded in death by his father, the Reverend Calvin Mitchell Wyatt and a brother, Danny Michael Wyatt. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Eller Wyatt of Wilkesboro; his son, Danny Christopher Wyatt and wife Melissa of Wilkesboro; his grandchild, Autumn Wyatt of Wilkesboro; his step granddaughter, Lexus Leonard Absher and husband Brandon of North Wilkesboro; step great grandchildren, Jayce Absher of North Wilkesboro; his mother. Georgia Minton Wyatt of Wilkesboro; and loving in-laws, nieces, nephews and long-time friends.
At Mr. Wyatt's request there will be no memorial service. His ashes will be scattered on the Blue Ridge Parkway, a place he loved dearly. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Cure PSP (www.psp.org).
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Westwood Hills Nursing and Rehabilitation for all their support over the last four years and Medi Home Health and Hospice during Gary's illness.
Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.
Mildred Shumate, 80
Mildred Gail Brown Shumate, age 80, of North Wilkesboro, passed away Monday, October 21, 2019 at her home. She was born May 14, 1939 in Wilkes County to Carl Dean and Betty Cleary Brown. Mrs. Shumate was a long time attendee of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. She enjoyed watching her husband, sons, and grandkids play sports. Mrs. Shumate was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Mack Shumate; son, Mickey Shumate; grandson, Micah Shumate; brother, Dean Brown; and sisters, Clara Handy and Carol Sprinkle.
Surviving are her sons, Mark Shumate, Mitchell Shumate and spouse Cheryl; grandchildren, Blake Kinder and spouse Randy, Adam Shumate, Brian Cleary; great grandchildren, Mikaylnn Kinder, Levi Kinder, Neveyah Shumate; and special family, Penny Owens, Carolyn Smithey, Susan Davis and Tammy Gilbert.
Funeral service was October 24, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church with Pastor Wood officiating. Burial followed in the Church Cemetery. Flowers will be accepted.
Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.
Nathan Wingler, 40
Mr. Nathan Alan Wingler, 40, of Wilkesboro, passed away on Monday October 21, 2019.
Nathan was born on September 15, 1979 in Wilkes County to Susan Elizabeth Wingler.
Nathan is survived by his mother; daughter, Meghan Wingler; son, Cooper Wingler ; sister, Angela Stafford; niece, Stephanie Woodie; nephew, Jonathan Stafford; grandmother, Novella Wingler all of North Wilkesboro.
A memorial service was held October 25, 2019 at the Wilkesboro Church of Christ. Lowell White will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to www. Windowworldcares.com or to there street address 118 Shaver Street N.Wilkesboro, NC 28659.
Adams Funeral Home of Wilkes has the honor of serving the Wingler Family.
Mary Davis, 96
Mary Lucy Love Davis, age 96, of Ronda, passed away Monday, October 21, 2019 at Wilkes Senior Village. She was born April 8, 1923 in Wilkes County to Roosevelt and Gracie Call Love. Lucy was of the Baptist Faith and enjoyed gardening and working in her flowers. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Carl Davis; infant son, Johnny Wayne Davis; brothers, Albert Love, R.B. Love, L.E. Love; and sisters, Louise Mathis, Ethel Sparks and Eloise Dimmette.
Surviving are her sons, Rex Davis of Ronda, Junior Davis of Ronda, Maxie Carl Davis and spouse Sharon of Statesville, Turner James Davis of Ronda, Eugene Jimmy Davis and spouse Ann of Booneville, Roosevelt L. Davis and spouse Carol of Statesville, Walter Lee Davis of Ronda; daughters, Mary Jane Johnson and spouse Ernest of Wilkesboro, Margie Ann Nixon and spouse Nicky of Roaring River, Peggy Ann White and spouse Wade of Elkin; fifteen grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; and six great great grandchildren.
Funeral service was October 23, at Antioch Baptist Church with Rev. Kenny Pardue officiating. Burial followed in the Church Cemetery. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Antioch Baptist Church, 1298 Antioch Church Road, Wilkesboro, NC 28697. Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be made to www.millerfuneralservice.com
Samuel Guy Turnipseed
Dr. Samuel Guy Turnipseed, Born January 19, 1934, lost his battle with heart and lung disease Friday, October 11, 2019.
Dr. Turnipseed, age 85, passed away at his home in Quimistan, Honduras where he and joyfully served as a missionary with the Tranquilidad Foundation since 2011.
Dr. Turnipseed was born in Mobile, Alabama, to George and Ruby Turnipseed. He was the oldest of three sons. He graduated from Wilkes Central High School. He attended Lees McRae College in Banner Elk, North Carolina, where he deceived a BA degree and met his future wife, Betsy Campbell of Paw Creek, North Carolina.
He continued his education at UNC (Morehead scholar, Phi Beta Kappa, BS) Clemson university (MS) and NC State University (PhD in Entomology). Dr. Turnipseed was employed at Clemson for 45 years where he became a professor of Entomology and enjoyed a long productive career at Edisto Research Center in Blackville, South Carolina. He served as president of the South Carolina Entomology Society (1970), president of the South Eastern Branch of the Entomology Society of America (1980), and was an internationally renowned entomologist.
Sam and Barry settled in Williston, South Carolina where they raised their son, Mike, and two daughters, Susan and Leigh, helped establish the First Southern Methodist Church as well as Jefferson Davis Academy.
Sam and Betsy were married for 38 years before she lost her battle with cancer in 1992.
Sam then married Roxanne Francis in 1994 and became stepfather to her 6-year-old son Craig Francis. In 2011, at the tender age of 77. Sam and Roxanne were called to sell their home in Aiken, South Carolina, and purchase land in Honduras to build a home for abandoned, neglected and/or orphaned children. They founded and operated Tranquilidad Foundation, moving there in 2013.
Sam became Papa Sam to nine children in their care. He remained there until his passing. Roxanne continues in God’s work with those precious young ones.
Sam was preceded in death by his first wife, Betsy, his parents; and a brother, David Turnipseed (Cindy).
He is survived by his wife, Roxanne; brother Tom Turnipseed (Cindy) of Columbia, South Carolina; son D. Michael Turnipseed (Maria) of Avon, Indiana; daughter, Susan Richardson (Don) of West Jefferson, North Carolina; daughter Leigh Wechter (Pat) of Ravenel, South Carolina; Stepson Craig A. Francis (Casey) of Bozeman, Montana, nine foster children at Tranquilidad Foundation of Quimistan, Honduras; four grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
A memorial service, to be led by Robert Cross and Pastor Jake Edwards, will be held November 2, 2019 at 2 p.m. at Talitha Baptist Church, 361 Talitha Church Rd., Aiken, SC. Family will receive friends following the service at the church.
Donations in lieu of flowers maybe sent to: Tranquilidad Foundation, PO Box 5406, Aiken, SC 29804.
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