Jean Higgins: Obituary

Obituaries

Jean Higgins, 93, of Hayesville, passed away Sunday, September 9, 2018 at a Murphy care facility. She was a native of Long Branch, New Jersey and had lived in Boca Raton, Florida before moving to the Pine Log area of Clay County in 1976.  She married Ken in 1948 and they moved to Boca Raton, Florida in 1957 with three children. She received a Master’s degree in Education from Florida Atlantic University and taught elementary school for 11 years. Jean was a member of the Hayesville Presbyterian Church and enjoyed volunteering at the Moss Memorial Library, Granny’s Attic, and Clay County Food Pantry.

 

She was the daughter of the late Ernest Graham and Edna Sutphen Brizell and the wife of the late Ken Higgins, who died in 1996.  She was also preceded in death by a son, Kenneth Higgins.

 

Surviving are two daughters, Holly Caldwell of Concord, North Carolina and Janet Williams of Biloxi, Mississippi; two sons, Keith Higgins of Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts and David Higgins of Boca Raton, Florida; ten grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren.  She also leaves behind Glenda Clayton of Young Harris, Georgia, a devoted friend and caregiver for many years.

 

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Jean Higgins to the Hayesville Presbyterian Church, PO Box 646, Hayesville, NC 28904 or Moss Memorial Library, 26 Anderson Street, Hayesville, NC  28904 or Granny’s Attic, 200 Hwy. 64, Hayesville, NC  28904.

 

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of arrangements.

Roger James Berrong: Obituary

Obituaries

Roger James Berrong, age 82, passed away Friday morning, September 21, 2018 at his home.

He was born March 16, 1936 in Clay County, NC to the late Jesse Bon and Jessie Scroggs Berrong.

He attended Hayesville School and had to quit in the eighth grade to work. When he was 17, he went to Chicago, Illinois to work for 11 years before coming back to Clay County. He owned and operated the Sinclair Station in Murphy for 10 years. During this time he built and raced his own car #3 at Tri-County Raceway for three years. Red Skylar always called him Hard Luck Berrong in his articles in the Scout. After selling the station he went to work for Good Year in Murphy as the service manager for four years. He then went to work for Burch Motors as service manager for seven years. Roger then worked for the NC Department of Transportation as a mechanic for 19 years until his retirement in 1999. He raised gardens, worked in his shop and loved to sit on his porch. Roger was a member of New Hope Baptist Church where he enjoyed singing in the choir and testifying his love for his Lord and Savior.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Mary Evelyn Crisp Berrong; and two brothers, Terry and Ralph Berrong.

He is survived by two daughters, Vicki Queen and husband Robbie and Debbie Mills and husband Keith all of Hayesville, NC; one son, Brad Berrong and Laurie Terry of Murphy, NC; one sister, Carolyn Rogers of Hayesville, NC; three brothers, Don Berrong of Hayesville, NC, George Berrong of Powder Springs, GA and Johnny Berrong of the Bellview community; grandchildren, Blake Brooks, of Hayesville, NC, Tara Robinson of Hayesville, NC, Justin Berrong of Hayesville, NC, Jordan Berrong of Marble, NC, McKenzie Terry of Charlotte, NC and Cody Terry of Murphy, NC; and seven great grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday, September 30,, 2018 at the Townson Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Hayesville, NC. Rev. Aud Brown will officiate.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Gloria Swanson, 147 Hwy 180, Hiawassee, GA 30546 or to The Gideon’s International, PO Box 164, Murphy, NC.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

You may send tributes to the family at www.mem.com

Austin “Dump” White: Obituary

Obituaries

Austin “Dump” White, age 87 of Andrews, NC passed away Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at Erlanger Murphy Medical Center.

He was the son of the late McClain and Parlee Gibby White. Austin was a US Army veteran. He retired from the Nantahala Power after 34 years of service.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by three sons, Iran “Bo” White, Byran “Bimby” White and Philip White; brothers, Fred, Lester, Otis, Grover and Aaron White; and sisters, Willie Belle, Ellen and Christine.

He is survived by five grandchildren, Levi White and wife Misty, Heather Drennan and husband Michael, Amanda White, Shasta Martin and husband Jamie and Cody White, eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held at 3 pm, Sunday, September 30, 2018 at the Townson-Rose Chapel in Andrews. Randall Young will officiate. Burial will be in the Valleytown Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Andrew Chastain, Lennie Cutshaw, Roger Dale Roberts, Matthew White, Landon White, Scottie Baker and Harold Brooks. Honorary pallbearers will be Hayden, Lauren and Caitlyn.

The family will receive friends from 1-3 pm, Sunday, September 30, 2018 at the Townson-Rose Chapel in Andrews.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

You may send tributes to the family at www.mem.com

Johnny Lowery: Obituary

Obituaries

Johnny Lowery, age 53, of Murphy, passed away Friday, September 7, 2018 in a Murphy hospital. Johnny was born in Tate, Georgia, but had lived in Cherokee County throughout his life.  He had worked for Creative Woodworks as a cabinet maker for nearly 15 years.  Johnny enjoyed racing, fishing, Tennessee football, and practical jokes was his favorite pastime.  Johnny loved being a father and was proud of his family.

 

He was the son of the late Mark Lowery and Roberta James Harrell.  He was also preceded in death by a sister, Louise Gulledge.

 

Surviving are his loving wife of 28 years, Shea Lowery; two daughters, Shelby and Morgan Lowery, both of the home; two sons, Heath Goad and wife, Kalie and Kelton Goad, all of Lubbock, Texas; a sister, Doris Pressley of Murphy; two brothers, Harold Lowery and wife, Teresa of Dalton, Georgia and Timothy Harrell and wife, Michelle of Marble; three grandchildren, Avery, Hunter, and Natalie Goad and another grandchild on the way. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

 

The family received friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy.

 

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

Thomas W. Kline: Obituary

Obituaries

Thomas W. Kline, age 76 went to be with the Lord Sunday September 23, 2018.

Tom was a veteran of the US Navy and later retired from Northwest Airlines after 39 years.

He is survived by his loving wife, Robin Kline; sister, Marybeth Schipke; brother, Robert Kline; two stepsons, Steven and Lloyd Hazelbaker; stepdaughter, Sharon Risner and six grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alice and Charles Kline and brother, Donald Kline.

Tom was a member and treasurer of Messiah Chapter of The Brotherhood of St. Andrew and was a groundskeeper at the Episcopal Church of the Messiah.

Tom was a devoted fan of the Minnesota Vikings and The Minnesota Twins.

He was a good friend who would always lend a hand to anyone.

A memorial service will be held at 11 am, Thursday, September 27, 2018 at the Church of the Messiah.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

You may send tributes to the family at www.mem.com

Robert T. Davis: Obituary

Obituaries

Robert T. Davis, age 76 of Fontana Dam, NC passed away Saturday, September 29, 2018.

He was a native of Swain County, NC and the son of the late James Lewis and Minnie Rowland Davis. Robert was a heavy equipment operator. He was a family man and delighted in spending time with each of them. Robert was an avid woodsman, enjoyed reading and loved a good prank.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by four brothers, James, Jack, Ralph and Charles Davis and one sister Fannie Davis Ware.

Jack is survived by his wife Nellie Jenkins Davis, one son Allen Davis; five daughters, Deborah Davis, Sandra Bales, Angela Freeman, Cynthia Lundy and Roselle Brown and several grand-children and great-grandchildren.

The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Powell’s Branch Church Building Fund, % John Jenkins, 80 Yellow Branch Road, Fontana Dam, NC 28733.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements

Guain H. Dockery: Obituary

Obituaries

Guain H. Dockery, 95, of Marble passed away Wednesday, October 3, 2018 at her residence. She was a native and lifetime resident of Cherokee County. Guain retired from Coats America, working in the textile industry for 18 years. She was a member of the Oak Grove Baptist Church in Marble.

 

She was the daughter of the late William Harrison and Rosie Lee Garren Hancock and the wife of the late Rev. Harvey T. Dockery, who died January 7, 2002. She was also preceded in death by a son, Harrison Dockery; three sisters, Wilma Lovingood, Katherine Dockery, and Edna Carroll; and three brothers, Clint, Tommy, and Charles Hancock.

 

Surviving are a daughter, Nadine Lance and husband, Jim of Marble; two sons, Alfred Dockery and wife, Wanda and Danny Dockery and wife, Carolyn, all of Murphy; a daughter-in-law, Joy Dockery of Marble; a sister, Helen Wyke of Marble; nine grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, and four great great grandchildren.

 

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 6, 2018 in the Oak Grove Baptist Church in Marble with the Revs. Ricky Lance, Darrell Dockery, and Eddis Dockery officiating. The interment will be in Moss Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jeff Lance, Bryan Dockery, Hunter Lance, Austin Dockery, Zack Dockery, and Benji Roberts. Mark Farmer, Joey Lewis, and all other grandsons will serve as honorary pallbearers.

 

The family will receive friends from 12:00-1:45 Saturday afternoon at the Oak Grove Baptist Church prior to the services.

 

The family requests memorials be made in memory of Guain H. Dockery to the Gideons International, PO Box 164, Murphy, NC 28906.

 

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

Kenneth Ronald Pylant: Obituary

Obituaries

Kenneth Ronald Pylant, 69, of Murphy passed away Thursday, September 27, 2018 at his residence. He was born July 24, 1949 in Mountain City, Tennessee. Ron was raised in the north central area of Indiana and lived in Fort Wayne, Indiana before moving to Murphy in 2002. He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving in Vietnam as a combat medic. He graduated from Indiana University in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and economics. He was a stockbroker for 23 years, retiring in 2000 as a registered principle, and functioning market manager, analyst, and position trader. Ron was a former member of Friendship Baptist Church and something of a student of the works of George W. Truett.

 

He was the son of the late Andrew Allen and Loretta Walker Pylant.

 

Surviving are a brother, Steven Pylant and wife, Kay and a nephew, Matthew Pylant, all of Leesburg, Indiana.

 

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 5, 2018 in the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy with the Rev. Dick Stillwell officiating. The interment will be in Friendship Baptist Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ed Crooks, Ron Epple, Dennis Wood, David Burrell, C.B. McKinnon, and Chris Dickey.

 

The family will receive friends from 1-1:45 Friday afternoon at the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy prior to the services.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Kenneth Ronald Pylant to the Truett Baptist Association, 2235 NC Highway 141, Marble, NC 28905.

 

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

Leon Gee: Obituary

Obituaries

Leon Gee, age 85, of Murphy, passed away Friday, September 21, 2018 in an Asheville assisted living facility. He was a native of Union County, Georgia, but had lived most of his life in Murphy.  Leon had served in the United States Air Force and was a Korean War Veteran.  He had worked at Olin-Matheson in Brevard, North Carolina before moving to Murphy in 1965.  Leon had worked as a letter-carrier for the US Postal Service for over 40 years.  He was a member of the Murphy Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years and also a member of the Murphy Jaycees.  Following his retirement, he enjoyed working for Jacky Jones Chevrolet. Leon was a member of the Murphy First Baptist Church.

 

He was the son of the late Mack L. and Bertie Cook Gee and husband of the late Peggy A. Gee, who died October 2, 2012.

 

Surviving are two sons, Danny Gee, his wife Barbara, and their daughters, Kristen and Lauren, all of Arden, North Carolina, and Robert Gee, his wife Joy, and their son, Robert, all of Knoxville, Tennessee; and a special daughter, Sonya Cabe and husband Mark of Murphy.

 

The family would like to thank Leon’s dedicated, loving, and kind caregivers,Vivian Allison, the staff of Brookdale Overlook, and Brookdale Walden Ridge.

 

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 25, 2018 in the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy with Rev. Aud Brown officiating.  The interment was in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens with military graveside rites conducted by Murphy American Legion Post 96, Hayesville VFW Post 6812, and Hayesville American Legion Post 532. Pallbearers were Danny Gee, Robert F. Gee, Robert M. Gee, Mark Cabe, Melvin Cook, and George Postell.

 

The family received friends from 12:00-1:45 p.m. Tuesday, September 25th at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy prior to the service.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Leon Gee to the Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington D.C. 20090-6011.

 

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

Richard Kenneth Drabek: Obituary

Obituaries

Richard Kenneth Drabek gently slipped away on September 15, 2018 at the age of 80.

Rich enjoyed the Yankees, dancing, computer games, card games, get togethers, and traveling. His love story with his wife was a lasting memory for him. His proudest times were with his family and his 21 years he served in the United States Navy, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. Additionally, he served 21 years in the US Post Office.

Rich is survived by Eileen, his loving wife of 36 years, one sister, five children: Raymond, Steven, Tina, Deena and Gregory, eleven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

The family will have a celebration of life gathering for family and friends on Oct. 20, 2018 from 2:00PM – 4:00PM at Konehete Park, 699 Conahetta Street, Murphy, NC 28906 Pavilion #3 next to baseball field.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Four Seasons Hospice of Murphy, NC.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

You may send tributes to the family at www.mem.com

Nancy Ann Solesbee: Obituary

Obituaries

Nancy Ann Solesbee, age 73 of Nantahala went home to be with the Lord, Tuesday September 25, 2018.

She was the daughter of the late James and Anna Jean Cross. She was a wonderful homemaker, loving Mother and a member of Briartown Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sons, Darwin and Samuel Solesbee and brother, Gary Cross.

She is survived by her son, Tim and Jennifer Solesbee; father of the children, Jr. Solesbee; grandchildren, Justin Solesbee and Amy Ortiz and husband Jon; brother Donald Cross and fiancé,Denise Totherow; sister-in-law, Janet Cross; nieces, Lindsay Cross and Maggie Brostic and husband Mark and a special aunt, Betty Shields.

The family will receive friends from 1-3 pm, Saturday September 29, 2018 at Townson-Rose Chapel in Andrews.

Funeral Services will be held at 3 pm, Saturday September 29, 2018 at Townson-Rose Chapel in Andrews. Rev. Jack Hollowell will officiate. Pallbearers will be Pearly Owenby, Sidney May, Ronnie Bateman, Jon Ortiz, Kenneth Solesbee and Mitchell Owenby. Burial will be in Aquone Cemetery.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

You may send tributes to the family at www.mem.com

Pat Taylor: Obituary

Obituaries

Pat Taylor, 83, of Asheville, formerly of Murphy, passed away Tuesday, October 2, 2018 at her residence. She was a native of Summit County, Ohio, but lived in Murphy for three years before moving to Asheville in 1976. She was owner of Fairview Tax Service.

 

She was the daughter of the late Wanda J. Kelley and the wife of the late Halsey J. Taylor, who died November 8, 2002. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Debbie Pilleggi; and a son, Ronnie Pilleggi.

 

Surviving are three daughters, Laura Lee Brady and husband, Jesse of Asheville, North Carolina, Ramona Taylor and husband, Ray Green of Marion, North Carolina, and Cindy Chastain and husband, Bruce of Murphy; a son, Halsey Jack Taylor Jr. and wife, Becky of Fairview, North Carolina; a sister, Janet Bassett of Murphy; 13 grandchildren, Nick, Johnny, Jennifer, Amanda, Michelle, Sharon, Candace, David, Justin, Hayley, Brittany, Devon, and Steven; and 14 great grandchildren, Madison, Joey, Jackson, Hayden, Hunter, Hannah, Abby, Alex, Sammy, Joshua, Christopher, Mason, Lilah, and Alexandria.

 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 6, 2018 in the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy with Pastor Darrell McClaren officiating. The interment will be in Old Martins Creek Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Steven, David, and Justin Taylor, Joe Kime, Justin Sigmon, and Mike Pressley.

 

The family will receive friends from 9:30-10:45 Saturday morning at the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy prior to the services.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Pat Taylor to the Old  Martins Creek Cemetery Fund, c/o Billy Stiles, 2299 Martins Creek Road, Murphy, NC 28906.

 

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

Virginia T. Gibson: Obituary

Obituaries

Virginia T. Gibson, age 93, of Hayesville, passed away Saturday, September 22, 2018 in a Clay County care facility.

 

No services are planned at this time.

 

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of arrangements.

Lucille Drake McClintock: Obituary

Obituaries

Lucille Drake McClintock passed away Monday, September 24 at the age of 98 in a Nursing Home in West Palm Beach, FL.

She was the daughter of the late Maude and Carl Drake of Nantahala, NC and the wife of Clarence “Mac” McClintock who passed away in 1997.

She is survived by two sons, Thomas (Dorothy) Silver of Windham, OH and Billy (Janet) Silver of Murphy, NC; one daughter, Betty (Brian) Foster of West Palm Beach, FL; two step-daughters, Kimberly McClintock of Fort Myers, FL and Terry (Steve) Fillow of Andrews, NC. She was a proud grandmother of over 15 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

She never met a stranger and her home was always open to family and friends. She was deeply loved and will be missed by many.

A memorial service will be held at 1 pm, Saturday, October 13, 2018 at the Townson-Rose Chapel in Andrews, NC. David Silver will conduct the service. An inurnment will be held at the Aquone Cemetery in Nantahala, NC at a later date.

The family will receive friends from 12-1 pm, Saturday, October 13, 2018 at the Townson-Rose Chapel in Andrews, NC.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

Richard Eugene Butler: Obituary

Obituaries

Richard Butler, age 83 of Murphy, NC and Inglis, FL passed away Friday, September 27, 2018 at his residence.

Services will be held in Tampa, Florida.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangement

Shirley Martin Simonds: Obituary

Obituaries

Shirley Martin Simonds, 80, of Andrews passed away Monday, October 1, 2018 at her residence. A native of Beckley, West Virginia, Shirley lived in Baltimore, Maryland before moving to Andrews in 1976. Shirley and her husband, Bishop Jack Simonds dedicated their lives to the Church of God. They were responsible for the founding and development of the Andrews Church of God. Shirley was currently a member of Peachtree Church of God.

 

She was the daughter of the late Cecil Wade Martin and Emma Davis Martin Wright and the wife of the late Bishop Jack A. Simonds, who died May 15, 2010. She was also preceded in death by two great grandchildren, Jacob Laney and Marcus Jett; and a sister, Christine Smith.

 

Surviving are seven daughters, Evelyn Anthony and husband, Bob of Calhoun, Georgia, Patricia Pritt of Charlottesville, Virginia, Jackie Smith and husband, Jerry of Hickory, North Carolina, Linda Waldroup of Murphy, and Carolyn Anderson, Roxanne Cosner and husband, Ed, and Loretta Huskins and husband, David, all of Andrews; two sons, Jack Simonds and wife, Tammy of Magnolia, Kentucky and David Simonds of Bryson City, North Carolina; two sisters, Wanda Ranson and Carol Cutsal, both of West Virginia; two brothers, Wayne Wright and Jimmy Wright, both of West Virginia; 19 grandchildren, Viten and Jack Anthony, Tina Fann, Jerry and Joseph Moneymaker, Dyan Hoke, Amanda Thomasson, David and Andrew Jett, Shirley Rogers, Crystal McCabe, Wade Hamby, Andrew and Drew Simonds, Cynthia Hollif, Marty and Michael Huskins, Pamela Greer, and Jennifer Nelson; 32 great grandchildren, and 22 great great grandchildren. Shirley is also survived by 76 foster children including Elizabeth Sutherland and Tony Goodson.

 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 5, 2018 in the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews with the Revs. Curtis Ledford and Kevin Crooks officiating. The interment will be in Valleytown Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Michael Huskins, David Jett, Wade Hamby, Jerry Moneymaker, Viten Anthony, and Drew Simonds. Kaleb Laney will serve as honorary pallbearer.

 

The family will receive friends from 5-8 Thursday evening at the Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews.

 

Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews in charge of all arrangements.

Back to Top