Obituaries

Celebrate and remember those from our precious alma mater who have passed. We send our deepest condolences to the families and friends.

Fred C. Ryder

Fred C. RyderAlfred Cornelius (Fred) Ryder III, 82, a third generation Winter Haven resident, died peacefully at home on April 19, 2026, surrounded by the love and memories of a life well lived. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose steady...

Herman G. Shamel

Herman G. ShamelHerman Gray Shamel departed his earthly life at home on April 10th. He was born on August 18th, 1931 to parents Irl J. Shamel and Freda Lineback Shamel. He grew up in the Mt. Tabor Community of Forsyth County. He was the third of four children; three...

William “Ben” Odom

William "Ben" OdomWilliam Bennett (Ben) Odom born November 9, 1956 passed peacefully at home and was promoted to heaven April 9, 2026. A kind and caring soul.  Born 69 years ago in Greensboro NC, son of the late Henry and Mary Odom, brother to three sisters; Janice,...
William “David” James

William “David” James

William “David” JamesWilliam David James, 81, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2024, at Myrtle Beach Grove Assisted Living. He was born on July 15, 1943, in Marion County, South Carolina to the late Margaret Cox James and D.H. James.David, as he was...

Bryan S. Irwin

Bryan S. Irwin

Bryan S. IrwinOn September 29th, 2024, we lost a great man - Bryan Stewart Irwin, of Winston Salem, NC. He died unexpectedly at his home on Sunday afternoon after he and his family attended their beloved Calvary Baptist Church that morning. He was born in Georgetown,...

Lloyd L. Hensley

Lloyd L. Hensley

Lloyd L. HensleyBeloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Lloyd Lawrence Hensley passed away on September 30, 2024 at his home in Baton Rouge. Born in 1931 in Burnsville, NC, he was raised in a large family in the North Carolina mountains. Upon graduation from...