Obituaries

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

Dr. Michael Willis

by | October 29, 2026 | 1979, 1983, Obituaries | 0 Comments

Dr. Michael Bryson Willis, 69, of Franklin, NC, passed away Monday, October 26, 2026. A native of Macon County, Michael was born to the late James Garland Willis and Sue Ann Bryson Willis. He dedicated his life to music education, inspiring countless students...
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Sherry F. Ginn

by | October 29, 2026 | 1974, Obituaries | 0 Comments

Sherry Fox Ginn passed away on October 20, 2026, at the age of 82. Born on July 4, 1944, she lived a life of service, care, and dedication to others. Sherry was a graduate of Swain County High School and later earned a master’s degree in education from Western...
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Ellen Nuzum Wetmore

by | October 26, 2026 | 1973, Obituaries | 0 Comments

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Ellen Nuzum Wetmore, 75, of Pauline, SC. After a 23 year battle with cancer, Ellen passed away peacefully on October 16, 2026 at the SRI Hospice Home, surrounded by family. Born May 15, 1951, in Newton, NC, she...
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Zane E. Metcalf

Zane E. MetcalfAfter a 30-year battle with cancer, Zane Edward Metcalf went home to be with his Heavenly Father on February 13, 2025. He was born October 25, 1941 in Haywood County, North Carolina to John Davis Metcalf and Effie Rodgers Metcalf. He was a longtime...

Alan L. Aust

Alan L. AustAlan Lee Aust, 74, of Asheville, NC, passed away on Sunday, February 9, 2025. He was born in Buncombe County to the late James “Jake” Curtis Aust, Sr. and Ellen Case Aust. He was also preceded in death by a grandson, Kyler Aust. He is survived by his wife,...

John R. Simpson Jr.

John R. Simpson Jr.John Roger Simpson Jr., 72, of New Bern, North Carolina passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 9, 2025. John was born in Broadstairs, England on April 29, 1952 to John Roger Simpson and Cynthia Ellen Simpson. John was a graduate of...