Obituaries

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

DeEtta Kay (Dingledine) Eberhardt 

DeEtta Kay (Dingledine) Eberhardt DeEtta Eberhardt , born August 13, 1946, in Battle Creek, Michigan, passed away on July 5, 2026, surrounded by family, and held in the peace of her Lord. A devoted Christian, DeEtta was a long-time member of Long’s Chapel UMC. Her...

Dr. Colleen Helen King Cody

Dr. Colleen Helen King CodyDr. Colleen Helen King Cody, of Asheville NC passed away peacefully on June 27, 2026, at CarePartners Solace Center after a brief illness at the age of 92. Born on August 4, 1933, in Haywood County, North Carolina. Colleen was the daughter...

Everette W. Clark, Jr.

Everette W. Clark, Jr.Everette W. Clark, Jr. Candler – June 13, 1941 – June 24, 2026 "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'" - Matthew 25:40 In the early afternoon of...

Billy J. Taylor

Billy J. TaylorBilly Joel Taylor, 88, died peacefully at AdventHealth Redmond Hospital in Rome on October 27, 2024. Born September 10, 1936, he was the son of the Rev. Bunyan and Elnora Taylor. Billy was the 1954 Valedictorian of Jefferson High School. He earned a...

Dr. Ray L. Medford

Dr. Ray L. Medford Dr. Ray Leon Medford, long-time resident of Gastonia and a major presence in the local education scene throughout his long career, died on October 27, 2024, while recovering from abdominal surgery at CaroMont Regional Medical Center. He was 87 years...

Walter L. Staley III

Walter L. Staley IIIIt is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Walter Laird Staley III. Laird, as he was known to his friends and family, passed away on October 22, 2024, in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on...