Obituaries

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

William D. Rich

William D. RichWilliam Donald Rich, 87, of Forest City, passed away on March 29, 2026, at The Greens of Lincolnton. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Patsy Hollifield Rich. William earned his master’s degree from Western Carolina University and worked in...

Laura J. Price

Laura J. PriceLaura Jane Richardson Price, 65, of Morehead City, North Carolina, passed over at home on March 28, 2026. Mrs. Price was the daughter of the late Dr. Maurice Baker Richardson, DDS and the late Jane Murphy Carpenter Richardson. She graduated from...

Tommie S. Losiah

Tommie S. LosiahTommie Sue Lossiah, TM2. 59, a retired Navy officer, died peacefully, Thursday March 19. 2026 at Memorial Mission Hospital. Tommie was born in Cherokee NC on July 24, 1966, to the late Margaret Sherrill Lossiah. She attended Cherokee Central School and...
James “Phil” Pruett

James “Phil” Pruett

James "Phil" PruettJames Philip (Phil) Pruett, age 41, of Rutherfordton, NC, went Home to be with the Lord Sunday, February 1, 2026, at his home. Phil was a native of Rutherford County, and born June 8th, 1984, to Ray and Judy Pruett. He graduated from Chase High...

Bill F. Forsyth

Bill F. Forsyth

Bill F. ForsythWilliam Frank “Bill” Forsyth, Jr., born June 25, 1946, and a lifelong resident of Murphy, North Carolina, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at the age of 79. A respected banker and financial professional, Bill devoted...

Ken W. Baucom

Ken W. Baucom

Ken W. BaucomKenneth William Baucom of Greensboro, NC passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on January 28, 2026. Ken was born in Concord, NC on January 9, 1948. He was the son of Aris Clayton Baucom and Thelma Little Baucom. Ken graduated from...