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,...
Cindy L. Pearsall

Cindy L. Pearsall

Cindy L. PearsallCynthia “Cindy” Lea Pearsall passed away on September 4th, 2024 in Little River, SC. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Mahala Pearsall, four nieces and nephews, Erin Pearsall Aderholdt, Bree Pearsall, Jillian Pearsall, Zakary Pearsall, and seven...

William “Bill” McGimsey

William “Bill” McGimsey

William “Bill” McGimseyWilliam Claywell McGimsey ( Bill or Billy to everyone) passed away on Tuesday, Sept 3, 2024 of heart failure at the age of 69 in his usual style, quietly and on his terms, having just passed his birthday on August 28. Bill was the son of Dr....

Lana H. Jones

Lana H. Jones

Lana H. JonesLana Holmes Jones, 81, of Etowah, NC, and former educator of Henderson County Public Schools, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2024, at The Landings of Mills River after an extended illness. She was born August 7, 1943, in Huntington, WV, to the...