Obituaries

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

Douglas W. Monts, Sr.

by | August 31, 2026 | 1964, Obituaries | 0 Comments

Douglas Wilbur Monts, Sr., 98, passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at his home in Fairfax, SC, surrounded by loved ones. Doug was born on January 18, 1928, in Plains, Georgia, to Rosalie Douglas Monts and Joseph Holland Monts, Sr. He attended Americus public...
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Rochelle Renee Hika

by | August 31, 2026 | 2018, 2021, Obituaries | 0 Comments

Rochelle Hika, 58, of Andrews passed away Wednesday, August 19, 2026 in a Knoxville, Tennessee hospital. She was a native of Lakewood, Ohio and had lived most of her life in Florida before moving to Andrews 16 years ago. Rochelle had received both her bachelor's and...
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Nancy Drye Cowan

by | August 31, 2026 | 1973, Obituaries | 0 Comments

Nancy Drye Cowan, 74, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2026. Born in Concord, North Carolina, Nancy was the beloved daughter of the late Jessie and Clara Drye. Nancy graduated from Western Carolina University with a degree in education and devoted her career to...
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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...