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,...
Pressley T. Creery

Pressley T. Creery

Pressley T. CreeryPresley Thornton Creery, 78, passed away peacefully in his home on October 15, 2023. He was born in Baltimore, MD, and raised in Richmond, VA. Mr. Creery was born to the late Presley Thornton Creery and Jennie Ruth Claybrooke Creery. In addition to...

Bill Horne

Bill Horne

Bill HorneWilliam “Bill” Horne Jr, age 81, went home to be with The Lord on Friday, September 29, 2023 surrounded by his family. Bill was born on May 23, 1942, in Swannanoa, NC. He graduated from Charles D. Owen High School in 1960 and attended Western Carolina...

Charlotte P Young

Charlotte P Young

Charlotte P YoungCharlotte Pope Young, age 79, of Charlotte, NC passed away peacefully and at peace on Friday, October 6, 2023. Born December 12, 1943 in Charlotte, NC, she was the daughter of Jesse B. and Ruby (Turner) Pope. She married the love of her life, Louie...