Obituaries

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

Eugene Lee Manning, Jr.

Eugene Lee Manning, Jr., formerly of Kernersville, passed away on September 7, 2026 in High Point surrounded by his family. He was born August 13, 1959 in Charlotte to Gene and Jo Ann Manning. He was preceded in death by his father, Eugene Lee Manning and a sister,...

William Jeremiah (Jerry) “Coach” Hicks

William Jeremiah (Jerry) "Coach" Hicks, 84, of Marion, passed away at his residence on the morning of Sunday, September 13, 2026. Jerry was born in Cabarrus County, NC on March 2, 1942 to the late Thurman Hicks and Lenora Deese Hicks. He is also preceded in death by...

Gail R. Williams

Gail R. Williams passed away at Haywood Regional Medical Center on Sept. 4, 2026. Her brothers were present as well as Dez, her grandson. Gail was the daughter of Alan and Rowena Roberson of Louisiana. Gail went to school in Colorado Springs before moving to Tucson,...

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...

Leonard H. Ponder

Leonard H. PonderLeonard H. Ponder passed away peacefully near his home in Columbia, Maryland, on October 22, 2024. He was 85. Leonard grew up in Madison and Buncombe counties and raised his family in Candler. An avid hiker, Leonard on any given Saturday could be...