Obituaries

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

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,...

Daryl W. Wynn

Daryl W. WynnDaryl William Wynn, 80, passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2026. Born November 18, 1945 in Greenville, SC, he was the son of the late Carl and Dorothy Weiler Wynn. Daryl graduated from Aberdeen High School and went on to attend Western Carolina University...
Wayne H. Carson

Wayne H. Carson

Wayne H. CarsonBRYSON CITY - It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Wayne Howard Carson, 85, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. Born Oct. 16, 1940, in Swain County, Wayne was a lifelong resident of the area and most recently resided at Montgomery Senior Living...

Harriette S. Blanton

Harriette S. Blanton

Harriette S. BlantonHarriette Splawn Blanton, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, went to be with her Lord and Savior on January 12, 2026. She was born on December 18, 1944, to Preston and Mary Lou Splawn and resided in Columbus, North Carolina....

Merrill “Bo” Russell

Merrill “Bo” Russell

Merrill "Bo" RussellMerrill Lee Russell, Jr., affectionately known as “Bo,” a resident of Okinawa, Japan, and formerly of Spencer, North Carolina, triumphantly entered the Gates of Heaven on January 5, 2026, after a long-persevering battle with Parkinson’s disease. Bo...