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,...
Daryl W. Wynn

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...

G. B. Slice

G. B. Slice

G. B. SliceGeorge “G.B.” Bailey Slice, Jr. passed away on April 5, 2026 at his home in Florence, South Carolina after a brief illness. A devoted Christian, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, George was loved by all who knew him. George was...

Jim E. Searcy

Jim E. Searcy

Jim E. SearcyJames Edward Searcy, of Sylva, NC, passed away at Mission Hospital in Asheville on the evening of April 14, 2026, one day before taxes were due. He was 87. Jim, as his friends and family knew him, was the youngest of seven children born to Jeter Pritchard...