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...
Preston L. Tinsley

Preston L. Tinsley

Preston L. TinsleyPreston Lewis Tinsley of Waynesville, NC died peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. If, as Shakespeare said, “All the world’s a stage”, Preston took great advantage of that stage and in his time played many...

Deanna J. Jordan

Deanna J. Jordan

Deanna J. JordanDeanna Jo Smith Jordan died in Louisville, KY on December 9, 2025. Deanna was born in Asheville, NC on September 25, 1949 to Horace William Smith, Sr., and Georgia DeBruhl Smith. She lived in Asheville for most of her life, and was a long-time member...

Jane O. Hipps

Jane O. Hipps

Jane O. Hipps Mary Jane O’Neal, born June 5, 1936, was the beloved only child of Oliver Milan O’Neal and Dora Lee Clarke O’Neal. Everyone called her Jane. Her childhood years were mostly spent in eastern North Carolina where her father owned multiple businesses. Her...