Obituaries

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

Brandon Thomas Stephens

Thomas "Brandon" Stephens was born on February 5, 1972, to Thomas "Tommy" Earl Stephens and Evangeline "Vangie" Wolfe Stephens. A man of remarkable intellect, unmistakable laughter, boundless curiosity, and an unwavering love for his people, Brandon lived a life...

Carla Warner Robbins

Ms. Carla Warner Robbins, 81, of Old Thomasville Rd., went to be with her Savior on Sunday, October 11, 2026. She was born on July 28, 1945, in Davidson County, to the late Brady Holton Warner, Sr. and the late Clara Berrier Warner. A retired educator, Ms. Robbins,...

Carissa Ann Guthrie

Carissa Ann James Guthrie, age 77, of Morganton, NC, died on October 3, 2026 from injuries sustained after a car accident earlier in the week. She was a spirited lady with a wit that cut like a hot knife through butter, and she loved her golden retriever, Bentley...

Jimmy E. Sherrill

Jimmy E. Sherrill James Ellis “Jimmy ‘Nub’” Sherrill, 79, of Murphy, NC, died peacefully on April 3, 2026, with his son by his side. Born May 18, 1946, in Murphy, NC, he was the son of William Allison Sherrill and Flonnie Mae Sherrill. Jimmy graduated from Murphy High...

Robert “Randy” Bruce

Robert “Randy” BruceRobert Randolph Bruce, Jr., known to all as “Randy”, 68, died Sunday, May 3, 2026 at his home in Rural Hall. Randy was born in Pulaski County, Virginia to the late Robert Randolph “Bob” Bruce and June Elizabeth Sheets Bruce, who survives. He was an...

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...