Obituaries

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

Ryan E. McCurry

Ryan E. McCurryEric 'Ryan' McCurry, age 44 of Charlotte NC, died August 11, 2025. He was born in Morganton NC on March 30, 1981 to Shirley Jean Buchanan (Crowe) and Eric Donald McCurry. Ryan attended Freedom High and earned a BA in Criminal Justice from Western...

Gerald “Bob” Denny

Gerald "Bob" DennyMr. Denny passed away at home with family on Tuesday, August 5th , 2025 at age 93 following an extended period of declining health. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley Hill Denny; his son Blake; his son Scott and spouse Monica; his...

Louise W. Sowell

Louise W. SowellLouise Worley Sowell, 94, of Inman, died on July 31, 2025 at her home. A native of Canton NC, she was the  daughter of the late Robert Haskew and Mary Alma Tillery Worley and the wife of the late Joseph Huey Sowell. She was a homemaker and former...
Christopher “Ed” Hamlet

Christopher “Ed” Hamlet

Christopher "Ed" HamletEd Hamlet, 81, of Sylva passed away quietly at home on February 24, 2025. He was born and raised in Durham, NC, the son of the late Chris and Virginia Hamlet. Ed served in the US Army in the mid-60s, then returned to Durham and UNC- Chapel Hill...

John P. Whitman

John P. Whitman

John P. Whitman John Perry Whitman, of Monticello, Georgia, passed away on February 21, 2025, at the age of 95. John was born in Greenwood, South Carolina, the son of the late Dwitt Farnaid Whitman and Maggie Dominick Whitman. John was a proud Army Veteran and served...

Glenda A. Pardue

Glenda A. Pardue

Glenda A. PardueGlenda Anderson Pardue, age 73, of Roaring River NC, passed away peacefully on February 19th, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.  Born on October 25th, 1951, in North Wilkesboro NC to Henry and Vertie Anderson, she was a beacon of kindness and...