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...
William “Bill” Cook Jr.

William “Bill” Cook Jr.

William "Bill" Cook Jr.William A. Cook, Jr., 85, of Reidsville, NC died peacefully at Gibson House on Friday, February 7, 2025, following a lengthy illness. Born on October 10, 1939, in Hickory, NC, to William Andrew Cook and Thelma Frye Cook, “Bill” was the middle of...

Sara M. Trout

Sara M. Trout

Sara M. TroutSara McMillin Trout, 100, of Inman passed away Thursday, February 6, 2025 at the Spartanburg Regional Hospice House. Sara was born in New Prospect on September 19, 1924. She was the daughter of the late Jesse Clifton and Sallie Carson McMillin and the...

Paul S. Young

Paul S. Young

Paul S. YoungPaul Stephen Young, 39, of Canton NC, passed away unexpectedly on February 5, 2025. Paul was born on December 3, 1985, in Langhorne. Pa. Paul graduated from North Buncombe High School. He furthered his education, graduating from Western Carolina...