Obituaries

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

Eugene Lee Manning, Jr.

Eugene Lee Manning, Jr., formerly of Kernersville, passed away on September 7, 2026 in High Point surrounded by his family. He was born August 13, 1959 in Charlotte to Gene and Jo Ann Manning. He was preceded in death by his father, Eugene Lee Manning and a sister,...

William Jeremiah (Jerry) “Coach” Hicks

William Jeremiah (Jerry) "Coach" Hicks, 84, of Marion, passed away at his residence on the morning of Sunday, September 13, 2026. Jerry was born in Cabarrus County, NC on March 2, 1942 to the late Thurman Hicks and Lenora Deese Hicks. He is also preceded in death by...

Gail R. Williams

Gail R. Williams passed away at Haywood Regional Medical Center on Sept. 4, 2026. Her brothers were present as well as Dez, her grandson. Gail was the daughter of Alan and Rowena Roberson of Louisiana. Gail went to school in Colorado Springs before moving to Tucson,...

Janie H. Shepherd-Wells

Janie H. Shepherd-WellsJanie Haining Shepherd-Wells, age 92, a resident of Waynesville, NC and Winona, MS, passed away peacefully on January 29 at her home. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and educator who lived life fully. Born on...

James “Phil” Pruett

James "Phil" PruettJames Philip (Phil) Pruett, age 41, of Rutherfordton, NC, went Home to be with the Lord Sunday, February 1, 2026, at his home. Phil was a native of Rutherford County, and born June 8th, 1984, to Ray and Judy Pruett. He graduated from Chase High...

Bill F. Forsyth

Bill F. ForsythWilliam Frank “Bill” Forsyth, Jr., born June 25, 1946, and a lifelong resident of Murphy, North Carolina, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at the age of 79. A respected banker and financial professional, Bill devoted...