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...
John B. Thomas

John B. Thomas

John B. ThomasJohn Bertrum Thomas, age 83, passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 20, 2025, at his home in Roswell, Georgia, with his beloved wife and daughter by his side. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, educator, and lifelong learner, John lived a life...

William D. Kindley

William D. Kindley

William D. KindleyWilliam Douglas Kindley, 93, of Asheville, NC, passed away on July 8, 2025 at Mission Hospital. A memorial service will be held Sunday, July 20, at 2:00 pm, at Central United Methodist Church, 27 Church Street, Asheville, NC 28801. Asheville Mortuary...

Mildred L. Wilson

Mildred L. Wilson

Mildred L. WilsonMildred Spicer Wilson, 76, of Swannanoa passed away on Monday, June 16, 2025 with family by her side. Born May 22, 1949 in Surry County, NC, she was a daughter of the late Bramlet and Ruby Spicer. She was an alumnus of Western Carolina University,...