Obituaries

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

Merrill “Bo” Russell

Merrill "Bo" RussellMerrill Lee Russell, Jr., affectionately known as “Bo,” a resident of Okinawa, Japan, and formerly of Spencer, North Carolina, triumphantly entered the Gates of Heaven on January 5, 2026, after a long-persevering battle with Parkinson’s disease. Bo...

Loren C. Packard

Loren C. PackardMr. Loren Carson Packard, 78, of Belmont, NC passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on May 9, 1947, in Shelby, NC, the son of the late Lorne Carson Packard and Gladys Thrift Packard. Loren was a graduate of...

Otis S. McIntosh

Otis S. McIntoshOtis S. McIntosh, age 76, of Asheville, North Carolina, entered eternal rest on, Tuesday, December 23, 2025, in Asheville, NC. He was born on March 2, 1949, in Asheville. Otis proudly and honorably served in the United States Marine Corps, reaching the...
Jack S. Finger

Jack S. Finger

Jack S FingerJack Shuford Finger, 90, a beloved member of the Haywood County community, departed this life on January 2, 2026. Born on January 12, 1935, to the late John and Sarah Mehaffey Finger in Haywood County. Jack lived a life rich with experiences and...

Virgil H. Corriher

Virgil H. Corriher

Virgil H. CorriherVirgil Henderson Corriher, Jr., age 80 of Salisbury, passed away December 31, 2025. Virgil attended Davidson County High School and graduated from Western Carolina College in 1967. He then attended the University of Tennessee where he graduated in...

Cathy B. Petrucelli

Cathy B. Petrucelli

Cathy B. PetrucelliCatherine B. Petrucelli, 64, of Sun City, Arizona passed away peacefully on December 9, 2025, after a courageous 21-year journey with brain cancer. We will fondly remember her kindness, cheerful personality, radiant smile and laughter. Catherine...