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,...

Gordon O. Stephenson

Gordon O. StephensonHOLLY SPRINGS – Gordon Oscar Stephenson, 66, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on August 19, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family and friends. Born in Wake County, NC, Gordon was the son of Oscar and Eleanor Stephenson. A man of quiet...

David S. Rhea

David S. RheaDavid Scott Rhea, a cherished brother, uncle, and friend, passed away on August 17, 2025, in Gastonia, NC, surrounded by his loving family. Born on October 29, 1962, in Kings Mountain, NC, David's journey through life was marked by his warmth and...

Nikki S. Henke

Nikki S. Henke Nikki Cheryl Smith Henke, 80, of Sylva, passed away on Thursday, August 28. Nikki was born on December 9, 1945, to the late Aldine Cash Smith and Frances Louise Staton. Nikki was a member of Lakeview Church of the Nazarene in Waynesville where she had...