Obituaries

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

Herman G. Shamel

Herman G. ShamelHerman Gray Shamel departed his earthly life at home on April 10th. He was born on August 18th, 1931 to parents Irl J. Shamel and Freda Lineback Shamel. He grew up in the Mt. Tabor Community of Forsyth County. He was the third of four children; three...

William “Ben” Odom

William "Ben" OdomWilliam Bennett (Ben) Odom born November 9, 1956 passed peacefully at home and was promoted to heaven April 9, 2026. A kind and caring soul.  Born 69 years ago in Greensboro NC, son of the late Henry and Mary Odom, brother to three sisters; Janice,...

Daryl W. Wynn

Daryl W. WynnDaryl William Wynn, 80, passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2026. Born November 18, 1945 in Greenville, SC, he was the son of the late Carl and Dorothy Weiler Wynn. Daryl graduated from Aberdeen High School and went on to attend Western Carolina University...
Barbara J. Smart

Barbara J. Smart

Barbara J. SmartNC - Barbara Jane Johnson Smart-Smith departed her earthly life and went to be with Jesus early Wednesday morning, May 28, 2025. She was 90 years old. Barbara was born Jan. 14, 1935, in Morganton, NC, to Charles G. and Alice W. Johnson. She graduated...

William “Bill” A. Rhodes III

William “Bill” A. Rhodes III

William "Bill" A. Rhodes IIIWilliam Ashley Rhodes III, known throughout his life as "Bill", age 82, a lifelong resident of Asheville, North Carolina, native of Knoxville, Tennessee, died surrounded by his family at the Suncoast Hospice Care Center in St. Petersburg,...

Donald “Donnie” S. Reeves

Donald “Donnie” S. Reeves

Donald "Donnie" S. Reeves Donald Scott Reeves passed away peacefully at the age of 83 on Saturday, May 24, in Waynesville, N.C. Known to his family as Donnie or Doe Doe, he was a storyteller, jokester, brother, favorite uncle, and father — a man who didn’t love to...