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...
Ron “Ronnie” M. Stewart

Ron “Ronnie” M. Stewart

Ron "Ronnie" M. StewartRonald (Ron), better known as Ronnie Maurice Stewart, 69 of Asheville N.C., passed away Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at Emerald Ridge Rehabilitation and Care Center, after an extended illness. Originally a resident of Robbinsville, N.C., Ronnie spent...

Delia B. Stanford

Delia B. Stanford

Delia B. Stanford Delia “DeeDee” Brown Stanford passed away peacefully on Wednesday June 25, 2025 at Mission Hospital after a brief illness. She was born on Sept. 5, 1934 to the late Jesse Franklin and Guscelia Morgan Brown. Delia married Carl “Buddy” Stanford in...

Julie Anne Guttery

Julie Anne Guttery

Julie Anne GutteryOn June 14, 2025, our beloved Julie Anne Guttery was called home to heaven. Born June 5, 1971, in Gainesville, FL. Julie Anne was so many things to so many people a loving mother, devoted daughter, sister, fiancée, and loyal friend. She was...