Obituaries

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

Fred C. Ryder

by | May 11, 2026 | 1967, Obituaries | 0 Comments

Fred C. RyderAlfred Cornelius (Fred) Ryder III, 82, a third generation Winter Haven resident, died peacefully at home on April 19, 2026, surrounded by the love and memories of a life well lived. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose steady...
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Herman G. Shamel

by | May 1, 2026 | 1955, Obituaries | 0 Comments

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...
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William “Ben” Odom

by | May 1, 2026 | 1983, Obituaries | 0 Comments

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,...
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Carole L. Ricketts

Carole L. Ricketts

Carole L. RickettsDr. Carole Livingston Ricketts, 83, of Bryson City, NC, passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at the home of her daughter. Born October 18, 1942 to Stanly and Faye Livingston in Lenoir, NC, she was a graduate of the following institutions: Brevard...

Christa N. O’neil

Christa N. O’neil

Christa N. O'neilChrista Nicole O'Neil, 55, of Mountain Home, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2026, in Yellville, Arkansas, surrounded by the love of her family and friends after a brave and courageous battle with illness. Christa was born on December 5,...

John “Pat” McAfee

John “Pat” McAfee

John "Pat" McAfeeJohn Patrick “Pat” McAfee was born near Roswell, NM, perhaps not coincidentally two months after the UFO crash of 1947. His parents were Winfield Russell McAfee II, a college-educated WWII combat veteran of the Pacific theater, and Grace Mae Graves, a...