Obituaries

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

Larry E. Crawford

Larry E. Crawford Larry Earl Crawford Obituary Larry Earl Crawford, born on April 10, 1952, in Hendersonville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully in his hometown on March 22, 2026, at the age of 73. Larry was a dedicated social worker in the health care field,...

Bill N. Clark

Bill N. ClarkBill Newell Clark of Mars Hill, with his family by his side, made his flight from hospice care in Asheville to his heavenly Father on Friday, May 15, 2026. Bill was a wonderful Christian man, loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and...

Kenneth “Reid” Walters

Kenneth “Reid” WaltersKenneth Reid Walters Jr., known to all as Reid, passed away on May 6 after courageously living with a cancer diagnosis. Born in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he grew up, he carried the spirit of his home state with him throughout a life devoted...
Fred C. Ryder

Fred C. Ryder

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...

Herman G. Shamel

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” 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,...