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...
Thomas “Tom” Y. Keesler

Thomas “Tom” Y. Keesler

Thomas "Tom" Y. KeeslerThomas Yates Keesler, 69, an Asheville-area resident for more than a quarter-century, died Sunday, March 16, 2025, at FirstHealth Hospital in Pinehurst after a long struggle with cancer. The funeral will be Saturday, March 29, at 2 p.m. at...

Matthew E. Robinson

Matthew E. Robinson

Matthew E. RobinsonMatthew Edward Robinson, 53, of Hickory passed away Saturday, March 15, 2025 after a three year battle with cancer. Born in Catawba County on April 24, 1971, he was the son of the late Gary Edward Robinson and Patricia White McCaskill. In addition...

Jennifer B. Williamson

Jennifer B. Williamson

Jennifer B. WilliamsonIt is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Jennifer Bowers Williamson on March 14, 2025, in Clyde, North Carolina. She was born on May 31, 1969, in Miami, Florida. Jennifer was predeceased by her father, Donald William Bowers and...