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...
Constance “Connie” E. Stiles

Constance “Connie” E. Stiles

Constance “Connie” E. StilesConstance “Connie” Stiles, 69, of Franklin, NC, passed away peacefully in her home, Tuesday, June 10, 2025. Connie was born in Sylva, NC, to the late Vernon Davis and Mary Constance Stiles. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in...

Sheila W. Shields

Sheila W. Shields

Sheila W. Shields Sheila Shields passed away unexpectedly on June 10. Sheila was at her home in Cullowhee when she simply lost consciousness and never woke up. Sheila graduated from Western Carolina University in 1980 with a BS in Psychology and worked as a Vocational...

Kevin T. Greene

Kevin T. Greene

Kevin T. GreeneKevin Taylor Greene (38) passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 26th, 2025 at his residence in Knoxville, Tennessee.  He was born April 30, 1987 in Boone, North Carolina. Kevin attended Hardin Park School and Watauga High School where he lettered in...