Obituaries

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

DeEtta Kay (Dingledine) Eberhardt 

DeEtta Kay (Dingledine) Eberhardt DeEtta Eberhardt , born August 13, 1946, in Battle Creek, Michigan, passed away on July 5, 2026, surrounded by family, and held in the peace of her Lord. A devoted Christian, DeEtta was a long-time member of Long’s Chapel UMC. Her...

Dr. Colleen Helen King Cody

Dr. Colleen Helen King CodyDr. Colleen Helen King Cody, of Asheville NC passed away peacefully on June 27, 2026, at CarePartners Solace Center after a brief illness at the age of 92. Born on August 4, 1933, in Haywood County, North Carolina. Colleen was the daughter...

Everette W. Clark, Jr.

Everette W. Clark, Jr.Everette W. Clark, Jr. Candler – June 13, 1941 – June 24, 2026 "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'" - Matthew 25:40 In the early afternoon of...

Jimmy E. Sherrill

Jimmy E. Sherrill James Ellis “Jimmy ‘Nub’” Sherrill, 79, of Murphy, NC, died peacefully on April 3, 2026, with his son by his side. Born May 18, 1946, in Murphy, NC, he was the son of William Allison Sherrill and Flonnie Mae Sherrill. Jimmy graduated from Murphy High...

Robert “Randy” Bruce

Robert “Randy” BruceRobert Randolph Bruce, Jr., known to all as “Randy”, 68, died Sunday, May 3, 2026 at his home in Rural Hall. Randy was born in Pulaski County, Virginia to the late Robert Randolph “Bob” Bruce and June Elizabeth Sheets Bruce, who survives. He was an...

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...