Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home

John M. (Jack) Melk, age 81, of Newland, North Carolina passed away on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at the Life Care Center of Banner Elk surrounded by his family. Jack was born on April 3, 1941 in Hamilton County, Ohio, a son of the late Melvin Melk and the late Mildred Schenkel Howard. He attended Xavier University and University of Cincinnati. After college he joined the United States Army Reserves. Jack worked as a Packaging Engineer for Proctor and Gamble for 36 years. He retired in 1996 to Savannah, Georgia where he and his wife Catherine lived for 8 years. They found their mountain home in 1999. He was a member of the Mountainside Lutheran Church in Linville. Jack enjoyed music,...

Our beloved dad, papa, brother, husband and friend, Billy "Waldo" Watson passed peacefully from this world to the next in the early morning hours of Saturday, December 3rd, 2022. After a 6 year battle with cancer that was fought until his last breath, Waldo is no longer restrained to his earthly body. Billy was a Vietnam veteran, and carried the scars with him all his adult life. A Grateful Dead fan from the start, he could tell the best stories about the days after the war, and the great times had with friends. He was an accomplished contractor, owner of Bill Watson Construction, and built many houses in the High Country. In his healthier days, he was an avid hiker, fisherman, and even...

Heaven's gates opened and Jennie Belle Mathes was greeted with open arms by Jesus and her Mama and Papa welcomed her home on Sunday, May 29, 2022. Jennie Belle, age 93, was born on July 21, 1928 in Avery County, a daughter of the late Dover Bailey and the late Jennie Jackson Bailey. Jennie Belle was a member of the Beech Bottom Mennonite Church where she was a secretary treasurer for the church. She was family oriented, the mother of the church, and never met a stranger. Jennie Belle loved to cut up and joke with everyone. She enjoyed baking, gardening, and spending time with her family. She was preceded in death by her Father, Dover Bailey; Mother, Jennie Bailey; Daughter, Katherine...

William "Kelly" Johnson, age 81, of Montezuma, North Carolina passed away on Monday, April 18, 2022 at his residence surrounded by love and his family. Kelly was born on September 4, 1940 in Wilkes County, North Carolina, a son of the late Paul Jones Johnson and the late Juanita Wiles Johnson. Kelly leaves behind a multitude of people who love and cherish him including his beloved wife of 57 years, Sue Miles Johnson, his son Dr. Jamie Johnson (daughter-in-law Susan) of Montezuma, NC, his daughter Dr. Paula Johnson Swindle (son-in-law Dustin) of Hickory, NC, grandchildren Matthew Kelly Johnson and Abby Marie Johnson, brother Robert "Bob" Johnson (sister-in-law Sherry) of Winston-Salem,...

Rose Mary Arnett McCracken, age 60, of Bristol, Virginia passed away on Saturday, June 5, 2021. She was born on April 4, 1961 in Avery County, North Carolina, a daughter of the late Claude Cleveland Arnett and the late Dorothy Owens Arnett. She was a member of Ruth Street Church of God. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, James, Claude, Stevie, and Mike Arnett; sisters, Ruby Holtsclaw, Bonnie Arnett, Patricia Hefner and Tracy Huffman. Rose leaves behind to cherish her memory, husband, William Dee McCracken of Bristol, VA; Three Daughters, Jennifer Little Hatcher, and husband Billy of Bristol, VA, April Little of Bristol, VA, Shelly Leatherman of Nashville,...

Colonel Edwin Carraway "E.C." Newman II, an Air Force fighter pilot and test pilot, "slipped the surly bonds of earth" for the final time on April 7, 2021, at the age of 80 after a valiant fight with an aggressive form of multiple myeloma, attributed to Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam. E.C. was born in 1940 and raised in rural Sampson County, NC. In 1958, he graduated from Clinton High School, waved good-bye to the tobacco fields, and left the family farm for the U.S. Air Force Academy. In 1959, he played center in the first ever Air Force-Army football game, a 13-13 tie in Yankee Stadium. He graduated from the USAF Academy in 1962, the USAF Fighter Weapons School in 1969, the USAF Test...

Colonel Edwin Carraway "E.C." Newman II, an Air Force fighter pilot and test pilot, "slipped the surly bonds of earth" for the final time on April 7, 2021, at the age of 80 after a valiant fight with an aggressive form of multiple myeloma, attributed to Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam. E.C. was born in 1940 and raised in rural Sampson County, NC. In 1958, he graduated from Clinton High School, waved good-bye to the tobacco fields, and left the family farm for the U.S. Air Force Academy. In 1959, he played center in the first ever Air Force-Army football game, a 13-13 tie in Yankee Stadium. He graduated from the USAF Academy in 1962, the USAF Fighter Weapons School in 1969, the USAF Test...

Donald R. Baker of Banner Elk, NC, passed March 22, 2021. He was born September 28, 1936 to the late Max and Grace Baker of Marion, VA. He was educated at Lees-McRae College, UNC-Chapel Hill, and East Tennessee State University. He worked in the art department at Delmar Printing Company in Charlotte after college before returning to Lees-McRae in 1960 as Director of Public Relations and Alumni Affairs. He also served as Sports Information Director and was in charge of media services. In 1989, he was names Vice President of Informational Services and Athletic Director. He served as Tennis Coach from 1961-1990 with a record of 508-150. He directed the Bobcat Tennis Camp from 1975-1990. Honors...

David Blalock Harrison, age 78, of Linville, North Carolina passed away on Monday, March 1, 2021 at the Cannon Memorial Hospital in Linville, NC. He was born on April 8, 1942 in Pinellas County, Florida, a son of the late Dr. Charles Elbert Harrison and the late Mary Blalock Harrison. He received degrees at the University of Florida and Florida State University. Mr. Harrison spent much of his career in the field of architecture, designing and refurbishing many homes and businesses in the St. Petersburg FL area. He also taught design at Converse College, Western Carolina University, the University of Washington, the University of Kentucky, and most recently at Appalachian State...

David Blalock Harrison, age 78, of Linville, North Carolina passed away on Monday, March 1, 2021 at the Cannon Memorial Hospital in Linville, NC. He was born on April 8, 1942 in Pinellas County, Florida, a son of the late Dr. Charles Elbert Harrison and the late Mary Blalock Harrison. He received degrees at the University of Florida and Florida State University. Mr. Harrison spent much of his career in the field of architecture, designing and refurbishing many homes and businesses in the St. Petersburg FL area. He also taught design at Converse College, Western Carolina University, the University of Washington, the University of Kentucky, and most recently at Appalachian State...

Charles Ayden Butler, Jr., age 83, of Morganton, NC, passed away on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at the Jonas Ridge Rest Home in Newland, NC. He was born on February 5, 1937 in Burke County to the late Charles Ayden Butler, Sr. and Lilian Warner Butler. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Reckling Butler, of Columbia, SC, who passed away on July 26, 2017. They were married on August 30, 1997 and lived in Cayce, SC. Charlie was a graduate of Lenoir-Rhyne University. His career was made in the furniture business, where he worked for Vaughan Bassett, Fairfield Chair, and Lee Industries. Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Caroline...

On Tuesday, January 26th 2021, Dr. William Robinson Bagby of Montezuma North Carolina passed from our mortal realm of natural causes. Bill "Doc" Bagby was born July 22, 1925 to James Willis Bagby and Lucile Shuford Bagby in Johnson City, TN. He and his twin brother Robert Bagby were the youngest of six children. Bill grew up in Johnson City in eastern TN, and Avery County in western NC; mountain country that he loved fiercely his entire lifetime. Grandfather Mountain, NC, was his symbolic home. He lived his last 25 years in Montezuma, NC, in perfect view of that iconic peak of Blue Ridge Mountains. Bill joined the Army Air Corps with his twin brother Bob after HS graduation in 1943. They...

Fred Coleman Abernethy, age 86, of Banner Elk, North Carolina passed away on Thursday, December 17, 2020 at his home. He was born on March 4, 1934 in Catawba County, North Carolina, a son of the late Fred Coleman Abernethy, Sr. and the late Alta Rix Setzer Abernethy. Fred was a NC State University graduate and began his career as an Registered Architect in 1965 He belonged to and was active in many organizations; Boy Scouts of America- Eagle Scout- Asst. Scout Master, American Institute of Architects, Catawba County Chamber of Commerce - Past President, Cooperative Christian Ministry - st President, Corinth United Church of Christ - Past President of Consistory, First Savings and Loan...

Patricia A Couch, age 70, of Crossnore, North Carolina passed away on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at her residence in Crossnore, NC. She was born on June 28, 1950 in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, a daughter of the late John Teague and the late Elsie Fink Huneycutt. She attended Central Piedmont Community College where she received her Dental Assistant Degree. She retired from Phillip Morris Industries. Patty loved her Shih Tzu's and football. Spending time with her family was the most treasured moments she had. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her Brother, John Teague. Patricia leaves behind to cherish her memory her: Husband, Johnny Couch of Crossnore,...

Obituary for Robert Emil Barinowski Jr. USAF-VET. Vietnam Robert Emil Barinowski Jr. of Banner Elk, NC left this life on "the best day of his life" October 27th, 2020 He was born in Augusta Georgia November 16th, 1930. He was a graduate of the Academy of Richmond County, attended Bob Jones University, and a graduate of Augusta Junior College as well as the University of Georgia. He was employed for a short time with his father's milling company of Augusta, GA. Bob went into the U.S. Air Force where he served for 20 years. He headed the Air Force Combat Control Team in Vietnam during 1968-69. He retired from the Air Staff at the Pentagon and went into business in Southern Maryland. He...

Jess Lee Ollis, age 75, of Charlotte, North Carolina passed away Thursday, May 21, 2020. Born January 22, 1945 in Avery County, North Carolina, Jess was the first son of the late Boyd Otis Ollis and the late Rosa Lee Carpenter Ollis. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Joe Ollis, son-in-law Ron Brunnemer, and brother-in-law Ted Burleson. Jess leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife of 35 years, Ira; Children, Genia Brunnemer and Zach (Bethany) Ollis; Siblings, Jack (Glenna) Ollis, Janice Ingram, Julia Burleson; Grandchildren, Jessica Brunnemer and Keith Brunnemer; Great-granddaughter Harper Lee Cawthorn; several Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, a grumpy...

Robert (Bob) L. Setzer, age 83, of Newland, North Carolina passed away on Monday, December 23, 2019 at Johnson City Medical Center in Johnson City, TN. He was born on November 20, 1936 in Burlington, North Carolina, a son of the late Lonnie Milton Setzer and the late Verna Colbert Setzer. He was preceded in death by his Parents; Brother, Ted and nephew, Clay Setzer. Bob was a wonderful father and dedicated provider. He will be dearly missed. He loved to laugh, joke, and sing. He loved golf. He loved to listen to all kinds of music and was an avid reader. Bob leaves behind to cherish his memory his: Wife of 57 years, Patti Dorton Setzer, Daughter, Jennifer Setzer of Chapel...

Bonita Carmen Guy (Douthwaite) passed away on November 29, 2019 at her residence in Concord. She was born on June 27, 1935 to the late Robert P. and Craythie Shell Guy. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister: Mary Elizabeth Guy Gentry, and her brother: Carson Guy, who died in World War II. A native of Banner Elk, Carmen attended both Lees McRae College and Appalachian State University, receiving her teaching degree in elementary education. "Mrs. Douthwaite" taught in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, retiring in 1993. Most of her teaching years were at Newell Elementary and later at Mallard Creek Elementary. Many of her students still visit her and tell of...

Lucy Blair Trivett, age 96, of Elk Park, North Carolina passed away on Friday, November 22, 2019 at her home. She was born on September 8, 1923 in Elk Valley, North Carolina. Lucy was a member of South Haven Christian Church in Port Orange, FL. Lucy leaves behind to cherish her memory her: Daughter, Duane (Luke III) Appling of Port Orange, FL, 3 Grandchildren, 8 Great-Grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Words of Comfort and Memories plus full obituary may be shared or viewed by visiting our website www.rsfh.net The care of Lucy and her family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland. (828) 733-2121

Artie Daniels Hurt, age 98, of Knoxville, Tennessee passed away on Monday, November 18, 2019 at her home. She was born on March 18, 1921 in Crossnore, North Carolina, a daughter of the late John Wheeler Daniels and the late Lottie Caroline Vance Daniels. She was preceded in death by her Parents; Husband, Enoch Mack Hurt; Two Sons, Jimmy Hurt, Billy Hurt; Daughter, Doris Overcash; Grandson, Eddie Wayne Hurt, 5 Sisters and 2 Brothers. Artie was a member of Little Elk Mountain Freewill Baptist Church. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, cooking, and flowers. Her favorite flowers are Dahlias, Lilies, and Roses. Her favorite music was Gospel. Artie leaves behind to cherish her memory her:...