Badger Funeral Home

Howard Dean Blackburn, age 86 of West Jefferson, died Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at his home. Mr. Blackburn was born February 13, 1934 in Ashe County to the late Howard Linney and Annie Fay Hartzog Blackburn. He was a graduate of Fleetwood High School in 1952. Howard married Lynelle Owen on March 1, 1958 in Little Rock Arkansas. He served in the US Airforce from 1955 - 1963; 4 years active duty and 4 years in the reserve. He worked at R. J. Reynolds Archer for 30 years. Howard was a pilot and enjoyed flying, he also enjoyed NASCAR, working on cars, working on the farm and traveling. Graveside services will be held in the spring. Mr. Blackburn is survived by, his wife, Lynelle Owen...

Carson Hayden Shatley, age 85 of Glendale Springs, died Sunday, September 27, 2020 at his home. Mr. Shatley was born December 28, 1934 in Ashe County to the late, Avery and Beatrice Wagoner Shatley. In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by half-sisters, Ethel and Thelma Shatley, brothers, Ballard, Allen and Danny Shatley and son, Russell Dean Shatley. He was a US Army veteran and served in the Korean War. Carson always enjoyed helping people work and repair furniture. His hobbies included fishing and making bluebird houses. Graveside services will be held Thursday, October 1, 2020 at the George Miller Cemetery at 2:00 pm by Rev. Russell Sheets with Military Rites. The...

Edward Spaulding Perzel, 81, of West Jefferson, NC, died Tuesday, June 16, 2020. He was born in Trenton, NJ, son of the late George John Perzel and Blanche Spaulding Perzel. The family moved to Chelmsford, Mass., his mother's family home, where Ed enjoyed all the benefits of growing up in a small town. He played football, was a drummer in a high school dance band, worked at the town-center drug store, was salutatorian of his class, and formed lasting friendships with his classmates. In 2003, he was named to the Chelmsford High School Hall of Fame in recognition of his long academic career, his community involvement while living in Charlotte, N.C., and his authorship of "The Echo of the Bugle...

Edward Spaulding Perzel, 81, of West Jefferson, NC, died Tuesday, June 16, 2020. He was born in Trenton, NJ, and grew up in Chelmsford, Mass. Ed earned his bachelor's and master's degrees at the University of Cincinnati, and his Ph.D at Rutgers University. A longtime professor of history at UNC Charlotte, Ed also served as assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Upon retirement, Ed moved to West Jefferson, where he became active with several arts organizations, serving as president of the Ashe County Arts Council and the Florence Thomas Art School. Ed is survived by Ellie Perzel, his wife of 30 years; son Mark Perzel (Leila Spriggs), son Matt Perzel (Lynn), and daughter...

Edward Spaulding Perzel, 81, of West Jefferson, NC, died Tuesday, June 16, 2020. He was born in Trenton, NJ, and grew up in Chelmsford, Mass. Ed earned his bachelor's and master's degrees at the University of Cincinnati, and his Ph.D at Rutgers University. A longtime professor of history at UNC Charlotte, Ed also served as chair of the History Dept., president of the faculty, and assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. While at UNCC, Ed enjoyed daily runs with friends and ran in eight Charlotte Marathons and the Boston Marathon. Upon retirement, Ed and his wife Ellie moved to West Jefferson, where he became active with several arts organizations, serving as president of the Ashe...

Martha Evelyn Watson Neaves, age 82 of Reidsville, North Carolina went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 8, 2020. Born in Deep Gap, North Carolina on December 8, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Columbus and Bessie Watson. In addition to her parents Evelyn was preceded in death by sisters, Ora Phillips, Rita Younce, Catherine Church, Louise Church and Mary May as well as one brother, Howard Watson. Evelyn was a devoted Christian, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of North East Maryland for many years. She along with two of her sisters would often sing in the choir or as the special music. ...

James (Jim) Raymond Martin, age 77 of Statesville, NC passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2020 at the Gordon Hospice House. Mr. Martin was born in Nashville, TN on Sunday, December 6, 1942 to the late Raymond and Dillie Appleton Martin. Jim enjoyed working in the outdoors and creating flower gardens. He enjoyed spending time with his family. Jim served 51 years in ministry to different churches. He was Minister of Music for Una Baptist Church in Nashville, TN and First Baptist Church in Fort Myers, FL and Minister of Music and Administration at First Baptist Church in Sarasota, FL. He lastly serviced Providence Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC as Church Business Administrator. While living...

Connie Lee Jackson Blevins, age 73 of Lansing passed away Saturday, March 14, 2020 at Forsyth Medical Center. Mrs. Blevins was born on Saturday, January 4, 1947 in Havre de Grace, Maryland to the late Albert and Elsie McKay Jackson. Mrs. Blevins enjoyed traveling especially to Myrtle Beach and Savannah, Georgia, she liked camping, cooking big meals and watching old movies and westerns. Connie also loved keeping her grandchildren during the summer. She spent at lot of time working on the property she and Barry purchased in 1975, making that their full-time home in 2005. This September would mark 54 years of marriage for her and Barry. Mrs. Blevins is survived by her husband, Barry Jack...

Brian Borelle, age 55 of West Jefferson, died Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at his home. Mr. Borelle was born January 11, 1964 in Johnstown, PA to William and Mary Jane Downie Borelle. He was preceded in death by his parents, girlfriend, Mary Miller, Mary's son, Nathan Osborne and sister, Susan Borelle. Brian fell in love with Ashe County and moved to the area in 1987. He was a member of New Creation Church and was employed at GE Aviation. Brian had a big heart and would help anyone in need. He loved being outdoors, fishing, kayaking, mountain biking and driving his Jeep. Funeral services will be held at 7:00 PM Friday, October 18, 2019 at Badger Funeral Home Chapel by Pastor Josh Hamby...