The Blowing Rocket

Samuel Baker Woods, Jr., 92, of Charlotte died July 13, 2022. Sam was born July 16, 1929 in Asheville, N.C. to Samuel Baker and Isabel Grier Woods. As the son and grandson of Presbyterian missionaries to China, Sam's upbringing shaped his loving heart and genuine interest in every person he met. Sam spent his early years in Montreat, N.C., before moving to Richmond, Va. His father, a renowned tennis coach and Virginia Tennis Hall of Fame member, passed his tennis skills on to Sam. He was awarded a tennis scholarship to the College of William and Mary where he played on a team that had 82 straight victories. In his 67 years of playing competitive tennis, Sam accomplished notable success as a...

Billy M. Moody, Sr., age 84, of Vero Beach, died July 18, 2021. He was owner-operator of Bill's Gulf Service in Vero Beach for 25 years and worked over 20 years with Golden River Fruit Co. After retirement, he and his wife spent summers in Blowing Rock, NC, his hometown. Bill had attended Nashville Auto-Diesel College in Nashville, Tenn. He was a devoted member of King's Baptist Church. Bill was also a member of Vero Beach Masonic Lodge No. 250. Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Rachel Hampton Moody; daughter, Beverly Moody Keehner (Bill); son, Billy M. Moody, Jr. (Alison) and A. Charles Moody (Adrianne), all of Vero Beach; six grandsons, Boone Redmond, Will Keehner (Anna),...

Richard Urban, 80, Waxhaw, NC, formerly of Blowing Rock, NC passed away on April 30, 2021. Dick Urban's story began when he was born Richard Paul Urban in Worcester MA, in 1940 to two parents who did not deserve him. He cherished his grandparents, Anthony and Sophie, who had migrated to the USA from Lithuania, entering through Ellis Island and who raised him with love. His family called him Richie until the day he made the high school football team. The coach liked his height, speed and the size of his hands; announced he would be an End and said "Take the field, Dick," and that nickname stayed with him. Dick was an imposing defenseman playing ice hockey, an expert duck hunter and guide...

Chester, SC :. On September 8, 2020 my mother, Mabel Elizabeth Burleson Church went to be with the Lord. A memorial service will be held at a later date. She was a long time resident of Blowing Rock, NC, but for the last few years she has lived close to Rock Hill, SC. She suffered with Dementia and all of the problems that go along with that illness. She was preceded in death by her husband of over fifty years, H. Kent Church and an infant son, Harley, Jr. She is survived by a daughter Sandra Lewallen of Rock Hill, SC. She was a longtime employee of the Blowing Rock Hospital and after her retirement she worked tirelessly at the Budget Box in Blowing Rock, NC. Over the years she was...

Dennis Charles Quinn (b. Ladysmith, WI on November 29, 1945 and d. Blowing Rock, NC on August 5, 2020). The son of James "Pete" (d.) and Norma (St. Louis) Quinn (d.) and brother to James "Jim" Quinn (d.), he is survived by his wife, Marcia (nee Ensworth); three daughters, Tracie Omohundro of Richmond, VA, Colleen Quinn of New York City, Nori (David) Rochon of Appleton, WI; and four grandsons, Elby and Henry Omohundro, and Brendan and Ethan Rochon. Dennis' life was the definition of a life well-lived. His family is thankful for the many things he shared -- his quiet, but strong faith; his love of music - especially 50s and 60s folk and rock and the songs he played on his trumpet; his...

Melba Storie Watson, age 69, of the Aho Community, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory. Melba was born December 12, 1950 in Watauga County, a daughter of the late Carnie Harold Storie and Lena Hannah Storie. Her first job working at Stamey's Drive-In, employed at IRC/TRW with 38 years of service, then retired from Appalachian State University after 10 years of service. Melba was a lifelong member of Laurel Fork Baptist Church, teaching Sunday School, and singing in the choir. She was an avid bowler, and loved working with Board of Elections. Melba enjoyed long walks around Bass Lake in Blowing Rock. She...

Dr. James W. Stines, age 85, of Laurel Park Road, Blowing Rock, passed away Monday evening, January 20, 2020, at Watauga Medical Center in Boone. Dr. Stines was born January 21, 1934 in Asheville, North Carolina, a son of the late Ernest and Doris Searcy Stines. He was a retired university professor. He attended Wake Forest University, where he earned a A.A. in English in 1954. Dr. Stines received a B.D. from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1958, and earned his Ph.D. in religion from Duke University in 1970, minoring in philosophy. His dissertation was titled "Phenomenology of Language in the Thought of Soren Kiekegaard." Dr. Stines began his career in 1956 as a social case worker...

Frank McNair Wooten III , 83, of Mount Pleasant, SC Monday August 12. veteran of the US Army. retired Financial Advisor. widower of Sarah Lawrence Norton Wooten. James A. McAlister Funerals and Cremation.