All Obituaries

Vernon “Lynn” Helms, age 60, went to be with the Lord on Monday, November 19, 2018 at his home with his family by his side.  Born in McDowell County on October 11, 1958, Lynn was the son of the late Tom Helms and step-mother Jeroline Helms Hall. Lynn worked at the North Carolina Department of Corrections.  He was the 1977 McDowell High State Champion in wrestling in the 122lbs weight class and was Athlete of the year for Western North Carolina and McDowell High. ...

Mr. Josiah (Joe) Walter Bagwell, Jr. age, 79, of Nebo, passed away Sunday, November 18, 2018 at Autumn Care of Marion following several years of declining health. Joe was born in Concord, NC on May 9, 1939 to the late Walter Bagwell, Sr. and Margaret McIntosh Bagwell. Upon graduation from Greenville (SC) High School, he attended Clemson University and graduated in 1961 with a degree in Industrial Management. While at Clemson, he was the head cheerleader and became a distinguished member of...

Floyd “Booner” Brown, age 81, of North Cove, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, November 17, 2018 after a period of declining health. Booner was born on April 13, 1937 in McDowell County.  He used to own Brown’s saw mill with his brother Lens.  After working in the logging business he went into construction.  Booner will be remembered as a friend to all and for his gentleness.  He is preceded in death by his wife Barbara Freeman Brown,...

Mrs. Jane H. Miller, age 99, a resident of Flesher’s Rest Home in Fairview, N. C. died on Monday, November 12, 2018 after an extended illness. A former resident of Marion, Jane was the wife of Dr. Lloyd D. Miller who passed away in 1979. Dr. Miller practiced medicine in Marion, the Navy and the VA for 32 years. The Millers’ were married for 37 years. Jane was a Registered Nurse. She was a Diploma Graduate of “old” Rex Hospital on St. Mary’s Street in Raleigh, in...

  Kathleen Anne O’Buckley Fernandez, age 68, of Marion passed away on Sunday, November 11, 2018 at the John F. Keever Solace Center in Asheville, NC. Born in Elmira, NY on September 1, 1950 to the late Francis A. O’Buckley and Gretchen Lawrence O’Buckley. She leaves behind two sons, Christopher Michael O’Buckley of TN, Joseph Timothy O’Buckley of NC; a brother, Michael O’Buckley and wife Claudia of Marion, three sisters, Gretchen Johansen and husband...

Mrs. Fern Randolph Smith, age 97, of Nebo, passed away Saturday, November 3, 2018 at Greendale Forest Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Snow Hill, North Carolina. Fern was born in Yancey County on March 13, 1921 to the late Curtis and Jessie Higgins Randolph. A homemaker, she was also a faithful Army wife who enjoyed the travels she took in support of her beloved husband as he was deployed to various locations.  She loved her children and cared for and protected them as they moved...

Mrs. Edna Sparks Woody, age 87, passed away at Autumn Care of Marion Sunday, October 28, 2018.  A native of Lamar County, Alabama, she was born on August 27, 1931 to the late Piercy and Eva Sparks.  Edna was a member of Garden Creek Baptist Church for 50 years, crafty ladies club and retired from West Junior High as a cook after serving for over 20 years.  She enjoyed cooking and having fellowship with others.  She will be remembered as a loving aunt.  She is...

Mr. Bay H. Clark, age 90, of Marion, passed away at his home Thursday, October 25, 2018 following a period of declining health.  A native of Stoneham, MA, Bay was born on November 19, 1927 to the late Bay Clark and Elizabeth “Billie” Goode Clark.  He entered the U. S. Marine Corps at the age of seventeen and served faithfully during World War II.  Upon discharge from the Marines he entered into Law School at Boston University from which he graduated with a Juris...

Otto M. Gross, Sr., 92 years of age, unexpectedly passed away on Wednesday, October 24, 2018, in Marion. Mr. Gross was a resident of the Woodlawn Community.   Mr. Gross was preceded in death by his parents, Morton and Rebecca Gross, daughter Amelia “Amy” Ann Gross and brother Gus Gross. His loving wife of 55 years, Magleen Hollifield Gross, also preceded him in death.   Left to cherish his memory are son, O. Merwin Gross, Jr., grand-daughter Heather Jane Byrd and...

  Tony Dean McInturff, age 72, was born on April 1, 1946 in Asheville, NC to the late William Clayton McInturff and the late Thelma Smith McInturff. He enlisted in the U.S. Army, 4th Infantry Division, and was the recipient of many commendations, including the Bronze Star. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam. He was a loving husband, father and paw paw, and is survived by his loving wife, Patricia McInturff; a stepdaughter Kara Bennett Bonura and husband John of Marion, NC, stepsons...