All Obituaries

Ernest J. O'Banion, Jr. of West Jefferson, NC passed at his home on February 15, 2019. Ernest was born to Effie Zell and Ernest J. O'Banion, Sr. on January 31, 1931. A native of Pelzer, SC, Ernest discovered the hospitality business as a career while working in food service during his service in the US Marines in the Korean War. Ernest always said the hospitality industry was the most rewarding business he could ever think of. After serving in the Marines, he returned to college at...

Scott Turnmyre age 59 of Crumpler, passed away Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at Ashe Memorial Hospital. Ronald Scott Turnmyre was born on Saturday, May 30, 1959 in Caldwell County to the late Ralph James and Mary Edna Whisnant Turnmyre. Scott graduated from Alexander County High School and Lenoir Rhyne College with a degree in Music Education. He served in the  Army Reserves as a drill seargent, and the National Guard in Mechanized Infantry. Mr. Turnmyre was the  director of ...

Mary Katherine (Kate) Graybeal Rice, age 93 of Greenwood, SC, wife of Dr. William T. Rice, died February 12, 2019 after a brief illness. She was born on November 17, 1925 in the Little Laurel community of Creston, NC to the late Arthur Garfield and Nancy McCoy Graybeal. Kate loved the mountains and people of Ashe County, and spent time at her homeplace every year of her life. She was loved by all and will be greatly missed. Mrs. Rice was a graduate of Riverview High School, Lees-McRae...

Quintin Wayne Dickens, age 56 of Lansing, NC died Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at his home.  Mr. Dickens was born September 20, 1962 in Chester County, PA to Billy and Annie Blevins Dickens.  He was preceded in death by his mother and sister, Vadia Ann. Quintin was a lifetime mechanic and was always a help to anyone in need to get them back up and running, both in NC and PA where he was a resident of both states.  He loved riding motorcycles, camping, fishing and working on...

Johnny Dale Denny, age 64 of Warrensville, went to his Heavenly home Thursday, February 7, 2019 at his residence following a period of declining health. Johnny was born December 12, 1954 in Ashe County to the late Rev. Jessie James Denny and Carrie Bell Denny. Johnny was co-owner of Denny Brothers Logging along with his brother Ed Denny. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four sisters, Merline Winters, Memble Ellis, Mary Hill, and Mickey Denny, an infant...

John Kenneth Howell, age 79 of Jefferson, died Wednesday evening, February 6, 2019 at Margate Health and Rehab.  Mr. Howell was born Wednesday, April 12, 1939 in Ashe County to the late Wiley and Ola Pennington Howell.  In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by a grandson, Sean Cerda, brother, Joe Howell, sister, Barbara Richardson, half-sister, Edith Bare and half-sister, Joyce Howell.  Mr. Howell enjoyed fishing, growing gardens and...

Robertine Phipps Francis, age 93, passed away February 5, 2019 at her home.  Mrs. Francis was born February 27, 1925 in Ashe County to the late James Robert and Lessie Dickson Phipps.  She was married to the late Colonel Elijah Francis.  Mrs. Francis is survived by her son, Ronald P. Francis and wife Glenda of Danville, VA, daughter, Rita F. Scott of the home and friend, Greg Troxell of Fries, VA, grandchildren, Sara Scott Kesterson and husband Michael of Jefferson, Isaac...

Richard Henry McGrady age 82, went home to be with his Lord on Thursday, January 31, 2019.  He was born April 5, 1936 in Grayson County, VA to Robert Oscar and Flossie Mae Davis McGrady.  He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Geneva McGrady Johnson and a brother Kyle McGrady.  Richard retired from Sprague Electric (United Chemi-con) after 30 years of service.  He was a founding member of the Rugby Rescue Squad. Richard enjoyed fishing, bluegrass, and most of...

  Mrs. Mary Ellen Osborne Eller, age 80 of Jefferson, formerly of Adelphi, MD, died on Wednesday, January 30, 2019 at Ashe Assisted Living. Mrs. Eller was born on August 19, 1938 in Ashe County to Ottis Osborne and Gail McCoy Osborne Price. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Teddy Allen Eller.  Mrs. Eller graduated from Riverview High School and was an avid duck pin bowler in her younger years. She attended Riverdale Baptist Church in Maryland, where she...

Thomas William Medley, better known as Tommy, age 63 of Deep Gap, died Friday, February 1, 2019 at his home.  Tommy was born September 28, 1955 in Ashe County to the late Pete and Louise Taylor Medley.  In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by his brother, Mike Medley. Graveside services will be held at 3:00 PM, Sunday, February 3, 2019 in Ashelawn Memorial Gardens by Rev. Steve Viers and Pastor Peter Vandenberg. Mr. Medley is survived by, his sister, Judy...