Area Obituaries

Thomas Overton “Tod” Deal, 74, of Taylorsville, passed away on January 29, 2026, at his home. He was born May 11, 1951, in Wilkes County, to the late Dr. Glenn Perry Deal Sr. and Rosemary Dabney Deal. He was a graduate of Taylorsville High School and attended both Appalachian State University and UNC-Chapel Hill. After…

Oren Harry Wagner, 90, died peacefully at home on January 28, 2026. He was born on March 19, 1935, the son of the late Theodore B. Wagner and Lelia Teague Wagner. Oren was a graduate of NC State University. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in chemical engineering with honors in 1957. He also attended M.I.T.…

Tommy Alan Norton, beloved husband, dad, pawpaw, brother, and friend, passed away on January 28, 2026, at his home in Alexander County. Born on March 16, 1957, in Alexander County, Alan dedicated much of his life to his family and career, serving faithfully as a truck driver for Douglas & Sons. Alan was a cherished…

Charles Robert Leo Scarbrough was called home by the Lord on January 28, 2026, after suffering from pneumonia from the RSV virus. He was born on November 27, 1945, to the late Dovie Reid Scarbrough and Albert Leo Scarbrough. Including his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, John Robert Scarbrough, and brother,…

Pamella Lynn Fogle Dunning, born on August 23, 1958, in Livingston, New York, passed away on January 28, 2026, at her home in Alexander County. She leaves behind a cherished legacy steeped in love, devotion, and caring for others. Pamella dedicated her professional life to serving as a study hall monitor for high school children,…

On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, we lost our beloved papaw, Dannie (Dan) Ritchie. For those who knew and loved him, please join us on Friday, January 30, 2026, to celebrate his life. A receiving will be held from 1-2 p.m. and the funeral at 2 p.m. at Shiloh Lutheran Church. Those who preceded Dan in…

Nell Dean Pennell Dyson Goodman, born November 8, 1938, went home to be with her Savior on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, following a lengthy illness. She was of the Baptist faith. She worked in the furniture industry and, for her last twenty years of working, she worked at Hickory Springs in Hiddenite. She loved flowers…

Jim Calvin Sharpe, 80, of Newton, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026, at Catawba Valley Medical Center. He was born on June 17, 1945, in Alexander County, to the late Ralph Sharpe and Alta Mae Shumake Sharpe. Jim was a devoted member of St. James Lutheran Church in Newton. He proudly served his community…