Area Obituaries

John Wayne Connolly, 79, born on March 15, 1945, in Alexander County, to the late William Doc Connolly and Dollie Gregory Connolly, passed away peacefully at his home in Alexander County on February 5, 2025. John proudly served his country in the United States Army and was a Vietnam Veteran. John is survived by his…

Betty Lou Stansel Bumgarner, 85, born on Tuesday, May 2, 1939, in Cleveland County, passed away peacefully at her home in Alexander County on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. A member of Poplar Springs Baptist Church, Betty embodied the values of love and service that characterized her life. Betty was a beloved mother to her children,…

Lula Belle Steele, 85, of Hiddenite, the wife of the late Raymond Steele, passed away on Monday, February 3, 2025. Lula Belle was born on October 6, 1939, in Wilkes County, the daughter of the late John and Lela Brown Swaim. Lula Belle owned Steele’s Amoco in Hiddenite and was of the Baptist faith. She…

On January 31, 2025, William “Bill” Ford McLaury was peacefully lifted away from this earth, whistling his way into the arms of Jesus. No doubt, he was reciting his favorite Bible verse he said every night, Psalm: 23, “The Lord is my shepherd…” Bill was born on February 25, 1935, in Oneonta, New York, to…

Mittiena Gilreath Johnson, 93, of Charleston, South Carolina, wife of the late Marion G. Johnson Jr, entered into eternal rest on Friday, January 31, 2025. Mittiena was born June 2, 1931, in Hiddenite, daughter of the late Cleave Gilreath and Grace Kerley Gilreath. She was one of 15 children with eight sisters and six brothers.…

Tommy L. Parson, 73, of Taylorsville, passed away on Friday, January 31, 2025, at his home. Tommy was born March 28, 1951, in Alexander County, the son of the late Ned Parson and Epsie Rowe Parson. He was a truck driver for most of his working career. After retirement, he worked for Ride with Pride…

Josh Miller passed away at his home on Thursday, January 30, 2025. He was born April 30, 1977, in Statesville, to Bill and Amy Keever Miller of Hiddenite. He graduated from Alexander Central High School in 1995 and attended Duke University. He graduated from the University of North Alabama in Florence, Alabama with a degree…