Area Obituaries

Megan Leann Page, 35, born to James Graylin Watson and Myra Wilkinson Watson on Tuesday, September 20, 1988, in Catawba County, passed away peacefully at her home in Alexander County on Wednesday, September 4, 2024. She worked in cleaning services at Abernathy Laurels in Newton and attended Startown Baptist Church. Megan was a nurturing soul…

Betsy Ross Bunker Hemmings, of Conover, passed away on September 3, 2024, at 80 years of age. Betsy was born in Mount Airy and was one of three children to her parents, Robert and Nellie Bunker. She and her twin brothers, Wayne Eng Bunker and Wade Chang Bunker, grew up on a tobacco farm in…

Kenneth Braxton Blanton, 79, of Union Grove, passed away unexpectedly on September 3, 2024, at his home. He was born October 15, 1944, in Horry County, to the late Barley Blanton and Pola Elvada Carter Blanton. He served 20 years in the US Army. He worked as an electrician and worked for the city of…

William Donnie Gwaltney Sr., 85, passed away on September 3, 2024, at The Lodge At Stevens Lake following an extended illness. He was born February 25, 1939, in Alexander County, to the late Leck Gwaltney and Rosa Lee Bunton Gwaltney. He was a member of Pilgrim Baptist Church and served in the Air Force during…

Karen Elizabeth Williams Bumgarner, 53, of Alexander County, passed away on Monday, September 2, 2024, at her home. Born on Sunday, September 27, 1970, in Burke County, she brought joy and love to those around her throughout her life. Karen dedicated her professional career to working in accounts payable at Craftmaster, where she was known…

Gladys Irene Lail, 86, of Hickory, passed away on Friday, August 30, 2024, at Trinity Village in Hickory. She was born September 30, 1937, in Catawba County, to the late Fred Leroy Lail and Ethel Hall Lail. Gladys was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church and retired as a technician from Sentrol Control Group. She…

Rodney Allen Warren, 76, of Taylorsville, passed away on Friday, August 30, 2024, at the V.A. Hospital of Asheville. Rodney was born November 30, 1947, in Catawba County, the son of the late Dwight Hilluard Warren and Georgia Clara Warren. Rodney served in the United States Marine Corps during Vietnam. He was wounded in combat,…

Larry David Millsaps, 80, of Hiddenite, passed away on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at Carolina Caring of Newton. Larry was born May 26, 1944, in Alexander County, the son of the late Burgess Millsaps and Nell Campbell Millsaps. Larry was retired from the North Carolina Department of Corrections. He was a faithful member of White…

Donald Bruce Teague, 91, born on February 4, 1933, in Catawba County, passed away peacefully at Sherrills Ford Hospice House on August 28, 2024, in Catawba County. Donald proudly served his country in The United States Navy. His post-military life was marked by a career and passion for building and flying planes. Survivors include his…

Kenneth Paul Anderson, 70, born on Wednesday, November 18, 1953, in Caldwell County, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at Catawba Valley Medical Center in Catawba County. He leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion to his family, who will cherish the memories they shared together. Kenneth was a dedicated family man…