Billy Carson Byrd
Mr. Billy Carson Byrd, 71, of Roan Mountain, Tenn., passed away Thursday, August 13, 2009, at home following an extended illness.
Mr. Byrd had worked in construction for most of his life. He retired from the State of Tennessee Department of Transportation. He loved family time and the outdoors, camping, fishing and hunting. He was a retired Roan Mountain Volunteer Fireman. Mr. Byrd was a 32nd degree Mason of Roan Mountain Masonic Lodge #566 F&AM, Scottish Rite and a Shriner for many years.
Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Lathania Hughes Byrd; a son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Kim Byrd of Roan Mountain; a daughter and son-in-law, Terry and Katrina Proffitt of Roan Mountain; three grandchildren, Mark Byrd, Daranda McCoury and Renee Proffitt; two great-grandchildren, Eowyn and Savannah McCoury; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Bennie and Sharon Byrd of Morganton, N.C., Bennett and Mary Alice Byrd, Baxter and Janet Byrd, all of Zionville, N.C.; a sister-in-law, Bobbie Jean Byrd; one sister and brother-in-law, Rosedna and Ronnie Thomas of Zionville, N.C.; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Will and Emma Eggers Byrd; and a brother, Bobby (Andy) Byrd.
Services were conducted at 8:00 p.m., Saturday, August 15, 2009, in the Rhododendron Chapel of Hathaway-Percy Funeral Home, Roan Mountain, with the Rev. Ronald Lacky officiating. The family received friends in the funeral home chapel on Saturday, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. prior to the service. The graveside service and interment was held on Sunday, August 16, 2009, at Graybeal Cemetery at 11:00 a.m.
On line condolences may be sent to the family and viewed by visiting our website at www.hathawaypercy.com
Hathaway-Percy Funeral Home in Elizabethton, Tenn., is in charge of the arrangements.

Parker R. Sears
Mr. Parker R. Sears, 78, of 210 Huckleberry Knob Lane, Pineola, died Saturday morning, August 15, 2009, at his home.
He was born Feb. 28, 2009 in Tulsa, Okla., a son of the late Daniel B. and Pearl Sears.
Mr. Sears was a retired Process Engineer for Electro Methods in South Windsor, Conn. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, where he was Staff Sergeant and Crew Chief in charge of a B-36 aircraft with Strategic Air Command.
Survivors include one son, Gregory P. Sears of Tucson, Ariz.; and one daughter, Deborah Hamilton and husband, Daniel, of Mount Vernon, Maine. He is also survived by five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Joy Lavonne Sears; five brothers; and four sisters.
A memorial service was conducted Sunday afternoon, August 16, 2009, at 2:00 o'clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating was the Rev. Darrell Bare.
The family received friends following the memorial service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Avery County, 351 West Mitchell Street, Newland, N.C. 28657.
The family would like to send their sincere thanks to the staff of the Watauga Kidney Dialysis Center.
Online condolences may be sent to the Sears family at www.hamptonfuneralservice.com.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Edna Ragan Winkler
Mrs. Edna Ragan Winkler, 88, of Chestnut Drive, Blowing Rock, and formerly of Boone, died Thursday, August 13, 2009, at Blowing Rock Hospital.
She was born Sept. 8, 1920, to the late Henry and Addie Norris Ragan.
Mrs. Winkler was a cafeteria worker at Appalachian State University, and a member of Three Forks Baptist Church.
Surviving are four daughters, Shirley Winkler Earp of Charlotte, Pat Winkler Scattergood of Pineville, Billie Winkler Parker of Blowing Rock, and Gerry Winkler Perry of Boone; nine grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Addie Norris Winkler; her husband, Jack Taylor Winkler, Sr.; and one son, Jack Taylor Winkler, Jr.
Services were conducted Saturday afternoon, August 15, 2009, at 2 o’clock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating was the Rev. David Ricker. Burial followed in the Winker Family Cemetery. The family received friends Saturday afternoon prior to the service from 1 until 2 o’clock at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to Project on Aging (Meals on Wheels), 132 Poplar Grove Connector, Suite A, Boone, N.C. 28607.
Online condolences may be sent to the Winkler family at austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Winkler family.

Iola Francum Winkler
Mrs. Iola Francum Winkler, 95, of Winkler Way Road, Lenoir, died Thursday, August 6, 2009, at Blowing Rock Hospital.
She was born Jan. 30, 1914 in Caldwell County to the late David and Swannie Phillips Francum.
Mrs. Winkler was a homemaker and a member of Green Mountain Baptist Church.
Survivors include one son, Thomas P. Winkler and wife, Marilyn, of Lenoir; one daughter, Mrs. Mary Hoyle of Boone; three grandchildren, Roberta Whittington and husband, Brian, of Lenoir, Lisa Southard and husband, Gregory, of Hickory, and Greg Winkler and wife, Revonda, of Lenoir.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas L. Winkler; one daughter, Swannie Winkler Scott; one sister, Lillian Sides; and two brothers, William Francum and James W. Francum.
Services were held Saturday, August 8, 2009, at 11 a.m. at Green Mountain Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. Charles E. Keever and the Rev. Van Proffit. Interment followed in the Winkler Family Cemetery.
The family received friends from 10-11 a.m., prior to the service, at the church.
Serving as pallbearers were Ross Winkler, George Church, Wayne Messer, Jerry Hamby, Bob Johnston and Charles Greer.
Memorial contributions may be made to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood St., Lenoir, N.C. 28645.
Online condolences may be left at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com.
Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.