John Richard Engle, 20, of 704 Campbell Ave., SE, Valdese, NC, died unexpectedly on Thursday, November 2, 2006. Born in Burke County, NC, on November 24, 1985, he was the son of Brenda Christenbury Engle and the late Harold Lee Engle. John was a student at East Carolina University until an auto accident interrupted his studies. He had planned to return to E.C.U. as soon as possible. He was a 2003 honors graduate of East Burke High School and had entered E.C.U. on a three years graduation program.

John is survived by his mother, Brenda Engle and husband, Dr. Santford Wellborn of Valdese, NC; a brother, Andy Lee Engle of Valdese; a step-sister, Taylor Wellborn of Valdese; grandmothers, Vivian Erwin of Valdese and Virginia Engle of Morganton; an uncle; and a host of other relatives and friends.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, November 5, 2006 at Riverside Baptist Church with Rev. Raymond Roland officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. At other times the family will be at the residence of Virginia Engle, 2679 Moose Lodge St., Morganton, NC. Memorial contributions may be made to Riverside Baptist Church, 516 NC 126, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Frederick G. Carter, 88, of Grace Ridge, Morganton, NC died Friday, November 3, 2006 at Grace Ridge following a brief illness. He was born in Branford, Canada on December 15, 1917. Frederick was a World War II U. S. Army Air Corps veteran and was a retired employee of Thomas P. Henry Co., Detroit, Michigan where he had worked for 45 years. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, Morganton, NC and was a former member of the First Baptist Church, Hendersonville, NC.

Surviving are his wife, Alice Campbell Carter of Grace Ridge Retirement Home; sons, Michael R. Carter of Evergreen, CO and Richard W. Carter and his wife, Peggy Ann of Bloomfield, Michigan.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, November 6, 2006 in the chapel of the First Baptist Church with Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Monday in the church parlor. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Tina Biggerstaff Clontz of Church St., Glen Alpine, NC died unexpectedly Wednesday, November 8, 2006 at her residence. She was born in McDowell County, NC and was a daughter of the late Paul and Ruth Houck Biggerstaff. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Amos Adrain Clontz; a brother, Lawrence Biggerstaff; and a granddaughter, Jennifer Leigh Clontz. Mrs. Clontz owned and operated Tina’s Beauty Shop in Glen Alpine for a number of years. In 1993 Tina went to work for Broughton Hospital as a C.N.A. until her retirement in 2000. Currently she was employed at McAlpine Long Term Care .Mrs. Clontz attended First Advent Christian Church.

Surviving are a son and his wife, Rick and Sandra Hardin Clontz, of Morganton; a daughter and her husband, Gail and R. W. Dale, of N. Myrtle Beach, SC; grandchildren, Ty Adrain Clontz, Wesley Dale, and Tyler Dale; and great-granddaughter, Katie Leigh Clontz; brothers, Larry “Puff” Biggerstaff and Tommy “Tom” Biggerstaff both of Glen Alpine, and Randy Biggerstaff and his wife, Betty, of Morganton; and sisters, Beatrice “Bea” Williams, Betty Causby, Bertha Bradshaw all of Morganton, Becky Ligon and her husband, Dick of Lexington, SC, Brenda Kemp of Little River, SC, and Barbara Cordell and her husband, Ray, of Nebo.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, November 12, 2006 at First Advent Christian Church with the Rev. Jim Taber officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m. Saturday at Sossoman Funeral Home. At other times the family will be at the home, 202 Church St., Glen Alpine. Memorial contributions may be made to First Advent Christian Church, 211 Lenoir Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.

Zachariah Joseph Griffith, infant son of Lloyd and Christina Griffith, Morganton, NC died Wednesday, November 8, 2006 at Grace Hospital. God gave him to us for only four months as he was born prematurely but he will live forever in our hearts. Zachariah weighed five ounces and was eight inches long. He was preceded in death by grandparents, Earl and Anna Griffith.

In additions to his parents, he is survived by sisters, Rhiannon, Caitlyn, and Melyssa Griffith, all of the home; a brother, Jonathan Hohnstine of West Chester, PA; grandparents, Owen and Clariss Childers of Hudson, NC, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 18, 2006 at Calvin Heights Baptist Church with Rev. Michael Beshears officiating. At other times, the family will be at the residence, 217-B Morehead St., Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Nathan’s Hope Ministries, 113 W. Union St., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Service is assisting the family.

Fannie Hall Poovey, 83, of Autumn Care of Waynesville, NC, died Friday, November 10, 2006. Born November 10, 1923 in Swain County, NC, she was the daughter of the late Tom Hall and Betty Jenkins Hall. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Shifley, Odell, and Ed Hall. Fannie was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church on Bethel Road, Morganton.

Ms. Poovey is survived by two daughters, Linda Lewis of Ft. Wayne, IN, and Zona Whisnant of Sevierville, TN; one brother, Ned Hall of Hickory, NC; four sisters, Grace Wall of Colorado, Beulah Mae Hipps of Morganton, Edith Shelton of Hickory, and twin sister Julie Marlowe of Marion, NC; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, November 12, 2006 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Earl Cook officiating. Burial will follow in Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery on Dysartsville Road, Morganton. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.

Mr. Willie Everette Ritchie, 88, of Hwy 70 West, Drexel, NC, died Saturday, November 11, 2006 at Autumn Care of Drexel. Mr. Ritchie was born in August 3, 1918 in Lincoln County, NC, to the late Will Guy Ritchie and Essie Hoyle Ritchie. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Julettie Duckworth Ritchie; a step-mother, Maude Lowman Ritchie; a brother, Ornie Ritchie, and a sister, Bertha Wilson. He was a member of Morganton First Church of God and a U.S. Navy Veteran of World War II during which he served aboard a mine sweeping ship in the South Pacific Theater. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion, having served in many capacities including Post Commander and District Commander. He retired from Drexel Heritage Furniture Co. after 43 years of service.

Surviving are his son, Slayton Ritchie and wife, Barbara, of Bethlehem, NC; a daughter, Patsy Ritchie of Drexel; and a grandson, Clay Ritchie of Valdese, NC.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 14, 2006 at Morganton First Church of God with the Rev. Jerry McGarrity and Pastor Emeritus Donald J. Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park with military graveside rites to be performed by American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Morganton First Church of God, P.O. Box 1404, Morganton, NC 28680 and to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Frances Swink Smith, 66 of Watershed Rd., Morganton, NC went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, November 15, 2006. She was born in Cleveland County, NC on January 7, 1940 and was a daughter of the late James and Flossie Tallent Swink. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Daniel Swink, and a sister, Annette Swink. Mrs. Smith was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who enjoyed being a homemaker to those she loved. She attended El Bethel Baptist Church.

Surviving are her loving husband of 44 years, Harold Smith, of the home; her son and his wife, Darrell and Melinda Smith, of Morganton; her daughters and their husbands, Sharon and Kenneth Day of Rhodhiss and Linda and Jamie McCoy, of Morganton; grandchildren, Christopher Smith, Ciara Smith, Tara Cunningham, Jacobe McCoy, and Jalyn McCoy; brothers, Junior Swink and Bobby Swink of Lawndale, William Swink of Lincolnton; and Eddie Tallent of Houston, TX; and sisters, Ruth Swink , Faye Swink, and Pauline Swink of Lawndale, and Minnie Jenkins and Ruby Leatherman of Lincolnton.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, November 25, 2006, at El Bethel Baptist Church Fellowship Hall with Rev. Ron Cooper and Rev. Dr. Larry Cline officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m. Friday at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed at the church 30 minutes before the funeral. Memorial contributions may be made to El Bethel Baptist Church, PO Box 2518, Morganton, NC 28680.

Charles Josheau Autrey, Sr., 59, of Crawley Dale Street, Morganton, NC, went home to be with his Heavenly Father on Friday, November 17, 2006 after an extended illness at Duke University Medical Center. Born in Spruce Pine, NC on May 22, 1947, he was the son of Agnes Biddix Autrey and the late Claude Autrey, Sr. Also preceding him to Heaven was his infant sister, Mary Sue Autrey and a brother-in-law, Bobby Cox. Charles was a faithful member of Burkemont Baptist Church, where he served as deacon, Sunday school teacher, and chairman of the deaf ministry. He was a retired employee of Henredon Furniture, and was a gifted wood carver and artist. Mr. Autrey was dearly loved by his family and everyone who had the opportunity to meet him. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother.

Charles is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Brenda Hudson Autrey of the home; his children, Charles Josheau Autrey, Jr. and wife, Lara Somers Autrey, of Morganton, Joseph Wesley Autrey and girlfriend, Deanna Cunningham, of Rutherford College, and Dr. Melessa Leigh Autrey Liebzeit and husband, Ryan J. Liebzeit, of Winterville, NC; grandchildren whom he loved dearly, Josheau Autrey, Kaitlin Autrey, and Jackie Cunningham; his siblings, Roger Autrey and wife, Cindy, Carole Autrey Cox, and Claude Autrey, Jr.; a special brother and sister-in-law, Ronnie and Judi Hudson; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 21, 2006 at Burkemont Baptist Church with Reverends Dr. Marshal Pridgen, Harold Sprinkle, and Dr. David Mills officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes prior to the funeral hour. At other times the family will be at their residence, 5118 Crawley Dale Street, Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Burkemont Baptist Church, 4668 Burkemont Road, Morganton, NC 28655 or to United Network for Organ Sharing, c/o UNOS Foundation, P.O. Box 2484, Richmond, VA 23218.

Verlene Cline Snipes, 83, of Old NC 18, died, Tuesday, November 21, 2006 at Morganton Long Term Care. Mrs. Snipes was born in Burke Co. to the late Osco Raymond Cline and Iler Shuping Cline. She was a graduate of Appalachian State Teacher’s College and taught school at Mull School. She also worked for Burke County Veteran’s office, and Dr. Barron’s office. She was a member of Brookwood Baptist Church where she served as church organist.

Left to cherish the memory of Mrs. Snipes is her husband of 59 years Richard B. Snipes, one son, Edgar Brooks Snipes and wife Lupe of Lincolnton, NC a sister Claris Cline Snipes of Morganton grandchildren Janeth, Laura and Carlos, great grandchildren Jonathan and Abigail and nieces; Nancy Burns and husband Bill, Laura Butler and husband Randy, and Patricia Koehler and husband Tim.

Funeral services for Mrs. Snipes will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 25, 2006 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Rev. Earl Cross officiating. Entombment will follow at Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Brookwood Baptist Church, 210 Brookwood Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.

Joe T. Amos, Sr., 88, of the Drexel Community, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, November 23, 2006 at his residence. Born in Burke County, NC on August 13, 1918, he was the son of the late James H. Amos and Ella Rector Amos. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 51 years, Claudia M. Amos; a brother, Nathaniel Amos, and a number of half-brothers and sisters. Joe was a naval veteran of the WWII pacific theater where he was involved in the Philippine Liberation. After the war, Mr. Amos was owner/operator of Amos Garage in Drexel and Tri-Com Electronics. He also taught at Gaston College, Catawba Valley Community College, Caldwell Community College, and Coastal Community College. Joe was a founding fireman of Triple Community Fire Department where he served as Lieutenant and was on the board of directors. He was an avid pilot from 1947 until his health no longer permitted him to fly. Joe was also a reserve sheriff deputy for many years.

Joe is survived by a son, Joe T. Amos, Jr. and wife, Susie, of Ormond Beach, FL; three daughters, Linda Dale of Hickory, NC, Carol Wingate and husband, Victor, of Lenoir, NC, and Jana Mathis of Morganton; grandchildren, Luke Wingate, Matt Wingate, Robyn Hoover, Melissa West, Billy Orders, and Joe T. Amos, III; great-grandchildren, Madison Hoover, Wyatt Hoover, Carter Wingate, Gabby Wingate, C. J. Amos, and Sebastian Orders; a special friend, Clara Powell; and his best buddy, “Buick”.

The memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, November 26, 2006 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Donnie Church officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the memorial service. Burial will be at 12:30 p.m., Monday, November 27, 2006 in Burke Memorial Park with military graveside rites to be performed by Valdese American Legion Post #234. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke County Friends for Animals, P.O. Box 1884, Morganton, NC 28655.

Raymond B. Goodfellow died on Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2006, after a period of declining health. Raymond was the son of Raymond and Mary Veronica Goodfellow of Chattanooga, Tenn., who preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Irene “Renie” Goodfellow, a daughter, Kasey, and a son, Josh. He is also survived by a sister, Clarice Stott of Bryant, Ala.

Raymond was a leader and a visionary who dedicated more than 25 years of his life to Western Piedmont Community College as an instructor, dean and most recently as vice president. As Vice President for Academic Affairs, he had several goals for the College, which included improving student learning and helping more students achieve their educational goals.

Raymond’s career at the College began in 1979 when he was hired as an art instructor. He became coordinator of the visual arts program in 1980. Raymond received the College’s Excellence in Teaching Award in 1992, the highest honor bestowed upon an instructor by the College.

The College selected him to serve as Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences in 2002. During his tenure as dean the College established several new programs, including Professional Crafts/ Clay, Digital Effects and Animation Technology and Interpreter Education.

Raymond was an accomplished artist who exhibited his work and lectured at museums and galleries throughout the region. He served as past chairman of the Burke Arts Council Board of Directors and served on the board of several other arts organizations in Western North Carolina. Raymond taught and mentored numerous local artists whose work can be seen throughout the community.

Raymond earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and completed a master of fine arts degree at East Tennessee State University. He served in the United States Army National Guard and received an honorable discharge in 1976.

Raymond enjoyed travel and shared his knowledge of art history as he led students on trips throughout the United States and Europe. He was a gifted storyteller, who entertained friends and family recounting his travel and life experiences. In addition, he was an avid sports fan, especially of the University of Tennessee Volunteers.

Raymond was a devoted husband, father, brother and friend whose humor and compassion were an inspiration to everyone who knew him. His legacy as an educator continues through the programs he implemented at Western Piedmont Community College and the lives he impacted as a teacher and mentor.

A celebration of Raymond’s life and gathering of friends will be held at 5:00 p.m., Sunday, December 17, 2006 at CoMMA, City of Morganton Municipal Auditorium. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be contributed to the Raymond B. Goodfellow Scholarship Fund c/o Western Piedmont Foundation, 1001 Burkemont Ave., Morganton, NC 28655 (www.wpcc.edu) and the American Cancer Society, 4-A Oak Branch Dr., Greensboro, NC 27407 (www.cancer.org). Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Jack Waddell, 74 of Myrtle St., Morganton, NC died Friday, Nov. 24, 2006 at Carolina Rehab Center, Connelly Springs, NC. He was born in Yancey County, NC on Jan. 19, 1932. For many years Jack owned and operated Piedmont Mobile Home Movers. He was preceded in death by a son, Gary Waddell.

Surviving are a daughter, Ann Stephens of Hildebran, NC; grandchildren, Talisha Stephens, Hailey Stephens, Rachel Saunders, and Aaron Stephens; and dear friends, Tim Small and his daughter, Mandi.

A graveside service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2006 at Calvin Heights Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Michael Beshears officiating. The family will greet friends following the service. Memorial gifts may be made to Carolina Rehab Activity Fund, 3647 Miller Bridge Rd., Connelly Springs, NC 28612. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family.

John V. Seaver, 84, of Grace Ridge, Morganton, NC died Tuesday, November 28, 2006 at Grace Hospital. He was born October 28, 1922 in Los Angeles, CA, and was a son of the late Horace and Ethel VanVliet Seaver. Jack was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and a charter member of the Mt. Vernon Presbyterian Church, Alexandria, VA. As a youth he earned the Eagle Scout award and later served in the Army Air Corps. Jack graduated from Lehigh University with a degree in Industrial Engineering and worked for Westinghouse as a sales engineer for 30 years in Washington, DC. He retired to Williamsburg, VA where he worked part-time in real estate for 10 years. His interests included coin collecting, performing as an amateur magician, and golfing. He also traveled extensively.

He is survived by his wife, Jean Seaver of the home; children, Joan Seaver Forrest and husband, Robert, of Charlottesville, VA, Craig V. Seaver and wife, Ling, of Allen, TX, and Leanne Seaver Avery and husband, John,of Morganton; and grandchildren, John Forrest, Madeleine Forrest, Jenna Avery, and Evan Avery.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 1, 2006 in the First Presbyterian Church Chapel with the Reverends Michael Bailey and Mike Thompson officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday from 7:00 until 8:00 pm in the mezzanine at Grace Ridge. Memorial contributions may be made to BSA Troop 184, c/o First Baptist Church, P.O. Drawer 459, Morganton, NC 28680, or to a charity of personal choice. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Robert Wilson “Bob” Hill, 86, of Sherwood Heights Rd., Morganton, NC went home to be with the Lord on November 28, 2006 at Valdese General Hospital following a period of declining health. Born on August 28, 1920 in Batavia, New York, he was the son of the late Harrison R. and Graca Counts Hill. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Meriam Davis Hill; a brother, Richard L. Hill; a sister, Darlene Hill; a granddaughter, Eva Lamb; and a great granddaughter, Amanda Wilkes. He was a charter member of New Beginnings Baptist Church, Morganton, NC. Bob served in the US Navy during World War II. Bob enjoyed raising show rabbits, and was a show rabbit judge for 22 years. He was a lifetime member of the American Rabbit Breeders Association, the Florida State Association, the Central Florida Rabbit Breeders Association, the Southern Mini Rex Association, and the Footnotes Club of North Carolina. Bob was a loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was affectionately called “Julio” by great grandchildren, Josh, Janet, Corey, and Robert Lee.

Bob is survived by daughters, Alice Nicely and husband, Melvin, of Valdese, NC, Joan Pace and husband, Rob of Council Hill, OK, and Sharon Wilkes and husband, Hubert, of DeLand, FL; granddaughters, Ann Parker, Karen Dearman, and Lory Lamb, all of Oklahoma, Sandra Carswell and husband, Tracy, of Morganton, and Peggy Spann and husband, Mark, of Connelly Springs, NC; grandsons, Lee Nicely and wife, Dana of George Hildebran, NC, Barry Wilkes and wife, Brenda, and Al Wilkes and wife, Laura, all of DeLand, FL; eighteen great grandchildren, and three great great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, December 1, 2006 at Burke Memorial Park with the Reverends Bob Deviney and Joe Greene officiating. Military graveside rites will be conducted by members of the American Legion Post #234 of Valdese. The family will receive friends Friday from 1:45 pm until 2:45 pm at Sossoman Funeral Home. At other times, the family will be at the residence, 3926 Sherwood Heights, Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to the New Beginnings Baptist Church Building Fund, c/o Bob Deviney, Hwy 64 West, Morganton, NC 28655, or to Burke Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

Ralph William Deal, 85, of Gateway Nursing Center Lenoir, NC, formerly of Hildreban, NC, died Tuesday, November 28, 2006 at the nursing center following an extended illness. Born in Burke County, NC on February 21, 1921, he was the son of the late Ben Deal and Fannie Garrison Deal. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy Coffey Deal; his second wife, Brenda Wells Deal; a daughter, Nichole Deal; four brothers, B.G., Glen, Adrian, and Foy Deal; and a sister, Velma A. Brown. Ralph was a retired employee of Henredon Furniture and Color Lab, and was a member of Enon Baptist Church.

He is survived by a daughter, Linda Deal Branch of Drexel, NC; two sons, Donald Deal and Ronald Deal of Hildreban, NC; grandchildren, Sherri Bradshaw, Chris Branch, Greg Branch, Parker Deal, Hunter Deal, and Dayton Deal; and four great-grandchildren, Aubrey and Lena Bradshaw and Seth and Samuel Branch.

The funeral will be held at 4:00 p.m., Thursday, November 30, 2006 at Enon Baptist Church with Rev. Gary Garner officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Caldwell County, 902 Kirkwood Street, Lenoir, NC 28645 or to Enon Baptist Church Building Fund, 2059 Enon Road, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Michael Lee Bare, 46, of Dairy Ave, Morganton, NC, died Saturday, November 25, 2006 at Carolinas Medical Center as the result of an automobile accident. Born November 6, 1960 in Avery County, NC, he was the son of the late Leland Bare and Audrey Houston Bare. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Danny Bare.

Michael is survived by his wife, Diana Duckworth Bare; two sons, Brandon Baker and Victor Bare; a daughter, Nicole Greer; a sister, Michelle Warlick; a granddaughter, Breanna Baker; and an uncle, Gary Houston, all of Morganton.

The memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m., Monday, December 4, 2006 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Clyde Wayne Little officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. At other times the family will be at the residence at 112 Stamey Avenue, Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to the family to offset funeral expenses, P.O. Box 2608, Morganton, NC 28680.