Hazel Pauline Hampton of Knoxville, Tenn., passed away Sunday, March 19, 2017. She was born Jan. 23, 1942, in Murphy, the fifth child of Robert B. and Bertha Hampton.
    Pauline is survived by her sister, Betty Hampton Wright (Jimmy D.) of Charlotte; nephews Michael Lee and Wayne Smith of the home, Bobby Smith of Charlotte and James Smith (Lisa G.) of Hendersonville; and nieces, Virginia S. Moore (A.E. Red) Moore of Burlington, Myra Joy Pate, Evangeline Lee and Vonnie Faye Smith of Burlington and Kimberly Hampton of Texas.
    She was preceded in death by sisters, Frances Stinnett, Ruby Whaley and Ida Lee; and brother, Robert Hampton.
    Pauline was a member of Areme Chapter Order of the Eastern Star No. 466 for more than 50 years and was retired from Covenant Health. She graduated from Rule High School in 1960 and completed her Bachelor of Arts degree at Tustulum College.
    She was member of West Side Baptist Church for more than 60 years.
    The family wishes to thank Ethleen Mainor for her 50-plus years of loving, loyal friendship, and we consider her as a member of our family.
    Pauline leaves a multitude of friends, and she will be missed by all.
    The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, at Rose Mortuary Broadway Chapel in Knoxville. A funeral service will follow at 7 p.m. with the Rev. Josh Greene officiating.
    Interment will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 23, in Hampton Memorial Church Cemetery, Murphy.
    An online obituary may be viewed and condolences extended at www.rosemortuary.com.

    Josephine Laney Ayers, 94, of Murphy, passed away Monday, March 20, 2017, at her home.
    Mrs. Ayers was born March 9, 1923, in Cherokee County to the late Scott Laney and Belle Bradshaw Laney.
    She was a member of Murphy First Baptist Church. She enjoyed reading, gardening both flowers and vegetables.
    She was preceded in death by sisters, Bessie Laney and Blanche Ellis; brothers, T.C. Laney, Ralph Laney, Scott Laney Jr. and Pat Laney; and husband, Vernon Ayers.
    Survivors include her brothers, Buster (Alene) Laney and Virgil Laney; sisters-in-law, Dot Laney and Faye Laney; and nieces and nephews also survive.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 23, at Cochran Funeral Home Chapel, Murphy, with the Rev. Mark Laney officiating. Interment followed in Greenlawn Cemetery. The following nephews served as pallbearers, Darrell Laney, Steve Laney, Paul Laney, Mike Laney, Larry Ellis and Casey Conley. Honorary pallbearers were Danny Chastain, James Chastain and Greg Laney.
    The family received friends at from noon-2 p.m. Thursday, March 23, at Cochran Funeral Home, Murphy.
    The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations may be made to Murphy Public Library 9 Blumenthal St., Murphy, NC 28906.
    Arrangements were entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy.
    You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

    Maggie Marie Owl, 91, of Murphy, passed away Friday, March 17, 2017, at Murphy Medical Center.
    Mrs. Owl was born Jan. 12, 1926, in Jackson County, to the late Fidel Reed and Addie Hornbuckle.
    She enjoyed working in her flowers and loved spending time with her grandchildren.
    She was preceded in death by her father, Fidel Reed;  mother, Addie Reed; husband, Clifford Owl; sister, Josie Franklin; sister, Cindy Crowe; sister, Lula Owl; sister, Ann Ammons; sister, Dolly Tchakirides; brother,  Wilson Reed; brother, Henry L. Reed, and brother, Glen Reed.
    Survivors include her son, Norman Reed; son, Clifford Owl Jr.; son, Henry Owl; son, Perry Owl; son, Kermit Owl; son, Lex Owl; son, Raymond Owl; daughter, Alva Chastain; daughter, Belva Ashe; daughter, Shirley Rogers; daughter, Norma Coleman; 20 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews also survive.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, at Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy with the Rev. Ben Reed officiating. Interment followed in the Owl Family Cemetery. Pallbearers were Norman Reed Jr., Ben Reed, Jason Cook, Bob Measmer, Keith Cook and Ryan Cook. Honorary pallbearers were Joe Lequire and Chuck Medford.
    The family received friends from 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, at Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy.
    Arrangements were entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy.
    You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

    James Donald Walker, 83, of Murphy, passed away Tuesday, March 21, 2017, at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
    Donald Walker was born Dec. 24, 1933, in Bellview, Ky., to Charles and Lois Walker of Bellview, Ky.
    His education included New Port High School, class of 1952 and University of Cincinnati School of Engineering.
    Mr. Walker was a manufacturing engineer. He retired in 1991 from Lockheed Martin in Orlando, Fla.
    Survivors include his wife of over 40 years, Mary Walker; two sons, Steven from his first marriage; and Paul from his present marriage; and five grandchildren.
    Mr. Walker has requested cremation with no service. His ashes will be spread at St. George Island, Fla. at a later date.
    Arrangements were entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy.
    You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.
 

    Margaret Alfrieda “Frieda” Mathis Taylor, 69, of Andrews, passed away Monday, March 20, 2017, after a brief illness. She was at home surrounded by her children.
    Mrs. Taylor was born April 30, 1947, in Andrews, to the late Jess Mathis and Culla Mae Hicks Mathis.
    She was a member of Junaluska Baptist Church.
    She loved painting, flower gardening, spending time with her grandchildren and sitting on the porch with her little dog, Lulu, listening to music.
    She was preceded in death by her husband, Leon Taylor;  brothers, Jess Mathis Jr. and Carroll “Buddy” Mathis; sisters, Pauline Shields, Grace Ledford and Faye “Sister” Davis.
    Survivors include daughters, Teresa (David) Ricks and Shalain (Travis) Rogers;  grandchildren, Brendlyn Phillips, Haley Rogers, Logan Ricks, Brinklee Rogers, Emory Ricks and Levi Ricks; brothers, Roger Gail Mathis and Ricky Mathis; and a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws and special friends also survive.
    Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at Cochran Funeral Home Chapel, Murphy, with the Rev. Daniel Stewart, pastor of Cedar Cliff Baptist Church, officiating. Interment will follow in Valleytown Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Brendlyn Phillips, Logan Ricks, Chucky Mathis, Cody Mathis, Nathan Isles and Jarrid Anderson.
    The family will receive friends from noon-2 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at Cochran Funeral Home, Murphy.
    In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to one’s animal charity of choice.
    Arrangements were entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy.
    You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.
 

    Sarah Lugene “Maw” Davenport, 93, of Hayesville, passed away Sunday, March 26, 2017, at her residence.
    Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 28, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel of Hayesville. Burial was in Mission Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home, www.townson-rose.com, was in charge of all arrangements.

    Margaret Alfrieda “Frieda” Mathis Taylor, 69, of Andrews, passed away Monday, March 20, 2017, after a brief illness. She was at home surrounded by her children.
    Mrs. Taylor was born April 30, 1947, in Andrews, to the late Jess Mathis and Culla Mae Hicks Mathis.
    She was a member of Junaluska Baptist Church.
    She loved painting, flower gardening, spending time with her grandchildren and sitting on the porch with her little dog, Lulu, listening to music.
    She was preceded in death by her husband, Leon Taylor;  brothers, Jess Mathis Jr. and Carroll “Buddy” Mathis; sisters, Pauline Shields, Grace Ledford and Faye “Sister” Davis.
    Survivors include her daughters, Teresa (David) Ricks and Shalain (Travis) Rogers;  grandchildren, Brendlyn Phillips, Haley Rogers, Logan Ricks, Brinklee Rogers, Emory Ricks and Levi Ricks; brothers, Roger Gail Mathis and Ricky Mathis; and a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws and special friends also survive.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at Cochran Funeral Home Chapel, Murphy, with the Rev. Daniel Stewart, pastor of Cedar Cliff Baptist Church, officiating. Interment followed in Valleytown Cemetery. Pallbearers were Brendlyn Phillips, Logan Ricks, Chucky Mathis, Cody Mathis, Nathan Isles and Jarrid Anderson.
    The family received friends from noon-2 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at Cochran Funeral Home, Murphy.
    In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to one’s animal charity of choice.
    Arrangements were entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy.
    You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

    Maggie Marie Owl, 91, of Murphy, passed away Friday, March 17, 2017, at Murphy Medical Center.
    Mrs. Owl was born Jan. 12, 1926, in Jackson County to the late Fidel Reed and Addie Hornbuckle.
    She enjoyed working in her flowers and loved spending time with her grandchildren.
    She was preceded in death by her father, Fidel Reed;  mother, Addie Reed; husband, Clifford Owl; sister, Josie Franklin; sister, Cindy Crowe; sister, Lula Owl; sister, Ann Ammons; sister, Dolly Tchakirides; brother,  Wilson Reed; brother, Henry L. Reed, and brother, Glen Reed.
    Survivors include her son, Norman Reed; son, Clifford Owl Jr.; son, Henry Owl; son, Perry Owl; son, Kermit Owl; son, Lex Owl; son, Raymond Owl; daughter, Alva Chastain; daughter, Belva Ashe; daughter, Shirley Rogers; daughter, Norma Coleman; 20 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews also survive.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, at Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy with the Rev. Ben Reed officiating. Interment followed in the Owl Family Cemetery. Pallbearers were Norman Reed Jr., Ben Reed, Jason Cook, Bob Measmer, Keith Cook and Ryan Cook. Honorary pallbearers were Joe Lequire and Chuck Medford.
    The family received friends from 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, at Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy.
    Arrangements were entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy.
    You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

    Dorothy E. Layre, 99, of Murphy, passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2017, at Stonehenge in Blairsville, Ga.
    Dorothy Marie was born May 8, 1918, in Philadelphia, Pa., to William Fisk Edson and Bertha Snyder Edson, and stepdaughter to Otto Kohler.
    She grew up in Jim Thorpe, Pa., and was of the Methodist faith. She was a member of the DAR.
    Dorothy worked as office supervisor and bookkeeper for Gerard Trust Bank in Center City, Pa.
    Her hobbies were refinishing furniture and painting.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Warren C. Layre, a veteran of World War II, on April 29, 2002.
    She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Robinette, and husband Harold (Rob) Robinette of Murphy; and son, Warren C. Layre Jr. of Conshohoken, Pa.; granddaughter, Danielle M. Viele and husband Chris of Venice, Fla.; grandsons, Warren Layre II of Norristown, Pa., and Michael J. Palmieri of Woodbridge, Va.; and four great-granddaughters, Leiah M. Viele, Mariah Viele, Sarah  Palmieri and Casey Robinette.
    No services are planned.
“Mother”
    To the one who bears the sweetest name
    And adds a luster to the same
    Who shares our joys
    Who cheers when sad
    The greatest friend we ever had!
    Long life to her, for there’s no other
    Can take the place of our dear Mother. – Anonymous.
    We will miss you.

    James Donald Walker, 83, of Murphy, passed away Tuesday, March 21, 2017, at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
    Donald Walker was born Dec. 24, 1933, in Bellview, Ky., to Charles and Lois Walker of Bellview, Ky.
    His education included New Port High School, Class of 1952, and University of Cincinnati School of Engineering.
    Mr. Walker was a manufacturing engineer. He retired in 1991 from Lockheed Martin in Orlando, Fla.
    Survivors include his wife of more than 40 years, Mary Walker; two sons, Steven from his first marriage; and Paul from his present marriage; and five grandchildren.
    Mr. Walker has requested cremation with no service. His ashes will be spread at St. George Island, Fla., at a later date.
    Arrangements were entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy.
    You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

    Marvin Ray Kephart, 82, of Murphy, passed away Sunday, March 26, 2017, in Hamilton County, Tenn.
    He was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, and the son of the late John and Hattie Allen Kephart.
    Marvin was an operator on a Rolling Store for Kephart Grocery. Later in life, he was a car salesman for Graves Motors in Murphy. Before retiring, he worked for his son at Central Cleaners in Andrews. He loved spending time with his family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
    Marvin was a member of Hanging Dog Baptist Church.
    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Frank Kephart and Wade Kephart; and sisters, Lassie Davis, Ruth Roberson and Louise Dockery.
    He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty Earwood Kephart; two sons, Eddie Joe Kephart and wife Karen, and Bobby Glen Kephart and wife Tracy; daughter, Beth Kephart Hall and husband Kenny, all of Murphy; seven grandchildren, Jennifer Dickey, Tracy Helton, John Hall, Jessica Kephart, Erica Jenkins, Kendra Williams and Tyler Kephart; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services were held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 28, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Dr. Eddis Dockery and the Rev. Aud Brown officiated. Burial was at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 29, in Hanging Dog Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were John Hall, Ryland Dickey, Jeremy Helton, Tyler Kephart, Kevin Williams and Donald Ray Johnson. Honorary pallbearers were Ashton Raxter, Braxton Jenkins and Carson Williams.
    The family received friends from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 28, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hanging Dog Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 968, Murphy, NC 28906 or The Gideon’s International, P.O. Box 624, Murphy, NC 28906.
    You may send tributes to the Kephart family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Climpson Maney, 86, of Hayesville, passed away Thursday, March 16, 2017, at Chatuge Regional Nursing Home in Hiawassee, Ga.
    Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 19, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel of Hayesville. Burial was in Bethel Cemetery.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home, www.townson-rose.com, was in charge of all arrangements.

    Hazel Pauline Hampton of Knoxville, Tenn., passed away Sunday, March 19, 2017. She was born Jan. 23, 1942, in Murphy, the fifth child of Robert B. and Bertha Hampton.
    Pauline is survived by her sister, Betty Hampton Wright (Jimmy D) of Charlotte; nephews Michael Lee and Wayne Smith of the home, Bobby Smith of Charlotte and James Smith (Lisa G) of Hendersonville; and nieces, Virginia S. Moore (A.E. Red) Moore of Burlington, Myra Joy Pate, Evangeline Lee and Vonnie Faye Smith of Burlington and Kimberly Hampton of Texas.
    She was preceded in death by sisters, Frances Stinnett, Ruby Whaley and Ida Lee; and brother, Robert Hampton.
    Pauline was a member of Areme Chapter Order of the Eastern Star No. 466 for more than 50 years and was retired from Covenant Health. She graduated from Rule High School in 1960 and completed her bachelor of arts degree at Tusculum College.
    She was member of West Side Baptist Church for more than 60 years.
    The family wishes to thank Ethleen Mainor for her 50-plus years of loving, loyal friendship, and we consider her as a member of our family.
    Pauline leaves a multitude of friends, and she will be missed by all.
    The family received friends from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, at Rose Mortuary Broadway Chapel in Knoxville. A funeral service followed at 7 p.m. with the Rev. Josh Greene officiating.
    Interment was at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 23, in Hampton Memorial Church Cemetery, Murphy.
    An online obituary may be viewed and condolences extended at www.rosemortuary.com.

    Blanche Panter Clore, 87, of Mineral Bluff, Ga., passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2017, at her home.
    Born in Fannin County, Ga., she was the daughter of the late John and Mary Bell Panter. 
    She was a Head Start teacher for Fannin County, Ga., for a number of years.  She was a member of New Liberty Baptist Church for more than 70 years. 
    She also was preceded in death by her husband, the Rev. Roy Clore; son, Frank Clore; and son-in-law, Huey Prince.
    Survivors include two daughters, Mary Lou Prince of Mineral Bluff, Ga., and Sharon and husband Randy Deal of Copperhill, Tenn.; daughter-in-law, Katie Clore of Chatsworth, Ga.; grandchildren, Crystal (Kevin) McNeal, Veronica (Doug) Stover, Miachelle (Darrell) Fox, Davin (Jade) Prince, Angel Prince, Tina (Neal) Murphy, Tessa (Cody) Rogers and Trevis Deal; great grandchildren, Morgan Laney, Seth and Dakota Fox, Devin and Ashlynn Prince, Carter and Bentley, Hudson and Lawson Murphy; great-great-grandchildren, Zadyn, Lexton and Layton Laney; brother-in-law, Marvin and wife Sue Clore of Smyrna, Ga.; sisters-in-law, Virginia Clore of Mineral Bluff, Ga., and Thelma Clore of Blue Ridge, Ga.; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
    Funeral services were conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 25, from the Akins Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Joe Dan Wilkins and Max Curtis officiating. Music was provided by Tinker Bailey, Linda Ware, Ivy Bice and Diana Bice.
    Interment followed in the New Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Paul Ray Morgan officiating. Serving as pallbearers were Davin Prince, Doug Stover, Darrell Fox, Trevis Deal, Neal Murphy, Cody Rogers and Kevin McNeal. Serving as honorary pallbearers were Bob Hawkins, Tinker Bailey, James Davenport, Randall Bailey, Roy Truelove, Lowell Thomas, Ethridge Ware and Reid Dilbeck. Serving as an honorary escort were the following grandchildren, Morgan, Seth, Dakota, Devin, Ashlynn, Hudson and Lawson.
    For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Mrs. Clore to Pruitt Health Hospice or New Liberty Baptist Church Building Fund, c/o Danny Henson, 145 Lakeview Drive, Morganton, GA 30560.
    Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com.
    Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge, Ga., was in charge of the arrangements.

    Josephine Laney Ayers, 94, of Murphy, passed away Monday, March 20, 2017, at her home.
    Mrs. Ayers was born March 9, 1923, in Cherokee County to the late Scott Laney and Belle Bradshaw Laney.
    She was a member of Murphy First Baptist Church. She enjoyed reading, gardening both flowers and vegetables.
    She was preceded in death by sisters, Bessie Laney and Blanche Ellis; brothers, T.C. Laney, Ralph Laney, Scott Laney Jr. and Pat Laney; and husband, Vernon Ayers.
    Survivors include her brothers, Buster (Alene) Laney and Virgil Laney; sisters-in-law, Dot Laney and Faye Laney; and nieces and nephews also survive.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 23, at Cochran Funeral Home Chapel, Murphy, with the Rev. Mark Laney officiating. Interment followed in Greenlawn Cemetery. The following nephews served as pallbearers, Darrell Laney, Steve Laney, Paul Laney, Mike Laney, Larry Ellis and Casey Conley. Honorary pallbearers were Danny Chastain, James Chastain and Greg Laney.
    The family received friends at from noon-2 p.m. Thursday, March 23, at Cochran Funeral Home, Murphy.
    The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations may be made to Murphy Public Library 9 Blumenthal St., Murphy, NC 28906.
    Arrangements were entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy.
    You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

    Helen Lucille Allen, 89, of Ducktown, Tenn., passed away Saturday, March 25, 2017.
    Mrs. Allen was a daughter of the late Earnest and Ada Watts Henson.
    She had worked at Copper Basin Medical Center in the kitchen department.
    She was a member of Word of God Tabernacle in the Stansbury community of Turtletown, Tenn.
    She also was preceded in death by her husband, Wade Allen.
    She is survived by sons, Richard Allen of Turtletown, Tenn., James “Cotton” Allen and wife Sharon of Brasstown; daughters, Barbara Allen Chadwich of Calhoun, Tenn., Ruby Allen Culbertson of McCaysville, Ga.; sister, Lowanda Smith of Ducktown, Tenn.; 16 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.
    Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 28, from the Akins of Copperhill Chapel with the Rev. Billy Bryant officiating. Music was by Scott Bryant. Pallbearers included Shon Thompson, James Thompson, Jose Gerena, Derek Allen, Seth Allen and Cameron Morrow. Interment followed in the Macedonia “Wolf Creek” cemetery.
    Condolences to the family may be sent to www.akinsfuneralhome.com.
    Akins Funeral Home of Copperhill was in charge of the arrangements.

    Tommye Jean Bailey, born Sept. 23, 1944, passed to the other side of the veil following a long illness on Thursday, March 30, 2017.
    She was born in Oklahoma City, Okla., to LeRoy and Tommye Jewel Anthony Myers.
    In addition to Oklahoma, she lived in California, North Carolina, Singapore, England, Germany and Indonesia before moving to Murphy in 2008.
    Tommye was a graduate of Central State College in Edmond, Okla. She spent the majority of her working life in credit union accounting and management. She retired from the Immigration and Customs Service, at the U.S. Consulate in Frankfurt, Germany, in 2007.
    Tommye enjoyed a most wonderful life prior to her lengthy illness, and it is her wish to be remembered in that way.
    Tommye is survived by her husband of more than 41 years, Dick Bailey; one sister, Sandra Parrish of Murphy; a sister-in-law, Nita Valade of Decatur, Texas; and a host of wonderful nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and loved ones.
    A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, April 3, in Shepherd of the Mountains Church, 68 Fairfax Lane, Murphy, NC 28906, with the Rev. Al Beck officiating.
    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Tommye Jean Bailey to the Stovall Hope Foundation, P.O. Box 556, Clayton, GA 30525.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Dr. Thomas Woodward Hutson Jr., 93, of Tupelo, Miss., died Wednesday, March 29, 2017, at Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo.
    He was born July 21, 1923, in Miami, Fla. to Dr. Thomas W. Hutson Sr. and Ethel Barco Jackson Hutson.
    Dr. Hutson was the grandson of Miami’s pioneer physician, Dr. James M. Jackson, for whom the Jackson Memorial Hospital was named.
    Dr. Hutson graduated from Sewanee Military Academy, Sewanee, Tenn., in 1940. He received his bachelor of science degree from the University of Florida and his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in 1947. He was president of Sigma Chi Fraternity at the University of Florida and a member of Alpha Kappa Kappa at the Medical University of South Carolina.
    Dr. Hutson spent six years in surgical residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital, which was affiliated with the University of Miami Medical School. Dr. Hutson was the first six year resident in the residency program.
    His residency was interrupted due to military service, where he served for four and one-half years in the U.S. Navy during World War II and the Korean Conflict. Dr. Hutson served as Ship’s Doctor at Sea and was awarded the Commendation Medal for Service.
    Dr. Hutson was a former member of the Dade County Medical Association, Florida Medical Association, Southern Medical Association and American Medical Association.
    Dr. Hutson served as a clinical instructor of surgery at the University of Miami Medical School after he entered the private practice of surgery in Miami.
    After leaving private practice in Miami, Dr. Hutson accepted the position of emergency room physician at Murphy Medical Center in January 1985.
    Soon after, Dr. Hutson assumed the position of director of emergency services. While director, he assisted in three expansions and renovations of the emergency services department. He also served as emergency director for Cherokee and Clay counties.
    During his tenure at Murphy Medical Center he became certified in ACLS and ATLS, and was a member of the American College of Emergency Physicians.
    Dr. Hutson also served on the faculty of Tri-County Community College, where he taught emergency medicine and trained emergency ambulance drivers to become certified paramedics. He believed this to be his greatest accomplishment of his career by improving immediate access to quality medical care in Cherokee and Clay counties.
    In 2008, Murphy Medical Center dedicated its new emergency medical wing in his honor.
    He married Patricia Ruth Weiland on June 9, 1948, in Coral Gables, Fla., and they were blessed with four children.
    Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Patricia Hutson of Tupelo, formerly of Murphy and Coral Gables, Fla.; children, Thomas Woodward Hutson III (Elizabeth) of Concord, Calif., Patricia Hutson of Oroville, Calif., Arthur Weiland Hutson (Denise O’Dell) of Central, S.C., and Mary Hutson Davidson (Todd) of Tupelo; brother, Dr. James Jackson Hutson of Miami, Fla.; sister-in-law, Peggy B. Hutson; numerous nieces and nephews; 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
    He was preceded in death by his parents; two grandchildren, Arthur Weiland Hutson  Jr. and Charles Woodward Hutson; sister, Patricia Hutson Sass; and brother, Dr. Edward Douglas Hutson.
    Dr. Hutson was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed sailing, fishing, woodcarving, canoeing and adult scouting. He was a scout leader for 35 years in Dade County, Fla. He held many positions in the district and council of South Florida and was awarded the prestigious Silver Beaver award. He was a registered Assistant Scout Master with his grandson’s troop in Tupelo, Miss.
    Dr. Hutson was an honorary member of the Brasstown Brigade. He was a former member of the Miami Rotary Club and Biscayne Bay Yacht Club.
    Dr. and Mrs. Hutson moved to Tupelo in 2003 to be closer to their youngest daughter and grandchildren. They were members of Tupelo’s First United Methodist Church.
    A memorial service in Dr. Hutson’s honor will be 3 p.m. Monday, April 3, at First United Methodist Church of Tupelo. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. until service time Monday in the gathering room. Coffee will be served following the service in the gathering room.
    Final interment will be at Stoney Creek Cemetery in Sheldon, Beaufort County, S.C.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Murphy Medical Center Foundation, 3990 E. U.S. 64 Alternate, Murphy, NC 28906; 828-835-7558.
    Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.peguesfuneralhome.com.
 

    Susan M. Kocmund, 69, of Murphy, passed away on Tuesday, March 28, 2017, at Copper Basin Medical Center, Tenn.
    Mrs. Kocmund was born April 3, 1947, in Philadelphia, Pa., to the late Charles and Edna Kocmund.
    Sue enjoyed time spent growing up at the family camp on the Perkiomen Creek.
    Sue graduated for the University of Pennsylvania and began a career in clinical research. At mid-career Sue took a leave of absence from research and obtained her registered nurse degree.  After working in the medical profession for some time, she returned to clinical research.
    Sue retired from the profession in December 2011.  At that time, she and her husband moved to Murphy  to enjoy the quiet life and mountain views.
    Sue was an animal lover having adopted several retired racing Greyhounds.  She also raised and bred African Grey Parrots. Sue’s favorite African Grey parrot was Murphy, strange coincidence, crossed the rainbow bridge 2015. 
    Sue was an animal lover her whole life. From birds, to dogs to cats to reptiles to an opossum she rescued. Sue also enjoyed storm chasing with Tempest Tours during tornado season.
    Sue was also in love with Ireland. Sue spent time traveling around Ireland and learning the history of Ireland. 
    Upon Sue’s passing, she was going to the rainbow bridge to greet all of her furry and non-furry friends.
    Survivors include Mickey, a Chihuahua; Angus, a Pug; Gracie, a Basset Hound; cats named Willie, Olivia, Charlie and Eddie; Larry and Fred, leopard tortoises; Ozzy, a red bearded dragon; a sister, Teri Auch Schwelk of Pennsylvania; many nieces and nephews; and Mike, her husband. 
    Sue will be missed by all that she touched in her life.
    No services are planned. Hug and spend time with your pet instead.     
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

    Nola “Spud” Mae Rigsby, 68, of Marble, passed away Tuesday, March 28, 2017, at Valley View Care Center in Andrews.
    She was born in Polk County, Tenn., to the late Delta Barstow Rigsby Jr. and Nola Mae Price.
    Nola was a supervisor in housekeeping.
    She loved her family very much and enjoyed crossword puzzles in her spare time.
    Nola was of the Baptist faith.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her longtime companion, Hubert Ben Thomas, and her daughter, Rebecca Leigh Morrow.
    She is survived by one son, Scott Grant of Marble; one brother, Robert Dale of Ducktown; three sisters, Margaret Johnson of Murphy, Jeanette Woods of Mineral Bluff, Ga., and Annette Taylor of Murphy. She also had two grandchildren, Amanda Nehr and Benjamin Morrow, both of Murphy, and several nieces and nephews.
    The family will have a private memorial service to celebrate the life of Ms. Rigsby.
    You may send tributes to the Rigsby family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.