Obituaries

Harrison

KERNERSVILLE – James William Harrison, 76, passed away Friday, February 3, 2023, at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home. Jim was born on January 31, 1947 in Russell County, VA, to the late John and Elizabeth Harrison. He was an active member of Sedge Garden United Methodist Church, where he was instrumental in organizing and co-chairing the Stephens Ministry Program. He also served as a Deacon and Chair of the Deacon Board at a previous church.
Jim worked as Director of Environmental Services with Servicemaster for over 27 years. He was also a member of Salem Masonic Lodge in Winston-Salem and in Orangeburg, SC, where he was a Third Degree Master Mason.
His interest in fixing things and his skilled craftsmanship made him a great jack-of-all-trades, passing down these skills to his family. Jim also enjoyed making his own picture frames, matting, and framing several pieces of artwork over the years. He was very involved in his kids’ and grandchildren’s lives and will be dearly missed.
Surviving are his wife, Marian Harrison; his daughter, Michelle Woodyard and son-in-law, Steve; his son, John David Harrison and daughter-in-law, Monica; five grandchildren, Scott and Sam Woodyard; Molly, Laurence and Jim Harrison; and one sister, Becky Roop and brother-in-law, Dan.
A graveside service with Masonic Rites will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at Sedge Garden United Methodist Church with Rev. Karen Smith officiating.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org/donate) or Shriners Hospitals for Children, Attn: Shriners Hospitals for Children, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394 (www.shrinerschildren.org).
Hayworth-Miller Kernersville Chapel is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made to www.hayworth-miller.com

Owens

Walkertown – Mr. Kimrey Lee Owens, 70, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 2, 2023, at his residence surrounded by his family. He was born on December 8, 1952 in Guilford County to Calvin Clark and Frances Hite Owens. Kim loved the Lord, he was a Christ centered man. He was a member of Crews United Methodist Church where he served on the Board of Trustees and was a Lay Delegate for the United Methodist Conference. For work, Kim was a self-employed photographer for twenty years and later was a school bus driver with the Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools for fourteen years. He was a member of the Professional Photographers of NC and he attended many of their conferences. He was also a former board member of the Walkertown Fire Department. Kim enjoyed riding motorcycles, sail boating, watching NASCAR, ice hockey, and he had a love for music. But he really enjoyed spending time with his family. He was a perfectionist with an engineering mind who was tenderhearted and caring. Kim was outgoing and loved to tell stories. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend who will be deeply missed by anyone who knew and loved him.
Kim was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Charlene McDaniel Owens; two sons, William Owens (wife, Christa) and Samuel Owens; one granddaughter, Emersyn Mae Owens; his sister, Kara Rich (husband, Eddie); one niece, Jessica Cosgriff (husband, Joe); and many special cousins and friends.
A funeral service for Kim will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, February 6, 2023, at Crews United Methodist Church with Rev. Ashley Crye and Rev. Gary Camp officiating. Burial will follow the service in the church cemetery. Kim will be available to view one hour prior to the service however, the family will receive friends following the burial in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Hayworth-Miller Kernersville Chapel is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.

Schoessler

Patricia (Patsy) Elliott Schoessler, 83, passed away November 12, 2022 in Lewisville, Texas. A native of Kernersville, Patsy was the wife of Clayton (Clay) Schoessler, of Lewisville, and the youngest child of the late Baxter and Flora Barrow Roberson.
Patsy was a people person and worked primarily in accounting and sales, where in addition to helping with her sons’ businesses, she enjoyed working with Fleet Landing and Stein Mart in Jacksonville, FL. She loved to travel, and lived at different times in Illinois, Florida and Texas, in addition to Winston Salem.
Patsy is survived by her husband, Clay, two sons, Steven (Kelly) and Dan (Lynette) Elliott, and stepdaughter Carla (Bryan) Grayson, stepson Calvin (Angela) Schoessler, and her beloved grandchildren, Jackson, Nathan, Laura, William, and Cara Schoessler.
In addition to her parents, Patsy was preceded in death by her sister Jewell (Bill) Fulp, brothers Wade (Clara), Albert (Bernice), and B.F. (Dorothy) Roberson, and her first husband, Fred Elliott.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 10 at 2:30 pm at Eastlawn Gardens of Memory Chapel in Kernersville, NC. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to Lamb of God Lutheran Church of Lewisville’s Freedom to Act campaign (www.log.org/freedom).

Powell

Judith Gale Knicely Powell, 79, of Kernersville, NC, formerly from Martinsburg, WV, passed away peacefully on 28 January in Sterling, VA.
The daughter of the late Lewis H. and Virginia E. Boyd Knicely, she grew up in Martinsburg, WV, where she also raised her children. A long-time member of the Calvary United Methodist Church in Martinsburg, her faith was a source of comfort.
A devoted grandmother, Judith moved to Kernersville, NC to be close to her grandchildren. She delighted in meeting new people and became an active member of the community, sharing her faith and enthusiasm with her friends at First Christian Church and Red Hat Society. She enjoyed family vacations with her grandchildren and was a huge supporter at their extracurricular activities.
Her proudest professional achievement was becoming a nurse. She took great pride in healing and comforting patients and their families as well as in mentoring new caregivers. She served with dedication as an Enterostomal Therapist and Registered Nurse at the VA Hospital in Martinsburg and actively supported the Wounded Warrior Project. She was the administrator of Paragon Rehab in Winston-Salem, and retired in 2011 as a nursing case manager at Medcost of Winston Salem, NC.
She graduated from Martinsburg High School, and received nursing degrees from WVU and Shepherd University, and an MBA from Frostburg University.
She will be remembered by her children, Russell W. and wife Holly A. Powell of Ashburn, VA and Gale L. and husband Andrew D. Huyett of Kernersville,NC; grandchildren, Nicole and husband Ben Avolis, Matthew Huyett, Natalie Huyett, Chloe Powell, and Ryan Powell; and great-granddaughter Salem Avolis; and many friends and colleagues.
Visitation hours begin at 12 on Saturday, 11 February at the Brown Funeral Home in Martinsburg, WV, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 1 pm with the Rev. Lynn Wilson presiding. Interment will be in Rosedale Cemetery, Martinsburg immediately following the service.
In her memory, the family requests contributions for: Shepherd’s Center of Kernersville, 636 Gralin St, Kernersville, NC 27284 www.shepctrkville.com/donate/.
Online condolences may be offered at www.BrownFuneralHomesWV.com

Blevins

Kernersville – Cathy Ann Blevins, 63, passed away the 28th day of January 2023 at Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Hospital. She was born August 16, 1959, in Alleghany County to the late Robert “Bobby” William Donithan and Mildred Lorraine McCoy.
Mrs. Blevins was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. To know her was to love her. She loved Christmas time, Disney, and being with her family the most. Traditions that she created with and for our family will forever be in our hearts. Her grandchildren were her world. All she ever wanted to do was to be with her family and make memories. We will miss her dearly and loved her so much.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her stepson Travis Blevins.
Surviving is her Husband, Dwight Blevins; daughter Ashley Barker and husband Nathan Barker of Kernersville; son Ransom Royal Jr. and wife Tosha Royal of Winston-Salem; grandsons Hunter Kelley, Wyatt Barker, Grayson Barker; granddaughters Samantha Royal, Sabrina Royal, Tabitha Royal; ex-spouse Ransom Royal Sr.; stepson Michael Blevins; step grandson Bailey Blevins, and several nieces & nephews.
The family will receive family and friends from 5pm-7pm, Sunday, February 5, 2023, at Hayworth Miller Kernersville Chapel.
Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.

Pless

KERNERSVILLE – Lewis Franklin Pless, 86, passed away January 30, 2023 at his home. Lewis was born on May 2, 1936 in Guilford County to Clyde and Vallie Lovett Pless. He was a member of Kernersville Wesleyan Church and a 1954 graduate of Kernersville High School, still enjoying the Class of 54 monthly breakfasts. Lewis was a licensed electrician, working for Salem Electric for 56 years, overseeing many commercial contracts. His work ethic was unmatched and provided a great example of dedication to his coworkers and family. He was a self-taught handyman – fixing anything that needed attention. Lewis was a soft spoken man with a huge heart.
In addition to his parents, Lewis was preceded in death by his wife, Rebecca “Becky” Pless; and one brother, Larry Pless.
Surviving are two sons, Brad Pless (Kay) and Brian Pless (Lisa); one daughter, Dee Dee Nelson (Todd); seven grandchildren, Dustin Pless (Katie), Hilary Carpenter (Chris), Leigh Ann Pless, Mallorie Kirstine (David), Dylan Pless, Zachary Nelson (Madeline), and Kayla Pless; eight great grandchildren, Ayden, Ava, Andelyn, Nellie, Avery, Addyson, Tucker, and Atlas; and one brother, Danny Pless (Lenore).
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 3, 2023 at Kernersville Wesleyan Church with Rev. Leon Thompson and Rev. Steve Martin officiating. Burial will follow at Eastlawn Gardens of Memory. The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 2, at Hayworth-Miller Kernersville Chapel.
Memorials may be made to Kernersville Wesleyan Church- OASIS, 930 North Main St, Kernersville, NC 27284. Online condolences may be made to www.hayworth-miller.com

Riggs

Mrs. Loudene Wright Riggs, 94 passed away peacefully Monday morning January 30, 2023, at Brightwater Assisted Living in Myrtle Beach, SC. Mrs. Riggs was born in Mt. Airy, NC on March 25, 1928, one of seven children born to the late Roxie Ashburn Wright and Grover Cleveland Wright. She married William Paul Riggs in 1951 and faithfully served with him in numerous churches across North Carolina while raising their four children. She worked in banking and loved to travel. She is survived by daughters Cindy Coone and her husband, B.E. of Asheville, NC, Nancy Minor of Little River SC, LuAnne Branson and her husband Steve of Fletcher, NC and a son William Paul Riggs Jr. of N. Myrtle Beach SC; six grandchildren, Jason Minor and his wife Samantha, Meredith Coone Lamm and her husband Chris, Allyson Riggs Smith and her husband Chris, Stephanie Branson Webb and her husband John, Kelsey Riggs Trexler and her husband Jon Scott, and Jessica Branson Caudill and her husband Nathan; 13 great grandchildren David Ward-Minor, Tyler Minor, Kelcie Minor, Makenah Minor, Tegan Minor, Savannah Smith, Charlotte Smith, Stratton Lamm, Ansley Lamm, Avery Trexler, Olivia Trexler, Forrest Caudill, Josiphine Webb; a great great grandchild Kash Ward-Minor; 2 sisters-in-law Betty Johnson Wright and Evelyn Bowman Wright both of Mt. Airy and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Riggs was preceded in death by her husband Rev. William Paul Riggs Sr.: two sisters and brother-in-law, Alease and R.C. Lambert, and Barbara Wright Holcomb; four brothers and sister-in-law, Staff Sgt. David Dale Wright, Cletis Goodwin and Helen Wright, Curtis Hylton Wright, and Donald Rayburn Wright. A service of worship and celebration will be held Friday, February 3 at 2:00 at Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy, NC. with Dr. Steve Martin and Rev. Jay Meadows officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until the hour of the service on Friday. A graveside service will be held at Oakdale Cemetery after the service. Moody Funeral Service of Mount Airy is serving the Riggs family.
Condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.

Milstead

William Malcolm “Bill” Milstead passed into God’s eternity on Saturday, January 21, 2023. He was born September 16, 1929 in Winston-Salem, NC to W. Wilson and Erin Crouch Milstead. Bill was married to the former Flossie “Flo” Esther Krites on July 1, 1951 at Immanuel Moravian Church in Winston-Salem by the Right Reverend Samuel J. Tesch. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 62 years.
Bill attended North Elementary School and graduated from Hanes High School in 1947, and with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Duke University in 1950. Following Duke, Bill enlisted in the Air Force in January, 1951. After basic training he was sent directly to the Korean conflict and returned in 1952 to Roswell, New Mexico. In 1953, he entered the Officer Candidate School at Lackland AFB, Texas, graduating and being commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in September of that year. He then entered navigator training at Ellington AFB, Texas, and received his “wings” in 1954. He remained as an instructor until 1957, followed by Electronic Warfare School. This was followed by a four-year tour of duty with Strategic Air Command B-52 Forces at Carswell AFB, Fort Worth, Texas, principally flying the round-the-clock “SteelTrap” missions over Northern Canada. In 1962, he transferred to teaching electronic warfare at Mather AFB, Sacramento, CA for four years.
The Vietnam War came and Bill was sent to join “Wild Weasel” forces, flying the F-105F. Purpose of the “Weasel” program was to detect, decoy, divert, and when possible, destroy surface-to-air missile sites firing on B-52 and F-4 forces attacking high-value targets in the Hanoi-Haiphong area of North Vietnam. One hundred combat missions were flown. For this he was awarded the Silver Star plus 3 Distinguished Flying Crosses and promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. Returning to the United States in 1967, he was sent back to Mather AFB where he became course developer for electronic warfare training. In 1972, Bill was sent back to Vietnam for a second time and flew 58 more F-105G “Weasel” missions. He then was returned to McConnell AFB, Wichita, Kansas, where he retired in January, 1973.
Bill was baptized at North Winston Baptist Church in 1938. He moved his membership to Immanuel Moravian Church in 1961, then to Kernersville Moravian Church in 1983. Bill served for three terms as a Trustee at Immanuel, and for two terms on the Board of Trustees at Kernersville as well as Chairman in 1994. He also served as an usher, in the choir, and on the 1992 Sanctuary Building Campaign Committee. He is survived by numerous cousins.
“His truth endures to all generations.” Psalm 100:5
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Donor’s Choice.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at Pierce-Jefferson Kernersville Chapel.

Doub

Harold Lee Doub passed away on January 10, 2023 at the age of 100. He was born on March 24, 1922 in Forsyth County to Ernest and Flora (Warner) Doub. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Frances Doub Myers and Jimmie Doub; first wife, Metzel Binkley Doub; second wife, Juanita Penfield Doub; daughter, Pamela Essex; and grandson, Beau Carter.
Harold is survived by daughters, Marcia (Eugene) Holt and Karen (Lyle) Snyder of Nashville, TN; grandchildren, Adam (Amy) Anders of Nashville, Bethany Sanders, and Nickolas (Leigh Ann) Barnes of Nashville, TN; seven great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He proudly served his country during WWII in the US Army. Harold served in the European Theater in the Ordnance and Motor Pool sectors. He was among the first veterans from NC chosen to participate in the Veterans Honor Flight to the WWII Memorial in Washington, DC.
Harold attended Draughons Business College. He was employed as a bookkeeper at Piedmont Federal Savings & Loan. While not at work, Harold kept busy with his family farm as well as woodworking. He loved the outdoors.
Harold was a faithful member of Warners Chapel Church of Christ and in later years, Linville Forest Church of Christ.
The funeral service will be Saturday, January 14th at 2pm at Warners Chapel Church of Christ in the Annex Building. The family will receive friends from 1-2 pm for visitation prior to the service. Frank Vogler & Sons Funeral Home in Clemmons is assisting the family with arrangements.

Terrell

KERNERSVILLE – Richard Gray Terrell, 83, passed away Thursday, January 26, 2023 at Hospice Home of High Point. Richard was born in Forsyth County on July 8, 1939 to Joseph & Florence Carpenter Terrell. He retired from Forsyth County Environmental Health after 37 years of service. Richard was an active member of Sedge Garden United Methodist Church, sharing his singing talent with the chancel choir for many years and also served on many committees. He was also a member of Beeson Crossroads Fire Department, serving in the Traffic Control Division. He knew how to light up a room with his contagious smile that he so graciously offered to anyone around. Richard was a ball of energy – shagging and singing karaoke were among his favorite pastimes.
In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by one son, Randy Terrell; and four sisters, Edith, Margaret, JoAnn, and Nita.
Surviving are his wife of 47 years, Mona Freeman Terrell; four children, Tracie Terrell Ronchetti (John), David Christopher Terrell (Patricia), Todd Terrell, and Kristi Weatherman; four grandchildren, Addie, Leah, Josh, and Sara; nephew, Johnny Rogers (Jennifer), sister-in-law, Norma Freeman; and many other extended Family.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens with Pastor Dan Hester and Rev. Phil Bauguess officiating.
Memorials may be made to Sedge Garden United Methodist Church – Choir Fund, 794 Sedge Garden Road, Kernersville, NC, 27284. Hayworth-Miller Kernersville Chapel is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made to www.hayworth-miller.com

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