#fred cockerham

[banjofilia]

Creed Five-String Fretless Banjo, used by Fred Cockerham

source: Smithsonian, National Museum of American History

This banjo was made by Kyle Creed in Galax, Virginia around 1960-1962. It has 16 brackets and a fingerboard covered with formica veneer. An innovative use of modern synthetic materials (Formica (TM) and Mylar (TM)) is seen in this otherwise traditional fretless banjo made for outstanding old time musician Fred Cockerham, by his friend Kyle Creed.

The Formica surface of the fingerboard provides a wear resistant, smooth surface that helps the finger slides of the old time clawhammer style. The Mylar head gives a bright clear tone even during damp weather, which slackens and dulls the tone of the humidity sensitive skin heads used on earlier banjos.

Fred Cockerham was extensively recorded by Smithsonian Curator Scott Odell in the 1960s. Those field tapes are now included along with photographs and oral histories in the National Museum of American History's Archives Center.

[dustedmagazine]

Listed: Buck Curran

Steel strings course through Buck Curran’s blood: he is both a guitarist and a luthier. Rising to prominence in the northeastern American psychedelic folk scene, first with his band Arborea and then solo, Curran is steeped in his country’s blues-influenced folk heritage. Recently, he performed an about-face and released Delights and Dangers of Ambiguity, a collection of improvisations that he describes as “improvised dissertations on dissonance & sustain (experimental, drone and modal explorations for piano and guitar).” In his review of the album, Bryon Hayes noticed that “there is a tie that binds these tunes to Curran’s overall oeuvre: a focus on resonance. Throughout his career, [he] explores ways of extending a note’s sonic envelope via extended techniques.” Curran also recently compiled a 22-track tribute to Steffan-Basho Junghans, which Jennifer Kelly reviewed here.

For this Listed, Curran runs down some recordings and writings from which he draws inspiration for his sonic explorations.

Blind Willie Johnson — Dark Was the Night Cold Was the Ground (1927)

I believe this is one of the most important recordings ever made, and there is a great reason why this recording made it onboard the space probe Voyager 1. I imagine it now: Blind Willie Johnson's deep plaintive voice and haunting slide playing on an endless loop as it hurtles out into the open void of deep space; a memory carried on a tiny metal seed...used as a kind of beacon of hope and promise for all life on earth. For certain it represents (along with folk music from Japan, the Navajo tribe, Bach, Beethoven, etc.) significant music made by the human race. The recording echoes the eternal loneliness that is such a big part of human nature and of our thoughts towards the silence and darkness of the cosmos itself. But in its moaning sadness, I feel it yearns always as a steady glowing light of hope.

The Wikipedia entry says this about the song: In 1977, Carl Sagan and other researchers collected sounds and images from planet Earth to send on Voyager 1 and Voyager 2. The Voyager Golden Record includes recordings of frogs, crickets, volcanoes, a human heartbeat, laughter, greetings in 55 languages, and 27 pieces of music. "Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground" was included, according to Timothy Ferris, because “Johnson’s song concerns a situation he faced many times: nightfall with no place to sleep. Since humans appeared on Earth, the shroud of night has yet to fall without touching a man or woman in the same plight.”

Sinead O'Connor — The Lion and The Cobra (1987)

Sinead has been an inspiration for most of my life. In the late 1990s, I was fortunate to see her perform outdoors in Portland, Oregon. I stood in the front next to the barricade and her voice was just otherworldly: intense, emotional, and visceral in a way I've never heard before. It was powerful and transformational, and the siren-like timbres physically penetrated my body. She wrote and recorded these songs as a young woman pregnant with her first child. Songs like “Jackie” and “Troy” embody the spirit of the album and sound the many internal and external struggles of life.

Camaron de la Isla — Seguiriyas (circa 1980s)

Camaron de la Isla is one of my very favorite singers. His work with both Paco Delucia and Tomatito is essential listening. This film of Camaron singing a Seguiriya is so incredibly emotive and beautiful and cuts straight to my heart giving me such joy. As described here, a “Seguiriya” is one of the oldest flamenco styles. The oldest evidence of this flamenco style is found in the late 18th century, even though its origin is still uncertain. “Seguiriya” derived from primitive “tonás,” being created between Seville and Cadiz, los Puertos, Jerez and Triana neighborhoods. As singing, it has a tragic and gloomy character, enclosing the main values of what is known as “cante hondo.” Lyrics are painful, tragic, about human relationships, love, and death.

Pandit Nikhil Banerjee — Raga Chandra Kaushiki: Live at Dover Lane Music Conference, Kolkata (1977)

This deeply passionate performance by sitarist Pandit Nikhil Banerjee simply transcends time and space, and shimmers with the radiance of the Cosmos. Banerjee is among the best musicians I have ever heard. His tone is sweet and incredibly emotive. His technique absolutely masterful. He is accompanied on tablas by the Great Ustad Zakir Hussain.

Cinder Well — Live at Abbeydale Picture House (Songs from the album 'No Summer' 2020)

Along with the Gillian Welch albums Hell Among the Yearlings and Time (The Revelator) as well as various albums by Sandy Denny, June Tabor, and Karen Dalton, Amelia Baker's album No Summer is listed among my very favorite contemporary folk albums. This plaintive and beautiful live session features songs from No Summer. This session was perfectly documented (audio as well as video) in a historic movie house in Sheffield, England. During the songs “Old Enough” and “From Behind the Curtain,” Amelia is subtly and beautifully accompanied by Jim Ghedi and GBH.

Robbie Basho — Zarthus (1974)

My favorite album made by Robbie Basho. Thematically, it was deeply influenced by his spiritual guru Meher Baba and his fascination and love for Persian culture. Highlights on this album include his playing on 12 string guitar and piano. “Kahlil Gibran” is among my favorite of Basho’s songs that features him singing. I also highly recommend listening to Basho’s “Lost Lagoon Suite” from Falconer's Arm II (1967) and the album Song of the Stallion (1971).

Dylan Thomas — Deaths and Entrances (1946)

Deaths and Entrances is a volume of poetry by Dylan Thomas, first published in 1946. Many of the poems in this collection deal with the effects of World War II, which had ended only a year earlier. I first discovered Dylan Thomas’ poetry as a teenager when reading the anthology of poetry Immortal Poems. Along with the books Ariel by Sylvia Plath, and various poems by John Keats, Dylan’s poetry seems to transcend written word and takes me to another place.

Martin Simpson — Leaves of Life (1989)

The first acoustic guitar instrumental record that made a huge impact on me. Martin creates a dynamic world of sound with his virtuosity and the use of several unique and responsive hand-built acoustic guitars. Leaves of Life is an album of instrumental guitar arrangements of traditional ballads from the British Isles, many of which he learned from vocal airs. It’s an album that’s steeped in a dark, mysterious mood, and songs like “Green Fields of America” are otherworldly. His slide playing and command over the dynamics of single-note passages (and use of guitar overtones) are a great influence on my playing. The complex voices of the guitars he used on this album influenced me to build my own acoustic guitars.

Michael Hedges — The Naked Stalk (1991)

Michael Hedges was a true innovator of the acoustic guitar. “The Naked Stalk” is a deeply contemplative and beautiful piece of music, and along with his guitar instrumental “The Happy Couple” (from the Breakfast in the Field album, released in 1981), it is one of my very favorite guitar recordings.

Tommy Jarrell and Fred Cockerham — Live (1971, filmed by Blanton Owen)

I love the primordial American folk music from Round Peak, North Carolina. I hear the roots of Scotland and Ireland in this music and it moves me deeply. Tommy Jarrell and Fred Cockerham were among the finest players in this genre, and this intimate concert (filmed on Cockerham's front porch in Low Gap, North Carolina) is a vital and amazing archive. Also of interest is Cockerham’s fretless banjo made by fellow musician Kyle Creed. The fretless fretboard of this banjo was made with a sheet of Formica. This banjo now resides in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

Neil Young — In Concert at BBC (1971)

I absolutely love Neil Young’s live solo recordings. This live BBC concert from 1971 is a perfect example of the magic that can be made with just a handful of songs, voice and acoustic guitar. Other brilliant recordings performed in this fashion include Live at Massey Hall 1971 and Carnegie Hall 1970. All are favorite recordings that are utterly perfect. Neil Young, along with Bert Jansch and Tim Buckley (especially Goodbye and Hellofrom 1967), exists artistically in a realm that has inspired and influenced my own music. “Don't Let it Bring You Down” is my favorite Neil Young song, and I love his performance of it in this session.

[scentedobservationking]

Mario plays Round Peak Fiddle

Mario plays the Round Peak Style of Old Time Fiddle in the style of Tommy Jarrell, Benton Flippen and Fred Cockerham.

[mudwerks]

(via Step Back Cindy - Fred Cockerham and Kyle Creed)

[historybetweenthepages]

Fred Cockerham, Tommy Jarrell, Oscar Jenkins, Down to the Cider Mill, 1968

[krispyweiss]

Album Review: Sarah Jarosz - World on the Ground

Sarah Jarosz has spent the four years since her last solo album nurturing I’m With Her, the group everyone from David Crosby to Chris Thile to Sound Bites has said is the best band on the planet right now.

So to say the pressure was on might be a bit of an understatement. But the 29-year-old Jarosz and producer John Leventhal delivered in a big way with World on the Ground, a 10-song, 35-minute collection that adds a couple of stories - literal and figurative - to Jarosz’s Americana foundation.

These are songs about “Eve,” who wants to ensure the world doesn’t spoil her inner goodness; “Johnny,” who just needs a bit of luck, love and light; and “Maggie” whose Ford Escape will hopefully live up to its name. Jarosz’s subjects - and sometimes Jarosz herself - drink cold coffee and wine; they want to stay and they want to leave; and they wonder why they left or why they stayed.

In the wake of the coming hour/the midnight flood and the meteor shower/I’m gonna run while I still have time/drink a glass of the finest wine/let me toast the end of it all/I’ll need a lift before the fall/before the flames consume the walls/I'll be gone, she sings on “I’ll Be Gone,” an uptempo quasi-rocker with a Jerry Garcia-esque electric guitar solo.

Recording mostly on their own, Jarosz and Leventhal employ a rhythm section, strings (on the majestic “What Do I Do”), Dobro, mandolin, piano, fiddle, cello and more to color in the spaces between the songwriter’s stories of wanderlust and cemented feet.

The album - perhaps the best of 2020 thus far - closes with a cover of Fred Cockerham's "Little Satchel.” The sparsest cut, it focuses on Jarosz’s clawhammer banjo and vocals, a little reminder of where she came from and how far she’s traveled.

Grade card: Sarah Jarosz - World on the Ground - A

6/18/20

[sptread]

In 1969 this collection of Clawhammer banjo tunes was released by various artists.   I know this is hard to do on the banjo and sing at the same time.  It takes more gray matter than I have.

Enjoy!

[dyingforbadmusic]

H Moore - Woods to Coast E​.​P. (2019)

UK based banjo player H Moore released a bunch of very cool banjo centered eps over the last years. He mainly plays his own material but also recorded some known tunes like Fred Cockerham's "Little Satchel"1 or "Wabash Blues" on the Sarpa E.P.. It's mostly just bare bone banjo, sometimes accompanied by (slide) guitar. More boiled the tunes down to their essence, so no track is longer than two minutes, which is nice. This is not your grandpa kind of banjo folk, unless your grandpa experimented wi

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Follow: facebook / twitter / tumblr / bandcamp / youtube / soundcloud

[thegroovekuci]

The Groove, EP07 Playlist

The Groove airs Mondays 12pm-2pm PST on KUCI 88.9 FM.

Playlist from December 3, 2018:

◆  12:00 PM  ◆

The Furys — I'm Satisfied With You — single

Etta James — Pay Back — single

Wade Flemons — I Came Running (Back From The Party) — single

Lyn Roman — G.B. Day — single

Johnny Nash — Don't Take Away Your Love — single

Holy Hive — Blue Light — single

The Stoppers — Come Back Baby — single

Patrinell Staten — Little Love Affair — single

The Invitations — Look On The Good Side — single

Jimmy James — A Man Like Me — single

Ben Pirani — It's Understanding — single

◆  12:30 PM  ◆

The Hamilton Movement — She's Gone — single

Claude King — Wolverton Mountain — single

Soul Brothers Inc. — Pyramid — single

Ben Pirani — Art School Girl — single

Jonny Benavidez & Cold Diamond & Mink — Tell Me That You Love Me — single

J.J. Barnes — Please Let Me In — single

Chevrons — Love, I Love You — single

Fred — Love Can Last Forever (Vocal) — single

Benjamin & The Dreamdancers — That's What You Mean To Me — single

◆  1:00 PM  ◆

Antibalas — Dirty Money — Antibalas

Timmy Thomas — Have Some Boogaloo — single

Dream Team — There He Is — single

Chuck Cockerham — Have I Got a Right — single

Shimoda Itsuro (下田逸郎) — I Cried — Love Songs And Lamentations

Jr. Thomas & The Volcanos — What A Shame — single

Richard Caiton — I Like To Get Near You — single

Sandy Golden — Your Love Is Everything — single

Rita and the Tiaras — Gone With the Wind Is My Love — single

◆  1:30 PM  ◆

The LPT's — Mo Soul — single

Jimmy McGriff — A Thing to Come By — A Thing to Come By

Cookie Jackson — Do You Still Love Me — single

Vernon Harrel — Slick Chick — single

The Del-Rays — Fortune Teller — single

Roger Washington — You're Too Much — single

Rhetta Hughes — You're Doing With Her When It Should Be Me — single

Barbara Dane — I’m On My Way — single

Gay Poppers — I Want To Know — single

[dotkairi]

Hi everyone, the assignment for this week was to choose an sculpture that spoke about a community.

This is the Whittling Wall I saw in Mount Airy North Carolina, and it’s a very important sculpture. The Whittling Wall is a public art project that can be found in Downtown Mount Airy. Apparently the history for this sculpture is about eight local legends that helped form the culture and history of the town. The sculpture includes, Tommy Jardel a fiddler player that had massive influence in the town, Fred Cockerham who is a banjo player, Ralph Epperson who was the founder of one of the major radio stations in the town, Donna Fargo who happened to be a famous country singer and songwriter, LH Jones how was a teacher for the African American community, and lastly I Flip Rees who was a businessman that represented all the men and woman that worked in the mills. This magnificent piece of art was created by Brad Spencer who is basically tell the story about the town and the people in it that decide to call it their forever home. This sculpture has impact to the residents of mount airy because it increased the visibility to the town, and recognition to the town.

[balladofamerica]

Why would anyone possibly miss the first-ever screening of “Tommy Jarrell and Fred Cockerham,” a 1971 film by folklorist Blanton Owen? The film captures rare footage of Tommy Jarrell on fiddle and Fred Cockerham on banjo, playing together on Cockerham’s front porch in Low Gap, North Carolina.

Fiddle, Banjo, and Clay: North Carolina Folklife on Film – UNC Chapel Hill Libraries

Don’t miss the first-ever screenings of two newly-preserved films that document some of North Carolina’s most recognizable folk traditions. This two-part series of virtual film screenings looks at the family-run potteries of the eastern Piedmont and the renowned old-time music of Surry County. T...

[banjofilia]

Tommy Jarrell and Fred Cockerham: 1966 August 18

source: Smithsonian, Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage

[seedersinstruments]

Got to see and hear Fred Cockerham’s banjo that was made for him by Kyle Creed. Gold speckle Formica for the peghead and fingerboard. What a cool banjo. // #banjo #oldtime #luthier #oldtimemusic (at National Museum of American History)

[buffleheadcabin]

Clifton Hicks, Banjo #6 - Big-Eyed Rabbit (Rocking in a Weary Land)

Clifton writes: Banjo #6 made and played by Clifton Hicks. Singing "Big-Eyed Rabbit" from Tommy Jarrell and Fred Cockerham. Thumb lead picking; cheap nylon strings; homemade cherry bridge and whitetail bone nut; goat skin head; black walnut neck; red oak body.

This banjo is already sold. But you can listen & purchase all of Clifton's recordings at BandCamp. Later this year, Jalopy Records will issue a 7-inch vinyl record of Clifton. A new record is being released every 4 weeks as part of their subscription series.

[mudwerks]

(via Long Steel Rail - Fred Cockerham)

[the-record-obituaries]

Nov. 6, 2019: Obituaries

James Bowman, 92

Mr. James Fred Bowman, 92, of Burlington passed away at the Presbyterian Home of Hawfields on Thursday, October 31, 2019. A native of Guilford County, Mr. Bowman was the husband of the late Dr. Betty Lynch Bowman and son of the late William Daniel Bowman and Nannie Neese Bowman. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by a son, Dr. Zebulon L. Bowman and daughter, Freda Bowman Black; three sisters, Minnie Bowman Windham, Verda Bowman Euliss, Mada Bowman Brown; two brothers, W.O. Bowman and Joe Bowman; two half brothers, Bozie Bowman and Willard Bowman; and one half sister, Vallie Bowman Hudson.

Mr. Bowman is survived by his children; Dr. Tom Bowman and his wife, Dr. Karolen Bowman, of North Wilkesboro; Nan Bowman Wooten and her husband, Steve Wooten, of Guilford County; 11 grandchildren, Dr. John Daniel Bowman, Dr. David Neil Bowman, Paul Thomas Bowman, Kathren Bowman Lundy, Daniel Jefferson Bowman, Michael Jameson Bowman, Joshua Steven Wooten, Maria Dee Wooten, Elizabeth Kaye Wooten, Jordan Leigh Black and Jeanette Bowman Black and 5 great-grandchildren,  Deborah, Abigail, Elijah and Caleb Bowman, and Flynn Lundy.

Mr. Bowman graduated from Nathaniel Greene High School in Guilford County in 1944. He received Bachelor of Arts Degrees from Elon College in 1951 and 1959, majoring in Physics, Mathematics, and Business Administration, and a Masters in Science Degree from Duke University in 1967, majoring in Electrical Engineering. He completed certification in Mechanical Engineering in 1954 and certification by the North Carolina Board of Registration for Engineers and Land Surveyors as a Professional Engineer in 1963.

Mr. Bowman began a career of over 30 years with Western Electric in 1952, where he worked as a Senior Engineer. His work included management and design of government projects as well as communications.

Mr. Bowman believed strongly in service to his community. He was active in local politics his entire life. He served as Precinct Chairman of the Alamance County Democratic Party as well as served on numerous committees within that organization. He was elected for five consecutive terms to serve the citizens of Alamance, Rockingham and Stokes counties as a Legislator in the North Carolina House of Representatives. He served as an elected member of the Alamance County Soil and Water Board for 24 years prior to his passing. Mr. Bowman was an active member of the Burlington Civitans Club from 1978 until his death, serving on many committees and serving as President 2003-2004 and 2004-2005. He had over 22 years of Perfect Attendance with the Burlington Civitans and was active in all Civitan community projects. He also served on the Advisory Committee of The Salvation Army of Alamance County. Mr. Bowman was an avid gardener and loved to fish.

Mr. Bowman was a man of strong faith. He was a member of Beverly Hills United Church of Christ in Burlington for over 70 years, where he served as a Sunday School teacher for over 60 years, Chairman of Board of Trustees and Finance Committee and was very active in Men's Fellowship.

The family  received friends  November 4,   at Rich and Thompson Funeral and Cremation Service in Burlington,  followed by a   graveside service at Magnolia Cemetery in Elon, NC. Officiating was  the Rev. Norman Whitney and the Rev. Jim Mitchell.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Burlington Civitan Club, PO Box 568, Burlington NC 27216.

Charlotte Hill, 58

Mrs. Charlotte Louise Hill, 58, of Moravian Falls, passed away on Sunday, November 3, 2019.

Charlotte was born on Sunday, September 10, 1961 in Wilkes County to Dwight Staley and Annie Mae Harris Staley.

Charlotte is preceded in death by her parents and husbands, Lester Jack Eller and David Wayne Hill.

Charlotte is survived by her sisters, Judy Cockerham (Paul) of Tobaccoville, Mary Jane Porter (Jerry) of Laurel Springs, Sharon Mathis (Monty) of North Wilkesboro; brother, Donnie Staley of Wilkesboro and many nieces and nephews.  

Visitation will be held at Shady Grove Baptist Church, Wednesday November 6, 2019 1:00-1:45,   Funeral Service will be at 2 p.m. at Shady Grove Baptist Church. Burial will follow the funeral in the church cemetery

Pastor Tom Moore and Rev. Monty Mathis will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to Adams Funeral Home of Wilkes P.O. Box 396 Moravian Falls, NC 28654.  The Family requests no food.

Condolences may be sent to:  www.adamsfunerals.com

Adams Funeral Home of Wilkes has the honor of serving the Hill Family.

  Dare Shumate, 76

Dare Ann Shumate, age 76, of North Wilkesboro, NC, went to her heavenly home, Saturday, November 2, 2019. She was born January 28, 1943 in Surry County to Carl and Flossie Mae Myers Harris. Dare was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church on LuRay Road; she believed in God and loved Him very much. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Her passion was cooking for her family. Dare was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Donald "Bud" Harris.

Surviving are her husband, Jerry Lewis Shumate; daughter, Sharon Call and spouse Steve of North Wilkesboro, NC; sons, L. Allen Shumate and spouse Phyllis of Clayton, NC, Jerry Wayne Shumate and spouse Melinda of Galax, VA; sisters, Ila Mae Combs, Rosa Lee Holbrook both of Ronda, NC; brother, Jimmy Dale Harris and spouse Carol of Devils Lake, ND; grandchildren, W. Christopher Call and spouse Tiffiny of Hays, NC, Kayla Shumate and spouse Timothy Rodriguez of Nashville, TN, Jonathan Call and spouse Chelsi of Huntersville, NC, Ryan Shumate of Morrisville, NC, Paige Watson and spouse Anthony of Galax, VA, Bradley Shumate of Clayton, NC, Lauren Shumate of Galax, VA; great grandchildren, Carson Call, Camren Call and Caden Call.

Funeral service was November 5,   at Mt. Zion Baptist Church on LuRay Road with Pastor Kent Wood officiating. Burial followed in Mountlawn Memorial Park.  Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Mt. Zion Baptist Church, PO Box 1603, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659. Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.  

 Wanda Shew, 69

Mrs. Wanda Ferguson Shew, age 69 of Wilkesboro passed away Saturday, November 2, 2019 at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home in Winston-Salem.

Funeral services will be held 2:30 PM Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at Reins-Sturdivant Chapel with Rev. David Wellborn, Rev. Kenneth Griffin and Rev. James Ferguson officiating.  Burial will be in Scenic Memorial Gardens.  

Mrs. Shew was born January 6, 1950 in Bramwell, WV to John Henry and Eleanor Jane Carlton Ferguson.  She retired from Wilkes Vocational Center and was a member of Fishing Creek Arbor Baptist Church.  

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by five brothers; SFC Edwin Ferguson, John Henry Ferguson, Jr., Julius Jerome Ferguson, James William Ferguson and Baby Boy Ferguson and five sisters; Arbdella Dula, Brenda Barnes, Naomi Jones, Esther Hailey and Gwendola Ferguson.

She is survived by her husband Walter Shew of the home, one daughter; Jessica Lomeli of Wilkesboro, two loving sons; Leander Ferguson of Wilkesboro and Kenneth Carlton of Georgia, three loving step-sons; Michael Shew, Jeff Shew and Timothy Shew all of Wilkesboro, special friend; "Daddy" Warren Brown, three sisters; Barbara McVay and Jeanette Lomeli both of Wilkesboro and Evangelist Carline Horton of Lenoir and two brothers; Minister Arthur Ferguson and wife Elizabeth of North Wilkesboro and Joseph Ferguson and wife Liza of Wilkesboro and a host of nieces and nephews.

Flowers will be accepted.

Helen Walsh, 93

Mrs. Helen Bumgarner Walsh, age 93 of Wilkesboro passed away Saturday, November 2, 2019 at her home.

Funeral services were November 5,   at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Reach Center with Rev. Kevin Brown officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.  

Mrs. Walsh was born June 15, 1926 in Wilkes County to William Isaac and Mamie McNeil Bumgarner.  She was a member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church.  

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband; Ernest Clay Walsh, two daughters; Elaine Walsh and Melanie Lynn Walsh, three sisters and one brother.

She is survived by two sons; Jeff Walsh and wife Gail and Mike Walsh and wife Carol all of Wilkesboro, four grandchildren; Nicole Walsh Vidrine and husband Lorne, Joshua Clay Walsh and wife Caroline, Luke Michael Walsh and wife Megan and Mathew Millner, three great grandchildren; Ryder Lane Walsh, River Knox Walsh and Ezekiel Justice Walsh.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Wake Forest Baptist Care At-Home Hospice, Suite 110, 126 Executive Drive, Wilkesboro, NC or, Ebenezer Christian Children's Home, PO Box 2777, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659.

 Bobby Marley, 72

Bobby Dean Marley, age 72, of Ferguson, passed away Friday, November 1, 2019 at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. He was born March 11, 1947 in Wilkes County to Woodrow Wilson and Elizabeth Hamby Marley. Mr. Marley was a member of Full Gospel Tabernacle. He enjoyed the outdoors. Bobby was a loving husband, being with people, his family, son and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Junior Marley, Billy Joe Marley, Robert Lee Marley, Franklin Dee Marley and Tommy Marley; and sister, Anna Sue Marley.

Surviving are his wife, Louella Hamby Marley; son, Michael Dean Marley of Ferguson; grandchildren, Amanda Lynn Laws and spouse Jeremiah of Ferguson, Matthew Gene Greene of Boomer; great grandchildren, Michael Griffith, Emma Laws, Josie Laws; brothers, Richard Marley, Clayton Marley, Grover Marley all of Ferguson, Boyd Marley of Granite Falls; sisters, Nina Mae Beavers of Ferguson and Ethel Greene and spouse Danel of Lenoir.

Funeral service was held  November 3,  at Miller Funeral Chapel with Pastor Cecil Hamby and Sister Vera Watson officiating. Burial was in Full Gospel Tabernacle Cemetery.  Flowers will be accepted. Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

 Billy Griffin, 68

Mr. Billy 'Bill" Martin Griffin, age 68, of Millers Creek, passed away Friday, November 1, 2019 at Accordius Health Care.

He was born January 26, 1951 in Wilkes County, to the late Howard Martin Griffin and Martha Wilma Jones Griffin.  

Bill was a member of Vision Baptist Church.

Including his parents, he was preceded in death by: his wife, Linda Gail Griffin; sister, Katie Griffin and brother, Roy Griffin.

Those left to cherish and honor his memory include: sisters, Georgia Griffin Sheets (Johnny), Bonnie Griffin Perez; brother, Jackie Griffin( Michelle), John Griffin (Glenda), all of Millers Creek, Lewis Griffin of McGrady, and Mark Enos of Charlotte.

The funeral service was November 5,  at Vision Baptist Church.  Pastor Joel Gray  officiated. Burial was in the Griffin Family Cemetery on Shoe Road in Millers Creek.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Billy's memory to Mountain Valley Hospice, 401 Technology lane, Suite 2001, Mount Airy, NC 27030 or Medi Home  Health Agency, 180 W. Main Street, Taylorsville, NC 28681.

Adams Funeral Home of Wilkes and cremation services is honored to be serving the Griffin Family.

  Lloyd Burgess, Sr. 70

Mr. Lloyd Harold Burgess, Sr. age 70, of North Wilkesboro, husband of Jessie Nichols Burgess, died Thursday, October 31, 2019 at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem.

Graveside services were November 5,  at Congo Pentecostal Holiness Church Cemetery with Rev. Scott Wagoner and Rev. Thomas Bumgarner officiating.    

Mr. Burgess was born July 14, 1949 in Iredell County to Ivory Conrad and Donnie Vee Church Burgess.  He worked for Terry Huffman Logging as a driver.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother. .

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jessie Nichols Burgess, of the home; three sons, Lloyd Harold Burgess, Jr. of North Wilkesboro, Charles Eugene Burgess and wife, Kimberly, of Pisgah Forest, and Eric Andrew Burgess of North Wilkesboro; six grandchildren, Wesley Charles Burgess and wife, Theresia, Miranda Nicole Burgess, Kasey DeAnn Burgess, Joshua Ryan Burgess, Megan Elizabeth Burgess, and Erica Mitchell and husband, Justin; four great-grandchildren, Leah Mae Shew, Ryan Lee Burgess, Gavin Rylee McKinnley Mongold, and Justin Junior Tyler Mitchell; three sisters, Glenda Hargett and husband, Jerry, of Purlear, Cynthia Jones of Moravian Falls, and Gloria Jean Medlin and husband, Paul, of Kinley; two brothers, A.C. Burgess and wife, Edith, of Wilkesboro, and Buddy Burgess and wife, Jan, of North Wilkesboro; and many precious nieces and nephews.  

Flowers will be accepted or memorials made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 9, North Wilkesboro NC 28659 or the donor's choice.

 Ruth Royal 92

Mrs. Ruth Inez Huffman Royal age 92 of Wilkesboro, passed away Thursday, October 31, 2019 at Westwood Hills Nursing and Rehab.

Funeral services were November 4,   at Reins Sturdivant Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Eddie Tharpe officiating. Burial was in Mountlawn Memorial Park.

Mrs. Royal was born December 27, 1926 in Wilkes County to Minnie Huffman. She was a homemaker and a member of Stony Hill Baptist Church.

In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her husband; Paul Worth Royal, brother and sister in law; Herman Huffman and Ann Yates.

She is survived by two daughters; Shirley Royal Pennington and husband, Paul of North Wilkesboro and Judy Royal Johnson and husband, Rex of North Wilkesboro, a son; David Paul Royal and wife, Sharon of North Wilkesboro, five grandchildren; Tim Pennington, Paula Inman, Beth McNeill, Brian Johnson and Jennifer Childress, thirteen great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren, two brothers; Ernest Junior Yates of Wilkesboro and Hobert and wife, Diane Yates of Purlear and sister in law; Betty Huffman.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the Donor's Choice.

 Doris Wagoner, 80

Doris Aldean Wagoner, 80, of North Wilkesboro, passed away Thursday, October 30, 2019, at Forsyth Medical Center.

The family will conduct a service in Pennsylvania at a later date.

  Robert Pless, Sr. 85

Robert  Pless, Sr. 85 Mr. Robert Eugene Pless, Sr. age 85 of Wilkesboro, passed away Wednesday, October 30. 2019 at his home.

Private Graveside services will be held.

Mr. Pless was born August 24, 1934 in Houston, TX to Roy Lamar Pless and Helen Pugh Pless. Robert served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He was retired from the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother; Francis Pless.

He is survived by three sons; Robert Pless, Jr. and wife Glenda of North Wilkesboro, Glenn Pless of Wilkesboro and Stephen Pless and wife Denise of Montrose, IL, five grandchildren; Ian Chandler Pless, Alex Ryan Pless, Amy Lauren Speer, Jessica Renee Connor and Katelyn Marie Stancil, four great grandchildren: Marleigh Jo Connor, Magnolia May Connor, Harper Grace Stancil and Owen Andrew Speer and a brother; Dr. Charles Pless of Knoxville, TN.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wake Forest Care at Home Hospice 126 Executive Drive Suite 110 Wilkesboro, NC 28697.

 Edith Sidden, 66   

Edith Sidden, 66    Miss Edith "Gaye" Sidden age 66 of Winston Salem, passed away Tuesday, October 29, 2019 at Forsyth Medical Center.

Funeral services were November 2, 2019 at Old Roaring River Baptist Church with Mr. Jerry Sidden officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.  

Miss Sidden was born August 27, 1953 in Surry County to Cyrus Columbus Sidden and Wilma Edna Hicks Sidden. She retired from Novant Health as a Medical Transcriber. Miss Sidden was a member of New Friendship Baptist Church in Winston Salem.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Miss Sidden is survived by two sisters; Janet Moser and husband Ken of Rural Hall and Cheryl Rogers and husband Terry of Lantana, TX.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Old Roaring River Baptist Church Cemetery Fund 11156 Longbottom Road, Traphill, NC 28685.

 Lloyd Castle, 85

Mr. Lloyd Edward Castle, age 85 of Wilkesboro passed away Monday, October 28, 2019 at Mtn. Valley Hospice Home in Yadkinville.

Funeral services were October 31,   at Reins-Sturdivant Chapel with Rev. Dean Crane officiating.  Burial with Military Honors by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1142 was in Walnut Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Moravian Falls.  

Mr. Castle was born December 2, 1933 in Wilkes County to Wade and Mattie Leigh Laws Castle.  He retired from Gardner Mirror and was a member of Cub Creek Baptist Church.  He enjoyed everything outdoors and always had a task that needed to be done around the house. Monday was Cow Sale day and visiting with old friends.  He served in the United States Army and received the Defense Service Metal and completed 8 years in the Army Reserve.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter; Amanda Castle, a sister; Gladys Castle and a brother; Ward Castle.

He is survived by his wife; Loriene Eller Castle of the home, two daughters; Sherry Vogel and husband Mike of Spartanburg, SC. and Terry Castle of Wilkesboro, one son; Jerry Castle and wife Lisa of Moravian Falls, six grandchildren; Daniel Castle and wife Kristen, Beth Ellis and husband Dillon, Amy Helms and husband Adam, Andrew Castle and wife Makayla, Justin Vogel and wife Emily and Dustin Castle, six great grandchildren; Katy Castle, Brian Vogel, Easton Ellis, Karson Ellis, Natalie Castle and Audrey Helms, four sisters; Mary Mash and husband Jim of Wilkesboro, Evelyn Anderson and husband Turner of North Wilkesboro, Grace James and Ann Bishop both of Wilkesboro and one brother; David Castle of Moravian Falls.

Pallbearers; Daniel Castle, Justin Vogel, Andrew Castle, Dennis Bishop, Christopher Bishop, Dillon Ellis, Johnathan Davis and Tommy Eller, Honorary Pallbearers; SGT Adam Helms and Chris Eller.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Mtn. Valley Hospice, 401 Technology Lane, Suite 200, Mt. Airy, NC 27030.

Online condolences may be made at www.reinssturdivant.com

    Veva McClane

Mrs. Veva McClane of Ferguson passed away Monday, October 28, 2019 at Wilkes Senior Village.  

Private Graveside services will be held.  

Mrs. McClane was born in Wilkes County to Dallas M. and Katrina Eller Triplett.  She was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Ferguson.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death her husband; Ellsworth (Mac) McClane, a sister; Inez Caudill and a brother; Vernon Triplett.

She is survived by a son; Dr. William E. McClane of Marietta, GA, two grandchildren; Laura McClane of Washington, DC and Lindsay McClane of Paris, France and one sister; Iva Peak of Mint Hill, NC

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Mt. Zion Baptist Church, PO Box 7, Ferguson, NC 28624.

 Lula Spicer

Our loved mother, Ms. Lula Blanche Spicer, departed this life on October 21, 2019 at the golden age of 97. She was born on February 19, 1922 to the late Cleave and Maggie Spicer of Traphill, North Carolina.

Due to the challenging life that Ms. Spicer lived, she was only able to complete the 7th grade, but her life experiences and faith in God allowed her to live a comfortable, yet humble life.  As a single parent, she raised two successful daughters, Joann and Diane. She worked as a domestic in many homes in the Elkin area; however, during a period of over fifty years, she worked in the home of Robert and Elizabeth Lankford, where she established a very special bond with their three sons, a bond that lasted a lifetime. She was a member of Sandy Creek Baptist Church whereas she served for many years as Mother and missionary.

Blanche, as she was affectionately known, enjoyed cooking, sewing, baking, cleaning and spending time with her family and friends, who raved over the special meals she prepared for them: country ham biscuits, southern fried chicken, pound cake, cinnamon buns, and lemon meringue and coconut pies. The constant sparkle in her eyes was even brighter as compliments flowed from the mouths of many.  

After living with her sister Mabel for several years, she relocated to Lansing, Michigan, where she attended Abundant Grace Faith Church under the leadership of Pastor Louis Dixon and Pastor Pamela Dixon. Her final move was made to Copperas Cove, Texas where she attended Christian House of Prayer under the leadership of Bishop Nathaniel Holcomb (deceased) and Pastor Valerie Holcomb. Lula Blanche Spicer spent her final days with her two daughters, two grandchildren and their dogs: Jay, Carmel (deceased) and Que (deceased).  

       Ms. Spicer leaves to mourn: two daughters, Maggie Joann Reynolds (Retired Sergeant First Class Dennis C. Reynolds/Deceased) of Copperas Cove, Texas and Cynthia Diane Spicer formerly  of Lansing, Michigan; two grandchildren, Tamika L. Reynolds of Killeen, Texas and Dennis T. Reynolds (Todd) of Dallas, Texas; three God given sons, Bobby Lankford of Elkin, North Carolina, Barry Lankford (Becky) of Greensboro, North Carolina, John Lankford (Linda) of Raleigh,  North Carolina; two God given grandchildren, Molly Lankford Campbell, Barbara Lankford Rogers and a plethora of nieces, nephews, special cousins and friends.  

She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings: Hebert Simpson (Eleanor), Arnold Simpson

(Martha), Turner Simpson, Verna Spicer Harris (Millard Sr.), Alton Spicer, Grady Spicer (Ella), Lillie Spicer Dalton (Hillary), Sam Spicer, Baby Girl (Deceased at Birth), Mabel Spicer, and her favorite son-in-law, Dennis Clay Reynolds. Ms. Spicer was the last of her siblings to be called home to glory.

Homegoing services were November 3rd,  at Reins Sturdivant Funeral Home Chapel in North Wilkesboro, NC with Reverend Millard Harris, Jr. and Minister William R. Clement officiating. Interment will be in Sandy Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, 9054 Traphill Road, Traphill,  NC        

 Linda Canter, 72

Linda B. Canter, age 72, widow of James F. Canter,

Jr, passed away at home peacefully on Monday, Oct. 21, 2019.

She was born Nov. 21, 1946, in Greensboro, NC, to Paul McClee Blackburn and Geniveive Vivian (Sparks) Blackburn.

She was the co-owner of Time Testers of Elkin, NC. She was a devoted wife and mother, a loving grandmother and great-grandmother.

She is survived by her daughter; Mary

LaVonne Canter Warder and husband James (Jimmy), of Mechanicsville, MD, three grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and one brother.

A graveside service was held  Nov. 3,  at 2 at White Plains Baptist Church Cemetery with Pastor William Souther officiating.

Flowers will accepted or memorials may be made to donor's choice.

  Clarence Boyd, 66

Mr. Clarence Wayne Boyd, age 66, of Wilkesboro stepped into the light and God's loving arms on Saturday, October 19, 2019 at Duke University Hospital, following complications from double lung transplant surgery.

Memorial services will be held 3:00 pm Sunday, November 10, 2019 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church with the Rev. Kedron Nicholson and the Rev. Ken Asel officiating.  Inurnment will follow in the columbarium.  The family will receive friends at St. Paul's from 1:30 until 2:30 pm in the Commons prior to the service.

A reception will follow in the Parish House.

Wayne was born March 25, 1953 in Eden, North Carolina to Clarence Willard and Margaret Harris Boyd.  He was a graduate of John M. Morehead High School in Eden, North Carolina. He attended North Carolina State University, where he majored in textiles, and was a member of the Glee Club.

He never met a stranger, which served him well in the insurance business for over 40 years, and enabled him to help many people and make numerous lifelong friends.  He was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, where he previously served as Senior Warden of the vestry, and was active in the choir for many years.

His outgoing personality and desire to be of service to others, coupled with his love of sports, allowed him to be a coach and mentor for over twenty years to numerous boys and girls who played soccer in Wilkes County.

He had a tenacious personality, and a never give up attitude which served him well the last years of his life as he dealt with the progression of pulmonary fibrosis disease. He was strong and unwavering in his faith, his love of his family and friends, and his loyalty to the N C State Wolfpack.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Beth Mastin Boyd, and one daughter Maggie Boyd, both of the home, one son, Josh Boyd and wife Emily Boyd, of Clayton, NC, and three grandchildren: Henry, Ollie, and Bennett Boyd of Clayton, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Donate Life North Carolina at donatelifenc.org.