John Andrew Knippel, age 72, passed away peacefully at his home in Columbus, North Carolina on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 after a short yet courageous battle with cancer.  Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on May 29, 1951, John and his family relocated to Florida in 1963 where he would spend his teenage years and later attend the University of Florida and earn his Bachelor of Science in building construction in 1973. John’s career in building construction would prove to be a...

Gerald "Gerry" E. Drake Sr., 80, of Franklin passed away Monday, September 25, 2023, at home surrounded by his family. Gerry was born on December 5, 1942 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts to Edwin and Rita Drake. For many years, he operated Drakes Auto Parts in Lee, Ma. and later Drake’s Towing in Otto, NC. He loved restoring classic cars and enjoyed riding his Harley during his spare time. He was married for 60 years to his devoted wife, Donna Heath Drake. The couple had...

William Milo Cabe, Jr., 87, passed away Monday, September 18, 2023. Junior was born December 15, 1935, in Macon County, NC to the late Milo Cabe and Margie Buchanan Cabe. He was married to the late Hazel Arlene Cabe who preceded him in 2019.   Junior was a US Army Veteran. He worked for Nantahala Power Company (Duke Energy) as a lineman, and later as a meter reader, and retired after many years of service.  Junior was a faithful member of Dryman's Chapel Church. He was an avid...

Ralph Overton Blevins, 93, of Franklin, NC, passed away September 16, 2023.  He was born February 22, 1930, in Madison County, Kentucky to the late Elias and Mary Harris Blevins.  He retired as a custodian for Eastern Kentucky University and was a US Army veteran.  Mr. Blevins loved bowling, fishing, yard selling and antiques. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by six brothers, Harold, Hume, Berdett, Neal, Ernest and Elias Blevins, Jr. and a sister, Opal...

Mr. Dennie "Danny" Allen Davis, 81, passed away, Friday, September 15, 2023. Mr. Davis was born September 21, 1941, in Christian, Co. KY. to the late Wilford "Dutch" Davis and Ruth Woodruff Davis. Danny worked and retired from UPS after 30 years of service and served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. Mr. Davis was a Deacon and a very active member of Highlands First Baptist Church. He was an avid fly fisherman and loved woodworking.  Survivors include...

Shirley Diane Sorrells Thomas, 72, went home to be with the Lord, Tuesday, September 12, 2023. Diane was born November 26, 1950, in Macon, Co. NC to the late Rev. Fred Sorrells and Norene Davis Sorrells. Diane was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker. She loved going to the beach, fishing, and playing bingo.  She was a member of First Assembly of God in Franklin, NC.   In addition to her parents, Mrs. Thomas was preceded in death by a sister, Gail...

John Mason, 75, of Franklin, NC, passed away on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. John was born March 30, 1948, in St. Petersburg, Florida to the late Cecil and Alice Furguson Mason. He worked and retired from Pinellas County, Fl from the water department. He played Santa Clause in the Franklin Christmas Parade for many years. He was an avid arms Curator for which was his passion and hobby.  Mr. Mason is survived by a brother, Alex Greene and his wife, Amelia of Austin, TX. A private...

Mrs. Virginia Ann Enloe Seward, 69, of Franklin, NC passed away Saturday, September 9, 2023. Virginia was born November 18, 1953, in Jackson, Co. NC to the late Boyd Enloe and Elizabeth Cole Enloe. She was of the Baptist Faith and was a caregiver for handicap and elderly people.  She loved cross stitching, gardening, growing plants, riding through the mountains and forests, collecting gnomes and nut crackers. She also loved the ocean, beach and enjoyed going with...

Ruth Hooper, 82, of Franklin, NC, went to Heaven to be with Jesus and her family and friends. Ruth was born April 24, 1941, in Graham County, North Carolina to the late Fred and Hester Gibson Hooper.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by four sisters, Irene Carter, Margie Gibson, Romanell Mashburn, and Olene Sanders. Three brothers, Lloyd Hooper, Fred Jr. Hooper, and Laughty Hooper. She is survived by a sister, Willa Faye Pendergrass, of Nantahala, NC and...

Mrs. Emma Jane Talley Houston, 86, passed away Friday, September 1, 2023. Mrs. Houston was born August 23, 1937, in Highlands, NC to the late Arthur Deck Talley and Myrtle Estelle Chastain Talley. She worked and retired from the Highlands School system. She was a member of Clear Creek Baptist Church. She loved her flowers and gardening.  Survivors include her three sons, Stanley Houston, Stacy Houston, and Scott Houston all of Highlands., one grandson, Christopher Houston; and two...