Obituaries — Aug. 16
Published 12:00 am Thursday, August 16, 2018
Erin Amanda Lunsford
ADVANCE — It is with great sadness that the family of Ms. Erin Amanda Lunsford, age 41, announces her passing on Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018. Erin fought her cancer with courage and a strong faith. Erin was born April 20, 1977, in Forsyth County, to Charles Lunsford and Janie Wooten Smith. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Howard and Anna Lee Lunsford, and Ruby and Fred Jay Wooten. Erin is survived by her father Charles Lunsford; mother Janie Wooten Smith (Darrell); sister Bridget Groce (Dean); brothers Adam Lunsford, and Bruce Johnson (Erica and girls); niece Rebecca Ray (John); nephews Evan Morris (Courtney), and Cameron Morris; special great-nephew Oliver Morris; aunts Becky Forrest and Linda Robinson; uncles Bill Lunsford (Debbie) Mike Wooten (Teresa); and many beloved cousins. Erin graduated from Davie High School in 1995. She went on to receive a bachelor of arts in public relations and marketing from Gardner Webb University. She worked for 15 years at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center, where she loved the babies and her coworkers. Erin loved to travel, painting, movies, going to concerts, the ocean, all things NKOTB, and Disney. Most of all Erin valued time spent with her family and friends, and last but not least her fur baby, Max Cat. Erin was a kind and gentle soul who loved with her whole heart. Anyone who knew her was blessed by her goodness and joy. A celebration of life was conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 12, 2018, at Gentry Family Chapel in Yadkinville with Dr. Bill Johnson officiating. The family received friends from 1-2 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. The family would like to extend a very gracious thanks to friends, family, coworkers, and caregivers for their prayers, care, love, food, visits, gifts, and everything that was done for Erin during this difficult time. A special thanks to the 6th floor Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center Staff for the excellent care given for Erin and her family. In lieu of flowers, per Erin’s request, memorials may be made to “the Oliver Morris Trust Fund” at the State Employees Credit Union, 233 N. Lee Avenue, Yadkinville, N.C., 27055 or to any State Employees Credit Union Branch location for anyone that wishes to make a donation. Online condolences may be made at www.gentryfuneralservice.com. Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville served the Lunsford family.
Robert ‘Bob’ Johnson Sr.
CLEMMONS — Robert “Bob” Johnson Sr., 65, of Clemmons, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 7, surrounded by close family. A celebration of life service was held at 2 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 9, at First Christian Church, 2320 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem. Bob was born May 6, 1953, in Winston-Salem to Ralph and Lillian (Currin) Johnson. As an Order of the Arrow Eagle Scout, he was readily accepted into North Carolina State University and graduated with honors with a double major in mathematics and computer science, later achieving a master of business administration from Wake Forest University. After graduating from NCSU, he married his lifelong partner, Debra (Otto) Johnson, on July 26, 1975, and together had two children. Bob had many successful professional roles during the dawn of information technology with Cooper Research in Dallas, Sara Lee in Winston-Salem as well as several entrepreneurial ventures in consulting and ownership of a custom glass business. Bob was always hungry for learning new things and sharing what he learned with friends and family. He was the rare type of individual who was a jack-of-all trades but truly a master-of-all as well. A beloved “Poppy” to his granddaughters, Bob will be remembered for his sharp wit, charity and selflessness towards others. Bob is survived by his wife Debra (Otto) Johnson of Clemmons; son Robert “Brooks” Johnson, Jr., his wife Christy and their two daughters Graylyn and Lillian, all of Colleyville, Tex; son Ryan Edward Johnson and his wife Whitney of Raleigh; and brother Steve Johnson and his wife Karen of Addison, Tex. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Habitat for Humanity, a charity held dear by Bob. Walker’s Funeral Home of Chapel Hill assisted the Johnson family.
Carl Bennett
CLEMMONS — Carl William Bennett Jr., 58, passed away at his residence on Aug. 1, 2018. Born May 12, 1960. Private services will be held at a later date.
Michael Curry
Michael Curry, age 73, died peacefully on Aug. 2, 2018, in Indianapolis, Ind. Born Nov. 7, 1944, in Hot Springs Ariz., he was adopted by Malcolm Curry and Cleta (Burkhalter) Curry.
After graduating high school in Pittsburgh, Penn., Michael enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. While serving in Vietnam, he was promoted to Sergeant E-5. Later, Michael graduated cum laude from the University of Tennessee with a B.S. in marketing. Following graduation, he married his college sweetheart, Janet Wedekind and went on to graduate magna cum laude with a M.B.A in marketing. For 20 years, his career spanned several Fortune 50 companies until he returned to University of Tennessee to work in development. Later, he taught marketing at Tusculum College.
A quintessential optimist, every day was a gift and his mantra was to “give more than you get.” Having volunteered throughout his life, Michael is known for his civic causes in Clemmons. In 1988 he received the Outstanding Citizen Award, he served on the Holy Family Catholic Church and Clemmons YMCA building committees and he developed funding and expanded the Clemmons Library.
As a Vietnam veteran, he experienced firsthand that giving blood saves lives. Michael’s proudest achievement was donating 20 gallons of blood and his greatest joy was being a father and grandfather.
Michael is survived by his previous wife of 42 years, Janet Wedekind, Knoxville; daughter Renee Curry, Indianapolis; son Alan Curry (Erika), grandchildren Alexander and Charlotte, Franklin Tenn.; son Patrick Curry (Heather), Winston-Salem.
Michael will be laid to rest at 11:30 a.m., Aug 17, 2018, at the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery in Knoxville. A celebration of life mass will follow at Sacred Heart Cathedral at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local blood bank, veteran’s organization, or library — preferably wearing Tennessee orange.