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William Anthony ‘Buddy’ Burke

William Anthony “Buddy” Burke, 85, passed away on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, at his residence in Clemmons after years of declining health. He was born in Forsyth County to Aaron David Burke and Lela Fulk Burke on Feb. 4, 1937. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters and seven brothers. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of almost 67 years, Betty Barney Burke. They were blessed with a son, Randall Anthony Burke of Charlotte, and daughter, Robin Burke Hutchens (Robert) of Kernersville; as well as three grandchildren, Bethany Hutchens Mitchell (Michael) and Hannah Hutchens Saunders (Zachary), both of Kernersville, and Samuel Polite Burke of Raleigh. He is also survived by former daughter-in-law Lori Marie Polite of Charlotte; great-grandchildren, Carter Hayes Mitchell, Henry Anthony Mitchell and Abigail Jane Mitchell, all of Kernersville; as well as several nieces and nephews. Burke retired from the City of Winston-Salem in 1993 as the assistant director of revenue after 30 years of service. He also worked with the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) since the early 1980s in the Church Slo-Pitch Softball Division and served as state church director and then national church director. Burke won various awards for his work and was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the director category in 1996. Burke was a faithful member of Center Grove Baptist Church in Clemmons and served in various capacities, including deacon and usher, as long as his health permitted. A private service will be held at a later date by his son-in-law, Pastor Robert Hutchens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Center Grove Church Children’s Ministry, 8750 Lasater Road, Clemmons, NC 27012, or to Faith and Family Baptist Church Youth Building Fund, 105 Nathan Ave, Winston-Salem, NC 27107. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.

Mary Lee Bleecker Clarke

Mary Lee Bleecker Clarke, 81, passed away on Tuesday, July 26, 2022, surrounded by her proudest achievement — the family and friends she loved dearly.

Mary Lee was born Sept. 13, 1940, in Bronx, N.Y., to the late Harvey and Alicia Bleecker.

She was compassionate and cared deeply for others, which led her to a long career of nursing and volunteering throughout the community. She worked in hospitals, emergency rooms and nursing homes before moving to work for Grumman Aerospace as an industrial nurse for over 20 years. Mary Lee was also a founding member of Commack Volunteer Ambulance Corps where she volunteered her time to help others for over 30 years.

She was a dedicated member of Holy Family Catholic Church where she was a Columbiette and volunteered for years with the Ronald McDonald House. In her free time, Mary Lee was an avid reader, loved traveling and talking to strangers and was committed to making every day a day worth celebrating.

Mary Lee was preceded in death earlier this year by her beloved husband of 60 years, Joseph Francis Clarke. She leaves behind her children, Joseph  Clarke (Janet), Brian Clarke (Heather), Michael Clarke (Kim) and Debbie Schmitt; grandchildren, Victoria Clarke, Evan Clarke, Caitlin Clarke, Samantha Clarke (Martin Kappauf), Collin Clarke, Brendan Clarke, Morgan Clarke, Nick Schmitt and Chris Schmitt; brother, Harvey Bleecker; and many other loved ones.

A visitation was held from 4-6 p.m. on Sunday, July 31, 2022, at Frank Vogler & Sons in Clemmons. Funeral mass was held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 1, 2022, at Holy Family Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.

Gwyn Clodfelter

Mr. Gwyn Clodfelter, 87, of Lewisville passed away Wednesday, July 27, 2022, at Clemmons Medical Center. He was born Aug. 25, 1934, in Forsyth County to Flossie Dull Clodfelter and William Casano Clodfelter. Clodfelter was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Caudle Clodfelter. He was a member of Shiloh Lutheran Church and retired from Duke Energy. After retirement, he went to work part time with Mock Tire on Robinhood Road and Country Club Road. Surviving are a daughter, Ruth Miller; a grandson, Jason Miller; a special friend, Zerilda Amos; special nieces and nephews and many neighbors who were like family. A graveside service was held at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 1, 2022, at Shiloh Lutheran Church with Pastor Linda Faltin officiating. The family received friends following the service at the cemetery. Memorials may be made to Shiloh Lutheran Church or to Trellis Supportive Care.

Ola Nell Holley

Ola Nell Holley, 99, went to be with her Lord and savior on Sunday morning, July 24, 2022. Holley was born in Empire, Alabama, on June 3, 1923, to Lee and Charlotte Gossett. She was the youngest of seven children, with three brothers (Clarence, Francis and Talmadge — all deceased), and three sisters (Lucille Louise, Rhoda — all deceased). At the age of two, her father passed away. Her oldest brother, Francis, quit school and began working in the coal mines to support his family.

On Dec. 7, 1939, Holley, at the tender age of 16, married the love of her life, Walter S. Holley, in Mobile, Alabama. As a wife of a military husband who survived three wars, she traveled to many stations with her husband and three children (Jerry — deceased, Patricia, and Deborah — deceased). They were stationed in Mobile, Alabama; Frankfort, Germany; Manhattan, Kansas; Mineral Wells, Texas; and El Paso, Texas, where they settled and retired. Her courage and strong faith was instrumental in raising the children while her husband was away serving his country. She had a heart for God and His word and she would often invite the children in the neighborhood to hear stories about David and Daniel and other heroes in the Bible.

She enjoyed gardening and would plant tomatoes, okra and green beans in the small area she prepared in the backyard. She spent hours in the garden pruning and harvesting her small crop each year in El Paso. It was a garden that made her quite proud when she prepared evening meals.

Holley was a strong and determined woman. At the age of 50, she went back to school to earn her associate’s degree. In balance with her independent side, she also had a loving and nurturing side as shown by the many injured stray and wild animals she helped.

Holley lived by herself in El Paso for over 30 years after her husband died. When she was 80, she went to live with her two daughters rotating the time between Texas and N.C. every four months. She finally settled in N.C. with her daughter, Patti, and her husband, Dennis, about 15 years ago. Holley had an infectious laughter and a personality that would light up any room. Her joy bubbled over through song. She could always be heard singing, even up to her passing. She often sang in church and in the hallways of Clemmons Village 2 and Bermuda Commons. At the age of 99, she even participated in Bermuda Commons’ talent show, performing an a cappella rendition of “When the Saints go Marching In.” Her lifelong faith was so important to her as evidenced in her song, her laughter and smile, and her love for the word of God.

Holley leaves behind her daughter, Patricia Reavis (Dennis); grandchildren, Scott Holley, Sue Meyer (John), Billy Glass (Amy), Patricia Baker (Phil); step-grandchildren, Danny Reavis (Polly), Denise McCullough (Jeff) and Derek Reavis (Mieke); 14 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and loved ones. In heaven, she joins her husband; parents; six siblings; children, Jerry, and Deborah Glass; and grandchildren, Tracy Holley, Jason Holley and Missy Monahan.

A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022, at Frank Vogler & Sons in Clemmons. A celebration of life will take place at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, at Redland Church, IPHC with Pastor Dave Richardson Jr. officiating. Holley will be buried at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, next to her husband.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Holley’s honor to the Redland Student Fund at Redland Church, 137 Baltimore Road, Advance NC 27006.

Benjamin ‘Benny’ F. King

Mr. Benjamin “Benny” F. King of Bermuda Run went home with the Lord on July 28, 2022. He was born in Davie County on Oct. 12, 1936, to Franklin Alexander King and Ila Mae Howard King and was one of nine surviving children. As a young boy, he enjoyed rabbit and squirrel hunting and loved playing baseball with his brothers. Benny was a lifelong sports fan. He was particularly fond of the New York Yankees, NASCAR racing and the Duke Blue Devils basketball team.

Benny enlisted in the U.S. Army and had a successful career reaching the rank of E-7 (Sergeant 1st Class). Over the course of his military career serving his country, he was deployed and stationed in many areas around the world. He retired from the Army in 1980 and worked for Hanes Dye and Finishing until retiring again to pursue other endeavors and enjoy his delightful grandchildren.

Benny was involved in many civic activities including volunteering as a coach for Davie American Little League Baseball. He was very active with his church family and he enjoyed membership with the Advance VFW Post 8719. His military career made him an ideal candidate to coordinate, prep, cook and serve many fundraising meals for the post, most notably breakfasts and roast beef dinners. He was also well known for his chicken stews that were always a family and church favorite. He was also a member of the Smith Grove Ruritan Club.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Kyong Cha “Wanda” King and siblings, Joe Harding King, Edna Gray King Caudle, Nancy King Southern, Edith King Mounce, Lois King Fansler, and infant twin siblings Martha Faye and Donald Clay King.

He is survived by his children, Brenda King Landau (Steven), Sharon King Thompson (Bryan), and Marcus King (Sharon B.); grandchildren, Audrey Landau Townsend (Brooks), Emma Landau, Nina and Sophia Thompson, and Benjamin, Daniel and Mark King; siblings, Addie Mae King Wood, Howard King (Shirley) and Kelly King (Libby); and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022, at Hayworth-Miller Kinderton Chapel with Pastor Andrew Wild and Pastor Wayne Swisher officiating. Interment will follow at Yadkin Valley Baptist Church. King will lie in state one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

The family would like to give special recognition and gratitude to Regina Evans, Tomeika Jones, and the wonderful ladies and gentlemen of Gina’s Helping Hand who so lovingly provided constant care for both Benny and Wanda over the last two and a half years. They also wish to acknowledge and thank Trellis Supportive Care and all the staff of The Kate B. Reynolds Hospice House for the gentle and compassionate care Benny and his family received.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Advance VFW Post 8719, 130 Feed Mill Road, Advance, NC, 27006 and Trellis Supportive Care–The Kate B. Reynolds Hospice House, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103.

Shelby Jean Vestal Parham

Mrs. Shelby Jean Vestal Parham, 82, of Clemmons passed away Friday, July 29, 2022. She was born Jan. 9, 1940, in Ashe County. She was preceded in death by her parents, Raleigh Alton Vestal and Mary Edith Houck Vestal and a great-grandchild Judd Gough. She is survived by her spouse of 39 years, Alvin Edward Parham who loved her and gently comforted through her last breath. In addition, she is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Pendergrass (Butch) of Tobaccoville, and sons Lorne Temple (Tammy) of East Bend and Brad Parham of Atlanta; grandchildren Lena Gough (Steve), Corey Pendergrass (Brittany), Kyle Temple (Lauren) and Ben Temple; great-grandchildren, Fisher, Elise, River, Ella, Jubilee, Bram, Russ, Cale and Worth. A funeral service will be conducted at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022, at Harmony Grove United Methodist Church in Lewisville. Revs. Randy Purdue and Ken Eller will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2-3 p.m. at the church just prior to the service.

Medford Lee Shoaf

Mr. Medford Lee Shoaf, 89, of Advance, passed away Sunday, July 24, 2022, at Clemmons Medical Center. Shoaf was born in Davie County on Feb. 20, 1933, to the late Henry Monroe Shoaf and Edna Hartley Shoaf. Shoaf retired from PPG Fiber Glass in Lexington. He was a faithful member to Advance United Methodist Church. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Henry Shoaf Jr. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Nancy Vogler Shoaf; daughter, Melany Shoaf; son, Brent Shoaf (Carolyn); granddaughter, Katie Shoaf; nieces, Melissa Ray and Kelly Hamrick; nephew, Frankie Vogler, and a brother-in-law, Dick Vogler. He will be missed by his special dog, Charlie. A funeral service was held at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 28, 2022, at Advance United Methodist Church with Rev. Christopher Key and Rev. Dennis Marshall officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery. The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at Hayworth-Miller Kinderton Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Advance United Methodist Church, P.O Box 2021, Advance, NC 27006. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com

Donald Eugene Tesh

Mr. Donald Eugene Tesh, 78, passed away at his home Tuesday, July 26, 2022. Donald was born on June 2, 1944, in Clemmons to Claude Eugene Tesh and Grace Kiger Tesh. He worked at R.J. Reynolds for many years before he retired. Donald had a deep love for his church in which he was very active and involved. He was a car enthusiast, and he had a love of fishing. Donald is preceded in death by his parents and his wife Lynda Leonard Tesh. He is survived by his daughter Angela Pridgen (Dale); and grandchildren Lynda Joyce (Chad) and Travis Pridgen. A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 29, 2022, at Bethany United Church of Christ with Pastor Ted Wilkinson officiating. The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday July 28, 2022, at the church. The family also asks that any memorials be made to the Bethany United Church of Christ in lieu of flowers.

William Dwight Wesely

Mr. William Dwight Wesely passed away Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at Arbor Acres Retirement Community. He was born Nov. 24, 1931. in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Milford Wesely and Melitta Farran Wesely and graduated from Purdue University with a degree in chemical engineering. He was a technical adviser for GAF, Tenneco and Hoechst Celanese in New Jersey. He was a gentle soul, an amazing father and husband and will be missed terribly. He is preceded in death by his wife Hedevig Wesely. Surviving are a daughter, Laurie Wesely and a son, Doug Wesely (Liane); granddaughter Christina Wesely and grandsons Ken Cheston and Geoff Cheston (Kristina). A memorial service was conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 31, 2022, at Clemmons Presbyterian Church by Dr. Bill Hoyle. The family received friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.