Edward Best High School

09/26/2026

Official obituary for Tommy Goolsby

Thomas Franklin Goolsby, 69, of Cherokee, NC, passed away unexpectedly on September 17, 2026, at Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva, NC.

A native of the Justice Community in Franklin County, he was the son of the late George and Margie Goolsby, a 1975 graduate of Edward Best High School and attended Louisburg College. Tom served alongside his father, George Goolsby Sr., as a Justice Volunteer Fireman during the late 1970s and 80s. He was also a long-distance truck driver. Later in life, Tom moved to the Cherokee Community. At one point, he was a dealer at Herrah’s. He also helped maintain the campground where he resided for 27 years and was affectionately known as The Mayor of Wolf Camp. Tom’s favorite pastimes included singing and playing his guitar, and tinkering with cars and motorcycles. He loved NASCAR. In fact, he and his tractor-trailer were in a scene in the movie Days of Thunder. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, George Jr., also of the Justice Community; an infant niece, Sarah Ellen Goolsby; and granddaughter, Ashley Carpenter.

He is survived by his sisters Jean Lord (Jerry) of DeBary, FL, and Cindy Goolsby (Scott Hunt) of Louisburg, NC; stepdaughter Kimberly Goodwin of Roseville. He also had several nephews and nieces, grandchildren, and cousins across the state.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to your favorite charity or to the GoFundMe set up by Thomas’ family to help defray costs.

Long House Funeral Services, Cherokee, NC is in charge of arrangements

09/22/2026

https://gofund.me/768349db7

Hi I'm Kimberly the daughter of Thomas Franklin Goolsby as … Kimberly Carpenter Goodwin needs your support for Contribute to Thomas Goolsby's Cremation Fund

09/19/2026

Edward Best High School Eagle Class of '57

Charles F. Murray Sr., 87, of Louisburg, North Carolina, passed away in his home Thursday, September 17, 2026.

Charles was born on May 3, 1939, in Franklin County, North Carolina, to Wiley F. Murray and Ethelene A. Murray.

Charles was a devoted family man who loved his family deeply. Nothing meant more to him than the people he loved, and the memories made together over the years will be treasured by his family for generations to come.

An outdoorsman at heart, Charles had a lifelong love of hunting and fishing. Those who knew him knew that he always seemed to know where the big bass were biting and where the big bucks were laying. His hunting and fishing stories will remain famous in the Justice community and will long be remembered by those who knew him.

Charles also had a great love for music. He was always eager to play a song for his family and friends, especially songs that reminded him of “the good times.” He also loved sports and was proud to have been a guard on the basketball team and pitcher on the baseball team at Edward Best High School.

Most importantly, Charles loved the Lord and carried his Christian faith throughout his life. His family finds comfort in knowing that after 87 years of a life well lived, he has gone home to be with the Lord.

Charles was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joan Grissom Murray, whom he carried a picture of in his wallet until the day he died.

He is survived by his son, Charles F. “Chuck” Murray Jr.(Tracy); his daughter, Lisa Neville; his grandson, James Wright (Allison); his granddaughters, Caroline Lee (Robert) and Heather Wright (Daniel); and five great-grandchildren, Vivianna, JC, Lylah, Emery, and Greyson. He is also survived by his brothers, Larry Murray and Fred Murray; his sister, Doris Honeycutt (Jimmy); as well as extended family and friends who loved him dearly.

Charles leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, and a lifetime of memories. While his presence will be deeply missed, his family takes comfort in knowing that his earthly journey is complete and that this goodbye is only temporary.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

09/19/2026

Adding there is a gofundme account set up by Tommy's daughter, please help if you can
https://gofund.me/768349db7

Sad to report that I learned from sister's Jean & Cindy that Tommy Goolsby, EBHS Class of '75 unexpectedly passed at Harris Regional Hospital in Sylvia. Tommy has lived near Cherokee for many years now. They said there would be a celebration of life next spring. Our condolences to his entire family.

Thomas Goolsby
January 6, 1957 - September 17, 2026

09/10/2026

Hey Eagles... I just got this from Stan Wood! Apparently 100th Anniversary of Edward Best this Saturday September 12th, 3 - 7. Thanks Stan!!!!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19tqBUXtHb/

07/26/2026

Rosa Lee Stokes taught at Edward Best in the early 70's. I wanna say I had her in the 9th grade but it may have been earlier. Condolences to her family!

Funeral services for Rosa Lee Stokes, age 86, who died on Friday, July 10, 2026, will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. from the Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Castalia, NC. Burial will follow in the Hickory Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

She is survived by one son, Eric Duncan of Louisburg, NC, one sister, Dorothy F. Stokes of Louisburg, NC, one brother, Edward M. Stokes of Louisburg, NC, two grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Visitation will be held Friday, July 17, 2026 from 12:00 until 1:00 p.m. at Hickory Grove Baptist Church.

06/09/2026

Sadly lost another Eagle, Evelyn May Robbins Class of '56 or '57 ??? Our thoughts are with Tracy , Kandi, Tommy, Ann and all their family and friends!

Evelyn Carol May Robbins, 87, of Youngsville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2026, at her daughter’s home in Greensboro. Evelyn was born on March 4, 1939, in Castalia, North Carolina to the late Robert and Marie May and lived a life marked by faith, devotion, hard work, and deep love for her family.

Evelyn grew up on a farm, where she learned the value of hard work and the importance of helping raise her younger siblings. Those early years shaped the steady, dependable, and caring spirit that remained with her always. She was a strong Christian woman who loved her Savior and cherished her family above all else.

For 25 years, Evelyn served as a legal secretary for Nancy Fields Fadum. After that, she and her husband, Sonny, began Triangle Marketing, which they operated together for 15 years.

Evelyn also found joy in the simple and meaningful things in life, especially baking. She was well known for her chocolate pies and cakes, which were made with love and enjoyed by family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Sylvester “Sonny” Robbins, in 2020. Their marriage of 59 years was a lasting partnership built on love, faith, and shared purpose. She is survived by her son, Tracy Robbins, and his wife, Jennifer; her daughter, Kandi Sykes, and her husband, Bryan; her grandchildren, Samantha, Benjamin, Jacob, and Abigail Sykes, Baylee Shaw and her husband, Mickie, and Logan Robbins; and her great-grandsons, Jackson and Hudson Shaw. She is also survived by her brother, Tommy May, and his wife, Lynne; her sister, Ann Perdue, and her husband, Jimmy; her sisters-in-law, Peggy Lumpkin Pernell and Shirley Malanix; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved her dearly.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Bettie Jeffreys and Chris Waddell for the care and support they provided to Evelyn. Their kindness was deeply appreciated and brought comfort during a difficult time.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, from 6-8pm at Bright Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026, 2pm at Flat Rock Baptist Church, Youngsville, NC with the burial to follow at Cedar Rock 1st Baptist Church Cemetery, Castalia, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Evelyn’s memory to AuthoraCare Collective, www.authoracare.org/give.

06/01/2026

Lost another Eagle
Gwen Davis from the Class of '58
Our condolences to Pam and Dawn

Gwendolyn Foster Wood Davis, 86, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2026 at Transitions LifeCare in Raleigh, NC. Gwen was born on April 13, 1940 to the late Lucille Foster and Grover Wood . In addition to her parents, Gwen was preceded in death by her husband Ralph G. Davis and a granddaughter, Madison Nelms

Gwen is survived by her two daughters, Pamela Nelms and Dawn Davis; one granddaughter, Emma Nelms; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Gwen retired in 2006 from Batton & Guin Attorneys at Law (the day before Madison was born). She dedicated the rest of her life to caring for her granddaughters as well as all the children who called her GaGa. Gwen was an active member of White Level Baptist Church. She loved visiting and talking with her neighbors and those she loved, including Gracie , her loyal canine companion.

The family will receive friends at White Level Baptist Church, 2400 White Level Rd, Louisburg on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 from 6:00-6:45pm where a funeral service will be held at 7:00pm with Rev. Randy Bridges officiating. Burial will be held on Wednesday at 11:00am at Wood Family Cemetery, 305 Wood Rd, Louisburg.

Memorial contributions may be given in lieu of flowers to the Madison Nelms Memorial Project at White Level Baptist Church, 2400 White Level Rd, Louisburg NC 27549.

05/27/2026

Edwatd Best Eagle Class of 1950

Percy Hamilton Smith, Jr., affectionately known as “P.H.,” of Morehead City, North Carolina, passed from this life peacefully surrounded by family on May 24, 2026, at the age of 94. Born in Franklin County in 1932, he was the son of the late Percy Hamilton Smith and Mozelle Leonard Smith.

P.H. graduated from Edward Best High School in 1950 and proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War era from 1953 to 1955, including two years stationed in Austria and Germany. In 1957, he married the love of his life, Mary Sue Hall, beginning a devoted marriage that spanned 68 years.

Throughout his career, P.H. worked with General Electric, Holden Technical Institute (now Wake Technical Community College), McLean Trucking Company, and Walker Martin Electric before beginning a long and meaningful tenure with the North Carolina Baptist State Convention in 1967. He faithfully served there for 27 years until his early retirement in 1994.

A devoted follower of Christ, P.H. dedicated much of his life to serving others through his church and community. As a longtime member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Raleigh, he served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, choir member, and youth volunteer. He also gave his time to the Raleigh Optimist Club and the North Raleigh Exchange Club. He remained active in church life throughout the years at Rocky Hock Baptist Church in Edenton, Woodland Park Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Parkview Baptist Church in Morehead City. One

of his most cherished memories was serving as “Deputy Dog” during Youth Week at Caswell Baptist Assembly—a role that showcased his sweet nature and heart for the next generation. PH mastered the art of the “simple life.” He could often be found rocking on his screened porch, perhaps with an Oreo Blizzard in hand, or meticulously tending to his yard, which he took great pride in keeping neat and tidy. He found peace in the harmonies of the Gaither’s and other gospel music, but his greatest harmony was found in his family. Whether he was cheering at a grandkid’s ballgame, attending school or hosting holiday events, or enjoying a meal out with the whole family, P.H. was happiest simply being present for those he loved. Those who knew P.H. will remember his quiet generosity, steadfast kindness, humble spirit, and unwavering commitment to putting others before himself.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Sue Hall Smith; his children, John Smith (Patti) and Sara Stevens (Keith); seven grandchildren, Megan Tolar (Jason), Shane Stevens (Morgan), Chase Stevens (Megan), Parker Smith (Marie), Blake Stevens, Mary Hayden Guest (Caleb), and Savannah Stevens; and three great-grandchildren, Carson Tolar, Wesley Stevens, and Micah Stevens.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Parkview Baptist Church of Morehead City, the staff of Carteret Landing Assisted Living, and Carteret Gentiva Hospice for the compassionate care and support shown to P.H., especially during the later years of his life.

A service to celebrate P.H.’s life will be held at 1:00pm on Monday, June 8, 2026 at Red Bud Baptist Church, Castalia, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, a ministry dear to P.H.’s heart

05/20/2026

Linda Dorsey Shearon - The EBHS Eagle, Class of '63... condolences to her family and friends.

April 11, 1945 - May 17, 2026

Linda passed away peacefully on May 17 at Nash General Hospital in Rocky Mount.

Linda was a daughter of the late Beecher Dorsey and Emily Honeycutt Dorsey. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray L. Shearon; her daughter, Pam Leonard and her infant daughter, Linda Renee; brothers, Lawrence Elwood Dorsey, Bennett Talmadge Dorsey and Sherman Benton Dorsey; sisters, Vera Gray Tharrington, Barbara D. Layton and Brenda D Burnette.

Linda is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Traci and Calvin Nachtrab; grandsons, Caleb Leonard (Jennifer) of Youngsville; Zachary Leonard of Louisburg; granddaughter, Rachel Nachtrab of Raleigh; great granddaughter, Claire Leonard of Louisburg; sister Jackie Parrish of Louisburg.

Linda retired from Nash County Social Services many years ago. She loved to cook, garden, serve her church, collect NC pottery, and to laugh with her friends and family.

A gathering of family and friends will be held 12 – 2 pm Friday at White Level Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. There will be a private graveside service at the Dorsey Family Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations be made in her name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Arrangements are by Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, Louisburg,

www.stricklandfuneralhome.net.