HIGH COUNTRY â Longtime Avery County resident and attorney Tom McMurray announced last week his intention to seek election for a seat as for 24th District Court Judge, representing Avery, Watauga, Mitchell, Yancey and Madison counties.
McMurray, a Republican, is an attorney at Appalachian Law Center and has two decades of experience in the profession, received his Associateâs Degree from Guilford Technical Community College, a Bachelorâs Degree from Thomas Edison State College, and his law degree (JD) from North Carolina Central University.
After spending his first five years in practice in the Greensboro area dealing with cases involving bankruptcy work representing debtors, Tom and his family moved to Banner Elk in 2007, where he primarily has practiced family law. McMurray has been appointed to represent parents involved with Department of Social Services (DSS) cases in Watauga, Avery and Mitchell counties.
Fred Coleman Abernethy, 86, of Banner Elk, NC passed away on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020, at his home.
He was born on March 4, 1934, in Catawba County, North Carolina, a son of the late Fred Coleman Abernethy, Sr. and the late Alta Rix Setzer Abernethy.
Fred was a NC State University graduate and began his career as an Registered Architect in 1965.
He belonged to and was active in many organizations; Boy Scouts of America as an Eagle Scout and assistant Scout Master, American Institute of Architects, Catawba County Chamber of Commerce as Past President, Cooperative Christian Ministry â 1st President, Corinth United Church of Christ â Past President of Consistory, First Savings and Loan Bank â Director; Southern National Bank â Director; BB&T â Director; North Carolina Historic Preservation Society; Rotary Club of Lake Hickory â Charter Member and Past President Paul Harris Award; Hospice of Catawba County â Board of Directors; Habitat for Humanity- B