Gone But Not Forgotten
Barry Ciociola
Barry Ciociola, 64, a two-term NCNA president and long-time board member, passed away on October 17, 2018 after a brief but hard-fought battle with cancer. He fought his battle with absolute dignity and true to form, worried more for those around him than for himself. His death was a tremendous loss for the family, but his loss has also been felt by the many friends and colleagues he came to know through numismatics.
Barry opened Coins Plus Sportscards in Durham, NC in 2002. He operated the store until his cancer diagnosis. As a dealer he was multi-dimensional, dealing in both coins and paper money. Seated coinage and early type were his favorite areas in coins. In paper money, he specialized in Federal type notes and National Currency. Barry was fortunate to handle numerous outstanding notes over the course of his career. He also spread numismatics as a show promoter, running shows here in North Carolina, as well as ones in South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia at various times.
Barry joined the NCNA in the late 1990’s, and served in some capacity for the remainder of his life. In 2015 the Raleigh Coin Club, in conjunction with the NCNA, recognized Barry with its Ted Hendrick Memorial Award, given “For serving the numismatic community with integrity, courtesy and unbounded enthusiasm.” truly embodied the qualities for which the Ted Hendrick Memorial Award was intended to honor. He always did the right thing, even when it wasn’t easy. He went out of this way to treat his peers with respect and courtesy, and his enthusiasm for numismatics was apparent to everyone who met him.
William Thomas Thornton
William “Bill” Thomas Thornton passed peacefully surrounded by family in Gastonia NC on August 18th, 2022. William was born August 19th, 1945 in Hempstead, NY to the late Isabella Thornton and James Robert Thornton. He is survived by Bruce James Thornton of Voorheesville NY, Mark Lee Thornton of Gastonia NC, James Robert Thornton of Cramerton, NC, Margaret Thornton Ramage Mt. Bethel PA, and Anne Thornton Robinson of Naples FL.
William retired from the USMC as a Corporal after proudly fighting for his country in Vietnam. William enjoyed Egyptian history and was an expert in the field of Egyptology. He was a skilled artist who enjoyed making jewelry and artworks for his family and friends. William had a passion for coin collecting that will be carried on through his brother and coin collecting community. His final resting place is in the Great South Bay Suffolk County, NY where he was reunited with his favorite hat.
-Semper Fidelis
Frank George Pugliese
Frank George Pugliese passed away on Sunday, June 5, 2022 at the age of 87 at St. Joseph Hospital in Denver, CO. He was in Colorado attending his grandson’s wedding in Estes Park. Frank was born on August 25, 1934 in Bound Brook, NJ. He enlisted in the Army in 1953 and served 3 years as a missile specialist. In 1960 Frank graduated from New Mexico State University with a degree in biology following his discharge. He then moved to the Washington, DC area to work for the Food and Drug Administration as a supervisor of Consumer Safety and Quality Control in the division of Veterinary Medicine. After retirement, he pursued a hobby of coins and collectibles and was active in several numismatic organizations. He very much enjoyed traveling the world with his wife.
Frank is preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary Pugliese. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Janice Pugliese of Pennybyrn in High Point, NC; sister Karen Corso (Bob) of Milltown, NJ; sons Shawn Pugliese, Eric Pugliese (Diane) and Tony Pugliese (Sue), all of Maryland; and two step-daughters – Ginger Hayworth (Tim) of Greensboro, NC and Andrea Reinaker (Jim) of Delaware, OH. In addition he had seven grandchildren.
Frank enjoyed residing at Pennybyrn in High Point, NC where he treasured the many friendships made there.
George Rogers
The Carolina Numismatic Community became a lesser place when George Rogers, who owned Wake Forest Coins, passed away May 30, 2021 at the too early age of 69. George was born in Baltimore, Maryland on May 26, 1952 to George and Edna Rogers. He spent his early life in Maryland and New Jersey, and attended West Virginia University where he graduated with a degree in horticulture. He would later use his extensive knowledge of chemical compounds to become a public water systems administrator for Morgantown and Montcoal, West Virginia. After many years in the hills of West Virginia he moved to Wake Forest, North Carolina and used his talents there for the public water system.
George was a fixture at shows in the Carolinas and beyond for many, many years. He was not just a coin dealer, but an educator for the Numismatic Community. Always willing to take the time to talk to anyone about coins and their history, his knowledge of early Mexican, Spanish, and other countries’ money was boundless. George will be missed, but he will always be on our minds.
Andy Garrison
Joseph Anderson (Andy) Garrison of Sanford, Florida, died on July 25, 2021, at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, Virginia, surrounded by his loving wife Melinda, relatives, and friends. He was 73. Andy was born on July 14. 1948, in Miami, Florida. He grew up in Miami Springs, Florida, and enjoyed collecting coins as a child. He attended Miami Springs Senior High and was a member of the golf team. After graduating in 1966, he attended Andrews College in Cuthbert, Georgia. He proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1968-1973, during the Vietnam War. He studied linguistics in the Air Force and was fluent in Thai, Vietnamese, and Spanish.
When Andy returned home from the Air Force he started a Real Estate business and later owned a landscaping and nursery business that catered to celebrity clients in Spruce Creek, Florida. He also continued to play golf throughout his adult life and regularly won amateur tournaments. After retiring he embraced his passion for collecting artifacts, antiquities, fossils, and arrowheads. He spent countless hours reading and studying until he became an authority on these topics. He also developed an interest in painting and created many works under the name “Andres.”
Andy loved animals and owned many types of exotic birds. He was also fond of turtles, snakes, and alligators. One of his friends described him as a combination of “Indiana Jones” and “Crocodile Dundee”. He was always ready to help someone learn more about the various artifacts and collectables that he offered. He was one of those dealers who took many people “under his wings.” Andy lived life on his own terms and was a very positive person.
Eddie Fine
Joseph Edward “Eddie” Fine, 77, of Johns Island, South Carolina, peacefully passed away surrounded by close family on June 1, 2019. He was born on May 15, 1942 in Charleston, South Carolina, oldest son of the late Joseph and Constance Fine.
Eddie is survived by Carolyn Fine of Johns Island; Children: Michael Fine (wife Becky and Michael’s Mother Gloria), Gabriel Gadsden and Jael Gadsden; Grandchildren: Mick and Terra Fine and Great Grandson Roman Fine; Brothers: Vincent Fine, Patrick Fine; Sisters: Pauline Povero, Theresa Fine, Cynthia Rinker: Mother in Law Lucille Cochran; Brothers in Law: Robert, Carl and Tyrone Cochran: Sisters in Law: Barbara Moore, Marva Moody, and Conious Johnson, and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Eddie was a lifelong resident of Charleston and a lifetime member of the American Numismatic Association. He served his country in the US Army. Eddie was an avid NASCAR fan and loved watching and reading Westerns.
At his request a Graveside Service with family and friends was held at 11:00 AM on June 4, 2019 at Live Oak Memorial Gardens, Charleston, SC. Arrangements were handled by McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, West Ashley, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414, (843) 722-8371.
Loran Ross
Loran Ross passed away at home on Thursday, October 18, 2018. Born in Blaney, he was the son of the late Jack G. and Leila Mae Hinson Ross. He served in the United States Army and retired from DuPont. He was a former member of the Jaycees and a member of the American Legion Post 17. Loran enjoyed historical studies and was an avid collector for many years.
Surviving are Loran’s wife, Vicki Renae Owens Ross; daughters, Loraine Ross Truesdale (Cecil) and Terri Ross McGee (Donald); sons, Darrell Duncan Ross (Derhonda) and Jesse Darrell Ross (Tanya); sisters, Patricia Hall, Jean Smith and Loretta Carr; 8 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a sister, Wyrian Arnold.
Funeral service for Orvid LoRan Ross, 89, were held on Tuesday at 12:00 p.m. at Powers Funeral Home, Lugoff, SC, with burial in Fort Jackson National Cemetery.
Andy Sparks
James Anderson ‘Andy’ Sparks, Jr., son of the late James Anderson Sparks and Mildred Crowder Sparks, died July 14, 2019 after a courageous battle with ALS.
Andy faced his two greatest losses, the death of his beloved wife Jennie and his physical health, with dignity and grace. Andy was preceded in death by the love of his life, Virginia ‘Jennie’ Gregory Sparks, to whom he was married for 60 years. He is survived by his sister Ann Thomas (Grady) of Charlotte, NC, and his two children, Christy Howey (Stan) of Charlotte, NC and Slater Sparks of Lake Tahoe, NV and Salisbury, NC; his beloved grandchildren, Harrison (Maddy), Jack (Anne), Jim, Ginny, and Katy; and his new great- grandchild, Penelope. His grandchildren knew him as “Pop,” and he was the most loving of grandfathers.
Andy graduated from Boyden High School, attended N.C. State, and graduated from Catawba College. He was President of Sparks Wayside Furniture Company and an avid collector and dealer of a variety of fine collectibles. Andy was a member of the American Numismatic and Philatelic Societies, Rowan County Coin Club, and supported many activities of the Historic Salisbury Foundation.
As a young man, he was an accomplished golfer with a scratch handicap and spent many days enjoying the game with friends on the course. Jennie and Andy loved attending auctions and flea markets, fishing at the beach and mountains, visiting Cherokee, snorkeling in the islands, and traveling to Europe. They loved their home-town of Salisbury, including their long-time friends and their historic home.
Andy was an active and involved member of Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church, with his love of Jesus being the foundation of his life. He volunteered at the Food Pantry and Meals on Wheels and routinely visited ill or lonely friends. Andy was a true southern gentleman who spent his life giving to others, and anyone meeting him could not help but love him.
Howard Holbrook
Herbert Howard Holbrook, Jr., 83, died Monday, August 26, 2019, at Kernersville Medical Center. He was born April 16, 1936, in High Point and was the son of the late Herbert Howard Holbrook, Sr. and Daphne Swiggett Fansler. Howard graduated from High Point Central High School and received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from High Point University. He was a retired assistant manager with the State Employment Security Commission in Winston-Salem. Howard proudly served his country in the US Army. He loved oldies and beach music and enjoyed old horror movies and his Firebird convertible. He was a coin collector and attend monthly meetings at the Winston-Salem Coin Club. Likewise, he enjoyed meeting monthly with his high school buddies.
Howard is survived by his daughter, Amber H. Pavlik and husband, Walter, of High Point; two grandchildren, Amanda Holbrook of Asheville and Trey Pavlik of High Point; and sister, Linda Bryan of Greensboro. Arrangements were handled by Cumby Family Funeral Service in Archdale, NC.
Dorothy Thornton
Dorothy May Page Thornton, 72, of Mocksville passed away at her residence on Monday, August 18, 2014, after a period of declining health. She was a frequent dealer at North Carolina shows where she sold her coins alongside Mike Winter. She also won the award for best exhibit at the 2013 NCNA Convention for her exhibit of Fractional Currency.
Born February 14, 1942, in Conneaut, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Lloyd A. Page and Lucile Lamson Page. Prior to her retirement in 2009, she was a National Account Specialist for Carolina Office Systems. She spent most of her life in northeast Ohio, but lived in Waco, Texas from 1991 until 2002 when she moved to North Carolina to make this her home.
Dorothy’s memory will be cherished by two sons, Bryan Thornton and wife, Elizabeth “Beth” Taylor, of Mooresville, and Barry Thornton and companion, Dorothea Heater, of Austin, Texas; one daughter, Teresa Miller and husband, George, of Chattanooga, Tennessee; two brothers, Gary Page and wife, Betty, of Waco, Texas, and Richard Page and wife, Martha, of Louisville, Kentucky; one sister, Janet Ball and husband, Bob, of Kingsville, Ohio; and her companion in life, Mike Winter of Mocksville.
Forrest Michael
Forrest Marshall Michael, 91, peacefully passed away on May 12, 2014 after a brief period of declining health. He was born on May 27, 1922 to the late Randall Marshall Michael and Callie Sue Leonard Michael. Forrest was a graduate of Reeds School, was drafted into the US Army, attended Signal Corp School, and was stationed in Iceland during WWII. He was honorably discharged from the Army on December 24, 1945. He was a mechanic at Davis Chevrolet retiring after 41 years of service. Forrest was a lifetime member of Reeds Baptist Church, serving as an usher for 67 years, Building Fund Treasurer for 44 years, was the current Cemetery Administrator with 50 years’ service, a Deacon for 15 years, a Trustee, and a member of the TEL Sunday School class.
In the 1960’s, Forrest served as Director and Treasurer of Reeds Telephone Corporation, was a charter member of Reeds Fire Department, retiring as chief in 1975, and later serving on the Board of Directors as Treasurer. Forrest was a charter member of the Reeds American Legion Post 162. He was a founding member of the North Carolina Numismatic Association, serving as Director for 29 years, and a founding member of the Blue Ridge Numismatic Association. Forrest was also a member of the American Numismatic Association, and South Carolina Numismatic Association. He was a founding member of Eagle Coin Club in Lexington, and an active member of the Winston-Salem, Salisbury, and Statesville Coin Clubs. Forrest was known as the Christmas Coin Man, handing out Christmas coins for 55 years. If you were so fortunate to be given one of these coins, you will always be his friend. He was still licensed as an Auctioneer and successfully operated Forrest Michael Auction and Realty for 45 years. Forrest was honored to take several mission trips to Brazil sponsored by the Southern Baptist Association.
Forrest was privileged to participate in the Triad Flight of Honor with WWII veterans to tour Washington, D.C. He was married to the love of his life, Tessie Beck on November 30, 1943, who preceded him in death on June 10, 2007. Also preceding him in death were his sister, Geneva Snider and brother, Flynn Michael. He is survived by two children, daughter, Mary Sue, son-in-law Roger Hedrick, son, Gary, and daughter-in-law, Cynthia. Forrest also had three grandchildren whom he loved dearly, Regina and her husband Kenneth Spach of Lexington, N.C.; Kevin Hedrick and his wife Melissa of Ruby, S.C., and Leah and her husband Steve Leonard of Lexington, N.C. Always making him proud are his five great grandchildren, Erika Spach, Brandon Sikes, Cheyenne Hedrick, and Claire and Ava Quinn Leonard. He is also survived by sisters Jeanette Shoaf and Connie Forrest of Lexington, and sisters-in-law Rachel Logan, and her husband Ralph of High Point and Bess Beck of Carthage, and numerous nieces and nephews who loved to listen to his stories of times past.
Ray McGuire
Mr. Raymond Kenneth McGuire, 81, passed away Thursday, November 21, 2013 at his home. Born April 11, 1932 in Dayton, OH, Raymond was raised in Russell County, VA and Mercer County, WV. He attended Matoka High School until the age of 16 when he left school to join the Army’s 24th Infantry Victory Division in 1948 where he was stationed in Japan. He received the Army of Occupation Medal (Japan), Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Presidential Unit Citation-Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Campaign Stars. He finished high school while in the Army. After being honorably discharged from the Army, he worked in the coal mines of West Virginia, and attended Bluefield State College for drafting. Ray started a construction company and began building a home for himself as well as others. He went to work for Binswanger Glass Company as a contract manager and sales representative. His last sale was the glass to build Southpark Mall in Charlotte, NC.
In 1971 Ray bought a coin shop in Charlotte, NC and named it Charlotte Gold Inc. He very quickly learned about the value of coins thus beginning his new career. He then moved to West Virginia to farm a large piece of land and also opened Mercer Coin Exchange. Wanting to return to NC he bought Irving Park Jewelry and Coin in Greensboro, teaching himself to repair clocks and engraving. He was the President of the NCNA in 1974.He retired at age 69. Before retirement he was an active beekeeper, enjoyed golf, mountain hiking for Ginseng, and trout fishing. After retirement he added doing cross word and Sudoku puzzles and extensive genealogy of the McGuire family’s arrival from Ireland settling in Rowan County, NC. Raymond is the seventh generation of McGuires and he would share his tales with anyone who would listen. He also enjoyed history, especially the Civil War era, bluegrass music, watching his diva Vanna White and collecting clocks. He believed in treating people fairly and honestly, and was rewarded with a good life.
He is survived by his daughter, Sandy McGuire Deese, of Charlotte; granddaughter, Brittany Lerae Harkey (Jackson), of Mt. Holly; great granddaughter, Lianna Hope Harkey; brothers Larry (Gaenell), of Lashmeet, WV and Rodney, of Winter Haven, FL; sisters, Carol Murphy, of Bluefield, WV, Betty Mahoney, of Dayton, OH, Esther Pishner, of Harmony, NC, and Twyla Hersman (Chris), of Princeton, WV; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
John Burns
John was a regular fixture at many coin shows where he displayed a huge number of numismatic books for sale. Many of you will recall seeing him at the State show as well as a couple of Raleigh and Charlotte shows. If you ever set down at his table you could be regaled with tales as far ranging as the legends of numismatics, numismatic literature, food, movies, or the mysteries of women. I often would buy a book from him to get an excuse to change the topic and run back to my table. Most of my rare and eccentric volumes that fill my library first passed through John’s hands.
At the January FUN show in Orlando, John set up his usual display and went to dinner with several other dealers. He wasn’t feeling well and a dealer checked in with him by phone at 11 PM. Unfortunately, John didn’t appear at the show Saturday and was found in his hotel room about 3 PM Saturday.
John, may you find the peace you have always sought. You will be missed. You will also be remembered by those many bibliophiles you enriched with you vast inventory and knowledge. I, for one, will think of you fondly each time I dust one of your books off my shelves.
Gus Demetriades
Demetriades, II, Gus P.G. Gus P.G. Demetriades II, 33, passed away tragically on Friday, February 28, 2014. Gus was born in Dalton, Georgia and raised in Henderson, North Carolina. Gus moved to Dallas in 2005 to work as a numismatist – a job and hobby that he enjoyed very much. Gus attended Kerr Vance Academy where he graduated high school, and he received a BA in history from The Citadel in 2004. He was currently pursuing an MBA. He was a lifetime member of the American Numismatic Association. He was a Master Diver, loved to travel, loved dogs and great food. Gus was a collector of various things.
In the summer of 2008, Gus met the love of his life, Andrea “Andi” Stefanescu-Demetriades and the couple spent the last five years knowing a love that truly was unconditional. Gus is survived by his wife Andi and his “children” dogs Leia and Tucker. He is also survived by his parents Gus and Vanessa Demetriades, his brother Major Christopher Demetriades (US Marine Corp) and his wife Christine, his niece, Meagan, nephew Peter, his sister-in-law Anna Stefanescu. God-parents Peter and Penny Demetriades and their children Athena and Gus, his aunt Despina Demetriades, aunt and uncle George and Charlotte and their children Charles, Matthew and George, Jr. He is also survived by his Grandmother, Helen Crews and her husband Bob, Uncle Gene and Aunt Joan Vaughan and their children. Uncle Larry and Aunt Gay Vaughan and children, Aunt Teressa and Uncle Glenn Gramer, Aunt Kathy and Ken Holland and children. Gus meant the world to many people that may not be included on here. Gus’s parents, Gus and Vanessa Demetriades, are frequently seen as dealers at North Carolina Coin shows.
Ronald Steere
Ronald David Steere, 66, of Red Springs, passed away Tuesday, July 3, 2012, in Southeastern Regional Medical Center in Lumberton.
Jack Harold Leite
Jack Harold Leite, 72, passed away unexpectantly Tuesday, May 8, 2012 in Norfolk Va. Jack enjoyed dealing in Coppers and small cents. He has been a Member and a dealer with the NCNA for a number of years. Jack served on the Board of Director in 2010. He is survived by his wife, Rose Leite; 3 sons, Michael Leite and his partner Johnny Higgins, Scott Leite and his wife Julie and Darryl Beaumont; 2 granddaughters Deeanna and Kiersten Leite; and the Blackwood family in St. Louis.
Anne P. Carmichael
Anne P. Carmichael, wife of Halbert Carmichael. The daughter of James B. Parsons, Sr. and Mattie Foster Parsons, Anne Parsons was born in Shelbyville, TN on June 16, 1936 and died at home in Raleigh on April 7, 2012. Anne graduated from Shelbyville Central High School; and received a B. Sc. in Education from the University of Tennessee and an MS in Library Science from the University of North Carolina. She was a long-time employee of Liggett & Myers and then Carolina Power and Light Company. She served as an officer in the Pacesetters Investment Club and the Raleigh Miniature Guild. Anne is survived by her husband of fifty-three years, Halbert H. Carmichael of Raleigh; their two children, Eleanor McCoury and husband Kent McCoury of Apex, James H. Carmichael and wife Lynn C. Carmichael of Friendsville TN; as well as four grandchildren, Wendy McCoury, James Carmichael II, James McCoury and Katherine Carmichael.
