Herbert Clevland Moretz, Jr.

Herbert Clevland (H.C) Moretz, Jr., Age 100 ½, of Stadium Dr. Boone passed away peacefully Thursday, January 9, 2025, at his home. H.C was born March 14, 1924 a son of the late Herbert Clevland, Sr. and Pearl Carpenter Moretz.

H.C was a proud member of the Greatest Generation. At the age of 19 H.C was drafted to serve in the U.S Army as a part of the 78th Lightening Division Infantry during WWII. A courageous soldier, he fought bravely in the battle of the Bulge, one of the war’s most pivotal and brutal campaigns to deny Adolf Hitler’s last chance at victory. H.C was wounded on his 20th birthday by shrapnel while fighting in the Ardennes Forest earning him a Purple Heart. H.C’s unwavering dedication and service to his country were just one part of the remarkable man he was.

After the war, H.C was honorably discharge with the rank of private 1st class and returned home to attend Appalachian State Teacher’s College where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and social studies. H.C would then spend 15 years teaching business education courses at West Yadkin High School and managed Elkin Business College. H.C’s servant’s heart extended beyond the classroom and into the greater community. In 1966, he served as the director of the Neighborhood Youth Corps program under W.A.M.Y and became W.A.M.Y Exectutive Director until 1992. During that time initiated multiple successful programs that are still in operation today, including the development of Appalcart, the introduction of the Breakfast program in the public schools, the local Head Start Program and Blueridge Hearthside Crafts, in addition to WIC programs, housing rehabilitation and basic education to name a few community efforts. H.C also filed income tax returns for about 70 years. On June 10, 2012, H.C received the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award for his services to our community and to the State of North Carolina.

H.C is survived by his four children – Dorinda Moretz, Michael Moretz(Janet), Monica Styron (Craig), and Veronica Johnson (Brian). Eight grandchildren – John Younce, Mike Younce (Julie), Gwen Younce, Ashley Moretz-Elks (Amber), Zachary Styron (Ashley), Sydney Styron Anding (Josh), Aidan Styron, and Sophie Johnson. H.C was also survived by four great grandchildren – Grayson Younce, Amira Younce, River Younce, and Bradley Styron. H.C was also survived by one brother John Walter Moretz, a number of nieces and nephews and his 4 legged companion, Lil Bit.

H.C is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Phyllis Wilson Moretz. He is also preceded in death by one sister, Gladys Moretz Coffey and brothers George Moretz, Roy Moretz, Clayton Moretz, and Willis Moretz.

H.C was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Boone. He loved to be with his family, play cornhole, solitare, and kept his wife's tradition going by making her homemade yeast bread.

               Funeral Services for H.C Moretz Jr. will be conducted Thursday morning, January 16, 2025 at 11:00 am at Bethany Lutheran Church. The body will lie in state from 10:00-11:00am. Officiating will be Pastor Laura Weant. Military graveside rites and burial will follow in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.

               The family will receive friends Wednesday evening, January 15, 2025 from 5-8pm at Austin and Barnes Funeral Home. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the nurses and case workers from Amorem, therapists from Medi Home Homecare and caregivers from Ashe Home Care, INC.   

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