Obituaries - December 16, 2025
Dan Leslie Gandin
Dan Leslie Gandin, born on May 16, 1951, in Vermont, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2025, in North Carolina at the age of 74. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, educator, and coach, whose life was marked by dedication to family, community, and his passions.
Dan graduated from Danville High School in the class of 1969 and went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree from Plymouth State College. His career as an educator and coach began at Chelsea High School, where he taught and coached from 1973 to 1975. He continued his teaching and coaching journey at Williamstown High School from 1976 to 1977 and subsequently served at U-32 Junior/Senior High School in East Montpelier, Vermont, for 36 years, from 1978 until his retirement in 2014.
Beyond his professional life, Dan was a man of many interests. He found joy in hunting and playing the banjo, sharing his musical talents with the Gulusha Hill Gang band. His contributions to basketball were recognized by his induction into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame and the Vermont Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. In acknowledgment of his achievements, he was honored by the Vermont State House with Resolution HCR 261.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Allen Louis Gandin and Geraldine Ruby Page Gandin of Groton, Vermont. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Tracy Gandin of Leland, North Carolina; his brother, Gregg Gandin and wife Julie of Groton, Vermont; his daughters, Kacey Gandin Ness and husband Zach of Zelienople, Pennsylvania, and Shelby Gandin of Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania; his step-daughter Kelly Wiltshire and husband Chris of Morrisville, Vermont; and his step-son Sean Lavin of Shelburne, Vermont. He was a proud grandfather to Lea, Mya, Caroline, Amelia, Matthew, and Chris Jr. (CJ), and cherished uncle to his nephews Andrew and Ben Gandin and niece Abbey Ciardi.
Dan's legacy will be remembered by all who knew him for his unwavering commitment to his students and athletes, his love for music and the outdoors, and his deep affection for his family and friends.
Services to celebrate Dan's life will be held at a later date in Vermont.
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Reba Battles Anderson
Reba Battles Anderson, 98, beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, friend, and God’s faithful servant passed peacefully into her eternal Glory with her heavenly Father, Jesus Christ.
She was born May 24, 1927 in Blount, Alabama, the daughter of Ellis Franklin Battles, Sr. and Alma Gertrude Collett Battles. In addition to her parents Reba was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Horace Anderson; her son, John Albert Anderson; son-in-law, Jerry Barnhill and grandson, Matthew Turner.
Reba is survived by her sons, Roger Anderson (Margaret), Glen Anderson (Ellen), and Vincent Anderson (Pam); daughter, Regina Barnhill; daughter-in-law, Pat Mintz; ten beloved grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; brother, Frankie Battles (Shirley); many extended family and friends.
Reba lived her life with dedication to her Christian faith, her family, her friends, and her church, Mt. Holly Baptist Church. She counted her five children together with their expanding families, her richest blessing in life. She always had a smile on her face and a kind word to greet you, she set a positive example for her children to follow. In years past she was active in Pender County Extension Homemakers and most recently participated in V.I.P. (Vision Impaired Program) at Pender Adult Services. Reba enjoyed a fulfilling life – singing with the Lamplighters, crocheting, making all kinds of crafts and most of all being an outstanding homemaker. Her presence in our lives will be forever missed, but we find solace in knowing she is at peace and rejoicing with her Almighty Father.
The family will receive friends 5 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at Quinn McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel.
The funeral service will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at Mt. Holly Baptist Church with the Rev. Merrell McKoy and Rev. Buddy Westcott conducting the service. Burial will follow in Riverview Memorial Park.
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Betty Clark Hall
A gracious and loving lady, Betty Clark Hall, entered eternal rest on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at the age of 93. She was born April 2, 1932, one of seven children born to Charles Henry Clark, Sr. and Elizabeth Hale Clark, living most of her wonderful life in the Long Creek Community of Rocky Point.
In addition to her parents Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Donald Hall; sons, Tim Hall and Mark Hall; daughter-in-law, Lou Hall; four sisters; and two brothers.
Betty is survived by her son, Donald “Scrappy” Hall; daughter, Angela Rogers and her husband, Steve; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; sister, Effie Lee Eakes; caregivers, Lillian and Omar; many extended family and friends.
For many years Betty worked as a meat inspector for the NC Department of Agriculture.
In all of Betty’s 93 years, one never saw her without her hair “beauty shop” fixed. Betty was an extraordinary lady with a strong will whose resounding faith and love of family was unmatched. Her bright and shining light often served as a guide to those around her. She was a true example of what it meant to be a Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, and Friend. Her presence in our lives will be forever missed but we find solace in knowing that she is resting in peace.
A graveside service will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 15, 2025 at Rileys Creek Memorial Cemetery with the Rev. William Hill Pearsall conducting the service.
The family will receive friends at the cemetery following the service.
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