Our Staff

Michael O'Connor joined Hall-Wynne in 1999 soon after graduating from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. Funeral service is not only a second career for Mike, but a vocation as well. Mike was a 1977 graduate of Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA, where he was born and raised. He was employed for 16 years with Rockwell International Corporation working on the U.S. Space Shuttle and B-1B Bomber programs in Los Angeles, CA. He was introduced to funeral service in high school while working for his uncle, who owned two funeral homes in the Pittsburgh area.

When corporate life at Rockwell became routine and unremarkable, it was an easy decision for him to enter funeral service. Mike became a stockholder in Hall-Wynne Funeral Service in 2005 and on October 3, 2019 he became principal owner and president.

Mike enjoys working out at the gym 3-4 days a week. An avid reader who enjoys travel when schedule permits, he’s a devoted Pittsburgh Steeler fan and a loyal Duke Blue Devils basketball fan. Mike has two wonderful children. His son, Brian, proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force and is a graduate of Clemson University. His daughter, Katie, joined the company in April 2018 and received her Funeral Director’s license in June 2020. Mike is a long-time member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Durham.

“Establishing trust and exceeding expectations are key ingredients in making a family feel well-cared for throughout the funeral process. Funeral service is unique in the sense every Hall-Wynne employee has the capability to form a long-lasting friendship with family members who may have walked through the door days earlier as a complete stranger.”

Justin Boone joined the staff of Hall-Wynne in Durham in August of 2009. A native of Rutherford County, he is a graduate of Fayetteville Technical Community College’s funeral service program. Justin is a member of Grey Stone Church, through which he has generously volunteered his time on mission trips to Haiti and Zambia, and where he serves as an ordained Deacon. He is a member of the Exchange Club of Greater Durham. Justin values time spent with his wife, Dr. Allison Boone, a large-animal pathology veterinarian, enjoys the outdoors and playing the piano.

“I’ve always wanted to work with people, and can’t imagine doing anything I’d love more than exactly what I do now.”

Nancy Buttry Kennedy is a Durham native. She graduated from Southern High School and completed her funeral directing education at Fayetteville Tech. She has been with Hall-Wynne since 1995, receiving her funeral directing license in 2002. Nancy is married to James Kennedy and lives in Hillsborough with her children, Michael and Abby. 

“I consider myself lucky because I’ve discovered not only who I am but where I’m supposed to be. My life’s been led by the overwhelming desire to help others, something I did not fully understand until I began working at Hall-Wynne. That satisfaction continues to reinforce I’m in the right place.”

Gene Bobbitt is a well-known Durham native who spent 33 years as Director of Advertising for the Herald-Sun newspaper. He served as President of Friendly North State Sertoma Club, Chairman of the Durham Amateur Golf Tournament, the Board of Directors for Durham Sales & Marketing, President of the Herald-Sun Credit Union, and President/Board of Directors of the Mid-Atlantic Newspaper Advertising & Marketing Executives Association, a six-state newspaper management organization, and received an Honorary Life Membership for his long term service and accomplishments to the organization.

He joined the Hall-Wynne staff in 2003 as the company’s in-house accountant and funeral service associate. Gene became operating manager of the crematory upon its construction in 2009. He also serves on the company’s board of directors.

Gene also owns and operates a tax and accounting business, holds a private pilot’s license, but mostly enjoys time with his four children and six grand-children. He is also a car and motorcycle enthusiast and can often be found in his Corvette convertible or on his Harley-Davidson cycle.

“Funeral service has allowed me to help so many friends and acquaintances through a difficult time. I especially enjoy helping people I have never even met deal with the loss of a loved one. The gratification and appreciation I receive from families exceeds anything I’ve ever experienced.”

Susan Peters is originally from Woodstock, New York but has been a North Carolina resident for most of her life. Susan attended North Carolina State University and received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. Recently, she decided to follow a lifelong calling and return to Mortuary School. Susan graduated with honors in May 2020 from Fayetteville Technical Community College with an Associates Degree in Funeral Services. Susan received her Funeral Service license in 2022.

Susan currently resides in Fuquay-Varina with her significant other James, and her stepdaughter Ashlyn.

Susan is also an artist that creates in several types of media. She enjoys spending time with her family and her pets, including two horses. Susan also enjoys gardening and traveling when time allows.

“I feel fulfilled being able to assist families in one of the most stressful times of their lives. I feel it is an honor to be able to care for their loved ones as if they are a member of my own family. I am very lucky to have a career that allows me to not only help others, but also create a deep sense of fulfillment in my everyday life.”

Jess is a recent transplant to North Carolina and lives in Durham. She started part-time at Hall-Wynne in July 2022, and committed full-time in November 2022. She is an honors graduate of East Mississippi Community College, where she received her degree in Funeral Service Technology. Jess is a licensed funeral director and embalmer in both North Carolina and Mississippi. She specializes in restorative techniques and cosmetics and considers it a privilege to serve the families that come to Hall-Wynne. 

When not working, Jess is a devoted dog mom to her 13-year-old Yorkie-mix, Judy. Jess also enjoys horseback riding, hiking (anything outdoors, really), painting and crafting, and coffee in copious amounts.

“I believe in treating everybody, living and departed, that comes to Hall-Wynne with the deepest dignity and respect. Death and grief care is a calling, and I have been called to serve. Being a director and embalmer is my contribution to the community, and I consider that duty sacred, holding myself to the highest standards I can provide.”

Tyler B. Noblitt is a Durham native. He is a 2011 graduate of Northern High School. Tyler graduated from Fayetteville Technical Community College’s Funeral Service Education Program in 2016. He worked with Howerton & Bryan Funeral Home from 2011-2015. Tyler is married to his wife, Heather Noblitt, and lives in Durham with their children, Ava and Jason. He is an avid fan of Duke University Athletics. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, working in his yard, going to the beach, and spending time with his family.

“Hall-Wynne has given me the opportunity to show my true passion in helping families and being there for them during such a difficult time. It has always been my goal to help people. I enjoy coming to work and working with an amazing team.”

Scott Mason, CFSP, (Certified Funeral Service Practitioner), is a graduate of The State University of New York, (SUNY) Canton, with a degree in Mortuary Science. Scott has over 44 years of experience in funeral service. In May of 2020, following 27 years as president, owner and operator of the Mason Funeral Home in Westfield, NY, Scott and his wife of 41 years, Debbie, retired and sold their Funeral Home. Scott and Debbie relocated to Durham in August of 2020 to be closer to family that includes, their two daughters and their families, all of whom live in the Durham and Chapel Hill areas. Scott joined Hall-Wynne Funeral Service in 2023. Scott is a former Assistant Fire Chief for the Westfield Village Fire Department and a former Rotarian, having been honored as a Paul Harris Fellow. When time permits, Scott enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, skiing, hiking, and bike riding.

George J. Yuhas is our Advanced Planning Director serving Hall-Wynne Funeral Service in Durham and the surrounding area as well as Gentry-Newell and Vaughan in Oxford. He would love to meet with you to finalize your prearrangements.

Mark Archambault is a Funeral Service Apprentice at Hall-Wynne Funeral Service for a year and a half and he has begun his schooling at Fayetteville Technical Community College in the Mortuary Program.  In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Bridget, his two daughters and his our quadruplet grandchildren. After working over 30 years in customer service, Mark came to work at Hall-Wynne because he wanted to be able to serve individuals and families during a time of loss and grief. Mark states "I chose Hall-Wynne specifically, because of the way they served my family during the loss of my parents."

Jadyn Cooper lives in the small town of Bullock, NC, where she was born and raised. Jadyn graduated high school in 2021 from Vance Charter School in Henderson. Jadyn started at Hall-Wynne in May of 2023, is currently enrolled in the Funeral Service program at Fayetteville Technical Community College and is greatly looking forward to being able to serve others through her career choice. Jadyn is a very active member of Delrayno Baptist Church in Oxford, where her father is the pastor. In her free time, Jadyn enjoys spending time with her family, going to church, reading, and going to the mountains.

“I enjoy working at Hall-Wynne because I get the chance to provide for families in their most dire and desperate times. I am a big believer in the saying ‘No two funerals are alike’. Each family is unique, and they need to be provided with services and respect that best fits their individual needs… and here at Hall-Wynne, we do a great job with that.”

Bill Gregory is a Funeral Service Associate with Hall-Wynne Funeral Services since 1997. In his free time, he enjoys playing the piano, spending time with family / friends, and spoiling his fur-babies.  Bill states that" It gives me such a good feeling to be able to help and assist families in any way I can during their time of grief. I am very proud to be a part of the Hall-Wayne Family.  We have an outstanding professional and caring staff, and I always look forward to working with them. They are the best of the best.

Kay Lockamey LaBarre is a Funeral Service Associate at Hall-Wynne Funeral Services since 2013. Kay was born and raised in Durham and is a lifelong member of Grey Stone Baptist Church. In her free time, Kay enjoys concerts, Duke basketball, shopping and cookouts with her family. 

Kay states that "Working at Hall-Wynne has given me the opportunity to serve families that are hurting and going through a difficult time. People are my passion and I’m thankful God has provided this opportunity to serve in our community."

Debbie Strickland is a Funeral Service Associate at Hall-Wynne Funeral Service for the last 6 years and staying strong. She is a retired nurse of over 40 years and has been married to herhusband for 44 years. In her free time, she enjoy's going to the beach, reading, and spending time with her family; especially her two grandsons. Debbie states " Working at Hall-Wynne has given me a sense of purpose to help families during a time of loss. I enjoy working alongside great people who I consider family that also make this job that more enjoyable."

Chuck McClean is a Funeral Service Associate at Hall-Wynne Funeral Service since 2018. He is a lifelong resident of Durham. He has worked previously for UPS; out of the Durham center and retired after 30 years of service. Chuck has 3 children: Madison, Sydney, and Cooper. He has been involved in many community organizations over the years and enjoy's giving back to the Durham community when possible. "What I love about working at Hall- Wynne is the commitment to take care of each family they serve just as if it was their own family. My hobbies now have become mostly coaching my son’s athletic teams, keeping up with 2 very active daughters and cooking a little BBQ when I can." 

George Stevens is a Funeral Service Associate at Hall-Wynne since 2003. He enjoy's church, family, playing golf and riding his motorcycle.  "Working at Hall-Wynne is the perfect part-time job, and you could not ask for a better group of people and friends! It is a privilege to assist families in their time of need in a professional and caring way".

Charlie McNeill is a Funeral Service Associate at Hall-Wynne Funeral Service for 17 years. In hisfree time, he enjoy's being outside with his wife,Laura and their daughter, Lily; he loves to watch or play football, golf, frisbee golf or go to college football or basketball games (Go Heels). In addition, he is on a mission to find the best hamburger and fried chicken in town and enjoy's cooking competitive BBQ. When Charlie is not working at Hall Wynne, he is the Operations Pastor at New Horizon Church in Durham.

"God has placed a tremendous burden on my heart to help people, and Hall Wynne allows me to do that with people in their darkest hours. After all these years, the compassion and care that the Hall Wynne staff puts into every service still inspires me".

Mark Higgins is President Emeritus of Hall-Wynne, having been its principal owner until 2019 and now serving in a part-time capacity. He is a graduate of Hope College in Holland, Michigan and the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. Mark spent 10 years as a consultant and marketing director of the international association, Selected Independent Funeral Homes prior to relocating to Durham in 1992.

A frequent presenter on end of life issues, Mark regularly conducts programs in the community, including Duke Divinity School, area churches, hospice groups and Duke Hospital’s CPE program. He is a member of Durham Rotary Club, on the board of Durham Nativity School, and was President (2015-16) of Selected Independent Funeral Homes. Mark is a devotee of art history, enjoys exercise, travel, playing the hammered dulcimer, and tutoring at Durham Nativity School.

Mike Poole is a Durham native who was raised in East Durham. A graduate of Southern High School, Mike took a job out of school with Hall-Wynne, being groomed under the legendary Jesse Barnes. He returned to Hall-Wynne after training at Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. He served on Durham’s city council, is a member of Durham Lions Club, Masonic Lodge #352 A.F. & A.M., Southgate Chapter 177, O.E.S., the American Society of Embalmers, and is a member of Durham Memorial Baptist Church. He is married to Marilyn Poole, and is the proud father of two daughters and two grandsons. Mike is an accomplished vocalist of Southern Gospel music and appears frequently in performances throughout the community.

“I’ve always thought of my career in funeral service as a ministry. I have been honored to have served thousands of families in my years of service at Hall-Wynne.”

Ralph Wilson is a Funeral Service Associate at Hall-Wynne Funeral Service since 2022. In his free time , he enjoy's volunteering as a docent at the Bennett Place Historic Site, as well as working at a concession stand in Cameron Indoor Stadium during Duke basketball games! During baseball season , he will be serving as an usher at Durham Bulls games. Raplh states that "Working at Hall-Wynne has been an amazing experience. Our staff is filled with compassionate and supportive professionals who have a gift for helping families and friends navigate their way through one of life's most difficult events. Working with my wonderful colleagues has been a truly uplifting experience and having opportunities to assist families when they need our services is very fulfilling."