Longtime Watauga attorney Gail Fannon dies

Attorney Gail Poole Fannon, 69, of Benjamin Drive, Boone, died Tuesday at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, according to Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory.

Fannon had served as an assistant district attorney in the 24th Judicial District for about five years following decades in private practice. She was one of Watauga County's first female attorneys.

Watauga County court sessions have been canceled this week as the district attorney's office deals with the unexpected losss.

Fannon graduated from Appalachian State University and from the Campbell University School of Law.

In addition to being a fixture of the local legal community, Fannon was active with the Hickory Ridge Homestead at Horn in the West.

Survivors include her husband, Ron Fannon, and two sons. Online condolences may be sent to the Fannon family at austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.