‘Ball of fire’: Flames destroy historic home of Watauga County storyteller

WATAUGA COUNTY, N.C. — A major fire destroyed a historic home early Tuesday morning west of Boone. Another home and several cars were also lost during the fire in Watauga County.

County and ATF investigators spent hours trying to determine what started the blaze where Ray Hicks once lived.

The home was built in 1912.

In 1983, Hicks was honored by the National Endowment of the Arts with the United States’ highest honor in folk and traditional arts. The storyteller was also recognized by President Ronald Reagan.

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Hicks would share stories of his life and the Appalachian culture.

“Pretty much everybody knew Ray Hicks,” neighbor Johnny Pearson said. “He was famous in this area for his storytelling. It’s sad to see it go.”

Pearson called 911 around 4 a.m. Five departments battled the flames, which destroyed the old homestead of the Hicks family.

“It was fully involved,” said Chief Gary Rupard, Shawneehaw Volunteer Fire Department. “Nothing but a big ball of fire. When we got here the whole thing was on fire.”

Hicks’ died in 2003, followed by his wife more than a decade later. His grandson was living at the historic home.

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Hicks grew up in a very poor, isolated area of the North Carolina High Country. Storytelling and singing ballads were a big part of his family’s life and sharing it with others brought him joy.

The fire is under investigation.

(WATCH: Tree smashes onto historic home)

Tree smashes onto historic home Tree smashes onto historic home

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