Obituaries

Recent obituaries in North Carolina


The obituaries in the North Carolina Area reflect the region's diverse population, featuring individuals from a variety of ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds. Some were pioneers in their fields, while others dedicated their lives to community service or philanthropy. Their stories serve as a reminder of the richness and complexity North Carolina's history and identity.

Jean Tucker Powell

Jean Tucker Powell

Aug 2, 2025

Jean Tucker Powell, age 96, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 2, 2025.

Born on September 17, 1928, in Erwin, Tennessee, Jean was the daughter of the late W.I. Tucker, Jr. and the late Ruth Allison Tucker. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Tillman "Jim" Powell, Jr.

Jean was a devoted wife, mother, and friend. She was...

Charles G. Beemer

Charles G. Beemer

Jul 31, 2025

Charles Gordon (Chuck) Beemer, of Waynesville, N.C., died peacefully on July 31, 2025. He was 85.

Chuck was born on May 30, 1940 in Crawfordsville, Indiana to Julia and Gordon Beemer. He was the valedictorian of his class at Crawfordsville High School in 1958. Chuck studied at Wesleyan University before graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Colorado College in 1962, where he...

Phillip Dwane Kent

Phillip Dwane Kent

Jul 28, 2025

Phillip Dwane Kent, a beloved member of his community, passed away peacefully at home on July 28, 2025, at the age of 62. Born on February 4, 1963, in Buncombe, Phillip was known for his multi-talented personality and open heart. As the owner of Kent Heating and Cooling, he took immense pride in his work and approached each day with...

Ethel Lee Payne

Ethel Lee Payne

Jul 24, 2025

Ethel Lee Payne, 91, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2025, at Baptist Easley Hospital. She was born on March 25, 1934, in Haywood County, North Carolina. Daughter of the late Wrickman Ledford and Nellie Price Ledford.

She was predeceased by her loving husband of 52 years, Dale Payne. Ethel also mourned the loss of her daughter Betty Ledbetter, as well...

Leonard Carroll Fish

Leonard Carroll Fish

Jul 19, 2025

Leonard Carroll Fish, 79, of Clyde, N.C., went home to be with the Lord on July 19, 2025. His family prayed with him and said their goodbyes the night before at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center in Asheville, N.C.

Leonard was a Haywood County native and one of 6 children of the late Reverend Odie and Marguerite (Messer) Fish. In 1966, Leonard...

Joan Elizabeth Robb

Joan Elizabeth Robb

Jul 18, 2025

Joan Elizabeth Robb, a radiant spirit and devoted matriarch, was born on March 13, 1939, in Scotland, where the echoes of her laughter and music first resonated. On July 18, 2025, surrounded by love, she transitioned to her next great adventure, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Raised in the...

James "Jim" Morris Cochran

James "Jim" Morris Cochran

Jul 18, 2025

James "Jim" Morris Cochran, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on July 18, 2025, at his residence. Born on January 14, 1945, in Haywood County, Jim lived a life marked by dedication to service and a deep commitment to his family.

For two decades, Jim proudly served with the Haywood County Sheriff's Department, ultimately retiring three years ago. Prior...

Stephanie M. Peterman

Stephanie M. Peterman

Jul 18, 2025

Stephanie M. Peterman, 56, of Athens, GA, passed away on July 18, 2025.

Per Stephanie’s wishes, no services are planned at this time.

The care of Stephanie has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.

Bea B. Fordham

Bea B. Fordham

Jul 16, 2025

Bea M. Fordham, born on January 23, 1944, in Little River, Kansas, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2025, in Asheville, NC. Bea lived a vibrant life in New York City, where she pursued her passion for education and culture. She graduated with a Bachelor's degree in education and was honored to graduate as the Valedictorian of her high school.

For...

Dr. Larry Kingsley

Dr. Larry Kingsley

Jul 15, 2025

Dr. Larry Kingsley, a beloved dentist, devoted husband, and proud veteran, passed away on July 15, 2025, at Haywood Regional Medical Center. He was born on October 7, 1942, in Hutchinson, Kansas, to Russell and Helen Kingsley, who predeceased him.

Larry had a long and illustrious career, dedicating 34 years to his own dental practice where he was highly respected in...

Grant Alton Parrott

Grant Alton Parrott

Jul 14, 2025

Grant Alton Parrott, 87, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Monday, July 14, 2025, at the V.A. Medical Center. Born on January 3, 1938, to the late Grant and Mary Ruth Medford Parrott, he is also preceded in death by his loving wife Clara Messer Parrott, who passed away in 2021 and siblings, Joann Joseph, Johnnie Ruth Davis,...

Elda P. Jackson

Elda P. Jackson

Jul 12, 2025

Elda P. Jackson, of Waynesville, went to be with our Lord on July 12, 2025, at the age of 89. Born on October 14, 1935, to the late Eufrasio and Anna Bolly Pelissero. She is also preceded in death by her loving husband James Jackson, who passed away in 1989, and her two sisters, Mary Thomas and Helen Pelissero, as...

Suzanne Jay Hoppes

Suzanne Jay Hoppes

Jul 10, 2025

Suzanne (Suzi) Jay Hoppes, beloved mother, daughter, sister, and friend, passed away on July 10, 2025, after a short but hard-fought battle with cancer.

A proud Haywood County native, Suzi spent most of her life in western North Carolina, where she found joy in the mountains, good friends, and football. She was known for her candor, humor, and fierce loyalty.

Suzi impacted...

Robert M. Brantly, Sr.

Robert M. Brantly, Sr.

Jul 8, 2025

Robert Mansfield Brantly, Sr., a respected figure and dedicated steward of Florida’s natural resources, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born November 23, 1935, in Florida, Bob’s journey through life was marked by an unwavering commitment to the environment and passion for the great outdoors.

With an impressive career spanning 37 years, Bob began as...

Wilma Neace Smith

Wilma Neace Smith

Jul 7, 2025

Wilma Neace Smith, a beloved mother, grandmother, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2025, at the CarePartners Hospice Solace Center. Born on April 11, 1940, in Cocke, TN, Wilma lived a life rich in love and creativity, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

For over twenty years, Wilma devoted herself to...

Patricia Sisk Spinn McCracken

Patricia Sisk Spinn McCracken

Jul 5, 2025

Patricia Sisk Spinn McCracken, 79, of Waynesville, North Carolina, peacefully passed into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, July 5, 2025.

Patricia was born October 24, 1945, in Buncombe County, North Carolina, to the late Lillian Pressley Sisk and Howard “Buck” Sisk. After the death of her mother, Patricia was raised by her loving grandparents, McKinley and Ruth Pressley, in the...

Paul T. Ford

Paul T. Ford

Jul 5, 2025

Paul T. Ford, 76 of Waynesville, left this world on July 5, 2025. He was the son of Ralph and Betty Smith Ford. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Patty Ford, a sister, Linda Gregory and an infant brother.

Paul's early education culminated in his graduation from Waynesville Township High School in 1966. His passion for cars and...

Eula Patricia "Pat" Lucas Herron

Eula Patricia "Pat" Lucas Herron

Jul 3, 2025

Our dear loving Christian wife and mother Eula Patricia Herron was born on June 13th, 1936 to her parents James Frederick and Beulah P. Lucas in Green Cove Springs, Florida.

On July 3rd, 2025 she closed her eyes here in her beautiful mountain home in Maggie Valley, North Carolina surrounded by her husband, children, and grandchildren, and woke up in Heaven...

Louie Anthony "Tony" Cochran

Louie Anthony "Tony" Cochran

Jul 3, 2025

Louie Anthony Cochran, 3/22/1965 - 7/3/2025.

Louie Anthony Cochran ("Tony"), 60, passed away on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at Memorial Mission Hospital in Asheville NC

Tony was preceded in death by his son John Williamson and is survived by his wife Mickey, his son Louie Anthony Jr., his grandchildren Ayla Jane Gill and Ethan Cochran, his mother Pat Cochran and the late...

Eleanor Millsaps Hazell

Eleanor Millsaps Hazell

Jun 27, 2025

Eleanor Millsaps Hazell, age 92, of Waynesville, passed away peacefully, in hospice care in Hendersonville, on June 27, 2025. She was born in West Point, Mississippi on August 10, 1932. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon Rodney Hazell, who died in 1960. Also preceding her in death were her brother, John Howard Millsaps, Jr., and her parents,...

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