Charles Cathey, Sr.

Bethel - Charles Edward Cathey, Sr., 79, passed away on Saturday, March 3, 2018.

A native and lifelong resident of Haywood County, he was the son of Hugh and Barbara Sheffield Cathey. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ava Jean Henson Cathey, and one very special sister, Vera Cathey.

Charles loved the history of the Bethel Valley of Haywood County and taught his children and grandchildren about their roots. He narrated a DVD produced by the Bethel Rural Organization, "Walking in the Footsteps of Those Who Came Before Us." Charles often said, "I always tell people that this valley is my body and this river is my blood."

He was a 50-year member of Sonoma Masonic Lodge #472 and rose to the appointed position of Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina in 2000. During his tenure as Grand Master, he established a scholarship fund which continues to award $1000 scholarships to two high school seniors each year, and was honored by Governor Jim Hunt with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest honor that a governor can award a private citizen. He was a member of the Waynesville York Rite Bodies and served as Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of North Carolina in 1996. A member of the Asheville Scottish Rite Bodies, he received the honor of 33rd degree in 1991. He served as Grand Chaplain of the Order of the Eastern Star in 1990-1991.

A US Army Veteran, he served at Fort Hood, Texas as a combat medic from 1957-1959.

In the shadow of a glowing wall of civic honors, Charles said that he was most proud of his children, Chuck (Angie), Tom (Michelle), and Machelle; his grandchildren, Joshua, Seth, Jared, Taylor, Will and Erin; and two great-grandchildren, Payton and Kenley.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 in the Canton Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with the Reverend Johnny Foster officiating and with Masonic Rites conducted by Sonoma Lodge # 472 AF & AM. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Charles Edward Cathey Masonic Scholarship Fund, Grand Lodge Scholarship Committee, PO Box 6506, Raleigh, NC 27628

The care of Charles Cathey has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Homes and an online memorial register is available at "Obituaries" at www.wellsfuneralhome.com

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