Charles Nanney

Canton – Charles “Charlie” Nanney, 88, passed away on Sunday, December 8, 2019 at Smoky Mountain Health & Rehabilitation Center.

Charlie was a son of the late Jacob Frank and Elsie Stroup Nanney, a native of Buncombe County, and lifelong resident of Haywood County since 1946.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Hazel Jenkins and one brother, Franklin Nanney.

From the age of 16, Charlie worked for NAPA Auto Parts.  Just like the store’s motto, Charlie was a trusted source for automotive parts and supreme customer service.  His only time from the store was his time in the Navy.  Charlie was a United States Navy veteran of the Korean Conflict.  Charlie was store manager at NAPA from 1955 until 1970.  In 1970, Charlie became the proud owner and operator of Canton’s NAPA Auto Parts.  His customer service and community involvement exceeded all expectations.  Charlie and Linda were also fixture’s at Canton First United Methodist Church where Charlie was active with the men’s Sunday school class.  He enjoyed providing for children at Christmas time.  Upon retiring in 2010, Charlie took great interest in his pets and was a supporter of SARGE’S.

He is survived by his wife of 53 ½ years, Linda Duckett Nanney; one son, Stephen Nanney of Canton; one brother, Roy Nanney and wife, Louise, of Waynesville; extra special friend, Billie Green; and one grandson, Austin Keith Nanney.  Charlie cherished his grandfather like relationship with Catie and Peter Norris.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 in the Canton Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with the Reverend Gordon A. Pike, II and Reverend Clay Morgan officiating.  Burial will follow at Crawford/Ray Memorial Gardens.  The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Canton First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1716, Canton, NC  28716 or to SARGE’S Animal Rescue Foundation, 256 Industrial Park Drive, Waynesville, NC  28786.

The care of Mr. Nanney has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Homes and an online memorial register is available at “Obituaries” at www.wellsfuneralhome.com