Donald Smathers

Canton – Donald Bryson Smathers, 88, passed away on Saturday, April 9, 2022, at Silver Bluff Nursing Home.

A native and lifelong resident of Haywood County, he was the son of the late Charles Oscar and Lucy Hargrove Smathers.  He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Cesareen Penland and Eileen Greybow; and a brother, Frederick H. Smathers.  Donald was a member of First United Methodist Church of Canton.  He enjoyed making Christmas wreaths, nature, growing plants, country and gospel music and traveling.  Donald was a United States Navy veteran serving during the Korean conflict and an American Legion member.  He enjoyed church sponsored block parties for veterans, especially World War II veterans.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joyce Lyerly Smathers; two daughters, Donna Smathers Beebe (Dennis) of Seneca, South Carolina and Tamara Smathers Worley (Stephen) of Canton; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 15, 2022, at First United Methodist Church of Canton with the Reverend Gordon Pike and Reverend Clay J. Morgan officiating.  Burial will follow at Morning Star Community Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 1:45 p.m. prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Canton, 29 Newfound Street, Canton, NC  28716 or to one's own favorite charity.

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