John R. O'Day

Our beloved father, husband and friend, John R. O'Day passed away on August 16, 2025, in Waynesville, North Carolina, after a long and courageous battle with ALS.

Born on October 11, 1951, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, John was the son of the late Harry and Betty O'Day.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Susan Thompson O'Day, whom he married on October 19, 1973, in Minden, Nevada. John also leaves behind his two children, Molly O'Day McCarthy (Alex) of Greenville, South Carolina, and Scott O'Day (Alana) of Oakland, California; his cherished granddaughter, Ember O'Day; his “bonus daughter”, Jessica Martin of Asheville, North Carolina; his sister, Beverly Duvall; and numerous nieces and nephews.

John earned an associate of arts degree in radio and television from St. Petersburg Junior College and continued his studies in parks and recreation at San Francisco State University. His love for the outdoors blossomed into a lifelong passion for hiking, backpacking, rafting, and canoeing.

John was renowned for his work as a house painter and skilled in wallpaper installation and carpentry. His clients came to rely on his eye for design, his practical problem-solving, and his ability to fix almost anything. A plumber, painter, carpenter, roofer, electrician, handyman, he truly could do it all. He found great fulfillment in carpentry, surrounding his family with the beautiful furniture he crafted.

A devoted father, John shared his love of adventure with his children through whitewater rafting, travel, camping, sailing, backpacking, skiing and hiking. A natural teacher and mentor, he encouraged and supported his children and loved ones in everything they pursued.

John is remembered for his adventurous spirit, his devotion to family, and his quiet strength in the face of adversity. He was patient, generous, kind and fun, a goofy guy with a wonderful sense of humor.

A remembrance gathering will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Hidden Valley Farms, 23 Hidden Valley Road, Clyde, North Carolina. Friends and family are warmly invited to share stories and celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, John would want you to honor his memory with acts of kindness, compassion for others, and time spent outdoors in nature.

The care of Mr. O’Day has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville