R. Neal Ensley

R. Neal Ensley, 88, devoted husband, father, engineer, and community leader, passed away surrounded by family on August 24, 2025. He was married to the love of his life, Barbara Ferguson Ensley, for 58 years. Together they built a life rooted in faith, service, and love in Haywood County.

Born to Edna McCracken Ensley and A.L. Ensley, Neal grew up at Lake Junaluska as the middle child of three. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents and brother, David Ensley, and is survived by his older sister, Doris Ann McCall of Clearwater, FL.

Neal graduated from Canton High School in 1955 and went on to earn a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology in 1960, where he was also a cooperative student with Champion Paper. He served his country proudly, achieving the rank of Captain before being honorably discharged from the U.S. Army Reserves in 1972 after a decade of service.

After brief stays in Montgomery, AL, and Memphis, TN, Neal and Barbara settled in Waynesville in 1966, where he began a long and impactful career. He worked for more than two decades in research and development designing manufacturing machinery for Dayco and Day International. Later, he pursued a second career as owner of P&G Wood Erectors, a specialty construction business. Even after retiring, Neal continued to contribute his expertise as a Professional Engineer and licensed surveyor, playing a role in local projects including the construction of the Haywood County Justice Center.

Faith and community service were central to Neal’s life. He first met Barbara at Methodist Youth Fellowship at Long’s Chapel United Methodist Church in the late 1950’s and they continued to be lifetime members. Neal chaired the church’s building and renovation committee for many years. His love of community extended far beyond the church:

• He served on the Haywood County School Board for about 10 years in the 1990s, believing deeply in the power of education.

• He was a longtime trustee at Haywood Community College (HCC), serving for many years as treasurer of the HCC Foundation.

• He co-founded and served as Chairman of the Board of Old Town Bank and was also on the Board of Directors for Haywood Bank Shares, Inc.

• Neal was active in the Waynesville Rotary Club, where he served as chair of the Rotary Foundation, providing scholarships for local students.

• He served on the Folkmoot USA Board of Directors.

For more than two decades, Neal gave time and leadership to the Boy Scouts of America, Daniel Boone Council, where he was honored with the Silver Beaver Award (1993) and later the Lifetime Achievement Award (2018). He was also a proud member of Elks Lodge #1769 in Waynesville.

Above all, Neal cherished his family. He is survived by his daughter, Dr. Ann E. Ensley, and son-in-law, Kaj Miller. Neal was immensely proud of Ann’s accomplishments in the field of bioengineering and medical technology, a reflection of his lifelong encouragement of education. He is also survived by four nephews, Michael and Justin Ferguson and Dan and Doug McCall.

Neal’s life was a testament to dedication — dedication to his family, his profession, his community, and his faith. His impact will be felt for generations through the institutions he helped strengthen and the people he inspired.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 29, 2025, at Long’s Chapel.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00a.m. prior to the funeral service. Burial will follow the services at Fines Creek Memorial Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family request you make donations to the Waynesville Rotary Foundation, P.O. Box 812, Waynesville, NC 28786 or the HCC Foundation to support education in our local community at 185 Freelander Drive, Clyde, NC 28721.

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