Val Dean Burch

Val Dean Burch 71, of Hendersonville NC died in a motorcycle accident near Hot Springs, NC on September 5, 2025. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 47 years, Kim Hendricks Burch.

He was born in Buncombe County to the late Boyd and Nell Burch and grew up in Haywood County. After graduating from Tuscola High School in 1972, he earned a degree in Industrial Arts Education from Western Carolina University and began his teaching career in Gaffney, SC. His love of the mountains brought him back to western North Carolina where he taught in the Henderson County Public Schools for 38 years. He first taught at Edneyville High School, later coaching wrestling until its closing in 1993. He went on to teach drafting and personal finance at North Henderson High, taking several of his drafting students to both state and national competitions. While at North Val coached their swimming and both Men and Women's cross country teams, helping his cc teams to a combined seven state titles. Among other honors ,he was named Conference Coach of the Year ten times and was the recipient of the Glenn C. Marlow Athletic Achievement Award in 2020. He never wanted the spotlight put on himself, but rather preferred the accolades went to students and athletes, saying that he was just fortunate to have such talented dedicated young people to work with.

Val or Dean or Val Dean, as people called him by different names, never met a stranger and was always willing to lend others a helping hand. He was quite a storyteller and his friends, colleagues and students can attest that he was often ready with a story to tell. Outside of work, he was ready for fun and believed in living life to the fullest. This included participating in many sports. He was especially drawn to adventure sports and activities that provided a sense of freedom and excitement.

Val was also an excellent dancer and his favorite partner was his lovely wife.They enjoyed all genres of couple dancing but their favorite was the Carolina Shag. Together they also enjoyed their many travels throughout North America, the Caribbean and Europe.

A lover of animals, he fed the many birds and squirrels that frequented his yard and not only fed but made friends with the raccoons who visited nightly. In the past he enjoyed running his Jack Russell, Haywood, in Agility Trials across the southeast, winning many titles, but mostly having fun and meeting new friends along the way. For the past several years, he and his wife have opened their home to foster dogs and puppies for the Blue Ridge Humane Society.

As well as his parents he is predeceased by his two canine companions Dreyfuss and Haywood and his kitty Samantha.

In addition to his wife and his little dog Ruby, Val Dean is survived by sisters Colleen Burch Thomas (Lee) and Melanie Burch, brother DeLane Burch (Elaine), brother-in-law Rick Hendricks (Lois), and six nieces and nephews and six great nieces and nephews.

There will be a Henderson County Celebration of Life for Val on Sunday, November 2, from 2:00-4:00 pm at North Henderson HIgh School in Hendersonville, NC and a Haywood County Celebration of Life for Val on Sunday November 16, from 2:00-4:00 pm at Wells Event Center in Waynesville, NC.

For those wishing to make a Memorial donation the family asks that it be made to the Blue Ridge Humane Society, 1214 Greenville HIghway, Hendersonville, NC 28792, or a charity of your choice.

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