Obituaries

Local Obituaries - Haywood County, NC and the Surrounding Areas

John R. O'Day

John R. O'Day

Aug 16, 2025

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...

Jerry Ray Haney

Jerry Ray Haney

Aug 16, 2025

Jerry Ray Haney, 78, of Killen, AL, formerly of Clyde, NC, passed away peacefully as he entered his heavenly rest on August 16, 2025. Born in Waynesville, NC, on April 12, 1947, Jerry was the son of the late Ray & Janelle Haney.

Jerry graduated in 1965 from Clyde High School, where he met Linda Ray and immediately fell in love;...

Julie Ann Owen

Julie Ann Owen

Aug 13, 2025

August 13th, 2025, Rozelle Owen Smith welcomed her precious baby back into her arms. Julie Ann Owen was born June 26th, 1963. She came here with a divine purpose. She taught selfless love, patience, courage, grace, and gratitude for life.

Rozelle had five beautiful girls whom she devoted her life to. However, one special girl became the center of the family’s...

Robert Arnold "Bob" Cathey

Robert Arnold "Bob" Cathey

Aug 12, 2025

Robert A. “Bob” Cathey, a lifelong servant-leader whose dedication to education, forestry, and community touched countless lives, died on August 12, 2025, after an extended illness. He was 82.

Born on May 28, 1943, in Transylvania County, North Carolina to Ray and Alice Cathey, Robert spent his entire life in the Pigeon Valley area of the Bethel community. He graduated from...

Jerry Glenn Barnes

Jerry Glenn Barnes

Aug 12, 2025

Jerry Glenn Barnes, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on August 12, 2025, in Haywood County, North Carolina. He was born on August 22, 1957, in Buncombe County, North Carolina.

Jerry's life was characterized by his love for the outdoors, particularly his passion for fishing, which brought him immense joy and tranquility. He also had a keen interest...

Donald Howell Rice

Donald Howell Rice

Aug 12, 2025

Donald Howell Rice, born on January 2, 1958, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2025. A dedicated employee of Home Depot for the last 18 years, he previously contributed his talents to Bell Sysco Food Service. Throughout his career, Donald was not only known for his hard work and commitment but also for his kind-hearted nature and the warmth he...

Rev. Fred Keith Macon

Rev. Fred Keith Macon

Aug 11, 2025

Rev. Fred Keith Macon passed away peacefully on August 11, 2025 at Givens Estates in Asheville, NC. Fred was born May 27, 1936 in Churchland (Davidson Co.) NC to Ernest Michael and Gertrude (Hayworth) Macon. He was a man of great faith who invested deeply in his family, his church communities and his friends while never ceasing to journey closer...

Shirley Ann Sisk

Shirley Ann Sisk

Aug 11, 2025

Shirley Ann Sisk, born on May 11, 1941, in Haywood County, left this world peacefully on August 11, 2025, at Silver Bluff Village. She was a devoted daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.

Shirley spent many years of her career working diligently at the American Enka Plant, later contributing her skills at Welco. Beyond her professional life, she was known...

Shirley Rosan Johnson Anderson

Shirley Rosan Johnson Anderson

Aug 10, 2025

Shirley Rosan Johnson Anderson, a cherished soul and beloved matriarch, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2025. Born on August 27, 1949, she was a beacon of kindness and strength, leaving behind a legacy of love that will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew her.

Shirley lived an honest and simple life, one deeply rooted in her love...

Roger "Keith" Carter

Roger "Keith" Carter

Aug 10, 2025

Roger "Keith" Carter, born on April 15, 1957, in Buncombe, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2025, at Pisgah Manor. With a heart full of humor and a spirit dedicated to his community, Keith touched the lives of many during his 39 years of service at G.E. Lighting systems. His commitment to work was matched only by his faith, as...

Reverend Dr. Roy Kilby

Reverend Dr. Roy Kilby

Aug 10, 2025

Reverend Dr. Roy Kilby, born on July 17, 1941, in Buncombe, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2025. Throughout his life, he was a devoted servant, passionately sharing the Gospel and preaching the word of God as the Pastor of Bethel Baptist Church for 45 plus years. His commitment to Christ, his congregation and his community touched the...

Eunice Lee Tingle

Eunice Lee Tingle

Aug 6, 2025

Eunice Lee Tingle, avid mystery reader, dog lover, master of plastic flower décor, and Pinot Grigio enthusiast, passed away on August sixth, just a few days shy of her eighty-sixth birthday. This did not come as a surprise to her family, as Eunice always hated celebrating her own birthday.

To those close to her, Eunice was known for her overcooked pasta,...

James Bronson Huffman

James Bronson Huffman

Aug 5, 2025

James Bronson Huffman, 85, of Asheville, peacefully passed away at 3:16 pm on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, during a brief stay at Mission Hospital.

A lifelong native of Buncombe County, he was born on March 8,1940, to the late Oren J. Huffman and Pearl L. Huffman. He is also reunited in Heaven with his sister, Gwendolyn Dowless.

James loved God and his...

Michael "Mike" Keith Haynes

Michael "Mike" Keith Haynes

Aug 4, 2025

Michael "Mike" Keith Haynes, born on January 28, 1955, in Michigan, passed away on August 4, 2025, at his home.

Mike was a dedicated professional who spent his career in the automotive industry, where he made numerous contributions and formed lasting relationships.

Mike was known not only for his work ethic but also for his vibrant personality and zest for life. He...

Wayne Warren Patton

Wayne Warren Patton

Aug 3, 2025

Wayne Warren Patton, born on February 19, 1934, in Jackson, Michigan, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2025, in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. His remarkable life of dedication, both professionally and personally, left an indelible mark on the hearts of many. He was predeceased by his parents, Wayne and Ellen Patton, his cherished wife of 60 years, Jeanene, and his...

Jean Tucker Powell

Jean Tucker Powell

Aug 2, 2025

Jean Tucker Powell, age 96, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 2, 2025.

Born on September 17, 1928, in Erwin, Tennessee, Jean was the daughter of the late W.I. Tucker, Jr. and the late Ruth Allison Tucker. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Tillman "Jim" Powell, Jr.

Jean was a devoted wife, mother, and friend. She was...

Anthony Stewart

Anthony Stewart

Aug 1, 2025

Anthony Christian Stewart died August 1, 2025, in Waynesville, NC, with his Mother at his side.

Anthony was born February 11, 1975, in Greenville, SC, where he lived until adulthood. He was a graduate of Eastside High School and Wofford College. Anthony was a champion for the less fortunate and spent most of his life working with them.

He was predeceased by...

Charles G. Beemer

Charles G. Beemer

Jul 31, 2025

Charles Gordon (Chuck) Beemer, of Waynesville, N.C., died peacefully on July 31, 2025. He was 85.

Chuck was born on May 30, 1940 in Crawfordsville, Indiana to Julia and Gordon Beemer. He was the valedictorian of his class at Crawfordsville High School in 1958. Chuck studied at Wesleyan University before graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Colorado College in 1962, where he...

Billy Hoilman

Billy Hoilman

Jul 30, 2025

Billy Hoilman, a native of Avery County, North Carolina, passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.

The care of Mr. Hoilman has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Homes of Canton.

Phillip Dwane Kent

Phillip Dwane Kent

Jul 28, 2025

Phillip Dwane Kent, a beloved member of his community, passed away peacefully at home on July 28, 2025, at the age of 62. Born on February 4, 1963, in Buncombe, Phillip was known for his multi-talented personality and open heart. As the owner of Kent Heating and Cooling, he took immense pride in his work and approached each day with...

Wells Funeral Homes & Cremation Services Obituaries

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