Obituaries

Recent obituaries in North Carolina


The obituaries in the North Carolina Area reflect the region's diverse population, featuring individuals from a variety of ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds. Some were pioneers in their fields, while others dedicated their lives to community service or philanthropy. Their stories serve as a reminder of the richness and complexity North Carolina's history and identity.

Dean Thomas Smathers

Dean Thomas Smathers

Aug 1, 2024

Dean Thomas Smathers, 84, of the Bethel Community of Haywood County passed away on August 1, 2024, at Silver Bluff Village with his wife and daughter by his side. He was the only son and middle child of the late Alden Smathers of Beaverdam and the late Rubye Fish Smith of Clyde. His life journey began on June 9, 1940,...

Sanford Richard Shahan, Jr.

Sanford Richard Shahan, Jr.

Jul 31, 2024

"musicman"

After being blessed with 98 wonderful years of life, Sha joined Heaven’s angel band July 31, 2024.

He was born on February 28,1926, in Clarksburg, West Virginia. His childhood was spent mostly outdoors, and helping at his parents general store in Bristol, W.Va. After graduating from Bristol High School, he attended Salem College, graduating in 1949, after serving In the Air...

Joel Thomas Welch

Joel Thomas Welch

Jul 30, 2024

Joel Thomas Welch passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at CarePartners Solace after a long battle with cancer. Joel brought lots of laughter to family and friends. He was the youngest child of the late, Ray and Shirley Welch. He is survived by his wife, Yolanda; his son, Jeremy and daughter-in-law, Cortney; a sister, Brenda Welch Sproles, and...

Patrick Lewis Riddle

Patrick Lewis Riddle

Jul 30, 2024

Patrick “Pat” Lewis Riddle, 63, passed away on July 30, 2024, at Mission Hospital with his family by his side.

He was a native of Buncombe County and the son of the late Walter Nelson and Margaret Hendrick Riddle. In addition to his parents, Pat was preceded in death by his brother, Keith Riddle, sisters, Marsha Goss, Teresa Lane, and Sharon...

Dr. John Franklin Tannehill, Sr.

Dr. John Franklin Tannehill, Sr.

Jul 28, 2024

Dr. John Franklin Tannehill Sr., age 85, of Clyde, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on July 28, 2024. He was born and grew up in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, being the youngest of four sons to Antone and Marjorie Wyman Tannehill. After graduating from Vanderbilt University, he attended Tulane University School of Medicine earning his...

Timothy John Stoeckel

Timothy John Stoeckel

Jul 28, 2024

Timothy John Stoeckel, 36, of Charlotte, died Sunday, July 28, 2024, at Mission Hospital surrounded by his parents. A native of Alabama, he lived in Waynesville prior to moving to Charlotte. He is the son of John and Claire Johnson Stoeckel.

Tim graduated from Lee County High School in 2005. He was very active in the Drama program, was a Thespian...

Ronnie L Brock

Ronnie L Brock

Jul 27, 2024

Waynesville - Ronald Lewis Brock, 76, passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at the Charles George V.A. Medical Center.

Ronald was a native and resident of Haywood County. Ron was the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Woody Brock. In addition to his parents, Ronald was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kathleen Brock, who passed away in 2017; two...

Hilda Murton Devlin

Hilda Murton Devlin

Jul 27, 2024

Waynesville – Hilda Kathleen Murton Devlin, 95, passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Haywood Regional Medical Center.

Hilda was a native of Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk England and a daughter of the late Robert George and Bessie Stocking Murton. In addition to her parents, Hilda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Carrol Eugene Devlin, who passed in...

Blanche Payne Mathis

Blanche Payne Mathis

Jul 27, 2024

In loving memory of Blanche Payne Mathis of Candler. Mrs. Mathis passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at Mission Hospital in Buncombe County, North Carolina.

Mrs. Mathis was a bakery manager for Bi-Lo and Ingles grocery stores. Her love for baking transcended the walls of the stores she managed; it touched the hearts of all who knew her. 

She was preceded...

Linda A. White

Linda A. White

Jul 27, 2024

Linda A. White, 74, of Clyde, passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at Haywood Regional Medical Center.

 A native of Cherokee County, she was the daughter of the late Enoch N. and Mae (Stiles) Allen of Murphy. She was married to James T. White on October 10, 2005. He preceded her in death on January 22, 2019.

Linda graduated from Young...

Rickie Dale Plemmons

Rickie Dale Plemmons

Jul 26, 2024

Rickie Dale Plemmons, 72, of Candler passed away on Friday, July 26, 2024, at CarePartners Hospice following a period of declining health.  A native of Buncombe County, he was the son of the late Marshall and Cornelia Plemmons. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Ronnie Plemmons and Roger Plemmons.

Rickie worked most of his life in the construction...

Reenie M Suskiewich

Reenie M Suskiewich

Jul 25, 2024

Reenie McInerney Suskiewich, 68, of Waynesville, passed away on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at her residence. A native of Massachusetts, she was the daughter of Elizabeth Williams McInerney and the late James McInerney.

Reenie took great pride in her career as a hairstylist for 40 years. She loved her clients, who were more like family to her. She never met a...

David Dean Smith

David Dean Smith

Jul 22, 2024

David Dean Smith, 74, of Waynesville, passed away on Monday, July 22, 2024, at Mission Hospital. He was the son of the late Vernon and Mary Reindl Smith, in addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother, Jim Smith.

David grew up in the mid-west and retired as purchasing manager for the construction division of Raytheon after...

Michael Ross Mears

Michael Ross Mears

Jul 21, 2024

Time goes so slow and is gone so fast. Michael Ross Mears stepped off the planet after 294 seasons on this earth due to complications of heart failure.

Son of the late Velma Swanger Mears (1991) and Leroy Mears (1996), Mike was preceded in death by his wife Marilyn McClellan of 50 years. He is survived by his daughter Corinne, his...

David Mitchell King

David Mitchell King

Jul 21, 2024

David Mitchell King, a devoted brother and friend, passed away on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at the Smoky Mountain Health and Rehabilitation Center. 

He was born on September 24, 1945, in Haywood County. David dedicated 35 years of service to Champion Paper Mill in the Boiler Room. His commitment and hard work were evident throughout his career until his well-deserved retirement...

Edward Michael Murin

Edward Michael Murin

Jul 20, 2024

Edward Michael Murin (Ed), 73, of Asheville NC, passed away in the arms of his daughter on July 20, 2024. He was surrounded by his loving family and friends on the days leading up to his departure.

Born on October 21,1950, in Butler, Pennsylvania to the late Edward (Sr.) and late Sophia Murin

Ed developed a remarkable talent for both art and...

Rev. Dr. Buddy J Champion

Rev. Dr. Buddy J Champion

Jul 20, 2024

Buddy Joe Champion, a beloved Methodist minister known for his faith and love for his family, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 20, 2024, in Clyde, North Carolina. 

Born April 24, 1939, to Gomelia Jackson and Raleigh Champion, Buddy grew up in Shelby, North Carolina alongside his brothers Kenneth and Mickey.

Buddy's journey in education began at Limestone University and led him...

Betty Jean Elliott

Betty Jean Elliott

Jul 18, 2024

Betty Kuykendall Elliott, born on November 19, 1964, in Haywood County, has peacefully passed away on July 18, 2024 at Pardee Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She was a wife, caring sister, and beloved daughter.

Betty will always be remembered for her kind and welcoming personality. She had a special gift for making everyone around her feel at ease, and...

Mark Chambers

Mark Chambers

Jul 18, 2024

Mark Chambers, 63, passed away on July 18, 2024. He was born in Waynesville, North Carolina, on November 9, 1960, and was the beloved son of Carroll Chambers and Joyce Keever. He is survived by his mother, Joyce Keever, wife, Glendra Chambers, daughter, Lauren Chambers, step-daughter, Kristin Dillard, and several in-laws, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was known for...

Ethel Childers Gray

Ethel Childers Gray

Jul 17, 2024

Ethel Sainsbury Childers Gray, passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at her home in Haywood County, North Carolina. She was born on September 16, 1926, in London, England.

Mrs. Gray will always be remembered for her unwavering commitment to helping others through her work as a dietitian with the Haywood County Schools. Her colleagues and students alike benefitted from her...

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