Obituaries

Local Obituaries - Haywood County, NC and the Surrounding Areas

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...

Ethel Lee Payne

Ethel Lee Payne

Jul 24, 2025

Ethel Lee Payne, 91, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2025, at Baptist Easley Hospital. She was born on March 25, 1934, in Haywood County, North Carolina. Daughter of the late Wrickman Ledford and Nellie Price Ledford.

She was predeceased by her loving husband of 52 years, Dale Payne. Ethel also mourned the loss of her daughter Betty Ledbetter, as well...

Leonard Carroll Fish

Leonard Carroll Fish

Jul 19, 2025

Leonard Carroll Fish, 79, of Clyde, N.C., went home to be with the Lord on July 19, 2025. His family prayed with him and said their goodbyes the night before at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center in Asheville, N.C.

Leonard was a Haywood County native and one of 6 children of the late Reverend Odie and Marguerite (Messer) Fish. In 1966, Leonard...

Joan Elizabeth Robb

Joan Elizabeth Robb

Jul 18, 2025

Joan Elizabeth Robb, a radiant spirit and devoted matriarch, was born on March 13, 1939, in Scotland, where the echoes of her laughter and music first resonated. On July 18, 2025, surrounded by love, she transitioned to her next great adventure, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Raised in the...

James "Jim" Morris Cochran

James "Jim" Morris Cochran

Jul 18, 2025

James "Jim" Morris Cochran, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on July 18, 2025, at his residence. Born on January 14, 1945, in Haywood County, Jim lived a life marked by dedication to service and a deep commitment to his family.

For two decades, Jim proudly served with the Haywood County Sheriff's Department, ultimately retiring three years ago. Prior...

Stephanie M. Peterman

Stephanie M. Peterman

Jul 18, 2025

Stephanie M. Peterman, 56, of Athens, GA, passed away on July 18, 2025.

Per Stephanie’s wishes, no services are planned at this time.

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

Bea B. Fordham

Bea B. Fordham

Jul 16, 2025

Bea M. Fordham, born on January 23, 1944, in Little River, Kansas, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2025, in Asheville, NC. Bea lived a vibrant life in New York City, where she pursued her passion for education and culture. She graduated with a Bachelor's degree in education and was honored to graduate as the Valedictorian of her high school.

For...

Dr. Larry Kingsley

Dr. Larry Kingsley

Jul 15, 2025

Dr. Larry Kingsley, a beloved dentist, devoted husband, and proud veteran, passed away on July 15, 2025, at Haywood Regional Medical Center. He was born on October 7, 1942, in Hutchinson, Kansas, to Russell and Helen Kingsley, who predeceased him.

Larry had a long and illustrious career, dedicating 34 years to his own dental practice where he was highly respected in...

Grant Alton Parrott

Grant Alton Parrott

Jul 14, 2025

Grant Alton Parrott, 87, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Monday, July 14, 2025, at the V.A. Medical Center. Born on January 3, 1938, to the late Grant and Mary Ruth Medford Parrott, he is also preceded in death by his loving wife Clara Messer Parrott, who passed away in 2021 and siblings, Joann Joseph, Johnnie Ruth Davis,...

Elda P. Jackson

Elda P. Jackson

Jul 12, 2025

Elda P. Jackson, of Waynesville, went to be with our Lord on July 12, 2025, at the age of 89. Born on October 14, 1935, to the late Eufrasio and Anna Bolly Pelissero. She is also preceded in death by her loving husband James Jackson, who passed away in 1989, and her two sisters, Mary Thomas and Helen Pelissero, as...

Suzanne Jay Hoppes

Suzanne Jay Hoppes

Jul 10, 2025

Suzanne (Suzi) Jay Hoppes, beloved mother, daughter, sister, and friend, passed away on July 10, 2025, after a short but hard-fought battle with cancer.

A proud Haywood County native, Suzi spent most of her life in western North Carolina, where she found joy in the mountains, good friends, and football. She was known for her candor, humor, and fierce loyalty.

Suzi impacted...

Wells Funeral Homes & Cremation Services Obituaries

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