Obituaries

Local Obituaries - Haywood County, NC and the Surrounding Areas

Don Winslow

Don Winslow

Feb 6, 2025

Don Lewis Winslow, a devoted family man and veteran, passed away on February 6, 2025, at Mountain View Manor Nursing Center in Bryson City. He was born on November 30, 1940, in Logan County, West Virginia. Don's life was marked by his unwavering commitment to his family, his country, and his community.

A proud veteran, Don served as a staff sergeant...

Paul Young

Paul Young

Feb 5, 2025

Paul Stephen Young, 39, of Canton NC, passed away unexpectedly on February 5, 2025. 

Paul was born on December 3, 1985, in Langhorne. Pa. Paul graduated from North Buncombe High School. He furthered his education, graduating from Western Carolina University with a Bachelors in Criminal Justice. He proceeded to go to Appalachian Law School but soon realized his heart was not...

Charles Greenlee Angel

Charles Greenlee Angel

Feb 4, 2025

Charles Greenlee Angel, a man of honor, entered the gates of Heaven February 4, 2025, at the age of 94.

A proud Navy veteran and lifelong resident of Buncombe County, NC, Charles served his country with distinction during the Korean conflict. His time in the service was spent in the esteemed company of Marines, a period of his life he recalled...

Ronda Jean Wallen

Ronda Jean Wallen

Feb 1, 2025

In Loving Memory of Ronda Jean Wallen

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Ronda Jean Wallen, who, with her faith in Christ, fought a brave battle with cancer for five years. Ronda passed away peacefully on February 1, 2025, at the age of 57. Her strength, courage, and unwavering love have left an indelible mark on all who knew...

Bessie H. Fish

Bessie H. Fish

Feb 1, 2025

Bessie H. Fish, age 96, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 1, 2025. A native and lifelong resident of Haywood County, Bessie was born on August 3, 1928, to the late Benjamin and Mary Ellen "Ellie" Revis Blaylock.

Bessie was a devoted homemaker who found joy in cooking delicious meals, raising her six boys, and tending to her garden. She cherished...

Guy Dickie Pruett

Guy Dickie Pruett

Jan 31, 2025

It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Guy "Dickie" Richard Pruett, age 79, of Candler, North Carolina, who peacefully departed this life on January 31, 2025, at Mission Hospital after a brave fight against cancer.

He was born to Guy William Pruett and Ethel Deaver Pruett, June 5th, 1945. He was proud U.S. Army veteran, he served...

William K Cochrane

William K Cochrane

Jan 29, 2025

William K. Cochrane, 75, departed this life on January 29, 2025, unexpectedly. William and his wife, Valerie Pereski were tragically taken in an automobile accident. 

William was a geologist with the petroleum company for many years. Beyond his professional endeavors, he had a dedication to reading, his favorite author Robert Burns. He treasured Photography. Taking some of the most eye-catching pictures...

Valerie Gale Pereski

Valerie Gale Pereski

Jan 29, 2025

Valerie Gale Pereski, 68, departed this life on January 29, 2025, unexpectedly. Valerie and her husband, William Cochrane were tragically taken in an automobile accident. 

Valerie enjoyed a fulfilling career as a geologist at Chevron, devoting 30 years to her profession. Her expertise and commitment to her field were evident in her contributions during her tenure.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Valerie had...

Altha Roberta Smith

Altha Roberta Smith

Jan 29, 2025

Altha Roberta Smith, 92, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and devoted servant of the Lord, passed through this world into her eternal home on January 29, 2025. She was born at home on September 15, 1932, in Waynesville, NC, to William Bryan Plemmons and Martha Roberta Mull Plemmons.

Altha was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 59 years, Robert...

Hoye Eugene Taylor

Hoye Eugene Taylor

Jan 29, 2025

Hoye Eugene Taylor, a devoted caretaker of nature and nurturing spirit, passed away on January 29, 2025 at the age of 82, in Asheville, NC, where he was born on January 6, 1943. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, loyalty, and generosity that touched the lives of many.

Hoye dedicated much of his professional life to yard care and landscaping,...

Timothy Andrew "Drew" Pless

Timothy Andrew "Drew" Pless

Jan 28, 2025

Timothy “Drew” Pless, 37 of Wimauma, Florida, formerly of Greensboro, North Carolina, entered into God’s Kingdom on January 28th, 2025. He was born in Lexington, North Carolina and had resided in Florida for the past 15 years.

He is predeceased by his father, Timothy Pless; grandfather, Howard Pless; and grandmother, Joan Bumgarner Pless.

He is survived by his loving wife, Toni Pless...

Nancy Kennedy Clark

Nancy Kennedy Clark

Jan 28, 2025

Nancy Kennedy Clark, a cherished mother, grandmother, sister, and wife, departed this world on January 28, 2025, at Haywood Regional Medical Center. She was born on July 19, 1946, in High Point, NC, to loving parents Colon and Kathleen Kennedy. Nancy (or Nana as we all knew her) lived a life filled with love and laughter. 

Nancy dedicated 25 years of...

Thad Crawford

Thad Crawford

Jan 28, 2025

Iron Duff Community, Thad Crawford, age 90, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2025, at his residence. He was born on January 8, 1935, in Haywood County, and was cherished by his family and friends.

Thad dedicated a significant portion of his life to his career, working as a dispatcher for Suburban Propane before retiring. Following his retirement, he managed Silver’s...

Virginia Sue Rupert

Virginia Sue Rupert

Jan 25, 2025

Virginia Sue Willis Rupert was born on September 27, 1962, to the late Burdette and Robbie Willis and entered Heaven on Saturday, January 25, 2025. 

She was known by many as "Mama Sue" to all the kids who came through the doors. And then later became "Mamaw Sue" to their children. She was a friend to all, not knowing a stranger. 

Those...

George Marshall Kirkpatrick

George Marshall Kirkpatrick

Jan 25, 2025

George Marshall Kirkpatrick passed away on January 25, 2025 at the age of 86. George was preceded in death by his parents, Marshall and Geraldine Few Kirkpatrick, who guided him throughout his formative years, instilling in him the qualities that would define his character.

George dedicated many years of his life to his career at Champion Paper in the Extruder Department,...

Jane McElroy Sims

Jane McElroy Sims

Jan 25, 2025

Waynesville - Jane McElroy Sims, 82, passed away on January 25, 2025 at Autumn Care of Waynesville. A native of Haywood County and the Iron Duff community, she was the daughter of the late Devoe and Glee Justice McElroy.

She was a graduate of Crabtree-Iron Duff High School where she was a star on the basketball team and was selected as...

Linda Perry

Linda Perry

Jan 24, 2025

Linda Perry, 75, of Canton, passed away on January 24, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Elizabeth Clark Perry, and her brother, Ronald Perry.

She dedicated a significant portion of her life to her career, initially working for Union Carbide before retiring from the renowned 3M Corporation.

Beyond her professional achievements, Linda had a spirited passion for...

James Wynne Hart

James Wynne Hart

Jan 21, 2025

One of Lake Junaluska’s most beloved characters and eldest statesmen passed peacefully overlooking his beloved and snow-covered lake and surrounded by family in the early hours of January 21.

James Wynne Hart, 96, was a United Methodist pastor in the Holston Conference and in addition to an entire life at Lake Junaluska served for a time on the Assembly staff in...

Dana Huskey

Dana Huskey

Jan 20, 2025

Dana Smith Huskey of Clyde, NC, beloved wife and daughter, passed away at her home on January 20, 2025. After a brave battle with cancer, she proved herself to be a courageous and true fighter. 

Laughter and light were with her everywhere she went. She loved shopping and spending time with her mother and aunt as well as hiking and enjoying...

Annette Devlin Lovingood

Annette Devlin Lovingood

Jan 19, 2025

Annette Devlin Lovingood, a cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2025, at Silver Bluff Village in Canton, North Carolina. Born on July 29, 1941, in Haywood County, she spent her life surrounded by the natural beauty of the mountains of Western North Carolina, where her warm spirit and nurturing nature brought joy to all who...

Wells Funeral Homes & Cremation Services Obituaries

Browse our collection of obituaries in North Carolina and surrounding areas in Haywood County. Updated regularly, our obituary listings help you stay connected, celebrate memories, and honor the lives and legacies of your loved ones.

Sign Up for Obituary Notifications

Stay informed with gentle updates—delivered only when needed, never more.

A Year of Grief Support

Sign up for one year of weekly grief messages designed to provide strength and comfort during this challenging time.