Obituaries

Local Obituaries - Haywood County, NC and the Surrounding Areas

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...

Diane Lowe

Diane Lowe

Jan 19, 2025

Susan Diane Howell Lowe, a beloved member of the community who dedicated her life to helping others, passed away on January 19, 2025, at Haywood Regional Medical Center. Born on April 1, 1956, in Haywood County, she was the daughter of Richard Howell and Mary Deane Rogers Davis, both of whom have preceded her in death.

Diane's career was marked by...

David James Boone

David James Boone

Jan 18, 2025

David James Boone, aged 91, of Haywood County, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2025, at the Haywood Regional Medical Center. Born on July 3, 1933, he was a lifelong resident of the area and a cherished member of his community.

David dedicated an impressive 39 years of his profession as an environmental Lab Technician with Champion International. His...

Andy Caldwell

Andy Caldwell

Jan 16, 2025

Andy Caldwell, born on September 29, 1972, in Haywood County, passed away unexpectedly at home in Maggie Valley on January 16, 2025. He lived a life rich with passion, dedication, and love for the simple pleasures of this world.

 Andy was deeply tied to his roots, finding joy in activities that connected him with nature and the people he cherished. Farming...

Lyman Hudgins

Lyman Hudgins

Jan 14, 2025

Lyman Hudgins, born on May 31, 1936, in Blytheville, Arkansas, passed away on January 14, 2025, at Haywood Regional Medical Center. He was a devoted family man, serving as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother throughout his life.

Lyman proudly served in the United States Air Force, where he demonstrated his dedication to his country. After his military service, he...

Elmer Dewayne Cope

Elmer Dewayne Cope

Jan 14, 2025

Elmer “Dewayne” Cope, a vibrant soul whose laughter filled the room and whose well-rounded personality endeared him to all, was born on August 28, 1957, in Haywood County. He passed away on January 14, 2025, at Harris Regional Hospital, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, and unforgettable moments with those he cherished.

Dewayne was a man who never met a...

Reuben W. Adams

Reuben W. Adams

Jan 14, 2025

Reuben W. Adams, 89, of Canton, NC, entered the gates of Heaven on Jan 14, 2025.

He was reunited in Heaven with his beloved wife Zelda Earley Adams, parents, Richard Filmore Adams, and Bessie Hooper Adams and five siblings. 

Born in Jackson County, NC, Reuben would later settle in Haywood County, where he met his bride, Zelda, and together raised their loving...

Debra Gosnell Stroupe

Debra Gosnell Stroupe

Jan 14, 2025

Debra "Debbie" Gosnell Stroupe, a beloved figure in her community and a cherished mother, passed away on January 14, 2025, at the home of her daughter surrounded by her family at the age of 64. She was born on July 8, 1960, in Buncombe County, North Carolina to the late Conley and Pearl Johnston Gosnell.

Debbie dedicated her career to shaping...

William Stewart Cope

William Stewart Cope

Jan 13, 2025

William S. “Bill” Stewart Cope, born on December 21, 1926, in Cleveland, Ohio, passed away on January 13, 2025, at the Smoky Mountain Nursing and Rehab. He lived a remarkable life marked by both academic distinction and professional success. A graduate of Purdue University, he earned degrees in both marketing and engineering illustrating his keen intellect and dedication to lifelong...

Marie Pike

Marie Pike

Jan 13, 2025

Marie E. Pike, born on May 21, 1936, in Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2025, at her residence. A devoted member of her community and cherished within her family, Marie will be fondly remembered for her vibrant spirit and commitment to enriching the lives of those around her.

Throughout her life, Marie owned and operated the Balsam Lodge BnB...

Larry Allen Stewart

Larry Allen Stewart

Jan 13, 2025

Larry Allen Stewart passed away in Waynesville, North Carolina on January 13, 2025, at the age of 82 years, with his family by his side. He was born on October 6,1942, in Robbinsville, North Carolina to his parents Russell and Lorene Stewart. 

In his early twenties he was a North Carolina State Trooper stationed in Mount Airy, North Carolina. Most of...

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.