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.

Shawn Medford Surrett

Shawn Medford Surrett

May 11, 2023

Waynesville, Shawn Medford Surrett, 57, passed away on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at her home. 

 

A native of Haywood County, she was the daughter of the late Carol Liner Medford.  In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by two sons, Joseph Benjamin and James Tyler Surrett; paternal grandparents, Ben and Thelma Medford; and maternal grandmother,...

Paul Reeves Leatherwood

Paul Reeves Leatherwood

May 10, 2023

Clyde - Paul Reeves Leatherwood, 94, passed away on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at The Haywood Lodge and Retirement Center.

 

Paul was a native of Haywood County and raised by his beloved grandparents, the late Marcus “Mark” and Martha “Mattie” Leatherwood. In addition to his grandparents, he was preceded in death by his first spouse, Mary Nicholson Leatherwood and...

Carol Lee Tucker Barker

Carol Lee Tucker Barker

May 10, 2023

Waynesville – On Tuesday, May 9, 2023, our beloved mama, friend and source of joy, was called home at the age of 82.  The world has lost the most precious gift, not only to our family, but to all who knew her.

 

Carol Lee Barker was born in Table Rock, Nebraska, on January 11, 1941, to Marion Tucker and...

Cole William "Bill" Ensley

Cole William "Bill" Ensley

May 10, 2023

Waynesville,  Cole William "Bill" Ensley, 82, passed away on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at CarePartners Solace Center.

 

A native of Jackson County, he was the son of the late Odell and Augusta Ensley.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Loretta Ensley, who died in 1988.  Bill was employed as a Maintenance...

John Ray Hardin

John Ray Hardin

May 10, 2023

Canton – John Ray Hardin, 94, passed away on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at Smoky Mountain Health and Rehabilitation Center.

 

John was a native and lifelong resident of Haywood County and a son of the late Robert and Dolly Stamey Hardin.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Chambers Hardin, who died...

Jack Austen Ammons, Jr.

Jack Austen Ammons, Jr.

May 9, 2023

Jack Austen Ammons, Jr. came into this world with a fearless spirit and lived his life in that same accord.  As a child, there was nothing he wouldn't attempt to conquer and master with the purest of heart.   An avid fisherman and hunter, he roamed the rivers, lakes, and mountains prolifically.   Stories abound as to the adventures and near misses...

Dale Monroe Warren

Dale Monroe Warren

May 9, 2023

 

Candler – Dale Monroe Warren, 49, passed away on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at his residence.

 

He was the son of Larry Warren of Candler and Sharon Green Humphries  (Scott) of South Carolina.  Dale enjoyed life outdoors, riding his motorcycle and cooking out.  He loved cooking for others, sharing his treats with those around him that was important...

Heidi Hahn Boone

Heidi Hahn Boone

May 9, 2023

Canton – Heidi Hahn Boone, 82, passed away on Tuesday, May 9, 2023.

 

Heidi was a native of Germany and a daughter of the late Georg and Hedwig Braun Hahn.  She was a member of First United Methodist Church where she was involved in the choir and women’s circle.  Heidi enjoyed sewing and making clothes, cooking, baking, and spending...

Rachel Ann Parker

Rachel Ann Parker

May 8, 2023

 

Waynesville, Rachel Ann Thompson Parker, 86, passed away on Monday, May 8, 2023, at Autumn Care of Waynesville.

 

A native of Haywood County, she was a daughter of the late Carl Winston and Ann Cagle Thompson.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Wiley "Gene" Parker, who died in 2020; brothers, Ronald,...

William "Bill" Hewin Morris

William "Bill" Hewin Morris

May 8, 2023

Waynesville, William “Bill” Hewin Morris, 73, passed away on Monday, May 8, 2023, at Silver Bluff Nursing and Rehabilitation. 

 

A native of Georgia, Bill was a lifelong resident of Haywood County.  He was the son of the late Hewin and Sarah Teasley Morris. Bill graduated in 1968 from Tuscola High School.  He was part of one of the first...

Robert Taylor McCracken

Robert Taylor McCracken

May 8, 2023

Robert Taylor “Little Bob” McCracken, 80, passed away on Monday, May 8, 2023, at his residence. 

 

Robert was a native and lifelong resident of Haywood County and the son of the late Tom and Mae Morris McCracken.  He was a 1961 graduate of Clyde High School and attended Massey College in Atlanta, Georgia.  Robert was a lifelong youth...

Harley Miller

Harley Miller

May 7, 2023

 

Canton - Harley Miller, 87, flew away free to his eternal home in the early morning hours of Sunday, May 7th. Harley was an optimistic, kind, generous, and wonderful man who was well-loved and respected by his family and his community.

A life-long resident of the Beaverdam Community in Haywood County, Harley was predeceased by his parents, Steve and...

Paul Doying

Paul Doying

May 6, 2023

Paul Moore Doying, 74, of Haywood County passed away on Saturday, May 6, 2023, in Spruce Pine. A native of Gainesville, Fl, he was the son of the late William Wallace and Carolyn Moore Doying. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Tina Doying in 2011.

Paul proudly served in the US Army as Sergeant...

James Wayne Trull

James Wayne Trull

May 6, 2023

James “Jim” Wayne Trull, 98, of Candler passed away on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Aston Park Health Care Center. A native of Canton, NC, he was the son of the late Edward Faraday and Elsie Rogers Trull. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sisters, Ruby Thomason and Mary Hutchinson; brother-in-law, Benny Young...

Judy Medford

Judy Medford

May 6, 2023

Judy Whitaker Medford, 60, passed away on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Mission Hospital. A native of Buncombe County, she was the daughter of Larry and Judy Darnell Whitaker of Fairview. She was preceded in death by her brother, Larry Michael Whitaker.

A graduate of A. C. Reynolds High School, Judy also graduated from UNC Greensboro with...

William "Wick" Lee Grunwell

William "Wick" Lee Grunwell

May 5, 2023

Sylva, William Grunwell, 76, passed away on Friday, May 5, 2023, at Mission Hospital.

 

A native of Rockingham County, he was the son of the late William T. and Marie Butler Grunwell.  He was also preceded in death by a brother, David Grunwell.  William was a General Contractor.  In his free time, he enjoyed tennis, hiking, and helping friends...

Doris Washam

Doris Washam

May 4, 2023

Canton – Doris Smith Washam died peacefully on May 4, 2023, while in the care of Flesher’s Fairview Health & Retirement Center.  Doris was born on September 7, 1931, in Knoxville, Tennessee, to Horace L. and Irene Smith.  She was married to Merritt (bob) Franklin Washam for 59 years.

There will be no services and Doris’ daughters,...

Roy Jenkins

Roy Jenkins

Apr 29, 2023

Loving Husband and Father

Waynesville, Roy Lee Jenkins, 85, went to his Heavenly home unexpectedly on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at Mission Hospital.  His family is deeply saddened by his sudden passing.

A lifelong resident of Haywood County, Roy was born on February 6, 1938 to the late Elmer and Fannie Jenkins Reeves.  In addition...

Frances Stewart

Frances Stewart

Apr 27, 2023

Waynesville, Frances Schock Stewart, 93, passed away on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at Pisgah Manor Health Care Center.

No services will be held at this time.

The care of Mrs. Stewart has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Homes.  Arrangements will be announced, and an online memorial register is available at "Obituaries" at www.wellsfuneralhome.com.

Vance Shepard

Vance Shepard

Apr 26, 2023

Lake Junaluska – Vance Roger Shepard, 92, went to his eternal home in heaven on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 to unite with his God and Savior Jesus Christ and family.

He was the son of the late Colombus Clyde and Minnie Lee Lanning Shepard of Macon County, North Carolina.  He was preceded in death by his wife,...

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