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.
Linda Higgins Hardin
May 22, 2023
Linda Lois Higgins Hardin,78, passed away on Monday, May 22, 2023, at her residence.
Linda was a native of Haywood County and a daughter of the late Pete and Louise Liner Higgins. She was a selfless mother and grandma to her children and grandchildren, always putting them first before herself. Linda had a genuine love for all animals, giving...
Dr. Raymond Richard Kuutti
May 21, 2023
Dr. Raymond Richard Kuutti, 95, of Maggie Valley, N.C. died May 21, 2023, at Brooks-Howell Home in Asheville, N.C. Ray was born June 2, 1927, to loving Finnish immigrant parents, Samuel and Hilda Kuutti, on the Iron Range in Minnesota. He had three older siblings - Arvid, Helen and Rachel. Ray loved helping his family on the farm near Lake...
Robbie Smith Hargrove
May 21, 2023
Robbie Smith Hargrove passed away on Sunday, May 21st. Robbie Lee was born in Wake County on August 20th, 1929, to Edwin & Hattie Coward Smith. Robbie grew up in Madison County and graduated from Spring Creek High School in 1948. Robbie moved to Waynesville North Carolina and worked as a server at The Waynesville Country club while attending Western...
Roger "Burl" Sutton
May 21, 2023
Waynesville, Roger Burl Sutton, 72, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 21, 2023 at Mission Hospital.
A native of Haywood County, he was a son of the late Lloyd and Ola Sutton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Donnie Sutton. Burl retired from Haywood County School System as a small engine mechanic....
Frances Rogers Williams
May 21, 2023
Waynesville, Frances Josephine Rogers Williams, 96, passed away on Sunday, May 21, 2023 at Smoky Mountain Nursing and Rehabilitation.
A native of Haywood County, Frances was born on March 4, 1927 to the late Edward Roy and Ollie Mae Sprinkle Rogers. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert "Bob" Steve, Williams, Sr....
Jeffrey Scott Turner
May 19, 2023
Waynesville, Jeffrey Scott Turner, age 56, passed away on Friday, May 19, 2023, at his home.
A long-time resident of Haywood County, Jeff has also resided in Franklin, NC, Virginia Beach, VA, San Antonio, TX, Point Reyes, CA, Treasure Coast, FL, and Puerto Rico. He is the son of the late Donald Richard and Linda Sue Leigh Turner.
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Zira Plemmons Welch
May 19, 2023
Canton - Zira Plemmons Welch, 83, transitioned to her heavenly home on Friday, May 19, 2023, at Colquitt Regional Medical Center in Moultrie, Georgia.
She was born on Tuesday, June 6, 1939, to the late Devallon Stewart Plemmons and Ova Elizabeth West Plemmons. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse Boyd Welch;...
Ruby Dalton Harmon
May 18, 2023
Ruby Dalton Harmon, 80, of Asheville passed away Thursday, May 18, 2023, at Aston Park Health Care. A native of Buncombe County, she was the daughter of the late James Hilliard and Mary Leatha Gibson Dalton.
Working in the restaurant industry for most of her life, she was the former manager of Hungry Bull, Ryan’s and Western Steer restaurants. She loved to...
Ruth Joy Warren Sherlin
May 16, 2023
Ruth Sherlin
Candler – Ruth Sherlin, 74, went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, May 16, 2023.
Ruth was a native and lifelong resident of Buncombe County and a daughter of the late Ulysses Stonewall and Daisy Ola Keith Warren. She was a 1968 graduate of Enka High School and retired from American Enka/BASF with 34 years...
Ruth Ferguson Presnell
May 16, 2023
Waynesville, Ruth Ferguson Presnell, 88, passed away on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at Elizabeth House.
A native of Haywood County, she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Ida McElroy Ferguson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Gene Presnell who died in 2010; son, Greg Presnell; four sisters, Sarah Greene,...
Robert "Bob" Frederick Bain
May 14, 2023
Maggie Valley, Robert Frederick Bain, 89, passed away on Sunday, May 14, 2023, at Smoky Mountain Heath and Rehabilitation Center.
A native of Washington, D.C., he was a son of the late Henry Franklin and Laura Tilly Bain. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Nancy Mae Bain; two brothers, Henry Franklin Bain,...
Jesus Rafael Risquez Thielen, III
May 14, 2023
Dr. Jesus Rafael Risquez Thielen, III, 72, of Waynesville passed away on Sunday, May 14, 2023 at Mission Hospital.
Born in Berkley, CA, Jesus was raised and lived most of his life in Venezuela. He was the son of the late, Jesus Rafael Risquez Iribarren and Olga Thielen de Risquez. He was also preceded in death by his...
Joseph Lee "J. L." Mashburn, Jr.
May 13, 2023
J. L. Mashburn, Jr.
Candler – Joseph Lee “J.L.” Mashburn, Jr., 88, passed away on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at his residence.
J. L. was a native of Buncombe County and a son of the late Joe and Ella Roberts Mashburn. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Faye Christopher and Phillip D....
Audrey Ann Swanger Trantham
May 11, 2023
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Audrey Trantham, who peacefully entered her eternal home on May 11th, 2023, at the age of 83. Audrey is survived by her sister, MaryLou Swanger, and her sons, Jim Griffin (Laura) and Ricky Griffin (Barb). Her memory will be cherished by her grandchildren: Cameron Brown, Tenisea Higgins (Roger),...
Charles "Richard" Wheeler
May 11, 2023
Waynesville, Charles "Richard" Wheeler, 82, peacefully passed away on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at Autumn Care of Waynesville.
A native of Mississippi, he was a son of the late Raymond and Evelyn Johnson Wheeler. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Linda Gail Hand; and step-father, J.D. Brannen. Richard was a United States...
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
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
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
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
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...
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