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.
Rachel Shipman Kuykendall
Jul 13, 2023
Canton – Rachel Shipman Kuykendall, 81, passed away on Thursday, July 13, 2023, at Silver Bluff Nursing Home.
A native and lifelong resident of Haywood County, she was the daughter of the late David and Sally Hall Shipman. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Henry Arel Kuykendall, who died in 2016; an infant daughter, Jeanette; brothers,...
Paul Butler
Jul 12, 2023
Waynesville, Francis Paul Butler Jr., 88, a distinguished gentleman known for his unwavering loyalty and unyielding dedication to his family and country, passed away peacefully at his residence on Wednesday, July 12, 2023. Born in Tampa, Florida on December 19, 1934, Paul Butler Jr. was the loving son of Francis Paul Butler Sr. and Clara Josephine Kiler. In addition to...
Travis Ryan Ferguson
Jul 12, 2023
Raleigh, Travis Ryan Ferguson, age 49, tragically passed away on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 in Alleghany County, North Carolina.
A native of Western North Carolina, he was one of two sons of Yolanda Smith Ferguson and the late Roger Dale Ferguson. He was a decorated U.S. Army veteran who first distinguished himself in Korea prior to joining the 82nd...
Raymond "Ray" Edward Thielke
Jul 12, 2023
Raymond Edward Thielke, 86, of Asheville left this world to be with Jesus, and his precious wife, Peggy on Wednesday, July 12, 2023. A native of Swift County, MN, he was the son of the late Gustav and Augusta Schultz Thielke. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Ann Fox Thielke...
Wendell Dean Harrison
Jul 11, 2023
Wendell Dean Harrison, 82, of Waynesville, North Carolina, passed away on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center in Asheville. He was born on December 4, 1940, in Monette, Arkansas, to John Powell and Fannie Byrd Harrison. He moved to Brevard County, Florida, in 1964, where he began a 17-year teaching career. He later transitioned to various administration...
Floyd "Fudd" Thomas Rogers
Jul 11, 2023
Waynesville, Floyd Thomas Rogers, 78, passed away on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at Mission Hospital.
A native of Haywood County, he was the son of the late T. Hugh and Sarah Woody Rogers. Floyd was a founding member of Corner Stone Fellowship, and a member of Calvary Road Baptist Church, a member of Haywood County School Board, and past...
Leonard Atkinson, Jr.
Jul 10, 2023
Leonard Atkinson, Jr., a loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2023, at the CarePartners Solace Center. He was born on December 6, 1929, in Coosa County, Alabama. Leonard was known for his warm heart, kind spirit, and unwavering dedication to his family.Throughout his life, Leonard treasured spending time with his loved ones, particularly his grandchildren....
Joyce Arden Dixon
Jul 10, 2023
Joyce Arden Dixon, beloved daughter, wife, aunt, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished friend to thousands, died peacefully in her sleep on July 10, 2023, at Arbor Terrace Assisted Living Facility in Asheville, NC, where she had resided for the past five years.
Joyce was the daughter and only child of Myrtle and Tom Arden, and spent her formative years...
George Jones Medford
Jul 10, 2023
Waynesville, George Jones Medford, 83, beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away on July 10, 2023, at the Charles George V.A. Medical Center, Valor Hospice Center. He was born on January 18, 1940, and leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.George dedicated over 30 years of his life to Champion Papermill, where he worked as a chemical unloader....
Avis Everett Klusman
Jul 8, 2023
Candler, Avis Everett Klusman, 68, passed away on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at Mission Memorial Hospital.
A native of Sale Creek, Tennessee, Avis grew up in Battle Creek, Michigan, later moving to the Candler area. She was the daughter of the late Joseph Lee and Betty Whitfield Everett. Avis was a chef who showed her love through the...
Samuel Gerald Henson
Jul 8, 2023
Samuel G. Henson
In Loving Memory of Samuel Gerald Henson
November 21, 1936 - July 8, 2023
Samuel “Sam” Gerald Henson, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on July 8, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of love and laughter. Born on November 21, 1936, he was a lifelong resident of Haywood County, a place...
Joyce Hall Redmond
Jul 6, 2023
Joyce Hall Redmond, 91., of Candler passed away peacefully on July 6, 2023 at the John F. Keever, Jr. Solace center following a period of declining health.
She was the daughter of the late Dorsey and Thelma Blackwell Hall. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Daniel McDowell Redmond...
Frona "Fronie" Bell Ledford
Jul 5, 2023
Fines Creek community, Frona Bell Ledford, 91, passed away on Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center.
A native of Haywood County, she was a daughter of the late Theodore and Reva Bolden Ledford. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by four sisters, Laura Beaver, Annie Hiter, Lucy Ledford (infant) and Martha Greene;...
Harold Edward Frizzell
Jul 4, 2023
Canton – Harold Edward Frizzell, 78, passed away on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at his home.
Harold fought a long hard battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis. He was born in Sylva to Arthur W. and Thelma Johnson Frizzell on April 14, 1945. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Fran Burnett. Harold graduated from Bethel High School...
Dorothy "Dale" Hall Frady
Jul 2, 2023
Clyde, Dorothy "Dale" Hall Frady, 85, passed away Sunday, July 2, 2023, at her home.
A native of Haywood County, she was the daughter of the late Hamilton Aldeen and Mary Louise Farmer Hall. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James W. Frady, who died in 2019; two sisters, Mary...
Terry Lee Thomason
Jul 2, 2023
Canton, Terry Lee Thomason, 69, passed away Sunday, July 2, 2023, at Silver Bluff Nursing & Rehabilitation.
A native of Haywood County, he was the son of the late Ruby C. Trull Thomason. Terry graduated from Northside High School in Warner Robbins, Georgia. Following high school, he joined the United States Army and served as a medic during...
Robert Oneal Smyrl
Jun 30, 2023
Robert Oneal Smyrl, 91, of Candler passed away on Friday, June 30, 2023 at Pisgah Manor. A native of Neeses, SC, he was a son of the late Bennie English and Edith Dukes Smyrl. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his second wife, Mary Thomas Smyrl on May 21, 2015 and son, John...
Billy C. Henson
Jun 30, 2023
Waynesville, Billy Carroll Henson, age 70, passed away on Friday, June 30, 2023 surrounded by his loving family.
A native of Haywood County and part of a big family of thirteen children, Billy was a son of the late James Luther Henson and Emma Justice Henson. He was preceded in death by sisters, Lucille Conard and Elizabeth Mintz; brothers,...
Louella Christine Thompson Pressley
Jun 27, 2023
Canton – Louella Thompson Pressley, 96, passed away on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at Silver Bluff Nursing Home.
Louella was a native of Haywood County but resided in Buncombe also for a few years. She was a daughter of the late James William and Eva Louise Singleton Thompson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death...
Mary "Peggy" Franklin Ruff Dietz
Jun 26, 2023
Waynesville, Mary "Peggy" Franklin Ruff Dietz, 97, passed away on Monday, June 26, 2023 at Autumn Care of Waynesville.
A native of Haywood County, she was a daughter of the late George Wiley and Maria West Franklin. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Charles Ruff, who died in 1992 and second...
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