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.
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...
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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...
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