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.
James Robert Combs
Nov 10, 2025
“I’m Fine.”
James Robert Combs, affectionately known as Jim, passed away peacefully at his home in the Jonathon Creek Community on November 10, 2025, following an extended illness. Born on July 21, 1947, in Muncie, Indiana, to the late Mary Helen Franz Combs, Jim lived a life marked by joy, kindness, and an unwavering zest for living.
Jim was a beacon of...
Kimberly Conard
Nov 9, 2025
Kimberly Fish Conard, 55 of Canton, N.C. passed away peacefully on November 9, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. After a courageous battle with cancer, Kim won her victory and remained brave and full of grace until the very end.
A native of Haywood County, Kim was the devoted daughter of the late James “Jim” Howard Fish and mother Elaine Jean...
Steven Wayne Ross
Nov 9, 2025
Steven Wayne Ross, 68, farmer, devoted husband and father, died unexpectedly at his Crabtree home Sunday afternoon, Nov. 9, 2025.
A native of Haywood County, he was born in the “old hospital” in Waynesville Sept. 22, 1957, where his mother, distressed at his small size, was reassured by a nurse who told her, “that’s all right; you birth them small and...
Carol Sutor Ronning
Nov 8, 2025
Waynesville, North Carolina
December 29, 1945 - November 8, 2025
Carol Sutor Ronning, of Waynesville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2025, surrounded by family.
Born on December 29, 1945, in Little Rock, Arkansas, Carol enjoyed a life rich in love, faith, and family. She called many places home over the years - including El Dorado, Arkansas, Naperville, IL, Ajijic, Jalisco,...
Melvin "Mel" Henry Sutton
Nov 7, 2025
Courtesy Obituary Posting For Elkins Funeral Home and the Sutton Family:
Melvin “Mel” Henry Sutton, 70, of Killen died Friday, November 7, 2025, at Helen Keller Hospital.
Visitation will be Tuesday, November 11, 2025, 3 PM to 5 PM at Elkins East Chapel. Funeral services will follow at 5 PM in the chapel with Steve Milner officiating.
Mel would describe himself as a...
Lydia Victoria Pinto
Nov 5, 2025
Lydia Victoria Lawson Pinto, 79, of Waynesville, passed away on November 05, 2025. A native of Salem, New Jersey, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Gordon Lawson and Sarah Mae Lacey.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Sara Buckalew Mull, grandson, Darren Buckalew and seven siblings.
Lydia was a spitfire. She taught her...
Sandra Gail Merrill Ford
Nov 5, 2025
Sandra Gail Merrill Ford, 73, of Buncombe County, North Carolina, went home to be with the Lord on November 5, 2025. She was born on June 5, 1952, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Asheville, NC.
Sandy lived her entire life in Buncombe County, where she devoted herself to her family, her faith, and the children she taught and loved. She was...
Val Dean Burch
2025
Val Dean Burch 71, of Hendersonville NC died in a motorcycle accident near Hot Springs, NC on September 5, 2025. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 47 years, Kim Hendricks Burch.
He was born in Buncombe County to the late Boyd and Nell Burch and grew up in Haywood County. After graduating from Tuscola High School in 1972,...
Vaughn V. Crisp
Nov 4, 2025
Vaughn V. Crisp, a beloved member of the Balsam community and a devoted family man, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2025, at the Elizabeth House after an extended illness. He was 89 years old. Born on March 14, 1936, in Balsam, North Carolina, to the late Lonnie and Lucy Smith Crisp, Vaughn was a true embodiment of kindness and...
Harry Woodrow Fish
Nov 4, 2025
Canton – Harry Woodrow Fish, 100, born May 22nd. 1925 in Haywood County N.C. Went home to be with his Lord and Savior on November 4, 2025. A resident of Haywood, NC, Harry worked at Champion International for 42 years, where he then retired in 1988. Harry was a lifetime farmer raising beef cattle where he really showcased his work...
Thomas Ray Knapp
Nov 2, 2025
Thomas Ray Knapp, a cherished husband, father, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on November 2, 2025, in Buncombe County, NC, where he was born on October 19, 1944. He was 81 years old.
Thomas dedicated a significant portion of his life to his career, working initially with BASF until its closure and subsequently as a maintenance mechanic for MilkCo, where he...
Orpha Burrell
Nov 2, 2025
Canton – Orpha Ilah Burrell, 92, born February 13,1933 in Cocke County T.N. Went home to be with her Lord and Savior on November 2, 2025. A resident of Haywood, NC, Orpha moved to Haywood County after graduating high school where she then started her Bookkeeping studies at St. John Catholic School in the early 1950’s.
Orpha was an active member...
Nathaniel "Nathan" Forest Scruggs
Oct 30, 2025
Nathaniel "Nathan" Forest Scruggs, 37 of Waynesville, NC, departed this life unexpectedly on October 30, 2025, leaving behind a tapestry of memories woven with music, laughter, and a warmth that resonated with all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was born on May 12, 1988, in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, to Ronald Parker Scruggs II and Kelly Lynn...
Azad Husnian
Oct 30, 2025
Beloved husband, father, and grandfather Azad Varant Husnian, age 91, entered fully into the Kingdom of God on October 30, 2025.
A resident of Western North Carolina for the past 35 years, Azad was born on May 27, 1934, in the Bronx, New York City, as the only son of Armenian immigrants Humayiak and Siranouche Husnian. He spent his formative years...
Thomas Douglas Fisher
Oct 29, 2025
Thomas Douglas Fisher, 78, of Waynesville, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. Born in Cartersville, Georgia, Tom was the son of the late Douglas Bedford Fisher and Frances Moore Fisher.
With a Microbiology degree from the University of Georgia, he became a life-long Bulldog. For over thirty years, Tom dedicated his service as General Manager for Sterilization Services of...
Sandra Patricia Caldwell
Oct 27, 2025
Sandy Patricia Caldwell passed away on October 27, 2025, at the age of 72. A long-time resident of Waynesville, NC, Sandy spent her later years in Mount Sterling, NC, surrounded by loved ones.
Sandy dedicated over 40 years to educating and inspiring children as an elementary teacher and administrator with Haywood County Schools. She had a passion for teaching children to...
Shirley Jean Norris
Oct 25, 2025
Shirley Jean Williams Norris, 85, resident of Haywood County, passed away on Saturday, October 25, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. A native of Yancy County, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Dovie Edwards Williams and had lived in Spring Creek prior to putting down roots in Waynesville.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Maggie Valley...
Mary Jo Pressley
Oct 25, 2025
Candler – Mary Jo Pressley “JO”, born November 15,1946, in Buncombe County N.C. Passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on October 25, 2025. A resident of Candler, NC, Mary Jo, was married to Ray Pressley for 63 years. Ray and Mary Jo were active members of Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church in Candler, NC.
Mary Jo...
Dolores Janice Frady Henson
Oct 25, 2025
Dolores Janice Frady Henson, age 84, of Haywood County, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 25, 2025, at Haywood Regional Medical Center.
Born on December 31, 1940, to the late Hugh Jay and Marie Powell Frady, Janice was a devoted educator and a pillar of her community. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Charles W. Henson. She was...
Erin Monique Johri
Oct 24, 2025
Erin Johri, 36, of Waynesville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, October 24, 2025. Born on May 21, 1989, Erin was the beloved daughter of Vinit “TJ” Johri and the late Susan Johri. She was a cherished sister to Melissa (aka Sister), Stephanie, Jen, Chris, and Mark, and sister-in-law to James. Erin was also the proud...
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