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.
Nancy Sue Fowler
Mar 3, 2026
Nancy Burch Fowler passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Pisgah Manor Nursing Facility.
She was born September 10, 1935. Nancy was the daughter of the late James and Ernestine Burch. She grew up in Canton and was a graduate of Canton High School. She married Donald Fowler in 1953.
Nancy was a member of Morning Star Methodist Church. She loved...
Billy Rae Brooks
Mar 3, 2026
Billy Rae Brooks, 66, of Leicester, passed away on Tuesday, March 03, 2026 at the Solace Center, Asheville. A Buncombe County native, he was the son of the late Thomas Brooks and Molly Ledbetter Brooks. He was a highway repair paver and mechanic at the rock quarry for many years. Billy enjoyed working on cars and camping.Billy is survived by...
Ethel Ferguson Rogers
Mar 3, 2026
Ethel Rogers, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, left this world on Tuesday evening, March 3, 2026, at the Solace Center in Asheville. Born on August 3, 1940, in Haywood County, she has always been a vibrant presence, living a life full of love, stories, and industrious spirit.
For 30 years, Ethel dedicated her life to her work at Dayco, where...
Susan Ann Lozaw
Mar 2, 2026
Susan Ann Lozaw, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on Monday, March 2, 2026, at the Solace Center in Asheville, North Carolina. Born on November 13, 1944, in Cumberland County, NC, Ann was a beacon of warmth and love to all who knew her.
Ann dedicated her skills to a fulfilling career as a press operator for Fasco,...
Regina "Jenny" Fox
Feb 26, 2026
With hearts full of both sorrow and gratitude, we announce the passing of Regina “Jenny” Fox, who went home to be with the Lord on February 26, 2026, at the age of 72. She passed leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, and devotion that will live on for generations.
Born on August 20, 1953, in Asheville, North Carolina to the...
George Samuel Young
Feb 25, 2026
George Samuel Young, a beloved figure known for his loving spirit and dedication to others, passed away peacefully in Haywood County, NC in the quiet evening hours on Wednesday February 25, 2026, at the age of 93. Born on August 7, 1932, in Buncombe County, NC, George lived a life marked by service, hard work, and an unyielding commitment to...
Bruce Sharp
Feb 24, 2026
Bruce Sharp, 69, of Canton, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the Solace Center in Asheville, North Carolina, surrounded by his brothers with care and compassion in his final days.
A proud native of Haywood County, Bruce was the son of the late Jack and Ruth Christine Druhan Sharp. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in...
Bruce E Lindsey
Feb 20, 2026
Bruce Edward Lindsey, age 84, of Haywood County passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026. A beloved husband, papaw, and great papaw, he was born and raised in Haywood County. He was the son of the late Marcella Hill and Marcus Lindsey. He was also proceeded in death by his granddaughter, Mary Elizabeth Jenkins and sisters, Joyce Hannah and Carolyn...
Eric James Ritari
Feb 16, 2026
Eric James Ritari, born on October 11, 1966, in Illinois, passed away in the early evening of February 16, 2026, in Haywood County, North Carolina.
He is survived by his mother, Margaret Minton; father, Wayne Ritari; daughter, Paige Ritari; and son, Tyler Ritari.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Isabelle Ciola-Ritari, and his sister, Sarah Ritari Nelson.
He was a...
Justin Michael Beatty
Feb 16, 2026
Justin Michael Beatty, a vibrant soul whose spirit left an indelible mark on all who crossed his path, passed away unexpectedly on February 16, 2026, at his home. Born on February 3, 1995, in Salem, New Jersey, Justin was a one-of-a-kind person overflowing with a zest for life that inspired everyone around him.
Despite facing a lifetime of medical challenges, including...
John Baxter Hipps
Feb 16, 2026
John Baxter Hipps, 93, of Canton, North Carolina, went home to be with the Lord on February 16, 2026, surrounded by his loving family after a long and courageous battle with an illness. Born on August 16, 1932, in Jackson County, North Carolina, John was the son of the late Reverend Lovell Hilliard Hipps and Nannie Mae Nations Hipps. In...
Nettie Caldwell Hannah
Feb 16, 2026
Waynesville, Nettie Caldwell Hannah, age 84, of Sutton Town Road, passed away on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Maggie Valley Nursing and Rehab.
A beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Nettie was born and raised in Cataloochee Valley. She was the daughter of the late Lucius C. and Maggie Love Caldwell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by...
Rolf Kaufman
Feb 15, 2026
Rolf Kaufman passed away on February 15, 2026, at the age of 95. Born October 18, 1930, in Cologne, Germany to the late Walter and Ellen Kaufman. He was preceded in death by his cherished wife of 58 years, Libby Kaufman.
Rolf's remarkable journey began in Germany, where his Jewish family fled the dangers and loss of their business due to...
Alan Wayne Livingstone
Feb 15, 2026
Alan Wayne Livingstone, age 69, entered the presence of his Savior on February 15, 2026, surrounded by family.
Born on July 15, 1956 in Wilmington, Delaware, he was the son of the late David and Anna Mae Livingstone. He built a life marked by deep faith, steadfast love for his family, and a gift for making those around him laugh.
He is...
Linda Gail Mathis
Feb 15, 2026
Linda Gail Mathis 73, of Waynesville, went home to be with the Lord on February 15, 2026.
She was preceded in death by her lifelong friend and former husband, William Ewart of White Oak.
Linda was one of the kindest and most giving people you could ever meet. She has always put others before herself. She had a heart that loved deeply...
Joseph Timothy Smart
Feb 14, 2026
“The Final Tractor Ride”
Joseph Timothy “Tim” Smart, 67, of Crabtree, North Carolina will be having his final tractor ride this Saturday, Feb. 21, as he will be laid to rest. Tim passed away on the afternoon of Saturday, Feb. 14. He was found by his brother and children in the place he always lived – inside his tractor, having passed...
Gary Lee Burchfield
Feb 13, 2026
Gary Lee Burchfield, age 74, of Canton, North Carolina, passed away on February 13, 2026, at Haywood Regional Medical Center after a brief illness.
A lifelong resident of Haywood County, Gary was the son of the late Jack and Lenna Jean Burchfield. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and received an Honorable...
Lt. Col. David R. Jeter
Feb 11, 2026
Lt. Col. David R. Jeter, USAF Retired of Garner, NC died February 11, 2026. He was 87.
Born August 6, 1938, in Norfolk, VA, he was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Robert R. Jeter and Blanche R. Jeter of Waynesville, NC and his brother James Parham Jeter of Asheville, NC. He is survived by his wife of 50 years,...
William "Bill" Hollingsworth
Feb 11, 2026
William Thomas Hollingsworth “Bill,” 87, of Waynesville, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus, on February 11, 2026. After seeing Jesus, he was reunited with the love of his life, Betty, who had been waiting for him.
Bill was a charter member of Ninevah Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as a deacon for most of his life...
Eleen Ruby Grant
Feb 10, 2026
Eleen Ruby Grant, 95, our sweet, precious Mama finally got to go Home. She is with Jesus and able to stroll all over Heaven.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Manuel Grant; her father, Van C. Wells; and her mother, Retta Smathers Wells.
Surviving is her daughter, Shirley, and her husband, Mike DeWeese (like her son); and her son, Roger...
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