Carlton Peyton

Preston Carlton Peyton, Jr., 60, of Waynesville, NC and North Myrtle Beach, SC, died on February 15, 2013 at Mission Hospitals – St. Josephs Campus in Asheville after a lengthy period of declining health. Born July 28, 1952, he was the son of the late Geraldine R. and Preston Carlton Peyton of Canton. He was a native of Asheville and grew up in Canton, where he was proud to have been an Eagle Scout. He was a 1970 graduate of Pisgah High School, and then went on to graduate from Appalachian State University. He later earned his Master's Degree in Business Administration at the University of Houston. His business career spanned over 30 years in the field of wireless communications. He was formerly Vice-President of Sales for Samsung's North American region. He was also a leader with Qualcomm, Ericsson, Snap Track and Hewlett-Packard. He traveled globally promoting the use of wireless communication and GPS technology, while forming countless lasting friendships. He respected and enjoyed the diverse cultures he visited around the world. Carlton was an accomplished photographer and captured many interesting and exotic images in his vast travels. After retirement to Waynesville, he became active in civic and charitable organizations in Haywood County, while helping to care for his aging parents. He continued to renew old friendships, while forming new friendships as well. He had a kind and generous spirit, and was a true Southern gentleman. He is survived by his sister and caregiver, Geraldine "Gerri" Peyton Staley and her husband, Steve, who was Carlton's best friend, and his sister, Anne P. Peyton, all of Canton. He is also survived by three aunts, Betty R. Frazier of Franklin, Margaret R. Reno of Canton, and Grace B. Peyton of Potomac Falls, VA, as well as nieces, nephews and cousins, worlds of friends, and his special dog, Coco. Carlton's immediate family will honor him in a private family memorial at a later date. Wells Funeral Home of Canton is in charge of arrangements. Memorials to Carlton may be made to Leukemia Lymphoma Society, 4530 Park Road, Suite 240, Charlotte, NC 28209 , or to SARGE'S Animal Rescue, PO Box 854, Waynesville, NC 28786.