James Propest

"Loving Daddy & Grandaddy"

Waynesville – James Gary Propest, 71, passed away on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at his home.

A native of Candler, he was the son of the late James and Elsie Charity Guy Propest. Gary worked at Champion International for over 25+ years and was a United States Marine veteran having received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal. Gary was the kind of man who always put his family first. He never left any doubt that he loved his children and grandchildren more than anything else in the world. Gary instilled the deep value and love for family in Vonda, Chanda, and Jay to always hold each other close in their hearts, have each other to rely on, comfort, and love one another.

He is survived by two daughters, Vonda Propest Taylor of Candler, and Chanda Sutton and husband, Brandon, of Waynesville; one son, Jay Propest and wife, Marcia, of Canton; one aunt, Irene Guy of Candler; a very special sister-in-law, Tracy Merrill of Candler; eight grandchildren, Dylan Riddle, Sachel Taylor, Madison Propest, Carlee Sutton, Payden Sutton, Blake Surrett, Alexis Propest and James Robert Propest; and one great-grandchild, Miley Surrett; and one sister.

A celebration of life service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 16, 2017 in the Canton Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with the Reverend Greg Warren officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:30 until 3:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

At other times, the family will be at his daughter Chanda's residence, 185 Brandon Place, Waynesville, NC 28785.

Memorials may be made to Haywood County Schools Foundation for the Sportsman Club, in memory of Gary Propest, 1230 North Main Street, Waynesville, NC 28786.