Max Smathers

"1932 – 2015" Canton – Max Lester Smathers, age 82, passed away Friday, September 25, 2015 at his residence. Max was born in Haywood County, where he resided his entire life. His parents, George Lester and Laura O'Neil Smathers preceded him in death in addition to a brother, Sammy Smathers and a sister, Patsy S. Moffit. He was a 1953 graduate of Canton High School. In his teenage years, Max met Anna Blalock, who became his high school sweetheart to whom he wed and was married for 63 years. Max was employed at Champion International with nearly 40 years of dedicated service as a machine tender. He was a founding member of the Haywood County Rescue Squad and received the honor of Lifetime Member. In his service to the Rescue Squad, Max transmitted the first EKG from a squad vehicle to the hospital unit. He was also a volunteer with the Canton Fire Department. Max was a Star Scout and later became a counselor with Boy Scout Troop 333. He was also a member of the National Guard 30th Signal Company and was a member of Canton First Baptist Church. Max was especially fond of the Christmas season and eating and enjoying meals with his family and friends. He also had a love for collecting knives. Max Lester Smathers will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He always encouraged his family "to love each other as much as he loved them". Surviving in addition to his wife are two daughters, Lynn Smathers Adams (Steve) of Clyde, and Mandy Smathers and Fiancé, Craig Turvin, of Canton; two sons, Timothy Smathers (Kendra) and James Smathers (Rhonda) all of Canton; one sister, Joy S. Rice (Harlan) of Weaverville; twelve grandchildren, Tommy Smathers (Chris Davis), Anson Adams (Betsy), Zachary Smathers (Laura), Amari Earley (Heath), Stephanie Smathers (Kurt), Austin Adams (Jennifer), Kara Smathers, Zeke Smathers (Karissa), Taylor Henson, Colt Smathers, Savannah McEntire, and Sydney McEntire; nine great-grandchildren, Caden Earley, Nate and Jacob Brown, Anchor Earley, Thomas and Mary Caroline Adams, and Chloe, Keira, and Callie Smathers; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 29, 2015 in the Canton Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with the Reverend Paul Brown and Reverend Daniel Gaddy officiating. The family will greet friends and enjoy your fellowship following the service. Memorials may be made to St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Backpacks of Love, P.O. Box 947, Canton, NC 28716. An online memorial register is available at "Obituaries" at www.wellsfuneralhome.com