Merritt Washam

Merritt Franklin Washam, age 84, of 76 Wesley Street, passed away on Friday, November 9, 2012 at his residence. He was a native of Davidson, North Carolina in Mecklenburg County and a resident of Haywood County since 1955. He was the son of the late Smiley and Sarah Washam. He also was preceded in death by three sisters, Frances Wilson, Elizabeth Dove, and Rachel Jetton; and a brother, William P. Washam. He was a member of Canton First Baptist Church and a graduate of Davidson High School and of Appalachian State University. He served in the United States Marine Corps, Second Division, 21st Marines during World War II. He retired from Champion International Corporation with 32 years of service as supervisor of the train system and wood yard. Mr. Washam served as alderman for the Town of Canton for six years. He was a retired member and past president of Canton Lions Club. He served on the YMCA Board of Directors, on the North Carolina League of Energy, Environment and Natural Resources. He served on the Canton Downtown Association and as an ex officio member of the Canton Recreation Commission. He was also a former member of the United Way and the Canton Toastmaster's Club. Prior to his illness, Mr. Washam's interests lay in growing beautiful plants, traveling, and fishing. He is survived by his wife, the former Doris Smith; two daughters, Irma and her husband, L. J. Woody, of Fletcher, Linda and her husband, Dr. Dean Hutsell, of Fairview; eight grandchildren, Jason and Ben Woody; Kaylee, Olivia, Savannah, Amelia, Malina, and Jadyn Hutsell; and two great-grandchildren, Kaleb and Riley Woody; and a brother, Ray Washam and his wife, Margaret, of Mooresville, North Carolina. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 12, 2012 at Canton First Baptist Church with the Reverend James A. Meadows officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the sanctuary. The family sends a special thanks to CarePartners for the wonderful care given in this stressful time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Benevolence Fund, Canton First Baptist Church, 74 Academy Street, Canton, NC 28716.

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