Pastor Jesse "Papaw" Hollingsworth

Bethel Community, Pastor Jesse Nolan Hollingsworth, age 80, passed away on Tuesday, May 25, 2021, at Memorial Mission Campus.

A native and lifelong resident of Haywood County, he was the son of the late William and Hilda Smiley Hollingsworth.

Pastor Hollingsworth retired from Champion International with 45 years of service.  He was a member of Riverside Baptist Church and pastored many churches in Haywood County, including Fines Creek Memorial Baptist, Rock Springs Baptist, Cove Creek Baptist, Camp Branch Baptist, Ochre Hill Baptist and Rescue Baptist.

He enjoyed spending time on the parkway, trout fishing and hiking to Sam’s Knob with his wife, Velma.  He also enjoyed mowing with his grandson.  Lovingly known as “Papaw”, he dearly loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved the time he spent with them.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Velma Inman Hollingsworth; two sons, Tommy Hollingsworth and his wife, Shelley, of Hayesville, and Timmy Hollingsworth and his wife, Karen, of the Bethel Community; two brothers, Bill Hollingsworth of Waynesville, and Robert Hollingsworth of Burlington; eight grandchildren, Kasey Hollingsworth, Avery Hollingsworth, Tyler Hollingsworth, Jordan Breasseale, Kaitlin Hollingsworth, Erin Hollingsworth, Savannah Chrisley and Caleigh Chrisley; three great-grandchildren, Sophia Breasseale, EllieMae Bradley and Baby Breasseale due in November.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 28, 2021 at Riverside Baptist Church Cemetery with Reverend Steve Frazier and Reverend Zachary Williams officiating.