Obituaries
Recent obituaries in North Carolina
The obituaries in the North Carolina Area reflect the region's diverse population, featuring individuals from a variety of ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds. Some were pioneers in their fields, while others dedicated their lives to community service or philanthropy. Their stories serve as a reminder of the richness and complexity North Carolina's history and identity.
Geraldine McMinn
Jun 8, 2023
Geraldine McMinn, 75, passed away on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at John F. Keever Solace Center.
Geraldine was a native and lifelong resident of Buncombe County and a daughter of the late Harvey and Vonnie Crook McMinn. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Norma McMinn and a brother, Glen McMinn. Geraldine retired...
Ralph Odyn Toomey
Jun 6, 2023
Clyde, Ralph Odyn Toomey, 64, passed from this life on Tuesday, June 6, 2023.
He was born and raised in Millry, Alabama to James F. "Jimmy" and Faye Lynette Sullivan Toomey on March 6, 1959. He was named after a respected family friend and Auburn football coach Ralph Jordan. Ralph was a devout conservative Christian who followed the...
William "Bill" Clyde Branson
Jun 6, 2023
William Clyde Branson
Waynesville, William "Bill" Clyde Branson, 90, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at Harmony at Reynolds Mountain.
He was a son of the late Clyde Porter Branson and Marjorie Stockton Branson, of Canton, North Carolina. Bill graduated from Canton High School in 1951 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy to serve his...
Ruth Sanderson Ford
Jun 4, 2023
Clyde – Ruth Sanderson Ford, 95, passed away peacefully on Sunday June 4, 2023, at Aston Park Health Care Center.
Ruth was a native of Clay County but had resided in Haywood for the majority of her life and was a daughter of the late Omer Harley and Ila Berdine Palmer Sanderson. In addition to her parents, she was...
Rosalie Ethel Brietzke Royer
Jun 3, 2023
"Precious Wife and Mother"
Waynesville, Rosalie Ethel Brietzke Royer, 89, passed away on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Autumn Care of Waynesville.
A native of Michigan, she was a daughter of the late Herman Theodore and Olga Hartkorn Brietzke. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Henry Royer who died...
Joseph Wilfred Kelley
Jun 3, 2023
Waynesville, Joseph Wilfred Kelley, age 94, passed away on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at Haywood Lodge and Retirement Center.
A lifelong resident of Haywood County, he was one of three sons of the late David Donaldson Kelley and Mary Gordon Kelley. He was preceded in death by his two brothers, J.D. and Jack Kelley.
Joe proudly served in the...
Patricia McKee Tilley
Jun 2, 2023
Waynesville, Patricia Ann McKee Tilley, age 92, passed away on Friday, June 2, 2023 at Grace Ridge Retirement Community in Morganton, NC.
A native of Jackson County, North Carolina, she was one of two daughters of the late Fred McKee and Evelyn Green McKee. She was preceded in death by her sister, Lona Haskett.
Patricia was a beloved second-grade...
Roy Richard Browning
Jun 2, 2023
Roy Richard Browning, 86, of Canton passed away on Friday, June 2, 2023, at the John F. Keever, Jr. Solace Center. A native of Haywood County, he was the son of the late George C. and Nola Warren Browning. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his son, Dewayne Kent Browning in 2021; sisters, Margaret...
Joseph Glenn Norris
May 31, 2023
Waynesville, Joseph Glenn Norris, 97, passed away on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at CarePartners Solace Center.
A native of Haywood County, he was the son of the late Thomas Marion and Etta Kuykendall Norris. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian Hatherlee Norris who died in 2018; six sisters, Lena Blaylock,...
Glendale "Glen" Ray Johnston
May 26, 2023
Glendle "Glen" Ray Johnston, 81, of Henrico, VA passed away on May 26, 2023 at his residence.
A private interment will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
The care of Mr. Johnston has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Candler.
Judith "Judy" Ann Runion
May 26, 2023
Judith Ann Runion, 84, went home to see Jesus on Friday, May 26, 2023, at Pisgah Manor Health Care Center.
Judy was a native of Haywood County and had lived in Buncombe County most of her life. She was the daughter of the late Henry Vance and Eva Ray Pressley. She was also preceded in death by three...
Brenda Lynn Whitner
May 26, 2023
Brenda Lynn Smith Whitner, 64, of Waynesville, passed away on Friday, May 26, 2023 at her residence.
A native of Haywood County, she was a daughter of the late Carroll and Marie Jones Smith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Hubert and Myrtle Smith and maternal grandparents, Ernest and Nina Jones. Brenda...
Donald "Don" Meadows
May 24, 2023
Donald “Don” Meadows, 83, of Asheville passed away on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at John F. Keever Solace Center. A native and lifelong resident of Buncombe County, Don was the son of the late Bernard James and Cumi Shelton Meadows. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by three brothers, Herschel, Charlie, and Larry Meadows.
...
Rodney "Codfish" Allen Duguid
May 23, 2023
Waynesville, Rodney Allen "Codfish" Duguid, 57, passed away on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at Mission Health.
A native of Illinois, he was the son of Charlotte Friedewald Wright and the late William Duguid. Rod was a man who loved Star Trek, fishing, and was a fan of Pink Floyd and the Chicago Bears. He enjoyed spending time with his...
Sudie "Sue" A. Kates
May 22, 2023
Waynesville, Sue Penland Kates, 98, passed away on Monday, May 22, 2023 at Haywood Lodge & Retirement Centers.
A native of Buncombe County, she was a daughter of the late Cash and Kathleen Eppley Penland. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Reverend Alcy "Junior" Kates, Jr. of 80 years, he died in...
Linda Higgins Hardin
May 22, 2023
Linda Lois Higgins Hardin,78, passed away on Monday, May 22, 2023, at her residence.
Linda was a native of Haywood County and a daughter of the late Pete and Louise Liner Higgins. She was a selfless mother and grandma to her children and grandchildren, always putting them first before herself. Linda had a genuine love for all animals, giving...
Dr. Raymond Richard Kuutti
May 21, 2023
Dr. Raymond Richard Kuutti, 95, of Maggie Valley, N.C. died May 21, 2023, at Brooks-Howell Home in Asheville, N.C. Ray was born June 2, 1927, to loving Finnish immigrant parents, Samuel and Hilda Kuutti, on the Iron Range in Minnesota. He had three older siblings - Arvid, Helen and Rachel. Ray loved helping his family on the farm near Lake...
Robbie Smith Hargrove
May 21, 2023
Robbie Smith Hargrove passed away on Sunday, May 21st. Robbie Lee was born in Wake County on August 20th, 1929, to Edwin & Hattie Coward Smith. Robbie grew up in Madison County and graduated from Spring Creek High School in 1948. Robbie moved to Waynesville North Carolina and worked as a server at The Waynesville Country club while attending Western...
Roger "Burl" Sutton
May 21, 2023
Waynesville, Roger Burl Sutton, 72, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 21, 2023 at Mission Hospital.
A native of Haywood County, he was a son of the late Lloyd and Ola Sutton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Donnie Sutton. Burl retired from Haywood County School System as a small engine mechanic....
Frances Rogers Williams
May 21, 2023
Waynesville, Frances Josephine Rogers Williams, 96, passed away on Sunday, May 21, 2023 at Smoky Mountain Nursing and Rehabilitation.
A native of Haywood County, Frances was born on March 4, 1927 to the late Edward Roy and Ollie Mae Sprinkle Rogers. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert "Bob" Steve, Williams, Sr....
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