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.

Thomas Sims

Thomas Sims

May 9, 2022

Candler – Thomas Haynes “Tom” Sims, 78, passed away on Monday, May 9, 2022, at his residence.

Thomas was a native of Transylvania County and a son of the late Charles and Jaunita Norman Sims.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Ed Sims; sister, Inez Watts; two nieces, Carol...

Erin Putnam

Erin Putnam

May 9, 2022

Canton – Erin Elizabeth Bunting Putnam, 46, passed away on Monday, May 9, 2022, at her residence.

Erin was a native of Haywood County and a daughter of Francis Leander Bunting and Juanita Ruth West Taylor.  She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Millard West, aunt, Lorrie Neeley, paternal grandmother, Bonnie Bunting and paternal grandfather,...

Doris Rathbone

Doris Rathbone

May 9, 2022

Clyde, Doris Medford Rathbone, age 75, passed away on Monday, May 9, 2022 at Autumn Care of Waynesville.

A native of Haywood County, she was the daughter of the late Billy and Virginia Medford.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Rathbone, who died in 2018.  Doris graduated from Cecil’s...

Aleia Worth

Aleia Worth

May 8, 2022

Canton, Aleia Jade Worth, our beautiful daughter, unexpectedly passed away at the age of 16.

She is survived by those who loved her most including her mother, Kelley, father, Robert, grandmother, Sue, pet cat Midnight, dogs Zeus, and Apollo.  She was also survived by many friends to Aleia considered her “Tribe”.

Those who knew Aleia...

Riley Shipman

Riley Shipman

May 8, 2022

Canton – Riley Lafayette “R.L.” Shipman, 85, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 8, 2022, at Silver Bluff Nursing Home.

A native of Haywood County, he was the son of the late George Vanis and Mary Lou Mathis Shipman. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his loving wife,...

Ann Reynolds

Ann Reynolds

May 6, 2022

Ann W. Reynolds, 77 of Canton went to be with the Lord on Friday, May 6, 2022, at her residence. Ann was born on February 8, 1945, in Montgomery, Alabama to the late Robert Carroll and Goree Ada McFee Wilson. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Reverend Ted Rondell Reynolds who...

Norretta Taylor

Norretta Taylor

May 6, 2022

Waynesville, Norretta Lovvorn Taylor, passed away suddenly after a short illness on Friday, May 6, 2022, at the age of 84 after living a full and beautiful life filled with love, travel, treasured pets, music, and a fabulous collection of friends who will miss her enormously.

Norretta was given this unique name on December 7, 1937, by...

Judy Bradley Barnes

Judy Bradley Barnes

May 6, 2022

Waynesville, Judy McElroy Bradley Barnes, age 76, passed away on Friday, May 6, 2022, at Haywood Regional Medical Center.

A native of Haywood County, she was the daughter of the late James and Louise Nichols McElroy.  She was preceded in death by three sisters, Ruth Haynes, Shirley Roberts, and Barbara Medford; and her brother, Bobby McElroy.

...

Barry Arrowood

Barry Arrowood

May 5, 2022

Canton – Joe  Arrowood, 75, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 5, 2022.

Joe was a native of Buncombe County and a son of the late Gordon and Dorothy Garrett Arrowood.  In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a sister, Barbara Gibson.  Joe was a member of Oak Grove Baptist...

Merry Jo Lowe

Merry Jo Lowe

May 5, 2022

Lake Junaluska, Merry Jo Harrison Lowe, age 86, passed away on Thursday, May 5, 2022, at Haywood Regional Medical Center.

Born in Clio Michigan, she was a daughter of the late Lillian Leath Harrison.  In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence "Bud" Lowe who died in 2013; sister and brother-in-law,...

Robert Allen

Robert Allen

May 5, 2022

On May 5, 2022, Robert Corey Allen went to his heavenly home to spend eternity with his loving Lord and Savior Jesus Christ whom he served faithfully since his early twenties. Bob was born on January 11, 1929 in Elizabeth, New Jersey. He lived all his childhood and teen years in the suburban community of Union, NJ where, despite...

Joseph Ergle

Joseph Ergle

May 4, 2022

Canton – Joseph “Joe” William Ergle, 53, passed away on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at his residence.

Joe has spent much of his life in Haywood County and was the son of the late Joseph Arthur Ergle and Mary Bragg Forbes; he was also preceded in death by his beloved stepfather, Lee Forbes.  Joe was employed by...

Dr. Eugene Harpe

Dr. Eugene Harpe

May 2, 2022

Waynesville, Dr. Eugene Roberts Harpe, age 92, passed away on Monday, May 2, 2022, at his residence.

Dr. Eugene Harpe was the son of the late Lafayette C. and Sara Lovelace Harpe.  He was born in Wilmington, North Carolina and lived in Asheville until he entered military service.  He graduated from Lee Edwards High School and Southern...

Richard Barker, Sr.

Richard Barker, Sr.

May 1, 2022

On Sunday, May 1st, 2022, Richard David Barker was called home at the age of 80. The world has lost a great man, husband, father, and leader.

Richard Barker was born in Jacksonville, Florida on October 22, 1941, to Maria Marr and Luther Leo Barker. Honorably discharged in his early 20’s, as a Corporal in the United...

Tracey Parker

Tracey Parker

Apr 28, 2022

Canton – Tracey Dean Parker, 55, of Worley Cove Road went to be with the Lord  on Thursday, April 28, 2022.

Tracey grew up in Canton, North Carolina and was the son of Rose Hall Scott and the late Larry Dean Parker.  He was also preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, John B. Parker and his...

Larry Wheelon

Larry Wheelon

Apr 28, 2022

Larry Joe Wheelon, Sr. departed this life on April 28, 2022 just weeks following his 77th birthday. He is preceded in death by his parents Paul and Lillie Wheelon, step-mother Hester Wheelon, brother Sydney Wheelon, and pre-mature twin daughters. Left to mourn his absence is his loving wife of nearly 59 years, Linda. She has devoted her life to...

Hugh Franklin, Jr.

Hugh Franklin, Jr.

Apr 27, 2022

Waynesville, Hugh Louis Franklin, Jr., age 57, passed away on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at his residence.

A native and lifelong resident of Haywood County, he was the son of Hugh Louis Franklin, Sr. and Cherrie Wyatt Franklin.  Hugh was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Robert and Leura Franklin; maternal grandparents, Lawrence and Sarah Wyatt. ...

David Gifford

David Gifford

Apr 26, 2022

Waynesville, David Lawrence Gifford, age 72, passed away on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at his residence.

A native of Pennsylvania, he was a son of the late Charles Frederick and Teresa Ann Cutri Gifford. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Kevin Gifford. David proudly served his country in the United...

Johnny Dunston

Johnny Dunston

Apr 26, 2022

Waynesville, Johnny Herbert Dunston, 72, passed away on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at Mission Memorial Campus.

A native of Anniston, Alabama and resident of Haywood County for 53 years, he was the son of the late Herbert and Betty Dunston.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Debbie Moody Dunston, who...

Darrell "Pots" Pressley

Darrell "Pots" Pressley

Apr 26, 2022

Jonathan Creek Community, Darrell Wayne Pressley, age 62, passed away on Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at Haywood Regional Medical Center.

A native of Haywood County he was a son of Billy Wayne and Judy Tate Pressley.  Darrell was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Johnny and Ora Lee Pressley; maternal grandparents, Sam and Marie Tate.  He...

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