Jennings “Harold” Heatherly
Harold was a true outdoorsman, happiest when he was outside. Whether bear hunting, fishing in his favorite streams, hiking in the mountains, tending his garden, or working in his yard, nature was where he felt most at peace. A hard – working logger and a lifelong beekeeper, he definitely passed on his love of nature and the outdoors to all his children. A true reflection of his character was his passion of planting fruit trees and berry bushes, knowing he might never live to enjoy their harvest. Harold always believed in thinking about the future and the importance of leaving something good behind. This was a testament to who he was.
Harold’s life journey took him from graduating from Bethel High School in 1959 and then serving in the United States Army, where he was stationed in Germany, working in decoding intelligence messages. Harold was a man deeply proud and honored to serve his country. Following his military career, he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from Western Carolina University and later earned an Associate Degree in Forestry from Haywood Community College. His working years were with America Enka Corporation and Dayco in Waynesville, from where he retired. In the words of his family, “He was a man who devoted his life to the importance of education, working hard every day and raising his family.” What more wonderful words could be said.
A gifted storyteller, Harold loved sharing memories of his childhood and his life growing up in Cruso, along with wonderful times spent with his siblings, and also endless hunting and fishing stories, which will be treasured always. He continued telling wonderful stories right up until his final days. He will always be remembered for his striking blue eyes and a full head of hair that never turned gray.
Harold was a man of strong faith and a member of East Fork Baptist Church. Though his attendance lessened over time, nature itself became his sanctuary – where he talked to God every day, not just on Sunday. Harold was tender-hearted, kind, and gentle with everyone he met, and his quiet goodness will live on in the lives he touched and the land he loved.
Harold was a man with a deep and abiding love for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
” A man who felt most at home in the quiet of the woods, Harold will be laid to rest in a beautiful American Chestnut casket, crafted from his favorite wood- a final tribute to a great man.”
Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Jennings Bryan Heatherly and Catherine Burress Heatherly; his siblings, J.B. Heatherly, Madia Clark, Ruth Morris, Roosevelt Heatherly, Patsy Tyler, and Woodrow Heatherly.
Surviving are his daughters, Lynn Wright (Charlie) of Waynesville, Janice Aanerud ( Dick) of Middleburg, FL, Vicky Heatherly (Melissa) of Clyde and Catherine Heatherly of Clyde; sons, Danny Heatherly ( Nylenda) of Cruso, Kevin Heatherly (Kate) of Cruso and Harold Heatherly of Chapel Hill; grandsons, Nathan Heatherly (Katie), Natalie Allen (Daniel), Noah Heatherly, Cliff Wright ( Amanda), Matthew Wright ( Lauren) and Jeremiah Heatherly; four great-grandchildren; and a multitude of friends.
A funeral service will be held at 3:00 pm Sunday, December 21, 2025, at East Fork Baptist Church. Pastor Mark Tice and Pastor Danny Heatherly will be officiating. The family will be receiving friends at the church from 1:30 pm until 3:00 pm prior to the funeral service. Burial will be in New Cruso Cemetery. Honored to be serving as pallbearers are Nathan Heatherly, Noah Heatherly, Cliff Wright, Matthew Wright, Harold Heatherly, and Stevie Jones; honorary pallbearers will be David Henson, Jim Howard, Charles Trull, Craig Rogers, and Harold Rogers.