Obituaries

Celebrate and remember those from our precious alma mater who have passed. We send our deepest condolences to the families and friends.

Kate D. Welch

Kate D. WelchKate Deitz Welch, 91, of Bryson City peacefully passed from this earthly life on June 6, 2026, at home with her family present. Kate was born March 15, 1935, to the late Hoyle and Inez Deitz of Dillsboro. She graduated from Western Carolina University in...

Sally M. Monteith

Sally M. MonteithSally Campbell, age 108, a Jackson County high school English and Journalism teacher for 34 years died at her home on Friday, June 5th. A native and lifelong resident of Sylva, she was the daughter of the late Sam and Ida Monteith and the wife of...

Philip D. Buchahan

Philip D. BuchahanPhilip Dean Buchanan was born on Dec. 26, 1943 in the lovely town of Sylva in the North Carolina mountains to Thomas Dewey Buchanan and Inez Vesta Carver Buchanan. He attended Western Carolina University for his undergraduate work. Here, his...
Leslie Anderson

Leslie Anderson

Leslie AndersonLeslie Anderson, a distinguished long-time civic leader in Asheville, North Carolina, passed away on December 27, 2024, following a brief battle with multiple illnesses. Renowned as a champion of social justice, cultural preservation, early childhood...

Gothard “Goth” A. Overcash Jr.

Gothard “Goth” A. Overcash Jr.

Gothard "Goth" A. Overcash Jr.Gothard Albertis Overcash, Jr, "Goth", 90, of Mooresville, NC, peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior Friday, December 27, 2024. Born April 19, 1934, in Mooresville to the late Gothard Albertis Overcash, Sr and Leona Pierce. In...

Clyde H. Ray III

Clyde H. Ray III

Clyde H. Ray IIIClyde Hosea Ray III, 86, of Sylva, passed away peacefully at home on the morning of December 22, 2024.  Clyde was born in Waynesville, NC on August 30, 1938, to the late Clyde H. Ray, Jr., businessman, and the Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Caroline...