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

by | June 12, 2026 | 1957, Obituaries | 0 Comments

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...
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Sally M. Monteith

by | June 12, 2026 | 1941, 1955, Obituaries | 0 Comments

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...
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Philip D. Buchahan

by | June 12, 2026 | 1966, Obituaries | 0 Comments

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...
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Walter L. Staley III

Walter L. Staley III

Walter L. Staley IIIIt is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Walter Laird Staley III. Laird, as he was known to his friends and family, passed away on October 22, 2024, in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on...

Leonard H. Ponder

Leonard H. Ponder

Leonard H. PonderLeonard H. Ponder passed away peacefully near his home in Columbia, Maryland, on October 22, 2024. He was 85. Leonard grew up in Madison and Buncombe counties and raised his family in Candler. An avid hiker, Leonard on any given Saturday could be...

Lewis E. Tyler

Lewis E. Tyler

Lewis E. TylerLewis Eugene Tyler, age 73, of Crossville, TN passed away October 21, 2024. He was born December 31, 1950, in Bath, NY, the son of Waldo F. and Betty M. Groves Tyler. Lewis was a 1968 graduate of Corning-Painted Post West High School in Painted Post, NY....