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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James “Phil” Pruett

James “Phil” Pruett

James "Phil" PruettJames Philip (Phil) Pruett, age 41, of Rutherfordton, NC, went Home to be with the Lord Sunday, February 1, 2026, at his home. Phil was a native of Rutherford County, and born June 8th, 1984, to Ray and Judy Pruett. He graduated from Chase High...

Bill F. Forsyth

Bill F. Forsyth

Bill F. ForsythWilliam Frank “Bill” Forsyth, Jr., born June 25, 1946, and a lifelong resident of Murphy, North Carolina, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at the age of 79. A respected banker and financial professional, Bill devoted...

Ken W. Baucom

Ken W. Baucom

Ken W. BaucomKenneth William Baucom of Greensboro, NC passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on January 28, 2026. Ken was born in Concord, NC on January 9, 1948. He was the son of Aris Clayton Baucom and Thelma Little Baucom. Ken graduated from...