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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Andy C. Zichy

Andy C. Zichy

Andy C. ZichyAndrew Charles Zichy May 22, 1949 – August 22, 2025 Andrew “Andy” Zichy, age 76, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 22, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by the love of his devoted wife and son. Those who knew...

Kenneth W. Whitehurst

Kenneth W. Whitehurst

Kenneth W. WhitehurstKenneth Wayne Whitehurst 01/22/1937 - 07/21/2025 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kenneth Wayne Whitehurst, on July 21, at the age of 88, after a long illness. He was born in Beaufort, North Carolina, the son of James...

Philip G. Preston

Philip G. Preston

Philip G. PrestonPhilip Good Preston Sr. September 20, 1966- August 22, 2025 Philip was born at Mary Black Hospital in Spartanburg South Carolina on September 20th 1966. As an infant, the family moved first to Hendersonville North Carolina where his father taught at...