Obituaries

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

Ryan E. McCurry

Ryan E. McCurryEric 'Ryan' McCurry, age 44 of Charlotte NC, died August 11, 2025. He was born in Morganton NC on March 30, 1981 to Shirley Jean Buchanan (Crowe) and Eric Donald McCurry. Ryan attended Freedom High and earned a BA in Criminal Justice from Western...

Gerald “Bob” Denny

Gerald "Bob" DennyMr. Denny passed away at home with family on Tuesday, August 5th , 2025 at age 93 following an extended period of declining health. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley Hill Denny; his son Blake; his son Scott and spouse Monica; his...

Louise W. Sowell

Louise W. SowellLouise Worley Sowell, 94, of Inman, died on July 31, 2025 at her home. A native of Canton NC, she was the  daughter of the late Robert Haskew and Mary Alma Tillery Worley and the wife of the late Joseph Huey Sowell. She was a homemaker and former...
Virginia “Ginn” B. Mulligan

Virginia “Ginn” B. Mulligan

Virginia "Ginn" B. Mulligan Virginia Lee Burrell Milligan, known affectionately as “Ginn,” went home to be with God, her parents, deceased family members and friends. Virginia died peacefully at her home in Tuckasegee at the age of 75. Ginn was married to Michael...

James “Jim” L. Evans

James “Jim” L. Evans

James "Jim" L. Evans Jim Evans, 94, of Sylva passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at Haywood Regional Medical Center, following a brief illness. Born on Nov. 15, 1930 in Sylva, he was the son of the late Charles and Thelma Tucker Evans. In addition to his...

Robert “Bob” L. Harrison

Robert “Bob” L. Harrison

Robert "Bob" L. HarrisonFRANKLIN - Robert "Bob" L. Harrison, 78, passed away at his home following a prolonged illness, Sunday, July 13, 2025. He was born April 6, 1947, in Waynesville, to the late Robert L. and Margret Underwood Harrison. In addition to his parents,...