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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Thomas A. McCrary

Thomas A. McCrary

Thomas A. McCraryTom McCrary, 76 Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Educator, and Friend Arnold Thomas McCrary, better known by family and friends as Tom, Buzz, or Dad, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of his family, on Saturday, May 17, at...

Kenneth M. Fullbright

Kenneth M. Fullbright

Kenneth M. FullbrightKenneth Monroe Fullbright, 78, of Fuquay-Varina, NC, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family, on May 28, 2025, after a brief period of declining health. The youngest of four sons, Ken was born to Nell and Alvin “Sol” Fullbright in...

James H. Deangelis

James H. Deangelis

James H. DeangelisJames DeAngelis, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2025, in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Born on April 1, 1944, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, James lived a life dedicated to service,...