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Harold Dean Coggins
Jul 24, 2026
Harold Dean Coggins of Sylva, NC passed away on July 24, 2026 after a long battle of health challenges. Harold was a grocery store manager for over forty years until he retired at the Franklin Ingles in 2009. After retiring, he worked at Gold, Silver & Coins in Franklin, Harold opened up his own business, Tyler’s Hamburger & Hotdog Shack...
Michael "Mike" Henry Ray
Jul 27, 2026
Michael "Mike" Henry Ray, 74, of Sylva passed away on Monday, July 27, 2026 after fighting a courageous 3 year battle with cancer.
Mike was born on July 14, 1952, in Jackson County to the late Rufus and Claudus Dietz Ray. Mike loved his family very much. He also loved baseball, bird and deer hunting, fishing, and working with his bird...
Nancy Lee Hammerly
Jul 23, 2026
Nancy Lee Hammerly “Nana”, 67 of Sylva NC, went home to be with the Lord on Thurday July 23rd, 2026. Born in Hamilton, Ohio on October 29, 1958 to the late John Joseph Hammerly Jr. and Naomi Louise Ratliff.
Nancy is survived by her two sons John Franks and Brian (Tiffany) Albury; four grandchildren Madisyn, Haiden, Jayden, and Gabriel Albury. She...
Doreyl (Doris) Ammons Cain
Jul 14, 2026
Doreyl (Doris) Ammons Cain, age 83, of Tuckasegee, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on July 14 at the VA Valor Hospice Center in Asheville. She was born on April 22, 1943, on Wolf Mountain in Jackson County NC, to the late Frank Ammons and Cannie Owen Ammons. Doreyl, grew up drawing birds in the dirt of the mountain roads around...
Junior Moss
Jul 16, 2026
Junior Moss, 85, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, July 16, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of love, laughter, and cherished memories with his family and friends.Junior was born to the late Herstel Montgomery Moss and Ellen Louise Holland Moss. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Eddie Moss; his parents; and his brothers, Lewis Moss,...
Jimmy Barnes
Jul 15, 2026
Jimmy E. Barnes passed away on July 15, 2026, at Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva, NC. He was born July 15, 1932 in Sylva, NC, son of the late Fred and Noba Barnes.
Jim served his country in the US Army during the Korean War for 2 years at Fort Rucker, Alabama, and returned to Sylva after his military service, working...
Dallas Satterwhite
Jul 8, 2026
Dallas Jane Satterwhite, 87, died at home in Sylva, NC on July 8, 2026, after a short illness. She was born in Asheville, NC on Feb 27, 1939, to Gladys Riddle Bishop and Norris Bishop. She graduated from Valley Springs High School in Arden, NC and attended Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, NC. She was administrative assistant to the superintendents...
Effie Jane Mathis
Jul 14, 2026
Effie Jane Mathis, 91, of Sylva, passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 .
Effie was born on March 22, 1935, to the late Bowden and Myrtle Robinson Mathis. In addition to her parents, Effie was preceded in death by her sister, Blanch Allen and her brother, Clint Mathis. She enjoyed traveling, square dancing, and spending time with her family. Effie...
R B Adams
Jul 13, 2026
R B Adams, 80, of Cullowhee, passed away on Monday, July 13, 2026.
He was born on June 26, 1946 to the late Elmar Adams. R B enjoyed hunting, fishing, working on cars, and being outdoors with his hunting dogs. He was a member of Jackson County Coon Club, R B retired from Western Carolina University as a meat cutter for...
Paula Sink Sayre
Jul 7, 2026
Paula Sink Sayre, beloved family member and cherished friend, passed away peacefully at home on July 7, 2026, at the age of 79. Born on August 23, 1946, Paula’s life was marked by enduring love, meaningful relationships, and a steadfast devotion to those she held dear.
Paula leaves behind a loving legacy in her surviving family, who carry her memory forward...
Timothy Shane Melton
Jul 10, 2026
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Timothy Shane Melton, an avid outdoorsman, skilled hunter and fisherman, devoted coach, beloved father, family member and friend.
Though his rifle has gone quiet and his boots have walked their last trail, we find comfort knowing he is hunting greener pastures now, where the sun always rises over the mountains and...
Nancy Louise Smith
Jul 2, 2026
Nancy “Nan” Smith passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, July 2, 2026.
Born in Lackawanna, New York, Nan was the beloved daughter of Robert and Christine Berry.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Ronald Smith of Sylva; her loving children, Landon Smith, Lee Smith, and Corey McQuiston; two grandsons Andy and Robbie; and her faithful furry sidekick, Molly. She...
Phillip Andrew Monteith
Jul 7, 2026
Philip Andrew Monteith ("Andy"), 57, of Sylva, North Carolina, passed away on July 7, 2026.
Andy was preceded in death by his father, Morris Monteith; his mother, Patricia Monteith; and his sister, Karen Monteith.
He is survived by his loving wife, Sheila Gass Monteith; his brother, Russell Monteith; his children, Matthew Bradley (Anna), Amber Collier, and Trevor Bradley (Kassie); his grandchildren, Samantha...
Ronald Key Morgan
Jun 28, 2026
Ronald Key Morgan (Ronnie), born March 22,1938 to Herman and Iris Burge Morgan, died peacefully at his home in Cullowhee, NC, June 28, 2026.
Born and raised in Memphis, he graduated from Messick High School in 1956. Shortly after graduation, he served in the United States Army in Korea, near the DMZ, as a Morse code operator. He then earned an...
Charles Buchanan
Jul 2, 2026
With deep love, we announce the passing of Charles Buchanan, a devoted father, grandfather, husband, and friend, who passed away on July 2, 2026 at the age of 83.
Charles was born in Sylva, NC on July 25, 1942, to Julius and Carrie Lewis Buchanan of Cagle Branch, formally Grasshopper Road in Sylva, NC where he grew up with his siblings.
Charles...
Steven Steinbrueck
May 21, 2026
Steven Paul Steinbrueck, 76, passed away May 21 at home in Sylva, surrounded by his loving family, after a brief but fierce journey with pancreatic cancer.
Steve’s warmth, generosity, curiosity, intellect, and commitment to fighting for the safety and joy of all humans were legendary. The loss his family and community feel is enormous.
Steve was born in St. Louis on May...
William Thomas Bellomy
Jun 30, 2026
US Navy Veteran PO1, William Thomas Bellomy (Tom) made his way home on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 with his wfe by his bedside in Whittier, NC.
Tom was born on July 26, 1957 to the late Tom, Sr. and Betty Bellomy. He was proud to be from Kentucky and proud to have served his country for 20 years. After boot camp...
Blanch Mathis Allen
Jun 29, 2026
Blanch Mathis Harris Allen, 95, of Sylva, passed away on Monday, June 29, 2026.
She was born on October 30, 1930 in Jackson County to the late Bowden and Myrtle Robinson Mathis. In addition to her parents, Blanch was preceded in death by her first husband, Dave Harris and her second husband, Ed Allen; daughters, Judy Carroll, Debbie Harris, and Angie...
John Thomas Bennett, Jr.
Jun 22, 2026
John Thomas Bennett, Jr. passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 22, 2026.
Tommy was born February 20, 1964 and was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ruby Bennett of Cullowhee.
He was a devoted father and an awesome bass guitar player. Tommy worked at Cullowhee Automotive for many years, helped start a trash business with his oldest son, owned and...
Donna Maria Franks Browning
Jun 26, 2026
Donna Maria Franks Browning, 60, passed away on Friday, June 26, 2026, in Columbia, South Carolina after an extended illness.
Donna loved Christopher and all of her fur babies. They provided her with life purpose.
She is survived by her sister, Janet "Jan" Staffelbach; brother, Paul Funderburk (Heidi); nieces, Shanna (Rob), and Stephanie (Dan), several great-nieces & nephews; and an uncle, Clyde...
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