Carroll Lee Setzer

Carroll “Lee” Setzer, 77, went home to be with his Lord and Saviour on May 17, 2026, at his residence in Johnson City, TN.

Lee was born on April 28 ,1949 in Sylva, NC, to the late Willard “Rufus” Setzer and Zenia Mae (Carroll) Setzer, and later made his home with his loving wife, Rhonda Hendrix Trivette Setzer, in Johnson City, TN.

Lee valued his relationship with Christ above all things and was proud of his service as a deacon within the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Most recently, he attended Cherry Grove Baptist Church in Jonesborough, TN, alongside his wife, son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. A fourth-generation carpenter, Lee possessed great skill with his hands. He was frequently found building homes, designing custom cabinetry, or working away in his garage. An entrepreneur at heart, he later established Lee Setzer Builders, building homes across North Carolina. Lee generously shared his craft with the next generation by helping to start the very first carpentry class at the local high school in Sylva.

Lee had a deep love for the outdoors and a variety of lifelong passions. An avid bass fisherman, his family and friends will fondly remember him spending his weekends out on the lake. He also loved riding motorcycles, catching a flight in an airplane whenever the opportunity arose, and relaxing with nostalgic Country & Western television shows and movies. Lee held a special place in his heart for all dogs—especially the big ones—showing affection to every animal he encountered. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 14 years, Rhonda Hendrix Trivette Setzer; his sons: Terry Setzer (Melissa) of Afton, TN, Joe Setzer (Melissa) of Leicester, NC, Paul Trivette (Allison) of Nashville, TN, and Zachariah Trivette (Christian) of Jonesborough, TN; his daughter, Elizabeth Trivette of Elizabethton, TN; and his sister, Doris Rogers.

Lee took immense pride in his grandchildren, who survive him: Chaise Setzer of Leicester, NC; Trevor Setzer (Emily) of Acworth, GA; Brenton Setzer (Hannah) of Denver, CO; Dagon McClure (Tonya) of Bryson City, NC; Chelsea Ball (Drew) of Franklin, NC; Wyatt Delozier of Leicester, NC; Ashley Loyd (Seth) of Lewisville, AR; Ruby Schucker (Mason) of Conway, AR; Ezekiel Trivette and Eden Trivette of Jonesborough, TN; and Micah Trivette, Annabelle Trivette, Deacon Trivette, and Ruthie Mae Trivette, all of Nashville, TN. He is also survived by seven great-grandchildren and several beloved nieces and nephews.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Willard Rufus Setzer and Zenia Carroll Setzer, and his brothers, Kenneth Setzer and Ronald “Ronnie” Setzer.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 23rd at 12pm  with a memorial service to follow at Appalachian Funeral Services (165 Skyland Drive, Sylva, NC.