John "Harvey" Conner
Feb 25, 2026
John “Harvey” Conner, born February 18, 1964, devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, faithful pastor, and friend to many, went home to be with the Lord on February 25, 2026.
Born to the late Clifford Edwin “Cliff” Conner and Carolyn Darnell Conner, Harvey was raised with strong values of faith, hard work, and love for family—foundations that shaped his life and...
Carl Sontag
Feb 24, 2026
Carl Bruce Sontag. 85, of Franklin passed away on February 24, 2026. He was born in Miami-Dade County to the late Raymond and Nellie Sontag on July 23, 1940. The family moved to Franklin in 1975.
Carl ran a mechanic shop for many years. He enjoyed cars and was a member of the Gem City car club and the Mountaineer car...
Tillman Register
Feb 24, 2026
Mr. Tillman Register, age 90, passed peacefully on February 24, 2026, at Angel Medical Center. Born on March 5, 1935, in Graceville, Florida, he was the son of the late E.N. Register and Eva Watford Register. His life was marked by service, devotion, and a steadfast commitment to his family, his faith, and his community.
Tillman proudly served his country in...
Doris Dunaway Heath
Feb 23, 2026
Doris Dunaway Heath, age 93, passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord on February 23, 2026. She was born on August 23, 1932, in Louisville, Kentucky, to the late George Arthur Dunaway and Lillian Marie McInteere Dunaway.
Doris grew up in Louisville, Kentucky. After graduating from high school she moved to St. Petersburg, Florida with her parents. That is where...
Robert Lee Wykle
Feb 21, 2026
Bob Wykle was an extraordinary man.
Dr. Robert Lee Wykle, lovingly referred to as “Bob,” of Tobaccoville, NC, and Franklin, NC, transitioned from his earthly body to join the space-time continuum on February 21st, 2026. He passed away at Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson, NC, slipping away peacefully in his sleep and surrounded by people he loved, after having developed metastatic...
Doyle Dean Stiles
Feb 21, 2026
Doyle Dean Stiles, 94, born 12-09-1931, passed away, Saturday, February 21, 2026 (also his Dad's birthday).
Born to George and Fanny Stiles on East Hickory Knoll, in Macon County, NC. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a son, Keith Stiles and step-son (fishing buddy) Billy Warner, as well as 2 sisters, Leneta (Frank L.), Barbara (Ross)...
Steven Paul Sheridan, Jr.
Feb 20, 2026
Steven Paul Sheridan Jr., 44, of Franklin, passed away at home on February 20, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family after a courageous battle with cancer.
Steve was born on January 19, 1982, at the Naval Hospital in Charleston, South Carolina, to Steven Paul Sheridan Sr. and Lisa Marie Jones. From an early age, he carried a steady determination,...
Lana G Hires
Feb 17, 2026
Lana G Hires, age 83, of Franklin, N.C. finished her fight and went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, surrounded by her loving family, her son Walter Colan Hires Jr., his wife Amanda Johnson Hires, and a great care giver and friend in Wayne Day. Known for her strength, independent personality, and unwavering love...
James Roy Lane Jr
Feb 17, 2026
James Roy Lane, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at the age of 88.
He was born on March 3, 1937, in Brooks County, Georgia. James was the son of James Roy Lane Sr. and Allie Jarvis Lane. From an early age, he was known for his strong work ethic, kind heart, and...
Deane Edwin Lauffer
Feb 16, 2026
Deane Edwin Lauffer, Jr., 92, of Otto, NC, passed away on Monday, February 16, 2026, following a brief illness.
Deane was born in Freeport, Pennsylvania, to the late Deane and Emogene Lauffer. He and his wife moved from Lost Creek, Kentucky, 28 years ago to call North Carolina home.
While living in Lost Creek, Mr. & Mrs. Lauffer served as missionaries at...
Paul Cwik
Feb 16, 2026
Paul Carter Cwik, 75, of Franklin, NC, passed away on Monday, February 16, 2026.
Born in Chicago, IL, Paul was the son of the late Chester and Jule Talaska Cwik. He built a long and respected career as a computer design specialist with Kraft Foods, where his curiosity, precision, and creativity shaped much of his professional life.
Paul was a man of...
Mark Johnson Buchanan
Feb 15, 2026
Mark Johnson Buchanan, 63, of Franklin, NC, passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026, after an extended illness.
Born in Macon County, he was the son of the late Molton Leon Buchanan and Beulah Annie Mae Johnson Buchanan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant sister, Carole Buchanan.
Mark worked as a heavy equipment operator for...
Charles James Rogers
Feb 15, 2026
Charles James “Jim” Rogers, 92, passed away on February 15, 2026, at Pisgah Manor. Born on February 2, 1934, in Macon County, he was the son of the late Charles M. Rogers and Minnie Cabe Rogers.
Jim was a devoted member of Hickory Knoll Methodist Church. In his younger years, he found joy and freedom riding motorcycles, a pastime that reflected...
William Harrison Caldwell III
Feb 13, 2026
William “Billy” Harrison Caldwell, III, 55, of Franklin, NC passed away Friday, February 13, 2026.
He was born in Macon County to the late William Caldwell Jr, and Patricia Ashe Caldwell. He was an accomplished musician of 30 years, published author and poet. His hobbies included music, wildlife, and he was a fierce conservationist. He published a huge catalog of original...
Emily P. Houston
Feb 10, 2026
Mrs. Emily Potts Houston, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and faithful servant of God, entered her eternal rest on February 10, 2026, at the Franklin House. Born on April 8, 1936, in Highlands, North Carolina, Emily was the cherished daughter of the late Samuel Eugene Potts and Alice Octavia Reese Potts. Her life was deeply shaped by the roots of faith...
Jerry Mason
Feb 10, 2026
Jerry Troy Mason, 66, of Scaly Mtn, NC, passed away Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
He was the son of the late Robert “Bob” and Anna Belle Miller Mason and a Scaly Mtn. native. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Donna Hooton Mason; siblings, Ellis Mason, Eugene Mason, Joyce Mason Highfield, and Hal Mason and...
Brandon David O'Brien
Feb 8, 2026
Brandon David O’Brien, 37, of Scaly Mountain, NC, passed away after an brief illness. Born in Maricopa County, Arizona, Brandon brought a gentle spirit and a bright presence to everyone who knew him.
He moved from Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Scaly Mountain in 2015, where he worked at Old Edwards Inn. Brandon loved the outdoors—hiking with friends, fishing, and loved all...
Daniel Rogers Sr
Feb 6, 2026
Daniel Lynn Rogers, Sr., 69, of Franklin, NC, passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026. Born in West Palm Beach, FL, he was the son of the late Paul and Elva Drake Rogers.
Daniel was a committed follower of Christ. He dedicated 41 years of his life to Duotech Services, serving as its President with unwavering commitment and leadership. He was...
James Angel
Feb 4, 2026
James Robert “Bob” Angel, 92, of Franklin, NC, passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, surrounded by his family.
A lifelong resident of Macon County, Bob was the son of the late Lex Burton and Kandus Gibson Angel. He was also preceded in death by his siblings; Lex Angel Jr., J.D. Angel, Mildred Tyler, and Grace Poindexter; a grandson, Cody Angel;...
Elsie Sue Thompson
Feb 1, 2026
Elsie Sue Hurst Thompson, 84, of Franklin NC, passed away Sunday, February 1, 2026.
Elsie was a native of Macon County and was the daughter of the late Iradell and Birdell Lowe Hurst. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Thompson; son, Scotty Eugene Thompson; siblings, Irene Dowdle, Fred Hurst, Lyndon Hurst, Larry Hurst;...
